I.—l

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they could only be allowed £16. They compute the extra work done by them at £200, and pray for payment of the same. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioners have no claim against the colony. 16th October, 1884.

No. 408, Sess. ll. —Petition of John Stratford, Wellington. The petitioner states that he acted as Native interpreter to Colonel Wakefield and the officers of the New Zealand Company without any remuneration; that he was appointed the first constable in Wellington, and acted as such for many years, in which capacity he rendered many useful and important services to the Government; that during the first Native disturbances, at the Hutt, he acted as interpreter and frequently as scout, and bearer of despatches from head-quarters to the camps, at considerable personal risk without remuneration and without travelling allowances; that after twenty years of service he retired without any pension or allowance. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, owing to the petitioner having died since the presentation of the petition, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 16th October, 1884.

No. 166, Sess. 11.-—Petition of Forsyte Masters and Others, Westland. The petitioners state that they are creditors of the Education Board of the District of Westland; that in 1883 the Education District of Westland was divided into two parts; that thereupon the Minister of Education withheld all moneys and subsidies, and has since refused to pay any of the liabilities of the said Board, thereby entailing great hardships on them; that the money detained and assets taken possession of by the Government will be found sufficient to liquidate the debts of the said Board. They pray the House will consider their claims. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of this petition being now before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 16th October, 1884. ■

No. 303, Sess. ll.—Petition of Emile Joseph Boeel, Tauranga. The petitioner states that before the war broke out in the Waikato he owned a store at Eangiawhia, and was forced to fly to save his life; that in 1868 he proved, in the Auckland Court, presided over by Judge Beckham, losses amounting to £850, for which he has never been compensated. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 16th October, 1884.

No. 205, Sess. II.—Petition of James Hill, New Plymouth. The petitioner states that himself and wife have been employed in the New Plymouth Hospital for sixteen years; that, owing to charges unjustly preferred against him, of which he was acquitted, he resigned, but considers he is entitled to compensation of one month's pay for each year of service. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee see no reason to depart from the recommendation of the Petitions Committee of 1882. 16th October, 1884.

No. 182, Sess. ll.—Petition of Denis Lynch, Auckland. The petitioner states that one Pierce Crosbie was indebted to him for rent, and that he (petitioner) signed a document purporting to be a receipt for rent, made out by the said Pierce Crosbie, which turned out to be a promissory-note for £1,000; that he pronounced the document a forgery, and telegraphed to the police authorities to arrest Crosbie for forgery, but they declined to do so; that he was sued on the bill, and an action was brought against him for libel, when the Judge expressed an opinion that the promissory-note was a forgery, and was impounded; that the other case fell through ; that he has been obliged to pay costs amounting to upwards of £300; that he suffered a loss of £450 through being compelled to relinquish his business while the said actions were pending; that had action been taken by the authorities he would not have been subjected to the actions at law, and a criminal would have been brought to justice ; that the said Crosbie has nothing, and has absconded. He prays that his case may be inquired into, and that adequate relief may be granted to him. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 16th October, 1884.

No. 330, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Fisheb and Others, Auckland. The petitioners state that they are butchers in Auckland and suburbs, and pray that the present Slaughterhouse Act may not be amended so as to allow Eoad Boards the power to grant or refuse licenses. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of this petition being a question of policy, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 16th October, 1884.

No. 75, Sess. I.; No. 99, Sess. I.; No. 102, Sess. I.; No. 104, Sess. I.; No. 55, Sess. I.; No. 56, Sess. I.; No. 69, Sess. I.; No. 71, Sess. I.; No. 73, Sess. I.; and No. 74, Sess. I.—Petitions