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tamed) to reimburse him for the outlay on account of clearing and grassing the 8-J acres taken for the deviation; also, that the actual first cost of the fencing on both sides of the said deviation should be refunded to the petitioner. The Committee further recommends that, if the first laid-off portion of road (now rendered useless by the deviation) is not now required, it should be conveyed to the petitioner as a quid pro quo. Ist October, 1895.

No. 388.—Petition of J. E. Hutton and Others, of Livingstone, Waitaki. Petitioners pray that County Councils may be given powers as to sanitation. 1 am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist October, 1895.

No. 326.—Petition of John Campbell, of Woodville. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of office under the Public Works Department. I am directed to report that, considering all the surrounding circumstances of the case, the Committee recommends the prayer of the petitioner to the favourable consideration of the Government. Ist October, 1895.

No. 439. —Petition of Edwin Cox, Dentist, and Others, Auckland. Petitioners pray that dentists may be exempted from the operation of the Factory Act. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, as the prayer of the petition involves a matter of public policy. 3rd October, 1895.

No. 413.—Petition of W. G. Gabrard, of Grey Street, Auckland. Petitiqneb . prays for redress on account of his disputed claim under the Naval and Military Settlers Act. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1895.

No. 290.—Petition of A. P. Campbell and Others, of The Cove, Waipu. Petitioners pray for a grant of money in aid of road-construction. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1895.

No. 346. —Petition of John Kirby, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for an inquiry into the cause of his dismissal from the Marine Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1895.

No. 335. —Petition of J. James Buegess, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of office under the Marine Department of the Government. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1895. __^_

No. 446. —Petition of H. W. Atkins and Others, of Addington, Christchurch. Petitioners pray for relief on account of a nuisance caused by the smoke from the chimneys of the Addington Workshops, Christchurch. I am directed to report that the Committee is satisfied that the nuisance complained of does exist, and recommends that during the coming recess the Government should carefully consider the various processes now in use for the consumption of smoke, with the view of removing the cause of complaint; and in this respect the Committee desire to draw the attention of the Government to the process invented last year by Colonel Dulier, C.B. Bth October, 1895.

No. 377. —Petition of E. Beooking and Othebs, of Motu. Petitioners pray for a grant of money in aid of road-construction. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth October, 1895.

Nos. 310, 320, and 321. —Petitions of C. Gosling and 337 Others, of Lower Wairau; G. Dodson and 105 Others, of Spring Creek; and J. C. Chaytob and 71 Others, of Tuamarina. The first-named petitioners pray that the Lower Wairau and Spring Creek Eiver Boards may be amalgamated; and the two following sets of petitioners pray that such amalgamation may not take place. I am directed to report that, after hearing the evidence of the several petitioners, and the expert evidence of Mr. J. A. Wilson, Eesident Engineer (Public Works Department), and of Mr. J. H.