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I am directed to report that, as the District Railways Bill now before the Legislature will afford an opportunity to the petitioners to carry out their views, the Committee have no recommendation to make. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of John McCartney. The petitioner states that, in 1864, he bought land from the Provincial Government of Otago, which was surrounded by land sold during the early period of the settlement; that, in consequence of incorrect surveys, he has lost the value of improvements on four acres of land and 126 chains fencing. He prays for redress. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to the sum of £79 10s. as compensation for loss of improvements, such sum being a final settlement of all claims in connection with disputed boundaries of sections in Block V., Otago Peninsula District Survey, and charged against the Otago Land Fund. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 20 Membees of the Legal Pbofession of Cheistchuech. Report on Petition of 15 Membees of the Legal Profession of Nelson. The petitioners pray that a Bill be passed conferring powers on local law societies similar to those conferred by " The New Zealand Law Society Act, 1869," on the parent society. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of W. H. Williams, Manages of the Kawakawa Mines, and 64 Othees. The petitioners state that a difficult piece of road, of about 60 chains, requires to be constructed to connect the Great North Road with the Kawakawa Railway, and they pray that the line be surveyed and made. . I am directed to report that the subject-matter of this petition is one for the County Council or other local governing body to deal with. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 118 Settlers of Gore and Surrounding Districts. The petitioners state that a bridge is urgently required across the Mataura River, and that they are willing to contribute one-fourth of the cost, providing such cost does not exceed £2,000. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the subject-matter of this petition is one for the local governing body to deal with. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 32 Inhabitants of the Bays District, Banks Peninsula. The petitioners pray that a subsidy of £100 be granted for a steamer to run to Akaloa and Decanter Bays weekly. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make to the House on the subject-matter of this petition. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Patrick Gorman. The petitioner prays that land in Taranaki, to which he thinks he is entitled as a discharged soldier, be granted to him. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has not fulfilled the conditions under which land was granted to discharged soldiers, the Committee cannot recommend his prayer to the favourable consideration of the House. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of F. R. Fookes. The petitioner prays that a remission certificate of £30, available in the purchase of waste lands, be given him in consideration of his services as a member of the Patea Rifle Volunteers.