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take a road through Mr. Charteris's land, under " The Public Works Act, 1876," at the cost of the petitioner. It appears that, although the Road Board collect road rates from the petitioner, it declines to take any action to enable him to acquire any access to the land in respect of which it levies rates. It appears also that the Road Board has treated the application of the Government with contempt, and declines to be, what it terms, dictated to in the matter. In the opinion of the Committee it is a question how far, under such circumstances, the Government would be warranted in withholding any subsidies that may accrue to this road district, pending the Board doing its duty in the matter. The Committee is of opinion that the petitioner's case is one of much hardship, and that the Government should take the necessary action in order to give him a right-of-way to his land. Bth December, 1879.

No. 326, Session ll.—Petition of Nathaniel Flowers. TnE petitioner prays for payment of wages as signalman at Wanganui. 1 am directed to report that it appears, from the evidence before the Committee, that the petitioner did not apply in the first instance to the Government for consideration. The Committee does not therefore consider it desirable to make any recommendation to the House in the petitioner's case. 9th December, 1879.

No. 351, Session II. —Petition of Joseph Colesby. The petitioner prays for reconsideration of his petition relating to alleged loss of land consequent upon the White Cliff massacre. I am directed to report that the petitioner's loss is one contingent on Native disturbance, for which, in the opinion of the Committee, the colony is not liable. 9th December, 1879.

No. 145, Session II. —Petition of Samuel Ferguson. The petitioner prays for compensation for loss sustained by the Maori war of 1863. I am directed to report that, from evidence before the Committee, it appears that no award has been made by the late Mr. Beckham in favour of the petitioner. The Committee has therefore no recommendation to make to the House in the case of the petitioner. 9th December, 1879.

No. 346, Session ll.—Petition of J. Treadwell and Others. The petitioners bring forward articles of impeachment against certain members of the House of Eepresentatives. I am directed to report that the Committee considers this petition refers to subjects it is not called upon to inquire into, and returns the petition to the House to deal with as it may deem fit. 9th December, 1879.

Nos. 335, 342, 349, 359, Session ll.—Petitions of L. D. Nathan and Co. ; Dayid Levi aud Others; William Heywood aud Others ; John Golder aud Others. Tue prayer of the petition relates to the duty on tobacco and on spirits. I am directed to report that the subject-matter of these petitions being one of public policy, the Committee does not deem it necessary to offer any opinion to the House. 9th December, 1879.

No. 276, Session ll.—Petition of Florence McCarthy. The petitioner alleges that he has suffered loss in his business in consequence of an arrangement for the use of a special wire, made by the Government with the Press (Telegraph) Association. I am directed to report that the Committee, having considered the petitioner's case, is of opinion that he has no claim for compensation against the colony. 9th December, 1879.

No. 191 a, Session ll.—Petition of Moses Crewdson. The petitioner alleges that he has suffered loss in consequence of the crossing of his tramway, between the Town of Nelson and the Port, by the Nelson and Port Railway. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government, with the view of giving redress to the grievance complained of at the crossing. 9th December. 1879.

Nos. 86, 71, Session II.—Petition of E. ft. Ward and Others ; and Richard Kelly and OthersThe petitioners complain of the manner of the administration of justice in the Resident Magistrate's Court in the District of Poverty Bay, aud pray that a fit and proper person may be appointed for the district.