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No. 60, Sess. ll.—Petition of Alithea S. Symonds, Auckland. The petitioner states that she is the widow of the late John Jermyn Symonds, who faithfully served the colony for thirty-seven years. That in 1840 he arrived in New Zealand as Assistant-Surveyor; that in 1844 he was appointed Police Magistrate in Wellington, and went as a Commissioner to purchase lands in Otago, and great benefits have accrued to the colony from purchases effected by him; that in 1845 he was appointed Police Magistrate in Auckland; that he served through the rebellion of Hone Heke; that in 1846 he was appointed Secretary to Sir George Grey ; that in 1847 he was appointed Native Secretary, which exposed him to great hardships; that he was Staff Officer of Pensioners, and in 1856 was appointed Eesident Magistrate of Onehunga; that in 1869 he resigned on a pension; that in 1875 he was appointed Eesident Magistrate of Kaipara, but still retained his pension ; that in 1876 he was appointed Judge of the Native Land Court; that in 1880 he had to surrender his pension when on full pay; that in 1882 he had to retire on his former pension without receiving compensation for his services since 1869. Mrs. Symonds prays for monetary compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee see no reason to depart from the report on the petitioner's case in the session of 1883. 16th September, 1884.

No. 24, Sess. I.—Petition of Chaeles H. Eobson, Portland Island. The petitioner states that he has been in the Government service over sixteen years; that he has, without any hearing in his defence, been awarded a very severe punishment, of loss of rank m the service, from principal lighthouse-keeper to that of assistant; that he has applied to be heard in his defence, but his application was not granted. He prays for an inquiry into his case. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner, his case having been inquired into by the Customs Department. 16th September, 1884. _

No. 106, Sess. ll.—Petition of James Laney, Cambridge, Waikato. The petitioner states that he petitioned the House in 1873 for compensation for wounds received by a Native. He prays the House to take his case into consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee consider the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 16th September, 1884.

No. 21, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Geant and Others, Dunedin. The petitioners, Harbour Board leaseholders, complain of the harsh and unjust treatment the Harbour Board is imposing on them, in having advanced their rents beyond their means. They pray that their case, may be inquired into by a Commission. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 16th September, 1884.

No. 94, Sess. 1., and No. 44, Sess. I.— Petition of A. Busby and Others, Dunedin; and A. J. Howland, President of the Industrial Association of Canterbury. The petitioners pray that steps may be taken to invite tenders for all rolling-stock and machinery required for the railways and other Government works. Such rolling-stock to be manufactured in the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th September, 1884.

No. 104, Sess. ll.—Petition of John McLeod and Others. The petitioners state that they are residents of Chatton, Wendon, Greenvale, and Glenkenich, in the Counties of Southland and Clutha, and pray that the Gore-Kelso line of railway may be commenced without delay. No. 53, Sess. ll.—Petition of Fbancis Scothoen and Others. The petitioners state that they are landowners in the vicinity of Woodlaw, and ask for the erection of a goods-shed at Woodlaw siding, on the Otautau-Nightcaps branch line of railway. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th September, 1884. . ''

No. 59, Sess. I.—Petition of James Milne and Others. The petitioners state that they are settlers of Wyndham and Mokoreta Districts, Otago, and are of opinion that it is expedient to form a line of railway through Wyndham and Mokoreta Districts, a continuation of the Edendale and Wyndham Eailway as far as Mokoreta Township, a district of about twelve miles, ultimately to form the main trunk line to Dunedin. They pray that measures may be taken to give immediate effect to the project involved therein. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th September, 1884.