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No. 99.—Petition of Paora Parau, of Gisborne. The petitioner claims payment for stone taken from his land for use in the construction of the Gisborne breakwater. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, as petitioner's claim is against the Gisborne Harbour Board, and the matter is regulated by the Gisborne Harbour Act of last session, this Committee has no recommendation to make. Bth June, 1888.

No. 96.—Petition of Eobert Studholme Thompson, of Normanby, Taranaki. The petitioner prays that Parliament will so legislate as to place the sole administration and control of his children's estate (in the West Coast Settlement Eeserves) in the hands of petitioner. I am directed to report that, in. the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. Bth June, 1888.

No. 94.—Petition of Eobert Simpson and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners, who were employed on Messrs. Irvine and Heath's Ohinemuri Eailway contract, and whose wages have not yet been paid, pray that the amount alleged to be due to them may be paid to them or their appointee. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th June, 1888.

No. 9.—Petition of P. H. Ryan and 54 Others. The petitioners pray that the Education Act may be so amended as to provide for the daily reading of suitable portions of Scripture in the public schools of the colony, with time-table and conscienceclause. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th June, 1888.

No. 124.—Petition of Gerald Peacock and Others. The petitioners, bee-keepers of New Zealand, state that the bee-keeping industry of New Zealand is suffering terribly through the spreading of infectious diseases among bees; and they pray that provision may be made for the official inspection of all domesticated bees, and the compulsory destruction of diseased bees, combs, and hives. 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. 12th June, 1888.

No. 118.—Petition of Henry J. Stace and Others. The petitioners, settlers in and near Port Underwood, pray for the construction of a road over the hill leading to White's Bay. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government. 13th June, 1888.

No. 135. —Petition of Joseph Muir and Others, of Takahue and Mangonui, Auckland. The petitioners pray for amendment of the Land Act with regard to special village settlers. No. 165.—Petition of Alexander Eoy and Others. The petitioners, cash settlers of Balfour and Longridge, pray that relief may be provided for them under the Fair Eent Bill. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 13th June, 1888.

No. 140.—Petition of James P. Young and Others. The petitioners, deferred-payment settlers in Wallace County, pray for revaluation of their lands, and relief from excessive payments. I am directed to report that, as there is a Bill now before the House dealing with the subject of the petition, in the opinion of the Committee it should be referred to the Government. 13th June, 1888.

No. 153.—Petition of Mathew Tansey and Others. The petitioners, perpetual-lease holders in tho Woodville district, pray for a reduction in the amount payable as capital value of their sections. I am directed to report that, as a Bill dealing with the subject-matter of this petition is now before the House, in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government. 13th June, 1888.