I.—l

4

No. 56, Session ll.—Petition of TnoMAS le Fever Harcourt. The petitioner prays for a grant of laud in consideration of passage-money paid on account of himself and family in England. I am directed to report that, petitioner having neglected to secure the certificate of the AgentGeneral necessary to obtain a grant of land, the Committee cannot recommend his claim to the favourable consideration of the House. 21st October, 1879.

No. 149, Session I. —Petition of John Mackay. The petitioner prays for a grant of money on behalf of his children, in the event of his having to retire from the Government service. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the petitioner's claim to the favourable consideration of the House. 21st October, 1879.

No. 13, Session II. —Petition of John Tregear and Others, of Nelson. The petitioners pray that the publicans' license fees in Nelson may be reduced to the same rate as those in Otago. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition is now before the House, the Committee does not deem it necessary to make any recommendation. 21st October, 1879.

No. 2, Session ll.—Petition of JonN Mander. The petitioner prays for consideration for services alleged to have been performed in carrying the mail between Papakura and Wairoa during the Maori war, in 1863. I am directed to report that, as it appears the petitioner's case was inquired into by a Commission appointed by the Government, the Committee sees no sufficient reason to reopen the case. 21st October, 1879.

No. 44, Session II. —Petition of James Hickey. The petitioner prays for a grant of land, to which he alleges he is entitled for himself and on account of his brother who is dead. I am directed to report that, as it appears from the report of the Under Secretary for Defence that the petitioner and his brother deserted from the force before their term of service expired, the Committee considers petitioner has no claim for consideration. 21st October, 1879.

No. 119, Session I. —Petition of Major Murray and Others, of Thames Scottish Volunteer Force. The petitioners pray for consideration for the case of Peter McGregor, a cadet of the Thames Scottish Volunteer Force on the Thames, who was accidentally shot in the wrist by one of his comrades, after prize-firing, on the 14th March, 1879. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the accident to the cadet, McGregor, was the result of carelessness on the part of the cadets after being engaged in rifle-practice. The Committee cannot, therefore, recommend any recompense or redress; but draw the attention of the Government to the fact that cadets are allowed to take part in rifle-practice at the butts before they are properly taught to load a rifle. 21st October, 1879.

No. 55, Session II. —Petition of Michael Monaghan. The petitioner prays for compensation, he having retired from the police force of the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the claim of th 6 petitioner to the favourable consideration of the House. 21st October, 1879.

No. 58, Session II.—Petition of James Williams. The petitioner prays for a grant of land for services in the colonial forces. I am directed to report that the Committee, having made inquiry into the petitioner's case, cannot recommend his claim to the favourable consideration of the House. 21st October, 1879.

No. 14, Session ll.—Petition of Hop-growers of Nelson. The petitioners pray for the imposition of a duty on hops equal to the highest duty imposed in the other Australian Colonies. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of the petition being one of public policy, the Committee has no special recommendation to make, further than refer the matter to the serious consideration of the Government. 21st October, 1879.