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Humphrey's Gully Gold-mining Company, the Committee is of opinion there is great danger that the interests of farmers in the Arahura Valley will be injuriously affected by mining operations in that district; but, as a Bill is now before the House proposing to amend " The Mining Act, 1886," it considers that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th June, 1888.

No. 158.—Petition of Stephen Spalding, of Auckland. The petitioner, an inmate of the Whau Lunatic Asylum, states that he was tried in October, 1886, for arson ; that he was pronounced insane, and sent to the asylum ; that he petitioned Parliament in November, 1887, praying to be removed to Mount Eden Gaol. Petitioner now alleges that five patients have died in the asylum through cruelty and neglect, that twenty-one have run away, and that forty-eight attendants have left since November, 1887. He prays for a public inquiry into the affairs of the asylum. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of tho Committee, an exami ;u,tion of the petitioner should be made by two medical men, independent of the Superintendent, wuii a view to ascertaining his sanity or otherwise; and the Committee would draw the attention of the Government to the report of the Official Visitor (14th June, 1888) in connection with this case. 28th June, 1888.

No. 206.—Petition of Edwakd Eevell and Others, of Canterbury. The petitioners pray that State aid may not ba granted to Eoinan Catholic schools. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th June, 1888.

No. 224.—Petition of Leonard Srarsox, of Maketu. The petitioner alleges that he was authorised by Government to survey a certain block of land called Paengaroa North, near Maketu, which survey was first stopped by the Natives, and afterwards relinquished by the Government. He prays for a refund of the money expended by him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 28th June, 1888.

No. 238.—Petition of Eobeet Mathieson and Others. The petitioners, certificated engineers, of Dunedin, Auckland, and Wellington, state that the foreign cargo-carrying steamers are running on the coast with only foreign engineers, whereas if they carried passengers the}' would have to comply with the provisions of the Shipping and Seamen's Act, and have properly-certificated engineers; that British vessels are not allowed to run with engineers holding only foreign certificates. They pray that the foreign cargo-carrying vessels may be put on the same footing as British ones with regard to certificated engineers. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th June, 1888.

No. 244.—Petition of Eobekt Eonald and Others. The petitioners, deferred-payment settlers of Wallace, pray that their lands may be revalued, with a view to the price being reduced. I am directed to report that, as a Bill is now before the House dealing with the subject-matter of this petition, in the opinion of the Committee, it should be referred to the Government. 28th June, 1888.

No. 270.—Petition of C. H. Tkeadwell, of Wellington. The petitioner states that he is solicitor for one Bichard Western, of Salop, England, who claims to be heir-at-law to Sections 92 and 103, Town District of Waipawa; that, according to a notice published in the Waipawa Mail on the 16th June, 1888, it is proposed to introduce a Bill during the present session of Parliament which he is advised is likely to prejudicially affect his client's interest, whose claims are now under the consideration of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the colony. He prays that said Bill may not be allowed to become law. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th June, 1888.

No. 269. —Petition of Thomas Scott. The petitioner prays that inquiry may be made into the services he has rendered the colony, and that he may-receive a grant of land. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th June, 1888.

No. 258. —Petition of E. Pickett and Others, of Thames. Thk petitioners pray that the Contagious Diseases Act may be repealed. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to tho Government for consideration. 28th June, 1888.