1.—6.

2

REPORTS.

No. 224.—Petition of Thomas Walsh, of New Plymouth. Petitioner alleges that, in consequence of an accident on the railway, he was obliged to retire, after nearly nineteen years' faithful service, without compensation. He praj's for a retiringallowance. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th August, 1905.

No. 280.—Petition of George J. Walsh, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for monetary consideration on loss of office. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 30th August, 1905.

No. 62.—Petition of Hifawani Karawhiu and 90 Others, of Waitoki. Petitioners pray that a railway-station may be established near their kainga at Waitoki, to •enable their children to attend school. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the attention of the Railway Department should be called to the case, with a view to facilities being provided for the children in question, or, failing that, the Minister of Education should-see that school accommodation is provided. 30th August, 1905.

No. 141.—Petition of Thomas Patterson, of Brown Street, Invercargill. Petitioner prays that the recommendation of the Public Petitions M to Z and the Railways Committees, made on four separate occasions, awarding him compensation, may be given effect to. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 30th August, 1905.

No. 20.—Petition of William F. Hickenbotham, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays for a sum of money on account of insufficient salary. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that no reflection as to the personal •conduct of Hickenbotham was made by the Department; that, though a competent forgeman, his work by comparison with others was not satisfactory, and that there was no obligation under Hickenbotham's agreement with the Department for his services to be continued on its expiry. 22nd September, 1905.

No. 191.—Petition of D. Sullivan and 192 Others, of Ohura. Petitioners pray for some responsible person to be placed in charge of goods-shed at the Ongarue Station. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition should be referred to tbe Government for consideration. 22nd September, 1905.

No. 65.—Petition of John Cronin. Petitioner prays for compassionate allowance on account of injuries received to hand. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 22nd September, 1905.

No. 150.—Petition of Sarah Reed, Widow, of Normanby Road, Mount Eden, Auckland. Petitioner prays for relief on account of the death of her husband by railway accident. I am -directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1905.

No. 450.—Petition of John Soott, Platelayer. Petitioner prays for compensation on account of injuries sustained while working on the New .'Zealand railways, and asking for further support. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1905.