1.—2

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Council entitled them to compensation in the event of a competing road being constructed. Prom the evidence taken by the Committee in this case, it appears that the depreciation of traffic on the tramway was occasioned by other causes than the construction of a Government road. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioners to the favourable consideration of the House. T. Kelly, 3rd September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petitions of Rev. Charles D. de Castro and Others ; Parents and Others, County of Waimea ; Residents, County of Waimea; Parents and Others, Wanganui and Rangitikei; Parents and Others, Bruce and Clutha; Parents and Others, County of Akaroa; Inhabitants of Wairarapa West. The petitioners pray that a provision be made in the Education Bill 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, 3rd September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petitions of Inhabitants of Tokomairiro District; Inhabitants of Ashley District (2 Petitions); Inhabitants of Leeston and Springston Districts; Robert Pharazyn ; Inhabitants of Greymouth and Grey Valley; Residents of Kumara ; Members of the Church of England Temperance Association, Auckland ; Inhabitants of the Provincial District of Wellington. The petitioners pray that more extended powers of local government be given with respect to the regulation of the liquor traffic. I am directed to report that the Committee have no opinion to offer to the House on the subjectmatter of these petitions. T. Kelly, 3rd September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petitions of Settlers of Foxhill, and Householders of Nelson District. The petitioners pray that the Education Bill give a discretionary power to School Committees with respect to the 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, 3rd September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petitions of Inhabitants of Wellington, and Members of the Church of England Tempeeance Association. The petitioners pray that the sale of intoxicating liquors ou Sunday be more strictly prohibited. I am directed to report that the Committee have no opinion to offer on the subject-matter of these petitions. T. Kelly, 3rd September, 1877. Chairman.

Eeport on Petitions of 978 Men of Wanganui and Rangitikei. The petitioners state that the proposal to confer on a majority of the adult inhabitants of a district the power to prohibit the issue of all licenses for the sale of spirituous liquors is bad in principle, and would be vicious in practice ; they therefore pray that the Local Option Bill be opposed and rejected by the House. I am directed to report that the Committee have no opinion to offer on the subject-matter of this petition. T. Kelly, 3rd September, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of Mayoe and Councilloes of Poet Chalmers. The petitioners pray that a grant of 5,000 acres of land be awarded them as compensation for loss sustained by the Government taking the Dunedin and Moeraki Eailway through the Town Belt, Cemetery, and Quarry. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the case of the petitioners be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with the view of legislative action being taken this session to definitely settle the claim. T. Kelly, sth September, 1877. Chairman.