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1.—2.

the condition on which the right was given, the Committee cannot recommend his case to the favourable consideration of the House. 17th September 1878. _

No. 84. —F. Wayne and other Settlers in the Glenledi Boad District. The petitioners state that they wish to improve the road communication from their district through the Tokomairiro Boad District to the Township of Milton, and for that purpose they have endeavoured to arrange with the Tokomairiro Boad Board to construct the road on some equitable basis, but have failed to make sucli arrangement; and they pray that the law be altered to compel Boad Boards which lie between centres of population and outlying road districts to make and maintain roads within their boundary which communicate with such outlying road districts. I am directed to report that, as the case of the petitioners appears to be urgent, the Committee recommends that the matter be dealt with by the Government in the Boad Boards Bill now before the Legislature. 17th September, 1878.

No. 99. —J. H. Jenkinson and Others. The petitioners pray for the construction of a bridge across the Kaiou Branch of the Clutha Biver. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make to the House on the subject-matter of this petition, as it involves a question of public policy. 17th September, 1878.

No. 101.—Thomas Hitchings and Others. The petitioners pray for assistance in opening up roads in the Lower Whareama District. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make to the House on the subject-matter of this petition, as it involves a question of public policy. 17th September, 1878.

No. 102. —J. Jebson and Sons. The petitioners state that they have been debarred from the use of railway trucks from the 15th November 1877, and are thereby unable to carry on their business; that they have suffered loss and inconvenience through the arbitrary action of the Bailway authorities, and pray that a strict inquiry be made. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners, in consequence of their not adhering to the by-laws, have no reasonable cause of complaint against the department, but recommends that the demurrage charged on the trucks be remitted. 17th September, 1878.

No. 103.— J. M. Gibbes. The petitioner states that he received a sun-stroke in November, 1868, whilst on duty as a medical man with the Maori Field Force at Poverty Bay, and has suffered severely from the effects. He prays for consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make to the House on the petitioner's case. 17th September, 1878.

No. 110.—The Noiith Bakaia Board of Conservators. The petitioners pray for assistance to protect the north banks of the Bakaia from the encroachments of the river. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this case, it being one for the consideration ofthe Government. 17th September, 1878.

No. 113. —W. H. Mills and 4 Other Assistants at the Hokitika Lunatic Asylum. The petitioners state that the rate of pay is inadequate for the arduous duties they have to perform and the long hours of service daily. They also represent the injustice they are subjected to in being charged for their rations above cost price. They pray for redress. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that it is irregular and detrimental to the public service for officers in the service of the colony to petition the House for increase of pay. The Committee refer the petitioners' case to the consideration ofthe Government, as a substantial grievance is alleged with respect to charges for rations over the cost price. 17th September, 1878.