9

I.—l

Nos. 275, 283, 285, and 295.—Petitions of A. W. Bullet and Others, of Napier; J. Gbaham and Co. and Others, of Masterton; E. Blanche and Others, of Wellington; and David Dokwaed and Others, of Oamaru. The petitioners petition in support of the labour Bills. No. 287. —Petition of Kikkcaldie and Stains and Others, of Wellington. The petitioners petition opposing the labour Bills. I am directed to report that, since there are now before the House, Bills dealing with the subject-matters of these petitions, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th September, 1890.

No. 261. —Petition of Jonathan Deveeell, of Patea. The petitioner complains that certain goods consigned to him by rail were carried past Patea, to Waverley, through carelessness of the railway officials ; that he has been obliged to pay additional freight for the greater distance, and also for the return of the goods to Patea ; that he has incurred further loss through the consequent delay in delivery. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that, since the goods were sent as addressed, the Eailway authorities cannot, in the opinion of the Committee, be held responsible. 16th September, 1890.

No. 297. —Petition of James Buchanan and Others, of Matakana. The petitioners pray for completion of the main trunk road north of Devonport. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th September, 1890.

No. 63.—Petition of Henky Dalton, of the Thames. The petitioner states that he was quartermaster on board the gunboat " Sandfly," and that while carrying a wounded seaman from under fire at the storming of the Gate Pa at Tauranga he was wounded below the right knee ; that he still suffers severely from that wound, and requires frequent medical treatment on account of it. He prays for a pension or other relief. I am directed to report that, for want of sufficient evidence, the Committee is unable to come to any decision on this petition. 16th September, 1890.

No. 114. —Petition of H. A. H. Hitchens, of Auckland. The petitioner claims remuneration for his services in collecting the arms and accoutrements of the Waitemata Naval Artillery Volunteers after the disbandment of that corps, in which he had been a captain. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 16th September, 1890.

No. 292.—Petition of Lawhence Laksen, of Lyell Ferry. The petitioner complains that his trade, a ferryman, which he has followed for nearly ten years, has been ruined by the opening of a bridge adjoining his ferry. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that, for want of sufficient evidence, the Committee is unable to come to any decision on this petition. 16th September, 1890.

No. 305. —Petition of Geoege Septimus Beodbick, of Dunedin, The petitioner prays for compensation for non-payment of rates in connection with the Duntroon and Hakateramea Eailway. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th September, 1890.

No. 307.—Petition of Mrs. Ellen Bell, of Wellington. The petitioner is the widow of the late Sergeant-Major Norris Bell, and prays for some allowance, in consideration of his long service as drill-instructor. I am directed to report that, the Committee not having time now to inquire into the merits of this petition, is of opinion that it should be referred to the Government for consideration; and the Committee recommends that, if the Government, on inquiry, finds the allegations of the petition to be correct, some compassionate allowance should be granted to the petitioner. 16th September, 1890. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing, exclusive of plans (1,300 copies), £6 15s.

By Authority: Geoegk Didstsuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9o.

2—l. 1.