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No 433. —Petition of Sophia Taeawhio, of Eotorua. The petitioner, a guide, states that, owing to the recent volcanic eruptions at Te Wairoa, she has lost her house and home; that she has also suffered so severely through fear as to be unable to do any manual work in order to earn a living, and is now without means of support. She prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the Government. sth August, 1886.

No. 398.—Petition of Michael Collins, of Coromandel. The petitioner states that he has been a member of the Nelson Eifle Volunteers and the Armed Constabulary Field Force; that he was also in the Artillery corps at the taking of Ngatiapa ; that while in charge of Hauhau prisoners at Poverty Bay he received an injury to his knee from which he still suffers. He prays that inquiries may be made, and relief granted to him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth August, 1886.

No. 423. —Petition of E. L. Clark (No. 1), of Auckland. The petitioner prays that certain alterations may be made in the jurisdiction of District Courts. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth August, 1886.

No. 441. —Petition of John Thompson, of Gisborne. The petitioner states that he supplied the necessary data for a scheme for the construction of the Gisborne breakwater; that this scheme was made the basis of a plan under which the works are at present being constructed. He prays that he may receive some recognition of his services, or be compensated by the House. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, any claim which the petitioner may have is against the Gisborne Harbour Board, not the Government. 6th August, 1886.

No. 247. —Petition of H. L. Greer, of Johnsonville. The petitioner states that his son and daughter were committed to the Burnham Industrial School; that they were kept at work when they should have been receiving education; that they were otherwise neglected and ill-used. He prays for a grant of land to make a home for himself and children. I am directed to report that the Committee, having taken the evidence of the following witnesses—viz., Mr. O'Callaghan, M.H.E., Mr. Eeese, M.H.E., Mr. Carson, Mr. Greer, and the Eev. Mr. Habens—are of opinion that there is nothing to prove any negligence or ill-usage on the part of the officials of the Burnham Industrial School, and they therefore cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner. 6th August, 1886.

No. 424.—Petition of F. B. Hughes, of Auckland. The petitioner states that he was discharged from the prison service in June, 1883, on account of ill-health; that his illness was blood-poisoning, caused by the opening of an old drain on the gaol premises; that he is now quite broken down in health; that he received a certain sum as compensation, but the amount was inadequate. He prays for further compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend that any further compensation should be granted to the petitioner. 6th August, 1886.

No. 174.—Petition of William Millar, of Eoslyn. This petition having been referred back to the Committee by the House in order that further evidence might be taken, I have the honour to report that the Committee, having taken the evidence of the Hon. Mr. Bathgate, M.L.C., and Mr. Macandrew, M.H.E., and reconsidered the matter, are of opinion that there is no reason to alter the decision already arrived at. 6th August, 1886.

No. 437. —Petition of John T. Dalrymplb and Others, of Eangitikei. The petitioners pray that a pilot may be stationed at the mouth of the Eangitikei Eiver. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th August, 1886.

No. 442. —Petition of Eichard Billington, of Eaglan. The petitioner prays for certain amendments in the Counties Act. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th August, 1886.