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No. 35.—Petition of Septimus Bacon and Others (No. 1). Petitioners allege that they have suffered severe loss through an unfortunate attempt to settle Sunday Island, Kermadec group; that Mr. H. K. Hovell, who was appointed to forward an account of all their losses, only forwarded an account of his own, for the consideration of the House. They pray that their evidence may be heard and relief granted. Ito directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitioners have no claim against the colony. Ist July, 1891.

No. 59.—Petition of Isabella D. Hamlin, of Onehunga. Petitioner prays for consideration on account of her late husband's services to the Government as Native Interpreter. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. Ist July, 1891.

No. 66. —Petition of James Beattie. Petitioner, late Gaoler of the Gisborne Gaol, prays for further compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has received all the compensation he is legally entitled to, and has no further claim against the colony. Ist July, 1891.

Nos. 107, 108, 68, and 50.—Petitions of Ashbubton Boeough Council (No. 1), Ashbubton County Council (No. 2), Hoeowhenua County Council, and Borough of Cabtebton. Petitioners pray for certain amendments in "The Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act, 1885." I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, an alteration of the law relating to hospitals and charitable aid is absolutely necessary, therefore the several petitions on the subject should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist July, 1891.

No. 78.—Petition of Haywahd Bbotheks, of Christchurch. Petitioners, pickle and sauce manufacturers, pray for the abolition of the duty on pickle-bungs, a higher duty on imported pickles, and a reduction in the railway charges on carriage of empty bottles between Lyttelton and Christchurch. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 7th July, 1891.

No. 29. —Petition of George Burgess, of Invercargill. Petitioner states that on the 15th April, 1891, a Government railway-engine ran into his horse and cart at the Nith Street crossing, smashing his cart, killing his horse, and injuring himself. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. Bth July, 1891.

No. 88.—Petition of Major J. J. Atkinson, of Invercargill. Petitioner prays for compensation for the loss of his appointment as musketry instructor to the Dunedin Volunteer District. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. Bth July, 1891.

No. 90.—Petition of the Hobson County Council (No. 1). Petitioners state that they have "been mulcted in the sum of £340 by an action at law, brought on them and caused through errors made by Government servants. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioners have no claim against the colony. Bth July, 1891.

No. 147. —Petition of Edwin Harrow, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for amendment of the Education Act and the Poisons Act. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth July, 1891.

No. 10, Sess. I.—Petition of James Jones and Others, of Brunner and surrounding Districts. Petitioners state that twenty-five years ago Charles Seaton, and twenty-two years ago Henry Jones, came to reside on the north side of the Grey Eiver, at Brunnerton, and carried on business as hotelkeepers, until the land on which their hotels were built was required for coal-mining purposes. That eight years ago the Government set aside sites for them on the south side of the river, and paid them £200 each for having to remove ; that C. Seaton expended £1,300, and Henry Jones £1,250 in erecting new buildings on these sites; that they signed leases agreeing to give up posses-