1.—2

2

No. 91. —Bishop Moran, and 328 other Roman Catholics of Otago aud Southland. The petitioners pray that their school be placed on a footing of equality with all other schools supported or aided by the State. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is one of public policy, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation to the House, further than that the petition be printed. 22nd August, 1878.

No. 57.— T. F. Little. The petitioner was in the employ of the Provincial Government of Otago, and was subsequently transferred to the Moeraki Harbour Board, and the Board dispensed with his services on the ground of retrenchment. The petitioner prays for compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to a retiring allowance in terms of "The Abolition of Provinces Act, 1875." 27th August, 1878.

Claim of H. W. Farnall. [Referred to the Committee by resolution ofthe House, 7th August, 1878.] The petitioner claims payment of salary as Emigration Agent in Ireland for the Auckland Province, to which office he states he was appointed by the late Superintendent of Auckland, John Williamson, Esq. It appears that no salary was named in the letter of appointment, and uo fund provided for properly carrying out the duties of the office; and the petitioner, after remaining eighteen months in Ireland in this capacity, finding that no provision was made by the Provincial Government, returned to New Zealand. The Committee having made inquiry into this case, direct me to report, as follows :— The Committee is of opinion that, taking all the circumstances of the case into consideration, the petitioner is entitled to six months' salary, at the rate of £550 per annum, in full of all claims against the late Province of Auckland and the colony, on account of services rendered as Emigration Agent. 13th September, 1878.

No. 63. —Michael Sheehy. The petitioner prays for consideration for services rendered as hospital dispenser and for visiting the sick at outposts, whilst a sergeant in the Engineer Volunteer Militia Corps, stationed at Ngaruawahia. I am directed to report that, as it appears from the evidence before the Committee that the petitioner was promoted from a private to the rank of sergeant in order to perform the duties that he claims remuneration for, the Committee cannot recommend the petitioner's case to the favourable consideration of the House. 13th September, 1878.

No. 62.—M. P. McDermott. The petitioner states that he was injured by part of the discharge from an Armstrong gun striking him in the chest, whilst watching as a spectator the firing of the Royal salute on the Queen's Birthday, 1869 * and that he has been put to great expense and loss in consequence. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the Government should make specific inquiry into the cost paid by petitioner for medical and other attendance arising out of the wound received by him, and that such cost be refunded him. 13th September," 1878.

No. 41.—A. Merrilees, and other Occupiers of Laud in the Taieri County. The petitioners pray for the construction of a branch line of railway from Green Island to the mouth of the Taieri River. I am directed that, as this is a question of public policy, the Committee is of opinion that it is a matter for the consideration of the Government. 13th September, 1878.

No. 40.—William McKeever. The petitioner prays that his case may again be taken into consideration, and that land may be awarded to him as a military settler. I am directed to report that the Committee see no reason to alter the decision arrived at last session in this case. 13th September, 1878.

No. 39.—John Wheeler. TnE petitioner states that, in answer to an advertisement, he offered to supply a quantity of