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February, 1880, petitioner was forcibly ejected from the premises by order of one Eobert Graham ; that said Robert Graham then obtained a lease of the hotel from the same Natives who had leased to Isaac Wilson, and this lease was protected by section 11 of " The Thermal-Springs Districts Act, 1.881," Robert Graham being in actual occupation at the time of the passing of the said Act. Petitioner states that she has expended large sums of money in prosecuting her claims in the Law Courts of the colony, but can obtain no redress. She prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner was illegally and forcibly ejected from her property at Rotorua ; that the passing of " The Thermal-Springs Districts Act, 1881," validating the titles of all in actual occupation, precludes all possibility of recovery on the part of the petitioner, thus inflicting upon her a great injustice; that the petitioner has in equity a claim against the colony. 3rd September, 1889.

Nos. 188 and 435. —Petitions of W. Thohne and Others and F. W. Lang and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners pray for certain amendments in the Eating Act, 1882. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the .Rating Act be amended in the direction of providing that personal service of summons for rates shall be a condition precedent to recovery of rate and sale of land for non-payment thereof. Such non-service of summons shall not be a bar to the local body recovering the rate after the lapse of two years. 3rd September, 1889.

No. 459. —Petition of W. J. Napier and Others, of Devonport. Thu petitioners petition against the Devonport Cemetery Bill. I am directed to report that, as this Bill is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1889.

No. 382. —Petition of James Mills and Others, of Wailiao, Canterbury. Thk petitioners pray for certain amendments in the Counties Act, 1886. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the Counties Act should be so amended that, in case County Councils fail to carry out the provisions of clause 46 of the said Act, the Governor in Council should have power, upon petition by the ratepayers, to adjust the representation. 3rd September, 1889.

No. 460. —Petition of William Henry Skinner, of Wellington. The petitioner states that he lost his eyesight through illness contracted while in the Volunteer service of the colony; that the Government granted him a pension of 2s. 6d. per day, and gave him to understand that work would be found for him. He prays that his pension maybe increased by Is. 6d. per day. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. sth September, 1889.

No. 387. —Petition of Nicol, Elder, Hogg and Others. The petitioners, representing Thomas Bell and Company (Limited), pray that their claim to Sunday Island, in the Kermadec Group, maybe recognised; that, in the event of their being deprived of the said island or any part thereof, full compensation may be given. No. 289. —Petition of Thomas Rippin and Others, of Dunedin. The petitioners petition against amendment of " The Slaughterhouses Act, 1871." No. 319. —Petition of William Wilson and Others, of Teremakau, &c. The petitioners pray for a road from Paroa to Teremakau Bridge, and that this railway bridge may be used as a traffic-bridge. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth September, 1889.

No. 261.—Petition of George Sample, of Wellington. The petitioner states that he has been on the permanent staff of the Railway Department for about six years, and that his services have now been dispensed with because he reported certain irregularities committed by the Storekeeper at Petone. That, at an inquiry held into this matter, he was not allowed an opportunity to cross-examine or rebut any evidence offered by the Storekeeper and other witnesses. Petitioner prays for another inquiry into the whole affair, and, if his charges are substantiated, that he may receive compensation or other relief. I am directed to report that, the Committee having made exhaustive inquiry into the allegations contained in the petition, find that petitioner has no claim against the colony. sth September, 1889.