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No. 116.—Petition of J. Olliviee. The petitioner states that he was appointed Provincial Auditor for Canterbury, by warrant, in 1861; that the Act of 1866 took from Provincial Councils the power of appointment, and vested it in the Governor, but nevertheless confirmed those appointments already made; that his services have now been summarily dispensed with. He prays for compensation for the loss of a statutory office. I am directed to report that the Committee, having fully considered the petition, and evidence given by petitioner, deemed it desirable that an opinion from the Solicitor-General should be obtained, with a view of ascertaining what petitioner's legal rights were. The Government complied with this request; and it is stated that petitioner is entitled, under the 33rd section of "The Civil Service Act, 1866," to a superannuation allowance equal to half of his present salary of £500 —viz., £250. Under these circumstances, the Committee is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government, and recommends that effect be given to the Solicitor-General's opinion. 15th June, 1888.

Nos. 65, 66, 67, and 68. —Petitions of H. J. Ross and Others, Maegaebt Bet,l and Others, Geoege Woodward and Others, W. Blackler and Others, of Wellington. The petitioners state that they view with regret the number of young girls who roam the streets at night soliciting prostitution, their ages varying from twelve years upwards. They pray that the House will legislate in the direction for the recovery of these girls in some such manner as is done by the New South Wales Government. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the allegations contained in these petitions are to some extent correct, the evidence showing that there are a number of very young girls leading immoral lives, though not actually living in known brothels or being declared prostitutes ; that, in consequence of the evidence adduced by a number of witnesses whose knowledge of the subject entitles their opinions to have great weight, the Committee recommends the following as the most effectual means of arresting the spread of juvenile vice, viz. : (1) That the age of consent should be raised to sixteen ; (2) that increased power should be given to members of the Police Force. to visit and inspect at any time houses known as brothels; (3) that the Contagious Diseases Act should be put in force in all large centres of population. 15th June. 1888.

No. 144,—Petition of W. A. Waddell and Others, of Wellington. The petitioners pray that the Volunteer Regulations may bo so amended that garrison bands shall not be permitted to play secular music during divine service on Sundays, and that no garrison band shall play music on Sundays except at divine service, or when marching with a company. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th June, 1888.

No. 170. —Petition of Donald McGregob and Others, of Whangarei Heads. The petitioners pray for a grant of money for the construction of a certain road. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th June, 1888.

No. 168. —Petition of G. F. Webster and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners pray that a certain road may be made to the Canterbury special settlement. 1 am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th June, 1888.

No. 190.—Petition of John Miln and Others. • The petitioners, farmers of Canterbury, pray that agricultural implements and binding-twine may be admitted duty-free. I am directed to report that, as there is a Bill now before the House dealing with the subjectmatter of this petition, in the opinion of the Committee it should be referred to the Government. 15th June, 1888.

Nos. 197 and 211. —Petitions of Annie Jane Schnackenbebg and Others, and Geoege Matsebly and Others. The petitioners pray that the Contagious Diseases Act may be repealed. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st June, 1888. .

No. 239. —Petition of William Reid Maetin and Others, of Mount Hyde, Otago. The petitioners pray for relief in the matter of the rents of perpetual leaseholds. I am directed to report that, as there is a Bill now before the House dealing with the subjectmatter of this petition, in the opinion of the Committee it should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st June, 1888.