I.—l.

14

I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th November, 1879.

No. 206, Session ll. —Petition of William Strachan. The petitioner prays for compensation for loss alleged to have been incurred by him in carrying out a contract for the supply of sleepers on the Wellington and Masterton Eailway. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim for compensation against the Government. 26th November, 1879.

Nos. 57, 171, 172, 176, 196, 197, 211, 212, 221, 228, 236, 245, 246, 247, Session IL—Petition of Inhabitants of Grey Valley, Buller, and Inangahua ; John D. Enys and Others, of Malvern; F. Jagerhorn and Others, of Mauriceville; George M. Snelson and Others, of Manawatu; Peter Atchison; W. Stick and Others, of Waikato, Waipa, and Piako; Walter Swift and Others, of Kawakawa; George H. Godber and Others, of Grey and Big River; Alfred Howith and Others, of Clutha; John Killen and Others, of Katikati; IL F. Christie and Others, of Patea; G. F. Mackay and Others, of Mount Benger District, Otago; Noble McMillen, Mayor of Tapanui, and Others; J. T. Herbert and Others, of Tapanui. The petitioners pray for the construction of various public works throughout the colony. 1 am directed to report that this Committee is of opinion that the petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th November, 1879.

No. 134, Session ll.—Petition of Daniel Speedy. The petitioner prays for compensation for the cost of removing a building whicli had been erected on the Coal Reserve at Brunncrion. I am directed to report that the Committee, having considered the petitioner's case, is of opinion that he has no claim for compensation against the colony. 26th November, 1879.

No. 155, Session IL—Petition of Murdoch McKenzie. The petitioner prays that access by road may bo given to him to a block of 120 acres in the District of Waipa, purchased by him in the year ISSB under the " forty-acre system." I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to be furnished with access to his land, and recommends the Government to communicate with the Road Board with the view of that body taking the necessary action under the Public W rorks Act, the Government providing the compensation awarded by the proper Arbitrators. 26th November, 1879.

No. 126, Session II. —Petition of Charles O'Malley. The petitioner prays for compensation for alleged dismissal from the public service without due notice. I am directed to report that, having considered the case of the petitioner, the Committee cannot recommend his claim to the favourable consideration of the House. 26th November, 1879.

No. 167, Session ll.—Petition of George J. Mackay and Others, of Tuapeka. The petitioners allege that in the month of September, 1878, their district was visited_ by a very disastrous flood in the Molyneux River, which destroyed all the bridges and ferries on that river within the County of Tuapeka. That, as soon as these disasters were made known, large sums of money were voted by the House to assist in restoring the Teviot and Beaumont Bridges : but that no effort has been made by the Council of the Tuapeka County to restore the Beaumont Bridge, and, instead, that the Council ignored the importance of the work by passing a resolution to the effect that " the bridge be not proceeded with until all works authorized by the Council are completed;" thus virtually shelving the matter. They pray that an inquiry may be made into the facts of the case with the view of the Government taking the matter into their own hands, in accordance with section 185 of the Counties Act, and restoring the bridge or ordering the County Council to do so. I am directed to report that, from the evidence taken by the Committee on the petitioners' case, it appears that the Tuapeka County Council has not applied the £3,000 voted by Parliament aud paid by the Government to the county for the purchase of tho Beaumont Bridge to such purchase. The Committee is therefore of opinion that the Government should, in the terms of the agreement on which the money was paid, take immediate steps to recover the money by deducting it from the subsidies or other moneys payable to the Tuapeka County Council, and apply it in accordance with the terms of the vote. 26th November, 1879.