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I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make in the case of the petitioner. 3rd August, 1880.

No. 236. —Petition of the Mayoe, Cotocilloes, and Others of West Hawkesbury. The petitioners pray that the Beach Street Eaiiway-station, in the Town of Hawkesbury, be placed upon the railway time-tables. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition is one for the consideration of the Government.

No. 200. —Petition of G. F. Sherwood and Others, of Patea (No. 1). The petitioners pray that the House will cause such action to be taken as shall insure that the main line of railway from Wanganui to Waitara (the portion now in slow progress of construction) will be completed with reasonable speed. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd August, 1880.

No. 201.—Petition of G. F. Sheewood and Others, of Patea (No. 2). The petitioners pray that in the new Eepresentation Bill provision be made for the separate representation in Parliament of the Patea County, and they pray the House to give effect to the prayer of their petition by granting such representation. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is now before the House, the Committee does not consider it necessary to offer any opinion. 3rd August, 1880.

No. 180.—Petition of William Dale. The petitioner states he is the creditors' trustee in the estate of George Beamish, late lessee of the Oeo Hotel. The Licensing Court at New Plymouth, on the 3rd June, refused for tho time being a renewal of the license for that hotel, on the ground that a Native outbreak might arise owing to the acts of certain Natives ploughing European lands; that, in consequence of this action of the Licensing Court, the said George Beamish was unable to pay his creditors. The petitioner, on behalf of the creditors, prays the House to grant redress. I am directed to report that, as it appears from the evidence before the Committee that the Licensing Court refused to issue a renewal of license to the house on the ground that it existed in a purely Native district, and, in the face of threatened disturbance, it was advisable in the public interest that it should be closed, the Committee does not consider that the colony is liable for the subsequent loss said to be sustained by the creditors of Beamish. 3rd August, 1880.

No. 228. —Petition of Eobebt Lotjdon and Others. The petitioners pray that the Arms Act now in force be altered so as to effectually facilitate the inland trade in lead and. gunpowder and other articles not really intended for warlike purposes. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd August, 1880.

No. 173. —Petition of the Mayoe and Cottncilloes of Hokitika. The petitioners state that they have been informed by the Government that it is their intention to discontinue paying the yearly subsidy which, under the 13th section of " The Financial Arrangements Act, 1876," they were entitled to receive for five years. They point out that, if such subsidy be withdrawn, the funds at the disposal of the Borough Council will be quite inadequate to defray the necessary expenditure connected with the functions of the Council, &c. They pray the House to grant them such relief as it may think lit. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of this petition being now under the consideration of the House, the Committee does not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. 3rd August, 1880.

No. 15.—Petition of J. Casey. Tile petitioner is the owner of the steamer " Eose Casey," and states that, on the 31st August, 1879 he was engaged by the late Native Minister, the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, to convey him from Graharnstown to Auckland. The steamer was detained eleven hours waiting for Mr. Sheehan, and then had to leave without him, as she had to fulfil a mail contract. Tho petitioner, in consequence, claims the sum of £42 for demurrage in all, which amount he prays may be paid him. I am directed to report that, from the evidence liefore the Committee, it appears that the petitioner is entitled to £20 for charter of vessel, and an additional sum for detention. The Committee recommends the Government to make inquiry into the case, and settle the claim. 3rd August, 1880.