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No. 346. —Petition of Charles Dallaston and Another. The petitioners, President and Secretary respectively of the Baptist Union, pray that more stringent measures may be passed for the protection of young women and girls, and especially that the age of consent may be raised to eighteen. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd July, 1886.

Nos. 341 and 371.—Petitions of E. Warnock and Others, and Patrick Mullins and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners pray that an inquiry may be made into the relative advantages and cost in compensation and construction of the Parnell-Penrose proposed route and the Ponsonby-Newton route for a loop-line of railway. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd July, 1886.

No. 120.—Petition of C. Mainwaring. The petitioner states that he was an officer in Her Majesty's Indian navy, and prays for a military grant of land. . . I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd July, 1886. (

No. 235.—Petition of John Falconer, of Oamaru. The petitioner states that by "The Oamaru Eeserves Ordinance, 1865," certain lands were vested in the Council of Oamaru for recreation purposes; that at various times portions of the said lands have been taken for Government purposes; that by Proclamation dated the 20th February, 1886, thirty additional acres for railway purposes were taken; and that the amount taken is excessive, and will render the reserve practically useless. He prays for an inquiry and relief. I am directed to report that, having considered the petition, and report of the department, and having availed themselves of the information of the Hon. Mr. Shrimski, M.L.C., and Messrs. Hislop and Steward, Ms.H.E., the Committee are of opinion that, unless inconsistent with the safety of the public or the convenient working of the railway, so much of the esplanade on the seaward side of the railway-line as is not essential for railway purposes should be returned to the borough, and access thereto afforded across the line. The Committee recommend that inquiries should be made by the Goternment with this object, and that in as far as possible the wishes of the local bodies should be consulted. 23rd July, 1886.

No. 59. —Petition of William Colenso, of Napier. The petitioner states that in 1856 he purchased from the Crown Lands Commissioner Sections Nos 325 327 330, and 331 in the Town of Napier; that Section 331 was a more valuable one than the others, as it abutted on Stamford Street; that the Government took over and closed said street and'he therefore claims compensation ; that the case came before the Compensation Court, when'he was awarded £225; that the Government refused to give him said amount, which was therefore paid into the Public Trust Office and petitioner called upon to prove his claim to it; that he proceeded to do so in the Supreme Court, but judgment was given to the effect that he was not entitled to any compensation, and he was ordered to pay costs in both trials. He has not, however, been called upon to pay costs of the Government in the first trial. He prays that equitable relief Qay i to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 23rd July, 1886.

No. 353.—Petition of B. S. Galbraith and Others, of Eangiuru. The petitioners, leaseholders under " The Land Act 1877 Amendment Act, 1882," state that their land has been greatly damaged owing to the deposit of ashes and dust caused by the recent volcamc eruptions. They pray for an abatement of rent, or other relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion, of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 23rd July, 1886.

No. 356.—Petition of J. H. Bedwood. The petitioner, the Chairman of the Spring Creek Eoad Board, prays that certain subsidies due to the said Board under " The Local Bodies' Finance and Powers Act, 1885,' may be paid without delay free from any illegal deduction for hospital building purposes. _ I am directed to report that, as the subsidies mentioned by the petitioner have already been paid, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 23rd July, 1886.