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I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion, from the oral and documentary evidence before the Committee, that the charges made by the petitioner against Mr. Eawson are altogether unfounded, and that therefore the petitioner has no claim against the colony. Bth November, 1884.

No. 185, Sess. ll.—Petition of H. W. Henderson and Another, Auckland. The petitioners state that they have become possessed of valuable rights and interests in certain landed properties in Samoa, of which properties Messrs. W. McArthur and Co., of Auckland, claim to be owners, and are in possession. They complain that the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific not only prevents them from taking possession of the said, lands, but has illegally placed the said William McArthur and Co. in possession of the same, and, as there is no Court of competent jurisdiction in which they can plead their rights to the lands held by them in Samoa, they pray that the House may move the Government of New Zealand to represent their grievances to the Imperial Government, with a view of obtaining redress. I am directed to report that, having taken the evidence of Sir George Grey, and also of Mr. E. A. Sherrin, one of the shareholders of the said company, and having examined the documentary evidence submitted, and it appearing that the question of title to the said lands, as well as the action of the High Commissioner in the matter, are at present under consideration by the Imperial Government, the Committee have no recommendation to make. Bth November, 1884.

No. 305, Sess. ll. —Petition of George Erickson and Others, Orwell Creek. The petitioners pray for a bi-weekly mail. No. 541, 1883.—Petition of J. Tunks and Others. The petitioners pray for a mail service, Tauranga to Te Aroha. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioners. Bth November, 1884.

No. 532, Sess. ll.—Petition of John William Matthews. The petitioner, as legal representative of the late Matthew Price, late Eesident Magistrate at Gisborne, prays that the compensation claimed on behalf of the deceased, or a sufficient sum to pay all claims against the estate, may be granted to him. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. Bth November, 1884.

No. 547, Sess. ll.—Petition of P. O'Leary and Others. The petitioners, Boman Catholics, pray for justice and equity in the matter of education. I am directed to report that the Committee do not deem it necessary to offer any opinion to the House on the subject-matter of this petition. Bth November, 1884.

No. 540, Sess. ll.—Petition of Thomas McMastebs and Others. The petitioners pray for the extension of the local-option franchise to women. No. 541, Sess. II. —Petition of B. Dutton and Others. The petitioners pray that the present Education Act may remain in tact. No. 533, Sess. ll.—Petition of F. Spear and Others. The petitioners pray that the Scriptures may be read in the public schools. I am directed to report that the Committee do not. -deem it necessary to offer any opinion to the House on the subject-matter of these petitions. Bth November, 1884.

No. 551, Sess. ll.—Petition of J. E. Jones. The petitioner prays for consideration, as he is suffering from varicose veins brought on by exposure in Her Majesty's service. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim on the colony. Bth November, 1884.

No. 105, Sess. ll.—Petition of H. T. Salmon. The petitioner asks for compensation for land taken for road from Hamilton to Baglan. I am directed to report that, as it appears from evidence that this case is at present under the consideration of the Government with a view to its settlement, the Committee have no recommendation to make. Bth November, 1884.

No. 13, Sess. ll.—Petition of Henry Baucke, Wellington. The petitioner, who has petitioned the House for many years, states that unless the House will deal with and satisfy his claim he is without remedy in the colony. He prays his claim may be satisfied.