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No. 542. —Petition of John Simcock, of Kaukapakapa. Petitioner states that he lost his right hand through an explosion in the Government gravel quarry at Kaukapakapa. He prays that he may be found suitable employment. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st September, 1894.

No. 520. —Petition of B. Turnbull, of Mokihinui. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation for loss of office as Inspector of Works in the Public Works Department. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has not proved that he is entitled to be considered a Civil servant, in the opinion of the Committee he has no claim upon the colony. 26th September, 1894.

No. 625. —Petition of E. H. Von Schoeneberg, of Wellington. Petitioner.prays that a Commission of inquiry may be granted him into the facts concerning his arrest and treatment by the Police Department, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee, having carefully considered this petition, cannot recommend that the prayer of the petition be granted in regard to setting up a Commission of inquiry; and, further, that they consider the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 26th September, 1894.

Nos. 563, 614, and 615. —Petitions of 11. Middleton and 977 Others, John Duckett and 3,442 Others, and William Stewart and 3,607 Others. Petitioners pray that the principles of "The Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act, 1893," may not be disturbed until a fair trial has been given it, so as to enable the people of the colony to judge whether any important amendments are necessary. I am directed to report that, as there is now legislation before Parliament dealing with the übject-matter of these petitions, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1894.

No. 675. —Petition of Colin Bobeetson and 178 Others, of Waikaia, &o. Petitioners pray that the Biversdale-Switzers Bailway may be completed. I am directed to report that, in the event of a loan for railway construction being authorised by Parliament, the Committee recommends the claims of the petitioners for consideration by the Government. 26th September, 1894.

No. 701. —Betition of J. Hubble and 131 Others, of Palmerston North. Petitioners pray that the minimum quantity of beer allowed to be sold wholesale be not raised from 2 gallons. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government. 28th September, 1894.

No. 640.—Petition of J. McCarthy and 127 Others, of Greymouth. Petitioners pray that a Bill may be passed confirming the principle of levying rates upon the unimproved land values only. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government. 28th September, 1894.

512.—Petition of John H. Gillies and 47 Similar Petitions, as per Attached Schedule. Petitioners, school-teachers in the. employ of the Auckland Education Board, state that the proposal of the said Board to reduce salaries by charging rent for the schoolhouses occupied by the teachers is contrary to the provisions of "The Education Act, 1887," &c. Petitioners pray for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, while admitting the Auckland Education Board may be within its legal rights in administering " The Education Act, 1877," in proposing to charge teachers rent for their residences, the Committee consider the action of the Board in this matter injudicious, and not contemplated by the said Act, and that in the event of the Auckland Education Board persisting in calling upon teachers to pay this impost the Government be recommended to amend the Education Act, with a view of more carefully defining the powers of the Education Boards. 28th September, 1894.

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