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I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is now before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 17th August, 1880.

No. 281.—Petition of Ann Deemott. The petitioner prays that an allowance equal to one year's salary of her late son, Dr. Dermott, be granted to her, as she is left in destitute circumstances owing to the death of her son, who was twelve years in the Government service. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend that the compassionate allowance, tinder " The Civil Service Act, 1866," occasionally given to widows of Civil servants, be extended to the petitioner's case. 17th August, 1880. _

No. 284.—Petition of B. W. Stockman. The petitioner states that he has been in the service of the Government, chiefly as Native interpreter, for more than twenty years, and that, owing to misfortunes over which he had. no control, he became bankrupt, and was dismissed from the public service. He prays that a small pension be granted to him. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner for a pension to the favourable consideration of the House. 17th August, 1880.

No. 213. —Petition of Chables Lett. The petitioner states that the Masterton line of railway runs along his property for one and a half miles, that it is unfenced, and his cattle are being killed and injured by the passing trains. He prays that compensation be given to him for the loss he has sustained, and that further injury be prevented by the Government fencing along the line of railway. 1 am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the question of making the Government liable for fencing along railways going through private property is one for the House to deal with. The Committee has therefore no special recommendation to make in this case. 17th August, 1880.

No. 154.—Petition of li. McClttne. The petitioner states that, in consquence of a deep cutting made by the Government in a road bounding his property, he is seriously damaged owing to the earth falling away from his fence, and necessitating its removal. He prays that £20 be given him as compensation. I am directed to report there is no evidence before the Committee to show whether the petitioner has availed himself of the provisions of " The Public Works Act, 1876," which enables any person injuriously affected by the construction of road-works to obtain compensation alleged to be due to him. The Committee has therefore no recommendation to make. 17th August, 1880.

No. 288. —Petition of Mayoes and Cottncilloes of South Dunedin, St. Kilda, and Caversham. The petitioners state that a petition has been already presented to the House, praying that provision be made for the amalgamation of the Boroughs of Caversham, South Dunedin, and St. Kilda. They pray the House to give effect thereto. 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. 19th August, 1880.

No. 283.—Petition' of James Huxley. The petitioner, a tailor, prays that the contract for the making of the Armed Constabulary outfits be subject to public competition. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the subject-matter of the petition. 19th August, 1880.

No. 289.—Petition of IJhomas H. Geeen and John Gilmotjb, of Ohristchurch. The petitioners pray that imported agricultural produce, such as butter, cheese, lard, bacon, and hams, be subject to import duty, so that producers in this colony be placed on an equal footing with producers in the several Australasian Colonies. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Agricultural Committee. 19th August, 1880.

No. 277. —Petition of "Wabd & Co. and Othebs. The petitioners complain that the provision in clause 28 of the Licensing Bill now before the House, which prohibits any person from holding or having any beneficial interest in more than one house, will injuriously affect the interests of those brewers who have hotel property. They pray that the clause be amended so as to apply to licensees. 3—l. 1.