I.—l.

22

No. 342.—Petition of Joseph Griffin and Others. The petitioners pray that a flag-station for passengers and traffic may be erected on the Whauwhau branch of the Whangarei-Kamo Eailway. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd August, 1886.

No. 428. —Petition of J. McDowell and Others, of Wellington. The petitioners pray that the City of Wellington may be constituted a single electoral district, returning three members to the House. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th August, 1886.

No. 429.—Petition of Joseph Webster and Others, of Mangawai. The petitioners pray that a railway may be constructed from Helensville to Hokianga as soon as possible. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th August, 1886.

No. 425. —Petition of James Farrell and Others, of Kihikihi. The petitioners pray that legislation may be enacted whereby it may be rendered optional for a town district to sever its connection with a county, and whereby such town district may, as regards such county, be placed on the same footing as if it were a borough. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th August, 1886.

No. 421.—Petition of T. B. Matthews and Others, of Otago. The petitioners state that, although willing and able to work, they are unable to find employment of any kind whatsoever, and that many of them are on the verge of starvation. They pray that the Government will give them employment. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th August, 1886.

No. 368.—Petition of Alfred Jarman, of Napier. The petitioner states that he was Chief Draughtsman in the -Napier Survey Office ; that he was compelled to retire from the service, and received compensation. He alleges that the amount of said compensation was inadequate, and prays that a further sum may be given to him, or that he may be reappointed, or that the Government will find some means to redress his various grievances. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend that any further compensation should be granted to the petitioner, and in other respects can see no reason to depart from the decision arrived at last session. 4th August, 1886.

No. 359.—Petition of Charles Downie and Others, of the Buller. The petitioners pray that a sufficient sum may be placed on the estimates to erect a wire suspension footbridge over the Buller Eiver at Murchison. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th August, 1886.

No. 427. —Petition of E. Pearce and Others, of Wellington. The petitioners, Chairman and members of the Wellington Harbour Board, pray that such measures may be passed as will enable them to have granted to them endowments adequate to the importance of the port; and also that they may be compensated for the loss of a certain piece of land which has been taken from them by the Government to form the site of a proposed new printing office. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the Board should be compensated for the land taken from them as a site for the proposed new printing office, and that the petition generally should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth August, 1886.

No. 426.'—Petition of Henry Higgins, of Ormond. The petitioner states that he has been a teacher in the public schools of New Zealand for fourteen years; that, in consequence of having been compelled to work in unsuitable school-buildings, he has become almost blind, and is forced to give up his occupation. He prays that a small section of land may be granted to him. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner. sth August, 1886,