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No. 9.—Petition of Julia Mansfoed, Wellington. TnE petitioner is the widow of the late Mr. Mansford, District Judge and Resident Magistrate of Wellington. Petitioner states that her late husband left her totally unprovided for, owing to the impossibility, out of the small salary he received until just recently, of making suitable provision; and she prays that, in addition to the sum equal to one year's salary paid by the Government and invested for the benefit of her children, that an additional year's salary be granted to her. I am directed to report that, as it appears twelve months' leave of absence on full pay was granted to the late Mr. Mansford, of which one-fourth was paid, the Committee, after taking all the circumstances of the petitioner's case into consideration, recommend that the balance—viz., £487 10s. be granted for her special use and benefit, subject to the deduction of £222 4s. paid to the late Mr. Mansford, as compensation for loss of office in 1867, but not repaid by him when he was appointed in 1874. The Committee have directed me to report the following resolution to the House as a rider to the above report: "This Committee recommend that the Government should insist upon all persons entering the Government service in future, under permanent engagement, insuring their lives for an amount equal to not less than one year's pay " 30th June, 1881.

No. 18.—Petition of F H. Hbighway, of Auckland. TnE petitioner states that on the 29th November, 1878, he was appointed as a permanent clerk in the Land-Tax Office, Auckland, with a fixed salary, and at a lower rate than temporary officers were receiving; he believes that he has been harshly dealt with, his services being dispensed with while other persons were still kept on. He prays that the House will take his grievance into consideration and grant him relief. I am directed to report, that it appears that the petitioner was appointed temporarily, and that his services were dispensed with when a reduction was made in the office. The Committee do not consider that the petitioner has any claim for special compensation. 30th June, 1881.

No. 66.—Petition from Memeebs of the Namee Working-men's Ci/ue. The petitioners state that they view with alarm the efforts made to carry through the House a Licensing Bill, in which it is proposed to subject clubs to police supervision and the imposition of a license fee; they also state that the evils which it is intended the Bill should cure, that is to say, the existence of " bogus " clubs, will not be effected thereby They pray that the House will take such steps as will lead to the excision from the Bill of proposed provisions complained of. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is under the consideration of the House, the Committee do not deem it necessary to make any recommendation. 30th June, 1881.

No. 63.—Petition of Geoege Smith, of Auckland. The petitioner slates that he was a member of the Armed Constabulary ; that in the course of his duty in August, 1877, he, being a blacksmith by trade, was directed to assist in raising the water-pipe of a well in Cambridge Camp; that the piping broke suddenly, whereby he sustained injuries to his head and spine, in consequence of which he was discharged from the Constabulary with a gratuity of three months' pay He prays that the House will review the decision of the Government in his case, and grant him some recompense for the injury sustained. I am directed to report, the Committee see no reason to reverse the decision of last session on the petitioner's case. 30th June, 1881.

No. 26. —Petition of Dayid Mtllee, of Eoslyn, Dunedin. The petitioner states that his son entered on his apprenticeship as a fitter at the Government Bailway Workshops, Dunedin; that he should be bound to serve for five years ; that he should receive no remuneration for the first year, £1 sterling per week for the second year, and ss. advance every year thereafter, until the completion of his apprenticeship ; that he agreed to these conditions, but that the Locomotive Engineer neglected to draw up the indentures, and that an attempt was made to bring the petitioner's son under the operation of new rules, lengthening the term of service and reducing the remuneration. He prays that his son's case may be dealt with as if he had been serving under the indenture. I am directed to report that, it appears the petitioner has practically agreed to the new regulations by accepting the pay for the first year of his son's services, and as no evidence has been submitted showing a special contract between the Government and himself, the Committee cannot make any special recommendation in his behalf; the Committee are, however, of opinion that, as the engagement of boys nominally as apprentices appears to be loosely conducted, for the future, in such cases, a written agreement be made, defining the terms of service, the conditions, and the rate of pay sth July, 1881.

No. 12.—Petition o£ A. McCokmick and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners state that the control and management of the Auckland College and Grammar School was vested by " The Auckland College and Grammar School Act, 1877," in a Board of Governors, and that, in 1880, the constitution of the Board was altered by the addition of three persons, to be elected by the Senate of the University of New Zealand, and the petitioners pray that the power given to the Senate of the University be revoked.