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No. 70.—Petition of Alexander Smith. The petitioner prays that he be allowed to bring an action for damages against the Government, in the Supreme Court, for claims arising out of a contract with the Government, without his case being prejudiced by tho fact that ho gave a receipt in full of all demands against the Government. 1 am directed to report that, as it appears the petitioner accepted a sum of money in full of all claims against the colony, the Committee cannot recommend his request to the favourable-consideration of the House. 6th July, 1880.

No. 50. —Petition of William Colenso. The petitioner prays that the report of the Public Petitions Committee of 1878, awarding him compensation for loss of office, be given effect to. I am directed to report that, as it appears from the evidence before the Committee this session that the petitioner resigned his appointment after the abolition of provinces was effected, the Committee have no recommendation to make in his case. 6th July, 1880.

No. 4. —Petition of Murdoch McKenzie. The petitioner states that he purchased an allotment of land in the Auckland District, and settled on it; but that he has been unable to obtain a right of road to it, and can only obtain access by passing through the farm of an adjoining proprietor. I am directed to report that from the evidence before the Committee it appears that petitioner has agreed to sell his interest in the land to the adjoining proprietor, who objects to a line of road being taken through his land to the petitioner's: the Committee are therefore of opinion that the petitioner has by his own act settled the grievance complained of. 6th July, 1880.

No. 101. —Petition of Robert Hodge. The petitioner states that he received a pension for the two years ending in 1868, for injury received while in service in the Commissariat Transfer Corps. He prays that the pension he now renewed. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the petitioner's claim to the favourable consideration of the House. 6th July, 1880.

No. 68.—Petition of- John Campbell. The petitioner prays that a deposit made by him of £153, when he tendered for a Government contract, be returned to him. I am directed to report that the Committee consider that the petitioner has no claim, and cannot recommend his case to the favourable consideration of the House. 6th July, 1880.

Nos. 129, 130, 131.—Petitions of A. MacAbthub and Others, John" Chisholh and Others, and Weslet Turton and Others, of Southland. The petitioners pray that a Select Committee be appointed, with power to confer with a Committee of the Legislative Council, to inquire into and deal with the rabbit nuisance question. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of these petitions is now before the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. 6th July, 1880.

No. 141.—Petition of William BridgeMjAN', Mayor of Caversham, and five other Mayors of Suburban Boroughs of Dunedin. The petitioners state that they cannot borrow money to execute necessary public works at the low rate of interest allowed by law, and they pray that more effectual provision be made to enable boroughs to obtain money by way of loan. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition involves a question of policy now under the consideration of the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. 6th July, 1880.

No^ 127.—Petition of Charles Mack. The petitioner states that ha was wrongfully imprisoned on a charge of smuggling tobacco, and prays that the House will grant him compensation"for loss of liberty, peace of mind, and goods. I am directed to report that the Committee have on several occasions dealt with this case, and decline to reopen it. 6th July, 1880.

No. 60. —Petition of the Mayor and Corporation of Napier. Tns petitioners state that they have entered info engagements on the faith that the provisions of the Financial Arrangements Acts of 1876 and 1877 would be given effect to, by which subsidies would be granted for five years. They therefore pray that the subsidy for this year be granted ; otherwise their revenue will be seriously crippled.