I.—l

8

No. 150.—Petition of William Hollidat. The petitioner states that, while under medical treatment in the Auckland Hospital, his daughters Sarah* Mary, and Alice were committed to the Home for Neglected Children; that his daughter Sarah was sent by the authorities of the Home to service in the Waikato ; that she was detained there against the will of the petitioner, and contrary to law, after the expiry of the term of her committal; that, after her term had expired, and while still in service, her ruin was effected by a Maori. The petitioner considers that he has been greatly injured, and prays redress be given him. I am directed to report that the case of the petitioner appears to be a very hard one; but it is not one the Committee can see their way to provide a remedy for, except to recommend its consideration by the Auckland Benevolent Society. 19th July, 1880.

No. 161. —Petition of William Muir and Others, of Waihemo, Otago. The petitioners point out the great advantages that would arise if a line of railway were constructed from Palmerston to Waihemo; and they pray that the matter be taken into consideration, and that the railway be shortly proceeded with. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th July, 1880.

No. 162. —Petition of J. Moggath and Others, of Waitahuna. The petitioners pray that the new post and telegraph office be opened for the transaction of postal and telegraphic business. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th July, 1880.

No. 176. —Petition of P. Gilroy and Others, of Campbelltown. The petitioners pray that Lee Street, Campbelltown, which is obstructed by the line of railway, watertank, and turntable, be opened for public traffic. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the subject-matter of this petition is one for the consideration of the Government. 19th July, 1880,

No. 193. —Petition of William Paterson and Others. The petitioners pray for a Joint Committee of both Houses to inquire into the best mode of dealing with the rabbit-pest. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the prayer of the petition to the favourable consideration of the House. 19th July, 1880.

No. 212.—Petition of William Bridgejian, Mayor of Caversham and Chairman of the Conference of the Boroughs of Caversham, South Dunediu, and St. Kilda. The petitioners pray that an Act be introduced for the purpose of uniting the Boroughs of Caversham, South Dunedin, and St. Kilda into one borough, subject to conditions named in the petition. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th July, 1880.

Nos. 152 and 205. —Petitions of the Members of the Auckland Working-men's Club ; and of the Wellington Working-men's Club. The petitioners state that they view with alarm and regret the intention of the Legislature to subject Working-men's Clubs to a licensing tax, and pray that the House will not permit any such tax to be imposed. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of these petitions being now under the consideration of the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 20th July, 1880.

No. 166. —Petition of Alexander McHardy and Others, of Southland. The petitioners pray that " The Property Assessment Act, 1879," be repealed, and a moderate land-tax, exempting improvements, and an income-tax be substituted. 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. 20th July, 1880.

No. 172.—Petition of W. Tanner and Others, of Invercargill. The petitioners pray that the present Education Act may be amended in the direction of religion and liberty, for the purpose of raising the moral and intellectual tone of the community by meeting the requirements of each particular class. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is now before the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. 20th July, 1880.