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I.—l

I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that there is prima facie evidence to show that there ought to be an inquiry as to the fitness of Mr. Gudgeon to occupy the position of Eesident Magistrate, and that the Government be recommended to made such inquiry accordingly 9th December, 1879.

Nos. 356, 357, 348, 358, Session II. —James Beighton and Others, of Roxburgh; James Rivers and Others, of Alexandra, Otago; Benjamin Naylor and Others, of Clyde; William Greenbank and Others, of Vincent County. The petitioners pray for the formation of a district road from the Waikaia Bush to the main road between Roxburgh and Alexandra. I am directed to report that these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration 9th December, 1879.

No. 232, Session IL—Petition of W. B. Taldwyn. The petitioner prays for relief in consequence of his services having been dispensed with in tho Government Insurance Department. I am directed to report that it appears, from the evidence taken by the Committee, that petitioner lost his appointment because the Commissioner considered that other arrangements could be made more advantageous to the general working of the department. The Committee does not think that petitioner's reputation as an accountant is in any way injured by such loss of appointment, as it was mainly on grounds not involving competency as an accountant that his services were dispensed with. The Committee, therefore, sees no reason why he should not be again employed by the Government if a suitable opportunity offers. 10th December, 1879.

No. 340, Session ll.—Petition of P. Austen and Others, of Ohinemuri. The petitioners pray for the arrest of the parties guilty in the Ohinemuri outrage. I am directed to report that the subject-matter of this petition being one of public policy, the Committee is of opinion that it is one for the Government to deal with, and refers it to the Government for its serious consideration. 10th December, 1879.

No. 322, Session ll.—Petition of Dayid Lyall. The petitioner prays for relief in consequence of loss caused by the cancellation of the lease of Section 695, Mid-Wakatipu. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government with the view of bringing it under the consideration of the Waste Land Board of Otan-o llth December, 1879.

No. 113, Session ll.—Petition of R. L. F. J. De Thierry. The petitioner alleges that he entered into negotiations with the aboriginal natives in the North Island for the purchase of certain blocks of land, and thus paved the way for their acquirement by the Government. He further alleges that he not only lost his time, trouble, and money actually expended but his prospective commission also, in consequence of his operations being suspended by Proclamation issued under Statute law. He prays for consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government for inquiry, and, if it is found that the Government has been benefited by the petitioner's work, that a fair payment be made for such work. llth December, 1579.

No, 330, Session II. —Petition of James Dempset. The petitioner alleges that injustice has been done to him as contractor for reclamation works at Auckland, and prays for investigation. I am directed to report that the Committee does not consider it advisable to interfere in disputes between contractors and the Public Works Department before the contract has been completed, especially as in the present case there is an absence of evidence that would enable the Committee to come to any decision ; but recommends the Government to make immediate local inquiry into the matter with a view of a prompt settlement of tho dispute, as any delay will seriously interfere with the harbour. llth December, 1879.

No. 184, Session II. —Petition of Joseph Pennington and John Gibson. The petitioners pray for the refund of money expended by them in fencing their land along the line of railway near the Waiwakaiho River. I am directed to report that, having made inquiry into the case of the petitioners, the Committee