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I.—l.

No. 11, Sess. I.—Petition of Robert Mowatt, Wellington. The petitioner states that he presented a petition to the Legislative Council in 1883, the prayer of which was recommended to the favourable consideration of the Government, but that no effect has been given to the said recommendation. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee, having heard the evidence of Mr. Mowatt, considers he has no claim against the colony. 12th September, 1884.

No. 106, Sess. I. —Petition of Thomas Johnstone Jones, Westport. The petitioner, late a settler in the Nelson special settlement at Karamea, states that in 1875-6 he •acted as ferryman for about two years at the Little Wanganui Ferry, when he was summarily ejected by order of the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the Nelson Province; that he did work entitling him to receive provisions at cost price, but for which he was charged a considerable advance; and that he has not received credit for the full amount of work performed by himself and sons, and cannot obtain a settlement of his claims. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee, having taken the evidence of Mr. Scanlan and Mr. O'Conor, M.H.R., are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim whatever upon the Government. 12th September, 1884.

No. 76, Sess. ll.—Petition of Nathaniel Wilson. The petitioner, Chairman of the Rodney County Council, states that the Council considers the system of allotting money under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act is unfair, and causes needless expense. He suggests that the amount each county can apply for should be reduced to £2,000, instead of £5,000, as even with that the wealthy counties absorb the greater part. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, as this petition relates to matters of policy, the Committee refer it to the Government for consideration. 12th September, 1884.

No. 22, Sess. ll.—Petition of Captain S. Amos and other Members of Fire Brigades. The petitioners state they are members of the United Fire Brigade Association of New Zealand that they are desirous of meeting their fellow-volunteer firemen in the various parts of New Zealand at annual demonstrations for practice and prizes to be competed for ; that their resources are totally inadequate to meet the whole expense. They pray the House to assist them. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th September, 1884.

No. 98, Sess. I.—Petition of Geobge Gould and Others, Christchurch. The petitioners state they are the committee of the Christchurch Benevolent Association; that there is a heavy charge laid upon the public to support the families of men who desert their homes, shirk their responsibilities, and women who connive at their so doing; that, as they understand, there is legal power to compel husbands to support their wives if these are willing to prosecute them, but no such legal power if the women are not willing to prosecute. They pray that the House will enact such provisions as may be necessary, whether the prosecution be instituted by the wives or not. I am directed to report that the law on this point, referred to in the petition, appears to the Committee unsatisfactory ; and that, with a view of amending the law to meet the circumstances, the Committee refer the petition to the Government for consideration. 12th September, 1884.

No. 8, Sess. I.—Petition of J. R. Clement, Waimate. The petitioner prays for road-access to his sections. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Select Committee on Waste Lands. 16th September, 1884.

No. 48, Sess. I.—Petition of J. A. R Menzies. The petitioner asks that a reward may be paid to Captain Eaymond for discovery and making known for the public good oat phosphorus poison for rabbits. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Select Committee on Waste Lands. 16th September, 1884. _

No. 120, Sess. II. —Petition of William Docheety. The petitioner prays'for assistance in prospecting for gold and other minerals in Dusky Sound. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Select Committee on Gold Fields and Mines, 16th September, 1884,