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No. 294.—Petition of William Staveley, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for consideration for services rendered to the colony as a Volunteer and Militia officer. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend that the prayer of the petitioner should be granted. 28th September, 1892.

No. 126.—Petition of Hon. Sir Julius Vogel. (Vide 1.-2b.)

No. 598. —Petition of Eeuben Maetin, of Waimauku. Petitioner alleges that gum-diggers are compelled to sell their gum by the hundredweight instead of by the pound, whereby they lose all the fractions. That the instruments used for weighing are very incorrect. He prays that all storekeepers may be compelled to use Fairbanks machines for weighing gum ; that police officers may be made inspectors of the machines ; and that no person who keeps an hotel may be allowed to be a gum-buyer. I am directed to report that the allegations in this petition are of so serious a nature that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration as to the best mode of remedying the grievances complained of. 29th September, 1892.

No. 599.—Petition of Eodney Town Council. Petitionebs pray that they may be relieved of the unequal burden of taxation imposed upon them.I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th September, 1892.

No. 457.—Petition of A. E. Mackay, of Eangitikei. Petitioner states that his services as a District Surveyor were dispensed with on the 30th June, 1885; that a few weeks afterwards he was appointed Crown Lands Hanger for Wellington and Hawke's Bay at a salary of £175; that it was agreed between the Surveyor-General and himself that on his retirement from the Service he should receive compensation, computed on the difference between his past salary of £325 as District Surveyor and his salary of £175 as Eanger ; that on the faith of this agreement he accepted the sum of £108 as part payment of the compensation due ; that, owing to a disagreement with his superior officer with regard to travelling-allowances he has been dispensed with without compensation. Petitioner prays that the terms of his agreement with the Surveyor-General may be carried out, also that he may receive compensation for loss of office as Eanger. lam directed to report that, as it appears that the petitioner virtually resigned his position as Crown Lands Eanger, and that his services were not dispensed with by the Government, the Committee are of opinion that he is not entitled to any further compensation, but that the question of travelling-expenses should be at once adjusted. 29th September, 1892. No. 21.—Petition of Pahker and Maddock, of Blenheim (Eeport No. 1). Petitionebs, the contractors for the construction of the Dashwood Section of the Picton-Hurunui Eailway, allege that on the completion of the contract the Government withheld, and still refuses to pay, certain moneys to which they (petitioners) are equitably entitled. They pray for redress. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioners have no claim against the colony. 3rd October, 1892.

No. 21. —Petition of Paekee and Maddock, of Blenheim (Beport No. 1). Petitionees, the contractors for the construction of the Dashwood Section of the Picton-Hurunui Bailway, allege that on the completion of the contract the Government withheld, and still refuses to pay, certain moneys to which they (petitioners) are equitably entitled. They pray for redress. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioners have no claim against the colony. 3rd October, 1892.

No. 706. —Petition of Ah Sam and Others, of Wellington. Petitioners, Chinese hawkers of vegetables, &c, pray that that the Pedlars and Hawkers Bill may not be passed. I am directed to report that, as it has beeri decided not to proceed with this Bill, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th October, 1892.

No. 633. —Petition of Coleman Phillips, of Wairarapa. Petitioner alleges that, owing to the action of the Wellington Land Board, he has been put to serious loss and damage. He prays that a Eoyal Commission may be appointed to inquire into all matters in dispute between himself and the said Board. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has not exhausted his legal remedies, the Committee cannot recommend that the prayer of the petition should be granted. 4th October, 1892.