I.—l

19

No. 347. —Petition of B. M. Casspin and Others, Auckland. The petitioners state that they are residents in Auckland, in the neighbourhood of the Wellington Hotel, Auckland ; that such hotel has been licensed for the last twenty years; that at the last annual meeting the Licensing Bench took away the said license. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that they cannot interfere with the action of the Licensing Committee. 3rd September, 1885.

No. 336.—Petition of James Graham and Others. The petitioners pray the House will not give effect to the Bill to amalgamate the city electorates. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government. 3rd September, 1885.

No. 281.—Petition of H. G. Valentine and Others. The petitioners are owners and occupiers of land within the railway district constituted under " The District Bailways Act, 1877," and the Acts amending the same for the purposes of the railway constructed by the Waimea Plains Bailway Company (Bimited). They pray that the actual cost of the said railway and of the equipment thereof for the purposes of the guarantee of interest under the District Bailways Act may be inquired into and ascertained; and that they be afforded an opportunity of being heard upon such inquiry. They further pray that they may be afforded such further relief as shall seem meet. I am directed to report that, having examined witnesses, the Committee recommend that the Government cause the actual cost of the railway to be ascertained and fixed ; and that, in any Bill to be introduced into the House, power be given to levy a rate in respect of the actual cost so ascertained. 'Bth September, 1885.

No. 312. —Petition of George Collier, Christchurch. The petitioner states that he had to take over the Deep Creek Contract from Messrs. Clark and Stocks, and that, through delays in progress-payments, he was unable to carry it out. Mr. Clephone joined him; they expended £1,500, and had to abandon the contract. He claims the sum of £1,184 and £250 deposit, which he asks may be refunded to him. I am directed to report that the Committee see no reason to alter the decision formerly arrived at, and consider the petitioner has no claim against the colony. Bth September, 1885.

No. 397.—Petition of Bichaed Willis, Auckland. The petitioner states that he was arrested on his arrival from Sydney on a charge of petty larceny ; that during the time he was under arrest his things were sold by his landlord, by which he sustained great loss. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that, as there is no evidence to show that the police exceeded their authority, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 10th September, 1885.

No. 388.—Petition of William Timms, Wanganui. The petitioner, late a member of the Boyal Marines, asks that his passage-money from England may be refunded to him. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that any claim petitioner has is against the Admiralty and not the Government. 10th September, 1885.

No. 400.—Petition of Thomas Parsons and Others. The petitioners, residents in the Town District of Opunake, pray that land may be set aside for harbour endowments at Opunake. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government. 10th September, 1885.

No. 405.—Petition of W. S. Mosley and Others. The petitioners, electors of Mataura Biding, County of Bruce, ask that the Island of Inch-Clutha may be added to the Electoral District of Bruce. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government. 10th September, 1885.

No. 396. —Petition of William G. Garrard, Auckland. The petitioner, one of the unemployed, asks for further consideration from the Government for himself and others. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make in this matter. 10th September, 1885.