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No. 324.—Petition of H. Mison and Others. Petitioners pray for the extension of the Otago Central Railway. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th August, 1892.

No. 315.—Petition of O'Connor and McKenzie. Petitioners state that they were the successful tenderers for the staiths at Westport, and for the Ngakawau Railway-bridge ; that they imported a large quantity of rough-sawn timber from Australia for these works under the impression that it would come in duty free, being unaware that the Customs laws had been altered in this respect; that, had they imported rough-hewn timber, such timber would have been admitted duty free, and would have suited their purpose equally well. They pray for a remission of the duties imposed. I am directed to report that the Committee, having heard the evidence of the petitioners and the Secretary of Customs, consider that the petitioners have not established their claim for a refund, and cannot therefore recommend the prayer of the petition. 19th August, 1892.

No. 152.—Petition of John Outram, of Dunedin. Petitioner states that in the year 1878 a pension of £188 was granted to him for meritorious service and injury sustained while in the employ of the Prisons Department. That said pension was paid to him until September, 1890, when Parliament, acting, as he believes, under erroneous information, struck the item out of the estimates. He prays that amends may be made to him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no further claim against the colony. 24th August, 1892.

No. 372. —Petition of P. Mitchell and Others, of Caversham. Petitioner prays for amendment of the Municipal Corporations Act. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. • 25th August, 1892.

No. 373.—Petition of Robert Sutherland and Others, of Port Chalmers, &c. Petitioners pray that the bonus for exporting cured fish may be continued. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th August, 1892.

No. 249. —Petition of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company (Limited). Petitioners pray for a refund of the amounts paid as property-tax on debentures issued by the company and held by the Commissioners of Sinking Funds. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th August, 1892.

No. 322.—Petition of Collins Toussaint Marie and Others, of Dunstan. Petitioners pray for an inquiry into the circumstances attending the closing of the coal-pit of Collins T. Marie by the construction of a road through his coal-mining lease. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th August, 1892.

No. 255. —Petition of Maby Mooee, of New Plymouth. Petitioner states that she paid her own passage to New Zealand in the year 1876, and became entitled to land to the value of £20 ; that the Immigration Agent refused her the land to which she was entitled ; that two years ago the Government paid her £20. She submits that that sum is not sufficient compensation for having been kept out of her land, and prays for more. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 30th August, 1892.

No. 343. —Petition of Gilbert Maie. Petitioner prays that the arrears of pension to which he is entitled as a holder of the New Zealand Cross may be paid to him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner should be treated in the same manner as the other recipients of the New Zealand Cross. Ist September, 1892.