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No. 299, Sess. ll.—Petition of Ann Eobertson, of Ohinemutu. "The petitioner states that in February, 1887, she laid an information for perjury against one Alexander Campbell, who was witness in an action in which petitioner was plaintiff and the trustees of the late Eobert Graham defendants; that, owing to very grave carelessness on the part of the Crown Prosecutor, there were certain errors in the indictment which rendered it necessary for the Judge to discharge the prisoner; that had the prosecution of the said A. Campbell been allowed to proceed it would have resulted in his conviction for perjury and established the justice of petitioner's case against the trustees. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th December, 1887.

No. 309, Sess. ll.—Petition of Thomas Patterson, of Appleby, Otago. The petitioner, a carter, states that on the evening of the 18th September last he was returning home with his horse and dray through Canon Street, Invercargill, and, when attempting to go over the railway-crossing, was run into by a train ; that he was so seriously injured as to be unable now to follow any occupation for the support of his wife and eight children ; that his horse was killed and his dray broken. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee has considered the report of the Eailway Department on this petition, and, as there is no evidence from the petitioner in support of his claim, they have no recommendation to make. 6th December, 1887.

No. 327, Sess. ll.—Petition of William Eieey. The petitioner states that he was appointed printer-overseer of the printing-office at Lyttelton Gaol in 1879 ; that the conditions of his agreement were as follow : Salary, £177 per annum, with prospect of increase, no night duty, to leave work at 5 p.m. in summer and 4 p.m. in winter. That during the first five years of his service the labour-returns averaged £1,000 per year, being double any previous average. That, contrary to his agreement, he had to perform the duties of night-orderly officer, in addition to his daily duties, from June, 1884, until September, 1885, the night duties falling every third or fourth night, and making a total of 1,572 hours extra night duty. He prays for redress. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 6th December, 1887.

No. 329, Sess. ll.—Petition of Thomas C. Thwaites, of Auckland. The petitioner states that he was one of the original members of the first Naval corps established in Auckland, having joined in 1860; that he was several times on active service, and sustained an injury to his leg, from which he still suffers. He prays for consideration. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 6th December, 1887.

No. 342, Sess. ll.—Petition of Charles Mack, of Auckland. The petitioner alleges that he was illegally convicted of smuggling tobacco in the year 1868; that he has petitioned Parliament many times, but can get no redress. He prays that his case may be considered. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 6th December, 1887.

No. 40, Sess. ll.—Petition of W. M. Maskeel and Others, of Wellington. The petitioners, householders of Wellington, allege that, in consequence of the provisions of "The Wellington Gas Company Act, 1870," and of the proceedings of the Gas Company thereunder, they have been and are now subjected to an oppressive system, whereby the company obtains undue advantages, to the great detriment of the petitioners. They consider that the payment of rent for meters is unjust and oppressive, that provision ought to be made for inspection by a public and independent officer, that a rateable reduction in the price of gas should be made, and that there should be a proper system of audit of the company's accounts, by an independent and public auditor. They pray for consideration, and that the Act may be amended in the directions indicated by them. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, there is no evidence to sustain the allegation contained in the petition that the system is oppressive; that, as the company are quite willing to meet the request for inspection, such inspection is desirable in the interests of all concerned; that a balance-sheet declared and issued, as in the case of banking companies, would also be desirable in the interests of the public. 7th December, 1887.

No. 434, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Tuck and Others, of Wairarapa. The petitioners pray that the Wairarapa North County Council Empowering Bill may be passed this session.

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