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Sess. 11.—1897. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS M TO Z COMMITTEE. (Mr. MEREDITH, CHAIRMAN.)

Presented to the House of Bepresentatives, and ordered to be printed.

ORDER OP REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Friday, the 15th Day of Ootobeb, 1897. Ordered " That a Publio Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members, be appointed to consider all petitions that may be referred to it by the Petitions Classification Committee, to classify and prepare abstracts of such petitions in such form and manner as shall appear to it best suited to convey to this House all requisite intermat oil respecting their contents, and to report the same from time to time to this House and to have power to Zort its opinions and observations thereupon to this House; also to have power to call for persons and papers: thieo to be a quorum. The Committee to consist of Mr. Field, Mr. Frasor, Mr. Holland, Mr Lang, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Meredith, Mr. Monk, Mr. Morrison, Mr. O'Meara, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. T. Thompson.)

INDEX.

Petition. Page. No. Petition. Page. lo. F. 6* 224 Pennefather, Alfrod A. .. Purdon, Peter.. (> 6 Final Report .. 8 Mi K. 148 67 9Quicke, Arthur Frank Quinn, Ann 7 2 342 Kent, M., and Others .. 7 iao 67 84 37 4* 72 92 145 238 150 149 M. Manuell, Thomas, and Others .. Maxwell, A. A. S. 1 Meikle, John James .. Mitohelson, Edwin, and Others .. Morgan, William Mountfort, Christina Murphy, Peter Myers, J. S., and Others 2 255 3 86 4, 5 10; 3 3 7 7 6 126 42 ins 2 3 255 86 10* 1* 3 R. Reid, James, and Others Eeid, Walter, and Others RetchEord, E., and Others Robert, 0. W., and Others Runoiman, James, and Others .. 5 3 2 5 8 4, 5 3 7 7 4 6 s. 335 80 22 73 81 110 28 286 254 76 280 200 Me. Maokay, Logan, Steen, and Co. .. McAtamny, James McDonnell, Lieut-Colonel T. .. McDowell, John Molntosh, G. N., and Others .. MoKeoghan, Owen I McLeod, William and Jessie .. MoMahon, John McMenamin, John McNaught, Alexander MoTaggart, John, and Others .. 105 307 7 1 2 117 2 235 3 88 2 232 3 3' 3, 8 2 39 113 n 125 7 2 2 3 2 3 126 42 105 307 1 117 235 88 232 3* Soandrett, W. B. Sohischka, Christian, and Othors Shore, James Slattery, Sarah Jano Smith, David Thornton Smith, Jame3 Smith, J., and Others Staunton, Elizabeth Stenhouse, W. M., and Another .. Stiller, John, jun. 3 2 4 6 3 4 5 2 5 4, 6 3, 8 T. 6 2 6 5 39 113 125 Thomson, John Thorne, Joseph, aud Others Turnbull, A. H. 4 4 2 30 V. N. 30 Vitaglioh, Louisa 152 20 Neale, George Nightingale, James 4 6 3OQ 6 309 223 229 194 228 270 293 103 93 w. Walkor, John Johnson .. 8 o. 309 223 7 5 4 I Walls, Elizabeth Webber, R., and Others Wigg, Thomas, and Others Willis, W. N. de L., and Others .. Wilson, George Gilos .. Worthington, Richard .. Wyatt, William Thomas 7 236 166 7 O'Brien, William O'Connor, Hannah O'Leary, Jeremiah 7 229 5 194 4 228 270 5 5 7 7 2 4 P. 293 3 6 13 283 Paton, John Peebles, John, and Others 8 103 6 93 * Sess. I., 1897.

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No. 84. —Petition of Thomas Manuell and 43 Others, of Makerau. Petitionees pray that they may be granted the sum of £200 to replace a bridge over the Makerau Eiver. I am directed to report that, as the matter is a question of public policy, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1897.

No. 42.—Petition of Christian Schischka and 49 Others, of Eodney County. Petitionees pray for a grant of £200 to enable them to replace two bridges on the Puhoi-Makerau Eoad. I am directed to report that, as the matter is a question of public policy, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1897.

No. 81.—Petition of G. N. Mclntosh and 26 Others, of Ida Valley. Petitionees pray that reservoirs may be erected on the Moa and Woolshed Creeks for the use of settlers during the autumn and summer months. I am directed to report that, as the matter is a question of public policy, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1897.

No. 80.—Petition of James McAtamny, of Ida Valley. Petitioner prays that a reservoir may be erected on the " Bread and Water Stream " for the purposes of mining and irrigation. I am directed to report that, as the matter is a question of public policy, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1897.

No. 22. —Petition of Lieut.-Colonel Thomas McDonnell, of Wanganui. Petitioner prays that effect may be given to the report of the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, dated 13th August, 1891. I am directed to report that this Committee has no further recommendation to make other than that contained in the Committee's reports bearing dates of 13th August, 1891, and 28th August, 1894—viz., "That the Committee recommends the Government to give the petitioner employment for which he is suited if opportunity offers." 28th October, 1897.

No. 10, Sess. I.—Petition of E. Eetchfoed and 31 Others, of Waimarino. Petitionees state that those employed on co-operative works (except by day-labour) cannot average 4s. a day; that, in order to prevent favouritism, certain officers should be removed; and that the surface road-work should be given exclusively to the settlers. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1897.

Nos. 67, 76, and 103.—Petitions of Ann Quinn, John McMenamin, and Eichaed WoethINGTON. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Eailways Committee. 28th October, 1897.

No. 125.—Petition of A. H. Tuenbull, of Christchurch. Petitionee states that the late James I. Lawson was killed while in the employ of the Eailway Department; that the said James I. Lawson by will bequeathed to his two unmarried sisters the sum of £212 ss. 3d., due to him as compensation; and that the executors under the will have not been able to obtain payment of the said amount. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the sum of money which would have been duo to the late James I. Lawson had he retired from the service be placed on the supplementary estimates, and paid to the executors of the estate. 29ch October, 1897.

No. 88.-—Petition oi Elizabeth Staunton, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that she may be granted a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband, who was Eecord Clerk in the Deeds Registry Office, Auckland. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1897.

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No. 30.—Petition of Louisa Vitaglich, of Westport. Petitioner prays that she may be granted a compassionate allowance of £150 on account of her late husband and son, who were in the employ of the Westport Harbour Board at the time of death. I am directed to report that, while regretting the circumstances of the case, the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 29th October, 1897.

No. 110.—Petition of Owen McKeoqhan, of Anahau. Petitioner prays that certain paints manufactured by him may be used on public works throughout the colony. I am directed to report that, if the petitioner's paints be found to be equal in quality to other paints used, the Committee recommends that he be given some measure of the Government patronage. 29th October, 1897.

No. 92.—Petition of Edwin Mitchelson and 10 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray for relief in connection with the Kaihu Valley Bail way. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should bo referred to the Eailways Committee. 29th October, 1897.

No. 13.—Petition of John Paton, of Port Chalmers. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation for loss of office as pilot to the Otago Harbour Board. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 2nd November, 1897.

Nos. 3 and 86.—Petitions of James Eunciman and 1,417 Others, and Walter Eeid and 133 Others. Petitioners pray that " The Beet-root Sugar Act, 1884," may be amended. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 2nd November, 1897.

No. 1. —Petition of David Thornton Smith, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that he may be granted additional compensation on account of his late services as Assistant Librarian. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 2nd November, 1897.

No. 73.—Petition of John McDowell and Another, of Oamaru. Petitioners state that one George Thomas Watson, while working on the co-operative works in the Taranaki District, through a gunpowder explosion totally lost the sight of both eyes. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the case for the compassionate consideration of the Government. 4th November, 1897.

No. 28.—Petition of William and Jessie McLeod, of Sydenham. Petitioners state that their son Hugh McLeod fell off a small bridge near the railway-station at Lincoln, and was drowned ; that there was no notice warning people not to trespass on the bridge; that through the shock caused by the said accident the petitioner, Jessie McLeod, became seriously ill, thereby incurring considerable expense in medical attendance. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th November, 1897.

No. 37.—Petition of A. A. S. Maxwell, of Auckland. Petitioned states that he unwittingly committed a breach of the Stamp Act in connection with the transfer of some shares in the " Maoriland Gold-mining Company," for which he was fined the sum of £20, and costs, £10 11s. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th November, 1897.

No. 126.—Petition of W. B. Scandeett, of Invercargill. Petitioner prays that there may be secured to him and the other unsecured creditors in the estate of Walter Guthrie and Company (Limited) a fair and equal share in the distribution of the assets of the said company. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim whatever on the colony. 4th November, 1897.

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No. 150.—Petition of Peter Murphy, of Dunedin. Petitioner states that on New Year's Day, 1888, one John Clark knocked him down and injured him, &c. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 11th November, 1897. ,

No. 39. —Petition of John Thomson, of Kaipara Flats. Petitioner prays that certain adjustments of the boundaries of his land may be made. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 11th November, 1897.

No. 113.—Petition of Joseph Thokne and 357 Others, of Parnell. Petitioners pray that an exchange of certain lands may be effected between the Public Trustee and the Borough of Parnell. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 11th November, 1897.

No. 7.—Petition of Jeremiah O'Leary, of Woodville. Petitioner states that while working on the co-operative works in Taranaki he was so seriously injured that he is now incapacitated from earning a livelihood. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, while regretting the circumstances of the case, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th November, 1897.

No. 152.—Petition of George Nealb, of Hawke's Bay. Petitioner states that he was a constable in the Police Force of the colony; that he was dismissed from that Force on the representations set forth by the late Inspector Bullen; that in the year 1883 he petitioned Parliament preferring certain charges against Inspectors Hickson and Pender, and asked for an inquiry, but without result. He prays that he may be given an opportunity of substantiating the said charges before the Eoyal Com mission now being appointed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the prayer of the petitioner be granted, provided that the order of reference of the Eoyal Commission includes such cases as the petitioner's. 16th November, 1897.

No. 4, Sess. 1., and No. 72, Sess. II. —Petitions of John James Meikle, of Wyndham. Petitioner prays that the recommendations of the Public Petitions M to Z Committee's reports of the 9th October, 1895, and the 14th July, 1896, may be given effect to. I am directed to report that this Committee, after carefully inquiring into the case of John James Meikle, considers the Government has treated the petitioner fairly by granting him the sum of £294 10s. Id. for expenses incurred in the prosecution of Lambert for perjury, and a further sum of £500 now placed on the estimates in full discharge of petitioner's claims, therefore the Committee has no further recommendation to make. 16th November, 1897.

No. 105.—Petition of James Shore, of Wanganui. Petitioner prays that he may be granted the sum of £300 as compensation for his wrongful arrest and imprisonment on suspicion of the murder of Mr. and Mrs. Jones, at Petone. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th November, 1897.

No. 3, Sess. I.—Petition of John Stiller, Jun., of Taranaki. Petitioner states that while a prisoner in Now 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. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th November, 1897.

No. 93. —Petition of William Thomas Wyatt, of Wellington. Petitioner states that after a service of upwards of forty years he was retired from the Government employ with only a month's leave of absence on full pay. He prays that he may be granted six months leave, and other relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th November, 1897.

No. 117.—Petition of Jambs Smith, Lawrence, Otago. Petitioner prays that legislation may bo passed extending the time for applications for validation of titles to land acquired from Natives. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 24th November, 1897.

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No. 166. —Petition of Hannah O'Connoe, of Lyttelton. Petitioner states that her late husband was employed in the Government Eailway Service as a wharf-porter; that since his death she has been left without the means to support her family of seven children. She prays for relief. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government, with a recommendation that a sum of money equal to the pay of petitioner's late husband for the period from the 30th April, 1897, to the 2nd June, 1897, be placed on the supplementary estimates as a compassionate allowance. 24th November, 1897.

No. 194.—Petition of E. Webber and 820 Others, of Canterbury. Petitioners pray that the law may be so amended as to permit licenses to be granted to any persons proving themselves capable of curing cancer, tumour, and kindred diseases. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 24th November, 1897.

No. 200. —Petition of John McTaggaet and 107 Others, of Waimate. Petitioners pray that the Bill intituled " Eestraint of Incitements to Betting or Wagering " may be passed. I am directed to report that, as there is legislation now before the House dealing with the subject-matter of this petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th November, 1897.

No. 235.—Petition of J. Smith and 103 Others, of Otago. Petitioners pray, —(1) That the laws and regulations relating to the taking, selling, &c, of " Schoolfish " may be repealed; (2) that section 52 of "The Sea-fisheries Act, 1894," be amended; and (3) that a law be passed to prevent Sunday fishing. I am directed to report that, with the view of giving effect to the prayer of the petition, the Committee recommends that legislation be introduced to prevent sea-fishing on Sunday, and that the question of removing the restrictions imposed by " The Sea-fisheries Act, 1894," be referred to the Government. 25th November, 1897.

No. 232.—Petition of W. M. Stenhouse and Another, of Dunedin. Petitionebs pray that the present Dental Acts may be amended, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 25th November, 1897.

No. 228.—Petition of Thomas Wigg and 71 Others, of Auckland. Petitionebs complain of the unfair competition of certain laundries owned and worked by Chinese, owing to the restriction of the hours of labour, &o. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th November, 1897.

No. 1, Sess. I.—Petition of C. W. Bobebt and 110 Others, of Palmerston North. Petitioners state that they have reason to complain of undue competition from Government departments and officials, who sell goods admitted duty-free when they have to pay duty on raw materials to manufacture similar goo: Is. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the raw material imported for facings, decorations, &c, for the military Forces of the colony be admitted duty-free to the public, so as to place those engaged in the manufacture of military costumes in the same position as the Defence Department. 25th November, 1897.

No. 255.—Petition of Jambs Eeid and 21 Others, of Athol, Southland. Pbtitionees pray that they may be granted a further sum of £200, to enable the Southland County Council to erect a bridge over the Eyre Creek. I am directed to report that, as the matter is a question of public-works administration, the Committee recommends it be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th November, 1897.

No. 4, Sess. 1., and No. 72, Sess, II. —Petitions of John Jambs Meiklb, of Wyndham. A previous report on the above petitions having been referred back to the Committee by the House for further consideration, I am directed to report that, after careful investigation into all the facts of the case, the Committee can see no reason to alter the previous decision arrived at, and reported to the House on the 16th November, 1897. 2nd December, 1897.

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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.

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Nos. 223 and 229.—Petitions of Elizabeth Walls, of Sydenham. Petitioner, as administratrix of the estate of the late Thomas Kelly, of Auckland, claims to be the owner of a piece of land in the Parish of Okahu, which the Hobson County Council caused to be sold for arrears of rates due on the same without previously having given the notice required under the provisions of " The Eating Act, 1882." She prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 16th December, 1897.

No. 236.—Petition of William O'Brien, of Sydney. Petitioner prays that he may be granted a pension of 14s. a week on account of his services to the colony during the Maori War. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 16th December, 1897.

No. 148.—Petition of Arthur Frank Quickc, of Wellington. Petitioner states that a letter addressed to him was wrongfully delivered to one William Hurcombe, who opened the same, and made use of the information contained therein, through which petitioner suffered grievous loss, &c. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has not exhausted his legal remedy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th December, 1897.

No. 270. —Petition of W. N. de L. Willis and 9 Others, of Waikato and Waipa. Petitioners pray that no alteration may be made in the marriage-laws of the colony, except in the direction of placing women on the same footing as men, &c. I am directed to report that, as there is legislation before the House dealing with the subjectmatter of the petition, the Committee recommends it be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th December, 1897.

No. 238.—Petition of Christina Mountfort, of Wanganui. Petitioned prays that the report of the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, dated the 29th July, 1896, may be given effect to, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no further recommendation to make other than that reported to the House on the 29th July, 1896—viz., " That, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner should be granted the same compassionate allowance as other similar cases — viz., eighteen months' pay." 20th December, 1897.

No. 342.—Petition of M. Kent and 17 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray for a refund of duty paid on a large quantity of goods which were destroyed by the fire which burnt the goods-shed on the Queen Street Wharf on the 29th November last. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the prayer of the petition be granted, subject to the petitioners proving to the satisfaction of the Customs Department the amount of the loss sustained thereby. 20th December, 1897.

No. 335. —Petition of Maokay, Logan, Steen, and Co., of Auckland. Petitioners pray for the refund of £170, being duty paid on twenty-eight cases of drapery destroyed by the fire which burnt the goods-shed on the Queen Street Wharf, Auckland, on the 29th November last. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the prayer of the petition be granted, subject to their proving the specific statements made therein to the satisfaction of the Customs Department. 20th December, 1897.

No. 293. —Petition of Geoegb Giles Wilson, of Hamilton West. Petitioneh states that while working on premises at one time occupied by Mr. H. Oldham, Inspector of Stock, he unearthed a jar of phosphorus which he placed on the window-sill, with the result that it ignited, and while extinguishing the flames he burnt his right hand, the fingers of which had afterwards to be amputated. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 20th December, 1897.

No. 145.—Petition of William Morgan, of Tawa Plat. Petitioned prays that he may be granted some land on account of being an old settler. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th December, 1897.

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No. 309. —Petition of John Johnson Walkeb, of Bromley, near Christchurch. Petitioneh states that during the labour strike in September, 1890, he was attacked and badly injured by a band of six union men, and that he is now unable to support himself and family. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, as this is a case for charitable aid, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th December, 1897.

No. 286.—Petition (No. 2) of W. McLeod and Jessie McLeod, of Sydenham. Petitioneks state that their son, Hugh McLeod, fell off a small bridge near the railway-station at Linclon, and was drowned ; that there was no notice warning people not to trespass on the bridge; that through the shock caused by the said accident the petitioner, Jessie McLeod, became seriously ill, thereby incurring considerable expense for medical attendance. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that, as the petition is similar to one already reported upon on the 4th November last, the Committee has no further recommendation to make. 20th December, 1897.

Final. T have the honour to report that the above Committee has held twenty-three meetings. Number of petitions referred to the Committee, 74; number of petitions dealt with by the Committee, 61 ; number of petitions remaining unconsidered, 13 ; number of reports presented to the House, 61; number of specific recommendations made therein, 12 ; number referred to Government for favourable consideration, 5; number referred to Government for consideration, 8; no recommendation, &c, 36. 1 am also directed by the Committee to further report that they desire to express their hearty appreciation of the manner in which the Chairman (Mr. Meredith) has conducted the business of the Committee during the past session. 20th December, 1897. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,250 copies), *64 18s. 6d.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB97. Price 6d.]