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I—lB.

No. s.—Petition of Ada Harrison. Petitioner represents that she was dismissed from the position of day-school teacher at Te Oranga Home for reasons that were insufficient and unsupported after live years' good service, and prays that she may be reinstated in her former position at the Home, or that she be given an equal position in the Civil Service. The Committee, having carefully considered the petition of Miss Ada Harrison, late day-school teacher at Te Oranga Home, and the evidence taken in relation thereto, are of opinion,— 1. That the petitioner is fully qualified for the position of an ordinary public-school teacher. 2. That the conditions at Te Oranga Home were not those of an ordinary public school, and the petitioner did not adapt herself to the special requirements of the institution. 3. That it was essential to the good government of the institution that a change should be made, and the Department were fully justified in removing the petitioner. 4. That the petitioner's removal was not arbitrary or unjust, and was not the outcome of her evidence given at the inquiry before Commissioner Bishop. 5. That the positions which might be offered to the petitioner by the Department were limited, and she was offered the best at the disposal of the Department—namely, that of teacher of the Native school at Karioi, with a salary of £150 a year and house. 6. That the Inspector-General in his evidence intimated that he was willing to give a testimonial to the petitioner recommending her to any Education Board for employment. The Committee recommend that such a testimonial be given to petitioner, and, further, that the Department should, if any suitable vacancy arises, offer the position to the petitioner. 9th December, 1909. Noe. 294, .JO7, and 347.—Petitions of E. Watkins and 456 Others, J. A. Finlayson and 13 Others, and John McLeod and 7 Others. (No. 2.) Petitioners pray that the privilege of travelling free on the railways to attend classes may be continued to teachers of schools under the Education Department. Having further considered these petitions, and evidence thereon, the Committee are of opinion that they should be referred to the favourable consideration of the Government, subject to the imposition of such safeguards against abuse as may be considered necessary. 9th December, 1909. No. 6.—Petition of Walter Kerr. Petitioner represents that he is mathematical and science master in the Napier Boys' High School, and an original contributor under the regulations for teachers' superannuation, but is excluded from its benefits because his application for admission was not made within the specified time. He now prays to be allowed to remain under the regulations for teachers' superannuation. The Education Committee have the honour to report on the petition of Walter Kerr that in their opinion it should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 14th December, 1909. No. 390. —Petition of Henry Bromley. (No. 2.) Petitioner represents that he was farm-overseer of the Boys' Training Farm, Weraroa, Levin; that he was wrongfully dismissed from his position; and he makes a series of charges against the management of the institution, and prays that he may receive compensation for pecuniary loss sustained. The Education Committee have the honour to report that, having further considered the petition of Henry Bromley, they have no recommendation to make. 14th December, 1909". No. 29. —Petition of Patrick Madican. Petitioner represents that he married a widow named Mrs. Noyer, who subsequently became insane, and was committed to the Mental Hospital, Auckland; that at the time of her marriage with him she had a boy living with her whom petitioner believed was her child by a previous husband; that the boy was committed to a Home; and, petitioner having since discovered that the boy was the illegitimate child of another woman, and had been adopted by his wife, he prays to be relieved from contributing to his maintenance. The Education Committee have the honour to report on the petition of Patrick Madigan that in their opinion the Education Department should cause such inquiries to be made as will enable the Committee to judge of the truth of the allegations contained in the petition. 14th December, 1909.