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in 1865, on which they had lived and carried on business since 1853. That such compensation will enable him to resume possession of the property, which he believes the Natives will now allow him to occupy. I am directed "to report that the Committee is of opinion that fair compensation should be given to direct loss occasioned by the act of rebel Natives, and that the matter should be inquired into by tbe Government, with a view to some settlement of such claims; but, with respect to this special case, the Committee has no opinion to offer to the House. 9th October, 1878.

No. 235. —Henry Hardington, The petitioner prays that inquiry be made into the circumstances arising out of the accidental killing of a Maori by a man named Huntley, in Auckland, in 1854, when the petitioner was the means of preventing the Maoris from killing Huntley and his family in revenge, and that such recognition of his services be given as the House may deem fit. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make to the House on the subject-matter of this petition. 9th October, 1878.

No. 239.—W. Livingstone and Others of the Town of Havelock and the District of Waitahuna, Provincial District of Otago. The petitioners pray that the House will authorize and direct the expenditure of a sufficient sum of money for the erection of a post office in Havelock. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the subject-matter of this petition is one for the consideration of the Government. 9th October, 1878.

No. 248.—John Carroll and Others. The petitioners pray that inquiry be made into their claim for further payment due to them on account of contracts with the Government for delivery of puriri timber. I am directed to report that, as the Government has agreed to appoint a Commission to inquire into the petitioners' grievance with respect to the contract for the delivery of puriri timber for railway purposes, the Committee do not consider it necesssary to offer any opinion to the House. 9th October, 1878.

No. 251.—C. Basstian and other Ruhholders, Otago. The petitioners pray that a sufficient sum be placed on the estimates to pay the bonus offered on rabbit skins by "The Rabbit Nuisance Act 1876 Amendment Act, 1877/' I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is now under the consideration of the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion. 9th October, 1878.

No. 66.—C. Aldridge and Others. The petitioners were members of a party engaged in constructing a line of telegraph from Blenheim to Top House, and owing to the accidental firing of the camp, their clothing and other property were destroyed. They pray the House to afford them relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make in the petitioners' case. 15th October, 1878.

No. 95.—Joseph Taylor and Others. The petitioners pray that a light suspension foot bridge be constructed across the Grey River, between Wallsend aud Taylorville. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, the question being one for the consideration of the Government. 15th October, 1878.

No. 109.—John Shearer. The petitioner states that he has been illegally imprisoned for disposing, in his capacity of master, of the cargo of a stranded vessel; that he has been discharged without money or clothes, so that he cannot seek redress nor obtain employment at his profession. He prays that his case be taken into consideration, and relief afforded him. I am directed to report that the Committee inquired into this case last session, and recommended the Government to make inquiry into the matter and afford relief, if the equity of the case demanded it. The Committee are still of opinion that the recommendation be given effect to. 15th October, 1878.