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command of a private expedition as a Government official; who instructed him to do so ; and why the rescue work was left to private enterprise; and generally into the want of proper organization, and the incapability of the Government officials in not affording proper relief to the sufferers by the disaster. I am directed to report that the Committee, having taken all available evidence, are satisfied that several of the allegations in the petition are unfounded, and that there is nothing before them to show the necessity for further inquiry. 20th July, 1886.

No. 320.—Petition of John Christie and Others. The petitioners, members of the Waikouaiti Presbyterian congregation, pray that measures may be passed to secure, under the provisions of a time-table and a conscience-clause, the daily reading of the Bible in public schools. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 20th July, 1886.

Nos. 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 374, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, and 389.—Petitions of J. D. Davis and Others, Elizabeth Watson and Others, Henrietta Ferguson and Others, — Kennedy and Others, Hugh McCleery and Others, Frances McGoun and Others, A. Eoach and Others, Sarah E. Watson and Others, E. B. Miller and Others, Isabella McLeod and Others, David Nichol and Others, and Eobert Ashton and Others. The petitioners pray for the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Act. I am directed to report that, as a Bill dealing with the subject-matter of these petitions is now before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 21st July, 1886.

No. 340.—Petition of Garrett Brothers and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners state that they are tenants of the corporate body of the Mayor, Councillors, and citizens of Auckland under certain leases granted to them by virtue of " The Municipal Corporations Act, 1876 ;" that doubts have arisen as to the validity of such leases, and the price of real property has gone down, therefore it will inflict great hardship on petitioners if they are compelled to accept such leases ; that they believe a Bill is to be introduced to make such leases valid. They pray that any such Bill may be treated as a private Bill, and notice given in the Gazette ; also, that they may be heard by counsel or otherwise before the Bill is passed. I am directed to report that, as there is no Bill before the House dealing with the subjectmatter of this petition, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 21st July, 1886.

No. 322.—Petition of Ann Eobertson, of Ohinemutu. The petitioner states that in February, 1880, she purchased and entered into possession of th e Ohinemutu Hotel, but was shortly afterwards forcibly ejected from both hotel and a bath-allotmen" adjoining, at the instigation of the late Mr. Eobert Graham. That she brought two actions agains* Mr. Graham in the Supreme Court, which, after many postponements and adjournments, were finally set down for hearing at the civil sittings commencing the 12th April, 1886 ; and all her witnesses were in attendance in Auckland on that date. That Mr. Justice Gillies commenced the trial of actions; but they were adjourned until the 19th of said month to await the arrival of the Chief Justice, as it had been arranged that he should try the cases instead of Mr. Justice Gillies. The petitioner and witnesses were accordingly compelled to remain in Auckland until the 19th April; but on the opening of the Court on that day it was announced that, in consequence of the illness of the Chief Justice, the sitting would have to be adjourned until the 10th May following. That the expense of bringing her witnesses to Auckland was great; that petitioner was compelled to retain them as far as she was able. However, three returned home, and their absence seriously affected her case. That the expenses incurred in maintaining and retaining her witnesses during the adjournment amounted to £281 17s. She prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the sum of £150 should be paid' to the petitioner. 21st July, 1886. ____________________

No. 322.—Petition of Ann Eobertson. This petition having been referred by the House back to the Committee, to consider and report whether the petitioner should not be allowed her expenses in prosecuting her claim before the Committee, I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, there are no special circumstances to justify the Committee in recommending that the expenses incurred by the petitioner in respect of her petition should be paid to her by the Government. 22nd July, 1886.

No. 358. —Petition of Eev. W. Campbell and Others, of Dunedin. The petitioners pray that measures may be passed to insure the daily reading of the Bible in public schools. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 22nd July, 1886. , . ,

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