I.—l.

8

lam directed to report: From the evidence before the Committee it appears the Government have awarded such compensation as the law allows, and the Committee do not see any special reason why the law should be altered to meet the petitioner's case ; the Committee cannot therefore recommend his claim for a pension to the favourable consideration of the House. 29th June, 1882.

No. 139.—Petition of Alexander Caiens and Others, Dunedin. The petitioners state that they are connected and interested in constructive and mechanical trades promoting inventions ; they crave an amelioration of the Patents Act in lowering tho fees and otherwise simplifying the procuring of patents, by abrogating the necessity of employment of agents, through the use of the post and telegraph offices in assisting both the Patent Officer and applicants for patents ; that clause 3of " Rules and Regulations under'The Patents Act, 1870,'" bo amended in this direction. They pray the House will concede improvements of Patents Act Regulations of last session in this direction. lam directed to report: The Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government, with the view of ascertaining whether the prayer of the petitioners could be given effect to, without adding materially to the cost of the administration of the Patent Office, by appointing an officer of the Public Works or other suitable department in the principal towns to receive and forward applications. 7th July, 1882.

No. 104. —Petition of S. C. Schofield and Others, Thames. The petitioners state that they were enrolled and sworn in by Major Murray, Commanding the Thames District, for active service at Parihaka, the period of service to be two months at least, or until lawfully discharged ; that they were informed the term of service would be for two months certain ; that they were on active service one month, when they were discharged ; that they have received one and a half months' pay, and consider the terms upon which they were enrolled have not been carried out in their integrity, and pray for relief. I am directed to report: The Committee, having considered fully the petitioners' case, are of opinion that they were engaged for two months' service, and recommend that the balance of the pay due for that period be paid them. 7th July, 1882.

No. 13.—Petition of William France, Wellington. The petitioner states that he was sixteen and a half years a member of the Civil Service of New Zealand ; that in the early part of the year 1881 his services were dispensed with, for which he received the usual compensation ; that during the years 1880 and 1881 a sum of £28 lls. Id. was deducted from his salary in consequence of the 10-per-cont. reductions ; that other officers in the Service have had the amount of the 10-per-cent. reductions refunded to them after their retirement, and he prays for a like consideration. lam directed to report: Having made inquiry into the petitioner's case, the Committee find that the departmental reasons assigned for not granting the refund was that the practice of making refunds was entirely discontinued in February, 1881, by express instructions from the Premier. On further inquiry, the Committee find that, since February, 1881, at least forty-four officers who have left the Service have had the 10-per-cent. reductions refunded. Under these circumstances, the Committee recommend the Government to refund the amount claimed by the petitioner, namelv, £28 lls. Id. 12th July, 1882.

No. 175. —Petition of the Mayor of the Thames. The petitioner states that the question of a railway from the Borough of Thames to that of Hamilton has been under the consideration of successive Governments since 1878 ; that a portion of the line has been completed a distance of eighteen miles. He prays that the House will provide for the construction of the whole line from the Borough of Thames to Hamilton. lam directed to report: The Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th July, 1882. .

No. 143.—Petition of "W". McAdam and Others. The petitioners, residents of the Kowai Road District, pray that means may bo taken for the destruction of small birds. No. 149.—Petition of .Tames Barclay and Settlers in Kowai Eoad District. The petitioners pray that means may be taken for the destruction of small birds. No. 150. —Petition of A. D. Greenwood and Others, Kowai Eoad District. The petitioners pray that steps may be taken for the destruction of small birds. No. 159. —Petition of John Cochrane and Others, of Wai mate. The petitioners pray that steps may be taken, for the destruction of small birds. lam directed to report: The subject-matter of these petitions being under the consideration of the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. 14th July, 1882,