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I.—l

I am directed to report that it appears from the evidence before the Committee that the line of railway has been constructed along the street in accordance with the provision of section 69 oE "The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870," and that no compensation has been given in other parts of the colony under similar circumstances ; the Committee cannot, therefore, make any special recommendation in the petitioners' case. 29th July, 1880.

No. 169. —Petition of James Geove. The petitioner, a brewer, complains that lie has suffered severe loss through the imposition of the beerduty, and prays for redress. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of this petition being now before the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. 29th July, 1880.

No. 211.—Petition of Samuel Andeew and Others, of the Buller County. The petitioners pray that the Mount Rochfort Railway be completed. 1 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. 29th July, 1880.

No. 167. —Petition of Thomas Peice and Others, of Aparima. The petitioners pray that the Aparima Road Board be merged in the Counties of Wallace and Southland ; also, that the Counties Act be amended in the direction of giving increased representation to County Councils. I am directed to report that the grievance complained of by the petitioners appears to the Committee to be one that ought to be inquired into and dealt with in the Bill now before the House amending the Counties Act. The Committee therefore refer the petition to the Government for consideration. 29th July, 1880.

No. 230. —Petition of Edwin Cake, and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners, who are leaseholders in the City of Auckland, state that by the Electoral Act of last session they are deprived of their right to vote for members of the House of Representatives. They pray that the leasehold vote formerly held by them be restored. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th July, 1880.

No. 151. —Petition of John Peaeoe and other Licensed Victuallers of the Thames. Tice petitioners state the circumstances under which six publichouses were closed on the Thames by the Licensing Court, and pray that the Licensing Act be amended, and the duties of the Licensing Commissioners more clearly defined, and their irresponsible powers abrogated. No. 182. —Petition of L. D. Nathan and other Merchants of Auckland. The petitioners refer to the same case, and state that the power exercised by the Licensing Court, without appeal, is likely to lead to oppression and hardship, and pray that legislative enactment be made to prevent the recurrence of such acts*1

I am directed to report that, as a Licensing Bill is now before the House, the amendments suggested in the law in the above petitions may be made if the House considers it necessary to make them. Under these circumstances, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. 29th July, 1880.

No. 177. —Petition of Richard J. Eeltus (No. 1). The petitioner states that ho tendered for the valuation, under " The Land-Tax Act, 1878," of the Waieti Riding, in the County of "VVaitemata, and his tender was accepted. He was not aware of the extra work attached to his duties, and was put to considerable expense in the execution of his contract. He prays that he be compensated for loss sustained. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner to the favourable consideration of the House, as it appears he contracted to do the work for a sum which the Grovenment has paid. 29th July, 1880. . _.

No. 189. —Petition of Stanotjs Danieil and Others. The petitioners state that they are subjected to great loss and inconvenience, through the bridge over the river at the Tuapeka-moutli being almost impassable for traffic. They pray that the bridge be either properly repaired forthwith, or a new bridge erected.