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No. 184.—Petition of L. G. Pratt, Christchurch. Petitioner prays compensation for serious injuries sustained through falling into an excavation in the parcel-office at Christchurch Eailway-station, while in the execution of his duty as a railway guard. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has established his claim against the Government for compensation, and they recommend that he be paid the sum of £200. 31st August, 1898. '

No. 20.—Petition of W. Mouat and Others, Merivale. Petitioners pray that a line of railway be constructed from Waieolo to the Orawia Flat, near Merivale. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion this petition should be referred to Government for consideration. 31st August, 1898.

No. 28.—Petition of Christina Brown, Ngaire. Petitionee prays that she may be relieved from paying the sum of £120 claimed by the Eailways Department as damages for the loss of three wagons accidentally burnt by bush-fires on petitioner's siding at Ngaire. I am directed to report that, inasmuch as the loss of the wagons was owing to bush-fires, and not to the negligence of the petitioner, the Committee recommend that Government do not press for any payment for the wagons so destroyed. 31st August, 1898.

No. 109.—Petition of William Olliver, Lyttelton. Petitionee states he was sixteen years an engine-driver on the New Zealand Government railways; that he was discharged in 1889 owing to old age. He prays for light employment, or a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1898.

Nos. 210, 211, and 213.—Petitions of Thomas C. Sainsbuey and Others,,Kaipara Flats; W. L. Saundeeson and Others, Ahuroa ; and Gregor Wenzleek and Others, Puhoi. Petitioners pray that the Helensville Northward Eailway may be further extended. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that, as the subject-matter of these petitions is a question of policy, they should be referred to Government for consideration. 22nd September, 1898.

No. 136.—Petition of Heney George Bruce and Others, Fernhill, Otago. Petitioners pray that the extra haulage-rate of 4Jd. per ton for coal carried on the branch line between Fernhill Coal-mine and the main line of railway at Abbotsford be discontinued. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 22nd September, 1898.

Nos. 134 and 186.—Petitions of John Mill and Others, Dunedin, and Thomas Boss and Others, Dunedin. Petitionees pray that the line of railway from Dunedin to Port Chalmers may be straightened, and a second line of rails laid down. These two petitions having been referred back by the House to the Committee for reconsideration, I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that they be referred to Government for consideration. sth October, 1898.

No. 20.—Petition of David Knight, Hawera. Petitioner prays compensation for injuries sustained by being run over by a train on a level crossing near Hawera, in February, 1898. This petition having been referred back to the Committee by the House for further consideration, I am directed to report that the Committee do not see any reason to alter their previous report—viz., that petitioner has no claim on the colony. sth November, 1898.

No. 64, 1897.—Petition of Edwaed Neale, Waitohi, Marlborough. Petitionee prays compensation for damage to his property by the construction of the PictonBlenheim Eailway, in cutting off his road-frontage, and by the opening of a gravel-pit on his land. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion this petition should be referred to Government for favourable consideration. sth October, 1898.