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No. 492, Sess. ll.—Petition of Joseph Maxfield, Auckland. The petitioner states that he is engaged in fish-curing and fish-canning, and further states that he has considerable difficulty to contend with, in the Old and New World fish canneries being allowed to introduce their manufactured articles with only a nominal duty of Id. per lb.; that the Colonies of Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales have imposed a duty of 2d. per lb. on the imported article. He prays the House to act in a similar manner. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition should be referred to the Government. sth November, 1884.

No. 413, Sess. ll.—Petition of B. W. Dudley and Another, Eangiora. The petitioners, president and secretary of the Mandeville and Eangiora Temperance Union, ask the House to refund the expenses incurred by the Licensing Committee of Mandeville and Eangiora in defending an action in the Supreme Court for refusing to renew a license. They pray that the sum of £146 195., which the Committee had to pay for legal expenses, may be refunded to them. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and recommend that they inquire into the legal grounds on which the Judge granted a rehearing of the case. 6th November, 1884.

No. 410, Sess. ll.—Petition of J. H. Shaw, Wellington. The petitioner states that the Legislature, by the repeal of "The Eeprint of Statutes Act, 1878," has done him a grievous wrong in his feelings, his professional character, and prospects, and prays the House to afford him redress. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th November, 1884..

No. 445, Sess. 1883. —Petition of William McKenzie, Carnarvon. The petitioner asks for compensation for injury sustained by a railway accident on the Masterton line of railway in September, 1880, by which he has sustained permanent injury to his arm. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th November, 1884.

No. 467, Sess. ll.—Petition of W. A. Aechee, Wellington. The petitioner prays for compensation for the wrongful and improper dismissal of himself from the Government service as clerk to the Insurance Department. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 6th November, 1884.

No. 460, Sess. ll.—Petition of Geoege Colliee, Christchurch. The petitioner states that in January, 1883, he became one of the bondsmen of the contractors for the Deep Stream contract, and, as such bondsman, had to carry on the works until they were taken over by the Government. He states that he has suffered a loss of £2,406, of which the Government received the benefit. He prays for relief. lam directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 6th November, 1884.

No. 305, Sess. ll.—Petition of Mary Tautaei, Taumarere. The petitioner, widow of Hemi Tautari, states that the railway station has been erected on another site than that originally intended on the petitioner's land, whereby she has suffered loss and is deprived of an approach to the said station. She prays for relief. I am directed to report that, as it appears from evidence that the case is at present under the consideration of the Government, with a view to its settlement, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th November, 1884.

No. 470, Sess. ll.—Petition of John McDell, Auckland. The petitioner, late Warder of Auckland Gaol, prays for further compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 6th November, 1884.

No. 481, Sess. ll.—Petition of Samuel Stephenson, Auckland. The petitioner states that under the new Licensing Act the district in which he resides was partitioned, whereby he lost his license, his property was confiscated for three years, and himself and family brought to ruin. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee consider the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 7th November, 1884.