REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS M TO Z COMMITTEE. (Mr. MEREDITH, CHAIRMAN.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1896 Session I, I-02

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1896. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS M TO Z COMMITTEE. (Mr. MEREDITH, CHAIRMAN.)

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

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Thubsday, the 25th Day op June, 1896. Ordered, " That a Public Petitions M to Z 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 shall 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. Collins, Mr. Fraser, Mr. Lang, Mr. McNab, Mr. Meredith, Mr. Morrison, Mr. E. M. Smith, Mr. Willis, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. T. Thompson.)

Pbiday, the 26th Day of June, 1896. Ordered, '" That the name of Mr. Lewis be added to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee."—(Hon. Mr, T. Thompson.)

INDEX.

Petitioners, &c. 'age. fo. doners, ;o. 'age, fo. !72 B. Browall, James, and Others 6 36 422 23 Phillips, C. Phillips, H. Plummer, A. 5 6 2 .00 147 D. De Weston, William M. and Marion Doull, James, and Others 2 6 519 42 265 452 387 R. Ready, M. Reid, A. W., and Others.. Rochfort, J. H, and Others Ross, J., and Another Roulston, J., and Others 8 4 5 7 6 F. Final Report 8 K. Kelsey, E., and Others .. 8 532 511 65 28 85 454 62 318 19 1895 s. i08 Schlesinger, A. .. Schwass, H, and Others Sculley, J. Sewell, W. Silk, Mrs. Jane Smith, J. Stott, A. Stringer, W., and Others I Strudwick, J. W. 8 8 3 3 3 6 2 5 M. 3 6 5 3 6 4 7 6 7 6 4 3 4 8 4 4 3 3 5 3 6 4 6 4 349 166 137 350 157 423 373 513 351 241 41 177 546 169 160 10 149 146 45 396 126 165 Macalister, R. .. Macdonald, Charles, and Others Manley, Mrs. Ruth Manson, M., and Others Martin, D., and Others McClaskey, J. J., and Others McDonald, J. K. McKerraas, J., and Others McLaughlan, H. McMeckin, Agnes, and Others McMillan, D., and Others McNaught, A. .. McPherson, A., and Others McQueen, Mrs. Rhoda .. McRae, J., and Others McTaggart, J., and Others Meikle, J. J. Moir, Mrs. Eliza Montorfano, F. .. Moore, Mrs. Jane Morton, G., and Others Mountfort, Mrs. Christina Mynott, J. 320 195 238 251 376 6 476 T. Taylor, A., and Others .. Taylor, D., and Others .. Temperance Political Committee, Dunedin Thomas, J., and Others Trask, F., and Others Tribe, W. A. (No. 1) Tribe, W. A. (No. 2) 8 5 4 4 5 6 7 7 155 V. Varcoe, T,, and Others .. 35 122 46 100 348 541 253 178 360 522 498 375 w. 2 539 N. Nestor, T. New Zealand Refrigerating Company (Limited) o. 2 8 Walker, J. J. .. Warner, Mrs. Bessie Annie Waterston, W. S. Weston, William M. and Marion de Whilburn, S., and Others Williams, Rev. G., and Others Willis, Archdeacon, and Others Wilson, 0. R. .. Wingfield, A. J., and Others Wood, T. Wright, J., and Others .. Wyatt, Mrs. Margaret 2 i 2 2 6 8 5 5 6 7 7 6 415 470 O'Rourke, B. .. Orange, A. E. .. 6 8 P. 2 5 37 319 Pennefather, A. A. Pheasant, E., and Others 361 Y. Young, A., and Others ..

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No. 2.—Petition of Thomas Nestoe, of Makairo. Petitionee states that in April last he was a first-class constable in charge of the Eketahuna sub-district; that he also acted as clerk and bailiff to the Eketahuna Magistrate's Court; that in August he was charged with perjury in connection with the service of certain summonses ; that the grand jury threw out the bill; and that he was then dismissed from the service. He prays that he may be reinstated in his former position in the Police Department, that he may be compensated for loss of office, and that he be refunded the expenses incurred in defending the said charge. I am directed to report that, having carefully considered the petition, the Committee are of opinion that the offence of the petitioner was to swear that summonses in the cases of Dutton v. Bodmin and Heron v. Bodmin, at Eketahuna, were personally served upon the defendant while the petitioner was acting as bailiff of the Court in that town ; that the summonses were in reality served upon persons upon whom the defendant had previously instructed the petitioner to serve his summonses; that the affidavit should have specified the person upon whom service was actually effected; that the Stipendiary Magistrate at Masterton dismissed the charge against the petitioner, and, when afterwards the Stipendiary Magistrate at Wellington committed the petitioner for trial, the grand jury threw out the bill, with the approval of the presiding Judge ; that the record of the petitioner while nearly twenty years in the Bolice Force of the colony is an excellent one, and the petitioner has always faithfully discharged his duties ; that they are of opinion that the punishment meted out to the petitioner was out of proportion to the offence committed, and that the petitioner should either be reinstated in the Force, or receive some compensation for the loss of his position as constable. Bth July, 1896.

No. 62. —Petition of Abeaham Stott, of Wellington. Petitionee prays that he may be granted some remuneration on account of his services as drillinstructor to the Volunteers. • I-am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. Bth July, 1896. .

No. 23. —Petition of Albeet Plummee, of Port Ahuriri. Petitionee prays that he may be granted some compensation for loss sustained in connection with his contract to supply Maori prisoners at the Chatham Islands with food in the year 1868, &c. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim whatever upon the colony. Bth July, 1896.

No. 37. —Petition of Alfbed A. Pennepathee. Petitionee states that in March last he was retired from the position of constable in charge at Ashurst, on account of alleged gross neglect of duty, &c. He prays that inquiry may be made into the circumstances of the case, and that he be restored to his former position in the Police Force, and for other relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the action of the department in dismissing the petitioner from the service was justifiable. Bth July, 1896.

No. 35.—Petition of John J. Walkee, of Bromley, near Christchurch. Petitionee states that during the labour strike in September, 1890, he was attacked and badly injured by a band of six union men, and that he is now unable to support himself and family. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. Bth July, 1896.

No. 100. —Petition of William M. and Maeion de Weston, of Christchurch. Petitionees pray for relief on account of alleged injuries received from a detective of the New Zealand Police Force. I am directed to report that the Committee sees no reason for altering the decision arrived at last session by the Public Petitions A to L Committee—namely, "That, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioners have no claim against the colony." 10th July, 1896.

No. 46.—Petition of Waltee Sinclaie Watebston, of Invercargill. Petitionee prays for an inquiry into the circumstances in connection with the interpretation of "The Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1877," by the Collector of Customs at Greymouth, in September, 1895, and November, 1895, as affecting his ships the " Alexa " and "Ganymede," and for other relief, &c. I am directed to report that, as the facts of this case appear to be of an intricate and complicated nature, requiring expert knowledge, and the matters at issue of an important character to the shipping interests of the colony, the Committee strongly recommends that the Government should institute a judicial inquiry into the whole circumstances of the case at the earliest possible date 10th July, 1896.

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No. 45.—Petition of Jane Mooee, of Takaka. Petitionee prays that she may be granted a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband, Captain Moore, who was knocked down and fatally injured by a shunting-engine at the Lyttelton Bailwaj'-station on the 2nd June last. I am directed to report that the Committee, having carefully considered the evidence adduced, is fully satisfied that Mrs. Moore has no legal claim against the Government, but, in consideration of her circumstances, recommends that a compassionate allowance of £50 be granted her. 10th July, 1896.

No. 10. —Petition of John James Meikle, of Southland. Petitionee prays that full effect may be given to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee's recommendation of last session in his case. I am directed to report that this Committee regrets that its recommendations of last session have not been carried out, and that the Committee is still of opinion that an allowance should be granted to him by wav of compensation for imprisonment suffered and consequent loss sustained. 14th July, 1896. "

No. 41. —Petition of Alexandeb McNaught, of Oamaru. - Petitionee prays that he may be granted an inquiry into the circumstances of his having been wrongfully declared a bankrupt, and for redress for having been imprisoned for contempt of Court, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th July, 1896.

No. 65.—Petition of James Scully, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that he may be granted further compensation- for loss of office as sergeant-major of the Defence Department. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to, and should receive, the same retiring-allowance as was paid to Sergeants-Major White and Haslem— viz., one month's salary for each year of service. 16th July, 1896.

No. 85. —Petition of Mrs. Jane Silk, of Wellington. Petitionee states that in June, 1895, her husband's reason became impaired, and that he was compelled to retire from his position in the Government Printing Office as engine-driver and acting engineer. She prays that she may be granted some additional assistance. I am directed to report that, while recognising the petitioner has no legal claim against the Government, the Committee, under the painful circumstance of the case, recommends the Government to find her some suitable employment if possible. 21st July, 1896.

No. 4. —Petition of B. Macalistee. Petitionee prays that he may be either reinstated in the public service of the colony or that he be granted a suitable pension for the loss of a life office. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st July, 1896.

No. 28.—Petition of William Sewell, of Oamaru. Petitionee states that in May, 1862, he was appointed by the Provincial Government of Otago Beach-master and Pilot at Oamaru; that in May, 1876, he was transferred to the service of the Oamaru Harbour Board; that in April last he received intimation that his engagement with the Board would cease after the 31st July next. He prays that he may be granted a retiringallowance. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that petitioner is entitled to compensation for the full length of his service under the Provincial Government of Otago, as indicated by the letters from the Marine Department dated Ist September, 1877, and 20th February, 1878, M 77/1946, and M 77/2605. 21st July, 1896.

No. 137. —Petition of Martin Manson and 124 Others, North of Auckland Districts. Petitioners pray that legislation may be enacted to put an end to the "truck" system prevailing on the gumfields in the North of Auckland districts. I am directed to report that, as the question involved is one of public policy, the Committee recommends that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd July, 1896.

No. 149.—Petition of Eliza Moie, of Ahuroa. Petitionee prays that she may be granted redress on account of a road taken through her property, &c. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee, 23rd July, 1896.

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No. 42.—Petition of A. W. Beid and 124 Others, of Stratford. Petitionees pray that the balance of the sentences of John Farrell, William O'Beilly, and Owen Cullen Cowen, convicted under " The Bankruptcy Act, 1892," may be remitted. I am directed to report that, as the petitioners have not approached the department in the first instance in respect of the matter contained in the petition, the Committee recommends it be referred to the Government. 29th July, 1896.

No. 122. —Petition of Bessie Annie Waenee, of Auckland. Petitionee states that her late husband was for twenty-four years a clerk in the Postal Department ; that on his death she was granted a compassionate allowance equal to two weeks' salary for each year served. She prays that she may be granted a further allowance. I am directed to report that, in the opinion cf the Committee, the petitioner should be granted the same compassionate allowance as other similar cases—viz., eighteen months' pay. 29th July, 1896. _J

No. 126. —Petition of Cheistina Mountfoet, of Wanganui. Petitionee states that her late husband was for over twenty-eight years in the employ of the Telegraph Department ; that she has been paid as a compassionate allowance twelve months' salary. She prays that she may be granted a further allowance on account of her late husband's long service. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner should be granted the same compassionate allowance as other similar cases—viz., eighteen months' pay. 29th July, 1896.

No. 155.—Petition of Thomas Vaecoe and 214 Others. Petitionees pray that a bridge may be constructed over the Mararoa Biver where it crosses the road to the Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th August, 1896.

No. 169.—Petition of John Mcßae and 121 Others, of Clutha Valley. Petitionees pray that a dray-road may be constructed from Bendigo, via Bise and Shine, through Thompson's Gorge to Matakanui. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th August, 1896.

No. 177. —Petition of A. McPhbeson and 539 Others, of Manawatu. Petitionebs pray for the completion of the road leading from the Oroua Bridge to Jackeytown, and known as the Ngawhakarau Bend. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th August, 1896.

No. 195. —Petition of David Taylor, Jun., and 54 Others, of Tirohanga and Pakaru. Pbtitionbes pray that they may be granted a sum of money for the purpose of obtaining better access to the main roads of the district. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th August, 1896.

Nos. 157 and 160.—Petitions of J. J. McClasky and 27 Others, and John McTaggaet and 33 Others. Petitionees state that gambling is widely prevalent, and is a growing evil, &c. They pray that legislation may be introduced in order to suppress the same. I am directed to report that, as there is a Bill now before the House dealing with the subject of the petitions, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th August, 1896.

No. 241.—Petition of Donald McMillan and 64 Others, of Burkes Pass. Petitionees state that gambling is widely prevalent, and is a growing evil, &c. They pray that legislation may be introduced in order to suppress the same. I am directed to report that, as there is a Bill now before the House dealing with the subjectmatter of the petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th August, 1896.

No. 238.—Betition of the Tempeeance Political Committee, Dunedin. Petitionees pray that the Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act Amendment Bill may provide that under no circumstances should bottle licenses be allowed to exist after June, 1897. I am directed to report that, as there is a Bill now before the House dealing with the subjectmatter of the petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th August, 1896.

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No. 166. —Petition of Buth Manley, of Ngaire. Petitionee prays that she may be granted a sum of money on account of her late husband's services as guard on the Government railways, who died from paralysis of the spine, alleged to have been brought on by the nature of his duties. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make, as they consider the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 14th August, 1896.

No. 146.—Petition of Frank Montoefano, of Aoroa. Petitionee prays that the sum of £110, withdrawn from his Post-Office Savings-Bank account by his wife on documents alleged to have been forged, may be refunded by the postal authorities. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has not exhausted his legal remedy as set forth in clause 47 of " The Management of Savings-banks Act, 1858," the Committee, has no recommendation to make. 19th August, 1896.

No. 253. —Petition of Aechdeaoon Willis and 19 Others, of Waikato and Waipa. Petitionees pray that Parliament will not increase the facilities for obtaining dissolution of marriage except such as will place women upon the same footing as men, &c. I am directed to report that, as there is legislation pending upon the subject-matter of the petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th August, 1896. .

No. 178.—Petition of Cheistopheb B. Wilson, of Christchurch. Petitionee prays that he may be granted a remission of the fine of £10 inflicted on him for selling smoked fish as an auctioneer. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot deal with the prayer of the petition, as the petitioner has not applied to the proper authorities for redress. 19th August, 1896.

No. 36.—Petition of Chaeles Phillips, of Bull's. Petitionee prays that he may be granted a compassionate allowance on account of his services as linesman in the Telegraph service of the colony. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 19th August, 1896.

No. 265. —Petition of John H. Bochfobt and 24 Others, of Otago. Petitionees pray that a retiring-room may be erected at the Evansdale Station. I am.directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and that, as it is a case of urgent necessity, the Committee recommends it should be attended to at once. 19th August, 1896.

No. 319.—Petition of E. Pheasant and 16 Others, of North of Auckland. Petitionees state their reasons for objecting to the proposed Act to consolidate and amend the laws relative to local government, &c. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Minister in charge of the Local Government Bill. 26th August, 1896.

No. 318.—Petition of William Stbingeb and 92 Others, of Nelson. Petitionees state that in the Provincial District of Nelson the red and fallow deer are becoming a serious nuisance to the settlers. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government, with the view of legislation being introduced dealing with the nuisance complained of, and giving settlers the right to destroy red and fallow deer found trespassing on their cultivations, 26th August, 1896.

No. 320. —Petition of A. TaYlob and 119 Others, of Canterbury. Petitionees state that gambling is widely prevalent, and is a growing evil. They pray that legislation may be introduced in order to suppress the same. I am directed to report that, as there is a Bill now before the House dealing with the subjectmatter of the petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th August, 1896.

No. 251.—Petition of J. Thomas and 175 Others, of Waimea. Petitionees pray that a compassionate allowance may be granted to the widow and orphans of one James Kerr, who was accidentally killed while working on a ballast-train at Wakefield. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th August, 1896.

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Nos. 361 and 376. —Petitions of Alexandee Young and 4,000 Others, of Dunedin; and Eeancis Teask and 142 Others; of Nelson. Petitionees pray that the issue of bottle licenses may not be prohibited by law. I am directed to report that, as there is legislation now before the House on the subject-matter of the petitions, the Committee recommends they be referred to the Government. 27th August, 1896.

Nos. 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 372, and 373.—Petitions of James Doull and 33 Others, Samuel Whiebuen and 33 Others, Chaeees Macdonald and 33 Others, David Maetin and 40 Others, Agnes McMeckin and 5 Others, James Beowall and 46 Others, and Jambs McKeeeass and 33 Others. Petitionees state that gambling is widely prevalent, and is a growing evil. They pray that legislation may be introduced in order to suppress the same. I am directed to report that, as there is legislation now before the House on the subject-matter of the petitions, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 27th August, 1896. .

No. 165.—Petition of John Mynott, of New Plymouth. Petitionee prays that he may be refunded the sum of £28, being amount of costs incurred in defending a proposed prosecution for a violation of " The Dairy Act, 1894." I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th September, 1896.

No. 360.—Petition of A. J. Wingfield and 41 Others, of Otago. Petitionees pray that the road from Findlater's to the Big Hill may be constructed. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th September, 1896.

No. 415.—Petition of Baetholomew O'Boubke, of South Canterbury. Petitionee states that while a prisoner working on Quail Island, Lyttelton, he received an injury to one of his legs which laid him up in the Timaru Hospital for five weeks. He prays that he may be granted compensation. I am directed to report that, as no negligence has been shown on the part of the medical practitioner to the Lyttelton Gaol, the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 16th September, 1896.

No. 375. —Petition of Maegaeet Wyatt, of Wellington. Petitionee states that, owing to failing health, increasing age, and the effects of an accident, she was compelled to resign her position as charwoman in the service of the Postal Department. She prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 16th September, 1896.

No. 396. —Petition of Geoege Moeton and 14 Others, of the Lower Waihao. Petitionees pray that the ratepayers of the Lower Waihao district may be exempt from the payment of any tax levied for the erection of rabbit-fences, &c. I am directed to report that, as there is legislation now before the House on the subject-matter of the petition, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Minister in charge of the Bill. 16th September, 1896.

No. 387. —Petition of James Boulston and 131 Others, of Pukekohe. Petitionees state that in the year 1891 the district of Pukekohe was deprived of certain lands used as a public domain by an Act of the General Assembly. They pray that they may be granted such compensation as will enable the district to purchase a suitable property for use as a public domain. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd September, 1896.

No. 422.—Petition of Heney Phillips, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that certain clauses in the Bankruptcy Act may be amended. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government. 23rd September, 1896.

No. 454. —Petition of John Smith, of Masterton. Petitionee prays that he may be granted some recognition of his military services to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd September, 1896.

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No. 423.—Petition of John Kinneae McDonald, of Waingaro. Petitionee prays for a grant of land for military services. I am directed to report that, as the Waste Lands Committee has already reported favourably on this petition, the Committee is of opinion it should be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th September, 1896.

No. 513.—Petition of Heney McLaughlan, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that certain legislation may be introduced in regard to private benefit societies, &c. I am directed to report that, as the matters contained in this petition are of such an important nature; the Committee recommends it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth October, 1896.

No. 498.—Petition of James Weight and 110 Others, of Catlin's District. Petitionees pray that they may be granted a sum of money in order to metal the Catlin's-Waikawa Boad. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth October, 1896.

No. 522.—Petition of Thomas Wood, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that he may be granted a refund of £45, being an alleged excess of ad valorem duty charged on certain conveyances of shares and property. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. Bth October, 1896.

No. 6. —Petition of William Alex. Tbibe, of Christchurch (No. 1). Petitionee prays that he may be granted a refund of £23, being Customs duty on part of a shipment of oilskins, ex " Matatua," found to be worthless. I am directed to report that, as the claim has already been settled by the Customs Department, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Bth October, 1896.

No. 476.—Petition of William Alex. Teibe, of Christchurch (No. 2). Petitionee prays that he may be granted a refund of £50, being Customs duty on part of a shipment of oilskins, ex " Aorangi," found to be worthless. I am directed to report that, as there appears to have been no neglect shown on the part of the Customs officials, in the opinion of the Committee the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. Bth October, 1896.

No. 452.—Petition of John Boss and Another, of Patea. Petitionees pray that they may be granted relief on account of certain alleged wrongs done them by Mr. George Hutchison, M.H.8., and the Public Trustee. I have the honour to report that the petitioners are settlers, and reside at Otauto, near Patea. In the year 1894 Mr. Boss, one of the petitioners, borrowed considerable sums of money from Mr. George Hutchison, M.H.8., and mortgaged to that gentleman all his leasehold property and stock. The land was Native land, and under the control of the Public Trustee. After being mortgaged, the farm, which comprised 1,000 acres, was subdivided, and 360 acres placed in the name of a Mr. P. F. Verdon. The mortgage and instruments secured only money actually advanced and disbursements, and the rate of interest was the same as Mr. Boss had paid to a former mortgagee. Mr. Boss alleges non-fulfilment of a verbal agreement alleged to have been entered into under the following circumstances : Mr. Hutchison, while mortgagee, through his manager, entered into an agreement, dated the 16th July, 1894, with Messrs. Boss and Verdon regarding the security which he held. Messrs. Boss and Verdon allege that to enable this agreement to be executed Mr. Hutchison's manager (Mr. Muldrock) verbally agreed with them " to take over the property and stock it, and to take 10 per cent, of the profits, and the balance of the profits" were to go to them. There were other and minor matters referred to. This is denied by Mr. Muldrock, and letters to that gentleman instructing him bear out Mr. Hutchison's statement that he was never authorised to make any such proposal. Though this verbal agreement is alleged in the petition, the whole case of the petitioners is admitted in evidence to stand upon a subsequent agreement which was reduced to writing. Apart from any agreement, Mr. Hutchison had at this time full powers to sell under his mortgages, and he had actually realised upon some of the stock. The allegations made against the Public Trustee were abandoned by the petitioners during the hearing of the case, and the claim resolved itself into a demand by the petitioners that Mr. Hutchison should specifically carry out the terms of a letter dated the 7th August, 1895. This letter or agreement has been the ground of a Supreme Court action against Mr. Hutchison. Ihe case, after great delay, was settled by the petitioners consenting to judgment being entered up against them, and in favour of Mr. Hutchison. The subsequent proceedings were the ordinary proceedings to enforce a judgment against an unsuccessful litigant. During the hearing of the petition it was sought to establish the fact that great cruelty had been shown to the petitioner's family by persons acting on Mr. Hutchison's behalf, but the evidence showed that that gentleman used every endeavour to minimise the effects of the proceedings necessary to recover possession of his own property. The evidence failed completely to establish that the estate had been mismanaged by Mr. Hutchison, or that the petitioners had been defrauded of their just rights, or that no accounts had been rendered to them. The Committee accordingly has no recommendation to make. Bth October, 1896.

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No. 539.—Petition of the New Zealand Befriqebating Company (Limited), of Dunedin. Petitioners pray for exemption from paying an annnal license-fee under " The Stamp Act, 1882." I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1896.

No. 546. —Petition of Bhoda McQueen, of Invercargill. Petitioneb prays that her husband, Lachlan McQueen, may be granted further compensation on account of an injury to his spine received while in the employ of the New Zealand Government railways. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no further claim upon the colony. 9th October, 1896.

No. 508.—Petition of E. Kelsey and 33 Others, of Auckland. Petitionebs pray that the Order in Council compelling youths joining the Civil Service to serve three years in a Volunteer corps may be repealed. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1896.

No. 470.—Petition of Albebt E. Orange, of Otago. Petitioner prays that he may be granted £50 as compensation for loss of stock, &c, on his joining the defence force during the Maori War in the year 1863. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1896.

No. 519.—Petition of Maubice Eeady, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that he may be granted some further compensation for loss of office as sergeant of police in the year 1890, or that he may be granted some other employment. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no further claim upon the colony. 9th October, 1896.

No. 532.—Petition of Adolph Scheesingee, of Christchurch. Petitionee states that in June last he was summoned for selling goods on a half-holiday; that, after four adjournments, the case was tried, and he was fined £2 and £2 Bs. Id. costs. He prays for a refund of the same. I am directed to report that, as it appears a breach of the law was, committed, the Committee has no recommendation to make, but regrets that so many adjournments took place at the request of the department before the matter was finally settled. 9th October, 1896.

No. 511.—Petition of Heney Schwass and 148 Others, of Nelson District. Petitionees pray that before any step is taken in the direction of removing the protection from deer evidence may be taken as to the advantage or disadvantage of continuing the protection of the animals. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th October, 1896.

No. 541.—Petition of Bey. G. Williams and 175 Others, of Canterbury. Petitionees pray that steps may be taken to draw the attention of Her Majesty's Government to the sufferings of the Christian subjects of the Sultan of Turkey, with a view of their relief from the same. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government. 13th October, 1896.

No. 19, 1895.—Petition of Joseph Waltee Steudwick, of Bangitikei. Petitionee prays that he may be granted an inquiry into his alleged grievances in connection with his contract to build a platelayer's cottage at the Mangaonoho Baiiway-station. I am directed to report that, as there is no evidence before them in support of the petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th October, 1896.

Final Bepoet. I have the honour to report that the above Committee has held twenty-nine meetings, and the attendance of the members thereat is as follows : Mr. Meredith, 29; Mr. Collins, 25; Mr. McNab, 22; Mr. Lewis, 20; Mr. Willis, 15; Mr. Morrison, 12; Mr. E. M. Smith, 12; Mr. Lang, 9; Mr. Fraser, 3 ; and the Hon. Mr. T. Thompson, 0. Number of petitions referred to the Committee ... ... ... 69 Number of petitions dealt with by the Committee ... ... ... 69 Number of reports presented to the House ... ... ... 61 Number of specific recommendations made therein ... ... ... 10 Number referred to the Government for favourable consideration ... 2 Number referred to the Government for consideration ... ... 16 No recommendation, &c. ... ... ... .. 33 I am also directed, by resolution of the Committee, to further report that they desire to express their appreciation of the able and courteous manner in which the Chairman (Mr. Meredith) has conducted the business of the Committee during the past session. 13th October, 1896.

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