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No. 318. —Petition of A. R. Guinness and Others, of Greymouth. The petitioners pray that a bridge may be erected across the Grey River, connecting Greymouth with the Town of Cobden and the District of Coal Creek. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government. 20th September, 1881.

No. 322.—Petition of John CnisnoLM and Others. The petitioners ask that a bridge may be erected over the Mataura River, opposite Strong Creek, and suggest that a competent engineer, unbiassed by local considerations, should be appointed to report on the merits of the sites of Mandeville and Strong Creek. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the matter be referred to the Government. 20th September, 1881.

No. 333.—Petition of "William Hume, of Wellington. The petitioner states that he was a clerk in the Public "Works Department from August, 1879, until 30th June, 1881, when his services were dispensed with without notice ; and prays that the same notice and compensation for loss of office may be granted to him, and that the 10 per cent, deducted from his salary may be refunded to him, as has been done in similar cases. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion the petitioner is equitably entitled to a refund of the 10 per cent, deducted from his salary, but do not consider that he is entitled to compensation for loss of office. 20th September, 1881.

No. 336. —Petition of James Sawyee, of "Wellington. The petitioner states that in 1855 he was appointed coxswain of the Customs boat, and served in different capacities for a period of seventeen years. He prays that his case may be taken into consideration and relief afforded him. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make in the petitioner's case. 20th September, 1881.

No. 343.—Petition of Chaeles O'Malley, Christchurch. The petitioner states that he was in the Civil Service from 1861 until the year 1876, when his services were dispensed with. He prays for compensation or relief. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make on the subject-matter of this petition. 20th September, 1881.

No. 346.—Petition of Bridget Buegess. The petitioner states that in 1873 her late husband, Eugene Sweeney, was killed on the railway at Pukekohi, that at the time of his death he owned seventeen acres of land at Pukekohi; that she has been living on the land for the last nine years; and prays that a Crown grant may be issued to her, or her children, for the said land, as she has been unable to find any living relative of the said Eugene Sweeney I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government for inquiry, with a view of ascertaining whether the petitioner is equitably entitled to the land, and, if so, that it be granted to her. 20th September, 1881.

No. 347.—Petition of E Sayage and Others, of Eaglan. The petitioners pray that a sum may be placed on the estimates for the purpose of building a bridge and opening a road through the Kopua Reserve, the bridge to be erected over Opokiru Creek, and so connect the District of Karioi with the Town of Raglan Highway District. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion the petition be referred to the Government. 20th September, 1881.

No. 350.—Petition of Richabd Davis, of Christchurch. The petitioner states that he entered the office of the Supreme Court at Canterbury, as clerk, on the Bth March, 1862 ; that he gradually rose in the office until he was appointed Deputy-Registrar and DeputySheriff ; that in October, 1879, he was accused of receiving and filing documents without stamps ; he requested an inquiry, but was summoned to the Eesident Magistrate's Court, when fines to the amount of £90 were inflicted he was then deprived of his office. He prays for an inquiry into his case. I am directed to report that inquiry into petitioner's case discloses the fact that the system followed in connection with the stamping and custody of public documents provides no efficient check, and seems to be otherwise an exceedingly careless one. The Committee therefore recommend that the petitioner's request for an inquiry be granted. 20th September, 1881.

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