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No. 215.—John McArthur and other Ratepayers, Amuri District. The petitioners pray for a refund of moneys expended by them in road-making. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make to the House on the subject-matter of this petition. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 217. —Father McDonald and Others. No. 221.—M. D. O'Hara and Others. No. 222.—Father Fynes and Others. No. 224.—Father Kelly and Others. No. 231. —Catholics of Panmure and Howick. No. 236.—D. Lynch and Others. No. 237.— J. D. O'Dwyer and Others. The petitioners pray for certain amendments in the Education Act. I am directed to report that the subject-matter of these petitions being a question of public policy, the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 214.—W. A. Low and Others. No. 227.—M. Morton, Chairman of the Kakanui Harbour Board, and Others. The petitioners pray for assistance towards certain local works. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the subject-matter of these petitions are matters for the consideration of the Government. 2nd October, 1878. No. 234. —Donald Cameron. The petitioner states that in January, 1877, he entered into a contract with the Postal Department for the delivery of the mail by four-horse coach between Hokitika and Greymouth, for the term of two years. That the passenger traffic by his coach was injuriously affected by the opening of the tramway between Kumara and Greymouth in May, 1877. He prays that his case be taken into consideration, and relief given him. From the evidence taken by the Committee, it appears that petitioner applied in June, 1877, to be relieved from the coach service between Kumara and Greymouth • au application it appears was made to the department, and, under the circumstances, it was inclined to agree to it, on provision being made for the conveyance of the mails by the Tramway Company. Mr. Cameron failed to make any arrangement until November, 1877, when the Government relieved him of that part of his contract. I am directed to report that the Committee, having made inquiry into the petitioner's case, is of opinion that he is not entitled to compensation for alleged losses in carrying out his mail contract. • 2nd October, 1878.

No. 240.— J. Watson aud Other Licensed Victuallers, Otago. The petitioners pray that the Bill imposing a tax on beer may not become law. I am directed to report that the subject-matter of this petition being one of public policy, the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 242. —Borough Council of Gisborne, Cook County Council, and 389 Electors. The petitioners pray for the construction of certain public works. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the subject-matter of the petition is a question of policy as to the construction of public works, which the Government should consider and deal with. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 247. —Hugh Kennedy and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners pray that " The Education Act 1877 Amendment Act, 1878," may not become law. I am directed to report that the subject-matter of this petition, being a question of public policy, the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House. 2nd October, 1878.

No. 249. —Francis Mander and Others (No. 2). The petitioners pray for assistance in forming roads iv their district. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the subject-matter of this petition is oue for the County Council to deal with. The Committee has therefore no recommendation to make to the House. 2nd October, 1878.