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refused to allow petitioner to send stores, or even an agent by the " Kakanui." That through the interference of the Government the petitioner is now unable to obtain men to continue the industry. That within seven days of the sailing of the " Kakanui " petitioner's own vessel, the " Gratitude," could have been sent in the ordinary course of his business. That, in consequence of the action of the Government, the petitioner had to go to the Macquaries himself. That he was absent from his business in Invercargill for three months, and suffered great loss thereby. That the evidence of the " Kakanui" inquiry went to prove that there was no reason for the interference of the Government. That, through the misstatements, the loss sustained, and the notoriety brought about by the " Kakanui " disaster the Tasrnanian Government has closed the Macquaries for elephant oiling, &c, much to petitioner's discomforture and loss. Petitioner prays for indemnity and relief to the extent of £4,000. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the Government was justified in sending a vessel to the Macquarie Islands in December last, to ascertain the condition of the people located there, and in offering them an opportunity of removal to the main land. The Committee is further of opinion that petitioner has no valid claim on account of the losses or damages he alleges he has sustained by the action of the Government. The Committee cannot recommend that the prayer of the petitioner be granted. 28th August, 1891.

No. 433. —Petition of A. S. Collins, Chairman of Kaikoura County Council. Petitioneb prays that the Blenheim-Waiau Eoad may be completed by " unemployed " labour. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 31st August, 1891.

No. 552. —Petition of W. Beown and Others, of Auckland. Petitionebs, manfacturers of saddlery, pray that a law may be passed making it compulsory that all goods manufactured in the colony shall be stamped with a brand or trade-mark, and suggest that a charge should be made for such registration. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ist September, 1891.

No. 545.—Petition of C. A. Fitzboy, of Hastings. Petitioneb states that his services as a Sheep Inspector were dispensed with on the 18th April, 1891, by telegram. That he has received the usual retiring-allowance, but has not received three months' pay in lieu of notice. He prays that the sum of £43 15s. may be paid to him, being three months' salary. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist September, 1891.

No. 576.—Petition of E. J. Feltds, of Auckland (No. 2.) Pbtitionee prays for consideration on account of alleged public services, &c. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim. Ist September, 1891.

No. 593. —Petition of Elizabeth Cabeoll, of Auckland. Petitioneb states that she was the mother of five sons, all of whom served with the 18th Eegirnent throughout the last New Zealand war. That one of them—that is, John Carroll, died in Auckland in 1886, and was entitled to a grant of land for his services. Petitioner prays for a money compensation in lieu of the land to which her late son was entitled. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ist September, 1891.

No. 518.-—Petition of C. E. G. Gibson, of Wellington. Petitioneb, late acting petty officer in the Torpedo Corps, states that he had to answer qustions at the inquest on the victims of the Shelly Bay disaster, adversely reflecting on the conduct of his commanding officer, Captain John Falconer. He alleges that from this time Captain Falconer displayed a hostile spirit towards him; so much so, that he was compelled to resign his position. That before doing so he applied for a transfer to another station, and finally asked for an interview with the Defence Minister, or the Under-Secretary for Defence, but was met with denial and repudiation on all points. Petitioner prays that he may be given employment somewhat approaching that which he has been coerced into relinquishing. I am directed to report that, the petitioner having failed entirely to prove the allegations made in his petition, especially against Captain Falconer, the Committee cannot recommend that the prayer of the petition be granted. Ist September, 1891.

Nos. 581, 582, 601, and 602.—Petitions of Abthub H. Nathan and Others, William Beaumont and Others, Edwin Hesketh and Others, W. Hotchkiss and Others, of Auckland. Petitions in favour of the Auckland Electric Lighting Bill. I am directed to report that, as this Bill is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist September, 1891.