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No. 426. —Petition -of Sajiukl and John Mcßbiae, of East Oxford. The petitioners state that in 1886 they returned to the Property-tax Commissioner the value of their property, all of which they hold in partnership, at £1,600, and claimed an exemption of £500 ; that this exemption was refused, and petitioners paid under protest on the full amount. That it appears they should have made other separate returns showing they had no private property. They allege it was the duty of the department to have explained this matter to them. They pray that the amounts they have paid in excess may be refunded. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, on satisfactory proof being afforded to the Property-tax Commissioner that petitioners have paid tax in excess, such excess should be refunded. sth September, 1889.

No. 260.—Petition of G. W. Schwabtz. The petitioner states that he held the position of clerk at the Petone Bailway Stores for upwards of seven years ; that his services have been dispensed with in consequence of inquiries he made from an officer of the department into certain irregular transactions which had taken place at the Petone Stores ; that, at an inquiry into this matter held by the Eailway Commissioners, he*was debarred from giving certain evidence. Petitioner prays that another investigation may be made, and, if his charges are substantiated, that he may be afforded relief. I am directed to report that the Committee, having made exhaustive inquiry into the allegations contained iii the petition, find that petitioner has no claim against the colony. sth September, 1889.

No. 512.—Petition of E. W. McKenzie and Co. The petitioners state that they were the contractors for the erection of the Arahura Bridge, Hokitika-Grey Bailway; that owing to certain material which was to be supplied by Government not arriving in the colony at the specified time, &c, they suffered loss. They pray for compensation. I am directed to report that, having heard the statements of the Minister for Public Works, the Hon. E. Eichardson, late Minister for Public Works, and Mr. Blair, the Engineer, the Committee is of opinion that petitioners have no legal claim; yet, owing to the great delay in the delivery of the cylinders and consequent loss thereby to petitioners, they have a claim in equity. Therefore the Committee recommend that the sum of £450 be paid to petitioners in full of all demands. 11th September, 1889.

No. 461.—Petition of Eobeet Matson, of Addington. The petitioner alleges that a letter containing valuable certificates was posted to him about the 13th April, 1889, and that he has never received the same. He prays for compensation for'loss sustained. No. 511.—Petition of W. J. Mubphy, of Woodville. The petitioner alleges that he, cannot get justice from the Bench at Woodville. No. 503.—Petition of S. E. Webb and Others, of Lytteltou. The petitioners petition re inebriate asylums and administration of asylums. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 11th September, 1889.

No. 299. —Petition of J. H. Newman and Others, of Opunake. The petitioners pray for shipping facilities at Opunake. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend that the prayer of the petitioners should be granted. 11th September, 1889.

No. 517.—Petition of P. W. Lang, for Waipa County Council (No. 2). The petitioner prays for amendment of " The Eating Act, 1882." I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th September, 1889.

No. 463.—Petition of Ida Peince. . (Vide 1.-2 a.) [Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, nil; printing (1,250 copies), £6145.J

Authority : Geobce Didskuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB9.