1.—2

4

No. 5. —Petition of Catherine Ward, of Sydenham. Petitioner states that her late husband, Charles Ward, served the Customs Department for thirtyfour years, retiring on pension in 1880. She prays for consideration on account of his long service. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 22nd July, 1892.

No. 35.—Petition of John Madigan, of Napier. Petitioner prays for consideration on account of his son having died of typhoid fever while in the service of the Postal Department. Petitioner alleges said fever was caught by his son in the execution of his duties. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 22nd July, 1892.

No. 82.—Petition of Maria W. Wilson, of Patea. Petitioner states that her late husband died from injuries received in the Government service in the year 1865. She prays for consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 22nd July, 1892.

No. 127. —Petition of the New Zealand Midland Eailway Company (Limited), by their Attorney, Eobert Wilson. Petitioner prays that a Select Committee may be appointed to examine and consider certain proposed modifications of the existing contract. Also, that, if the House is pleased to approve of these modifications, an Act may be passed this session authorising the Governor in Council to contract with petitioner for said modifications. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. (Vide also 1.-7 a.) 26th July, 1892.

No. 138.—Petition of Moses Manuel and Others. Petitioners, fruit-growers in the Teviot district, pray that an import duty of 3d. per pound may be placed on all imported green, sulphurised, and pulp fruit. I am directed to report that, as this petition deals with a question of public policy, in the opinion of the Committee, it should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th July, 1892.

Nos. 107, 108, 115, 122, 153, 154, 157, 158, 159, 162, 163, 165, 155, 156, 161, 164, 149, 192, and 160.—Petitions of M. Owen and Others, E. Allen and Others, J. Eoberts and Others, D. Eeid and Others, J. Stronach and Others, W. O'Connell and Others, W. F. Newman and. Others, J. Jacobson and Others, W. Bell and Others, E. McDougall and Others, 6. Lawrence and Others, B. H. Ginger and Others, C. Gibson and Others, B. Naylor and Others, W. Theyers and Others, N. P. Hjorring and Others, J. London and Others, B. Palamountain and Others, and J. Smaill. Petitioners pray that such permanent provision may be made as will admit of the construction of the Otago Central Eailway being expeditiously prosecuted towards completion. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th July, 1892.

Nos. 123 and 150.—Petitions of the Mayob and Borough Council of Mornington and William Owen and Others. Petitioners pray against the passing of the Ocean Beach Public Domains Bill. I am directed to report that, as this Bill is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th July, 1892.

Nos. 104 and 105.—Petitions of Elizabeth Pattison and Others, and Jambs Hamilton and Others. Petitioners pray against women's suffrage. I am directed to report that, as a Bill dealing with this question is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th July, 1892.

No. 173.—Petition of Jeremiah O'Connor, of Burkes, Otago. Petitioner states that his wife is an inmate of the Seacliff Lunatic Asylum; that he has been adjudged to pay 10s. per week towards her maintenance ; that he is out of work, and has no money wherewith to pay. He prays that the order may be set aside. I am directed to report that, as it does not appear to the Committee that the Asylum authorities have put any undue pressure on petitioner to compel him to pay, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 27th July, 1892,