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of William Burke and Others, South Dunedin ; Michael Cunningham and Others, Taranaki; James Mcßeidge and Others, Queenstown ; James Mahoney and Others, Tauranga; Chaeles H. Kirk and Others, Wanganui; W. B. Purton and Others, Oamaru ; Thomas Keane and Others, Geraldine; John Power and Others, Taranaki; R. T. Stewaet and Others, Nelson ; and Bridget Lynch and Others, Hokitika. The petitioners, Roman Catholics, pray for justice and equity in the matter of education. I am directed to report- that the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House on the subject-matter of these petitions. 16th October, 1884.

No. 189, Sess. II.; No. 190, Sess. II.; No. 191, Sess. II.; No. 192, Sess. II.; No. 193, Sess. II.; No. 194, Sess. II.; No. 195, Sess. II.; No. 196, Sess. II.; No. 197, Sess. 11. ;• No. 198, Sess. II.; No. 199, Sess. 11. ; No. 200, Sess. II.; No. 201, Sess. II.; No. 230, Sess. II.; No. 307, Sess. II.; and No. 308, Sess. ll.—Petitions of John Joyce and Others, Loburn ; D. Macnamaea and Others, Brackenbridge; D. Condon and Others, Oxford ;J. Lampila and Others, Kaikoura; T. Roach and Others, Waikari; W. Boueke and Others, Kaiapoi; J. McKenna and Others, Rangiora; J. McNamaea and Others, Wellington ; P. McGuinness and Others, Timaru; C. Reaedon and Others, Napier; T. Calnan and Others, Westport; H. Sweeney and Others, Hastings; J. Cleaey and Others, Meanee ; J. Healey and Others, Blenheim; T. Minogue and Others, Hutt; and P. Keeeigan and Others, Wellington. The petitioners, Roman Catholics, pray for justice and equity in education matters. I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House on the subject-matter of these petitions. 16th October, 1884.

No. 38, Sess. I. —Petition of Robeet Paul Hodge, Auckland. The petitioner states that he was contractor for a bridge across Mongonui-Oruaiti River; that he built it according to the specifications, but not according to plan; that the bridge was raised sft. 9in. He prays that redress may be awarded him. I am directed to report that the Committee, having examined the plans and papers, and an officer of the Public Works Department, are of opinion that the department should inspect the bridge, with a view of ascertaining definitely whether it is higher than provided for by the plans and specifications ; and, if so, that the Committee consider Jhe petitioner is entitled to such consideration as the department thinks would meet the case. 21st October, 1884.

No. 373, Sess. ll.—Petition of Alexandee Stitt, Westport. The petitioner states that he was contractor for four sections of the Westport and Reefton Road, in 1874; that there were large slips on the road, after it was completed, which the Engineer insisted he should clear away, which he did, at a cost of £1,560 ; that he was awarded £800, but only received £620. He prays that £180 may be placed on the Estimates to meet his claim. I am directed to report that, as there seems to be some doubt as to the basis on which the damage was assessed at £800, the Committee refer the matter to the Minister for Public Works, with the view of further investigating the petitioner's claim, and making such settlement as he thinks may meet it. 21st October, 1884.

No. 439, Sess. ll.—Petition of H. J. Shand and Others, Maungatua. The petitioners, ratepayers and settlers of the District of Maungatua, Henley, and Otakia, pray for the erection of a bridge across the Taieri Eiver, at some suitable place between the present bridges at Grey town and Henley. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st October, 1884.

No. 393, Sess. ll.—Petition of Heney Little and Others, Otago. The petitioners, members of the agricultural and pastoral associations of New Zealand, state that, as the Government has hitherto given very little assistance to the agricultural associations, they pray that the Government would take into consideration the desirability of reducing or abolishing the rates on stock sent to the various shows, and of granting free passes to gentlemen travelling as judges. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st October, 1884.

Nct. 445, Sess. ll.—Petition of James McLaeen -and Others. The petitioners, residents of the County of Maniototo, pray for the construction of the Otago Central Eailway as far as Taieri Lake. No. 458, Sess. ll.—Petition of J. Hall and Others. The petitioners, inhabitants of Hawkesbury, pray the Government to take steps for the formation of a ship-harbour at Waikouaiti.