1.-1

8

No. 153.—Petition of Eobert Eoss and Others. The petitioners pray that the North Auckland Trunk Eailway may be constructed. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd June, 1886.

No. 135.—Petition of Patrick O'Brien and Others. The petitioners state that in August, 1882, Patrick O'Brien nominated with the Immigration Officer, Auckland, the following persons, viz., Daniel Bridget and Jeremiah O'Brien, and that the money demanded was £8, which he paid; that the said nominated persons received notice from the Agent-General's office to prepare for the first available ship: they accordingly sold all their belongings in Ireland, and went to London; that on their arrival they were informed that Jeremiah O'Brien was not amongst the nominated persons; that on the 23rd May, 1883, they received a letter from Mr. Kennaway demanding £5 more for Jeremiah's passage ; that they refused to pay, and were delayed in London for ten months; that the said £5 was finally paid both in London and Auckland ; that the whole of the delay was caused by an error on the part of the Immigration Officer in Auckland, in charging for a female instead of a male. The petitioners allege that they have lost £177 in time and money. They pray that their claim to that amount may be favourably considered. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the sum of £10 should be paid to the petitioners, being £5 for passage-money twice paid, and £5 for the delay in London, this delay having been caused by a mistake on the part of Mr. Brophy, the Immigration Officer. 23rd June, 1886.

No. 175.—Petition of the Bishop of Christchurch and Others (No. 1). The petitioners pray that the Education Act may be so amended that provision may be made for imparting religious instruction in public schools; also that grants may be made in aid of schools set on foot by any religious denomination, under certain conditions. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 24th June, 1886.

No. 176.—Petition of the Bishop of Christchurch and Others (No. 2.) The petitioners pray that more stringent measures may be passed for the protection of girls and young women, and that the age of consent may be raised to sixteen. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of this petition being now before the House, this Committee have no recommendation to make. 24th June, 1886.

No. 69. —Petition of Thomas Feehan, of Wellington. The petitioner states that he served in the Waikato Militia for three years; that he was in consequence entitled to fifty acres of land and twelve months' rations; that he received the grant of land, but did not get the rations, or money in lieu thereof. He prays for the money due to him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 24th June, 1886.

Nos. 173 and 195.—Petitions of William Salmond and Others, and Dr. Copland and Others, of Otago and Southland. The petitioners pray that measures may be passed for the daily reading of the Bible in public schools. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 24th June, 1886.

No. 49. —Petition of Thomas Mills, of Auckland. The petitioner states that he served in the Eailway Department for more than ten years; that he received an injury to his foot while in the performance of his duties; that when partially recovered he was appointed head storekeeper of a goods-shed; that he was ordered by the District Manager never to act as guard, nevertheless he was constantly sent out as assistant guard; that he was suspended in January, 1886; that the whole misunderstanding has been caused by the head shunter disobeying orders. He prays that he may be reinstated, or compensation granted to him for loss of time. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner. 24th June, 1886.

No. 196.—Petition of Henry Bull and William James Williams. The petitioners, the President and the Secretary respectively of the annual Conference of the New Zealand Wesleyan Methodist Church, pray that measures may be taken for the protection of girls and young women; that the age of consent may be raised to eighteen; that the Contagious Diseases Act may be made applicable to both sexes, or abolished altogether. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of this petition being now before the House, his Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th June, 1886.