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No. 321.—Petition of Cecil Hodgson. Petitionee prays for compensation and refund of moneys paid under contract with the Eailway Department relating to the penny time-table. I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Eailways Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. Ist September, 1896.

No. 64. —Petition of William Hall. Petitionee states that on the 4th day of February, 1896, sparks emitted from a railway-engine kindled a fire on his property at Penrose and caused destruction to the extent of £125. He prays for relief. I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Eailways Committee, there has not been sufficient evidence adduced to show that the fire was caused by the locomotive at Penrose Junction, but that in all probability the fire did arise from a spark, and therefore recommend the petitioner's claim to the Government. It is also of opinion that the Eailway Department should, during the summer months, take further steps to minimise the risk from fire on the Auckland Section. Ist September, 1896.

No. 125.—Petition of D. McKinnon. Petitionee states that his racing mare was seriously injured in transit from Wellington to Hawera whilst in the railway-trucks. He prays for compensation. I have the honour to report that the Eailways Committee have no recommendation to make. 26th August, 1896.

No. 346.—Petition of Hugh Begg. Petitionee prays that provision may be made for the construction of a railway from Waicola Siding, through Scott'a or Eaymond's Gap, to the Government estate at Merrivale. I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Eailways Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd September, 1896.

No. 308.—Petition of William Whiteeod. Petitionee prays for compensation for loss of office, and for payment for working overtime during his employment on the New Zealand railways. I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Eailways Committee, this petition should be referred to the Minister for Eailways to investigate the claim made by the petitioner for overtime,, and deal with it in an equitable manner. 3rd September, 1896.

Nos. 211 and 341. —Petitions of J. T. Dalbymple and Others, and E. K. Simpson and Others" Petitionees pray that the necessary steps be taken for the colony to acquire the WellingtonManawatu Company's railway-line. I have the honour to report that the Eailways Committee are of opinion that, as the petitions refer to a question of public policy, they should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd September, 1896.

Nos. 412, 443, and 462.—Petitions of P. S. Heldee and Others, Hectoe Moeeison and Others, G. S. Smith and Others. Petitionees pray for an extension of railway through by Scott's or Eaymond's Gap to Merrivale, Otago. I have the honour to report that the Eailways Committee are of opinion these petitions should be referred to the Government. 16th September, 1896.

No. 420.—Petition of W. Scott and Others. Petitionees pray that the Orepuki Eailway be extended to the Lower Ferry, Waiau Eiver, Otago. I have the honour to report that the Eailways Committee are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government. 16th September, 1896.

No. 380.—Petition of James Walkee and Others. Petitionees pray that the necessary steps be taken to acquire the Wellington-Manawatu Company's railway-line for the colony. I have the honour to report that the Eailways Committee, having already dealt with the question involved in this petition, have no further recommendation to make. 16th September, 1896.

No. 472. —Petition of the Geeymouth-Point Elizabeth Railway and Coal Company (Limited). Pbtitionebs pray that the terms proposed to be imposed by the Government in respect of haulage and terminal charges may be revised and made to correspond with those imposed upon other companies under similar circumstances. I have the honour to report that the Bailways Committee have no recommendation to make. 6th October, 1896.