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No. 300. —Petition of William Scott and Others, of Otago. The petitioners pray that sheep-dogs may be exempt from the dog-tax. No. 301. —Petition of E. A. Patten and Others, of Otago. The petitioners pray that sheep-dogs may be exempt from the dog-tax. I am directed to report that, the subject to which these petitions refer being now under consideration by the House, the Committee do not think it necessary to make any recommendation, 15th September, 1881.

No. 317. —Petition of Alexander Eobeet Livingston, of Dunedin. The petitioner states that he is Chairman of the School Committee of the City of Dunedin ; that, as the present method of electing School Committees is highly unsatisfactory, he prays the House will amend the Education Act so that School Committees may be elected in the same manner as Town Councils. I am directed to report that, as the matter is one affecting public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th September, 1881.

No. 321. —Petition of Peter Aitchison, of Awamoko. The petitioner states that the Waikoura Stream (which is a public drain within the meaning of " The Public Works Act, 1876 ") flows through the petitioner's land.; that he has been annually subjected to great loss through the drain not being improved, which the Waitaki County Council refuse to do. He therefore prays that the law may be amended so as to compel County Councils to do this work. I am directed to report that the subject-matter of this petition has been dealt with by the House, and a remedy provided by the Drainage Bill for such cases as those of the petitioner. 15th September, 1881.

No. 328. —Petition of Joseph Taxloe and Others, of Brunnerton. The petitioners pray that a telegraph station, post office, savings bank, money-order office, and postal delivery may be established at Brunnerton ; that the toll on the railway bridge may be abolished ; that fares on the railway may be reduced; and that a site may be reserved for a cemetery I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th September, 1881.

No. 330.—Petition of T F Fountain and Others, of Woodville. The petitioners state that the people of the district are suffering great hardship, inconvenience, and loss on account of the difficulty of crossing the Manawatu Eiver at the lower ferry ; they pray that the House will cause a sum to be placed on the estimates for building a bridge over the Manawatu at the lower ferry I am directed to report that the Committee refer the case of the petitioners to the favourable consideration of the Government. 16th September, 1881.

No. 331.—Petition of A. J Eennee. The petitioner states that he was employed by the New Zealand Government for seven years as telegraph operator ; that he, in conjunction with ninety-two other operators, struck work, in consequence of which his services were dispensed with; that he went to the Australian Colonies and sought employment in Queensland and New South Wales as a telegraphist, but was refused employment in consequence of information given to the other colonies by the New Zealand Government. He prays the House to grant him relief. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim for compensation, as the loss he has sustained has been brought about by his own act; but, as he has expressed regret for his conduct, the Committee think he should be reappointed on the conditions offered by the department, when any vacancy occurs. 16th September, 1881.

No. 132. —Petition of William Weedon, of Dune'din. The petitioner states that he was about fourteen years in the Government service ; that having been afflicted with cancer in the tongue he has been incapacitated for duty He prays for some consideration for long and faithful service. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petitioner be paid an additional six months' half-pay 16th September, 1881.

No. 323.—Petition of E. McCaethy, of Waitara. The petitioner states that lie was captain of the " Hannah Mokau " when she was seized and sold by the Government; that at the time there was due to the petitioner the sum of £70 sterling as salary, and, although he applied to the Collector of Customs, the officer appointed to seize the vessel, and was informed that his claim would be considered, he has not yet been paid, although the vessel was seized in 1880. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to the amount due to him for salary as captain of the " Hannah Mokau," and recommend that the money be paid. 16th September, 1881.

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