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leaving the Government service since he did, and serving in departments under the same Minister, have been granted three months' leave of absence. He prays that he may be granted three months' pay in lieu of leave, or other relief. „„;-,„+ I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 15th November, 1887.

No. 43, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Voakes, of Warkworth. The petitioner states that in 1867 he selected apiece of land (46 acres,in the Parish of Korowhero and his name was written on the selection-map of the district, m the Crown Lands Office, Auckland, across the said piece of land ; that he was unable, through poverty, to have the land surveyed and has lately discovered that it has been wrongfully sold by the Government. That in 1886 Mr. Ballance (the then Minister of Lands) admitted that petitioner's land had been wrongfully sold, and offered land of equal value, which would be about £200 or £250. That petitioner has not received either ' i n am°directed'to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th November, 1887.

No. 2, Sess. ll.—Petition of Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, N.Z.C. The petitioner prays that he may be placed on an equal footing with other recipients of the New Zealand Cross, and his pension paid from the date of the Order in Council creating the same. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, although the petitioner has a basis of precedent, it is one which it cannot recognise, and therefore it cannot recommend the prayer of the petition. 17th November, 1887.

No. 138, Sess. I.—Petition of James Maxwell, of Hokianga. The petitioner prays for consideration on account of a certain block of land taken by the Governin _ am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 9th November, 1887.

No. 98, Sess. I.—Petition of W. P. Wilkinson, of Hokitika. The petitioner states that he was employed by the Government in keeping the books &c. of the Kumara Water-race and Sludge-channel at a salary, of 10s. per day of eight hours, but said work necessitated his working overtime, but he was unable to obtain any payment for such extra time; that he commenced an action against the Government for the value of the overtime, and, although he immediately withdrew it, he was peremptorily dismissed. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 9th November, 1887.

No. 18, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Morley, of Oamaru. The petitioner states that he worked as a platelayer on the New Zealand railways from April 1879 until June 1886; that in the latter month he met with an accident, while m the execution of his duty whereby he lost his foot; that he has since received three months' half-pay, three months ouarter-pay, and £10 from the department; that the accident was caused by the use of a defective appliance attached to a trolly and called a " spindle ; " that the use of such appliances has since been condemned by the Eailway Department. He prays for further monetary relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the favourable consideration of the Government. 17th November, 1887. ___

No. 20.—Petition of F. Seth Smith and Others. The petitioners state that they have read the petition of John Morley to the House, and are satisfied that the statements made therein are correct. They pray that some relief may be granted t0 h Tam directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th November, 1887. .

No. 69, Sess. ll.—Petition of L. Sarten and Others, of Tikorangi. The petitioners, settlers in Tikorangi, Huirangi, and contiguous districts, pray for the erection of a bridge across the Waitara Eiver. _■ __' * t I am directed to report that, as the petitioners have the power, under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, to obtain the necessary funds for the erection of the desired bridge, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th November, 1887.

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