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No. 150.—Petition of Eichabd Peice and 402 Others, of New Plymouth. Petitionees pray for the construction of a central prison at Moturoa, New Plymouth. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th August, 1898.

No. 173. —Petition of W. J. Sheaeman and 247 Others, of Ashburton and Christchurch. Petitionees pray that the Cycle Traffic Bill be not allowed to pass. I am directed to report that, as the Bill is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th August, 1898.

No. 140.—Petition of W. N. de L. Willis and 35 Others, of Waikato and Waipa. Petitionees pray that no change be made in the marriage-laws of the colony in the direction of facilitating divorce. I am directed to report that, as the petition deals with the subject-matter of a measure now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th August, 1898.

No. 170.'—Petition of A. McKeown, of Pihama, Taranaki. Petitionee prays for relief on account of certain law-costs incurred in an action against the Public Trustee. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee for consideration. 18th August, 1898.

No. 104. —Petition of Geoege Johnson Small, of Wanganui. Petitionee states that he is entitled to the New Zealand Cross for an act of bravery performed at an attack on the Taurangaika Pa in the year 1868. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th August, 1898.

No. 178. —Petition of G. Hoby and 162 Others, of Taranaki. Petitionebs pray that a central prison may be erected at Moturoa. lam directed to report that, as the matter is a question of administration, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th August, 1898.

No. 315 (1897). —Petition of Thomas Edwaed Shieley, of Napier. Petitionee prays that his service in the Armed Constabulary Force may be added to the length of his service in the Postal Department. • I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim for such service to count. 30th August, 1898.

No. 126. —Petition of John Scott Myees (No. 1),.0f Canterbury. Petitionee prays for an inquiry into an alleged miscarriage of justice in connection with the case of Tomlinson v. Myers, for false and malicious prosecution, &o. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has not placed any fresh evidence before it, the Committee sees no reason for altering its decision of 1897, viz.: "That the Committee has no recommendation to maka." 30th August, 1898.

No. 169. —Petition of Maegabet Smith. Petitionee prays that she may be granted a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband, who was employed as light-keeper at the Cape Bgmont Lighthouse. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th August, 1898.

No. 188.—Petition of Thomas Eeidy, of Napier. Petitionee prays that he may be refunded a fine of £10, inflicted on him for refusing to answer certain questions put to him by the Chairman of the Police Commission. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the circumstances of this case are such that they cannot make any recommendation. 30th August, 1898.

No. 146.—Petition of Fbedebick Heney Ebvell, of Palmerston North. Petitionee prays that his claim for military services rendered to the colony may be reconsidered. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner's claim has been considered and reported upon by the Commissioneriappointed under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th August,, 1898.