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and contrary to the provisions of "The Harbours Act, 1878," large liabilities have been incurred in England for plans and for plant. The petitioners pray that relief be granted to them. I am directed to report that the Committee has taken the allegations of the petitioners into consideration, and obtained the advice of the Law Officers of the Crown ; and it appears that, if the New Plymouth Harbour Board is expending its funds contrary to the provisions of "The Harbours Act, 1878," or any special Act affecting the Board, the petitioners can obtain redress in the Supreme Court. As the law provides a remedy for the grievances complained of by the petitioners, the Committee cannot recommend the House to take any special action in the matter of the petition. 10th August, 1880.

No. 195.—Petition of Eichaed Duignan. The petitioner states that he had a contract for forming and metalling streets on the reclaimed land ; that the contract has been carried out under the inspection of a clerk of works and engineer until the work approached completion; but that, owing to the change of the Engineer in Charge, he cannot obtain the balance of the money due on account of the work performed. He prays that his counsel and witnesses be heard, and that his claim be settled. I am directed to report that the Committee has taken further evidence in the case of the petitioner's claim, and are of opinion that he has received more than full value for the work performed by him under his contract. The Committee therefore cannot recommend his claim for further consideration. 10th August, 1880.

No. 56. —Petition of John Dougherty. The petitioner states that, in the year 1876, sixty-one head of cattle belonging to him, which he was driving from the Kaikoura District to the West Coast, were slaughtered by the order of Inspector Naden. He prays that, as he has additional evidence to offer to the House, inquiry be made and relief afforded him. I am directed to report that the petitioner states that he endeavoured to obtain redress for the loss occasioned by the slaughter of his cattle by the order of the Cattle Inspector of the Kaikoura District, by taking action in a Court of law; but failed, as the Inspector could not be found, he having left the district. As, however, Inspector Naden has been summoned to Wellington as a witness and examined before the Committee, the petitioner's plea that he cannot find the Inspector is no longer valid. The Committee, having considered the evidence of the petitioner and Inspector Naden, isof opinion that the petitioner's case is one in which it can make no recommendation, as he has not exhausted his legal remedy. 10th August, 1880.

No. 10.'—Petition of William Eeid. The petitioner complains of the action of Mr. Ward, E.M., of Palmerston, for accepting as sureties for the payment of costs in an action to be tried in the Supreme Court for the recovery of a section of land, persons who were notoriously without means. The petitioner obtained a judgment in the Supreme Court, but, in consequence of the defendant and his sureties being without means, he has been compelled to pay the whole cost. He prays the House to give him redress. I am directed to report that the evidence before the Committee is of so conflicting a character that the Committee does not deem it expedient to review the action of the Resident Magistrate's Court in the petitioner's case. 10th August, 1880.

No. 269.—Petition of James Mclndoe. The petitioner prays that inquiry be made into the differences between him and the Land-Tax Department with respect to remuneration he is entitled to for his services as a valuer for the Taieri and Peninsula Counties and several of the boroughs round Dunedin. I am directed to report that the Committee has made inquiry into the petitioner's case, and is of opinion that the offer made by the department of £15, in settlement of his claim, is a fair remuneration for the extra work performed. 12th August, 1880.

Nos. 275, 297, and 312. —Petitions of Jacob James and Others; S. Pizzey and Co. and Others; George Nayloe and Others. The petitioners pray that the duty of 6d. per gallon which has been imposed on colonial beer be not enforced. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of these petitions is now before the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. 17th August, 1880.

Nos. 271 and 272. —Petitions of E. G-. Lane and Others; Spence and Bee and Others. The petitioners pray that a clause be inserted in the Licensing Bill now before the House providing for the continuance of the bottle license. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of these petitions is now before the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. 17th August, 1880.