I.—l.

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I am directed to report, that your Committee have taken the evidence of the Hon. Mr. Holmes, the Hon. Mr. Miller, and the Hon. Mr. Shrimski, members of the Legislative Council, and Mr. Hislop, Mr. Duncan, and Mr. J. McKenzie, members of the House of Eepresentatives, and have been requested to take the evidence of a large number of other persons. This would involve considerable expense, and occupy more time than your Committee can give to the matter. They would therefore refer the petition and evidence to the Government, in order that such steps may be taken as they may consider desirable under the circumstances. 6th July, 1886.

No. 172. —Petition of John Meacheam and Others, Woodville. The petitioners state that manifest injustice has been done by reason of a decision of the Supreme Court in November, 1885, in a case in which F. J. Bradbury, contractor, was plaintiff, and the Woodville Eoad Board defendant. They pray that the matter may be referred back to the said Court for revision. I am directed to report that, as the Committee are advised that the Government have no power to grant the request made, they have no recommendation to make. 6th July, 1886.

No. 71.—Petition of Henry Baucke, of Wellington. The petitioner states that he has rendered his account to the Government for losses sustained ; and prays that his long-standing claim may be settled. I am directed to report that this Committee can see no reason to alter the decisions arrived at by the many successive Committees which have reported on this case. '6th July, 1886.

No. 236.—Petition of Sergeant-Major Stevens, of Dunedin. The petitioner states that he was appointed Sergeant-Instructor of Militia in 1863; that he was severely injured while on duty; that he is now seventy years old, and has become paralysed. He prays for a small pension. I am directed to report that the Committee can see no reason to depart from the decision arrived at last year. 6th July, 1886.

No. 302. —Petition of Samuel Hood, of Auckland. The petitioner states that in December, 1873, he undertook, and performed to the satisfaction of the Native population, the duties of Native medical attendant for the Waimate District, until November, 1874; that the salary ordinarily attached to the said office was £120 per annum ; that he only received £10, and is therefore entitled to £110. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that this Committee can see no reason to depart from the decision arrived at by the Committee in 1875. 7th July, 1886.

Nos. 272, 284, 285, and 307. — Petitions of William Marshall and Others, Andrew Mackay and Others, Andrew Cameron and Others, and James Kirkland and Others. The petitioners pray that measures may be taken to secure the daily reading of the Bible in public schools. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 7th July, 1886.

No. 289. —Petition of George Thompson and Others. The petitioners pray that the Contagious Diseases Act may be repealed, and the age of consent raised to eighteen years. I am directed to report that, as a Bill dealing with the subject-matter of the petition is now before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 7th July, 1886.

No. 274.—Petition of J. Winks and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners pray that the loop-line of railway to Penrose may be constructed by way of Parnell, without delay. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th July, 1886.

No. 290.—Petition of W. H. Cooper and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners pray that the House will pass an Act this session to readjust the representation of the people. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, 7th July, 1886,