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new rules were put in force in 1880, which provided that apprentices who pass the Junior Service Examination shall be taken into the draughtsman's office as cadets ; that petitioner always considered his son under the rules of apprenticeship existing at the time of his entering the service, and that his son had always conformed to such rules and regulations, but has been unable to obtain his indentures; and prays that his case may receive favourable consideration. I am directed to report that there is evidence before the Committee that the department intended to take the petitioner's son as an apprentice ; that with this understanding the lad entered the workshops, and in that capacity has continued there. The Committee therefore recommend that the Government take the petitioner's case into favourable consideration. Bth September, 1881.

No. 251.—Petition of John McLean, of Wellington. The petitioner states that in June, 1878, the Patea County Council called for tenders for work to be performed on the Mountain Road ; that he obtained a contract, and performed extra work, amounting to £500, which the Council refused to pay ; that he took an action in the District Court, when a verdict was given for the Council. He therefore prays the House will inquire into his case, and grant him relief. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion the petitioner has no claim for compensation against the colony Bth September, 1881.

No. 101.—Petition of J Newell and Others, of Waikato. The petitioners state that the bridge over the Waikato River is a great boon and advantage to the four Counties of Waikato, Waipa, Raglan, and Piako; that heavy tolls are levied thereon; that the bridge cost £10,000, out of which Government paid £3,000; and they pray that the sum of £7,000 may be placed on the estimates to free the bridge from tolls. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioners to the favourable consideration of the House. Bth September, 1881.

No. 167. —Petition of Geobge Lendettm and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners state that they are cabmen, of Auckland, and suffer great annoyance from the by-laws passed by the Corporation ; and pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make on the subjectmatter of this petition. Bth September, 1881.

No. 154. —Petition of William Reid, of Wanganui. The petitioner states that he was under the necessity of proceeding against John Belk in the Eesident Magistrate's Court at Palmerston for possession of a small piece of land at Feilding, and complains that Mi1. Ward, R.M., accepted as sureties two men who were notoriously without means, which resulted in a loss to him of not less than £200, including £130 costs. He prays the House will grant him relief. 1 am directed to report that the Committee can see no sufficient reason to alter the decision arrived at during the last session, when the petitioner's case was fully considered. 9th September, 1881.

No. 265. —Petition of John Mackay, of Mount Stuart. The petitioner states that ill 1871 he was deprived of his appointment as Inspector of Depasturing Licenses on the gold fields of Otago, and prays that compensation may be granted him. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion the petitioner has no claim on the colony for compensation. 9th September, 1881.

No. 189.—Petition of Fbancis Wallace Mackenzie. The petitioner states that he is a landowner in Otago ; that he agreed to give the portion of land owned by him and required for the Tapanui-Waipahi Railway, believing the land would bo fenced and no necessary damage permitted. He complains that his fencing was destroyed, in consequence of which lie sustained damage and annoyance, and that the contractors have not acted up to their contract in the matter of fencing. He therefore prays the House will take his case into consideration, and grant him relief. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion, after fully considering all the circumstances of the case, that the petitioner has no claim for compensation against the colony 9th September, 1881.

No. 284. —Petition of Thomas Butlee, of Nelson. That in the year 1877 lie petitioned the House on the ground of being wrongfully unlawfully, and clandestinely evicted from the Civil Service. Since then he has addressed petition after petition to the House without success, and he now prays the House to cause a strict inquiry to be made into the whole matter. lam directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that there is no further necessity to make inquiry into petitioner's case, as the matter has already been fully inquired into and finally dealt with by the Committee. 9th September, 1881.