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I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petitioner be paid £100 as an allowance for the term of provincial service, and for the leave of absence on full pay, of which it appears only one month had been paid, to which the petitioner's late husband was entitled. 19th September, 1881.

No. 115. —Petition of James Patebson, of Dunedin. The petitioner states that he was, until the 4th January, 1881, in the employ of the Railway Department, in which service he had been continually for three years; that on the above date his services were dispensed with. He therefore prays that inquiries may be made into the circumstances of his case, and that the House will grant him relief. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner's grievance is one of a departmental character, with which the Committee do not consider it would be desirable to interfere; but would point out to the Government the necessity of stopping the practice of giving certificates of competency to officers who have been dismissed because they have not performed their duties satisfactorily 20th September, 1881.

No. 226.—Petition of E. Fitzpateick and Others. The petitioners state that a ferry has been established across the Waipa River at Ngaruawahia, and pray that the road may be opened through the district by bridging the creeks or doing other necessary work. I am directed to report the Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government. 20th September, 1881.

No. 256. —Petition of William Caepentee and Others (No. 2). The petitioners pray that the record of the proceedings of the Committee on the Christchurch Election be erased from the Journals of the House. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make on the subjectmatter of this petition. 20th September, 1881.

No. 264. —Petition of E. F Jenkins and Others, of Christchurch. The petitioners pray for an inquiry into the existing state of affairs with regard to the Canterbury Engineer Volunteers. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government in order that the inquiry the petitioners pray for may be made. 20th September, 1881.

No. 268.—Petition of J A. 0. Gibbes. The petitioner states that he was lately an Assistant-Engineer in the Public Works Department; that he joined the service in 1874 ; and that in November, 1880, he received intimation that his services would be dispensed with after the 31st January, 1881; and that his services were so dispensed with on the ground "of reductions in every possible direction." He prays the House will grant him relief. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim for loss of office. 20th September, 1881.

No. 189.—Petition of F C. Deans and Others. The petitioners pray that the Highway District of Parawai be incorporated into and form a ward of the Borough of Thames. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government. 20th September, 1881.

No. 296. —Petition of County Council and Others, of Amuri. The petitioners ask that a sum may be placed on the estimates to provide for the construction of a bridge across the River Wairau at a point known as the Upper Ferry I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government. 20th September, 1881.

No. 310. —Petition of William Feasek, of Tararua. The petitioner states that in June, 1879, he was accused of unfair card-playing at the Northern Club Auckland; that in consequence he resigned his appointment as Warden and Resident Magistrate for Thames and Coromandel Districts. He has since asked for an inquiry into this matter, in order that he might be restored to his position in the Civil Service, and that no inquiry has been made. He prays the House will grant him an inquiry or grant him relief. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make to the House on the subject-matter of the petition. 20th September, 1881.