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under a misapprehension as to the meaning of the Inspector's statement, which was not intended as a reflection on friendly societies generally ; that the Inspector, whilst admitting the large amount of good effected by friendly societies, merely pointed out that in some instances—not necessarily including the Hawke's Bay District —" one of their least noticeable effects is to increase the number of our hospitals;" that the allegation. that some of the largest societies admit honorary members, some of whom join merely for the sake of getting medical attendance at lodge rates, has been, in some instances, admitted by the representatives of such societies ; that the allegations complained of, though substantiated to some extent before the Committee, do not necessarily contain any reflections upon the friendly societies generally. 21st August, 1890.

No. 235.—Petition of W. M. Williams and Others, of Christchurch. The petitioners pray that the labour Bills may be passed this session. No. 223.—Petition of Daniel Macpheeson and Others. The petitioners petition against the Shop Hours Bill. I am directed to report that, as the above-named Bills are now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st August, 1890.

No. 206.—Petition of Bobekt Matheson and Others, of Waihemo. The petitioners pray that section 5 of clause 311 of " The Counties Act, 1886," may be amended in such a manner as will enable the Waihemo County Council to provide for the licensing and numbering of all vehicles carrying goods or passengers for hire within the County of Waihemo, whether the contract for such carriage was made within the County of Waihemo or not. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st August, 1890.

No. 58.—Petition of David Pankhuest, of Greymouth. The petitioner alleges that certain mining property belonging to him was destroyed for the purposes of the construction of the Greymouth-Hokitika Eailway. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that, as the Government has agreed to pay the petitioner the sum of £25 on account of the injury his property has sustained, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 27th August, 1890.

Nos. 240, 248, 251, 252, 253, and 249.—Petitions of A. W. Webb and Others, P. W. Isitt and Others, H. Tomes and Others, John Swan and Others, John McDonald and Others, and John Aemstbong and Others. The petitioners petition in favour of the labour Bills. I am directed to report that, as these Bills are now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 27th August, 1890.

No. 257. —Petition of James McDonald, of Dunedin. The petitioner states that he was declared a bankrupt in the year 1888; that his estate was vested in the Official Assignee at Dunedin ; that he has reason to be dissatisfied with the manner in which his estate was realised, as resulting in considerable loss to him. Petitioner prays that an inquiry may be made into his case. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the allegations made by the petitioner against the Official Assignee as to the administration of his estate have not been refuted ty Mr. Ashcroft's report submitted by the department; that petitioner has established a primd facie case for an inquiry. That the Committee therefore recommends that an inquiry be held in Dunedin accordingly. 27th August, 1890.

No. 42. —Petition of John McLean, of Eedcastle, Oamaru. (First Beport.j The petitioner states that, on the railway being taken through his property at Ashburton by a certain route, he agreed to give certain lands free of cost, on condition that a station and goodsshed were erected in a certain position ; that the line was afterwards taken a different way — i.e., through the centre of his property; that he objected to this course, and claimed compensation ; that a Compensation Court was held at Ashburton, and during the proceedings a note was handed to him from the agent of the Government stating that the Government would pay £400 for the fencing ; that, as he believed this was the compensation sued for, he agreed, and the Court rose; that he met the agent at the door of the Court, and found that the Government had no intention of paying compensation for the land; that he got the Court to reassemble, but was informed that the case would have to be gone into de novo in Christchurch; that the case was so gone into at Christchurch, and he was awarded £1,250 ; that the case was taken to the Court of Appeal and decided against him on technical grounds ; that he was adjudged to pay back the compensation with costs and interest at the rate of 8 per cent. He prays for such compensation as the House may deem sufficient, or that the decision of the Compensation Court may be confirmed, or that the matter may be referred back for settlement to a fresh Compensation Court. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 29th August, 1890.