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No. 229.—Petition of the Oamaru Haebouk Board. The petitioners state that they have spent over £300,000 in improving the Oamaru Harbour; that their revenues are being seriously diminished owing to the action of the Bailway Commissioners in making such sweeping reductions in the carriage of goods by rail to Oamaru. They allege that special arrangements have been made by the Commissioners to take away the business from the port.. They pray that this undue competition of the Railway Department may not be allowed, or for other relief. . . . . . . I am directed to report that the alleged grievance set forth in the petition, as also the solution of the difficulty suggested in the departmental report thereon, opens up a large question of public policy, and the Committee therefore has no recommendation to make. 10th September, 1890.

No. 42.—Petition of John McLean, of Eedcastle, Oamaru. (Second Report.) This petition was referred back to the Committee by the House on the 29th August for reconsideration. . . , , . I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 10th September, 1890.

No. 294.—Petition of G. M. Snelson and Another, of Palmerston North. The petitioners pray that a sum of money may be placed on the estimates for road-making purposes. No. 296.—Petition of James Tbavis, of Gibbston. The petitioner alleges that he has. suffered great injustice at the hands of certain officials of the Government. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 10th September, 1890.

No. 280.—Petition of William Scaelett, of Sydenham. The petitioner, a brewer, prays for an inquiry into a conviction under the Beer Duty Act, and the return of certain fines imposed. . I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th September, 1890. _

No. 299.—Petition of William Simpson, of Seatield, Oamaru. The petitioner prays that an inquiry may be held into the conduct of the Resident Magistrate at Oamaru. . I am directed to report that the allegations contained in the petition are of such a nature as seem to demand a more thorough investigation than time will permit of at this stage of the.session. The Committee therefore recommend that this petition should be referred to the Public Petitions Committee of next session, to be dealt with at an early date. 16th September, 1890.

No. 218.—Petition of Joseph Ward and Others, of Marlborough. The petitioners pray for assistance towards the erection of bridges. I am directed to report that, as the evidence required by the Committee to enable it to veal with this case cannot be procured before the close of the session, the Committee is of opinion the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th September, 1890. [Approximate Cost of Paper— Preparation, nil; printing (1,300 copies), £5 17s.]

By Authority: Geobqe Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9o.