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Nos. 71, 1897; 76, 1898; 250, 274, 294, and 349, 1897.—Petitions of Samuel Vaile, Samuel Vaile, J. H. Nicolls and Others, W. H. MubEay and 99 Others, Chables Ogle and 46 Others, and John Maeshall and 50 Others. Petitionebs pray that the stage system of railway administration recommended by Mr. Samuel Vaile be brought into operation on the Auckland or some other section of the New Zealand Government railways as a trial. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the above six petitions be referred to the Government. 17th August, 1899.

No. 123.—Petition of T. C. P. Whiteley and Others, of Otahuhu. Petitionees pray that a reduction be made in the price of what are termed workmen's twelve-trip tickets. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 17th August, 1899.

No. 228.—Petition of John Caelton and 352 Others, of Catlin's, Woodland, Tautuku, and Chaslands Districts. Petitionebs pray that the Catlin's Branch Eailway be extended for a distance of eighteen miles (as far as Tahakupa Valley). I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the Government consider the construction of the line in the next Eailways Authorisation Bill. 22nd August, 1899.

No. 189.—Petition of Walteb Nicol, of Kaihiku, Otago. Petitioneb prays for compensation for loss of sheep killed by a railway-engine. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1899.

No. 20.—Petition of John Scott, of Sydenham. Petitioneb, having been injured whilst working on the Government railways, prays that he may be given some light employment, or that he may be granted compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Goyernment for favourable consideration. 22nd August, 1899.

No. 85. —Petition of Samuel Vaile, of Auckland. Petitioneb prays that the stage system of railway administration be brought into operation on the Auckland or some other section of the New Zealand Government railways as a trial. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 24th August, 1899.

Nos. 180, 190, 226, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 261, 268, and 269.—Petitions of Colonel H. Bubton and Others, L. P. Abmitage and Others, Eichabd Smith and Others, E. B. Lesteb and Others, D. Goldie and Others, W. Chadwin and Others, J. M. Killen and Others, G. L. Thomson and Others, P. Clabk and Others, J. C. Macky and Others, and J. W. Shackelpobd and Others. Petitionebs pray for an extension of the Helensville Eailway northward. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that these petitions be referred to the Government. 29th August, 1899.

Nos. 270, 271, 272, 273, 286, 287, 296, and 297.—Petitions of W. N. Ellen and Others, J. Tbewin and Others, W. J. Napieb and Others, W. Watson and Others, Julius Bebzeb and Others, Henby Hook and Others, T. Chaplin and Others, and Timothy Healby and Others. Petitionebs pray for an extension of the Helensville Eailway northward. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that these petitions be referred to the Government. 29th August, 1899.

No. 351, 1898.—Petition of Mrs. Maegabet Campbell, of Campbelltown, Otago. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance, her husband having died whilst in the service of the Eailway Department. I am directed to report that in this case the Committee have no recommendation to make. 14th September, 1899. '