9

1.—2,

No. 240.—Petition of Captain John Taylor Marshall, of Wellington. The petitioner states that ho joined the New Zealand Constabulary in January, 1870; that in September, 1874, he was transferred to the command of the Militia and Volunteer District of Nelson at a salary of £329; that this salary was afterwards reduced, and he was retransferred to the Constabulary; that he served until January, 1881, when he was compelled to retire owing to ill health caused by a coach accident; that he received a bonus of £125, or six months' pay ; that a bonus of one month's pay for every year of service has lately been granted to officers of the Constabulary whose services have been dispensed with. Petitioner prays that he may be placed on n similar footing, and be paid the sum of £104 3s. 4d., or balance of five months' salary. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner. • 6th July, 1888.

No. 360. —Petition of A. Murray and Others. In favour of the Shop Hours Bill. I am directed to report that, as this Bill is now before the House, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should he referred to the Government. 11th July, 1888.

No. 251.—Petition of William Steen, of Auckland. The petitioner states that his mother and two sisters came out from England to Auckland in the ship " Indian Empire " in 1862 ; that they paid £18 each as passage-money, but neglected to obtain land-scrip ; that in consequence of this omission they have been unable to obtain the land to which they would otherwise have been entitled. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 1 lth July, 1888.

No. 349. —Petition of James B. Pobteous and Others. The petitioners, ratepayers of Winton, Limehills, and Benmore, pray that a sufficient sum of money may be granted for the connection of the works of the Winton River District with the projected works of the Benmore-Limehills River Board. No. 375. —Petition of Hugh McKenzie and Others, of Waipu. The petitioners pray that a sufficient sum of money may be granted to put a bridge over the Waipu. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred, to the Government for consideration. 11th July, 1888.

Nos. 357, 358, 359, and 367.—Petitions of Alexander Bkodie, Mayor of Thames, and Others; 1). McFaelanb, Mayor of Invercargill, and Others; Hart Udy and Others, Greytown ; and D. McLennon and Others, Akaroa. The petitioners pray that the totalisator may be abolished. 1 am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government. 11th July, 1888. _

No. 336.—Petition of Hans Olskx, of Manawatu. The petitioner states that he was employed as roadman on the Manawatu Gorge Eoad by the Government; that in January, 1887, the Government handed over the control of the road to the local governing bodies, who, however, declined the responsibility ; that he worked upon the road for forty-four days after it was given over, and that the sum of £15 Bs. is due to him. He prays for payment of this amount. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th July, 1888.

No. 237. —Petition of P. McKegney, of Christcliurch. The petitioner states that in May, 1888, he was employed on the relief-works at Kaituna Valley in working a crane by hand-power ; that through no fault of his own two fingers of his right hand were drawn into the cog-wheels and so severely crushed that they have had to be amputated ; that the cog-wheels of this crane have since been covered over; that he has been receiving half-pay from the Public "Works Department at the rate of 2s. 3d. per day. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th July, 1888.

No. 237. —Petition of P. McKegney, of Christchurch (Second Eeport). The report of the Committee on this petition was referred back by the House on the 11th July for further consideration. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 31st July, 1888. 2—l. 2.