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No. 20. —Petition of James Nightingale, of Hokitika. Petitioner states that while in the employ of the Public Works Department in the year 1878 he met with a very serious accident, which has since partially disabled him, &c. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, as the Public Works Department has anticipated the prayer of the petition by finding employment at a wage of £3 10s. per week, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th December, 1897.

No. 149.—Petition of J. S. Myers and 411 Others, of Marshlands, Canterbury. Petitioner states that he has suffered much distress of mind and loss of means through alleged miscarriage of justice in connection with the ease of Tomlinson v. Myers, for false and malicious prosecution, &c. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th December, 1896.

No. 6, Sess. I.—Petition of Alfred A. Pennefather, of Ashurst. Petitioner states that, in March, 1896, he was retired from the position of police constable in charge at Ashurst, on account of alleged gross neglect of duty, &c. He prays that inquiry be made into the circumstances of the case, and that he be restored to his former position in the Police Force, and for other relief. I am directed to report that, after carefully considering the whole circumstances of the case, the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petition be granted, as they consider the petitioner has been fairly treated by the Police Department. 15th December, 1897.

No. 3, Sess. I. —Petition of John Stiller, Jun., of Taranaki. Petitioner states that, while a prisoner in the New Plymouth Gaol, his back was so seriously injured by a fall of earth that he is unable to earn a living, &c. He prays for relief. A previous report on this petition having been referred back to the Committee by the House for further consideration, I am directed to report that, after carefully considering the evidence before them, the Committee see no reason to alter the decision already arrived at, and reported to the House on the 19th November, 1897—viz., " That the Committee has no recommendation to make." 15th December, 1897.

No. 280.—Petition of Alexander McNaught, of Oamaru. Petitioner states that he has suffered grievous wrongs and persecutions through the alleged abuse of the bankruptcy laws, &c. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee sees no reason to depart from the decision arrived at and reported to the House on the 16th July, 1896—viz., " That the Committee has no recommendation to make." 15th December, 1897.

No. 307. —Petition of Sarah Jane Slattery, of Dunedin. Petitioner states that in the year 1895 she handed to the Colonial Bank of New Zealand a certain share in the Undaunted Mine, at Tinker's, valued at £130, for which she was to receive £30 in cash, and for the balance she was to receive the deeds of a house in which she lived; and that the said deeds have not been handed over to her. She prays for relief. I am directed to report that, as the prayer of the petition is a matter between the petitioner and the liquidators of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th December, 1897.

No. 224.—Petition of Peter Purdon, of Sydenham. Petitioner prays that he may be granted a compassionate allowance or other relief on account of his being compelled to leave the employ of the .Railway Department through failing eyesight. I am directed to report that, while sympathizing with the petitioner in his misfortune, the Committee considers he has no claim upon the colony. 15th December, 1897.

No. 283. —Petition of John Peebles and 75 Others, of Gum town. Petitioners state that they suffer great inconvenience through the want of telephonic or telegraphic communication with other parts of the colony, &c. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th December, 1897.

No. 254. —Petition of John McMahon, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that he may be reinstated in his former position as sergeant in the Police Force of the colony, or that an inquiry be held in his case, and for other relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th December, 1897.