15

I.—'J

Report on Petition of Members of Roman Catholic Church, Parnell. The petitioners pray that no opportunity be allowed by the House to legalize the sale of spirituous liquors on Sunday. I am directed to report that the Committee have no opinion to offer to the House on the subjectmatter of this petition. T. Kelly, 29th August, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Carriers, Farmers, and Others, in the Province of Canterbury. TnE petitioners pray that " The Width of Tires Ordinance, 1875," of the Province of Canterbury, be amended. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the Legislature should make such provision as will enable the local authorities to deal with such matters. T. Kelly, 29th August, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of James William Archer. The petitioner prays for compensation for loss of land by floods, caused by the cutting away of tho bush which protected his land, for making coal tracks, and for providing for up-country traffic. I am directed to report that the case of the petitioner having been fully inquired into and dealt with by the Provincial Council of Nelson, the Committee canuot recommend the prayer of the petitioner to the favourable consideration of the House. T. Kelly, 29th August, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Residents of the Districts of Courtney and Halkett. TnE petitioners pray that a daily mail, instead of a bi-weekly one, be established, and that a daily coach is necessary through the district. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petition to the consideration of the Government. T. Kelly, 29th August, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Joshua Goodfellow. TnE petitioner was a contractor for the formation of the Waitahuna and Tuapcka section of the Toko* mairiro and Lawrence Railway, and he states that he omitted to carry out the sum of £240 in the schedule, reducing his tender by that amount. That, owing to the incapacity and neglect of the local Engineer, Mr. Paisley, he suffered great loss by delay caused by not replacing necessary pegs, and showing accurately and promptly the centre of the line of railway. He prays that his case may be inquired into, and relief afforded him. The Committee have fully inquired into this case, and direct me to report as follows:—That, with respect to the claim for £210 not carried out in the tender, there has been no evidence offered to show that the Government should depart from their usual departmental custom. That, with respect to the claim for compensation on account of being delayed in carrying out his contract, the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has suffered loss through the carelessness or incapacity of a Government Engineer, and is entitled to compensation; but as the Committee have not sufficient evidence before them to arrive at an accurate estimate of the amount of such loss, they recommend the GovermneuD to make inquiry with a view to a fair settlement. T. Kelly, sth September, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition (No. 1) of H. W. Farnall. The petitioner occupied the position of Immigration Agent in the United Kingdom, and states that he was dismissed, without notice, from his office by the late .Agent- General. He prays that the case bo investigated, and relief given to him. The Committee have made inquiry into petitioner's case, and are of opinion that he is entitled to the following sums, which the Committee recommend be paid him without any deduction on account of any contra claim made by the General Government, viz.: —For return passage to New Zealand, £75 ; salary for Juue, 1873, £27 ; office furniture, £10; in lieu of notice, £27 ; total, £139. T. Kelly, sth September, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Landowners and Traders, Western Otago. The petitioners complain that the Provincial Government have not proceeded quickly enough with a line of railway in the district, and state that there are circumstances which induce the public to believe that the Provincial Government and its officers are implicated in the contract. They pray that the work be proceeded with, and that an inquiry be instituted into the conduct of the Provincial Government and its officers.