19

1.—6,

Report on Petition of Settlers in the Awamoko and other Districts. The petitioners pray that the Awamoko Branch Railway be extended for half a mile, so as to cross the Marewhcnua River, and reach the township of Duntroon. I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion on the subject-matter of this petition, but refer it to the favourable consideration of the Government. T. Kelly, 12th September, 1870. Chairman.

Report on Petition of E. McManus. The petitioner states that he was an apprentice to one W. L. Roth, and because of his absence from the service of his master, he was, on complaint, sentenced by certain Justices of the Peace to oue months' imprisonment with hard labour. He prays for inquiry into his case, and such relief as the House may think fit. I am directed to report that, in the the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has suffered wrong in being sentenced to a mouth's imprisonment with hard labour for absenting himself from his master's service. And the Committee direct the attention of the Government to the fact that two Justices of the Peace inflicted a penalty for an offence which does not appear to be known to the law. T. Kelly, 19th September, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of F. J. Wardell. The petitioner states that he served as an ensign in the 3rd Waikato Regiment, and selected land as a military settlor, but was subsequently compelled to give up his selection for Native purposes. That his second selection was land of less value by £250. He prays the House for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee consider that the petitioner has no claim for consideration, and cannot therefore recommend his prayer to the favourable consideration of the House. T. Kelly, 19th September, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Philip McDermott. The petitioners states that he received an injury by the discharge of guns on the Queen's birthday, on the 24th May, ISG9, and prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner to the favourable consideration of the House. T. Kelly, 19th September, 1576. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Members of the Otahuhu Highway District Board. The petitioners state that they are entitled, in accordance with the provisions of tho existing law, as capitation grant, to the sum of £46 19s. lOd. for the year 1876; that the payment of this money has been refused, the reason alleged being that the Board had in 1874 undertaken the construction of a road to the Railway Station. That this statement the petitioners say is contrary to fact, and they pray that the money be paid. The Committee have made inquiry into the case, and it appears that there was a proposal made to the Public Works Department to contribute £300 towards the cost of this road, the money to be raised by subscription ; and it appears that when the work was completed, and the Board called on to pay the money, the subscribers declined to pay their promised subscriptions. I am directed by the Committee to report that the Committee recommend the Government to ascertain whether the Board have any legal remedy against the persons who promised subscriptions to the amount of £300; and, if so, that they supply the Board with the means to sue the defaulting subscribers. T. Kelly, 29th September, 1876. Chairman.

—__—■. _______B»»____ l .____--^i__-i.. _____« _MiiPM«i.l._-ipr^_______-»~-Report on Petition of William Hutt and Others. The petitioners are holders of land orders issued by the New Zealand Company, giving rights of selection in the Manawatu Block. That they have waited patiently for thirty years without getting possession of tho land for which they paid the said Company ; and, seeing no prospect of acquiring the land, they pray that their case be inquired into, and compensation awarded them. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioners' claims should be settled by the issue of land scrip to the holders of the New Zealand Company's unexercised land At orders, the rate of 30s. value of scrip for each £1 value of the land orders ; such scrip to be available in the purchase of waste lands of the Crown within the Province of Wellington within two years from the issue of such scrip. T. Kelly,3rd October, 1870. Chairman.