I-l

18

No. 202, Session ll.—Petition of William Dale. The petitioner alleges that he, as Trustee of the estate of George Beamish, has suffered loss in consequence of the refusal of the Licensing Bench to grant a renewal of a license for an hotel at Oeo, in the Provincial District of Taranaki, and prays for redress. I am directed to report that the Committee see no sufficient reascn to interfere with the procedure of the Licensing Court in the petitioner's case. 2nd December, 1879.

Nos. 225, 302, 303, Session II.—Petition of Henry Smith and Others, of Ormondville ; Joseph Sovvry and Others, of Woodville; P. S. Guillard aud Others, of Victoria, in the SeventyMile Bush. The petitioners allege that at the time of the abolition of the provinces there was in the Provincial Treasury of the Province of Hawke's Bay a balance to the credit of the province, and that a promise had been made by the Provincial Government to expend certain sums in the construction of roads in the Seventy-Mile Bush to the various settlements occupied by the petitioners. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that these petitions be referred to the Public Accounts Committee. 3rd December, 1879.

No. 270, Session II. —Petition of John Bray and Others, of West Clive. The petitioners pray that a road may be made through the landing reserve at West Clivc. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd December, 1879.

No. 277, Session ll.—Petition of Edward Henry Power (No. 2). The petitioner prays for redress for losses alleged to have been sustained by him in consequence of circumstances arising out of the purchase of his own bankrupt estate. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 3rd December, 1879.

No. 281, Session II. —Petition of Henry Warner Farnall. The petitioner prays for further consideration for services when employed as Emigration Agent for tho colony in Great Britain. I am directed to report that, as the case of the petitioner has been finally dealt with by the House during the session of 1878, the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no further claim against the colony. 3rd December, 1879.

Nos. 293, 294, Session II. —Petition of D. J. Cameron and Others, of Southland; W. B. Scandeett and Others, of Southland. The petitioners pray for the establishment of Township Improvement Boards in connection with County Councils. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that these petitions be referred to tho Government for consideration. 3rd December, 1879.

Nos. 313, 314, 315, Session II. —Petition of F. A. Macedo and Others, of Otago ; John Morrison and Others, of Otago; and E. Nathan and Others, of Otago. The petitioners pray that any increase of the duty on tobacco to be imposed by the House may not exceed the amount of sixpence per pound. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of the petition being one of public policy, the Committee does not deem it necessary to offer any opinion to the House. 3rd December, 1879.

No. 316, Session II. —Petition of Allan McCoekindale and Others. The petitioners pray that the duty on watches, jewellery, and plate may not be increased. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition be referred to the Tariff' Committee. 3rd December, 1879.

No. 319, Session ll.—Petition of Archdeacon Stock and Others, of Wellington. The petitioners pray that bottle licenses may be legalized throughout the colony. I am directed to report that the petition is informal, as there i 3 no signature to the petition as required by Standing Order No. 267. 3rd December, 1879.