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I.—l.

I am directed to report that the prayer of the petitioners appears to be a fair and reasonable one; but, as no evidence has been offered by the petitioners to support their statements, the Committee have no recommendation to make, as they are of opinion that the local representatives iv the House should take legislative action if the grievance complained of is widely felt. 7th July, 1881.

No. 46. —Petition from the County Council of Collinqwood. The petitioners state that the operation of the county system has been seriously curtailed by the withdrawal of the subsidies and 20 per cent, of Land Fund, and pray for a revision of the present system of local finance. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition involves a question of public policy, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation to the House. Bth July, 1881.

No. 57.—Petition of John Dunn, of Auckland, The petitioner states that he was senior Warder of the gaol at Auckland, that he served there for seventeen years, and that through failing health he was compelled to resign; and prays that the House will take his case into consideration, and grant him some award. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the petitioner's claim to the favourable consideration of the House. Bth July, 1881.

No. 75.—Petition from the Woekino-men's Club, of 'Wellington. The petitioners state that the Licensing Bill at present before the House imposes vexatious conditions upon clubs, as license and police supervision, and pray that such may not be brought into operation. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition is now before the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any special recommendation. Bth July, 1881.

No. 110. —A. Clements and Others. The petitioners state that Pukukura has been created an additional licensing district without sufficient grounds for doing so, and pray that the House will inquire into the matter and afford relief. I am directed to report that sufficient evidence has not been submitted to justify the Committee recommending any interference with the constitution of licensing districts as provided by law; but if the petitioners have suffered any injury, it appears to the Committee from the evidence that the Licensing Bill now before the House will provide a remedy Bth July, 1881.

No. 117.—Petition from the "Woeking-Men's Club, of Dunedin. The petitioners state that they believe that the Licensing Bill now before the House, if passed in its present form, will have the effect of closing working-men's clubs, and that the clause empowering a constable to enter such clubs will do away with the privacy of such institutions; and pray that the House will take the above into its favourable consideration. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition is now before the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any special recommendation. Bth July, 1881.

No. 118. —Petition of the Faemees Club, Opotiki. The petitioners state that injustice is done to the maize-growing districts of the North Island by the exemption of maize from an import duty ; and pray that the House will impose a duty on imported maize, and thereby place maize-growers on an equal footing with the growers of other cereals. I am directed to report that the petitiou be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth July, 1881.

No. 19.—Petition of Thomas Siioet, of Auckland. The petitioner states that he has suffered loss through the ransacking of his store and hotel by escaped Maori prisoners in the year 1874, and prays the House will take his case into consideration, and grant him relief. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the petitioner's claim for compensation to the favorable consideration of the House. 20th July, 1881.

No. 59.—Petition of John Lamb and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners state that by the Electoral Act of 1879 they are deprived of their right to vote for members of the House of Representatives, and pray that the privilege they formerly enjoyed may be returned. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of this petition being one of public policy, the Committee have no recommendation to make to the House. 20th July, 1881,