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1880. NEW ZEALAND.

No. 12.—Petition of D. Shannon. The petitioner, who acted as the chairman of a public meeting of the ratepayers of the Wanganui District, states that the county system of government has the effect of forcing Eoad Boards out of existence, owing to their powers of concurrent rating. He prays that the law be so amended that ratepayers may choose which of the two governing bodies, Eoad Boards or County Councils, shall have sole authority to levy rates. I am directed to report that, as the petition involves a question, of policy with regard to local government, the Committee do not consider it desirable to express any opinion, as the matter is one for the consideration of the Legislature. 10th June, 1880.

No. 1G. —Petition of John Tkegea and 25 other Licensed Victuallers, of Nelson. The petitioners pray that, in the event of the House legislating on the licensing laws, a system of uniform payment of license fees may be enacted. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is now under the consideration of the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. 10th June, 1880.

No. 25. —Petition of Cecil Atjsustijs Cuitxia. The petitioner states that the introduction of the system of free education by the Legislature has had the effect of ruining his private school and lodging him in the Bankruptcy Court. He prays that inquiry be made into his case and amends made him. 1 am directed to report that the Committee see no sufficient reason to alter the decision arrived at during the session of 1879. 10th June, 1880.

No. 30. —Petition of William Tubnee and other Settlers, Motueka District. The petitioners pray that a sum of £400 be granted for the purpose of making a cart-road from the Motueka Valley to connect with the Buller Eoad. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition involves a question of policy with regard to the construction of local public works, the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion. 29th June, 1880.

No. 33. —Petition of John Mahsh. The petitioner states that, owing to powers conferred on Municipalities by " The Municipal Corpora* tions Act, 1870," which enables those bodies to diminish the width of streets and sell surplus lands, he has, by the action of the Corporation of Cromwell in exercise of those powers, been ruined. He prays the House to grant him redress for the injuries he has sustained. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony for compensation for any loss he may have sustained through the action of the Corporation of Cromwell. 29th June, 1880.

No. 41, —Petition of John Baxteu and 27 other Working Jewellers of DmiediH. The petitioners pray that a duty of 25 per cent, be placed on all imported jewellery, for the purpose of encouraging the manufacture in the colony. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of the petition being one of public policy, the Committee do not consider it advisable to make any recommendation further than to suggest that it be referred to the Royal Commission on Native Industries. 29th Juue, 1880. I—l. 1.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS COMMITTEE (MR. T. KELLY, CHAIRMAN.)