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No. 477.—Petition of Hugh Ebskine and 426 Others, of Alton. Petitionebs pray that a bridge may be erected across the Eiver Waiau at the " lower bridgesite." I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th October, 1895.

No. 483. —Petition of E. S. Bullen and 49 Others, of Auckland. Petitionebs pray that further Government employment may be found for E. S. Bullen, or that he may be granted a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has had great leniency shown him by the Police Department during the past in the matter of sick-leave; and that, as he has already received the compensation due to him upon retirement, the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no further claim against the colony. 16th October, 1895.

No. 414.—Petition of Cecil Hodgson, of Melbourne. Petitioneb prays for redress on account of certain trust moneys having lain to the credit of the Government Account for twelve years without any interest having been paid thereon. I am directed to report that, evidence having been given that the Government has received the bank rate of interest for twelve years upon the sum named in the petition (£2,668 6s. 5d.) the Committee recommends that, after allowing a sufficient margin for the clerical expense incurred by the Government in connection with the custody of the said moneys, the Government should pay to the petitioner 2 per cent, interest upon the said sum (£2,668 6s. 5d.) for the said term of twelve years. 16th October, 1895.

No. 466. —Petition of H. Laesen and 54 Others, of Westport. Petitionees pray that compensation may be paid to James Howard, of Westport, on account of the loss of an arm through the bursting of a cannon. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the colony is in no way responsible for the unfortunate accident named; but that, taking into consideration the surrounding circumstances of the case, the Committee recommends that the Government should find some suitable employment for James Howard. 16th October, 1895.

No. 471.—Petition of A. Finlayson and 69 Others, of Maungaturoto. Petitionees pray for a grant of £200 in aid of road-construction. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th October, 1895.

No. 412.— Petition of 0, E. Fair, of 382, Queen Street, Auckland. Petitionee prays for an inquiry into the manner in which Mr. Northcroft, S.M., of Auckland, conducts his Court. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has not exhausted his legal remedies, and also as it been shown that in the case referred to his solicitor accepted a nonsuit, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th October, 1895.

No. 366.—Petition of G. E. Baeton, of Gisborne. Petitioner prays for an inquiry re certain proceedings in the Validation Court. I am directed to report that, m the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 17th October, 1895.

No. 375. —Petition of Chaeles Beown, of New Plymouth. Petitioneb prays for an inquiry into the matter which led to his being struck off the roll of Justices of the Peace, and also to the cancellation of his interpreter's license, I am directed to report that the Committee, having taken considerable evidence, including that of his Honour the Chief Judge of the Native La.nd Court, is of opinion that the system pursued for many years past by Native interpreters and Justices of the Peace, in taking declarations of Natives as to receipt of purchase-money for the sale of land when in many cases the money had not been paid when such declarations were made, was followed by the petitioner in the case of Meringa, as proved to the Committee by the said Chief Judge. The Committee therefore recommends that the petition be referred to the favourable consideration of the Government, to grant the petitioner the inquiry prayed for. 18th October, 1895.