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I am directed to report that from the evidence before the Committee it appears that an altera. tion of the boundary between the Counties of Bruce and Tuapeka would tend to settle the grievance complained of by the petitioners ; and, as the Counties Act makes provision for such alterations, the Committee have no special recommendation to make. 29th July, 1880. _____

No. 244. —Petition of "Waipa County Council. The petitioners pray that "The Rating Act, 1876," and "The Property Assessment Act, 1879," be go amended that there shall be one valuation of all real and personal property for all purposes every third year, made either by the local body or General Government. They further pray that power be given to Highway Boards for taxing the landed property of absentee owners. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th July, 1880.

Nos. 224, 247, 221, 223, 222, and 240.—Petitions of John Spear and 71 Others, of Wairoa; E. B, Cabgill and 14 Others, of Otago ; Thomas Lowey and 70 Others, of Taradale; N. Baillie and 29 Others, of Picton; William Jones and 21 Others, of Hawke's Bay; J. H. Vatjtiee and 530 Others. The petitioners pray that the Education Act be so amended as to provide for the use of the Lord's Prayer and the reading of the Bible in the public schools, subject to a conscience-clause, as in the English Education Act. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of these petitions being now under the considera. tion of the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. 29th July, 1880.

Nos. 248, 250, and 249. —Petitions of G. Sinclair and Another, of Vincent; M. Malaghan and 40 Others, of Queenstown; John Hughes and 52 Others, of Vincent. Tee petitioners pray that a clause be inserted in the Licensing Bill now before the House, providing for the continuance of the bottle license. 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. 29th July, 1880.

No. 235. —Petition of Bishops and Cleegy of New Zealand. . The petitioners point out that the State should make provision for grants-in-aid to schools set on foot by any religious denomination, provided that such schools come up to the required standards and satisfy the Government Inspectors; also, that provision be made in the Education Act for religious instruction in the public schools by miuisters of religion or persons duly authorized by them. 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. 29th July, 1880.

Nos. 206 and 207. —Petitions of W. G. Rich and 48 other Settlers; and "W. G. Rich and 82 Others. The petitioners pray that a telegraph and post office be built at once at Fortrose Township, on the grounds that the nearest telegraph station is twenty-five miles away, and the population of the township is daily increasing. They also pray that a pilot be stationed at Fortrose Harbour. I am directed to report that these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th July, 1880. 3 ■ ?

4 No. 210, —Petition of A. Eeid and Others. The petitioners point out that, while all other cereals are protected by an import duty, maize has been exempted. They solicit the House to impose such a duty on maize as shall place the maize-growers on an equal footing with growers of other cereals. 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. 29th July, 1880.

No. 125. —Petition of James Brown and 83 Officers of Friendly Societies. The petitioners object to the clause in " The Friendly Societies Act Amendment Act, 1878," which compels the payment of all interest accruing from any fund to be paid to that particular fund. They prefer reasons and suggest amendments. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioners to the favourable consideration of the House. 3rd August, 1880.

No. 231.—Petition of Richakd J. Feltus (No. 2). The petitioner states that lie was employed to take tickets for a totalisator erected on the Auckland Racecourse in April, 18S0 ; that he was arrested by the police and imprisoned for eighteen hours, and thereby has lost any chance of employment in Auckland. He prays the House to grant him redress.