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No. 69, Sess. ll.—Petition of William Noetham and Others. The petitioners state that they are residents of the Wangamoa and Eai Valleys, in the Provincial District of Nelson. They pray for a special vote during the present session for the formation of a dray-road through the valley to Mackay's Station. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th September, 1884.

No. 126, Sess. ll.—Petition of W. Hindmaesh and Others, Inangahua. The petitioners, ratepayers of the County of Inangahua, pray that the House will pass an Act during the present session of Parliament to prohibit all persons whose names are now on the counties electoral rolls by virtue of miners' rights, and who are not bond fide miners, and residing in the ridings for which their names are enrolled as voters, from voting at the forthcoming election in November next. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th September, 1884.

No. 184, Sess. ll.—Petition of Allan Sheaeee and Others. The petitioners, ratepayers of the Waimate Eailway District, in the Provincial District of Canterbury, pray the House will cause the Waimate Eailway to be taken out of the hands of the company and taken over by the Government, or substitute a colonial loan for the present indebtedness of the said company. They further pray that the District Eailways Acts may be repealed. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th September, 1884.

No. 111, Sess. I.—Petition of James McShane, Auckland. The petitioner states that he is a carter living in Auckland ; that whilst delivering a load of gravel on the 14th August, 1883, the train from Mount Albert came along, and the engine-driver did not blow the engine-whistle until he was sixty-six feet distant, and the train coining so suddenly frightened his horses; that in trying to prevent them running away his foot was caught by the cowcatcher, and he was dragged several feet along the line," by which his foot was severely lacerated and injured ; that he was seventeen weeks confined to his house and sustained great loss thereby. He claims £102 as compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 19th September, 1884.

No. 81, Sess. ll.—Petition of James Eeid and Others (No. 1). The petitioners, settlers in Lake County, respectfully advocate the purchase by the Government of the Waimea Eailway Company's interest in the said railway. No. 67, Soss. II. —Petition of Thomas Black and Others. ■ The petitioners, residents and settlers in the County of Southland, pray the House to grant a sum of money for the purchase of the Waimea Plains Eailway. I am directed to report that, as these petitions involve a matter of policy, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 19th September, 1884.

No. 114, Sess. ll.—Petition of J. L. de Lambert and Another, Oamaru. The petitioners state that they are manufacturers of barbed wire. They pray for the imposition of a duty of 20 per cent, on foreign productions. No. 145, Sess. ll.—Petition of E. E. Andeeson, Christchurch. The petitioner, Secretary of the Christchurch Patent Barbed Wire Company, prays for the imposition of a duty of 20 per cent, on the imported article. I am directed to report that, as these petitions involve a question of policy, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 19th September, 1884.

No. 146, Sess. IT.—Petition of Luke Wilson and Others, The petitioners state that they are convinced that a very large amount in excess of the fullest requirements is annually spent in support of the various orphanage's- and homes for destitute and criminal children now existing in this colony ; they feel that, in the present financial circumstances of the colony, some-effort should be made to place these homes at once upon a different basis. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th September, 1884.