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No. 65, Session ll. —Petition of John Marsh. The petitioner prays for compensation for loss caused through the narrowing of a street under the provisions of "The Municipal Corporations Act, 1576." I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 17th October, 1879.

No. 55, Session I. —Petition of Gilmer Brothers. The petitioners pray for compensation for losses alleged to have been incurred by them in carrying out a mail contract between Greymouth and Eeefton. I am directed to report that the Committee, having made inquiry into the petitioners' case, is of opinion that they havo no claim against the colony. 24th October, 1879.

No. 31, Session IL—Petition of Edward Henry Lynne. The petitioner prays for compensation for tho loss of a box of valuables alleged to have been placed in the custody of the officer in charge of the luggage department of the railway station at Dunediu. I am directed to report that the Committee, having examined into the petitioner's case, is of opinion that carelessness was shown both on the part of the petitioner and of the railway authorities in whose charge the luggage was for the time being ; but the Committee is of opinion that the colony is not responsible for the alleged loss the petitioner has sustained. 24th October, 1879.

No. 112, Session ll.—Petition of Alfred Gouoh. The petitioner prays that encouragement may be given to the manufacture of grape wine within the colony. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Tariff Committee. 24th October, 1879.

No. 125, Session 11. — Petition of A. G. Howland and other Coach-builders and Wheelwrights, of Christchurch. The petitioners pray for the imposition of an increased duty on buggies, carriages, and all wheeled vehicles, or parts of the same. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Tariff Committee. 24th October, 1879.

No. 81, Session I. —Petition of Henry Newson Brewer (No. 2). The petitioner prays for compensation for services performed during the Maori war of 1863. I am directed to report that, having made inquiry into the petitioner's ease, it appears that he has rendered some exceptional service to the colony ; but, as no official application has been made to the Government for consideration on account of such services, the Committee is of opinion that it is not within its functions to make a special recommendation. 29th October, 1879.

No. 82, Session II. —Petition of Alfred William Rouse. The petitioner prays for an increase of the pension to which he is entitled under " The Civil Service Act, 1866." I am directed to report that the Committee, having made inquiry into the petitioner's case, cannot recommend any alteration of the Civil Service Act to meet his special requirements. 29th October, 1879.

No. 116, Session ll.—Petition of George Graham. The petitioner alleges that his land has been over-assessed under the Land-Tax Act, and prays for redress. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that it is not desirable to review the decisions of the Land-Tax Appeal Court. 29th October, 1879.

No. 34, Session II. —Petition of J. R. Clement and Others. The petitioners pray that their land may be exempt from the operation of the Land-Tax Act, until surveyed. I am directed to report that tho Committee, having made inquiry into petitioner's case, find that the lands in question are partially surveyed, and tenders asked for tho survey of the balance. The Committee cannot recommend exemption from payment of land-tax. 29th October, 1879.