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No. 201. —Petition of James Penpold, Southbridge. Petitionee states that he was a platelayer on the Government railways for over thirty years ; that in the year 1897 he was discharged owing to his old age, and to the fact of his being rendered unfit for work through the effects of an accident which occurred to him when in the service. He prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that, considering the petitioner was injured by an accident when in the Government service, the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to Government for favourable consideration. 11th October, 1898.

No. 158.—Petition of William N. Chambers, Dunedin. Petitionee states he was employed for twelve years in the Government workshops at Hillside that in the year 1890 he was discharged on the ground of old age. He prays for light employment, or a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for favourable consideration, with the view that the petitioner be found employment suitable to his age and capabilities. 11th October, 1898.

No. 287.—Petition of James Fairley, Sydney Street, Caversham. Petitioner states he was twenty-four years a platelayer on the Government railways; that he was discharged from the service in September, 1898, on the grounds of old age and debility; that when in the service he met with an accident, from the effects of which he has never recovered. He prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that, considering the petitioner met with an accident, which more or less permanently disabled him, when in the Government service, the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for favourable consideration. 11th October, 1898.

No. 303.—Petition of George Wilson and Others, Kaipara Flats. Petitioners pray that the Auckland northward line of railway may be extended to Whangarei. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 21st October, 1898.

No. 215.—Petition of A. Millee and Others, Nightcaps. Petitionees pray that Government will purchase the private line of railway between Nightcaps and Wairio. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 21st October, 1898.

No. 308.—Petition of David Clark and Others, Heddon Bush. Petitionees pray that a line of railway may be constructed between Wright's Bush and Heddon Bush. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 21st October, 1898.

No. 259.—Petition of John Vaughan and Others, Cheviot. Petitionees pray that the Christchurch-Blenheim line of railway may be completed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 21st October, 1898.

No. 279.—Petition of C. G. Martin and Others, Tahakope Valley. Petitioners pray that the Catlin's Eiver line of railway may be extended to Tahakope Valley. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 21st October, 1898. ______

No. 319.—Petition of W. E. Weight and Others, Pukekohe. Petitionees pray that a line of railway may be constructed between Paerata and Waiuku. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration, 21st October, 1898. ____

No. 304.—Petition of W. E. C. Eeson and Others, Onehunga, Petitionees pray for a reduction of fares on the railway-line between Auckland and Onehunga. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 21st October, 1898.