iThr Speaker took the chair at eight minutci past five o'clock. There -were eighteen member* then present. %

PETITIONS. ' Mr. JR.. GRAH.VM'prGsented a petition from Joseph Hodgson of Paruell, from which it appeared that the petitioner traded with a cutter from Auckland to Waiheki, and that the colonial steamer 'Saudfly' r^n against and sunk her. For 'the damage she had sustained Government granted him the sum of £25 ; but to repair her a coit of £230 .had been entailed. The petitioner therefore prayed that the House would take his case into consideration. • The petition -was received. Mr. Gbaham gave notice that he would move ttiat the petition be referred to the Private Grievance Committee. t , „ . , . Mr. O'Rorkb presented a petition from Mrs. Oeorge of Onehunga, praying that the House would take measures to put her in possession of 750 acrea of land at Waikomiti, which she had been unable to take up consequent on the death, of her husband. . Petition received.
