1.-l.

12

No. 253. —Petition of Eoderick McLean and Others, Waipu. The petitioners state that a mill-dam belonging to Eoderick McLean has been twice washed away by floods, and rebuilt by him at a cost of £500; that, as the stoppage of his mill would be a serious inconvenience to an extensive surrounding population, they pray that he may be assisted. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioners. Ist July, 1886.

No. 223.—Petition of John Parkin and Others, Canterbury. The petitioners pray that more stringent measures may be passed for the protection of girls and young women, and especially that the age of consent may be raised to eighteen. 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. 224.—Petition of W. 0. Buchanan and Others, Wairarapa North. The petitioners pray for the completion of the railway from Kopuaranga to Eketahuna. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist July, 1886.

No. 209. —Petition of Ellen Cock, New Plymouth. The petitioner states that her late husband served the New Zealand Settlement Company, the General Government of New Zealand, the Provincial Government of Taranaki, and the New Plymouth Harbour Board respectively from 1841 to 1884 as a signalman and lighterman; that he died from an accident received while in the active performance of his duties ; that, had he retired when the Provincial Government of Taranaki ceased, he would have been entitled to a retiring allowance from the General Government. The petitioner, who is without means of support, prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist July, 1886.

No. 220.—Petition of John Barnes and Others, Dunedin. The petitioners pray that the sea-wall at St. Clair may be repaired by the Government without delay. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist July, 1886.

Nos. 248 and 249. —Petitions of William Brownlee and Others, and H. Howard and Others. The petitioners, inhabitants of Marlborough and Nelson, pray that a sum of £100,000 may be voted to construct a railway from Blenheim, via Eenwicktown, Eock Ferry, Are Are, and Kaituna Valley, Havelock, Pelorus, and Eai Valley, to Wakapuaka and Nelson, and that a complete survey may be authorized to be made during the recess. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd July, 1886.

No. 166.—Petition of George Webb, Wellington. The petitioner states that on the Ist April, 1885, his contract for the supply of groceries to the Wellington Hospital was accepted ; that he supplied groceries to the hospital until the 10th May, when he received notice from Dr. Chilton that another contract had been accepted, and his tender cancelled; that he petitioned Parliament, and received a favourable report on his case from the Public Petitions Committee; that on the Ist October he received a letter from the Colonial Secretary, suggesting that he and Mr. Whitehouse should each carry out the contract for six months of the year; that on the 14th October he received another letter to the effect that the proposed splitting of the contract would be unfair to Mr. Whitehouse, who had supplied eggs and butter during the winter months at a loss, and proposing that Mr. Whitehouse should continue the contract until January, or otherwise be allowed to supply butter and eggs until the end of the term, petitioner to take up the contract for supply of groceries on the 10th November; that he replied to these letters, refusing to consent to any such arrangements; that on the 12th November, 1885, he received a letter to the effect that, as the Hospital Committee, who now had sole power in the matter, had declined to interfere, the Government could not do so; that the deprivation of the contract has inflicted a loss on him of not less than £300. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee regret effect was not given to their recommendation of last year, and recommend that the sum of £25 should be paid to the petitioner as compensation for loss of contract. 2nd July, 1886.

No. 92.—Petition of James Macgregor, D.D. The petitioner states that he was the convener of a committee of conference on secondary education, and prays that an inquiry may be granted to the committee into the whole matter of secondary education in North Otago.