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I am directed to report that the Committee, having carefully considered this case and taken evidence thereon, is of opinion that there was no collusion between the petitioner and Ashcroft with respect to the defalcations of the latter officer. 25th July, 1890.

No. 70. —Petition of A. W. Caekeek, of Ohau. The petitioner states that he is entitled to an annual pension as a recipient of the New Zealand Cross, and prays that the pension may be commuted for a capital sum, on the ground that he is leaving the colony. I am directed, to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of this petition. 25th July, 1890.

No. 120.—Petition of L. J. Bagnall and 77 Others. The petitioners are ratepayers of the Totara Eiding, in the County of Thames, and complain that they are insufficiently represented on the Thames County Council. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee, some steps should be taken during the present session by way of legislation to remedy the evil of unequal representation complained of in the petition. 25th July, 1890.

No. 126.—Petition of Edwin Hakeow (No. 1), of Lake, Auckland. The petitioner prays for exemption from the property-tax. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the subject of this petition. 25th July, 1890.

Nos. 113, 128, 132, 133, and 149.—Petitions of J. Tonson Garlick and Others, E. H. Burton and Others, W. N. de L. Willis and Others, the Waipa County Council, and W. J. B. Geeen and Others. The petitioners pray for repeal of " The Eailways Act, 1887," and for trial of a stage system of administration on the Government railways of the colony. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Eailway Eates Committee. 29th July, 1890.

No. s.—Petition of H. K. Hovell, of Sunday Island. The petitioner alleges that, by the Surveyor-General's printed report on the Kermadec Islands, he was induced to become the lessee of Eun No. 7, Sunday Island ; that he has since discovered the report to be exaggerated and misleading; and that, through his reliance upon the accuracy of the report, he has been involved in loss to the value of £850. He prays for payment of this sum. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colon}'. {Vide also 1.-Ib.) 31st July, 1890. _.

No. 82. —Petition of John Smith Hickson (No. 1), of Naseby, Otago. The petitioner prays for a pension, on the ground that he has lost his eyesight through exposure to bad weather in the discharge of his duty as a Eesident Magistrate. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner is still in receipt of his pay, and will on his retirement be entitled to certain allowances, the Committee has no recommendation to make at present on his case. 81st July, 1890.

No. 66. —Petition of F. M. Hewson, of Auckland. The petitioner states that, after sixteen years' service in the Public Works Department, he has been discharged without any compensation for loss of office. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee is unable to recommend the prayer of the petition. 31st July, 1890.

No. 121. —Petition of Catherine Lookett, of Wanganui. The petitioner is the widow of Jonas Lockett, who, after nearly twenty years' service in the Customhouse, was discharged with a pension in 1878 and died in 1879. She prays for compassionate allowance, in consideration of her age and infirmity, and of her late husband's service. I am directed to report that the Committee is unable to recommend the prayer of the petition. 31st July, 1890.

No. 1. —Petition of G. W. Ell, of Wellington, formerly of Christchurch. The petitioner alleges that he is suffering hardship and wrong through the misconduct of certain public officers, and through abuse of processes of law. He prays for inquiry and relief. I am directed to report that, since Mr. C. C. Graham, Official Assignee at Wellington, has made a report on this matter, admittedly from the petitioner's ex parie statement and evidence, the Committee is of opinion that he ought now to be directed to examine such witnesses and documents on the other side of the question as he may deem necessary, and to report thereon. sth August, 1890.