T 1

I am directed to report: That the Committee, having made inquiry into the case of the petitioner, are of opinion that he has no claim against the colony. 13th July, 1883.

No. 73.—Petition of Maetin Connoe, Wellington. The petitioner states that he was for eighteen years a member of the New Zealand Police Force, and while serving as constable he contracted a serious illness, which rendered him unfit for further service; that he was discharged, and received £146 10s. as compensation. He also states he is now, by reason of the said illness, unfit to earn his living, and is without any means. He prays the House to grant him relief. lam directed to report: That the Committee are of opinion that the colony has already made such compensation as he is fairly entitled to. The Committee have therefore no recommendation to make. 13th July, 1883.

No. 117.—Petition of Donald Hendeeson, South Molyneux. The petitioner states that he was plaintiff in the case of Henderson v. Minister for Public Works at the Compensation Court; that he has suffered considerable pecuniary loss through the operation of section 64 of "The Public Works Act, 1876." His claim was for £1,062 for lands taken for the Catlin's Eiver Eailway ; that he was awarded only £539 13s. 9d. He prays for redress. lam directed to report: That, having carefully considered the case of the petitioner, the Committee cannot under the circumstances recommend his claim for further compensation. 13th July, 1883.

No. 65.—Petition of Thomas Fieman, Christchurch. The petitioner states that in 1868 he gave timely warning to the settlers and friendly Natives at Poverty Bay on the occasion of the massacre; that he served during the war and after its close in the Police Force and Armed Constabulary; and that in October, 1882, he was discharged on account of ill-health. He prays for employment. lam directed to report: That the Committee consider that the petitioner has no special claim on the colony, and therefore have no recommendation to make. 13th July, 1883. _

No. 172.—Petition of C. K. Eoskeuge. The petitioner states that he was late Sheep Inspector for Otago ; that he has been in the service for twelve years ; and that his services have been dispensed with. He prays for compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report : That the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to the usual retiring allowance (luring the period he was in the service of the General Government. 13th July, 1883.

No. 158.—Petition of John Joyce and Others, Sydenham. That a railway to the West Coast from Canterbury be constructed at once. No. 177.—Petition of D. McKellab and Others, Nevis District. -Foe the construction of a dray-road from Nevis Township to the Invercargill Eailway. No. 181.—Petition of Pateick Foley and Others, Waimea District. That the pack-track may be converted into a metalled road. lam directed to recommend: That the petitions be referred to the Government for consiation. 17th July, 1883.

No. 185.—Petition of John Gaednee and Others, Puhoi. The petitioners, Chairmen of the Highway Districts of Komokoriki, Lower Mahurangi, and Puhoi, pray that a connecting road may be made through these districts. No. 188.—Petition of C. Sampson and Others. Foe a fair proportion of loan expenditure on the Egmont Eoad. lam directed to recommend: That these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th July, 1883.

No. 191. —Petition of Geobge Booth and Others. Fob railway communication to the Brockley Coal Field. No. 192.—Petition of E. M. Cotton and Others. Foe construction "of railway-line from Glentunnel up the Wairiri Valley. lam directed to recommend: That these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th July, 1883.

5