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puriri timber to the Government, and the Government agreed to take delivery of the timber the following summer on certain conditions. Petitioner complied with the conditions; but when he commenced to deliver the timber, he was told that timber had already been received in excess of requirements, and that it was not wanted. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to have the verbal contract between himself and the Government, with reference to the delivery of puriri timber carried out, not exceeding the 10,000 feet prepared for delivery. 13th September, 1878.

No. 38. —William Nichols. The petitioner pleaded guilty before the Magistrate of New Plymouth of emptying night-soil into the river, and was fined .€5 and costs. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, with respect to petitioner's case, the Committee do not deem it desirable to interfere with the decision of the Magistrate's Court. 13th September, 1878.

No. 32.— E. Fitzpatrick, and other Ratepayers in Newcastle Riding, Waipa County. The petitioners state that the present system of rating is not adapted for their district. They pray that rating should be on the basis of the value to sell, less improvements. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for its consideration, the Committee not considering it necessary to make any recommendation, as the question is one of public policy. 13th September, 1878.

No. 11.—D. Smyth, and other Residents, County of Southland. The petitioners pray for the construction of a branch line of railway through the Seaward Forest. I am directed to report that, as the question is one of public policy, the Committee is of opinion that it is one for the consideration of the Government. 13th September, 1878.

No. 7. —William Holland. The petitioner prays for a grant of land as a discharged soldier. I am directedto report that, as petitioner, on his own showing, did not make application for land within twelve months from taking his discharge, which the law provided, the Committee cannot recommend his case to the favourable consideration of the House. 13th September, 1878.

No. 3. —James Thomson. The petitioner prays for compensation for land taken as a public road. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th September, 1878.

No. 6. —W. Garrick. The petitioner states that in 1864, whilst on active duty, he interfered to prevent an assault by two Volunteers on a sentry of the Mth Regiment; and, being mistaken for one ofthe party who committed the assault, he was struck ou the temple with the butt of a rifle, and felled to the ground insensible. Next day he was discharged, and has suffered serious loss and injury, and is unable in consequence to earn his own living. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the Government should make local inquiry into petitioner's case, aud, if found that he is entitled to compensation, that relief be given him. 13th September, 1878.

No. 30. —George Laing. The petitioner states that, whilst endeavouring to serve a summons on C. H. Otway, he was obliged to enter his house, and was assaulted by the said Otway. That, subsequently, Otway laid an information before H. D. Morpeth, J.P., against petitioner, and the said Morpeth issued a warrant for petitioner and his son's apprehension. That petitioner and his two sons were appreheuded, and brought before R. C. Barstow, R.M., and the case was dismissed. Petitioner prays for redress for the harsh and unwarranted treatment he was subjected to by the issue of a warrant, and his subsequent apprehension. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petitioner's case. 17th September, 1878.