1.—6.

No. 1280 (1901). —Petition of Wilhelmina Ferguson, of Waikaka Valley. Petitioner states that she met with an accident owing to her horse being frightened by the smoke and noise of a railway-train, and asks for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that, having fully considered the petition and departmental report, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th September, 1902.

No. 430.—Petition of Thomas Patterson, of Invercargill. Petitioner states that he met with an accident owing to his dray colliding with a railway-train ; that a sum of £100 was recommended to be paid to him by the Government, of which he received £50, and prays that the balance of £50 may be paid to him. I am directed to report that, having fully considered the petition and the departmental report, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th September, 1902.

No. 396.— W. H. Woodman and 97 Others, of Glentunnel, Canterbury District (and 28 similar Petitions as per Schedule attached). Petitioners pray that provision may be made for the construction of a railway from Culverden to Upper Waiau Ferry. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petitions is a question of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th September, 1902.

Schedule. No. 396.— W. H. Woodman and 97 others. No. 417.— H. B. Catling and 23 others. „ 399.— G. Slater and 49 others. „ 418.— J. Banks and 35 others. , 400.—-J. Daley and 83 others. „ 419.— W. Clouston and 80 others. „ 401. —G. Granville and 16 others. „ 421.—A. Schlesmuger and 56 others. „ 402.— J. Jackson and 20 others. „ 422.— H. T. Widdowson and 118 others. „ 403.— W. Tucks and 50 others. ~ 423.— T. Smith and 17 others. „ 404.— J. McArthur and 88 others. „ 424.— T. Wilson and 9 others. „ 405 —J. Mundell and 66 others. „ 425. —J. A. Carmichael and 81 others. „ 406.—M. Cohen and 141 others. „ 426.— F. W. Ricketts and 85 others. „ 407. —H. G. Manning and 19 others. „ 434. —H. Atkinson and 25 others. „ 408.— J. C. H. Grigg and 160 others. „ 435.—8. M. Litchfield and 220 others. „ 413.—C. H. Bridge and 125 others. „ 436.— E. Page and 61 others. „ 414.— R. Cairns and 74 others. „ 437.— W. K. Macbeth and 89 others. „ 415.—M. Sandstein and 287 others. „ 438.— J. F. Sunckell and 130 others. „ 416.—A. B. Morgan and 172 others. Totals : 29 petitions; 2,476 petitioners.

No. 454.—Petition of W. J. Scrimgeour and Others, of Lawrence, &c, Otago. Petitioners pray that a railway may be constructed from Lawrence to Roxburgh. I am directed, to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration, and, together with the report and evidence, be printed; but, as the subject-matter of the petition is a question of public policy, the Committee has no further recommendation to make. (Vide also 1.-6 a.)

No. 486.—Petition of E. E. FitzHenry and Others, of Kaihu Valley. Petitioners pray that the Kaihu Valley Railway may be extended to Waima. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition is a question of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist October, 1902.

No. 383.—Petition of John Clarke and Others, of Wairuna. Petitioners pray that a goods-shed may be erected at Wairuna Railway-station. I am directed to report that the Committee, having considered the petition and the departmental report, is of opinion that the amount of traffic at Wairuna does not warrant the erection of a goods-shed, and therefore has no recommendation to make. Ist October, 1902. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (1,200 copies), £ 3 3s. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o2.

Price 6d.]

2—l. 6,

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