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I am directed to report that, having carefully considered all the circumstances connected with this case, the Committee are of opinion that the account should be paid, as it appears the liability was incurred by Major Te Wheoro as an officer of the Government, and approved by the Native Minister, the Hon. Mr. Sheehan. 17th August, 1881.

No. 102.—Petition of John B. Beeche, of Eeefton. The petitioner states that in October, 1880, he commenced an action against a mining company at Eeefton ; that his case had just been opened when the Judge, Mr. Weston, stated his commission would expire on the following day; in consequence his case was adjourned, by which he sustained a loss of £66 18s., having retained counsel and procured witnesses from a long distance. He prays the House to grant him the above sum as compensation. I am directed to report the Committee are of opinion that, though the petitioner's case appears to be one of some hardship, he has no claim for compensation against the colony 17th August, 1881.

No. 175.—Petition of E. T. Douglas, of the Thames. The petitioner states that in October, 1879, Mr. James Mackay, as Government Agent, ordered board and lodging for Natives; that Mr. M. Hayman supplied the same to the extent of £25 45.; that the petitioner paid to Mr. Hayman, who was leaving for England, the above sum, upon the assurance that upon receipt of authority to collect and order to receive Treasury cheque, the amount would be paid by the Native Department, which has not been done; he therefore prays that the House will cause the said amount to be paid. I am directed to report the Committee are of opinion that, as this liability was incurred by a Government officer, and certified to him as having been required on the public service of the Native Department, the account should be paid ; and the Committee are further of opinion that the power of Government officers to bind the Government to engagements of this character should be more strictly defined for public information. 17th August, 1881.

No. 146.—Petition of William Salmond and Others, of Dunedin. In favour of religion being taught in schools. No. 221. —Petition of the Bishop of Cheistchitech and Others (No. 2). In favour of religious teaching in schools. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of these petitions having been dealt with by the Committee, they have no further recommendation to make. 19th August, 1881.

No. 281. —Petition of J Elmslie and Others, of Christchurch. The petitioners state that they rejoice that legal steps are proposed to be taken for the suppression of gambling by the Gaming and Lotteries Bill now before the House, and pray that it may become law I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of this petition being now under the consideration of the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 19th August, 1881.

No. 258. —Petition of the Law Society of Taranaki. They pray that apprenticeship be a necessary qualification for a legal practitioner. No. 267. —Petition of Geoege Haepee and Others, of Christchurch. Objecting to legal profession being thrown open to anyone without sufficient training. No. 278. —Petition of Goedon Allan and Others, of Wellington. That persons should be trained before admitted as solicitors. I am directed to report that, the Legislature having already dealt with the subject-matter of these petitions, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. 19th August, 1881.

No. 247.—Petition of Mrs. Honoea Bohanna, of Port Chalmers. The petitioner states that she is the only surviving sister and relative of Michael McNamara, and that he died in hospital at Bockhampton, in the Colony of Queensland, unmarried and intestate ; that at the time of his death he was possessed of two allotments of land in the Province of Auckland; that the petitioner received a letter from her brother, in which he mentioned that he left her all his property, which letter has been lost. She prays that the House will direct the Crown grants to be delivered to her. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the prayer of the petitioner to the favourable consideration of the Government. 19th August, 1881. No. 240. —Petition of E. J Seddon and Others, of Westland. The petitioners pray that jetty at Jackson's Bay may bo completed by the Government,