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No. 533. —Petition of Chaeles Brown, of New Plymouth.. Petitionee states that he was employed by the Police Department as an interpreter, and summoned as a witness in the case of Eegina v. Mahi Kai; that he attended the Court for eleven days; that he has only been paid for five days, and then only at the rate of ss. per day, with half a guinea for interpreting the sentence of death to the prisoner. He prays that the further sums which he alleges are owing to him may be paid. I ann directed to report that Che sum of £11 11s. should be paid to the petitioner, less £2 os. 6d., the amount already paid, to him by the Eegistrar. 3rd September, 1891.

No. 592. —Petition of Eliza Heighton, of Wellington. Petitionee states that she is the widow of the late W. H. Heighton, torpedo-man, who lost his life by the explosion which occurred at Shelly Bay in March last; that she has three children to maintain, and is without means to do so. Petitioner prays for reasonable compensation for the loss she and her children has sustained in the untimely death of the said W. H. Heighton. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has received the maximum allowance made under similar circumstances, therefore the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1891.

No. 596.—Petition of Alexandee Geant, of Auckland. Petitionee prays for the refund of the £10 deposited by him as candidate for election to the House of Bepresentatives for the Manukau Electoral District. I am directed to report that, the forfeiture of the deposit being in accordance with law, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1891.

No. 618.—Petition of Eobeet G. Hawes, of Auckland. Petitioner alleges that his property was too highly valued by Mr. Thomas Seaman, the propertytax valuer. He prays for an inquiry and for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, in view of the charges made against Mr. Thomas Seaman by petitioner, an inquiry should be held by the Auckland Eesident Magistrate (Dr. Giles), and that it is desirable such inquiry should take place when Mr. Crombie (Property-tax Commissioner) visits Auckland. 3rd September, 1891.

No. 519. —Petition of John C. Huntee, of Bluff. Petitionee prays for compensation for loss of office in the railway service. I am directed to report that this Committee can see no reason to depart from the decision arrived at by the Committee of 1889—viz., that petititioner has been treated with sufficient liberality, and has no further claim against the Government. 4th September, 1891.

No. 571. —Petition of Maey Gillbspie, of Auckland. Petitionee states that her late husband, Alexander Gillespie, was caretaker at Government House, Auckland, for nineteen years; that during that time he twice saved the mansion from destruction by fire ; that under section 40 of " The Civil Service Act, 1866," she was entitled, as said Alexander Gillespie's widow, to a gratuity not exceeding two years' salary; that she has only received a gratuity of £100. Petitioner prays for a further allowance. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th September, 1891,

No. 595. —Petition of Cheistiana Callcott, of Wellington. Petitioner states that her late son, Walter Charles Callcott, who died on the 14th August, 1891, had served the Government in the Public Works Department for nineteen years and a half; that he was the sole support of his mother and two sisters; that had he, dying in the public service, left a widow or children, the Government could have granted her or them, under " The Civil Service Act, 1866," an allowance of £550. Petitioner prays for consideration and relief. I am directed to report that, owing to the exceptional circumstances of the case, the Committee recommend that the petitioner should be treated in the same manner as regards compassionate allowance, as if she had been the widow of the late Mr. Callcott. 4th September, 1891.

No. 617. —Petition of Maetin Keippneb, of Auckland. Petitioner states that, in the year 1863, he was the means of bringing out a number of immigrants for a German settlement at Auckland. He prays for some consideration for his services. I am directed to report that the Committee has no evidence to prove that the petitioner has any claim against the colony. 4th September, 1891.