1.—2.

26

I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend auy alteration in the existing law with respect to the issue of remission certificates for the purchase of land for Volunteer services. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 79 Coal Minces in the County of Selwyn. The petitioners pray that a heavy duty be imposed on all imported coal, and that the Government use the native coal in all Government establishments. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that encouragement should be given to the production of New- Zealand coal by the Government using it, where practicable, on Government works and railways. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Robert McLauein. The petitioner states that, owing to his not obtaining a certificate from the Agent-General before he left England, his claim for land to the value of the passage-money paid by him for taking his family to the colony—namely, £131, has been disallowed. He prays that the House give him redress. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner's case should be referred to the Government for consideration. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 31 Inhabitants of Mataura. The petitioners pray that a reserve of fifty acres, made in the township of Mataura for ferry purposes* be laid off in town allotments and sold, with the exception of five acres for recreation grounds and five acres for the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 72 Residents of Rangitikei. The petitioners pray that the Railway Station at Marton may not be removed from its present position. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Minister for Public Works for his consideration. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of the Mayoe of Kaiapoi, and a Ministee of the Peesbyteeian and Wesleyan Chueches respectively. The petitioners pray that a reserve of sixty acres, set apart but not used as a racecourse, be made over by the House for a public cemetery. I am directed to report that, as it appears that the Provincial Council of Canterbury voted £500 for the purchase of a public cemetery, the Committee are of opinion that such sum should be expended in the purchase of land for a public and undenominational cemetery, and charged to the Canterbury Land Fund. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 116 Inhabitants of Uppee Waieaeapa. The petitioners pray that an adequate sum be placed on the Estimates for the purpose of completing the road between Masterton and Woodville, and constructing a bridge across the Ruamahunga River. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the subject is one for the consideration of the Government. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of the Chairman and Ratepayees of the Waieau Disteict. The petitioners pray that "The Rating Act, 1876," be amended by empowering the ratepayers in public meeting to fix the amount of rate. Repoet on Petition of the Chaieman of a Public Meeting of Ratepayees of the Noeth Albeetland Highway District. The petitioners complain that " The Rating Act, 1876," has deprived them of the power of fixing the amount of rate by public meeting, and pray for redress.