L—l

18

No. 324.—Petition of J. Jay and H. J. Haynes. The petitioners state that they are the contractors for the Tahoraite Contract, Woodville and Napier section of railways ; that the weather was adverse through the whole of the season, which increased the expenditure to such an extent that they had to seek the protection of the Bankruptcy Court; that the contract was taken over by the Government, and that the plant was sold by the Government. They pray that £1,721 may be refunded to them. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petition. Ist September, 1885.

No. 300.—Petition of W. Young and Others, Napier. The petitioners state that they have complied with the instructions coutained in the regulations in connection with "The Borest Trees Planting Encouragement Act, 1872," and in October last year gave notice for the inspection of their lands. They consider they are entitled to the bonus under the Act, having planted 660 acres. They ask the House to enact that the benefits provided by the Act of 1872 may be extended to them. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist September, 1885.

No. 344.—Petition of William Millar, Dunedin. The petitioner states that he was an apprentice in the workshops at Hillside, at Dunedin; that he was employed 232 days after having completed his term of five years at the wages only of an apprentice, although he did the work of an improver. He prays that the sum of £7 13s. for three weeks' wages in lieu of notice, and £59 19s. Bd., the difference between the wages of an apprentice and an improver, may be paid him. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion the petitioner has no claim against the colony. Ist September, 1885.

No. 384.—Petition of B. J. Beltus (No. 2), Auckland. The petitioner claims the sum of £280 13s. against the estate of the late Mr. Petingale, which he has been unable to obtain. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, having fully inquired into the matter in 1878 and subsequent years, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 2nd September, 1885.

No. 270. —Petition of Thomas Howe, Napier. The petitioner states that he served in the Armed Constabulary in 1872 and 1873, and in 1879 until March, 1885, when he was discharged as unfit for service. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 2nd September, 1885.

No. 214.—Petition of E. M. Smith, New Blymouth. The petitioner states that he is a colonist of twenty-five years' standing, and that for twenty years he has studied how best to establish industries to work up the raw material and natural products of the colony. He prays to be heard at the bar of the House on this most important question. I am directed to report that the Committee, having examined the petitioner, Mr. Macandrew, M.H.E., and documentary evidence, cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner. 2nd September, 1885.

No. 51.—Petition of B. J. Bfltus (No. 1), Auckland. The petitioner, at present confined in the lunatic asylum, Whau, Auckland, prays that he may be released from the same. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. — 2nd September, 1885.

No. 213.—Petition of M. McMahon, Wellington. The petitioner states that he was ruptured whilst in the Armed Constabulary, and from which he now suffers. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1885.

No. 351.—Petition of W. Given and Others, Onehunga. The petitioner states that on the 30th June last his horse was killed at the railway-crossing, Victoria Street, Onehunga, by a passing train. He prays for a sum of money to replace the same. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 3rd September, 1885.

No. 328.—Petition of D. M. Luckie. The petitioner, Acting General Manager of the New Zealand Government Life Insurance Association, requests the House to prevent the taxation of life insurance funds. I am directed "to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government. 3rd September, 1885,