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No. 253.—Petition of William Murray and Others. The petitioners pray that a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into the rabbit nuisance. I am directedto report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the GoTernment for consideration. oth August, 1880.

No. 254. —Petition of John Allison and Others. The petitioners pray that the annual payments on account of their holdings be extended to fifteen years. I am directed to report that the Committee, having already reported upon petitions which are exactly of a similar nature, has no further recommendation to make. sth August, 1880.

No. 278. —Petition of Percy Noel Springall. The petitioner prays for a grant of land, he being the son of an old colonist. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. sth August, 1880.

No. 279.—Petition of James Mclnty/be. The petitioner prays that Government will grant him a right-of-way to the back of his foundry. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. sth August, 1880.

Jackson's Bat Settlement Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the Jackson's Bay Settlement Act, has directed me to report that the Committee has gone through the Bill, and recommends that the same be passed without amendment. 11th August, 1880.

No. 294. —Petition of Michael 80-land. The petitioner prays that certain sections of land be granted him. I am directed to report that, having no evidence in support of this petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th August, 1880.

Port Chalmees Deill-shed Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the Port Chalmers Drill-shed Act, has directed me to report that it has gone through the Bill, and recommends that the same be passed without any amendment. 13th August, 1880.

No. 256.—Petition of Montgomerie Spencer and Others. The petitioners petition relative to the Shag Point District Railway. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that, failing the Government exercising its power of purchase, the petitioners are entitled to be paid a rental from year to year so as to cover the interest on the cost of construction of their branch line—the more especially so seeing that it is within the power of the Railway Department to regulate the charge of haulage on the branch line so as to recoup itself in respect of whatever rental may be agreed upon. 17th August, 1880.

No. 302.—Petition of Charles Hoopeb Green. The petitioner prays for land scrip to which he claims to be entitled. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner, having no evidence to substantiate it. 17th August, 1880.

No. 80.—Joseph Hastie. (Second report.) The petitioner petitions relatiye to a claim to exercise scrip under " The Pensioners' Claims Act, 1861." 1 am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for their favourable consideration. 20th August, 1880.

Special Powbes and Contracts Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the Special Powers and Contracts Act, has directed me to report that the Committee has gone through the Bill, and recommends that the same be passed with certain amendments shown in the attached copy. 24th August, 1880. 2—l. 4