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Report on Petition of James Heberley. The petitioner states that in 1840, 1841, and 1842 he lived at Worser's Bay, in the Province of Wellington. That the bay was then the fishing station of E. Puni and Waripori, Native chiefs of the Ngahaua tribe. That he is related to the above-named chiefs through his wife Te Wai. That in 1840, E. Puni, being then the owner, gave to petitioner and his wife a portion of the land lying between a place called Pinnacle Rock and the Cave, from the shore to the foot of the hills. That the land has been taken by the Government and sold to private individuals. He prays for redress or compensation. I have the honor to report that, as no sufficient evidence has been offered to the Committee with respect to this case, they have opinion to offer. T. Kelly, 27th October, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of W. F. Wilkinson. The petitioner states that he was verbally instructed by Mr. Gow, the Government Inspector of the Waimea Water-race, to make a deviation from the original line of survey. That this deviation necessitated petitioner driving a tunnel a distance of 4 chains and 61 feet, at a cost of £306 4s. lOd. That his original contract was 5 chains and 4 links of ditching, at £12 per chain—total, £60 9s. 7d. That he is thus a loser, through the deviation, of £245 15s. 3d., whilst the Government saves thereby a sum of £1,500. The petitioner prays that your honorable House will take his case into consideration, and award him a fair an equitable amount. I have the honor to report that, as there has not been sufficient evidence submitted to the Committee with respect to this claim, they have no recommendation to make. T. Kelly, 27th October, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of C. Giffard Moore and Others. The petitioners state that they are aware that it is proposed to introduce a Bill into your honorable House to empower the construction of a tramway through and across certain reserves in the Town of Oamaru. They consider that the construction of this tramway would be a great public benefit. They pray that the Bill may receive favourable consideration. I have the honor to report that the Committee recommend the prayer of the petitioners to the favourable consideration of the House. T. Kelly, 27th October, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition (No. 5) of Hirini Taiwhanga. The petitioner prays that an Act be passed for the preservation of a valuable timber tree called by him the Manoao, which grows in the districts of Kaihu, Te Wairoa, Hokianga, and on to the Bay of Islands. The tree, he states, is strong and durable, and valuable for building bridges, wharves, fences, and houses, and that it will not decay for centuries, although it may be used in the sea or land. The Committee have taken evidence in the matter, and find that the tree is not known to any of the witnesses except the petitioner, who spoke in very decided terms of its durability and value. I am directed to report that the Committee, having taken evidence which shows the existence of this timber, and that it is durable and valuable for piles, wharves, bridges, &c, and is soft and easily wrought, recommend that the Public Works Department should make investigation, with a view to the utilization of this timber, and its preservation from wasteful destruction. T. Kelly, 27th October, 1876. Chairman.

Report on Petition of N. McCreery, of Auckland. Petitioner states that he has been compelled to sell his freehold property at a considerable sacrifice and pecuniary loss, in consequence of the illegal aud arbitrary decisions of the Resident Magistrate, Dr. Ormond, and the heavy damages given against him for alleged trespass. The Committee have made inquiry into this case, and find that the matter has been under the consideration of the Government, but the Government were advised that it was not usual for the Executive to revise the decision of Magistrates, except on very special grounds, such as glaring injustice or incapacity. If the allegations in the petition are true, of which the Committee are not in a position from want of evidence to judge, the Magistrate appears, ex parte, to have acted with injustice or incapacity. The Committee recommend the Government to make inquiry into petitioner's grievance, with a view to affording him redress if the justice of his case demands it. T. Kelly, 27th October, 1876. Chairman.