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No. 82.—Petition of Andeew Sutherland and Matthew Dundas, of Dunedin. Petitionees state that they were attendants in the Seacliff Lunatic Asylum; that in May, 1886, they wrote to Dr. Neil, the Medical Superintendent, to the effect that one of the patients had died without receiving sufficient medical treatment from him; that they were subsequently dismissed on account of having written this letter, and Dr. Neil wrote to the Superintendents of other public asylums warning them not to engage the petitioners ; that the petitioner A. Sutherland brought an action against Dr. Neil for libel, and was awarded damages. They pray that they may be reinstated or awarded compensation. I am directed to report that, the petitioners having already received payment of one month's pay and their costs in full of their claims against the colony, the Committee cannot recommend the granting of the prayer of the petition. 3rd June, 1887.

No. 151. —Petition of 11. B. Daenell, of New Plymouth. Petitioner prays for the revision of rents charged on certain Native lands. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd June, 1887.

No. 131.—Petition of H. L. Geeee, of Johnsonville. Petitioner alleges that he has suffered loss owing to his two children having been sent to the Burnham Industrial Institution, where, he states, they learnt nothing but evil. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee can see no reason to depart from the decision arrived at last session, and consider that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 3rd June, 1887.

Nos. 76, 77, 78, 101, 102, and 133.—Petitions of James Treadwell and Others, Samuel Costali*, and Others, Heney Pembeethy and Others, A. E. Watson and Others, Malcolm McFadgen and Others, and Bdwaed Allen and Others. Petitionees state that they consider the employment of women as barmaids to be inimical to the public weal and degrading to the sex ; they allege five reasons for this belief. They pray that a register of those employed in this calling may be kept, and those now employed allowed to continue their avocation, but that after a certain date the engagement of any other persons as barmaids be prohibited. I am directed to report that, no evidence whatever having been adduced in support of the allegations contained in these petitions, this Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd June, 1887.

Nos. 134, 120, 121, and 152.—Petitions of Oemondville Eoad Boaed, Wainui Boad Board, Borough of Feilding, and Mangoeei Boad Boaed. Petitionees state that last session of the House a Committee was a/ppointed to inquire into the system of railwa3'-management proposed by Mr. S. Vaile; that the Committee recommended a trial, but attached conditions which rendered the carrying-out of such trial an impossibility. They pray that the adverse conditions may be removed, and a trial given to the scheme. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd June, 1887.

No. 53.—Petitions of William Davis, William Welsh, and Donald Hutton, of Arrowtown. Petitioners, contractors for No. 6 Section of Skippers Dray Boad, pray that they may be compensated for certain work done as extras in connection with said contract. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioners have no claim against the colony. 7th June, 1887.

Nos. 122 and 123.—Petitions of J. C. Firth and Others and Petee Dignan and Others. Petitioners state that they understand steps are being taken to close the Mount Eden Eifle Eange. They pray that the said range may remain open for the use of the Volunteers, as at present. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th June, 1887.

No. 124. —Petition of Jackson Palmer, of Auckland. Petitioner, a lieutenant in the Ponsonby Bifie Volunteer Company, states that in March last he was placed under arrest; that baseless charges were preferred against him; that when proved innocent he was simply released, and witnesses' expenses in another case denied him. He prays that a certain document, necessary in a prosecution for libel, may be produced by the Defence Department, and that a repetition of the wrongs he has suffered may be prevented. I am directed to report that, as this matter is at present under the consideration of the Government, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th June, 1887.