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have been made by the owners to clean infected sheep, operates harshly upon many of the occupiers of the aforesaid land; they suggest the discretion so vested should be vested in the Court hearing the information, and not leave in the hands of the Inspector the almost absolute power of saying whether or not the said persons should be fined. They pray the House will grant them relief. lam directed to report: The Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 23rd August, 1882.

No. 343.—Petition of James Flood and Others, Settlers of Port Underwood (No. 2). The petitioners request that the House will not comply with the application of certain petitioners resident in Picton, that a sum of money be placed on the estimates for making a road from Picton to Port Underwood, as it is neither desirable nor practicable, as there is already a sufficient track for driving^cattle, and regular communication with Blenheim, Wellington, and Picton by water. lam directed to report: The Committee strongly recommend the request of the petitioners to the favourable consideration of the House. 24th August, 1882.

No. 177.—Petition of Maey Ann Doean, "Wellington. The petitioner states that she is the widow of John Doran, late of Wellington police ; that her husband entered the force in 1861, and remained therein until the reductions which took place in 1880; that he received one year's pay as compensation for such reduction; that her late husband died in October, 1880, leaving her with six children dependent on her. She prays that, in consideration of the nineteen years' faithful service of the late John Doran, further compensation may be granted to her. lam directed to report: The Committee have no recommendation to make to the House in the case of the petitioner. 24th August, 1882.

No. 226.—Petition of Samuel Stevenson, Auckland. The petitioner states that he erected a large house for an hotel, and applied for a license to the Onehunga Licensing Bench ; that the license was refused on the plea that a new Licensing Act was to become law. He prays that the new Act will make some provision for compensation for loss sustained in his case, and that he may apply again for his license before the expiration of three years. lam directed to report: As the subject-matter of this petition is now under the consideration of the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 24th August, 1882.

No. 388. —Petition of John Joseph O'Beien, Auckland. The petitioner states that he contracted with the Government for the Southland Railway and Reclamation contract; that when carrying it out the Native owners insisted on compensation for material taken from the hills, which cost him £150; that owing to bad weather and the encroachments of the sea he suffered great loss. He now prays for relief. I am directed to report: The Committee, having considered all the circumstances of the case, cannot recommend any compensation, but recommend remission of penalties if the Government is satisfied with the execution of the work. 25th August, 1882.

No. 346.—Petition of "William Littlejohn and Others, Ohinemuri. The petitioners pray that certain lands may be taken for the completion of the road to Paeroa. I am directed to report: As local authorities have power under the Public Works Act to take land for a public road, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any special recommendation in this case. 28th August, 1882.

No. 437.—Petition of Kileiknie Highway Boaed. The petitioners pray that the Karori-Makara Riding of the Hutt County may be divided into two ridings, to be called the Karori Riding and the Kilbirnie Riding. lam directed to report: The Committee are of opinion that the Counties Act provides for the division of ridings, but if the provisions are not satisfactory there is an amending Act before the House ; the alterations can be made with the consent of the House. 28th August, 1882.

No. 415. —Petition of Michael Flanagan and Others, Charleston. The petitioners ask for assistance in aiding them to obtain —what they consider their just rights under existing laws —a water supply for mining purposes. No. 416. —Petition of Chables Woodhead and Others, Charleston. The petitioners ask for the assistance of the Government in meeting the heavy demand upon them for damages and law costs in the matter of a water-supply for the miners of Croninville. lam directed to report: The Committee are of opinion that the subject-matter of these petitions is one to be considered and dealt with by the House. 28th August, 1882.

No. 408. —Petition of Aechibald McKay and Others, Portobollo Road District. The petitioners protest against the passing a Bill for the alteration of the present boundaries of the Portobello Road District.