1.—2

12

No. 513.—Petition of Henry Smith and Others, of Devonport. Petitioners pray that Constable Bowles may not be removed from Devonport. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred, to the Government for consideration. 18th September, 1893.

No. 502.—Petition of Jane Stringer, of Nelson. Petitioner's husband, who had been in the employ of the Government for eighteen years, had a. long and serious illness, which terminated in his death. She prays for a compassionate allowance,, as she is left in reduced circumstances. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th September, 1893.

No. 531. —Petition of the Bishop of Nelson. Petitioner prays for such alteration in the Land- and Income-tax Assessment Act as would exempt from liability to the graduated tax the endowments held in the Diocese of Christchurch,, under the name of General Estate, the Jackson Trust Estate, and special endowments. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th September, 1893.

No. 285, —Petition of Thomson and Orkney, of Dunedin. Petitioners, who were Examiners of Masters and Mates for the mercantile marine service atDunedin for about twenty years, had their services dispensed with on the 31st January, 1893, without compensation. They pray for a retiring allowance. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 18th September, 1893.

No. 507.—Petition of W. M. de Westans and Wife, of 80, Tuam Street, Christchurch. Petitioners pray for an inquiry into the circumstances connected with the committal of a child who had been left in their care to the Burnharn Industrial School. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th September, 1893.

No. 530.—Petition of A. W. F. Smith, of Marton. Petitioner prays that the Commissioner of Stamps may be empowered to remit certain finesimposed upon the petitioner for non-payment of stamp-duty within the time prescribed by the Act. I am directed to report that, as it appears the loss to the petitioner was caused through the neglect of his own agent, the Committee cannot recommend that the prayer of the petitioner be granted. 20th September, 1893.

No. 462. —Petition of Thomas Walsh, of Bealey. Petitioner states he was dismissed from the public service through a misunderstanding. Heprays for an inquiry. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th September, 1893.

No. 529. —Petition of H. W. Potter, of Wellington. Petitionee prays for further remuneration in connection with work performed by him under the* Land- and Income-tax Assessment Act. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 20th September, 1893.

No. 195. —Petition of D. Mahoney, of Wellington. Petitioner, who is an architect, states that in the year 1888 he was asked by the then Minister of Justice to prepare plans and specifications for a Prison and Police Courthouse at Dunedin, for which he was to receive the usual commission paid to architects, which, however, the Minister denied. The petitioner took the case into the Supreme Court, and obtained a verdict of £495, out of which he has been paid £325. He prays that the balance of £170 may be paid to him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner is entitled to the. sum of £170, that being the balance as between the £325 already paid to him and the award of the jury, viz., £495. 26th September, 1893.