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cultural or pastoral associations, one of these to be joined with the Chambers of Commerce in the selection of the Commissioner for that district. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the favourable consideration of the Government. 27th May, 1886.

No. 13.—Petition of Mart Ann Caverley. The petitioner states that her husband was employed as engine-driver in charge of a steam-crane, by the Eailway Department, for a period of ten years and nine months, and that while at his work he caught a severe cold, through which inflammation of the lungs set in, causing his death. She prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot; recommend the prayer of this petition. 27th May, 1886.

No. 14. —Petition of John Wood. The petitioner states that he was employed by the Provincial Government of Canterbury as a pilot, and also as master of the steam-barge " Sumner" from March, 1874, to January, 1877, a period of two years and ten months; that since then he has been employed by the Lyttelton Harbour Board, but has now been dismissed; that he applied to the Harbour Board for compensation for loss of office under " The Abolition of Provinces Act, 1875," and " The Financial Arrangements Act, 1876," but has been informed by the Chairman of the Board that his claims under the said Acts cannot be recognized, and that at the time the Board appointed its staff they did so without reference to any claims for past services under the Provincial Government. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the Government. ■ 27th May, 1886.

No. 16.-—Petition of Elizabeth Blair and Others. The petitioner states that on the 24th November, 1885, while changing carriages at Mosgiel Station, she was knocked down by a passing train, and so severely injured as to be unable now to perform the simplest offices of life for herself. She, together with 190 residents of North Taieri, prays that compensation may be given her. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner. 27th May, 1886.

No. 24.—Petition of John Hewitt and Others. The petitioners regret to find that the industrial and destitute children's homes are excluded from the control of the Boards who have the management of " The Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act, 1885." They urge that these homes should be immediately placed under the supervision and control of the said Boards, so that those who have to contribute to the support of these institutions may have some voice in the annual expenditure required for their maintenance; they also think inquiry should be made as to the reason why the children of so many Soman Catholic citizens are placed in these homes. The petitioners pray that a very special inquiry may be made into all these matters, and that the Government will place all such institutions under local control. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 27th May, 1886.

No. 25.—Petition of James Young. The petitioner, late a warder in the Auckland Gaol, states that he was discharged through illhealth, and received compensation. He prays for further consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee can see no reason to alter the decisions arrived at in the last two sessions. 27th May, 1886.

No. 3. —Petition of William France. The petitioner states that he has been employed as Clerk to the Public Petitions Committee for nine years; that at the end of the session of 1884 he had a severe attack of diabetes, brought on through the worry and anxiety of overwork; that in 1885 he got through his work with much difficulty, but this year his health is so broken that he has had to resign his position as Clerk to the Committee. He prays for consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee regret they cannot see their way to recommend the prayer of the petitioner. Ist June, 1886.

No. 9.—Petition of Mart Ann Thompson Tandy. The petitioner states that last session twelve acres of land in Canterbury were granted to her by the Government, and that she and her family wish to go and live on this land, but have no means to do so, as it is far from firewood and timber for house-building. She prays that Government will grant her a small sum of money to enable her to setttle on the land. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner Ist June, 1886. ' *■