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I am directed to report that the Committee have no opinion to offer to the House on the subjectmatter of the petition; but consider, as a general rule, that all local bodies should have power to appoint, pay, and dismiss all officers necessary to carry on their respective duties. T. Kelly, 2nd October, 1877. • Chairman.

Report on Petition of 800 Settlees in the Provincial District of Taeanaki. The petitioners state that the immediate construction of a harbour at New Plymouth is of vital importance to the interest of the district; that they are satisfied with the rating powers of the New Plymouth Harbour Bill, and pray the House to pass the Bill. Repoet on Petition of 856 Landownees and Ratepayers in the Pbovincial Disteict of Taeanaki. The petitioners state that they regret to find that private opposition has arisen against the New Plymouth Harbour Bill; that they are desirous for the construction of harbour works, and are satisfied with the rating power as modified by the Bill. They pray the House to pass the Bill. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of these petitions is now before the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion. T. Kelly, 2nd October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 12 Ratepayers of the Malveen Disteict. The petitioners pray that the water-race be not taken down the railway reserve, but that the former scheme be carried out. I am directed to report that the Committee have no opinion to offer to the House on the subjectmatter of this petition. T. Kelly, 2nd October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 106 Residents in the District of Eden. The petitioners pray that a permanent sewer be constructed to drain a lagoon of 2|- acres, which is offensive and deleterious, especially during the summer months ; and state that the Eden Highway District will bear half the estimated cost. I am directed to report that the Committee arc of opinion that the matter is one that ought to be dealt with by the local governing body of the district. T. Kelly, 2nd October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 91 Residents in the Township of Newcastle and Sueeounding Districts. The petitioners pray that a platform be made nearer to the township, where the train may stop for the convenience of passengers proceeding by river steamer. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this is a matter for the Government to consider and deal with. T. Kelly, 2nd October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 0. J. Paekee and 269 Othees, of Malveen District. The petitioners pray that the Malvern branch of the Great Southern Railway line be extended six miles. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that, as the petitioners will have an opportunity to carry out the work under the provisions of the Districts Railway Bill now before the House, they have no recommendation to make. T. Kelly, 2nd October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 120 Residents in the Southland District. The petitioners state that the land in the Waikaia watershed is well adapted for agricultural settlement, and that 9,000 acres have already been settled upon, but, owing to the impassable state of the road between Gore and Waikaia, a distance of thirty-four miles, it is impossible to get produce to market, and that consequently many who had settled on the land have had to part with their holdings. The petitioners pray that a sum be placed on the estimates to open up by railway one of the most valuable though neglected districts in Otago. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that it is desirable the country be opened up for settlement as rapidly as possible, but, as this question is one of finance, it is a matter for the consideration of the Government. T. Kelly, 2nd October, 1877. Chairman.