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Nos. 148 and 149.—Petitions of J. M. Williams and Others and Andrew Reeves and Others. The petitioners, owners and occupiers of land in the Tolago Bay and Waiapu Eidings of the County of Cook, pray that Parliament will not sanction the Gisborne Harbour Board entering into any engagements other than those authorised by section 10 of " The Gisborne Harbour Act 1884 Amendment Act, 1887," or that, if further engagements be sanctioned, the said Tolago Bay and Waiapu Eidings be excluded from the Gisborne Harbour Board District. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 13th June, 1888.

No. 161. —Petition of John Davis Williams, of Auckland. The petitioner statss that he was appointed Depot Master and Superintendent of Quarantine at Motuihi Island in August, 1884, at a salary of £140 per annum; that he retained this office until April, 1888, but was only paid at the rate of £108 per annum, although he repeatedly protested ; that he was dismissed on the 12th April, 1888, without notice. He prays for one month's salary in lieu of notice, and for his alleged arrears of salary, amounting in all to £131 13s. 4cl. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 13th June, 1888.

No. 10. —Petition of Thomas Sharp and Others, of Onehunga. The petitioners state that they have just been discharged at a month's notice from their employment as boatmen in the Manukau Harbour pilot-boat, after having served faithfully for many years. They pray for compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioners have no claim against the colony. 13th June, 1888.

No. 137. —Petition of George Thompson, of Waikato. The petitioner alleges that his two children were improperly committed to an industrial school. He prays for an inquiry. I am directed to report that, as no fresh evidence has been adduced, this Committee can see no reason to depart from the decision arrived at by the Committee of last session. 13th June, 1888. __

No. 510, Sess. 11., 1887. —Petition of William Waugh and Others, of Otago. The petitioners pray that section 10 of " The Eabbit Nuisance Act, 1882," may be amended. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petition should be referred to the Eabbit Nuisance Committee. 13th June, 1888.

No. 163.—Petition of Thomas Henry Walker, of Point Chevalier, Auckland. The petitioner prays for compensation on account of having become blind through exposure while in active service during the Maori war. I am directed to report that, no evidence having been offered in support of the petition, and there being no information in the Defence Office re this claim, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th June, 1888.

No. 174.-—Petition of Charles Kobinson, of Ohinemuri. The petitioner prays for consideration on account of services rendered to the Government in the early days of the colony. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 15th June, 1888.

No. 180.—Petition of S. Eountree and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners pray that the Shop Hours Bill may be passed. I am directed to report that, as this Bill is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th June, 1888.

No. 79.—Petition of Thomas W. P. Smith, of Kaitaia. The petitioner states that in November, 1886, he was employed by the Crown Lands Commissioner at Auckland to convey village settlers and their luggage from Awanui to Takahue ; that he has only received £3 3s. for this work, leaving £60 ss. 3d. still due; that he has made repeated applications for the money, but can get no satisfactory or official reply. He prays that his account may be paid, with interest. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, immediate steps should be taken to ascertain what amount is still due to petitioner, with a view to settling his claim. 15th June, 1888.