29

i.—2

Report on Petition of William McLaughlin. The petitioner prays that land be granted to him, to which he states he is entitled as a discharged soldier, in the Province of Wellington. I am directed to report that, as it appears that the petitioner did not exercise his military land order within twelve months from the issue of it, according to the conditions under which such land order was granted, the Committee cannot recommend the petitioner's claim. T. Kelly, sth November, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Chaeles William and Edmund Feancis Symes of Patea Disteict. TnE petitioners complain of neglect on the part of the Sheep Inspector of the district in not reporting the existence of scab, and state that in consequence of such neglect they have suffered loss; and they pray that inquiry be made, so that they may receive compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider that the petitioners are entitled to compensation on account of any alleged neglect of the Inspector of Sheep; but are of opinion that inquiry should be made by the Government with respect to the charge of partiality and neglect made against the Inspector by the petitioners. T. Kelly, sth November, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of L. D. Dueeien. The petitioner states that he has not received compensation for loss of office as a provincial officer, to which he is entitled, and prays for relief. I am directed to report that, as it appears the petitioner was an officer of the Provincial Government of Auckland on the coming into force of the Abolition of Provinces Act, the petitioner is entitled to compensation for loss of office for the period during which he held such office as a permanent appointment. T. Kelly, sth November, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Joshua Jones. The petitioner makes general and specific charges against the officers of the Constabulary and Resident Magistrate's Department at Taranaki, and prays that inquiry be made and redress afforded. I am directed to report that the Committee have not sufficient evidence before them to come to a decision, but are of opinion that, if the allegations contained in the petition are true, inquiry should be made into matters contained in the petition by the Government. T. Kelly, sth November, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of William R. Welch. The petitioner states that certain persons are evading tolls by passing through private lands each side of the toll-gate, and, as he is advised that he has no remedy at law, he prays the House to grant him relief. I am directed to report that it appears from the evidence before the Committee that the remedy for the alleged evasion of the tolls rests with the governing body in charge of the road. The Committee have therefore no recommendation to make. T. Kelly, sth November, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Patrick W. Walsh. TnE petitioner states that he received injuries in the execution of his duty while arresting a drunken man, and prays that as he received such injuries while in the public service some light employment be found him. . . . I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that, as it appears the petitioner received injury whilst in the public service, he ought, when an opportunity occurs, to be provided by the Govern* ment with light employment, for which he is suitable. T. Kelly, sth November, 1877. " Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Residents in the Wiiangaeei County. The petitioners ask for assistance to construct a railway between Kamo and Whangarei Rivers, with the object of opening up the coal and other minerals in the district. _ I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the District Railways Bill willenable the petitioners to promote this special work; the Committee do not therefore consider it necessary to make any special recommendation. T. Kelly, sth November, 1877. Chairman, s—l. 2.