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for temporary services only, did not entitle him to compensation as a Civil servant. But the petitioner claims to be ranked as a Civil servant on the ground that he has been required to refund a sum of £1 Bs. paid to him for overtime, and that deductions have from time to time been made from his pay to meet defalcations committed by regular Civil servants. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that, in addition to the £68 ss. Id. compensation already tendered to him, the petitioner is entitled to payment of 3s. deducted from his pay for defalcations by Civil servants ; and that the Government should make further inquiries in order to ascertain whether lie is not also entitled to payment of £1 Bs. paid to him for overtime and refunded. 28th August, 1889.

No. 130.—Petition of Andeew Dunn, of Christchurch. The petitioner prays for compensation for loss of office in the Public Works Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner is not entitlea to any compensation. 28th August, 1889.

No. 291.—Petition of Maetin Hughes, of Invercargill. The petitioner prays for remission of the penalty of £140 exacted for failure to complete a contract within the contract time. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim to consideration. 28th August, 1889. _^

No. 380.—Petition of Hungebfokd and McKay, of Greymouth. The petitioners are the contractors that were employed to construct the North Breakwater at Greymouth Harbour. They state that before this work was completed a large portion of the breakwater, together with the plant and machinery that were being used in the work, was demolished by the German steamship " Gerda," which was wrecked at that spot. They represent that they have thereby suffered loss, which they estimate at £2,480. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioners' claim will be equitably met if the Government will contribute towards their loss the sum of £1,000. 28th August, 1889.

Nos. 391 and 392. —Petitions of James Btjbtt, of Auckland, and Stephen S. Meak, of Hokianga. The petitioners pray for relief from alleged perversion of judgment by the Resident Magistrate at Hokianga. I am directed to report that, having fully considered the case of the petitioners, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th August, 1889.

Nos. 441, 444, and 453. —Petitions of A. Shultze and Others, of Onehunga; John Peahcf. and Others, of Auckland; and Edwin Edwards and Others, of Ohiuemuri. The petitioners pray for restriction of the powers of Licensing Committees. No. 434. —Petition of J. T. Gaklick, President of the Gospel Temperance Mission, Auckland. The petitioner petitions deprecating any restriction of the powers of Licensing Committees. 1 am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these four petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration, 30th August, 1889.,

No. 443. —Petition of James Hislop and Others, of Dunedin. The petitioners pray for the abolition of the property-tax. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th August, 1889.

No 386.—Petition of John Davidson and Others, of Dunedin. The petitioners are the master, owners, and crew of the schooner " Janet Ramsay," and pray for remission of the penalties inflicted upon them for taking seals at the Auckland Islands in the close season. No. 395. —Petition of Hugh Goubley, Mayor of Dunedin, and Others. In support of the former petition. I am directed to recommend that, in addition to the remissions already proposed by the Government, the seal-skins should bo restored to the crew. sth September, 1889.

No. 440.—Petition of James Doeis, of Waikouaiti. The petitioner prays for iuquii^' into the circumstances of his dismissal from the office of Babbit Agent, and for relief. I am directed to report that, as this petition relates only to matters that lie within the province of the Stock Department, this Committee is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Joint Live-stock and Babbits Committee. (Vide 1.-11.) sth September, 1889. 2—l. 1.