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No. 432.—Petition of Chables Connelly. The petitioner states that he served in the Opotiki Cavalry Corps from December, 1868, to June, 1874> and claims to be entitled to scrip or grant of land^after five years' service. He submitted his claim to the Volunteer Land Claims Commission, by whom it was rejected, and he now prays that the land may be granted. I am directed to report: That the case of the petitioner, having already been dealt with by the Naval and Military and Local Forces Land Claims Commission, this Committee see no reason to reopen the case. 30th August, 1882.

No. 155.—Petition of James Mclntyee and Others (Report No. 2). The petitioners state that they are owners of certain properties at Onehunga, and that the construction of the railway deprived them of their water-frontages. They pray that they may be granted a right-of-way through a piece of Government land at the rear of their premises. lam directed to report: That the Committee is unable to recommend that the prayer of the petition be granted. 30th August, 1882.

The Special Powees and Conteacts Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honor to recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments as shown upon the copy of the Bill hereto attached. 30th August, 1882.

No. 462.—Petition of Joseph Packman and Others. The petitioners are deferred-payment selectors and agricultural settlers in the Provincial District of Otago, and they complain of the harsh conditions upon which their land is held. They pray for relief. lam directed to report: That the case of the petitioners is deserving consideration at the hands of the Legislature, so as to enable them to fulfil their engagements. 31st August, 1882.

No. 459. —Petition of James McGeegoe and Another. The petitioners state that although they were both born in the colony, they have never received a grant of land and they pray for relief. lam directed to report: That petitioners have no claim. 31st August, 1882.

No. 421.—Petition of David Coemack and Others. The petitioners, who are residents of the Borough of Roxburgh and Teviot and James Ridings, state that the Mount Benger Commonage is within the control of the Tuapeka County Council, which has not acted impartially in regard to it; and that, owing to the County Council's mismanagement, stockowners have been compelled to dispose of their stock at a sacrifice. They therefore pray that the Mount Benger Common may be withdrawn from the control of the county and vested in local trustees, the management being directed by a committee to be elected annually from among the residents of the district. lam directed to report: That the petition be referred to the Government, with a recommendation that enquiry be made into the merits of the case, and such action taken as may be deemed necessary. 31st August, 1882.

No. 463.—Petition of P. J. Paesons and Others. The petitioners state they are the owners of properties adjoining Railway Reserve No. 376, near Sefton, and they complain that, owing to the reserve having become overgrown with gorse, the resort of rabbits and stray cattle, it has become a source of;'annoyance and expense to them. They pray that they may be allowed to purchase the reserve, which they are prepared to plant with trees. I am directed to report : That the petition be referred to the Government, with a recommendation that inquiry be made into the merits of the case, and such action taken as may be deemed necessary. 31st August, 1882.

No. 456. —Petition of W. H. Skinnee. The petitioner states that he joined the Taranaki Volunteers in 1859, and served throughout the Taranaki war, and that he lost his eyesight through exposure during service, for which he received a pension. He served over six years, and received the New Zealand War Medal. Owing to the loss of his sight he was unaware that scrip was granted instead of land. The Volunteer Land Commission rejected his claim on the ground that it was not sent in in time. He prays for relief. lam directed to report: That, the case of the petitioner having already been dealt with by the Naval and Military and Local Forces Land Claims Commission, this Committee see no reason to reopen the case. 31st August, 1882.