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EBP-OKTS.

No. 107. —Petition of Samuel Vaile, of Auckland. Petitioner states that he has for many years studied railway administration, and prays that his system, known as " Vaile's stage system," may be tried on the New Zealand Government railways. The Committee, having considered Mr. Vaile's petition, is of opinion that it should be referred to the Government. 24th July, 1902.

No. 86.—Petition of James Wallace, of Papatoitoi, Auckland. Petitioner, who is a farmer residing at Papatoitoi, Auckland, states that he has at various times sustained damage on his farm through fires caused by sparks from the railway locomotives, and prays for compensation for same. The Committee, having considered the petition, and also the report of Mr. J. W. Poynton, Commissioner, in which the latter stated that there was no doubt but that the fires causing the damage were started by sparks from the locomotives, and estimated the petitioner's loss at from £30 to £40, recommends that a sum of £30 be paid to the petitioner by way of compensation for loss sustained by him. 24th July, 1902.

No. 59. —Petition of Margaret Neville, of Lyttelton. Petitioner states that her husband, Nathan Neville, died while in the employment of the Railway Department as a shunter, and asks for a compassionate allowance. The Committee, having considered the petition, is of opinion that it should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th August, 1902.

No. 63. —Petition of Michael Carrick, of Westport. Petitioner states that in May, 1901, his child, Josephine A. Carrick, was killed by the collapse of a heavy concrete pipe in the railway-yard at Westport, and asks that some compensation for her death be granted to him. The Committee, having considered the above petition, is of opinion that it should be referred to the Government. 12th August, 1902.

No. 58. —Petition of Patrick MuCormick, of Lyttelton. Petitioner states that he received injuries whilst attending to his duties on the Railway Wharf in Lyttelton, and asks that compensation may be granted to him for same. The Committee, having considered the petition, is of opinion that it should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and recommends that light employment should be found for the petitioner in the railway service. 12th August, 1902

No. 46. —Petition of W. 11. and J. T. Dean, of Pokeno, Auckland. Petitioners state that they have suffered loss from fires caused by sparks from the Government railway locomotives, and ask for compensation. I am directed to report that, in view of the report of Mr. Commissioner Poynton of March, 1900 (vide No. 86 above), on this matter, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th August, 1902.

No. 135. —Petition of T. H. Nicholson and Others, of Waitotara. Petitioners pray that a level crossing may be constructed at Kai Iwi, near the Puketotara Railwaybridge. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th August, 1902.

No. 2. —Petition of J. McGregor and Others, of Silverstream. Petitioners pray that the Fairlie Creek Railway may be extended to Silverstream. I am directed to report that, as the subject of this petition is a question of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th August, 1902.

No. 20.—Petition of John T. Faulkner, of Morrinsville, Auckland. Petitioner states that he was injured while in the Government railway service, and prays for a compassionate allowance or other relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 26th August, 1902.

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