1.^2

22

Expendituee. £ i. d. Advertisements of land, and commission .. .. .. 13 12 6 Auctioneer's account .. .. .. .. .. 576 Paid Brookficld (on what account does not appear). . .. 28 6 2 Mr. J. B. Russell, on account of his bill of costs, £57 10s. 2d., on account of estate .. .. .. .. 52 12 5 Cost of obtaining administration .. .. .. 14 17 2 Funeral expenses .. .. .. .. .. 13 12 0 Medical attendance .. .. .. .. .. 770 Curator's commission .. .. .. .. .. 7 2 11 £142 17 8 It will be seen that the sum of £142 17s. Bd. consisted of liabilities, which, with the exception of the medical attendance, were incurred after the decease of Petingale, while accounts for lodging, clothing, and money advanced, amounting in all to £309 15s. 6'd., incurred before his death, remained unsettled. I am directed to report that, owing to the above circumstances, the Committee cannot suggest any means of giving relief to the petitioner, but expresses the opinion that the estate was very carelessly and extravagantly administered, and the interest of the creditors not sufficiently guarded. 29th October, 1878.

No. 127.—A. C. McGahey and Others. No. 128. —G. Webster and Others. No. 129.— H. J. Archer and Others. No. 189.— R. H. Matthews and Others. No. 190.— J. N. Lambly and Others. No. 191.— R. Wyles and Others. No. 192. —W. 11. Prosser and Others. These several petitions refer to the placing of several hundred names of persons on the electoral roll of the Manganui and Bay of Islands Electoral District, which the petitioners state was done contrary to law. They pray that inquiry be made, and relief afforded them. The Committee has made a preliminary inquiry into the matters complained of, and especially to a letter put in as evidence by Mr. Williams, M.H.R., which he received from Hercmaia Te Ara, and nineteen others, who state that they had not signed their names to the claims for being placed on the list of voters for the Manganui and Bay of Islands Electoral District, as shown by some of the claims to vote before the Committee. I am directed to report that, the Committee is of opinion that the attention ofthe Government should be directed to this letter; with the view of au inquiry being made in the matter by the Roval Commission to be appointed to report on the grievances ofthe petitioners. 29* th October, 1878.

No. 160.—A. J. Willis. The petitioner prays that extra compensation be paid to him for loss of office ensuing from the abolition of the provinces, on the special ground that he was entitled to twelve month's leave of absence on sick pay, which he did not receive* and. also, that he is informed that some provincial officers in Canterbury are to receive extra compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that, in consideration of the fact that the petitioner was an old provincial officer, he is entitled to any employment in the Government service that is available, and for which he is suitable. 29th October, 1878.

No. 296.—C011ie, Scott and Wilkinson. The petitioners state that in January, 1874, they entered into a contract with the Government, known as the Summit Contract of the Wellington and Masterton Railway. That during the progress of the work certain extensile alterations from the original contract became necessary ; and casualties happened from causes over which they could have no control. Owing to these circumstances they suffered heavy losses, and became unable to meet their engagements. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee, having made inquiry into this case, find that the question to be decided is, whether the colony is to compensate individuals for loss sustained ou account of undertaking public works at a price that is not remunerative. The Committee do not consider that the colony is responsible for losses so sustained. With respect to this special case : the Committee find that the petitioners carried out their work in a satisfactory manner in the face of certain loss, but as the Government has already given all possible aid and consideration, the Committee cannot recommend special compensation for loss so sustained. 29th October, 1878. 3y Authority i Geobge Dibsbitky, Q-oyernment Printer, Wellington.—lB7B. price li.