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No. 457. —Petition of 0. M. Creagh, of Auckland. The petitioner states that on the 15th July, 1886, he petitioned the House with respect to certain charges made against him by Mr. Commissioner Barton ; that the petition was referred to the Native Affairs Committee ; that, in order to dispose of the charges against him, he was obliged to come down from Auckland with four witnesses, also to obtain professional assistance; that the Committee took petitioner's evidence, and that of three of the witnesses, and reported in a manner which he considers completely exonerates him from the crime charged against him by the Commissioner. That the counsel who appeared on his behalf before the Committee made application for expenses, but was informed that the Committee could not grant the request. I am directed to report that the Committee, having taken the evidence of the petitioner and Colonel Trimble, M.H.E., can see no reason to interfere with the action of the Native Affairs Committee. 14th August, 1886.

No. 458. —Petition of Samuel McCullough. The petitioner, the Chairman of the Maniototo County Council, prays that a Commission may be appointed to inquire into and report upon the management of the working railways. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition has been dealt with by the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 14th August, 1886.

Authority: Gbobqe Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—1886.