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I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th December, 1887.

No. 97, Sess. I.—Petition of Allan Andeeson, of Masterton. The petitioner states that there is a balance still due to him for work done upon the Opaki Section of the Wellington and Napier Eailway, and prays that it may be paid to him. I am directed to adopt the report of the Public Petitions Committee of 1886 on this case— namely, "that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petitioner's claim has been fully satisfied by the Government." 7th December, 1887.

No. 71. —Petition of Mrs. Catheeinb Coolahan, of Parnell. The petitioner claims payment for a piece of land at Pokeno, alleged to have been improperly conveyed free to the Crown by her late husband's trustee in bankruptcy. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, any claim the petitioner may have is not against the colony, but against her late husband's trustee. 7th December, 1887.

No. 326.—Petition of Thomas Caetee, of Wellington (No. 1). The petitioner prays for payment of £29 175., alleged to have been withheld from his pay during the time of his service in the Torpedo Force. I am- directed to report that, since the Public Petitions Committee of the Legislative Council has examined the petitioner, and taken evidence and reported on his petition during the present session, this Committee declines to proceed with the consideration of this petition. 7th December, 1887.

No. 214.—Petition of Edwaed Jones, of Masterton. The petitioner alleges that he has been required by the Post Office to carry certain mails which were not included in his contract, and claims extra payment for such additional service. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim to any further payment. 9th December, 1887.

No. 303.—Petition of Thomas Bayly and Others. The petitioner prays for a subsidy to the steamship " Waitara." I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th December, 1887.

No. 406.—Petition of William Agnew and Others, of Dunedin. The petitioners allege that William Agnew and his wife have been unjustly imprisoned, and despoiled of their goods and land. They pray for restitution or other relief. I am directed to report that William Agnew has been treated with exceptional liberality on the recommendation of the Public Petitions Committee of 1885, and this Committee cannot recommend that he should receive any further consideration. 9th December, 1887.

No. 418.—Petition of Thomas Perm and other Inhabitants of the Stratford District The petitioners pray that, before any more contracts are let on the North Island Trunk Eailway, a survey may be made of the proposed Stratford route. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th December, 1887.

Nos. 419, 432, and 433. —Petitions of the Waieaeapa South County Council, Caeteeton Boeough Council, and Waieaeapa Noeth County Council. The petitioners pray for such amendment of " The Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act, 1885," as that the Wairarapa District may be separated from its union with the Wellington District for charitable-aid purposes. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these three petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th December, 1887.

No. 439. —Petition of James Colvin, of Westport, and Others. The petitioners pray for the erection of a bridge over the Inangahua Eiver. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th December, 1887.

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