1.—6

12

That a branch line of railway would serve the petitioners better than this deviation, while the line by the Four-Mile Creek would be the best for the general public. That, unless such branch line is made, the petitioners have a claim to favourable consideration. T. Kelly, Bth August, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of J. Cracroft Wilson and Others. The petitioners pray for the construction of a bridge across the River Waiau, in the Amuri District. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the subject-matter of this petition involves a question of policy with respect to the construction of public works, on which the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House. T. Kelly, Bth August, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Inhabitants of the Province of Auckland. The petitioners are in favour of a Permissive Licensing Bill, and pray for certain alterations in the law relating to the sale of spirituous liquors. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make to the House on the subject-matter of this petition. T. Kelly, Bth August, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Inhabitants of Dunedin. The petitioners pray that the House will not pass the Bill known as "The Local Option Licensing Act, 1876," on the grounds that some of its provisions are arbitrary and tyrannical. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make to the House on the subject-matter of this petition. T. Kelly, Bth August, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Joseph Harding. The petitioner prays that relief be afforded him because of loss sustained in consequence of the pressure of a new Licensing Act, under which he could not obtain a renewal of his license. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the House to interfere with tho action of the Licensing Bench in the petitioner's case. T. Kelly, Bth August, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petitions of James Smith and Others, and Henry Smythies. The Committee, having carefully considered the case of the petitioners, have directed me to report that " The Law Practitioners Act, 1871," should be altered as indicated by the following clauses, viz., — " Notwithstanding anything in section 8 of the said Act, the period for which the further hearing of the petition shall be adjourned, shall be forty-five days, and the said section shall read as if the words ' forty-five days' were inserted therein, instead of the words ' one calendar month.' " Notwithstanding anything in section 9 of the said Act, the petitioner shall cause at least forty days' notice to be given, instead of thirty days, as in the said section is provided, and the words ' thirty days' in the said section shall be read as if the words ' forty days' were inserted therein, instead of the words 'thirty days.' " At the adjourned hearing, the Judges shall only receive evidence to establish such facts and circumstances as shall have been mentioned to the petitioner by the Judge at the first hearing, or notice of which shall have been given to the petitioner, either by serving the same personally on him, or by leaving the same with the Registrar of the Supreme Court, at the place at which his application shall originally have been made, at least ten days before the day appointed for the adjourned hearing. " No person shall be prevented from again applying to be re-admitted, as provided for by the said Act and this Act, on account only of his having made an application previously to the passing of this Act ; and any Judge shall have power, upon an ex parte application, at any time to allow any person, the prayer of whose petition shall have been refused, to again petition the Supreme Court upon sufficient grounds disclosed in affidavits filed by the petitioner." T. Kelly, 17th August, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petitions of Settlers of Kaukapakapa, and Settlers of Waiuku. The petitioners pray that a telegraph station be established in their districts. I am directed to report that these petitions be recommended to the favourable consideration of the House. T. Kelly, 22nd August, 1576. Chairman.