10

I.—l

No. 475. —Petition of Geoege S. Lepine, of Tairua, and Others. The petitioners are sawmillers and other timber-workers in the Auckland District, and pray that an export duty may be imposed on kauri timber in baulk. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the subject of this petition deserves the serious consideration of the Government. 16th December, 1887.

No. 478.—Petition of Donald Cameeon and Others. The petitioners pray for the extension of the Forest Hill Tramway to Hedgehope. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th December, 1887.

No. 4.—Petition of Simon Fbaseb, of Newton. The petitioner alleges that a Select Committee of the Provincial Council of Otago, in 1864, recognised and admitted his claim to a reward of £1,500 for the discovery of the West Taieri Goldfield, of which sum he has received as yet only £30 on account. He prays for payment of the balance, or for other suitable consideration. I am directed to recommend that, as there is not time enough for the Committee to inquire fully into the petitioner's claim so late in the present session, consideration of this petition should be deferred till next session. 21st December, 1887.

No. 114. —Petition of Chaeles Hilgendobf, of Dunedin. The petitioner prays for the repayment of £50 deposited on tendering for the Mount Hyde Contract on the Otago Central Eailway, and forfeited by his refusal to proceed with the contract on the acceptance of his tender by the Public Works Department. I am directed to report that the Committee is not prepared to recommend the prayer of the petitioner. 21st December, 1887.

Nos. 176, Sess. 1., and 300, Sess. ll.—Petitions of Geoege W. Ell, of Christchurch. The petitioner alleges that the Eegistrar of the Supreme Court, the Official Assignee, and a number of solicitors, all of Christchurch, are acting in league to defraud him of certain large sums of money due to him. He prays for inquiry and redress. I am directed to recommend that, as the time at the disposal of the Committee will not admit of a full inquiry into the petitioner's case, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st December, 1887.

No. 472. —Petition of J. D. Huntee and Others. The petitioners pray that a flag-station may be established at East Gore, on the Dunedin and Invercargill Eailway. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st December, 1887.

No. 485.—Petition of the Hutt County Counozl (No. 1). The petitioners pray for amendment of the Slaughterhouses Act 1877 Amendment Bill. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st December, 1887.

No. 486.—Petition of T. B. Hannafoed, of Auckland (No. 2). The petitioner alleges that he has been wrongfully convicted of assaulting one W. G. Garrard, and imprisoned for fourteen days' with hard labour. He prays for inquiry and redress. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 21st December, 1887.

Nos. 495, 496, and 505.—Petitions of the Gbeytown Boeough Council, Hutt Copnty Council (No. 2), and Masteeton Boeough Council. The petitioners pray for separation of their districts from their present union with the Wellington district for charitable-aid purposes. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these three petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st December, 1887.

No. 497. —Petition of E. B. Youngman and other Eesidents in the Oxford District. The petitioners pray for reduction of the railway freight on firewood. No. 488.—Petition of Seventy-one Eatepayees of Waipu, Whangarei, Auckland. The petitioners pray for amendment of the Counties Act.