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No. 29.—Petition of Thomas Finch, of Alexandra, Waipu. The petititioner prays for payment of £45 45., being the balance of his account rendered to the Native Department for food and lodging supplied to Tawhiao and other Natives in 1881 and 1882, by order of Major Mair. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 23rd May, 1888. _-

No. 41.—Petition of H. Bowsing and Othebs, of Motukaraka, Hokianga. The petitioners are special-village settlers, and say they are in great distress through the failure of the Government to fulfil the promises which induced them to take up their sections. They pray that road-work may be provided for them; that the Mangainuka bush may be opened to them for gum-digging ; and that all payments may be made on the block. I am directed to recommend that the Government should give effect to the prayer of the petitioners. 23rd May, 1888.

No. 50.—Petition of John Blain, of Auckland. The petitioner prays for consideration for services rendered to the colony by watching the movements of the Ngatihako Tribe after the disturbances at Ohinemuri in 1879. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 23rd May, 1888.

No. 4, Sess. 11., 1887. —Petition of Simon Fhaseb, of Auckland. The petitioner alleges that a Select Committee of the Provincial Council of Otago in 1864 recognised and admitted his claim to a reward of £1,500 for the discovery of the West Taieri Goldfield, of which sum he has received as yet only £30 on account. He prays for payment of the balance, or for other suitable consideration. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petitioner has failed to establish a claim to any further reward. 29th May, 1888. '

No. 7. —Petition of Heney Geokge Baebeii, of Auckland. The petitioner complains of improper treatment in the gaol, the hospital, and the lunatic asylum at Auckland, and prays for compensation. I am directed to report that this Committee, having taken the evidence of Captain Hume and of Dr. Macgregor, is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 29th May, 1888. "

No. 63. —Petition of John Cokkigan, of Duiiediu. The petitioner states that he was dismissed from the post of assistant warder under the Prisons Department for refusing to flog a convict when ordered by the Gaoler to do so. He pleads that it is no part of the duty of warders to execute sentences of flogging, and that he was therefore wrongfully dismissed. He prays for reappointment or other consideration. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make on the subject of this petition. 29th May, 1888.

No. 6.—Petition of H. Lane, of Opua, Bay of Islands. The petitioner alleges that he is required to pay property-tax on a saw-mill that has been destroyed by fire. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that, if the mill was not insured, the petitioner is entitled to a remission of half the tax paid thereon for the year ending the 31st March, 1888. 30th May, 1888. .

No. 49.—Petition of Major F. J. W. Gascoyne. The petitioner states that he has been permanently disabled by injuries received on active service in the Defence Force of the colony ; that his services have been dispensed with; and that he is unable to earn a livelihood. He prays for consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the case of the petitioner to the favourable consideration of the Government, and that suitable employment may be found for him, if possible. 30th May, 1888.

No. 51. —Petition of James Laied, Mayor of Wanganui, and Others. The petitioners pray that a sum of £35, alleged to have been paid to the Public Trustee on behalf of John Grogan, an inmate of the Wellington Lunatic Asylum, may be applied for the benefit of his wife. I am directed to report that the Committee, finding that no money has ever b.een so received by the Public Trustee, is unable to make any recommendation in the matter of this petition 30th May, 1888.