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I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd August, 1888.

No. 437.—Petition of John Edwabd Salisbuby and Others. The petitioners, landowners in the districts of Pangatotara and Pokororo, pray that a bridge may be erected over the Motueka River to enable them to cross their stock. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd August, 1888.

No. 410.— Petition of D. McDonald and Others. The petitioners pray that the services of the unemployed may be given to form a road through the Popotunoa Gorge. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd August, 1888.

Nos. 352, 353, and 354. —Petitions of Maby Murley and Others, A. Millab and Others, and Saeah Watson and Others. The petitioners pray that "The Contagious Diseases Act, 1869," may be repealed. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the Government should be requested to bring in a Bill in the Legislative Council this session for the repeal of " The Contagious Diseases Act, 1869." 14th August, 1888.

No. 213.—Petition of Eobebt Macalisteb, of Wellington. The petitioner states that he was appointed to the Civil Service of the colony in 1865 ; that in May, 1874, he received the statutory appointment of Provincial Auditor for Wellington, under " The Provincial Audit Act, 1866," and by warrant under the hand of the Governor ; that he is now informed his services are no longer required, on the ground of retrenchment, and he is thus deprived of what he considers a life-office, through no fault of his own. He prays that his case may be considered. I am directed to report that the Committee, having considered this petition, and taken evidence thereon, is of opinion that petitioner is only legally entitled to the sum of £978 16s. 6d., as provided for by " The Civil Service Act, 1866." 14th August, 1888.

No. 444. —Petition of James Eeid and Others. The petitioners, officers, non-commissioned officers, and members of the Hamilton Light Infantry Volunteers, pray that the Hamilton Volunteer Hall Site Bill may not be passed. I am directed to report that, as this Bill is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th August, 1888.

No. 458. —Petition of Mabianne Scott and Others. The petitioners, residents of Auckland and suburbs, pray for the repeal of section 46 of " The Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1881," and for the abolition of the totalisator. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1888.

No. 454. —Petition of Ambeose Waebubton and Others. The petitioners, residents in the city and suburbs of Auckland, pray that provision may be made for resuming the village-settlement system in the Auckland District. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should bo referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1888.

Nos. 436 and 442.—Petitions of W. A. Donald and Others, and J. S. Simpson and Others. The petitioners, residents in the Waimea Plains Eailway District, pray that the Waimea Plains Railway may be worked in future as a portion of the Main Trunk line. No. 471. —Petition of Chairman of Vincent County Council. Foe amendment of the Public Works Act. No. 468. —Petition of Pbesident of Wellington Women's Christian Tempebance Union. Fob repeal of the Contagious Diseases Act. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1888.