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No. 93.—Petition of Henry Holland and 49 Others, of Christchurch (and 5 similar Petitions as per Schedule attached). Praying for the reinstatement of the 9.45 p.m. train from Lyttelton to Christchurch. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this is a policy question, and therefore has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1917. SCHEDULE. No. 252. —Couzens, T. H., and 12 others. j No. 109. —Lester, W. L., and 39 others. No. 28.—Grimmer, A. W., and 24 others. No. 203.—Winsor, W. H., and 10 others. No. 139. —Hart, L., and 39 others.

No. 276.—Petition of J. C. Adams and 529 Others, of Tauranga. Praying for the construction of a bridge across Tauranga Harbour. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1917.

No. 395.—Petition of Emma Cauter, of Oamarta, Praying for compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services in the Railway Department. I am directed to report that in connection with this petition the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th October, 1917.

No. 438. —Petition of I). Gibson and 8 Others. Praying that superannuated railway men be placed on the same footing as present members of the Railway Department in regard to payment of war bonus, also the issue of free passes and privilege tickets. I am directed to report that in the opinion -of this Committee this is a question of policy, and therefore it has no recommendation to make. 4th October, 1917.

No. 392.—Petition of John Griffith and 10 Others. Praying that superannuated railway men be placed on the same footing as present members of the Railway Department in regard to payment of war bonus, also the issue of free passes and privilege tickets. I am directed to report that in the opinion of this Committee this is a question of policy, and therefore it has no recommendation to make. 4th October, 1917.

* No. 425. —Petition of William Hodge, of Christchurch. Praying that money alleged to be due to him by the Railway Department be paid, and that action be taken to compel the Railway Employees' Sick Benefit Society to pay £29 12s. 6d. alleged to be due to him. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 4th October, 1917.

No. 251.—Petition of Herbert Young, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for losses caused by alleged illegal arrest. I am directed to report that, as the Railway Department has nothing against the character of the petitioner, the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 1 lth October, 1917.

No. 370. —Petition of John Wilson, of Auckland. Praying for additional compensation for limestone lands near To Kuiti, leased by petitioner, taken compulsorily by the Public Works Department. I am directed to report that the Committee is of the opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 27th October, 1917.