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No. 196, 1897. —Petition of J. P. Sinclair and Others, Henderson. Petitionees pray that a working-men's train be run from Auckland to Waitakerei Station at reduced rates. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. The Committee also recommend the advisability of the department taking into consideration, at as early a date as possible, the necessity of introducing working-men's trains in the large centres of the colony at a uniform rate of fares. 10th August, 1898.

No. 22.—Petition of William Jones, Dunedin. Petitionee prays for light employment by the Eailways Department, owing to his services as a watchman having been dispensed with. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government for favourable consideration when an opportunity occurs in the district. 10th August, 1898.

No. 4.-—Petition of Jessie Colyeb and Others, Invercargill. Petitionees pray that the railway-line between the Bluff and Invercargill may be fenced. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government for consideration. 10th August, 1898.

No. 3.—Petition of Eev. William Walsh and Others, Eiverton. Petitionees pray that a flag-station may be constructed at South Eiverton, on the BivertonOrepuki Eailway. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 10th August, 1898.

No. 227, 1897.—Petition of J. A. Johnston, Wellington. Petitioner states that he was the contractor for the construction of the Patea Eailway-station ; that, owing to his not having completed his contract within the specified time, deductions have been made from his payments by the department. He prays for consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee find, after careful inquiry, that the allegations made by the petitioner against the Eailways Department have no foundation in fact, and that, in their opinion, he has no claim on the colony. 18th August, 1898.

No. 67.—Petition of William and Jessie McLeod, King Street, Sydenham. Petitioners pray compensation for the loss of their son, who, in the year 1895, fell from the rail-way-bridge near Sinclair Eailway-station and was drowned. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that petitioners have no claim on the colony. 18th August, 1898.

Nos. 122 and 151.—Petitions of E. Purser and Others, Blenheim, and A. S. Collins and Others, Kaikoura. Petitioners pray that the trunk lines of railway in the colony, and especially that between Christchurch and Blenheim, be completed. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of these two petitions involves a large question of colonial policy, the Committee recommend that they be referred to Government for consideration. 18th August, 1898.

No. 47.—Petition of H. E. Stehe and Others, Kaihu. Petitionees pray that the Kaihu Valley Eailway may be extended two miles and a half to Waima. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition involves a question of policy, the Committee recommend that it be referred to the Government for consideration. 31st August, 1898.

No. 88.—Petition of William Carlton and Others, Eatanui, Clutha. Petitionees pray that the Catlin's Eiver Eailway may be extended to Catlin's Bridge. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is a question of policy, the Committee recommend that it be referred to the Government for consideration. 31st August, 1898.