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Petitioners pray that the reading of the Bible may be practised in the State schools established under the Education Act. I am directed to report, that the subject-matter of these petitions being one of public policy, the Committee does not deem it necessary to offer any opinion to the House. 17th October, 1879.

No. 147, Session I. —Petition of Daniel Henderson Luse. The petitioner prays for consideration for removal from the military service of the colony, without sufficient notice or compensation. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner appears to have lost his office owing to reductions made in the Militia and Volunteer Department by the Government in the ordinary course of administration, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th October, 1879.

No. 17, Session I.—Petitiou of William Morris. The petitioner prays for compensation for alleged loss incurred in carrying out certain contracts on the Eeefton aud West/port Road, County of Buller. I am directed to report that the Committee, having made inquiry into the case of the petitioner, cannot recommend his claim to the favourable consideration of the House. 17th October, 1879.

No. 103, Session I. —Petition of Thomas Gee and other Coachbuilders of New Zealand. TnE petitioners pray for the imposition of a duty on carriages, to protect the industry in which they are engaged. I am directed to report that the matter be referred to the prompt and serious consideration of the Government. 17th October, 1879.

No. 105, Session I.—Petition of Richard J. Feltus. TnE petitioner prays for compensation for loss alleged to have been sustained by him when acting as creditors' trustee in the estate of the late John George Petingale. I am directed to report that the Committee adheres to its previous report upon this case. 17th October, 1879.

No. 123, Session I.—Petition of John Hornby and Others, of Marlborough. Petitioners pray for a re-imposition of the timber duty, to protect the timber trade generally. I am directed to report that the matter be referred to the prompt aud serious consideration of the Government. 17th October, 1879.

No. 35, Session II. —Petition of John Speedy. The petitioner prays for compensation for services performed during Native disturbances at the Hutt about the year 1843. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make to the House in petitioner's case. 21st October, 1879.

No. 60, Session I. —Petition of James Wright. The petitioner prays for Volunteer remission scrip of the value of £30, for services rendered in the Pukekohe Rifle Volunteers. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to his claim for issue to him and exercise of Volunteer remission scrip, as " The Crown Lands Act, 1877," extended the period for exercise of scrip to April, 1879. 21st October, 1879.

No. 111, Session I. —Petition of Margaret Masters. The petitioner prays for the maximum gratuity authorized under " The Civil Service Act, 1866," for special service of her late husband. I am directed to report that, the provisions of the Civil Service Act applying to the petitioner's case having been complied with by the Government granting a gratuity of twelve months' pay, the Committee has no recommendation to make to the House. 21st October, 1879,