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Eepoet on Petition of the Inhabitants of Balclutha. The petitioners state that, owing to the high charges for freight of coal made on the Kaitangata Eailway, owned by a private company, they are placed at a disadvantage; and they pray that relief be given them. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. T. Kelly, 7th August, 1877. Chairman.

; i Report on Petition of Eatepayees and Eesidents in the Kingston Eiding of the Lake County. The petitioners state that this Eiding ought to be included in the Southland County, as their trade and interest are more identical with that county than with the Lake County; and pray that the boundaries be altered. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. T. Kelly, 7th August, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Henry Joseph Syms. The petitioner prays that a grant of land be given him for his services during the Native war. I am directed to report that the Committee consider that the petitioner has no claim against the colony for land, and cannot therefore recommend his case to the favourable consideration of the House. T. Kelly, 7th August, 1877. Chairman.

Interim Repoet on Petition of Thomas Butler, late Keeper of the Lunatic Asylum, Nelson. TnE petitioner makes serious charges against the Medical Officer and Matron of the Asylum, and prays for further inquiry. The Committee, having taken evidence in this case, direct me to make an interim report as follows : — The Committee consider that the petitioner should have an opportunity of producing fresh evidence, and recommend the Government to make further inquiry without any unnecessary delay. T. Kelly, 14th August, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of Mayoe and Councilloes, Shipmastees, Meechants, and Othees, Poet Chalmers. The petitioners pray that increased wharfage accommodation be afforded them at Port Chalmers. 1 am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. T. Kelly, 14th August, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of Publicans of Auckland. The petitioners pray that they be allowed to open their houses for a limited time on Sundays, and that they be relieved from the tax of burning a light all night in front of their houses. I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation to the House with respect to the opening of public-houses on Sunday. But with respect to the compulsory keeping of lights before publichouses at night, the Committee consider that it should be within the power of Municipal Councils to dispense with such a condition when they think desirable, and that the necessary provision be made in any amending Municipal Corporations Act. T. Kelly, 14th August, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petitions of 14- Eesidents in Pelorus Valley ; 78 Eesidents in the County of Waimea; 22 Residents in the County of Waimea; 92 Eesidents in Port Chalmers; 445 Eesidents in'the Counties of Selwyn, Marlborough, Hutt, Waimea, and Wanganui; 59 Eesidents of Waimea, Nelson ; 57 Eesidents in the County of Manawatu ; 165 Eesidents in the City of Nelson ; School Committee, Fernside, Canterbury; 17 Eesidents in the County of Waimea; 46 Eesidents in the County of Waimea; 10 Eesidents in the County of Waimea; 396 Eesidents in Selwyn and Christchurch. These several petitioners pray that the Education Bill make provision for the daily reading of the Bible in schools. ~ . ~ I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House on the subject-matter of these petitions. T. Kelly, 14th August, 1877, Chairman.