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I am directed to report that, the House having already dealt with the subject-matter of these petitions, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 14th September, 1881.

No. 285.~-Petition of E. J Feltus, of Auckland (No. 3) The petitioner states that the Bank of New Zealand, through the Mercantile Association of the said institution, has been endeavouring to stop the poorer classes and others from acquiring land. He prays the House to grant relief. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion the petition is one of a character that ought not to have been received by the House. 14th September, 1881.

No. 345.—Petition of E. J Feltus, of Auckland (No. 4) The petitioner states that land is virtually given away, whilst the sons of old colonists have not an acre. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make in the petitioner's case. 14th September, 1881.

No. 354.—Petition of C. C. Geaham and Others, of Karori. The petitioners pray that they may not be separated from the county which has hitherto formed the Wellington Country Electoral District, but continue to be part of the same electoral district as at present constituted. No. 339. —Petition of William Flesher and Others. The petitioners pray that the House will extend the boundary of the Stanmore District so as to include Sections 325, 182, 197, and the eastern portion of Section 41, in the Avon District, in the County of Selwyn. I am directed to report that, the Eepresentation Bill having passed the House, these petitions Bhould be referred to the Government for immediate consideration. 14th September, 1881.

No. 337.—Petition of J E. F Coyle, of Dunedin (No. 2). The petitioner states that he presented to the House during its present session a petition having reference to certain claims arising out of survey contract No. 13, Canterbury Provincial District j that he has now made application for payment in accordance with the provisions of the contract, but the Surveyor-General has declined to recognize his claim. He prays, therefore, the House will consider his claim and afford him relief. I am directed to report that, as it appears the petitioner has a claim againbt the Government, such claim should be submitted to arbitration in the usual way 15th September, 1881.

No. 341. —Petition of Eobeet King and Others, of Bay of Plenty The petitioners pray that the subsidy hitherto paid to the s.s. " Staffa," plying between Opotiki, Whakatane, Tauranga and other ports, may be continued. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th September, 1881.

No. 297. —Petition of Matakohe and Other Eoad Boards. The petitioners pray that "The Counties Act, 1876," be abolished in Eoad Board districts, and that " The Eating Act, 1876," be amended by giving ratepayers at their annual meetings the option of rating by acreage or valuation. I am directed to report that, as the petition refers to a matter of public policy, it should be referred to the Government for their consideration in any alterations they may contemplate in the Local-Government Acts. 15th September, 1881.

No. 313.—Petition of E. C. Eeid and Others, of Hokitika. The petitioners state that they have heard the Government do not intend to subsidize a monthly steam seryice between Hokitika and Jackson's Bay, and pray the House will direct that a monthly steam service be subsidized between Hokitika and Jackson's Bay I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government. 15th September, 1881.

No. 316. —Petition of James Gammack and Others, of Canterbury The petitioners pray that an Act may be passed by the House enabling Eoad Boards to levy a rate for the destruction of small birds. I am directed to report that, the matter to which the petitioner refers having been dealt with by the House, the Committee do not think it necessary to make any recommendation. 15th September, 1881.