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No. 34.—Petition of E. E. Allen and Others. The petitioners state that they were appointed a committee to inquire into the action of the Otago Harbour Board's expenditure of the loan borrowed under " The Otago Harbour Board Further Empowering Act, 1882," and that the result of their investigation caused them to petition His Excellency the Governor for a special audit to be made ; that, in accordance with this petition, the Controller and Auditor-General was appointed to conduct the audit, and his report bore out the statement that the Board had committed a breach of trust. The petitioners pray that such steps may be taken as shall compel the Harbour Board to administer the funds placed at its disposal by the House as the law directs, and in accordance with the Controller and Auditor-General's report. I am directed to report that, having heard the evidence of several witnesses, including the Auditor-General, the Committee is of opinion that the complaint of the petitioners should be referred to the Law Officers of the Crown, with the view of their taking such action as may be necessary to compel the Otago Harbour Board to expend the proceeds of the loan of 1884 in terms of the provisions of the Act, and also to keep a distinct account of such expenditure, as pointed out in the Auditor-General's report. The Committee recommend the Government accordingly. 25th June, 1886.

No. 147. —Petition of Charlotte Bracewell, of Auckland. The petitioner, the widow of the late James Bracewell, states that on the Ist March, 1886, her husband, while in the execution of his duty as an engine-driver, came into collision with a watertank stand improperly placed too near the railway-line, causing an injury, which resulted in his death ; that he was in the service of the Eailway Department for thirteen years ; that the Eailway Department offered her a gratuity of £94, in satisfaction of all claims. This offer she has been compelled to accept, not being in a position to enter upon a contest with the department. She thinks the said compensation is totally inadequate, and prays for a further sum. I am directed to report that, as it appears the petitioner has received the usual compensation, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 29th June, 1886.

No. 219.—Petition of Michael Moynihan, of Lyttelton. The petitioner states that he served in the Armed Constabulary for six years, namely, from 1879 to 1885 ; that in March, 1885, he was employed at a cutting in a new road ; that a fall of earth took place, causing him serious injuries, amongst others a broken leg ; that he was granted four months' sick leave; that he returned to work, but was declared by the Surgeon of the Force to be unfit for further service; that he was thereupon discharged, receiving three months' pay (£22 10s.) as compensation. He prays for a further sum. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend that any further compensation should be given to the petitioner. 29th June, 1886.

No. 136.—Petition of Caroline Guthrie, of Wellington. The petitioner states that her son was employed by a baker, and was ordered on the morning of Good Friday, 1885, to deliver goods at an early hour at the house of Mr. C. T. Tatum; that, in attempting to carry out his orders, he was fired upon by the said Mr. C. T. Tatum; that, being in delicate health, the shock caused him to become ill, whereby she was put to expense for doctor's fees; that she brought an action for damages, but judgment was given against her; that she cannot appeal for want of funds. She prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner. 29th June, 1886.

No. 162. —Petition of Michael Cairns, of Otago. The petitioner states that while in the employment of the Eailway Department he received the serious injury of a broken leg, caused by a fall of earth while he was working on a ballast-engine ; that the accident was due to the negligence of others; that he has since been dismissed on account of a reduction in the number of workmen, and is unable to pursue his calling as a labourer owing to said accident. He prays that his claim may be considered. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the Government. 29th June, 1886.

No. 197.—Petition of Joseph Soler, Wanganui. The petitioner states that he is a manufacturer of New Zealand wines. He prays that he may be permitted to use a private still for distilling spirits of wine for his own use, or such relief as will enable him to purchase spirits of wine free of duty. I am directed to report_ that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th June, 1886.

No. 134.—Petition of James Charlton and Others, Taranaki. The petitioners pray that the New Plymouth Harbour Board Bill may not be passed. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Local Bills Committee. 29th June, 1886.