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Report on Petition of James McMasters. The petitioner states that he has sustained loss in being deprived of a lease of Native land, through the action of the Civil Commissioner, Major Brown, in refusing permission to a licensed Native Interpreter to interpret the lease. From inquiry made it appears that the land in question is confiscated land abandoned to the Natives by the Crown, and it is very doubtful whether the Natives or the Government could give a valid lease. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make to the House on the petitioner's case. T. Kelly, Ist November, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of J. C. Johnstone. The petitioner prays that effect be given to a former recommendation of the Public Petitions Committee, that 400 acres land be granted to him to which he was equitably entitled on retiring from Her Majesty's service to settle iv Auckland. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner w-as equitably entitled to select 400 acres of land in 1853 as a military settler. The Committee therefore recommend that scrip to the value of £200, the estimated value of the land at that period, be issued to petitioner; such scrip to be exercised in the purchase of land in the Provincial District of Auckland. T. Kelly, sth November, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of R. W. Meadows. The petitioner states that a dangerous precipice, upwards of 20 feet deep, was formed owing to the construction of a road and railway from Greymouth to Brunnerton, and left unfeneed. That one dark night, owing to there being no protection to the side of the road, he walked over the same, and was precipitated on to the railway below, and received serious injury from the fall, which will last his lifetime. He prays for relief.

Repoet on Petition of Residents of Geeymouth. The petitioners state that they are acquainted with the case of R. W. Meadows, who has been rendered a cripple for life by falling over an unprotected place on the road between Greymouth and Brunnerton. They pray that the circumstances of the case may be inquired into, and relief afforded to the said R. W. Meadows. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this case is one for the Government to consider and deal with ; the Committee have, therefore, no recommendation to make. T. Kelly, sth November, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of B. S. O'Donneli,. The petitioner states that he was a Warder in the Mount Eden Stockade; that on the 14th April three marines were placed in his charge to hand over to the custody of the police; that while on the way they called and had refreshment at a publichouse ; that for this he was dismissed, after an interval of eight days. He prays for an inquiry into his case, and that relief be afforded him. I am directed to report that the Committee arc of opinion that the petitioner's case is one for the Minister of Justice to deal with, after having made such local inquiry as he may consider necessary. T. Kelly, sth November, 1877. Chairman,

Report on Petition of W. Henwood of Taeanaki. The petitioner states that during the Native war in Taranaki, in 1863, he lost cattle and horses to the value of £300, which said cattle and horses were taken by Natives then in rebellion ; that a Compensation Court sat in 1868, and Judge Beckham made an award to petitioner ; that awards made for loss at the same period have been paid. He prays that his claim be paid, as the amount voted by the House as compensation to Taranaki settlers has not yet been exhausted. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. T. Kelly, sth November, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Geoege Hoby, jun., John Beeeidge, Eowaed Dobset, Geoege Tate, and J. K. Skinnee. The petitioners state that during the Native war in Taranaki, in 1863, they lost sheep to the value of £430 55., the said sheep being taken by Natives then in rebellion ; that a Compensation Court sat in 1868, and Judge Beckham made an award to petitioners; that awards made for loss at the same period have been paid. They pray that their claims be paid, as the amount voted by the House as compensation to Taranaki settlers has not yet been exhausted. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. T. Kelly, sth November, 1877. Chairman,