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owing to said Proclamation he has suffered great pecuniary loss. The petitioner prays for compensation. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the Government. 29th July, 1886.

No. 367. —Petition of Thomas Pepperell, The petitioner states that in March, 1883, he had, in partnership with one O'Malley, a contract on the Wellington-Napier Eailway, called " the Opaki Contract;" that he made every effort to complete the same, but vexatious obstacles were placed in his way by Mr. Connal, the Engineer, and Mr. Oliver, the Inspector; that in December he received notice to complete the contract within four months from date; that the Government took over and completed the contract. The petitioner alleges that he has suffered great loss owing to the action of the Government, and prays for compensation, either in cash or Crown lands. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 29th July, 1886.

No. 200.—Petition of Allan Anderson, of Masterton. The petitioner states that he entered into an arrangement with O'Malley and Pepperell to do certain carpentering work on the Opaki section of the Wellington-Napier Eailway; that he executed said work, which was passed by the Government Inspector ; that he was not paid by the contractors, and when the Government took over the contract it reaped the benefit of the petitioner's work; that he has since received £33 10s. from Government. He alleges that there is still a balance due to him, and prays that it may be paid. I am. directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner's claim has been fully satisfied by the Government. 30th July, 1886. .

No. 357.—Petition of H. D. Vavasour. The petitioner, the Acting-Chairman of tho Awatere Boad Board, prays that certain subsidies due to the said Board under " The Local Bodies' Finance and Powers Act, 1885," may be paid, free from any illegal deductions for hospital building purposes. I am directed to report that the Committee consider the Government are perfectly justified in the action they have taken, and cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner. 30th July, 1886. __

Nos. 395, 396, 397, and 419.—Petitions of T. C. Valpy and Others, William Cunningham and Others, Sarah Harris and Others, and Alfred North and Others. The petitioners pray for the repeal of The Contagious Diseases Act. I am directed to report that, as a Bill is now before the House dealing with the subject-matter of these petitions, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 30th July, 1886.

No. 355. —Petition of Agnes A. Helps, of Waikato. The petitioner states that a pension of £60 was granted by the Government to her late husband, but that he only lived for five years to enjoy it. She prays that a small portion of said pension may be granted per annum to her for life. I am directed to report that, in tho opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the Government. 30th July, 1886.

No. 402.—Petition of John Manchester and Others. The petitioners pray that tile Waimate County may be constituted a separate district under "The Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act, 1885." I am directed to report that, as a Bill dealing with the subject-matter of this petition is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th July, 1886.

No. 379. —Petition of John Godseel and Others. The petitioners, ratepayers of the Duntroon and Hakateramea Eailway District, state that they have been unjustly called upon to pay rates on said line of railway, although the line is not completed, and is of no practical benefit to them. They pray that they may be relieved of the said threatened unjust tax. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th July, 1886.

No. 414. —Petition of John Cawte and Others. The petitioners pray that a sufficient sum of money may be voted this session to construct a drayroad from Havelock to Mahakepawa. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, 30th July, 1886.