I.—l.

15

No. 263, Session ll. —Petition of Thomas Bateman. The petitioner prays for compensation for having received his discharge from the office of Warder of the Dunedin Gaol. I am directed to report that, having made inquiry into the petitioner's case, the Committee has no recommendation to make to the House. 26th November, 1879.

No. 192, Session ll.—Petition of Edward Henry Power. The petitioner prays for relief in the matter of the forfeiture of a Crown grant in the petitioner's favour for an allotment of land at Clyde in Otago. I am directed to report that, having examined the petitioner and the documents bearing ou the case, the Committee is of opinion that he is entitled to no consideration whatever from the House. 26th November, 1879.

No. 38, Session ll.—Petition of Edward McKenna. The petitioner prays that the House will grant him the same amount of land, 400 acres, as given to all the officers of Her Majesty's army and colonial forces. I am directed to report that it appears from the evidence that the petitioner has not exercised his right to select land in the Province of Auckland within the time limited by law. The Committee cannot recommend his claim to the favourable consideration of the House. 20th November, 1879.

No. 177, Session ll.—Petition of William Jones and Others, of Lower Hutt. The petitioner prays that Parliament will give authority for the books of the Provincial Library of the late Province of Wellington to be used by the various public libraries throughout the Provincial District of Wellington. I am directed to report that it appears, from the evidence submitted to the Committee, that the books of the late Provincial Library of the Province of Wellington are not being properly cared for, and there seems to be no person specially in charge of and responsible for the books. The Committee is of opinion that the books should be placed in the charge of the Geological Department in trust for a future free public library, and that in the meantime the public should have free access to them, subject to regulations. 28th November, 1879.

No. 141, Session I.—Petition of William Bannerman and Others. The petitioners pray that the House will refuse to pass into law any clause or provision that may alter, or limit, or interfere with the rights of the Presbyterian Church of Otago, belonging to the " purchased and acquired estate," administered in terms of "The Presbyterian Church Lands Act, 1866." I am directed to report that as no such Bill as that referred to by the petitioners is now before the House, the Committee does not think it necessary to express any opinion. 28th November, 1879.

No. 253, Session ll.—Petition of J. N. Clifford and Others, of the County of Grey, I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition is informal, and cannot be taken into consideration. 28th November, 1879.

Nos. 304, 305, 308, 307, 308, 309, Session 11. — Petitions of John B. McKay and Others, of Otago ; F. M. Coxhead and Others, of Otago; Isaac Abrahams and Others, of Dunedin ; William Scott and Others; E. H. Lynne and Others, of Otago; and M. Hazlitt and Others, of Otago. The petitioners pray that the House will take into consideration the facts set forth, and will refuse to grant an increase upon the former duty on tobacco exceeding sixpence per pound. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of these petitions is a question of public policy, the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House. 28th November, 1879.

No. 190, Session ll.—Petition of James W. Morton and other Licensed Victuallers. The petitioners pray that a rebate of duty be allowed on under-proof of spirits. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is a question of public policy, the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House. 28th November, 1879.

No. 204, Session ll.—Petition of J. Turnbull and Others. The petitioners pray that an amendment may be made in the Debtors and Creditors Act. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition is now before the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion. Ist December, 1879.