1.-1.

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No. 171. —Petition of Alexander Stewart, of Wellington. The petitioner, a commission agent, states that he has been prosecuted and fined for selling a railway return-ticket; that the fine was 10s., and the costs £10 Is., but the sum of £6 Is. has since been remitted ; that he has suffered loss amounting to £200, owing to his credit being damaged by the prosecution. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner should be granted. 30th June, 1886.

No. 170. —Petition of James Holmes, Waitara. The petitioner states that he was employed by the captain of the steamer " Hannah Mokau " to float the said vessel, which had stranded at Mokau in 1879 ; that he succeeded in floating her at a cost of £205 Bs. 6d. for labour, including his own time and expenses ; that his subsequent expenses in prosecuting his claim against the Government amounted to £25, making a total of £230 Bs. 6d.; that the Government sold the vessel for £800. He prays that the House will do an act of grace, and consider the equities of his claim, and pay him a fair amount. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the Government. 30th June, 1886.

Nos. 213 and 221. —Petitions of G. S. Eobertson, Chairman of Waitotara County Council, and D. G. Polson, Chairman of Wanganui County Council. The petitioners pray that the Wanganui Harbour Bill may not be passed into law. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Local Bills Committee. 30th June, 1886.

No. 206.—Petition of Charles Sutton, Chairman of Whangaroa Eoad Board. The petitioner prays for certain amendments in " The Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act, 188*5 " I am directed to report that, as a Bill dealing with the subject-matter of this petition is now before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. Ist July, 1886.

No, 70.—Petition of H. J. Sturley, Clyde, Wairoa. The petitioner states that in 1865 he was compelled to act as pilot for H.M.S. "Eclipse," during the Maori war for which he was promised compensation by Sir Donald McLean, and was afterwards given the contract for supplying the troops at Wairoa; but that, owing to the control of the troops being changed from the Imperial to the Colonial Government, he had his provisions thrown on his hands, and suffered severe loss. He is now in indigent circumstances, and prays for I am directed to report that it does not appear to the Committee the petitioner has any claim against the colony. Ist July, 1886.

No. 207.—Petition of James Eyburn, Chairman of Mangapiko Eoad Board. The petitioner prays for certain reforms in local government. I am directed to report that, as Bills dealing with the subject-matter of this petition are now before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. Ist July, 1886.

]Sf o . 94.—Petition of Colin McMillan, The petitioner states that after being employed by the Eailway Department for six years he was discharged with the promise of future employment; that on making application he was told that, bein°- over forty years of age, he was ineligible ; that after this objection was raised against him othe? men who were over the said age were taken on. Petitioner prays for redress. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. Ist July, 1886.

No. 230.—Petition of John A. Barr. The petitioner, the Chairman of the Dunedin City and Suburban School Committees Conference, prays that effect may not be given to the clauses in the Local Bodies Loans Bill authorizing the raising of loans by local bodies for the erection of school-buildings, or any other legislation which will make the cost of school-buildings a charge on local rates. • I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition has been already dealt with by the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. Ist July, 1886.