23

1.—2

Eeport on Petition of George Morley (No. 2). The petitioner prays that his claims against the General Government for balance due on account of contract for bridges" built by him be inquired into, and relief given him. I am directed to report that, as it; appears that the Public Works Department has considered petitioner's case and made substantial allowance, the Committee decline to entertain his claim. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of James Eussell. The petitioner complains of the action of the Licensing Bench of Dunedin in refusing to grant him a license for the sale of spirituous liquors in Cumberland Street, Dunedin, on the plea that a publichouse was not required. He prays that his ease bo taken into favourable consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider it is desirable to interfere with the decision of the Licensing Bench in the petitioner's case. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Eeport on Petition of E. Thynne and 430 other Landownebs and Settlers in the County of Manawatu. The petitioners pray that the House will prevent the dismemberment of the Manawatu County. I am directed to report that this petition is informal, not being signed by any petitioner within the meaning of the Standing Orders. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Eeport on Petition of 11 Owners of Lightees, Dunedin. The petitioners pray that section 12 of "The Otago Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1875," may be repealed, and that the rate chargeable on goods landed at the Railway Pier, Port Chalmers, and at any other dock, wharf, or pier in the Port of Dunedin, may be made uniform. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioners to the favourable consideration of the House. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Eeport on Petition of J. W. Wilkinson. The petitioner states that he is a holder of Volunteer scrip, and that, being ignorant of the Government advertisement, he did not present it within the prescribed time. He prays that relief be given him. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner should receive the same consideration for his scrip as other holders of scrip in Taranaki whose claims have been dealt with. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Eeport on Petition of 5 Proprietors of Saw-mills and Timber Bushes at Tairua, Mercury Bay, and Wangapoua. The petitioners pray that, in consequence of the interest of their district being distinct and separate from that of the other portions of the Counties of Thames and Coromandel, and their communication carried on chiefly by water, they be separated from the said counties. I am directed to report that, as "The Counties Act, 1876," makes provision for the alteration of the boundaries of counties, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation to the House. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Eeport on Petition of 79 Settlers in Hampden Eiding, County of Inangahua. The petitioners pray that they may not be attached to the Lyell to form a separate county, as they prefer to remain in the Inangahua County; but, if any separation be made, it would be more advantageous to them to be annexed to Waimea County. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of William Moody. TnE petitioner states that, relying ou information obtained from the Government that there was no prohibition to import sheep from America into New Zealand, he sent an order for merino sheep and £400; that subsequently, in February and March, 1877, au Order in Council was issued prohibiting