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The Westpoet-Ngahawau Eailway Extension Act Amendment Bill. The Eailways Committee, to whom the above-mentioned Bill was referred for consideration, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same. The Committee recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed as printed 2nd December, 1897.

No. 215.—Petition of John Scott, Sydenham. Petitionee states he was a platelayer on the Government railways; that owing to an accident in 1885 he was placed on light Government work up to 1895, when he was finally discharged He prays for compensation, or further employment on light work. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that, owing to the petitioner having received an injury while in the Government employ, his petition should be referred to Government tor consideration. 3rd December, 1897.

No. 212.—Petition of William Oliver, Lyttelton. Petitioner states that he was an engine-driver on the Government railways; that he was discharged _on the grounds of old age; that he is now eighty-four years of age. He prays for a compassionate allowance. * J I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. r 3rd December, 1897.

No. 59.—Petition of Anthony Ayrey, Christchurch. Petitioner states he was a railway servant from 1866 to 1895, when he was discharged He prays for a compassionate allowance. 6 c I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. " 3rd December, 1897.

No. 146.—Petition of Thomas Walsh, Waitara. Petitionee states he was a railway servant for nineteen years ; that owing to an accident he had to retire from the service. He prays for compensation. etition m direCt6d t0 rep ° rt tliat the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this 3rd December, 1897.

No. 76.—Petition of John McMenamin, Wellington. Petitioner states that in the year 1888 he was badly injured by a fall of earth when working on the Government railways ; that m 1891 he was given £200 compensation. He prays for a further grant as he is totally incapacitated from doing any work. mrcner I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the Government pay to the petitioner a further sum of £100 in final settlement of all claims 3rd December, 1897.

No. 67.—Petition of Ann Quinn, Auckland. Petitionee states she is the widow of Patrick Quinn, who died from the effects of an iniurv received in his eyes when working on the Government railways. She prays for a compassionate allowance _ 1 am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. xa 3rd December, 1897.

Nos. 193 and 222 —Petitions of W. H. Saies and Others, Totara North, Bay of Islands ■ and W. h. Thompson and Others, Victoria Valley, Bay of Islands. Petitionees pray that the Whangarei-Kawakawa Eailway may be completed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that these two petitions be referred to Government for consideration. 7th December, 1897.

Nos 147, 170, 180, 158, 159, and 221.—Hugh Goubley and Others, Vincent- Thomas W Kempthoene, Dunedm; James Beown and Others, Alexandra; Dunedin' Chambee op Oommeece, Dunedin; Bichabd McDougall and Others, Vincent; and Chaeles Lawebnce and Others, Vincent. 11 Petitionees pray that the construction of the Otago Central Bailway may be carried on mor P vigorously than hitherto. ™ 1B I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that these petitions be referred fo Government for consideration, 7th December, 1897.