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No. 24.- —Petition of Joseph Solee, Wanganui. The petitioner states that he is a wine-manufacturer, that he is desirous of obtaining a license and authority to sell his wines in any quantity at his vineyard and in the towns, and to be able to appoint agents. He prays for relief. lam directed to report: That, as it appears the petitioner can obtain a license from the local Committee, if they are so disposed, the Committee see no reason to make any special recommendation, which involves an alteration of the law. sth July, 1883.

No. 35.—Petition of Andbew Young and Another. The petitioners state that, as mail contractors, they entered into a contract with the Government to carry the mails by coach between Tauranga and the Thames; that at the time the contract was entered into the roads were in good repair; that they entered into the contract with the full expectation that such roads and bridges would be kept in repair for coach-traffic; that floods came and washed away the roads for several miles and carried away the bridges, thereby stopping all coachtraffic ; that they then carried the mails on horseback, but suffered great loss through not being able to carry passengers; that through the roads not being repaired they were obliged to sell their plant at a loss of £1,200, and were obliged also to give up a contract which, if the same could have been continued, would have been highly remunerative and profitable. They pray they may be compensated for the loss they have sustained in connection with the above-mentioned contract, or that some relief may be granted them. I am directed to report: That it appears the petitioners have made no official claim to the Government for compensation for alleged losses in connection with a mail contract; the Committee do not therefore consider that it is necessary to make any recommendation. sth July, 1883.

No. 57.—Petition of Edwaed M. Honeypield. The petitioner states that he holds two remission certificates, amounting in value to £15 ; that, not having been able to obtain possession in time for presentation to the Commissioners, his claim was not recommended. He requests that his claim may be fairly considered to enable him to obtain their value. lam directed to report: That the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to the same money-payment which was paid to similar claimants by the Provincial Government of Taranaki, and recommend the Government to make a settlement of the claim accordingly. sth July, 1883.

No. 67.—Petition of C. B. Stone and Others, Auckland. The petitioners pray for the construction of a wharf or jetty at Waiwera Bay. No. 68. —Petition of E. Whitson and Others, Mahurangi District The petitioners pray for the construction of a wharf or jetty at Waiwera Bay. No. 105. —Petition of M. McLeod and Others, Waipu. The petitioners pray for a tram from Waipu to Whangarei Harbour. lam directed to recommend: That these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. sth July, 1883.

No. 60.—Petition of Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, Wanganui. The petitioner states that in 1863 he joined the Colonial Defence Force ; that he was from time to time, down to the year 1870, in constant action, and was wounded in different engagements ; that he was forty-three times under fire in New Zealand; that he has suffered from time to time from the wounds to his thumb and the right hand and left leg, and, in fact, is at times unable to walk owing to the injury sustained in the leg. He prays the House will take his case into consideration and grant him relief. lam directed to report: That the Committee is of opinion that Colonel McDonnell is entitled to some consideration, and recommend his claim for recognition of his services to the favourable consideration of the Government. 6th July, 1883.

No. 29.—Petition of William Alexandeb and Others, Farmers, Otago. The petitioners state that they are engaged in the growth of linseed and rapeseed; that for railway freight these products are classed as merchandise. They pray that for purposes of railway carriage linseed and rapeseed be classed as grain and not as merchandise. lam directed to report: That the Committee recommend the consideration of the claim of the petitioners to the Government for favourable consideration. 6th July, 1883.

No. 46. —Petition of Geoege McAnallt, Mercer. The petitioner states that he was employed as linesman in the Telegraph Department; that in July, 1882, when assisting a settler to remove a small house, he was ordered to desist by the Officer in Charge of Telegraphs, that he answered in an offensive manner, for which he was summarily dismissed the service. He prays for relief.

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