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No. 100.—Petition of G. E. Nias, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that the capital city of New Zealand may be removed to some inland plain, where there will be room for a large city to grow. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 27th May, 1887.

No. 103.—Petition of J. K. McDonald and Others. Petitioners, ratepayers of the Whaingaroa Eoad District, pray that certain amendments may be made in " The Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1886." I am directed to report that, as a Bill dealing with the subject-matter of this petition is now before the House, this Committee has no recommendation to make, 27th May, 1887.

Nos. 104, 105, 106, 107, 109, 115, 116, and 117. —Petitions of the Whaingakoa Eoad Boaed, the Newcastle Eoad Board, the Te Awamutu Town Board, the Archill Highway Board, the Masterton Eoad Boabd, the Kaeioi Eoad Boaed, the Otaki Eoad Boaed, and the Napieb Chamber op Commerce. Petitioners state last session a Committee was appointed to inquire into the system of railwaymanagement proposed by Mr. Samuel Vaile; that said Committee recommended a trial, but attached conditions which practically rendered the carrying-out of such trial an impossibility. They pray that these adverse conditions may bo removed, and that a trial may be given to the scheme which will test its efficiency. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 27th May, 1887.

, No. 22.—Petition of James Duekin. Petitioneb states that he was on duty as assistant warder at Mount Cook Prison on the 29th January, 1887; that while he was performing said duty the escape of a prisoner named Crabtree was discovered ; that an inquiry was held by Captain Hume and Mr. Garvey, which resulted in petitioner's services being dispensed with; that he applied to the Minister of Justice for another inquiry into the case, but application was refused. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, having fully inquired into this case, and taken the evidence of Captain Sutter, M.H.E., Captain Hume, Inspector of Prisons, Messrs. Garvey, Mallington, and Duggan, gaol officials, and the petitioner, the Committee is of opinion that petitioner's services were rightly dispensed with, and that he has no claim against the colony. 31st May, 1887.

No. 41. —Petition of Hobace Bakbe, of Hawke's Bay (No 1). Petitionbe states that his services have been dispensed with after sixteen years' service in the Survey and Crown Lands Department; that the reason given for his dismissal is the further reduction in the expenditure of the Survey Department; that his character has been grievously injured by this sudden and abrupt dismissal. He prays that the matter may be investigated, and that the House will either reinstate him in his office or cause some other reason than that of retrenchment to be given for his dismissal. I am directed to report that the Committee, having investigated the case, is of opinion that the petitioner has been fairly dealt with, and has no further claim against the colony. 2nd June, 1887.

No. 83.'—Petition of Eobeet Cleave, of Auckland. Petitioned states that ho has been employed by the Bailway Department for the last twelve years as a stationmaster ; that in March, 1887, he received a notice to the effect that his services were dispensed with consequent upon the reduction of the station staff. He prays that he may be reinstated in his office or granted one month's pay for every year of service. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner. 2nd June, 1887.

No. 45. —Petition of James Slatob, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that a decision given in the District Court on the 13th December, 1886, in reference to the value of a lithograph of Auckland in 1842, and against which decision he applied for a rehearing, but was refused, may be further investigated. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner. Ist June, 1887.

No. 96.—Petition of James Arnold, Jun., of Eiwaka. Petitioner states that he -went to Parihaka as sergeant of the Waimea Eifle Volunteers; that while there he contracted rheumatism from the cold and exposure, which has caused him to become quite helpless. He prays for compensation on account of injuries sustained in the service of the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner. Ist June, 1887.