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No 221.—Petition of Geobge Waldock Ell, of Christchurch. The petitioner prays for relief from a great hardship caused by an error on the part of an officer of the Supreme Court. I am directed to report as follows : Mr. Commissioner Conolly reported on this case, "That the Eegistrar and Mr. Hargreaves made a mistake in their reading of the order of the Supreme Court of the 29th October, 1884, and should not have gone behind the settled account to June, 1873; but that this mistake, if it was one, was made in good faith, and not under any wrong influence or from any improper motive." The Committee finds that in consequence of the mistake made by the Commissioner, and in consequence of the petitioner becoming bankrupt, the petitioner was rendered unable to prosecute his claim; and the Committee is of opinion that the necessary steps, by way of legislation or otherwise, should at once be taken to place the petitioner in a position to prosecute his claim, but without detriment to the claims of his creditors. 9th August, 1889.

No. 253.—Petition of A. E. Baeclay and other Members of the "University of Otago. The petitioners petition in support of the Otago University Council Bill, 1889. I am directed to report that, since the Bill advocated by the petitioners is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th August, 1889.

No. 238.—Petition of W. H. Goodwin and other Village Settlers, of Firewood Creek, Ngaruawahia. The petitioners pray for revaluation of their holdings. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th August, 1889.

No. 90.—Petition of Neil Douglas, of Otautau. The petitioner states that he was improperly dismissed from the railway service for alleged insubordination, and that he is unable to obtain further employment in consequence of the refusal of the Hallway Department to grant him a certificate of competence and character. He prays for inquiry into his case, and for production of correspondence thereon in possession of the Bailway Commission. I am directed to report that the Committee, after hearing the petitioner, and considering the correspondence, is unable to make any recommendation in favour of the petitioner, 14th August, 1889.

Nos. 226, 247, 248, 280, 281, and 282. — Petitions of the Kihikihi Town Boaed, Waitbmata County Council, Waihemo County Council, Vincent County Council, Otamatea County Council, and Kaeioi Eoad Boaed. The petitioners pray for such amendment of the licensing law as may transfer to local bodies the powers now exercised by Licensing Committees. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of these petitioners. 14th August, 1889.

Nos. 67, 76, and 275. —Petition of Louisa Edmonds, of Auckland. The petitioner states that she is the widow of the late Samuel John Edmonds, who has repeatedly, but unsuccessfully, petitioned for compensation for the destruction of his cutter, the " Kate," by rebel Maoris at Whakatane in 1865. She prays that the compensation claimed by her late husband may now be granted to herself. I am directed to report that the Committee, having made further inquiry into this case, is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 16th August, 1889.

No. 249.—Petition of the Eodney County Council. The petitioners pray for inquiry into the administration of endowments made for the benefit of destitute children. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the Government should be recommended to institute inquiry into the administration of charitable endowments throughout the colony. 16th August, 1889.

Nos. 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 308, and 359. —Petitions, of Edwaed Best and Others, Heney Cowan and Others, T. B. Hill and Others, T. M. Philson, M.D., and Others, J. B. Butleb and Others, Lucy Hill and Others, Elizabeth Battley and Others, William KEBii^nd Others, L. Mabian Filleul and Others, and A. E. Wilks and Others. The petitioners pray for the repeal of the " Contagious Diseases Act, 1869." I am directed to report that, since there is now before the House a Bill dealing with the subject of these petitions, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th August, 1889.