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1887. NEW ZEALAND.

Presented to the House of 'Representatives, Session 1., 1887, and ordered to be printed.

No. 2.—Petition of James Knox and Others. Petitioners, the unemployed of Dunedin, state that they have been induced by paid agents to leave steady employment in the Old Country under the belief that there was work and good wages in New Zealand; that they are totally unable to find employment in any shape, or at any wage whatever, and are suffering severe hardships. They pray that such relief and employment may be granted to them as will relieve their present necessities. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th May, 1887.

No. 16.—Petition of Heney Bauckb, of Wellington (No. 1). Petitioner states that he has been endeavouring to obtain justice in the law-courts of the colony since the year 1860, but has been unable to do so. He now prays that he may be heard at the bar of the House. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner should be granted. 12th May, 1887.

No. 14.—Petition of Eichaed Whitty. Petitioneb states that he was a storeman in the employ of the Now Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company ; that it was his duty to proceed from Dunedin to Burnside once every week ; that on the 10th December, 1884, he started to catch a train as usual; that the train, instead of stopping, was passing the station at a slow rate of speed, when petitioner, being afraid of losing his employment if left behind, attempted to get into the train while in motion; that ho fell between the train and the platform, and was so severely injured as to be disabled for life ; that he has a wife and young family to support, but no means of earning a livelihood. He prays for relief. I am directed, to report that, as the injuries sustained by the petitioner were caused by his own default, he has no claim against the colony. 13th May, 1887.

Nos. 23, 24, 36, 38, 39, 49, 56, and 57.—Petitions of Jane Mclntyeb and Others, Jane Habding and Others, M. A. Noonan and Others, Jambs Smith and Others, Catherine Fulton and Others, Maggie Harding and Others, J. A. Middleton and Others, John McLean and Others. Petitioners state that they consider the employment of girls and women as barmaids to be inimical to the public weal and degrading to the sex, alleging five distinct reasons for this belief; but that, as a sudden withdrawal of their present means of livelihood would be a hardship to those now employed in that capacity, they should be allowed to continue their avocation, but that after a certain date the employment of any other persons as barmaids should be prohibited. They pray that a Bill may be introduced to give effect to the prayer of their petition. I am directed to report that, no evidence whatever having been adduced in support of the allegations contained in these petitions, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th May, 1887.

No. 32.—Petition of Mary Ann Tandy Thompson. Petitioner, a Middle Island half-caste, prays that all the lands, goods, and chattels which belonged to her deceased Maori mother and stepmother may be awarded to her. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 13th May, 1887. I—l. 1.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS COMMITTEE. (MR. TURNBULL, CHAIRMAN.)