1.—2.

12

The Committee, having made inquiry into the case, have directed me to report that they do not consider the petitioners are entitled to compensation in consequence of the Natives squatting on their land, but the Committee are of opinion that the action of the Civil Commissioner in encouraging the Natives to hold possession of the land is deserving of official censure. The Committee further recommend that the Crown grant to the land be issued without any unnecessary delay. T. Kelly, 10th September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Michael Monaghan. The petitioner was lately a Sergeant of the Wellington Police Force, and on the disbandment of that Force was asked to enter the Armed Constabulary at a reduced rate of pay. That he was not disposed to submit to such reduction, and consequently did not join the Force. He prays that compensation to which he is entitled on leaving the service be granted to him. I am directed to report, that as it appears the petitioner had an opportunity to join the Armed Constabulary Force at nearly the same rate of pay as he previously got, the Committee do not consider that he is entitled to compensation. T. Kelly, 13th September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 60 Settlers of Motueka and Mouteee. The petitioners pray that a sum of money be set aside to complete certain road works in their districts. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. T. Kelly, 13th September, 1877. , Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 2,034 Inhabitants of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Auckland. The petitioners state that they are averse to the religious education proposed to be given by the Education Bill, and pray that provisions similar to those in the Nelson Education Ordinance be provided to meet the requirements of the petitioners and others. 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 the petition. T. Kelly, 13th September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of John Orkney. The petitioner prays that relief be afforded him with respect to being dismissed from his office of Assistant Harbour Master by the Otago Harbour Board, on the ground of economy. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to compensation up to the period when his salary was paid by the Harbour Board out of its own funds. T. Kelly, 18th September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Geoege McGavin. The petitioner states that he has been harshly and unfairly dealt with by the Government imposing a penalty of £500, in consequence of his contract not being complete within contract time. That the delay in completing the contract was occasioned by the unreasonable and arbitrary action of the District Government Engineer. He prays that the whole matter be inquired into. I am directed to report that, having fully investigated the petitioner's claim, the Committee are of opinion that he is not entitled to compensation. T. Kelly, 18th September, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of James Sinclair. The petitioner is a schoolmaster lately employed by the Wellington Education Board, but was dismissed, as he alleges, in consequence of the wrongful representations made by the Inspector and Secretary of the Board. He prays for inquiry and redress. I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider that it is desirable for the House to interfere in the matter, as it appears from evidence taken that the Wellington Education Board has dealt with the petitioner's case after full inquiry. T. Kelly, 18th September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Colonel McDonnell. The petitioner states that, in consequence of the services rendered by him in Taupo, as Commander of the Field Force operating against Te Kooti, he was promised permanent employment in the colonial