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Petition of Inhabitants of Tairua and Grahamstown. The petitioners pray for the construction of a.road to the Tairua Gold Fields. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the public works petitioned for in these different petitions are of a desirable character, but, in consequence of the passing of the Counties Bill, are unable to make any specific recommendation to the House with reference to them. T. Kelly, 23rd October, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of John Muir. The petitioner prays that more adequate compensation be granted to him for his land taken for railway purposes. I am directed to report that the petitioner's claim having been inquired into and dealt with by the Court appointed by law to investigate such cases, the Committee do not think it desirable to make any recommendation. T. Kelly 23rd October, 1876. _.___________________«______ Chairman.

Report on Petition of Hori te Whana and 29 Others. The petitioners pray that compensation be given them for the loss they sustained by the war in 1863-64, and for which an award was made in 186S by the Compensation Court. I am directed to report that this claim is one of a large number for losses sustained during the Native war; and the Committee recommend the subject-matter of the petition to the consideration of the Government. T. Kelly, 24th October, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Chairmen of the Ashburton, Upper Ashburton, Rakaia, and Somers Road Boards. The petitioners pray that the inequalities of the distribution of the land revenue be taken into consideration, and relief afforded them. I am directed to report that, as the Government measures now before the House deal with the subject-matter of this petition, the Committee have no opinion to offer. T. Kelly, 24th October, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Settlers of Waieau, County of Marsden. The petitioners pray that the evils arising from a twofold system of legislation in local matters be done away with, and a well-considered Act for highways, fencing, impounding, &c, be passed for the whole colony. I am directed to report that the subject-matter of this petition is one for the consideration of the House, and the Committee have no recommendation to make. T. Kelly, 24th October, 1876. -__________________.____„ Chairman.

Report on Petition of Citizens of Dunedin. The petitioners pray that the Legislature may not be induced to legislate in the matter of the wharves and quays, prejudicially to the interests of the Municipality of Dunedin. I am directed to report that, the matter having been dealt with by the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. T. Kelly, 24th October, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Ratepayers of the Katikati Highway District. The petitioners pray that a sum of money be placed on the estimates to provide for the construction of bridges over certain creeks and rivers in their district, and the formation of the road to Ohinemuri. I am directed to report that, as the works petitioned for are of a local character, to be constructed by the local authorities, and as provision has been made by the Counties Bill, the Committee have no recommendation to make. T. Kelly, 25th October, 1876. Chairman.

RePORT on Petition of Inhabitants of Kaiapoi, West Eyreton, and Oxford. The petitioners state that it was intended that the narrow-gauge railway running from Kaiapoi in the direction of Oxford should be extended so as to join the Oxford and Eangiora line. That the necessary land has been surveyed and acquired by the Government, and plans prepared. That the estimated cost of the extension is under £4,000. They set forth the advantage to be derived from this extension, and pray that steps may be taken to hasten the completion of the work. I am directed to report that when the colony undertakes the construction of branch lines of railway, this is one which deserves favourable consideration. T. Kelly, 25th October, 1876. Chairman. 4—l. 6.