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No. 17.—Petition of John Napiee. The petitioner states that he suffered damage to his property by the action of the Arch Hill Road Board, of Auckland; that he took action to sue the Board, but that the Resident Magistrate, Mr. Barstow, declined to hear the case. He prays that such action be taken in the matter that the case may be heard. I am directed to report that it appears from the petitioner's own statsment that he has not taken advantage of the provisions made by "The Public Works Act, 187G," within the time limited by law to obtain compensation. The Committee has, therefore, no recommendation to make on the petitioner's case. 10th August, 1880.

No. 118. —Petition of John Caeey. / The petitioner states that he has been for three and a half years engineer of H.M. Customs launch at Auckland, and that, owing to an accusation of carelessness, he has been discharged from the service ; that, as such dismissal has greatly injured his chances for employment, he prays that an inquiry be made, and that he be reinstated if the charges made are refuted. I am directed to report that, the case of the petitioner having been inquired into by the Government and finally dealt with, the Committee does not consider that he is entitled to further consideration. lOth August, 1880.

No. 126. —Petition of Roeeet Laied. The petitioner states that he was employed as a seaman on board the "Hinemoa," and while on duty he received injuries which incapacitated him from performing his work. He prays that compensation be given him for the loss he has sustained. I am directed to report the Committee is of opinion that petitioner has no claim for consideration against the colony. 10th August, 1880.

No. 115. —Petition of Amos Bites. The petitioner prays that a Commission be constituted to inquire into certain charges made against him iv 1874, as, in consequence of those charges, he has been deprived of five years' employment which had previously been given him in place of a pension given him by the New Zealand Company. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make in the case of the petitioner. 10th August, 1880.

No. 66. —Petition of Edwaed Heney Lynne. The petitioner states that he stored his luggage in the Railway Luggage Department at Dunedin, and obtained a receipt from the booking-clerk for the same; that subsequently, upon making application for the luggage, a tin box, containing surgical instruments, specie, gold and silver bullion, mineral teeth, and other articles, in all valued at £388 165., was missing. He prays the House to grant him such redress as they deem fit. I am directed to report that the Committee, having made further inquiry in this case, sees no cause to alter the decision arrived at during last session. 10th August, 1880.

Nos. 262 and 263. —Petitions of Edwabd Morgan and Others, of the Hutt; and Henry Damant and Others, of the Hutt. The petitioners point out that a clause exists in the Hutt Park and Racecourse Act, which provides that a trustee must be an elector of the Hutt. The Wellington Racing Club Act proposes to change the trust by placing the control of the Hutt Park and Racecourse in the hands of a body without the consent of the Hutt electors. The petitioners urge the House not to allow any alteration without the consent of a majority of the electors is first obtained. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of these petitions is now under the consideration of the House, the Committee does not deem it necessary to make any recommendation. 10th Augu&t, 1880.

No. 258. —Petition of Abchibald Andeeson and Others. The petitioners pray that power be given to the Inch Clutha River and Eoad Board to levy a uniform acreage-rate over all lands within the district. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition being now under the consideration of the House, the Committee does not deem it necessary to make any recommendation. 10th August, 1880.

No. 227.—Petition of James Davipson and Others, of Patea. The petitioners state that the New Plymouth Harbour Board has obtained a loan of £200,000 for the purpose of constructing a harbour in the neighbourhood of New Plymouth, in accordance with plans approved by the Governor in Council; that the Board has abandoned such plans, and is expending large sums of money from loan on works not so approved; and that, without the authority of law,