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No. 364. —Petition of Michael Moynihan, of Lytteltou. The petitioner states that he served in the Armed Constabulary for six years— viz., from 1879 to 1885 ; that in March, 1885, he was employed in a cutting on a new road in the Taupo district; that a fall of earth took place, causing him serious injuries—amongst others, a broken leg ; that he was granted four months' sick leave; that he returned to work, but was declared by the surgeon of the Force to be unfit for further service; that he was thereupon discharged, receiving three months' pay as compensation (£22 10s.). He prays for a further sum. I am diroetsd to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th July, 1888.

No. 368. —Petition of Jambs Bulleb Saxon, of Nelson. Thk petitioner states that in 1884 he entered into an arrangement with the Chief Surveyor at Nelson to survey Crown lands for which no application had been made for lease or purchase, on the understanding that when application was made he should receive survey-fees at the rate of Is. 9d. per acre ; that ho surveyed Crown lands to the extent of 3,345 acres 3 roods 33 perches, the fees on which would amount to £292 15s. 6d.; that in December, 1885, 608 acres 3 roods 10 perches of these unapplied-for lands were withdrawn from application in connection with the Midland Eailway ; that the Survey Department refuse to pay for the survey, on the ground that the lands have not yet been applied for. Petitioner prays that his case may be considered. I am directed to report that, from the documents before the Committee, it would appear that 608 acres 3 roods 10 perches have been withdrawn for the Midland Eailway, and for this portion the petitioner would bo entitled to payment at the rate of Is. 9d. per acre; the Committee also thinks he has an equitable claim for payment on the balance of 2,737 acres and 23 perches. Petitioner is willing to accept payment at the rate of Is. 3d. per acre on the 3,345 acres 3 roods 33 perches ; and, this being approved by the Surveyor-General, the Committee recommends that the petitioner be paid the sum of 6209 2s. 6d., in terms of his offer. 18th July, 1888.

No. 422.—Petition of F. Eavenhall and Others. The petitioners, residents of the County and Borough of Waimato, state that they are unable to obtain employment of any description. They pray that a subsidy may be granted to the County or Borough Council for the purpose of inducing them to start some public work of utility which would give petitioners employment and enable them to support their wives and families. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd August, 1888.

Nos. 412, 413, and 414.—Petitions of O. F. Pilling and Others, Aethue H. Nathan and Others, and Josiah Hudson and Others. The petitioners, residents and owners of property north of Auckland, pray that the North Auckland Main Trunk Eailway line may be constructed. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government. 2nd August, 1888.

No. 408. —Petition of Scott Bbos., of Christchurch. The petitioners state that in April, ISBS, they entered into a contract with the Government for the supply of ten locomotives for the sum of £13,850; that it was necessary to import certain material from England, and petitioners imported it in what they believed to be strict accordance with the conditions of the contract; that the General Manager of Bailways condemned certain portions of said material as not being in accordance with the conditions; that the petitioners were finally allowed to use the condemned material on agreeing to sign a new contract, which provided for a reduction of £350 in the amount of the former one. They pray that this amount may be refunded to them. I am directed to report that, while the Committee are of opinion that the strict wording of the contract was infringed upon, they believe that the contractors ordered the material used in the construction of the engines in the ordinary manner from the manufacturers, and consider that the amount deducted under the amended contract—viz., £350 —should bo refunded to the petitioners. 2nd August, 1888.

No. 407. —Petition of John Walsh and Others. The petitioners, miners of Paroa, pray that their very critical position with regard to a special mining claim of a hundred acres in the New Eiver at Paroa, granted to Messrs. Byrne and Brown, may be considered. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Goldfields Committee. ■2nd August, 1888.

No. 418.—Petition of S. A. Watson and Others. 'Thb petitioners pray that provision may be made for the introduction of a few persons skilled in home industrial pursuits, such as hand-spinning and weaving, &c, also the simple implements require'], as they believe such a course would tend to alleviate the distress now so prevalent amongst the industrial classes.