7

I.—9c

No. 564.—Petition of James Bennett and Others, of Belfield, Canterbury. Petitioners pray for a railway-siding at Belfield. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, 18th October, 1894.

No. 702. —Petition of William Owens, of Lyttelton. Petitioner says he was formerly employed as a shunter and wharf-porter at the Lyttelton Eailwaystation; that he had to resign in consequence of the treatment he received. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th October, 1894.

No. 714. —Petition of Sabah Dunn, of Oamaru. Petitioner prays for compensation for land taken for railway purposes, being part of Section 9, Block V., Township of Waihola. I am directed to report that, as the Commissioners do not dispute the facts set out in the petition, and as the Act bars the petitioner from taking steps to obtain legal redress, the Committee recommends the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 18th October, 1894.

No. 743.—Petition of Hugh McLellan, of Lyttelton, Master Mariner. Petitioner states that on the 2nd February, 1894, he was engaged to tally cargo ex " Buahine " ; that during heavy rain he and Mr. White, tally-clerk for the railway, took shelter under a covering erected by the railway officials between two rows of wagons; that whilst there two young men— shunters—without giving sufficient notice, shunted the two rows of wagons and caused a collision; that petitioner was thrown down and seriously injured; that he was laid up for several months, and suffered great pain and incurred heavy expenses; that he has received permanent injury to his right shoulder, the result of which is that his right arm is practically useless. He prays for inquiry and compensation. I am directed to report: (1.) That the Committee thinks that the claim of the petitioner should be further investigated by the examination of Mr. White and the shunter. (2.) Assuming that Mr. White and Captain McLellan were not properly warned to leave the shelter, the petitioner is entitled to receive some compensation. 20th October, 1894.

Nos. 587, 588, and 589. —Petitions of A. Eaeside and Others, E. Ford and Others, James W. Hamilton and Others, Eesidents of Eiverton, Invercargill, Nightcaps, Otautau, and Wairio. Petitioners pray that provision be made for the construction of a railway from Wairio to the Government coal reserves at Nightcaps, &c. I am directed to report that, as the question involved is one of policy, the petitions should be referred to the Government. 20th October, 1894.

No. 525.—Petition of J. Macphebson and Others, of Longburn. Petitioners pray for the removal of Longburn Station to a position 6 chains north of the present site. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition affects the administration of the railways, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 20th October, 1894.

No. 627.—Petition of the Mokihinui Coal Company (Limited). Petitioners set out a number of circumstances in connection with their coal lease and railway, and ask for inquiry, and that justice may be done to them. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition has already been dealt with by the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th October, 1894.

No. 376. —Petition of James M. Williamson, of Parnell, Auckland. Petitioner states that he was guard on a railway; that an accident took place on the 31st January, 1891, at Huntly Station, and he was dismissed in consequence of such accident, and for making a false statement at the inquiry relating thereto. He relates the facts of the case, and asks for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has been sufficiently punished for any faults of his connected with the collision at Huntly, as indicated in the petition, and recommends that on account of his good record for the seven years prior to the accident he should be reinstated when an opportunity occurs. 23rd October, 1894.

No. 759.— Petition of Maey Ahn Dean, of Eangiriri, Auckland. Petitioner states that her husband was a platelayer on the Waikato Eailway, and that whilst returning home on his velocipede it was struck by the train, and he was killed ; that the Commissioners have granted her a compassionate allowance of £25, and regret they cannot do more. She asks for further relief.