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Nos. 303, 307, and 314.—Petitions of John S. Hunter and Others; James Mobton and Others; Peeceval Peaece and Others. The petitioners pray that the bottle license may be abolished. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of these petitions is now before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 17th August, 18S0.

Nos. 304 and 305. —Petitions of E. Lyndon and Others; Chables H. Ehodjes and Others. The petitioners pray that the Education Act be so amended as to provide for the use of the Lord's Prayer and the reading of the Bible in the public schools, subject to a conscience clause, as in the English Education Act. I am directed to report that, as these petitions involve matters of public policy, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 17th August, 1880.

No. 268. —Petition of Feancis Hastwell. The petitioner states that, after being employed in the public service for fifteen years, he has been dismissed from his office as warder in the Wanganui Gaol, on an alleged charge of drunkenness, without an opportunity being afforded him to prove his innocence. He prays that an inquiry be made. I am directed to report that the Committee consider that the subject-matter of this petition is one to be dealt with by the Government. 17th August, 1880.

No. 290. —Petition of Moses Edwin Manuel. The petitioner states that a sum of £8,000 was granted to the Tuapeka County by the colony for the purpose of repairing the damage done by the flood in the Clutha River in 1878, by which flood the Eoxburgh Bridge, which cost £7,000, was carried away; that the said county has diverted the money from the purpose for which it was granted, and paid off liabilities then existing, and now refuses to reconstruct the said bridge. Petitioner prays the House to make inquiry into the matter, and recommends the Government to order the work to be proceeded with in accordance with section 185 of " The Counties Act, 1876." I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1880.

No. 316. —Petition of Heney Elms Campbell. The petitioner states he is a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, and complains of the action of another solicitor, one George Nathaniel Brassey, who is also a Justice of the Peace and a Coroner, in inducing a witness to refrain from attending at the Licensing Court of the Thames District in June last. He prays that an inquiry be made into the allegation, and that the matter be brought under the notice of the Governor, with the view that G. N. Brassey be called on to resign his office of Justice of the Peace and Coroner. I am directed to report that, no evidence in support of this petition having been tendered to the Committee, they are unable to deal with the case; but, as the petition contains very serious charges against a high Government official, the Committee refer the petition to the Government, with a view of their making the necessary inquiry. 17th August, 1880.

No. 220.—Petition of Bobeet Littlecott. TltE petitioner states,that he was tried on a charge of having destroyed wearing apparel belonging to his wife, and committed for trial and illegally detained in gaol for a number of weeks. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee refer the petition to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1880.

No. 179.—Petition of J. M. Daeoaville. The petitioner states that he became bound to the Government in the sum of £250 per annum for five years to pay for the working expenses and salaries of the Dargaville Telegraph Office ; that other offices have subsequently been opened on the line, and he considers that a reduction should consequently be made in the amount of his guarantee bond. He prays that inquiry be made into the case, and relief afforded him. I am directed to report that the Committee has made inquiry into the matter, and as, from the evidence taken, it appears that the Government are acting very fairly towards Mr. Dargaville, have no recommendation to make. 17th August, 1880.

No. 187. —Petition of Annie Eobeets. The petitioner prays that a case instituted by her against one William Short, the father of her illegitimate child, which was improperly dismissed by Harry Kenrick, Esq.,Eesident Magistrate of the Thames, be reheard, aad that E. C. Barstow, Esq., 8.M., be instructed to hear such case at the Thames.