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I am directed to report that, with respect to the grievances of the petitioners against the Provincial Government of Otago as to delay in constructing the railway, the Committee have no recommendation to make. But with respect to the charge contained in the 4th section, that the Provincial Government and its officers are implicated iv the contract, the Committee consider that no evidence has been offered to justify the charge, or to necessitate any iuquirv. T. Kelly, sth September, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of William Rattray. The petitioner claims forty-two days' rent from the General Government, because of delay in furnishing him with the result of an arbitration for damage done to the fixtures of his shop, which had been occupied by the Post Office Department of the General Government. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner to the favourable consideration of the House. T. Kelly, sth September, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Residents iv the Mount Ida District. TnE petitioners pray that the ideas contained in the Local Option Licensing Bill be given effect to. 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, sth September, 1876. Chairman

Report on Petition of Landowners and Ratepayers at Green Island and Brighton. The petitioners pray that a branch line of railway be constructed from Green Island to Brighton, and from thence to the mouth of the Taieri Eiver. I am directed to report that when the colony undertakes the construction of branch railways, this line is one which deserves favourable consideration. T. Kelly, sth September, 1576. Chairman.

Report on Petition of J)avid O'Donogiiue. The petitioner's case was taken into consideration by the Committee during the last Session of Parliament, aud a report was brought up to the following effect, viz., —" The Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has a claim on the Government for medical attendauce on immigrants, and recommend the Government to settle the same ; but, failing any arrangement being come to, that the petitioner be allowed to take his case before a Court of justice." I am directed to report that the Committee see no reason to alter this decision, and recommend the same course to be adopted. T. Kelly, sth September, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of the Thames Gas Company. TnE petioners pray that the Municipality Bill be amended, by introducing a provision precluding governing bodies from erecting competing gasworks, or purchasing gasworks already constructed where a statutory company exists, other than by agreement. I am directed to report that the Committee have no opinion to offer to the House on the subjectmatter of this petition. 12th September, 1876.

Report on Petition of the Directors of the Auckland Gas Company. The petitioners pray that the Municipal Bill be amended, so that competing gasworks shall not be allowed to be constructed by municipalities, and that municipalities shall not have tho power of purchasing existing gasworks without consent of proprietors. I am directed to report that the Committee have no opinion to offer to the House ou the subjectmatter of this petition. T. Kellv, 12th September, 1870. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Residents in the Electoral District of Dunstan. The petitioners pray that the Electoral Districts of Dunstan and Wakatipu be constituted a county nuclei* the Counties Bill. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the consideration of the Government. T. Kelly, 12th September, 1576. Chairman.