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No. 160.—Petition of C. B. Kobin and other Good Templars. The petitioners pray for local option. No. 217.—Petition of the Bishop of Oheistchukch and Others (No. 1) The petitioners pray that certain clauses be introduced into the Licensing Bill. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of these petitions having been dealt with by the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 4th August, 1881.

No. 139. —Petition of "W A. Subeitzky, of Awanui. The petitioner states that one of his sons picked up some articles from the "Janus" wrecked at Awanui Heads; that, although he received permission from the captain to do so, and there was no concealment of the goods so picked up, he was proceeded against and fined. He prays that the House will cause an inquiry into the conduct of the Justices, who tried the case in a vindictive spirit, and return him the amount of fine and expenses. I am directed to report that the Committee find a difficulty in dealing with this case, owing to the impossibility of getting direct evidence during the session, and" therefore recommend the Government to make a searching inquiry into the matter, with a view of ascertaining whether the petitioner has been harshly dealt with. 4th August, 1881.

No. 149.—Petition of Tetjstees of Maungakaeamea Highway Disteict. TnE petitioners pray for an improved form of local government. No. 151. —Petition of W Evans and Others, of Cambridge. The petitioners state that they are in favor of the Town Districts Bill. No. 190. —Petition of A. Beown and Others, of East Gore. The petitioners pray that East Gore may not be constituted a municipality I am directed to report that, these matters being questions of local-government policy, the Committee refer them to the Government for consideration. 4th August, 1881.

No. 152. —Petition of Thomas Black, of Opotiki. The petitioner states that, during the war in 1845, his property was plundered and buildings burnt down by armed bodies of rebel natives, from which he suffered great loss; and prays that his claims may be considered, and compensation granted. I am directed to report that the Committee, having considered this claim, cannot recommend it to the favorable consideration of the House. 4th August, 1881.

No. 150. —Petition of Fiee Insueance Companies (No. 2). The petitioners pray that amendments may be made in the Fire Brigades and Fire Prevention Bill. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of this petition having been dealt with by the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 4th August, 1881.

No. 187.—Petition of the Synod of the Peeseyteeian Chtjech of Otago and Southland. The petitioners pray that the Bible may be re-introduced into the public schools. I am directed to report that the Committee, having made a recommendation to the House on the subject-matter of this petition, have no further recommendation to make. ' 4th August, 1881.

No. 192.—Petition of W G. Eees and Others. The petitioners pray that sheep dogs may not be taxed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the prayer of the petitioners to the favorable consideration of the House. 4th August, 1881.

No. 193. —Petition of C. H. Canham and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners pray that no change may be made in the constitution of the Board of Governors of the Auckland College and Grammar School. I am directed to report that the petition, though purporting to be sighed by 1,274 persons, is in the terms of the Standing Orders informal, as there is not a single signature on the petition itself, the signatures "being on separate sheets pasted on to the petition. Under these circumstances the Committee cannot entertain the petition. 4th August, 1881.

No. 208.—Petition of the Bishop of Dtoedin and Others, Thit the G-aming and Lotteries Bill may pass.