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1.—2.

Eepoet on the Petitions of Bishop of Wellington (Chairman of a Temperance Conference); 28 Inhabitants of Kaituna Valley; Woethy Patriarch and Eecording Sceibe of the Sons of Tempeeance, Eangiora; Inhabitants of Grey Valley; 58 Inhabitants of Pelorus District ; Eev. Petee Mason, 8.A.; 142 Inhabitants of Eangiora. These several petitioners pray that the licensing laws be altered so that power be given to the adult inhabitants of small licensing districts to prohibit the issue of publicans' licenses within such districts. 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. J T. Kelly, 14th August, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on the Petition of A. Ceawfoed. The petitioner states that the Licensing Court refused to renew his license, and prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make on this petition. T. Kelly, 14th August, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on the Petition of Neill Fleming, Chairman of Oamaru School Committee. The petitioner prays that the County of Waitaki be constituted a separate Education District under the Education Bill. I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House on the subject of this petition. T. Kelly, 14th August, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on the Petition of the Bishop, Cleegy, and Laity of the Chuech of England. The petitioners pray that provision be made in the Education Bill to allow religious instruction to be given to children of their communion during school hours. I am directed to report that the Committee have no opinion to offer to the House on the subject of this petition. T. Kelly, 14th August, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on the Petitions of Inhabitants of North Island, Thames District : and Inhabitants of North Island. I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House on the subject of these petitions. T. Kelly, 17th August, 1877. Chairman.

Eeport on Petition of Kauaeeanga Highway Disteict Board and Eatepayees. The petitioners pray that the Thames County Council be restrained from issuing an order dissolving the Highway Board unless the Counties Act be complied with. I am directed to report that, upon the documentary evidence before them, the Committee are of opinion that the course pursued by the Thames County Council in attempting to merge the Kauaeranga Eoad Board, upon the strength of a petition legally objected to, is opposed to the provisions of the Counties Act; and that the prayer of the petitioners should be granted, and the inquiry desired by them should be made, before any further action is taken by the County Council. T. Kelly, 21st August, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of Captain Thomas Aldeidge. The petitioner, late a captain in the army, states that he was in the employ of the Provincial Government of Auckland as a messenger, but was discharged on the Abolition Act coming into force, and is now out of employment. He prays that his case be taken into consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend petitioner's case to the favourable consideration of the Government, with the view of providing him with any suitable employment arising out of any vacancy in the public service. T. Kelly, 21st August, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of 36 Membees of the Auckland Volunteee Foece. The petitioners state that " The Waste Lands Administration Act, 1876," deprived them of their claims to land on the completion of their service as Volunteers, and pray that their rights in that respect be restored to them.