I.—l.

5

No. 26, Sess. I. —Petition of Ellen Jackson, Parnell. The petitioner states that she is widow of the late Sergeant James Jackson, of the Auckland Police ; that in November, 1883, her late husband resigned owing to continued ill-health, brought about by night-duty in Auckland; that she has a family of six, out of whom only one is able to assist her. She prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should bo referred to the Government for consideration. 17th September, 1884.

No. 107, Sess. ll. —Petition of Geoege Penny and Others, of Gordon, The petitioners state that they are residents in the Town District of Gordon, and have heard that the House is to be moved to pass an Act forming the Town Districts of Gore and Gordon into a municipality. They pray the two districts may not be united. I am directed to report that no such Bill as the petitioners refer to for forming Gore and Gordon into a municipality is before the House. The Committee have no recommendation to make. 17th September, 1884.

No. 180, Sess. ll.—Petition of D. MacLean and Others. The petitioners, members of the South Canterbury Caledonian Society, the Friendly Society of Timaru, and the Timaru Volunteer Fire Brigade, state that there is no recreation-ground in Timaru; that there is a reserve for pleasure-gardens. They pray that the aforesaid reserve^may be leased for twenty-one years, and that it may be used by various societies on holidays and gala days of the societies. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 17th September, 1884.

No. 7, Sess. I.—Petition of James Laekin and James O'Beien. The petitioners state they are contractors in Auckland; that they contracted with the Government to construct the Kawakawa Eailway No. 3 Contract, and they claim for extra work done. I am directed to report that, the matter having been settled by the Government, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 17th September, 1884.

No. 72, Sess. ll. —Petition of Cabl Moeleb and Others, Dunedin. The petitioners state they are manufacturing jewellers; that in carrying on such business they have been very heavily handicapped by competition with the manufacturers of Great Britain, America, and the Colonies of Australia. They pray that the tariff on imported jewellery be increased from 15 to 20 per cent. I am directed to report that, as this petition involves a matter of policy, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 17th September, 1884.

No. 112, Sess. I.—Petition of J. M. Geace (No. 2), Ponsonby. The petitioner states that his wife was sewing mistress of the Porotoi and Whangarei Native Schools > that, whilst in a delicate state of health, she was violently pushed by a Native named Pomore Kingi, which caused premature birth of a still-born child, and serious illness. He applied to the Education Department to prosecute; that his application was refused. He claims £100 as compensation for expenses put to and loss of wife's services. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the alleged claim of the petitioner to the consideration of the Government. 17th September, 1884.

No. 2, Sess. I.—Petition of Richaed Dale, Dunedin. ■ The petitioner states that he is a driver of locomotive engines; that he was employed as such by the General Government of New Zealand ; that in February, 1883, he was dismissed without cause, and no reason given. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee see no reason in the petitioner's case to interfere with the action of the Railway Department. 17th September, 1884.

No. 150, Sess. ll. —Petition of John Elliot and Others. The petitioners pray that the line of railway from Wellington to Auckland may be made via Stratford. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Select Committee now sitting for determining the best route. 19th September, 1884.

No. 82, Sqss. ll.—Petition of James Reid and Otters (No. 2). The petitioners, residents in take County, pray for a line of telephone between Queenstown and head of Lake "Waka'tlpu, for the purpose of remedying the present uncertainty of communication. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th September, 1884.