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No. 21. —John Levy. The petitioner prays that he be allowed a remission of duty on whiskey used by him in the manufacture of vinegar, provided that the whiskey is rendered unfit for use as a beverage, by adding eleven gallons of water and one gallon of vinegar 10 each gallon of whiskey. The Committee has taken the evidence of Dr. Hector on the subject, and he states that spirit diluted with water and vinegar as proposed can be rectified by distillation by the addition of soda, and there is no method known that will prevent spirit being used as spirit without affecting the quality of vinegar made from it. I am directed to report that, from inquiry made by the Committee, it appears there is no process known by which whiskey can be spoiled for use, which would at the same time admit of its being used in the manufacture of vinegar. The Committee cannot, therefore, recommend the prayer of the petitioner to the favourable consideration of the House. "2nd October, 1878.

No. 24.— J. S. Craig. The petitioner says that his claim for consideration on account of loss sustained by him in consequence of drawing the attention of authorities to irregularities practised in the Engineer Volunteer Militia Corps, in 1875, be inquired into, and relief afforded. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the same consideration be given to the petitioner, on account of his expenses and loss of time, as was given to Messrs. Small and Barlow for their action in the same case, and that the Government be recommended to give effect to this resolution. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 31. —Robert Atkinson. The petitioner, who has been dismissed from the Customs Department in consequence of not reporting irregularities committed by a superior officer, prays that his case may be reconsidered. I am directed to report that the Committee, having again taken the case of the petitioner into consideration, is of opinion that the petitioner has been sufficiently punished for the offence committed, and recommends the Government, if opportunity offers, to give him employment in some other branch of the public service. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 33.—Edward Lambert. The petitioner prays that the House will take into consideration the circumstances of his being discharged from the Militia and Volunteer Department without due notice, and afford him relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make in the petitioner's case. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 34. —James Smith and other Members of the Thames Scottish Rifle Corps. The petitioners state that on joining the force " The Volunteer Land Act, 1865," was in operation, by which they would become entitled at the end of five years' service as efficient Volunteers to £30 remission certificate in the purchase of land ; that on the passing of " The Waste Lands Act, 1876," this provision was repealed, and their rights not preserved. They pray that the conditions and privileges under which they joined be maintained. lam directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that all rights to claims for remission certificates on completion of five years as a Volunteei*, aud which had been partially completed before " The Waste Lauds Administration Act, 1876," was brought into operation, should be maintained, and not limited to the three years' service already given as provided by the said Act; and that the Government be recommended to give effect to this resolution. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 43. —Auckland Shipbuilders and Shipowners. The petitioners state that the present system of levying light dues and pilotage fees operates oppressively on the local shipping, and they pray that the whole system be revised w-ith a view to giving relief to the shipping trade. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matters of this petition are questions of public policy, the Committee do not deem it desirable to make any specific recommendation, further thau to refer the petition to the consideration of the Government. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 50.— H. A. Clery. The petitioner states that in June, 1875, when on duty at the Volunteer rifle butts, he was accidentally shot in the left shoulder, which resulted in depriving him almost entirely of the use of his left arm. In consideration of such loss he was employed by the Government up to