15

I.—&

another offer had been made at that price. He alleges that no such other offer was ever made, and prays that he be granted the £d. per acre and £50 compensation. I am directed to report, that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th September, 1891.

No. 698, Sess. ll.—William John Sloan and Others, of Christchurch. Petitionees pray that the Divorce Extension and Amendment Bill may not be passed. I am directed to report that, as the petition refers to legislation now before Parliament, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th September, 1891.

No. 517, Sess. ll.—Petition of John T. Quin and 45 Others, of Te Eoti. Petitionees pray that a road be granted, and two cattle-stops put in at Te Eoti Bailway-station. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and that the attention of the Government be drawn to the Bailway Commissioners' report to this Committee thereon. 16th September, 1891.

No. 625,Sess. ll.—Petition of Maurice Soggin Powee, of Paeroa. Petitionee alleges that while an inmate of the Thames Hospital he did not receive proper treatment, which necessitated one of his arms being amputated. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 16th September, 1891.

No. 529, Sess. ll.—Petition of Daniel Mahony, of Wellington. Petitionee states that he made a claim against the Government for preparing the plans and specifications for a Courthouse, &c., in Dunedin; that a special jury awarded him £495 ; that this verdict was set aside on purely technical grounds ; that he then petitioned Parliament, and was awarded the sum of £325, which was paid him, less £137 7s. 6d., being the Crown costs of the trial; that he had also to pay his own costs, although the verdict of the jury gave costs to him. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the Government to pay the petitioner the sum of £137 7s. 6d., that being the amount which was deducted from the sum of £325 voted by Parliament during the session of 1890. The Committee being of the opinion that in equity the petitioner was fully entitled to the amount rewarded him by a special jury of the Supreme Court — viz., £495. 16th September, 1891.

No. 697, Sess. II. —Petition of Collins T. Makie and 125 Others, of Dunstan. Petitionees pray that a certain road in the Leaning Eock District be closed; that an inquiry be made respecting certain surveys in said district; and for compensation for making roads to coalmining leases, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st September, 1891.

No. 608, Sess. ll.—Petition of the Wellington-Manawatu Bail way Company, of Wellington. Petitionees pray that the deficiency in the land endowment to be granted to the company may be made good. I am directed to report that, as the petition involves the consideration of matters of considerable importance, and that as there is not sufficient time before the close of the session to properly investigate them, the Committee defers consideration until next session, and recommends that, if the Standing Orders permit, it should then be considered without the petitioners being under the necessity of presenting a fresh petition. 23rd September, 1891.

No. 663, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Spicee, of Auckland. Petitionee pravs that he be granted the position of fourth Bocording Clerk in the Auckland Deeds Office. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the permission be granted for the withdrawal of the petition. 23rd September, 1891.

No. 668, Sess. ll.—Petition of Andeew Young and Aleeed Andkews, of Wellington. Petitionees state that as guarantors of an agent of the Government Life Insurance Department they have had to pay the sum of £28 ss. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioners have no claim against the colony. 23rd September, 1891.