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No. 443, Sess. ll.—Petition of Geoege M. Snelson and Others (No. 2). The petitioners, ratepayers of Fitzherbert, in the Manawatu Eoad District, pray the House not to vest in the Governors of the Wellington College the block of land situate within their district. I am directed to report that, as a Bill dealing with the subject-matter of these petitions is now before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 21st October, 1884.

No. 302, Sess. ll.—Petition of Maetin Keippnee, Warkworth. The petitioner states that in 1863 he succeeded in obtaining the Puhoi Block for the special settle" ment of his countrymen, Germans, of whom 366 are settled there; that he has not received any compensation for his services and losses in this matter. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, although the petitioner was instrumental in introducing a number of valuable immigrants, he has not proved that he has any claim against the colony. Your Committee have therefore no recommendation to make. 21st October, 1884.

No. 453, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Geddes and Others, Waimate. The petitioners, ratepayers of the Waimate Eailway District, pray the House to consider the mode of levying the rate by the Waimate Eailway Company, and the circumstances under which the certificate as to deficiency was given. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th October, 1884.

No. 367, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Shabp and Others. The petitioners, ratepayers in the Lincoln District, County of Selwyn, pray for the erection of a railway siding on the Southbridge branch line of railway, known as Ladbrook's, for the reception of grain. No. 469, Sess. ll.—Petition of Duncan Cameeon and Others. The petitioners, residents in the Eakaia and Ashburton Forks Eailway District, pray the Government to take over the said line of railway. I am directed to report that the Committee are of ..opinion that these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th October, 1884.

No. 329, Sess. ll. —Petition of James Cattell and Others, Wellington. The petitioners state that in 1879 the Government offered certain reclaimed land in the City of Wellington for sale by auction; that the auctioneers, after consulting with the Colonial Secretary, who was present, announced that the Government would make, metal, and complete the said streets; that, relying on this statement, they purchased some of the said land, otherwise they would not have purchased at the price they did ; that the streets have never been made, metalled, and completed as promised. They pray the House will inquire into the premises and grant them relief. I am directed to report that, having taken the evidence of Dr. Newman, Sir G. S. Whitmore, and other gentlemen who were present at the sale, having perused all documents, and carefully considered the circumstances of the case, the Committee agree with the report of the Committee in 1882. They are further of opinion that the Government have alreadyjbehaved in the most liberal manner, and should not grant the request of the petitioners. The Committee think that it is the duty of the City Council of Wellington to keep the streets of the city in order. 24th October, 1884.

No. 323, Sess. ll.—Petition of John McGeegob and Others, Wanganui. The petitioners, ratepayers in the County of Wanganui, pray that the House will not pass the Bill to enable the Wanganui Harbour Board to levy a rate. No. 391, Sess. ll.—Petition of Dybk and Keaese and Others, Wanganui. The petitioners, ratepayers in the Counties of Wanganui and Waitotara, pray that the House will pass the Bill before the House, conferring on the Harbour Board rating powers. I am directed to report that, the matters referred to in these petitions having been dealt with by the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 24th October, 1884.

No. 435, Sess. ll. —Petition of B. Hallenstein, Dunedin. The petitioner, chairman of a meeting of female operatives held in Dunedin, states that " The Employment of Females and Others Act, 1881," has proved a great -benefit to the women and children employed in the work-rooms and factories of New Zealand; "and, in accordance with a resolution passed at such meeting, prays the House to reject the amendments proposed to be made in the Employment of Females and Others Act. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter referred to in this petition having been dealt with by the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make, 24th October, 1884. 3—l. 1.