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1879. NEW ZEALAND.

No. 6. —The Roman Catholic Bishop and Others, of Dunedin. The petitioners pray that such alterations be made by the Legislature in the national system of education so that without impairing the efficiency of public education it may meet their conscientious views, and do them justice. 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. 24th July, 1879.

Nos. 3 and 7. —J. Dransfield and Others, of Wellington, and G. W. Hislop and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners pray, in each case, that certain restrictions may be placed by law upon the immigration of Chinese into the colony. I am directed to report that, a Bill having been brought in by the Government dealing with the question referred to by the petitioners, the Committee do not deem it necessary to offer any opinion to the House. 24th July, 1879.

No. 1. —William Baillie and other Settlers of Okato. The petitioners pray that the Maori prisoners who have been arrested for ploughing may be kept in safe custody until the present Native difficulty is over. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this is a question of public policy, on which the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer an opinion to the House, it being a matter for the Executive to deal with. 29th July, 1879.

No. 4. —Israel Wendel. The petitioner prays for an alteration of the licensing fees for the sale of spirituous and fermented liquors. I am directed to report that, as a Licensing Bill is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make in the petitioner's case. 29th July, 1879.

No. 16.—Edwin Lee. The petitioner prays for compensation for loss of employment in the Militia and Voluntee r Office in the Provincial District of Auckland. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make to the House iv tho petitioner's case. 29th July, 1879.

No. 38.—William Garrick. The petitioner prays for consideration for injuries sustained while employed on active service with the Ist Battalion of Auckland Militia at Otahuhu. I am directed to report that, the Government having given effect to the recommendation of the Committee made last session by making local inquiry and awarding compensation, the Committee do not deem it necessary to make any further recommendation to the House in the case of the petitioner. 29th July, 1879.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS COMMITTEE, (MB. T. KELLY, CHAIRMAN.)