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ORDER OF REFERENCE. On motion oi Mr. Ollivier, seconded by the Hon. Mr. Stafford, Resolved : —That as it is a matter affecting the privileges of this House, the Petition of W. S. Moorhouse, Esq., be referred to the General Elections Committee, with power to call for persons and papers ; to report to the House with all convenient speed. Such Committee consisting of—Messrs. Henderson, Hall, Graham, Ollivier, East and Merrim.au REPORT. The Committee on Election Petitions to whom the Petition of William Sefton Moorhouse, Esq., has been this day referred, beg leave to report as follows : — Your Committee, in accordance with what they understand to be the task entrusted to them have taken the best evidence -within their reach as to the result of the recent election at Akaroa ; and they beg to report the evidence so taken to the House. John Hall, Chairman. Committee Room, House of Representatives, 24th June, 1858. PETITION. To the Honourable the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Session assembled. The Petition of William Sefton Moorhouse, of Christchurch, in the Province of Canterbury, Esquire, Skeioeth — 1. That your Petitioner was a Candidate for a seat in the House of Representatives of New Zealand, vacant by the resignation of John Cuff, Esq., late member for Akaroa, in the Province of Canterbury. 2. That your Petitioner was, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution Act, duly proposed and seconded, and being the only Candidate, was declared by John Watson, Esq., the Returning Officer of the Akaroa district, to be duly elected. 3. That your Petitioner thereupon used all diligence in proceeding to Auckland, in order to take his seat in the House of Representatives. 4. That since his arrival in Auckland, your Petitioner learned that the Writ certifying his return has not yet arrived. Your Petitioner therefore prays— -That he may be heard forthwith at the Bar of your Honourable House, in support of his claim to immediate enjoyment of the privilege of Membership. And your Petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c. W. S. Moorhousi. MINUTES OF EVIDENCE. Evidence taken by the General Elections Committee, Thursday, 24th June, 1858. Mr. Moorhouse called in and examined : — By the Chairman : — (1.) Are you the Petitioner in this case ?—I am. (2.) Can you from personal knowledge speak as to the first allegation in your Petition ?—I can, I was not present at the Nomination, but I believe I was elected. (3.) Do you know whether any other Address to the Electors of Akaroa was published ?— I do not.