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No. 317.—Petition of J. Edmond and Others, of Stirling. The petitioners complain that the newly-elected Licensing Committee for their district has refused to ffenew the licenses of the only two hotels in Stirling, though no fault has ever been found with either of them. They pray for compensation to the licensees, for amendment of the Licensing Act, or for other relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the subject of this petition. 6th July, 1888.

No. 325. —Petition of Mrs. Emilia Johnstons, of Eaglan. The petitioner prays for payment of a sum of £180 awarded to her by the Public Petitions Committee in 1884. I am directed to report that the Committee sees no reason to depart from the decision arrived at on the 25th November, 1887, namely, " That the claim is not one to be entertained by the Government." 6th July, 1888.

No. 187.—Petition of Eichahd Davis, of Christchurch. The petitioner prays for an inquiry into the circumstances of his dismissal from the office of Deputy Eegistrar of the Supreme Court at Christchurch. I am directed to report that ample inquiry has already been made into the petitioner's case, and that the Committee has therefore no recommendation to make. 10th July, 1888.

No. 245.—Petition of John Elatt, of Auckland. The petitioner prays for some consideration for his long service as a domain gardener. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the subject of this petition. 10th July, 1888.

No. 297. —Petition of Bobekt Glen, of Eoslyn. The petitioner complains that he has been dismissed from his employment as a platelayer under the Eailway Department. He prays for relief. I am directed to recommend the petitioner to the Government for employment in any capacity that may be found suitable. 10th July, 1888.

No. 241.—Petition of Edward Herring, of Ashburton. The petitioner alleges that, owing to the improper refusal of the Crown Prosecutor at Timaru to prosecute the charges of perjury laid by the petitioner against James Toner and James Bullevant in June, 1887, the expenses of the prosecution devolved upon the petitioner himself. He prays that these expenses may be refunded to him. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the subject of this petition. 11th July, 1888.

Nos. 348 and 356.—Petitions of W. J. Kirk and Others, of Petone, and H. Hutchens and Others, of Blenheim. The petitioners pray for the abolition of the totalisator. No. 351. —Petition of A. Brown and Others, of Dunedin (No. 2). The petitioners pray for such amendment of the Education Act as will provide for the daily reading of the Holy Scriptures in the State schools. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 11th July, 1888.

Nos. 350, 355, and 374. —Petitions of A. Bkown and Others, of Dunedin (No. 1); V. B. Dodwell and Others, of Dunedin; and Eev. N. D. Boyes and Others, of Waiuku. The petitioners pray for the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Act. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the subject of these petitions. 11th July, 1888.

No. 363.—Petition of E. L. Clark, of Auckland (No. 3). The petitioner prays for amendment of the law which empowers a Judge to discharge a jury for which fees have been paid, without the consent of the party that has paid the fees. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the subject of this petition. 11th July, 1888.