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No. 256.—Petition of Samuel Morrison. The petitioner, late a warder in Dunedin Gaol, prays for compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 28th June, 1888.

No. 202. —Petition of William Packard, of Wellington. The petitioner states that he was appointed as clerk in the District Engineer's office, Pipitea Point, on the 7th January, 1884, at the rate of 10s. per diem; that his services were dispensed with on the 30th April, 1888, on the plea of retrenchment. He prays for compensation—viz., the customary allowance of one month's pay for each year of service. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 28th June, 1888.

No. 250.—Petition of Thomas Wing, of Auckland. The petitioner states that he was appointed pilot at Port of Manukau by the Governor in March, 1857, and Harbourmaster in 1868 ; that he was granted .six months' leave of absence on the Ist November, 1887, on account of ill health, and on the expiry of said leave his services were dispensed with ; that he has been informed he is entitled to £191 12s. sd. as compensation for loss of office. Petitioner alleges that, although at the time of the abolition of the provinces he was paid by the Provincial Government, yet he had received his appointment from the Governor, and was therefore virtually in the employment of the General Government. He prays for further compensation. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no further claim against the colony. 28th June, 1888.

No. 332. —Petition of M. Millar and Others, of Otago. The petitioners pray that " The Contagious Diseases Act, 1869," may be repealed. No. 333.—Petition of J. C. Millar and Others, of Otago. The petitioners pray that the Bible may be read daily in public schools. No. 295.—Petition of J. L. Wright and Others. The petitioners pray that the totalisator may be abolished. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th July, 1888.

No. 218. —Petition of Hoani Euku and Others, of Gisborne. The petitioners, the Ngaitamanuhiri and Ngatirangiwaho hapus, pray that they may be employed in repairing the road from Gisborne to Te Mahanga ; also that a post-office may be established at Te Muriwai. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the question as to the repairing of the road is a matter for the consideration of the local bodies, and that the portion of the petition re the erection of a post-office should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th July, 1888.

No. 34:3.—Petition of J. Webb and Others, of Christchurch. The petitioners pray that the Shop Hours Bill may not be passed. No. 304. —Petition of J. Newdick and Others. The petitioners, ratepayers and selectors of Danevirke, Woodville, and Pahiatua, pray that the Counties Act Amendment Bill (No. 2) may not be passed this session. I am directed to report that, as these Bills are now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make, but would refer the petitions to the Government. 4th July, 1888.

No. 201. —Petition of Thomas Patterson, of Invercargill, The petitioner, a carter, states that on the evening of the 18th September, 1886, he was returning home with his horse and dray through Conon Street, Invercargill, and when attempting to go over the railway-crossing was run into by an express train ; that he was so seriously injured as to be unable to follow any occupation for the support of his wife and nine children; that his horse was killed and his dray broken, causing a loss of £30. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th July, 1888.

No. 331. —Petition of Simon Scott and Others, of Wellington. The petitioners pray that the Shop Hours Bill may not be passed. I am directed to report that, as this Bill is now before the House, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government. 6th July, 1888.