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1.—9

No. 114.—Petition of Daniel Beisbane and Others, Karaka. Petitionees pray that a goods-shed and conveniences may be erected at Bunciman Station. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th December, 1897.

No. 123.—Petition of G. Eoss and Others, Whangarei. Petitionees pray that the Whangarei Eailway may be extended to Grahamstown, with a view to providing better wharf-accommodation in deeper water. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th December, 1897.

Nos. 131, 134, and 251.—Petitions of William Paenell and Others, Napier: H. L. Donnelly and Others, Cricklewood; and D. Whyte and Others, Napier. Petitionees pray that a line of railway may be constructed between Napier and Gisborne. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that these three petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th December, 1897.

No. 121.—Petition of B. G. Feew and Others, Te Tua, Orepuki. Petitionees pray that the railway may be extended from Orepuki to the Wairau Eiver. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th December, 1897.

No. 55.—Petition of Albeet Evans and Others, Otago Peninsula. Petitionees pray that a railway may be constructed from Dunedin through the Otago Peninsula. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 7th December, 1897.

Nos. 87 and 91.—Petitions of Heney Baillee and Others, Boxburgh, Otago; and Chaeles Keaese and Others, Dunrobin, Otago. Petitionees pray that the railway be extended from Heriot to Eoxburgh. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th December, 1897.

No. 203.—Petition of Muedoch McLean and Neil McLean. Petitionees state that they were the contractors for the Makarau Tunnel on the Helensville Northwards line of railway; that they have been heavy losers by the collapse of the said tunnel, which latter they assert was caused by the removal of certain supports by order of the Government Inspector of Works. I am directed to report that the Committee, having considered the petition, and having taken expert evidence upon the several matters referred to in the said petition, have agreed as follows ; That the said petitioners met with unforeseen and serious difficulties in the execution of their contract; that, notwithstanding the difficulties encountered, they completed their work at a loss of at least £7,000; that your Committee, having carefully weighed the evidence, recommend that the sum of £5,000 be paid to the petitioners, in full of all demands, as an equitable settlement between them and the colony. 20th December, 1897. (For Evidence and Appendices, vide 1.—10 a.)

No. 92.—Petition of Edwin Mitohelson and Others. Petitionees state that they are the representatives of the original shareholders of the Kaihu Valley Eailway Company: that the said company in the year 1882 contracted with the New Zealand Government to construct said railway : that after the company had completed 16* miles of the railway difficulties arose with the Government as to the selection of certain lands, and the company were compelled to forfeit the railway to the mortgagor. I am directed to report that the Committee, not having sufficient time to inquire adequately into the circumstances of the petition, recommend that it be referred to the Government for consideration. 20th December, 1897.

Approximate Coat of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,250 copies), £2 Bs. Bd.

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