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No. 290, Session ll. —Petition of Arthue Thomas and Others, of the County of Wallace. The petitioners pray that the " The Counties Act, 1876," maybe so amended that it may be competent for part of a Road district to merge in the county within which it is situated, in the same manner as an entire Road district may so merge. I am directed to report that, as there is a Bill now before the House to amend the Counties Act, the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion on the subject-matter of the petition.| Ist December, 1879.

Nos. 220, 226, 269, Session II. —Petition of William McGilliveay; John Lyttle and Others, of Fairfax; and Thomas Douglas and Others, of Waihola. TnE petitioners pray for buoys to be placed on the Brampton Reef and Whale Rock, on the Northern Coast of the North Island ; for local self-government, in the way of public works, and for the establishment of Township Improvement Boards, respectively. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitions be referred to the Government. Ist December, 1879.

No. 289, Session II. —Petition of Albeet Talbot and other Telegraph Operators. The petitioners pray that the House will take into consideration the allegations of their petition, with a view to redressing or remedying the grievances alleged to exist in the Telegraph Department. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the grievance complained of by the petitioners is one for the Government to deal with. Ist December, 1879.

No. 248, Session ll.—Petition of Chaeles H. Swaine and Others, of Tapanui. The petitioners pray for relief from the payment of the sheep-tax. I am directed to report that the Committee has no opinion to offer on the subject-matter of the petition. Ist December, 1879.

No. 238, Session IL—Petition of T. B. Hannafoed. The petitioner sets forth that he broke his leg whilst serving as a private in the 2nd Class Militia in Auckland in 1863, and prays for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony for compensation. Ist December, 1879.

No. 218, Session ll.—Petition of Henry Oldham and W. De Renzie Tuenee. The petitioners allege that they suffered considerable loss in consequence of being called away to serve in the Waikato war in 1863, and pray for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the colony is not liable for contingent losses occasioned by Native disturbances, and cannot therefore recommend petitioners' claim for consideration. Ist December, 1879.

No. 264, Session ll.—Petition of Thomas Murray, James Hunter, and John Summebyille. The petitioners pray for the issue of some Volunteer remission certificates for the purchase of land, to which they allege they are entitled. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist December, 1879.

No. 98, Session IL—Petition of Neil Beaton. The petitioner alleges that he is incapacitated from performing heavy work by reason of harsh and unjust treatment while undergoing sentence in the Auckland Gaol, and he prays for consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government for inquiry and consideration. Ist December, 1879.

No. 283, Session ll.—Petition of J. C. Nicholson, James E. McElyey, Charles C. Pbobebt, and Henry Johnson. The petitioners allege that they were discharged from their employment as warders of the Dunedin Gaol without proper notice, and they pray for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners were liberally dealt with, and have no good cause of complaint. Ist December, 1879.