REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS A TO L COMMITTEE. (Mr. SEYMOUR, CHAIRMAN.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1890 Session I, I-01

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1890. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS A TO L COMMITTEE. (Mr. SEYMOUR, CHAIRMAN.)

Presented to the House of Brepresentatives, and ordered to be printed.

INDEX.

No. Petitions, &c. Page. No. Petitions, &c. Page. A. G. 174 54 238 2 249 41 86 Ahearn, T. Aldis, M. and W. Anderson, E. R., and Others Andrews, J. Armstrong, J., and Others. (Vide I.-2.) Atkinson, J. Auckland District Hospital and Charitable Aid Board Auckland (North) District Hospital and Charitable Aid Board 6 2 7 3 56 113 139 194 283 269 149 Gardiner, D. Garlick, J. T., and Others Gilmour, J., and Others .. (irace, J. M. .. Graham, J., and Co., and Others Granger, P. E., and Others Green, W. J. B., and Others 1 i 7 6 !» 8 4 2 3 106 5 H. 120 137 82 91 7 307 112 213 150 285 214 228 124 305 103 106 297 275 128 244 B. Bagnall, L. J., and Others Bakewell, R. H. (M.D.) Barstow, R. C. .. Bate, H., and Others Bayly, B. P. .. Bell, Mrs. Ellen Bell, J. Blackwell, G. N., and Others Blagrove, V. .. Blanche, E., and Others.. Bradey, Rev. L. C, and Others Bradley, R. R., and Others Bradnam, H., and Others Brodriek, G. S. .. Brown, P. Sturt (No. 1) .. Brown, P. Sturt (No. 2) .. Buchanan, J., and Others Bailey, A. W., and Others Burton, E. H., and Others Burton, W. H. .. 4 0 5 3 2 9 :•} 7 5 9 8 7 5 9 5 5 '.) 9 4 8 69 38 9 208 126 191 254 66 32 260 216 114 163 175 5 65 258 Hamann, J. Hanlon, W. Hannaford, T. B. Harkness, G. A., and Others Harrow, E. (No. 1) Harrow, E. (No. 2) Hemsworth, T. W., and Others .. Hewson, F. M. .. Hickson, J. S. (No. 1) .. Hiekson, J. S. (No. 2) .. Hill, J. D., and Others Kitchens, H. A. H. Hobson County Council Hobson and Otamatea County Councils .. Hovell, H. K. .. Huddleston, H. B. Hynes, C, and Others 3 •2 2 6 4 0 8 1 t 8 7 9 6 0 I 8 8 I. 256 37 248 lies, £., and Others Irving, J. Isitt, B , . W., and Others. (Vide I.-2.) 8 1 70 225 159 226 215 1.44 196 143 c. Carkeek, A. W. .. Chapman, M., and Others Clark, A., and Others Clarke, H. T., and Others Coates, Rev. C, and Others Cohen, S. Connell, Kate, and Others Cook District Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. (Vide I.-2.) Coppersmith, H., and Others Cunningham, J. N., and Others 4 7 (i 7 8 5 (i 140 62 62 J. Jackson, 3. Jackson, L. (Report No. 1) ... Jackson, L. (Report No. 2) 0 5 8 94 184 7 82 55 45 234 287 72 134 K. Kaihu Valley Railway Company Kaikoura County Council Kelly, Jessie King, G., and Others .. .. Kirkcaldie and Stains, and Others Kruse, Ellen Kuminer, F. G. H. 5 1 1 7 9 3 5 60 03 43 125 261 295 246 D. Daldy, W. C, and Others Dalton, H. Day, J. W Deighton, Marianne Deverell, J. .. ... Dorward, D., and Others Doudican, J., and Others 2 9 1 5 9 9 7 L. 292 121 176 Larsen, L. Lockett, Catherine Lundon, J. 9 4 8 E. Ell, G. W. 200 217 M. McDiarrnid, .Elizabeth, and Others McPherson, J., and Others (i 7 F. 221 64 40 130 236 232 07 15 13 Farraud, W.J... Faulkner, J. W. Fisher, G. .. Fisher, R., and Others .. Fitzherbert, H. S., and Others Fleming, G. S., and Others Fraeer, P. B., and Others Fraser, S. Fraser, W. J. .. 7 2 3 5 7 7 6 2 3 247 133 273 P. Primrose, A., and Others w. Waipa County Council .. Wanganui Hospital and Charitable Aid Board Willis, W. N. de L., and Others 7 8 132 4

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1890. NEW ZEALAND.

Presented to the House of Brepresentatives, and ordered to be printed.

OEDER OP REFEEENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Friday, the 20th Day op June, 1890. Ordered, " That a Public Petitions A to L Committee, consisting of ten members, be appointed to consider all petitions that may be referred to it by the Petitions Classification Committee, to classify and prepare abstracts of such petitions in such form and manner as sha'l appear to it best suited to convey to this House all requisite information respecting their contents, and to report the same from time to time to this House, and to have power to report its opinions and observations thereupon to this House; also to have power to call for persons and papers; three to be a quorum: the Committee to consist of Mr. Allen, Mr. Blake, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Fish, Mr. Goldie, Mr. Loughrey, Mr. Marchant, Mr. Moat, Mr. Seymour, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Hislop.)

No. 56.—Petition of David Gaedinek, of Gore. The petitioner alleges that in 1876 he took up certain land on deferred payment, and that about 1884 he completed the purchase at the original valuation of £3 an acre ; but that under " The Selectors' Lands Eevaluation Act, 1889," the valuation of adjoining land has been reduced from £3 to £1 17s. 6d. an acre. The petitioner considers himself thereby aggrieved, and prays for redress. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, this petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 3rd July, 1890.

No. 37. —Petition of James Irving, M.D., of Christchurch. The petitioner claims compensation for injuries caused by a fall from his horse at a Volunteer parade. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony.l Bth July, 1890.'

No. 43. —Petition of J. W. Day, of Waiiganui. ■ The petitioner complains that the Government has refused him retiring allowance on leaving the Armed Constabulary through ill-health because he has been appointed bailiff of the Eesident Magistrate's Court at Wanganui. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner's acceptance of the office of bailiff ought not to prejudice any claim that he might have to retiring allowance for his services in his former office. Bth July, 1890.

No. 45. —Petition of Jessie Kelly, of Dunedin. The petitioner claims allowance for her late husband's provincial services as a pilot. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim whatever upon the colony. Bth July, 1890.

No. 55. —Petition of the Kaikouba County Council. The petitioners pray for the abolition of tolls on highways and bridges throughout the colony. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth July, 1890. I—l. 1.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS A TO L COMMITTEE. (Me. SEYMOUB, CHAIBMAN.)

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No. 60. —Petition of W. C. Daldy, of Auckland, and 1,515 Others. The petitioners pray for repeal of "The Eailways Act, 1887," and for a trial of the Vaile system on the Government railways of the colony. I am directed to recommend the immediate appointment of a Select Committee, with power to send for persons and papers, to inquire into the subject of this petition. Bth July, 1890.

No. 7. —Petition of Benjamin P. Bayly, of Hamilton. The petitioner alleges that he has been dismissed from his office of Sheep Inspector without proper cause. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has been treated with every consideration by the Government, and that the Committee has, therefore, no recommendation to make. 10th July, 1890. ,

No. 9.—Petition of T. B. Hannapord, of Auckland. The petitioner repeats his assertion that the late Engineer-in-Chief, in designing the ironwork of the Cuvier Island lighthouse, has pirated an invention of his own. He prays for further inquiry. I am directed to report that, having again examined the plans, the Committee adheres to its report of 6th August, 1889—namely, " That no piracy of the petitioner's design has taken place, for cast-iron towers have been in use for similar purposes, both in New Zealand and elsewhere, for at least thirty years." 10th July, 1890.

No. 54. —Petition of Mary and William Steadman Aldis, of Auckland. The petitioners pray for the repeal of "The Contagious Diseases Act, 1869." I am directed to report that, since there is now before the House a Bill dealing with the subject of this petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th July, 1890.

No. 15. —Petition of Simon Fraser, of Auckland. The petitioner alleges that a Select Committee of the Provincial Council of Otago, in 1864, recognised and admitted his claim to a reward of £1,500, for the discovery of the West Taieri Goldfield, of which sum he has received, as yet, only £30 on account. He prays for payment of the balance, or for other suitable consideration. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, this petition should be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee. 15th July, 1890.

No. 38. —Petition of William Hanlon, of Dunedin. The petitioner prays for additional allowance on retiring from the office of sergeant of Police. I am directed to report that, since the petitioner has already received compensation in accordance with the rule adopted by the department—namely, to grant not exceeding two years' pay to Inspectors and one year's pay to sergeants and constables, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th July, 1890.

No. 41.—Petition of James Atkinson, of Wanganui. The petitioner states that he was wounded in the head by rebel Maoris in 1865, while carrying mails, and that he has lost his sight in consequence of the wound. He pleads that the sum of £50 already paid to him is insufficient, and prays for further relief. I am directed to report that, since the Government has adopted the recommendation made by this Committee in 1888, the Committee has no further recommendation to make. 17th July, 1890.

No. 64.—Petition of J. W. Faulkner, of Dunedin. The petitioner prays for refund of the Customs duty paid by him on a machine for making wirenetting. I am directed to report as follows : —The petition was considered at a meeting of the Committee held on the 15th July, 1890. Present: Mr. Seymour (Chairman), Mr. Allen, Mr. Blake, Mr. Fish, Mr. Goldie, Mr. Loughrey, Mr. Marchant, Mr. Moat. Mr. Loughrey moved, and the question was proposed, That, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Mr. Marchant moved, That the question be amended by the omission of all the words after the word " that," and the insertion of the following words in lieu thereof : " since the duty on machinery has been imposed by Parliament, the Committee has no recommendation to make." And the question being put, " That the words proposed to be omitted stand part of the resolution," the Committee divided, and the names were taken down as follow :— Ayes, 5 : Mr. Allen, Mr. Blake, Mr. Fish, Mr. Loughrey, Mr. Moat. Noes, 2 : Mr. Goldie, Mr. Marchant. So it was resolved in the affirmative. 17th July, 1890.

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No. 65. —Petition of H. B. Huddleston, of Blenheim. The petitioner complains that clause 170 of " The Land Transfer Act, 1885," has had the effect of invalidating his license to practise as a surveyor, and consequently of depriving him of his professional income. I am directed to adopt the report brought up by this Committee on the 25th July, 1888— namely, " That, as the petitioner refuses to comply with the conditions required to enable him to obtain his license, the Committee is of opinion that he has no claim on the colony for relief." 17th July, 1890.

No. 69. —Petition of John Hamann, of Dunedin. The petitioner prays for some substantial recognition of the valuable service which he has rendered to the colony in suggesting the imposition of the primage duty. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim on the colony for a reward. 17th July, 1890.

No. 86.—Petition of the Auckland Distbict Hospital and Charitable Aid Boaed. The petitioners pray for legislation to empower Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards to levy rates on Maori lands within their respective districts for the purpose of defrayiug the expense of administering relief to persons of the Maori race. I am directed to recommend this petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 17th July, 1890.

No. 91.—Petition of Heney Bate and Others, of Takaka, Nelson. The petitioners pray for the construction of a main road through Takaka Valley. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government tor consideration. 17th July, 1890.

No. 94.—Petition of H. Coppersmith and Others, of Brunner. The petitioners pray for early completion of the Greymouth-Hokitika Eailway. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th July, 1890.

No. 2.—Petition of James Andeews, of Kaiapoi. The petitioner claims compensation for damage by flood-water directed upon his land by Government railway works. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner should be paid a sum of £500 in full satisfaction of all claims past, after giving an undertaking not to make any claim for any damage he may sustain in the future. And I am directed to move in the House, " That the recommendation of the Committee be carried into effect." 18th July, 1890.

No. 72. —Petition of Ellen Kruse, of Brightwater, Waimea South. The petitioner states that her late husband met his death through the negligence of the Post Office, being dragged off a load of straw in passing under a telegraph wire. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th July, 1890.

No. 112.—Petition of John Bell, of Auckland. The petitioner prays for compensation for loss sustained in consequence of error in the official survey of certain Crown lands. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, this petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 22nd July, 1890.

No. 13. —Petition of William Junor Fbaser, of Invercargill. The petitioner states that, after twenty-five years' service as Gaoler at Invercargill, he was discharged with only one month's pay in lieu of notice. But he claims that, as a public servant in receipt of a yearly salary, he was entitled to three months' pay in lieu of notice. He prays for payment of £50, a sum equal to two months' pay. I am directed to report that, since it appears that the petitioner had received five months' leave of absence on full pay during the year preceding his retirement, the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no further claim on the colony. 24th July, 1890.

No. 40.—Petition of George Fisher, of Christchurch. The petitioner complains that he was dismissed from the Eailway service under such circumstances and in such manner as to subject him to the unjust suspicion of having been implicated in the embezzlements committed by the late G. H. Ashcroft, Stationmaster at Dunedin. He prays for inquiry and relief,

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I am directed to report that the Committee, having carefully considered this case and taken evidence thereon, is of opinion that there was no collusion between the petitioner and Ashcroft with respect to the defalcations of the latter officer. 25th July, 1890.

No. 70. —Petition of A. W. Caekeek, of Ohau. The petitioner states that he is entitled to an annual pension as a recipient of the New Zealand Cross, and prays that the pension may be commuted for a capital sum, on the ground that he is leaving the colony. I am directed, to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of this petition. 25th July, 1890.

No. 120.—Petition of L. J. Bagnall and 77 Others. The petitioners are ratepayers of the Totara Eiding, in the County of Thames, and complain that they are insufficiently represented on the Thames County Council. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee, some steps should be taken during the present session by way of legislation to remedy the evil of unequal representation complained of in the petition. 25th July, 1890.

No. 126.—Petition of Edwin Hakeow (No. 1), of Lake, Auckland. The petitioner prays for exemption from the property-tax. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the subject of this petition. 25th July, 1890.

Nos. 113, 128, 132, 133, and 149.—Petitions of J. Tonson Garlick and Others, E. H. Burton and Others, W. N. de L. Willis and Others, the Waipa County Council, and W. J. B. Geeen and Others. The petitioners pray for repeal of " The Eailways Act, 1887," and for trial of a stage system of administration on the Government railways of the colony. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Eailway Eates Committee. 29th July, 1890.

No. s.—Petition of H. K. Hovell, of Sunday Island. The petitioner alleges that, by the Surveyor-General's printed report on the Kermadec Islands, he was induced to become the lessee of Eun No. 7, Sunday Island ; that he has since discovered the report to be exaggerated and misleading; and that, through his reliance upon the accuracy of the report, he has been involved in loss to the value of £850. He prays for payment of this sum. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colon}'. {Vide also 1.-Ib.) 31st July, 1890. _.

No. 82. —Petition of John Smith Hickson (No. 1), of Naseby, Otago. The petitioner prays for a pension, on the ground that he has lost his eyesight through exposure to bad weather in the discharge of his duty as a Eesident Magistrate. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner is still in receipt of his pay, and will on his retirement be entitled to certain allowances, the Committee has no recommendation to make at present on his case. 81st July, 1890.

No. 66. —Petition of F. M. Hewson, of Auckland. The petitioner states that, after sixteen years' service in the Public Works Department, he has been discharged without any compensation for loss of office. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee is unable to recommend the prayer of the petition. 31st July, 1890.

No. 121. —Petition of Catherine Lookett, of Wanganui. The petitioner is the widow of Jonas Lockett, who, after nearly twenty years' service in the Customhouse, was discharged with a pension in 1878 and died in 1879. She prays for compassionate allowance, in consideration of her age and infirmity, and of her late husband's service. I am directed to report that the Committee is unable to recommend the prayer of the petition. 31st July, 1890.

No. 1. —Petition of G. W. Ell, of Wellington, formerly of Christchurch. The petitioner alleges that he is suffering hardship and wrong through the misconduct of certain public officers, and through abuse of processes of law. He prays for inquiry and relief. I am directed to report that, since Mr. C. C. Graham, Official Assignee at Wellington, has made a report on this matter, admittedly from the petitioner's ex parie statement and evidence, the Committee is of opinion that he ought now to be directed to examine such witnesses and documents on the other side of the question as he may deem necessary, and to report thereon. sth August, 1890.

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No. 62.'—Petition of Lindsay Jackson, of Thames. (First report: referrred back to Committee. See Order of Eeference, sth August, 1890.) Thk petitioner prays for refund of bail escheated. I am directed to report that the Committee is unable to recommend the prayer of the petition. sth August, 1890.

No. 82. —Petition of E. C. Baestow, of Auckland, as Liquidator of the Kaihu Valley Eailway Company. The petitioner prays for compensation for loss alleged to have been caused by breach of faith on the part of the Government. I am directed to report that the Committee is unable to recommend the prayer of the petition. sth August, 1890.

Nos. 103 and 124.—Petition of P. Stukt Brown (No. 1), of Whangarei, and Henry Bbadnam and Others, of Warkworth. The petitioners pray for completion of the main trunk road north of Auckland. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth August, 1890.

No. 106.—Petition of P. Stubt Brown (No. 2), as Chairman of the North Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. The petitioner prays for legislation to empower Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards to levy rates on Maori lands within their respective districts, for the purpose of defraying the expense of administering relief to persons of the Maori race. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth August, 1890.

No. 125.—Petition of Marianne Deighton, of Te Wairoa Hawke's Bay. The petitioner prays that the pension paid to her husband, recently deceased, may be continued to herself. I am directed to recommend this petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. sth August, 1890.

No. 144.—Petition of Siegmund Cohen, of Christchurch. The petitioner prays for a refund of Customs duty paid on reimporting certain jewellery previously exported from the colony. I am directed to report that, if the Collector of Customs at Christchurch is satisfied of the identity of the goods imported with those previously exported by the petitioner, the Committee is of opinion that the prayer of the petition should be granted. sth August, 1890.

No. 130.—Petition of Eichard Fisher and Others, of Timaru. The petitioners pray for amendment of the Factory Act. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, this petition should be referred to the Labour Bills Committee. 7th August, 1890.

No. 150.—Petition of Valentine Blagbove, of Auckland. The petitioner alleges that he has invented and constructed, at an expense of over £500, apparatus for drying and preserving fish, fruit, and vegetables in general, and mussels in particular. And he prays —(1) For pecuniary assistance to enlarge his works; (2) for leave to erect his plant on the Auckland foreshore ; (3) for sole right to use the mussels in Auckland Harbour ; (4) for a grant of land adjoining the site of his projected factory, in consideration of his military service in 1862-63. I am directed to report— (a) That, in the opinion of the Committee, the first paragraph of the petition should be referred to the Flax and other Industries Committee for inquiry into the preserving process used by the petitioner; (b) that the Committee cannot recommend the petitioner's prayers for grants of money and land ; (c) that, since the foreshore of the Waitemata is vested in the Auckland Harbour Board, the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner's application for use of the foreshore, and of the mussels thereon, should have been made to that body. 7th August, 1890.

No. 134. —Petition of Franz G. H. Kummer, Inmate of the Avondale Asylum, Auckland. The petitioner prays for relief from alleged persecution by hypnotic electricity. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the subject of this petition. 12th August, 1890.

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No. 137.—Petition of E. H. Bakbwell, M.D., of Auckland. The petitioner prays for an inquiry into the subject of the prevalence of leprosy in New Zealand. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th August, 1890.

No. 140. —Petition of John Jackson. The petitioner relates his adventures. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this document, as containing no prayer, is not a petition, and that the Committee has therefore no recommendation to make. 12th August, 1890.

No. 159. —Petition of Alexander Clack and Others, of Wellington. The petitioners pray for general reform of the fiscal and land policy of the colony. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th August, 1890.

No. 163.—Petition of the Hobson County Council. It is alleged in the petition that, in consequence of an error in the rate-roll supplied to the Hobson County Council by the Property-tax Department, the Council sold one piece of land for arrears of rates due on another piece belonging to a different owner ; that the Council was thereby involved in litigation and incurred expenses amounting to £330 ; that the Government repudiates the responsibility of the Property-tax Department, and refuses to pay these expenses. The Council prays for relief. I am directed to report that, having inquired into the subject of the petition, the Committee is of opinion that the Government was justified in not recognising the claim. 12th August, 1890.

No. 174. —Petition of Thomas Aheabn, of Greymouth. The petitioner states that he is bliud, and prays for a grant of money to enable him to go to Australia for medical advice and change of climate. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of this petition. 12th August, 1890.

No. 175.—Petition of the Hobson and Otamatea County Councils, The petitioners pray for maintenance of the western branch of the Great North Road. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th August, 1890. _J

No. 191. —Petition of Edwin Habbow (No. 2), of Lake, Auckland. The petitioner advertises a pamphlet entitled " New Zealand as I have found it," of which he ia the author, and prays that the Government may purchase 1,000 copies of it for the use of the Agent-General. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of this petition. 21st August, 1890.

■ No. 194.—Petition of John Maeie Geace, of Auckland. The petitioner states that he is the son and heir-at-law of the late Peter Grace, of Auckland, who in 1865 contracted to construct a section of the Auckland and Drury Eailway; that in 1866 the Provincial Government seized the contract and the plant, paying the contractor £3,600, and taking from him a receipt in full. He now claims £3,078 2s. as due by the Provincial Government to his late father. I am directed to report that the Committee, having further inquired into this case, is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim to any further payment beyond that of £3,600 made to his father by the Auckland Provincial Council, and accepted by him as final on the 18th July, 1866. 21st August, 1890. __

Nos. 196 and 200. —Petitions of Kate Connell and Others, of Whangarei; and Elizabeth McDiabmid and Others, of West Taieri. The- petitioners pray for repeal of "The Contagious Diseases Act, 1869." Nos. 207 and 208.—Petitions of P. B. Frasee, M.A., and Others, of Waiareka, Otago; and G. A. Haekness, M.A., and Others, of Nelson. The petitioners petition in support of the School Committees Election Bill. I am directed to report tliat, as there are now before the House Bills dealing with the matters of these petitions, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st August, 1890,

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No. 139.—Petition of James Gilmoue and Others, of Winton. The petitioners pray for conversion of the Forest Hill Tramway into a railway. Nos. 216 and 217. —Petitions of J. D. Hill and Others, of Auckland; and James McPhebson and Others, of Kirikiriroa. The petitioners pray for abolition of the present system of railway management and for the substitution of a stage system. No. 238. —Petition of E. E. Andbeson and Others, of Wyndham. The petitioners pray for erection of a flag station and formation of a siding at McKay's Crossing, on the Wyndham-Glenham Eailway. I am directed to recommend that these four petitions be referred by the Government to the Eailway Commissioners for consideration. 26th August, 1890.

No. 213.—Petition of G. N. Blackwell and Others, of Christchurch. The petitioners pray that the Factories and Shops Bill may not be allowed to become law during the present session of Parliament. I am directed to report that, as there is now before the House a Bill dealing with the subjectmatter of this petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th August, 1890.

No. 221.—Petition of William J. Faebaud, J.P., of Te Arai, and Others. The petitioners pray for construction of a main trunk road north of Devonport. No. 226.—Petition of Heney T. Clabke and Others, of Waimate North. The petitioners pray for construction of a road to the Port of Opua, Bay of Islands. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these two petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th August, 1890.

No. 228.—Petition of E. E. Beadley and Others. The petitioners pray for abolition of the County of Akaroa. i I am directed to report that this petition, not being in compliance with Standing Order No. 265, is informal, and that the Committee has therefore no recommendation to make. 26th August, 1890.

No. 232.—Petition of G. S. Fleming and Others. The petitioners pray for abolition of the County of Akaroa. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th August, 1890.

No. 184.—Petition of J. N. Cunningham and Others, of Moa Flat. The petitioners pray that the Waipabi-Heriot Eailway may be extended to Culvert Creek. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th August, 1890.

No. 225.—Petition of Maetin Chapman and Others, of Wellington. The petitioners pray that the destruction of marine birds and their eggs, except for food, may be prohibited by law on all islands within the boundaries of New Zealand. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, legislative action ought immediately to be taken to control and limit the destruction of birds, seals, and other animals frequenting the islands named in the petition, as well as the Macquarie Islands, should these be transferred to the jurisdiction of New Zealand. (Vide also 1.-lα.) 28th August, 1890.

No. 234. —Petition of Geoege King and Others, of Christchurch. The petitioners pray that New Brighton may be declared a sanatorium, and provided with a seawall and planted with trees. lam directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th August, 1890.

No. 236. —Petition of H. S. Fitzheebebt arid Others. The petitioners oppose the projected removal of the railway-station at Palmerston North from its present site in the middle of the Square. Nos. 246 and 247. —Petitions of John Doudican and Others, of Alexandra : and An.ueew Peimeose and Others, of Kirikiriroa. The petitioners pray for abolition of the present system of railway management and for the substitution of a stage system.

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I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government, with the recommendation that they should be forwarded to the Eailway Commissioners. 28th August, 1890.

Nos. 214 and 215.—Petitions of Eev. L. Caesley Beady and Others, of Otaio; and Eev. Chaeles Coates and Others, of Waimate. The petitioners pray that a certain bequest to church trustees may be exempt from property-tax. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of these petitions. 2nd September, 1890.

No. 254.—Petition of T. W. Hemswokth and Others, of Christ church. The petitioners petition in support of the labour Bills now before the House. No. 256.—Petition of Edwabd Iles and other Hairdressers, of Dunedin. The petitioners petition against early closing of hairdressers' shops. No. 258. —Petition of Colman Hynes and Others, of Kaimata. The petitioners petition in favour of the Lake Brunner deviation of the Midland Eailway. No. 269. —Petition of Pbessey E. Geangee and other Schoolmasters, of North Canterbury. The petitioners petition in support of the School Committees Election Bill. I am directed to report that, as there are now before the House Bills dealing with the subjectmatters of these four petitions, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 2nd September, 1890.

No. 260.—Petition of John Smith Hickson (No. 2), of Naseby. The petitioner prays for a pension in consideration of having lost his eyesight through exposure and other hardships incurred in the discharge of his duties as Eesident Magistrate and Warden. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the case of the petitioner should be recommended to the favourable consideration of the Government. 2nd September, 1890.

No. 273. —Petition of the Wanganui Hospital and Chaeitable Aid Boaed. The petitioners pray for legislation to empower Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards to levy rates on Maori lands to meet the expense of providing relief for Maoris. I am directed to recommend this petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 2nd September, 1890.

No. 62. —Petition of Lindsay Jackson, of the Thames. (Second Eeport : referred back to the Committee on Tuesday, sth August, 1890, for the purpose of taking further evidence. The petitioner prays for refund of bail escheated. I am directed to report that the Committee, having taken the evidence of the Warden of the Thames and of Mr. Mclntyre, the Provincial Auditor, as directed by the House, sees no reason to alter its former decision in this case—namely, " That the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petition." 4th September, 1890.

No. 176. —Petition of John Lundon, of Onehunga. The petitioner states that in 1887 the s.s. " Oreti " was under contract with the Government to make monthly trips from Onehunga to Hokianga and Whangape with special settlers for £40 a trip ; that in April, 1887, the pay of the crew being in arrear, the Seamen's Union called them out, thereby detaining the special settlers at Onehunga, where their maintenance devolved on the Government; that, to enable the steamer to proceed, the petitioner signed a promissory note for £125, the amount of wages due, on the understanding that the advance should be refunded to him by deductions from the monthly payments of £40 receivable by the " Oreti" from the Government; that no such deductions were ever made by the Government, and that when the " Oreti " was seized on the Slip, at Wellington, the Government cancelled the contract; that £50 was paid towards the promissory note by the owners of the " Oreti," and that the petitioner was sued for the balance, and judgment given against him with costs; that the sum total for which the petitioner is now liable is £120 9s. 4d. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the sum due on the promissory note, together with the costs of the action, ought to be paid to the petitioner. 4th September, 1890.

No. 244.—Petition of W. H. Bueton, of Hurunui. The petitioner charges Mr. Caleb Whitefoord, Eesident Magistrate at Kaiapoi, with partiality and injustice, and prays for an inquiry. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the charges made by the petitioner against Mr. Caleb Whitefoord have no foundation whatever, and no further inquiry need be made into the matter. 11th September, 1890.

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Nos. 275, 283, 285, and 295.—Petitions of A. W. Bullet and Others, of Napier; J. Gbaham and Co. and Others, of Masterton; E. Blanche and Others, of Wellington; and David Dokwaed and Others, of Oamaru. The petitioners petition in support of the labour Bills. No. 287. —Petition of Kikkcaldie and Stains and Others, of Wellington. The petitioners petition opposing the labour Bills. I am directed to report that, since there are now before the House, Bills dealing with the subject-matters of these petitions, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th September, 1890.

No. 261. —Petition of Jonathan Deveeell, of Patea. The petitioner complains that certain goods consigned to him by rail were carried past Patea, to Waverley, through carelessness of the railway officials ; that he has been obliged to pay additional freight for the greater distance, and also for the return of the goods to Patea ; that he has incurred further loss through the consequent delay in delivery. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that, since the goods were sent as addressed, the Eailway authorities cannot, in the opinion of the Committee, be held responsible. 16th September, 1890.

No. 297. —Petition of James Buchanan and Others, of Matakana. The petitioners pray for completion of the main trunk road north of Devonport. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th September, 1890.

No. 63.—Petition of Henky Dalton, of the Thames. The petitioner states that he was quartermaster on board the gunboat " Sandfly," and that while carrying a wounded seaman from under fire at the storming of the Gate Pa at Tauranga he was wounded below the right knee ; that he still suffers severely from that wound, and requires frequent medical treatment on account of it. He prays for a pension or other relief. I am directed to report that, for want of sufficient evidence, the Committee is unable to come to any decision on this petition. 16th September, 1890.

No. 114. —Petition of H. A. H. Hitchens, of Auckland. The petitioner claims remuneration for his services in collecting the arms and accoutrements of the Waitemata Naval Artillery Volunteers after the disbandment of that corps, in which he had been a captain. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 16th September, 1890.

No. 292.—Petition of Lawhence Laksen, of Lyell Ferry. The petitioner complains that his trade, a ferryman, which he has followed for nearly ten years, has been ruined by the opening of a bridge adjoining his ferry. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that, for want of sufficient evidence, the Committee is unable to come to any decision on this petition. 16th September, 1890.

No. 305. —Petition of Geoege Septimus Beodbick, of Dunedin, The petitioner prays for compensation for non-payment of rates in connection with the Duntroon and Hakateramea Eailway. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th September, 1890.

No. 307.—Petition of Mrs. Ellen Bell, of Wellington. The petitioner is the widow of the late Sergeant-Major Norris Bell, and prays for some allowance, in consideration of his long service as drill-instructor. I am directed to report that, the Committee not having time now to inquire into the merits of this petition, is of opinion that it should be referred to the Government for consideration; and the Committee recommends that, if the Government, on inquiry, finds the allegations of the petition to be correct, some compassionate allowance should be granted to the petitioner. 16th September, 1890. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing, exclusive of plans (1,300 copies), £6 15s.

By Authority: Geoegk Didstsuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9o.

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