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1888. NEW ZEALAND.

Presented to the House of Representatives, and ordered to be printed.

Nos. 14 and 42.—Petition of J. F. Wilson, Auckland (Nos. 1 and 2). The petitioner, Chairman of the North Auckland Charitable Aid Board, prays for certain amendments in the Hospitals and Charitable Aid Act. No. 488, Sess. 11., 1887. —Petition of Duncan McKenzie and Others, Whangarei. The petitioners pray for certain amendments in the Counties Act. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd May, 1888.

No. 490, Sess. 11., 1887.—Petition of W. H. McConkey and Others, of Te Awamutu. The petitioners pray that the Education Act may be so amended as to provide for the daily reading of portions of the Bible in public schools. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd May, 1888.

No. 498, Sess. 11., 1887.'—Petition of Juliet Macdonald, of Kaiapoi. The petitioner states that for nearly fourteen years she was in the service of the colony as nurse and deputy head attendant at the Sunnysido Asylum, Christchurch; that in August, 1887, she resigned her position on account of ill health. She prays for compensation or other relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 23rd May, 1888.

No. 8. —Petition of Eobekt Clarke Sheakman. The petitioner states that, after having served in the Police Force of Victoria for ten years, he was selected in 1862 to organize the Police Force in Canterbury; that he was appointed Commissioner, and retained the office until the abolition of the provinces, when he was appointed Inspecting Superintendent to the whole colony ; that said appointment was afterwards cancelled on the plea of economy, when his salary was reduced, and he was given the charge of the North Island with Nelson and Maryborough ; that his salary was again reduced, and he was given the charge of Wellington, with a remuneration of £450 per annum ; that he was moved to Auckland in July, 1887, and in March, 1888, received notice that his services would be dispensed with on the ground of economy ; that when he left Victoria he was persuaded that the colony which was to receive the benefit of his experience would recognise his claims on the service of Victoria to the same extent as if he had remained there, where he would have been entitled to a pension. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, after having given the fullest consideration to petitioner's case, the Committee is of opinion that the Government have dealt with him in a liberal manner, and that he has no further claim against the colony. 29th May, 1888.

No. 32.—Petition of John Penligon, of Auckland. The petitioner states that he received an appointment in the Government Armoury and Stores Department, Auckland, on the Ist March, 1864; that he has held this appointment for twenty-four years ; that his services have been dispensed with, and he has only received one month's pay for overy year of service as compensation. He prays that a pension may be granted to him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no further claim against the colony. 29th May, 1888. I—l. 2.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS M TO I COMMITTEE. (MR. T. THOMPSON, OHAIEMAN.)