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No. 45.—Petition of Jane Mooee, of Takaka. Petitionee prays that she may be granted a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband, Captain Moore, who was knocked down and fatally injured by a shunting-engine at the Lyttelton Bailwaj'-station on the 2nd June last. I am directed to report that the Committee, having carefully considered the evidence adduced, is fully satisfied that Mrs. Moore has no legal claim against the Government, but, in consideration of her circumstances, recommends that a compassionate allowance of £50 be granted her. 10th July, 1896.

No. 10. —Petition of John James Meikle, of Southland. Petitionee prays that full effect may be given to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee's recommendation of last session in his case. I am directed to report that this Committee regrets that its recommendations of last session have not been carried out, and that the Committee is still of opinion that an allowance should be granted to him by wav of compensation for imprisonment suffered and consequent loss sustained. 14th July, 1896. "

No. 41. —Petition of Alexandeb McNaught, of Oamaru. - Petitionee prays that he may be granted an inquiry into the circumstances of his having been wrongfully declared a bankrupt, and for redress for having been imprisoned for contempt of Court, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th July, 1896.

No. 65.—Petition of James Scully, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that he may be granted further compensation- for loss of office as sergeant-major of the Defence Department. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to, and should receive, the same retiring-allowance as was paid to Sergeants-Major White and Haslem— viz., one month's salary for each year of service. 16th July, 1896.

No. 85. —Petition of Mrs. Jane Silk, of Wellington. Petitionee states that in June, 1895, her husband's reason became impaired, and that he was compelled to retire from his position in the Government Printing Office as engine-driver and acting engineer. She prays that she may be granted some additional assistance. I am directed to report that, while recognising the petitioner has no legal claim against the Government, the Committee, under the painful circumstance of the case, recommends the Government to find her some suitable employment if possible. 21st July, 1896.

No. 4. —Petition of B. Macalistee. Petitionee prays that he may be either reinstated in the public service of the colony or that he be granted a suitable pension for the loss of a life office. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st July, 1896.

No. 28.—Petition of William Sewell, of Oamaru. Petitionee states that in May, 1862, he was appointed by the Provincial Government of Otago Beach-master and Pilot at Oamaru; that in May, 1876, he was transferred to the service of the Oamaru Harbour Board; that in April last he received intimation that his engagement with the Board would cease after the 31st July next. He prays that he may be granted a retiringallowance. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that petitioner is entitled to compensation for the full length of his service under the Provincial Government of Otago, as indicated by the letters from the Marine Department dated Ist September, 1877, and 20th February, 1878, M 77/1946, and M 77/2605. 21st July, 1896.

No. 137. —Petition of Martin Manson and 124 Others, North of Auckland Districts. Petitioners pray that legislation may be enacted to put an end to the "truck" system prevailing on the gumfields in the North of Auckland districts. I am directed to report that, as the question involved is one of public policy, the Committee recommends that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd July, 1896.

No. 149.—Petition of Eliza Moie, of Ahuroa. Petitionee prays that she may be granted redress on account of a road taken through her property, &c. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee, 23rd July, 1896.