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estimated his claim at a larger sum ; that the matter came before the Compensation Court, when the Judge stated that the Court had no option but to administer the law as it stood, and only awarded him the sum of £539 13s. 9d.; that having to pay costs the award was considerably reduced. He submits that he is entitled to a further sum of £600, and prays for redress. I am directed to report that the Committee, having considered petitioner's case, and having heard the Hon. Mr. Stout, Mr. Eobert Gillies, and Mr. J. W. Thomson, who are acquainted with the circumstances of the case, $re of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry, with the view of compensating the petitioner for any special loss he may have sustained through the non-completion of the Catlin's Eiver Eailway. The amount of such compensation not to exceed £200, which sum is to be considered as full of all present and future claims in this matter. 7th October, 1884.

■ No. 45, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Mubton, Tuakau. The petitioner states that he was injured severely in February, 1883, whilst in the employ of the Auckland and Waikato Eailway authorities, through falling from a trolly, by which his lower jaw was fractured; that he has thus been prevented from earning his living, and has a large family to support. He prays for assistance in money or permanent employment. I am directed to report that, having inquired into petitioner's case, the Committee are of opinion that they cannot recommend any money grant, but suggest the Government may be able to find him some suitable light employment. 9th October, 1884.

No. 531, 1833. —Petition of Peedeeick Geobge Mace and William Odgees, Patea. The petitioners state that they entered into recognizances for the appearance of William Dale to answer a criminal charge of forgery ; that the said William Dale did not appear, but absconded from justice, and their recognizances were estreated ; that they took every precaution to prevent his so doing by giving up the bond and taking steps to have him arrested; that they were arrested and imprisoned through the Government enforcing the recognizances, which amounted to £275 with costs; that they have used every endeavour to secure the said William Dale's surrender for trial, and rendered every assistance in their power to secure his apprehension. They pray to be relieved from payment of their recognizances, and of the judgment obtained thereon. I am directed to report that the Committee, having inquired into the circumstances of the case, refer the matter to the Government, with the view of ascertaining whether the bail was excessive, as alleged; and, if so, that they may grant to the petitioners such relief as they may consider will meet the equity of the case. 9th October, 1884.

No. 88, Sess. ll.—Petition of William Millae, Eoslyn. The petitioner states that he was apprenticed as an engine-fitter in the Government workshops, Hillside, Dunedin; that he petitioned the House in. 1882 for back wages, amounting to £65 45., which the Committee on Public Petitions recommended should be paid ; that in October, 1882, he was discharged with one week's notice. He now claims one month's wages in lieu of one week's notice, and for the payment of wages up to the time of his dismissal, as he considers he was entitled to improvers' wages from the 20th January to the 14th October, 1882, although he refused to sign his indentures. He now claims £67 11s. Bd., and prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 9th October, 1884.

No. 122, Sess. ll. —Petition of William Heney Beeee, Oust. The petitioner states that he suffered loss in the sale of sheep through the non-receipt of a telegram by Messrs. H. M'atson and Co., fixing a reserved price on the said sheep, which telegram did not reach its destination until after the sale had taken place ; that he has, through the action of the Telegraph Department in detaining the telegram for several hours before delivery, sustained a loss of £9. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee consider the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 9th October, 1884.

No. 36, Sess. ll.—Petition of Joseph Beabazon, Auckland. The petitioner states that he was a school-teacher under the Education Board, Auckland; that he was notified his services would be dispensed with on the 30th September, 1884, and three months' pay granted him as compensation. He thinks that he is entitled to further compensation for long service and good character, and prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make in the petitioner's case. 9th October, 1884.