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No. 92.—Thomas Barnaby. The petitioner states that he entered into an aarangement with the District Engineer of the Public Works Department, Auckland, for the supply of puriri timber at the price of 17s. per hundred superficial feet; but that, for a portion of the timber, a deduction of 2s. per hundred has been made, depriving him of the sum of £68 Bs. 9d., to which he is entitled. He prays for redress. I am directed to report that, from the evidence produced, it appears that the petitioner accepted payment from the Government at rates varying from 17s. 6d. to 15s. per hundred, as shown on certificate from time to time issued to him, and that he appears to have accepted such payment without protest. The Committee cannot therefore recommend the petitioner's claim to the favourable consideration of the House. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 93.— F. H. Escott. The petitioner claims for pay to which he states that he is entitled as drill-sergeant to the Riverton Rifle Volunteer Corps, having been so engaged by the officers of that corps. I am directed to report that, from the evidence before the Committee, it does not appear that any ministerial authority was given to the Volunteer Corps in question to employ the petitioner; the Committee cannot therefore recommend his case to the favourable consideration of tbe House. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 120.— R. Rutherford, on behalf of the Delegates of the Borough Councils of St. Kilda, South Dunedin, Caversham, Mornington, Maori Hill, North-East Valley, and West Harbour. The petitioners pray that an Act be passed constituting a Water Board to be elected by the ratepayers of Dunedin and the boroughs the petitioners represent, for the purpose of supplying water and levying rates. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make to the House on this case, it being one for the consideration of the Government whether legislative action is necessary to remedy the grievances complained of. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 126.—Francis Connelly. The petitioner states that lie is entitled to sixty acres of land as a discharged soldier, but that he only obtained forty acres. He prays that relief be afforded him. I am directed to report that the Committee, having made inquiry into the petitioner's case, can obtain no evidence on the subject, and has therefore no recommendation to make to the House. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 184. —F A. Learmonth and Others (No. 1). No. 216.—James Sclanders and Others. No. 218.— J. M. C. Malfray and other Settlers of Westland. No. 220.—Ashley Road Board. No. 228.— E. Ford and Others. The petitioners pray for the construction of railways in their districts. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matters of these petitions involves questions of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 137.—James McCormick The petitioner states that he was enrolled as a Volunteer in 1868, but owing to illness was unable to complete the term which would enable him to claim the remission certificate under " The Volunteer Land Act, 1865." That he again joined the Volunteer Force, and became an efficient Volunteer iv 1871, but that, in consequence of the operation of " The Waste Lands Act, 1876," he is deprived of his claim to a remission certificate. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that rights for claims to remission certificates on completion of five years as a Volunteer, and which had been partially compeletel before "The Waste Lauds Administration Act, 1876," was brought into operation, should be maintained, and not limited to the three years' service already given, as provided by the said Act, and that the Government be recommended to give effect to this resolution. 2nd October, 1878.