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No. 148, Sess. ll.—Petition of William Newsham. The petitioner states that in March, 1883, he was engaged in exploring for the main trunk railway between Te Awamutu and Taranaki; that while on this duty he was assaulted by Maoris; that his feet were chained and his hands tied, and so kept for over forty hours, without food or water fit to drink; that he was in fear of being murdered or that he would die of exposure and starvation; that after two nights and one day he was released by friendly Maoris; that he has suffered both in mind and body, and has not since recovered his previous health. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petition to the consideration of the Government. 3rd October, 1884.

No. 173, Sess. ll.—Petition of John D. Baensley, Auckland. The petitioner states that he held the appointment of Assistant-Superintendent of the Quarantine Station, Auckland, for a period of ten years ; that he ran a small flock of sheep on the island; that he applied to the Government that he might have the right of pasturage leased to him and be relieved from the duties of the position which he held. He was then told that the Government required the island intact, and he removed the sheep, which incurred a loss to him of £125. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee, having inquired into the petitioner's case, are of opinion that he has not established any claim against the Government. 3rd October, 1884.

No. 37, Sess. ll.—Petition of Heney White, Kaipara. The petitioner states that he was engineer of the Government steam-launch in 1879; that he remained in the service for five years; that he was unjustly and without any assigned reason dismissed from the Government service. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 3rd October, 1884. .

No. 328, Sess. ll.—Petition of Geoege Tuenee, Christchurch. The petitioner states that he entered the service of the Provincial Government in 1857, and remained in it until the abolition of the province in November, 1876 ; that in February, 1877, he received the appointment of corresponding clerk in the Eailway Department; that he was assured by the Hon. Mr. Eolleston that his services would be continuous, and count from his first entering the service of the Provincial Government; that he submits that he is entitled to be compensated for loss of office from 1857 to the month of February, 1877, and asks for an investigation into his claim, as he has been informed other officers under similar circumstances have been compensated on their retirement from the General Government service for their provincial services. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee, having heard the petitioner's statement, and examined other witnesses and documentary evidence, consider that he has no claim against the colony. 3rd October, 1884.

No. 210, Sess. ll.—Petition of Eichabd Coles Joedan, Tauranga. The petitioner states that in 1878 he entered into negotiations with the Natives for the purchase of a block of land known as Te Puke; that some time after he heard the Government were negotiating for the purchase of the same land; that he had advanced a sum of over £200 to the Natives; that, although the amount was guaranteed by the Native Minister, he has not received any of this amount. He prays the House will grant him £200 in terms made with the Native Minister, the Hon. J. Sheehan. I am directed to report that the Committee consider the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 7th October, 1884. '

No. 140, Se^ss. ll.—Petition of Heney Casaubon, Waikato. The petitioner states that he is a settler at Onewhero, Lower Waikato; that the Onewhero Grant Empowering Act gave the Natives a block of land surrounding his, leaving him without an outlet; that roads are marked on the plan, but no one knows where they are. He prays that roads may be granted and surveyed. I am directed to report that the Committee, having heard the Surveyor-General, and considered the matter referred to them, are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 7th October, 1884.

No. 152, Sess. ll.—Petition of Donald Hendeeson, South Molyneux. The petitioner states that he has suffered a great injustice, involving considerable pecuniary loss, through the operation of section 64, " Public Works Act, 1876." He claimed £1,062 for land taken and injuriously affected by the construction of the Catlin's Eiver Railway ; that the valuators