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No. 215. —Petition of James Davidson Davis, of Auckland. The petitioner states that he is an undergraduate of the New Zealand University ; that being engaged in earning a livelihood during the day, he pursues the required course of study at night, and made application for the necessary exemption from attendance, which is expressly provided for in section 2 of regulation for B.A. degree ; that the Chancellor refused to grant your petitioner's application, and thus made it compulsory on all undergraduates to come to the University for tuition. He prays that exemption from attendance at lectures be granted him on the ground of his being engaged in earning a livelihood during the day, so that after the lapse of the stipulated period of time there may be no bar to his taking the degree of B.A. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner's case be referred to the Government for immediate and favourable consideration. 9th September, 1881.

No. 312.—Petition of Chaeles Feance, M.E.C.S., Wellington. The petitioner states that he was appointed Medical Officer to the Wellington Lunatic Asylum by the Superintendent of the province in November, 1861; that on the abolition of the provinces he wished to lake his compensation, but was retained in office ; that his office was abolished in June, 1881, by the appointment of a Resident Medical Superintendent, when, on application for compensation, he was informed " compensation would only be granted for his services under the General Government," although he had previously been informed " he would be continued in office, and that his services would be continuous." He therefore prays that compensation may be granted to him. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that under the circumstances the petitioner is entitled to the allowance granted for loss of office under '; The Abolition of Provinces Act, 1875." 13th September, 18S1.

No. 188.—Petition of A. B. Jackson, of Greytown. The petitioner states that on the 11th September, 1880, he was a passenger by the Government railway from Greytown to Wellington, and, when ascending the Eimutaka incline, the carriage containing himself and others was thrown off the line into the gully below, by which he was seriously injured and bruised ; that he was for sometime confined to his bed, and for a still further period unable to work at his trade as a saddler; that he still suffers to a great extent, and is incapable of supporting his family as hitherto ; that the Government paid him £20, but that such an amount is totally inadequate to the injury received. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion the petitioner is entitled to the amount claimed from the Government, namely, £147 7s. Bd., in addition to the sum already paid as compensation, in full of all claims against the colony on account of injuries received at the Bimutaka railway accident. 14th September, 1881.

No. 230.—Petition of Elizabeth Pte, of Wellington. The petitioner states that she sustained severe bodily injury and considerable loss and damage to her furniture by the railway accident at the Eimutaka; that she made a claim against the Government for £30, and received a cheque for £5 ; at the same time was informed that it was all that would be given her. She prays that the House will grant her the compensation applied for. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to the amount claimed, namely, £37, less £5 already paid. 14th September, 1881.

No. 231.—Petition of Heuey Haedinston, of Onehunga. The petitioner states that on very many occasions during a period of thirty-eight years, both as a private colonist and military officer, he has been of great service to the Government, and prays the House will take his case into favourable consideration and grant him relief. I am directed to report that the Committee, haying read the petition with much interest, are gratified to find that the petitioner has performed so many valuable services for the colony, but the Committee cannot see their way to recommend the granting of any special reward for such services. 14th September, 1881.

No. 260. —Petition of Eobeet Haee, of Masterton. The petitioner states that on the 10th September, 1880, he was a passenger from Featherston to Wellington by the railway train which met with a severe accident at the liiinutaka incline; that he was seriously injured, and, in consequence, suffered pecuniary losses and privations. He prays the House will take his case into consideration and grant him relief. 1 am directed to report that the petitioner is entitled.to the sum of £80, in full of all claims against the colony, on account of injuries received at the Bimutaka railway necident. 14th September, 1881.

No. 276,—Petition of H. Scott and Others, of Dunedin. The petitioners pray that the House will sanction the passing into law of the Gaming and Lotteries Bill. No. 282. —Petition of W Wilson and Others, of Canterbury. The petitioners pray that the House will be pleased to reject the clauses in The Gaming and Lotteries Bill with reference to the suppression of consultations on racing events.