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No. 361, Session ll.—Petition of Harrison Gibson. The petitioner prays for consideration iv consequence of' losses sustained through the action of the Government. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this claim for compensation is one arising only from contingent circumstances consequent on Native disturbances, for which the colony is not liable. The Committee has therefore no recommendation to make in the petitioner's case. 15th December, 1879.

No. 367, Session IL—Petition of H. K. Taiaroa. The petitioner prays that his salary of £100 a year as Assessor may be continued, notwithstanding his being a member of the Legislative Council. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the petitioner's claim to the favourable consideration of the House. 15th December, 1879.

No. 370, Session II.—Petition of Patrick Gorman and Others (No. 2). The petitioners pray that the duty on spirits may not be increased by more than Is. per gallon. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition has been already dealt with by the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. 15th December, 1879.

No. 366, Session II. —Petition of Stephen Dobbyn. The petitioner submits a claim for £32 lis. for loss of time and expenses incurred in consequence of obstruction of the Natives of the Tcpuna District. I am directed to report that, as no evidence has been submitted to the Committee showing that the colony is in any way liable, the Committee has no recommendation to make to the House. 15th December, 1879.

No. 369, Session ll.—Petition of AVili.iam Painton and Others. The petitioners pray for alteration in legislation regarding debtors. I am directed to report that the Committee considers that the subject-matter of this petition is one for the House to deal with. The Committee has therefore no special recommendation to make. 15th December, 1879.

No. 318, Session II. —Petition of John Firth Heatley. The petitioner alleges that he has been dismissed from his appointment in the Department of Justice without reason, and prays for other employment. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make in the case of the petitioner. 15th December, 1879.

No. 389, Session ll.—Petition of Herman W. Tinney and Others. The petitioners pray for remission of toll on the bridge over the Waikato River at Hamilton. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th December, 1879.

No. 386, Session II. —Petition of John McLeod. The petitioner prays for consideration in consequence of losses sustained by having to move his ferry from tho site first fixed, as he alleges, in error by the Provincial Engineer of the Province of Nelson. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition bo referred to the Government for the purpose of makiug inquiry. 15th December, 1879.

No. 381, Session ll.—Petition of John Kentley and Others. The petitioners pray that Kawakawa, Bay of Islands, may be incorporated as a borough. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition has been dealt with by the House, the Committee do not deem it necessary to offer any opinion. 15th December, 1879.

No. 388, Session ll.—Petition of Anderson and Co. and Others. The petitioners pray that buildings for the use of Post and Telegraph Departments be erected, adjoining the present railway station at Waikouaiti.