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of the Court under the provisions of the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act. To effect this purpose the Committee recommend that a similar course to that taken in the case of Mr. Pilli6t, in 1881, be followed in this instance, and that a Bill be introduced to relieve Mr. Allen from any such disqualifications. 10th July, 1891.

No. 119. —Petition of Annie Ferguson and Others, of Kaitangata. Petitioners, the widows and children of the miners who lost their lives by an explosion in the Kaitangata Mine on the 21st February, 1879, pray that the House will cause an inquiry to be made into all the circumstances in connection with the Kaitangata Belief Fund. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the House should legislate in the matter of the Kaitangata Belief Trust Fund. 15th July, 1891.

No. 124.—Petition of John Forrester, of South Dunedin. Petitioner prays that an inquiry may be held into the cause of his dismissal from the service of the Eailway Commissioners. I am directed to report that the Committee can see no reason for doubting the propriety of the decision arrived at by the Eailway Commissioners, and therefore cannot recommend that the prayer of the petition should be granted. 15th July, 1891.

No. 144. —Petition of P. Innes, of Sydenham. Petitioner states that a fine of £20 was inflicted upon him for an alleged breach of " The Licensing Act, 1881." He prays that this sum may be refunded to him. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend that the prayer of the petition should be granted. 16th July, 1891.

No. 145. —Petition of George F. Harris, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for consideration on account of services rendered in the Customs and other departments, and also as a Volunteer during the Maori wars. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner, having been dismissed from the service for inefficiency and for breaches of the Civil Service and Customs departmental regulations, has no claim against the colony. 16th July, 1891.

No. 162. —Petition of Frederick Hinds, of Lyttelton. Petitioner prays for a pension or compensation, on account of loss of office through a permanent injury received in the service of the Eailway Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner is entitled to consideration, and recommend that he be paid the sum of £55. 16th July, 1891.

No. 177. —Petition of Michael Hennessy and Others, of Orepuki. Petitioners pray that Michael Hennessy may be refunded the amount of a fine inflicted on him in the Warden's Court, at Biverton.

No. 74. —Petition of Edward Loughnan, of Teremakau. Petitioner prays for compensation on account of damage done to his land by mining debris. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee. 17th July, 1891.

No. 110. —Petition of Dennis Doyle, of Westport. Petitioner, late manager of the Argyle Water-race, at Charleston, prays for compensation for loss I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner should receive an llowance of one month's pay, in accordance with the memorandum from the Public Works department. 17th July, 1891.

No. 121. —Petition of H. B. Huddleston (No. 1), of Blenheim. Petitioner complains that clause 170 of "The Land Transfer Act, 1885," has had the effect of invalidating his license to practise as a surveyor, and consequently of depriving him of his professional income. I am directed to report that this Committee adopt the report brought up by the Public Petitions Committee on the 25th July, 1888—viz., That, as the petitioner refuses to comply with the conditions required to enable him to obtain his license, the Committee is of opinion that he has no claim on the colony for relief. 17th July, 1891.

No. 122. —Petition of Baker Brothers, of Wellington. Petitioners, auctioneers, allege that before taking out a license they inquired at the office of H. M. Customs when a license should commence, and were informed that the year dated from the