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No. 17. —Petition of John Nash, of Nelson. The petitioner, lately a sergeant of police, states that he joined the Force in June, 1857; that, after having served in it for more than thirty years, he was discharged on 30th November, 1887, under an Order in Council of the 7th January, 1887, and received an allowance of twelve months' pay; that only two other constables were discharged under said Order, which has since been revoked, and the said constables have been reappointed as district constables. He prays for further compensation. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no further claim against the colony. 29th May, 1888.

No. 86.—Petition of John Tamblyn and Others. The petitioners, fruit-growers living in the Teviot and Clyde districts, allege that great quantities of fruit are imported from Victoria and Tasmania which are infected with codlin-moth and other insect pests. They pray that their industry may be protected by a duty being imposed on imported fruit. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 31st May, 1888.

No. 502, Sess. 11., 1887.—Petition of Joseph Vincent, of Greymouth. The petitioner, late cook on board s.s. " Koranui," states that, while crossing the wharf at Greymouth to his ship on the night of the 14th September, 1887, he was thrown down by a coal-truck which was travelling along the railway-line laid on said wharf; that at the time of the accident he was crossing, as he lawfully might, through an opening made by the department for the use of the public; that in consequence of said accident he had to have his foot amputated. He alleges that the accident was owing to negligence on the part of the Railway Department, and prays for compensation for injury received. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ist June, 1888.

No. 97.—Petition of J. F. Wilson, Auckland (No. 3). The petitioner, Chairman of the North Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, prays that " The Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act 1885 Amendment Act, 1886," may be amended in certain directions. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government. Ist June, 1888.

No. 98.—Petition of J. M. Powell and Others, of Brighton. The petitioners pray that the construction of the Brighton-Barry town Eoad may be completed. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist June, 1888.

No. 85.—Petition of Gilbebt Book, of Dunedin. The petitioner prays that a protective tax may be imposed on imported literature. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist June, 1888.

No. 31. —Petition of Thomas Hawkins Smith, of Maketu. The petitioner solicits the return of a sum of money expended by him in the purchase of Native lands, and for compensation for losses alleged to have been sustained through the wrongful acts of Government agents. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. Bth June, 1888.

No. 56.—Petition of Thomas McCluggage, of Caversham, Otago. The petitioner prays for relief, he having been disabled from ordinary work by an accident he met with while employed on the Otago Central Railway. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. Bth June, 1888.

No. 511, Sess. 11., 1887. —Petition of M. L. 13. Nelly, of Auckland. The petitioner complains that he was wrongfully dismissed from the Defence Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. Bth June, 1888.