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1900. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

ORDER OF REFERENCE. . : Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Tuesday, the 3rd Day of July, 1900. Ordered, That a Public Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members, be appointed to consider all petitions that may be reftsrred to it by the Petitions Classification Committee, to classify and prepare abstracts of suoh petitions in such form and manner as shall appear to it best suited to convey to this House all requisite information respeoting their contents, and to report the same from time to time to this House, and to have power to report its opinions and observations thereupon to this House; also to have power to call for persons and papers; three to be a quorum: r.he Committee to oousiet of Mr. Bennet, Mr. Budtio, Mr. Fowlds, Mr. W. Fraser, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Meredith, Mr. Monk, Mr. Morrison, Mr. O'Meara, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. McGowan.)

INDEX.

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No. Petition. Page. No. Petition. Page. 218 259 Atkinson, H. W., and 19 Others.. Burgess, H. W., and 51 Others 7 7 4 147 147 MoMillan, Thomas MePherson, Robert Henderson .. McPherson, Robert Henderson ... 4 6 I 10 217 145 257 Chrisp, Thomas, and 25 Others Curtis, John, and 46 Others Curtis, B., and 50 Others 7 5 7 329 282 110 271 244 99 28 120 Neave. James Sampson Nicholis, C, and 32 Others Nightingale, James Nimmo and Blair and 5 Others .. Nolan, R. H., and 103 Others .. Norgate, William Northeote, Hugh, and 70 Others Nutfc, Lucy Janet 8 7 " 8 8 7 3 2 ■' 6 258 Dalton, J. H., and Co. and 42 Others 7 219 247 Farrell, R., and 34 Others Final report Fisher, John, and 9 Others 7 11 7 256 Gilmour, Robert, and 21 Others.. 7 121 478* 127 7 161 O'Brien, Elizabeth O'Connor, Michael O'Donohue, J. J. Outram, John .. . -. Owens, Patrick James 4 5 5 4 5 220 Kearas, Younghusband, and Co. and 25 Others 7 18 54 55 166 49 274 70 31 568 230 437 327 552 62 165 221 593 598 292 133 94 Mackenzie, Jessie, and 24 Others Mackay, Alexander (No. 1) Mackay, Alexander (No. 2) Magrath, Belinda P. Maling, T. J., and 19 Others Marangoni, Filippo Mason, W. F. .. Mellish, Edith, and 189 Others Menzies, Stewart Miller, David, and Another Miller, James, and 7 Others Mitehelson, R., and 127 Others Monk, B., and 89 Others Montgarrett, John Mooney, Amelia Morton, E., and 271 Others Morrison, A. R., and 331 Others Mouldey, E. C. Murch, George, and 51 Others Murphy, Paul Joseph Murphy, Paul Joseph .. 2 3 4 10 2 8 5 2 11 6 9 7 10 3 7 7 11 11 7 5 4 215 118 297 77 209 393 231 210 438 170 216 44 Page, G., and Sons and 19 Others Palmer, A., and 96 Others Parker, Henry Pascoe, John George Pascoe, John George Paterson, James G., and 618 Others Patterson, Thomas .. Petrie, Donald Porter, E., and Co. and 22 Others Powell, Henry C, and Another .. Price, A., and 52 Others Pye, John (Pollok Road Board) .. 6 3 7 4 8 9 6 7 10 6 7 3 148 102 Quane, H., and Co. and 47 Others Quirke, Thomas 5 5 249 10 557 159 439 287 Reynolds, Alfred Roberts, Sydney, and 202 Others Robertson, W., and 2 Others Rolland, John Louis .. Ross, John, and 37 Others Ryan, Simon, and 9 Others .. . 6 3 11 6, 9 9 445 87 McAlister, T. T. McMahon, John 10 6 * 1899.

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INDEX— continued.

No. 18.—Petition of Jessie Mackenzie and 24 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that provision may be made for the shelter and management of weak-minded or imbecile and idiotic children. I akn directed to report that the Committee affirms the resolution passed during last session of Parliament in connection with a similar petition —viz., " That the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and that in their opinion the time has arrived when provision should be made for separate institutions for weak-minded or imbecile aiid idiotic persons who at present, through the want of more suitable accommodation, are sent to the lunatic asylums, where they are unavoidably associated with patients who are under treatment for insanity, and where, also, no attempt is made towards classification or improvement by means of training and education." 11th July* 1900.

Nos. 28, 31, and 49.—Petitions of Hugh Northcote and 70 Others, Edith Mellish and 189 Others, and T. J. Maling and 19 Others. Petitioners pray for the establishment in the colony of homes for the treatment of inebriates. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, hospitals are not the proper institutions for the treatment of inebriates, and that separate institutions should be established where suitable curative treatment might be carried out. 11th July, 1900.

No. 385, 1899, and No. 3, 1900.—Petition of Thomas Whitehouse and Another, of Wellington. Petitioners pray for the refund of the sums of £100 each, paid by them in connection with a bond entered into by then! with Inspector Pender, of the Police Force, to cover the cost of the extradition of one Joseph Myers, a fugitive from justice, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no special recommendation to make on this petition, but the attention of the Government is drawn to the hardships inflicted on persons entering into a bond, and the penalty enforced, for the extradition of persons who are convicted on the offence for which they are charged, the Committee being of the opinion that discretionary power should be given to Judges of the Supreme Court to deal with each such case on its merits. 12th July, 1900.

No. 12.—Petition of Joseph Wylie, of Oamaru. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation on account of injuries received while assisting a police constable in the execution of his duty. I am directed to report that, as this is a special case of hardship, the Committee recommends it to the favourable consideration of the Government. 12th July, 1900.

No. 25.—Petition of William Sharp and 450 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that further compensation may be granted ex-Constable John Cumins on account of injuries he sustained while in the execution of his duty. I am directed to report that, as this is a case of great hardship, the petitioner being absolutely incapacitated from earning a livelihood on account of injuries received while discharging his duty as a police constable, the Government be recommended to make provision for the maintenance of the petitioner and his family by an annual appropriation by Parliament. 12th July, 1900.

!o. Petition. Page. No. Petition. P8ge. 245 488 25 395 441 308 260 331 52 322 248 246 284 Soanlon, James, and 11 Others .. Sellwood, G., and 248 Others .. Sharp, William, and 450 Others Shea, John Sheenan, Hector, and 49 Others Simpson, E. S. T. Smalley, Joseph S., Rev. Smart, Amos, and 511 Others .. Smart, William J. W. .. Smith, T. W. P., and 165 Others Smith, W. H., and 13 Others .. Spedding, W., and 101 Others ... Swainson, J. C, and 92 Others .. 7 10 2 9 9 8 8 10 3 8 7 7 7 626 440 19 105 22 526 79 Wallace, Robert, and 63 Others Walls, W., and 113 Others Warner, Horatio Nelson Warner, Bessie Annie .. Watson, William, and 43 Others Watt, John Wellington Chamber of Commerce arid 29 Others Wheeler, John White, Alfred Henry .. ... White, Alfred Henry White, Walter A. ' .. [Whitehouse, Thomas, and Another Wilks, John Wilkins, John, and 29 Others Wilkins, John, and 29 Others Wilkinson, Louisa Wilkinson, Louisa Wilson, J. H., and 36 Others Wyatt, E. H., and 5 Others Wylie, Joseph 11 9 3 4 3 10 4 j 172 27 442 43 385* 3t 345 346 346 448 573 625 283 12 8 3 9 6 2 8 533 177 387 160 47 Taylor, Riohard R. Taylor, Sarah Ann Taylor, Mary Josephine Thomas, G.'L. B. Tborne, Bessie, and 3 Others Turner, A. C, and 39 Others .. 5 11 7 9 5 3 7 8 8 10 10 11 7 2 238 296 Victor, James Vivian, T., and 11 Others 7 7 53 Young, James Criohton 4 403 Wagner, E. .. 9 *1899. + 1900.

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No. 44.—Petition of John Pye, on behalf of the Pollok Eoad Board, Auckland. Petitioner prays for a grant of money for the completion of the main road through the district. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 12th July, 1900.

No. 47. —Petition of A. C. Turner and 39 Others, of Eotorua. Petitionees pray that William John Smith, of Eotorua, may be granted some extra assistance on account of his services to the colony. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the Government should place William John Smith in a suitable home where he could be properly looked after. 12th July, 1900.

No. 52. —Petition of William J. W. Smart, of Tikorangi. Petitioner prays that he may receive a grant for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 12th July, 1900.

No. 22.—Petition of William Watson and 43 Others, of Upper Marina. Petitionees pray that a footbridge may be erected over the Marina Eiver, near its junction with the Warwick. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th July, 1900.

No. 10.—Petition of Sydney Roberts and 202 Others, of Taieri Mouth, &c. Petitioners pray for a grant of money to construct a traffic bridge over the Taieri Eiver, near its mouth. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th July, 1900.

No. 62.—Petition of John Montgareett, of Victoria. Petitionee prays that he may be granted 50 acres of land on account of military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th July, 1900.

No. 54.—Petition of Alexander Mackay (No. 1), of Paeroa. Petitionee prays that he may be granted a reward for the discovery of gold in the Ohinemuri district. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee. 12th July, 1900.

No. 27.—Petition of Alfred H. White, of Nelson. Petitioner prays that he may be either reinstated in his late position as head-attendant in the Nelson Lunatic Asylum or that other suitable employment may be found for him. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th July, 1900.

No. 118. —Petition of A. Palmer and 96 Others, of Maungaturoto. Petitioners pray that they may be granted the sum of £350 for the construction of a wharf at Maungaturoto. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th July, 1900.

No. 19. —Petition of Horatio Nelson Warner, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that he may be granted a pension or other relief on account of his services to the colony, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th July, 1900.

No. 99.—Petition of William Norgate, of Lyttelton. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation for injuries received while loading a rail-way-truck at Lyttelton on the 23rd December, 1899. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Eailways Committee. 25th July, 1900.

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No. 105. —Petition of Bessie Annie Waenee of Auckland. Petitioner prays that she may be granted further compassionate allowance on account of her late husband, who was employed in the Postal Department. I am directed to report that this Committee affirms the decision arrived at on a similar petition considered during the session of 1896 —viz., " That, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner should be granted the same compassionate allowance as other similar cases—eighteen months' pay." 25th July, 1900.

No. 79. —The Wellington Chamber of Commerce and 29 Others, of Wellington. Petitioners pray that the " Act to provide for the Registration of Chambers of Commerce and Mines " may not be passed. I am directed to report that, as the Bill referred to in the petition has been thrown out by the Legislative Council, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 25th July, 1900.

No. 53.—Petition of James Ceichton Young, of Wellington. Petitionek prays that he may be granted additional leave on full pay when leaving the service of the Government Life Insurance Department, &c. I am directed to report that this Committee sees no reason for altering the decision arrived at on the 27th September, 1898—viz., "That the Committee has no recommendation to make." 25th July, 1900.

No. 55. —Petition of Alexandbe Mackay (No. 2), of Paeroa. Petitionee prays that he may be granted the custody of his children, who have been committed to the St. Mary's Industrial School at Ponsonby, Auckland, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. I 25th July, 1900.

No. 94.—Petition of Paul Joseph Muephy, of Kohinui. Petitionee states that he was the lowest tenderer for the carrying of the mails between Mangatainoka, Makairo, and Kohinui, and that his tender was not accepted. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, as this Committee has not been supplied with any reasons why the lowest tender was not accepted in this case, they are unable to express any opinion on the merits of the petition ; but would express the opinion that a grave danger exists in a department refusing to accept the lowest tender if it has not sufficient reasons for so doing. 25th July, 1900.

No. 7. —Petition of John Outeam, of Dunedin. Petitioner states that in the year 1878 he was granted a pension of £188 per annum on leaving the service of the Prisons Department on account of affected eyesight; that during the session of 1890 the vote was struck out of the estimates, and that he has not received any payment of the same since that date. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that this Committee strongly recommends the Government to give effect to the recommendation contained in the report on a similar petition dated the 25th July, 1894 —viz., " That, while fully admitting the absence of any legal claim on the part of the petitioner, nevertheless, the Committee thinks he has some claim to consideration on account of what amounts to a moral obligation having been entered into in the year 1878, when he was granted a gratuity of £188 per annum, which moral obligation the Committee considers would be met by granting the petitioner the sum of £50 per annum." 27th July, 1900.

No. 4. —Petition of Thomas McMillan, of Wanganui. Petitionee prays that he may be granted further compensation for loss of office as Drill Instructor at Wanganui. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 27th July, 1900.

No. 77. —Petition of John Geoege Pascoe, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for relief on account of loss of employment in the Public Works Department, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 27th July, 1900.

No. 121. —Petition of Elizabeth O'Brien, of Lyttelton. Petitionee prays that she may be granted compensation on account of her husband's (Charles Laurence O'Brien) services, lately dispensed with by the Prisons Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 27th July, 1900.

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No. B.—Petition of Bichard B. Taylor, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays that a grant of land may be given to the relatives of the late Sergeant Charles Dearlove for military services rendered by him to the colony. I am directed to report that in view of " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee cannot make any recommendation. 27th July, 1900.

No. 478, 1899. —Petition of Michael O'Connok, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that he may be granted the New Zealand Cross for his bravery at the defence of the Turuturu-Mokai Redoubt in the year 1868. I am directed to report thaf the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 31st July, 1900.

No. 133. —Petition of Paul Joseph Muephy, of North Tiraumea. Petitioner prays for redress in connection with the alleged wrongful action of the Deputy Eeturning Officer for the election of Councillors for the Pukemiku Eiding, County of Pahiatua, on Bth November, 1899. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the Deputy Eeturning Officer did not correctly advise the voters on that occasion. 2nd August, 1900.

No. 161.—Petition of Patrick James Owens, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that he may be granted additional compensation for loss of office as an attendant in the Auckland Lunatic Asylum. I am directed to report that, taking into consideration the circumstances of the case, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 2nd August, 1900.

No. 160. —Petition of Bessie Thorne and 3 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that " The Contagious Diseases. Act, 1869," may be repealed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd August, 1900.

No. 145. —Petition of John Cubtis and 46 Others, of Kaiwaka. Petitioners pray that they may be granted the sum of £350 for the construction of a wharf at Maungaturoto. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 2nd August, 1900.

No. 148.—Petition of H. Quane and Co. and 47 Others, of Christchurch. Petitioners pray that legislation may be introduced making the issue of trading-stamps and tradecoupons illegal. I am directed to report that there is now a measure before the House dealing with the subject-matter of the petition. The Committee has no recommendation to make. 2nd August, 1900.

No. 70.—Petition of W. F. Mason, of Eotorua. . •■ Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation on account of injuries alleged to have been received while performing the duties of bath-keeper at the " Postmaster " Bath, Eotorua. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth August, 1900. :

No. 127. —Petition of J. J. O'Donohue, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that he may be granted re-employment in the Prisons Department, or a retiringallowance, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th August, 1900. • '

No. 102. —Petition of Thomas Quirke, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that an inquiry may be made into the circumstances of his dismissal from the Police Force of the colony, that he may be reinstated in the service, and that he be granted other relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, ex-Police Constable Quirke has been sufficiently punished, and recommends the Government to favourably consider his re-employ-ment. . . loth August, 1900.

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No. 87.—Petition of John McMahon, of Auckland. Petitioneb prays that he may be reinstated as sergeant in the Police Force, and for other relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th August, 1900.

No. 249. —Petition of Alfbed Beynolds, of Christchurch. Petitionee prays that he may be granted compensation for the loss of an eye caused by a spark from a passing railway-engine. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Eailways Committee. 16th August, 1900. .

• No. 120.—Petition of Lucy Janet Nutt, of Marton. Petitionee prays that she may be granted further compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services in the Post and Telegraph Department. I am directed to report that this Committee is strongly of the opinion that the death of the petitioner's husband was accelerated, if not entirely caused, by overzeal on behalf of the department he was serving, and that, under these circumstances, the petitioner is entitled to a further compassionate allowance of £140. 16th August, 1900.

No. 159.—Petition of John Lodis Eolland, of Eeefton. Petitioneb prays that he may be. granted some reward for services as military chaplain during the Maori War, &c. I am directed to report that this Committee strongly commends the petitioner's case to the very favourable consideration of the Government. 16th August, 1900.

No. 231. —Petition of Thomas Pattebson, of Invercargill. Petitionee prays that he may be granted further compensation on account of injuries received at a railway-crossing in the year 1886. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Eailways Committee. 16th August, 1900.

No. 230. —David Miller and Another, of Catlin's. Petitionees state that although they have resided in the colony for upwards of thirty-eight years they are debarred from receiving the old-age pension through having resided out of New Zealand for three years during the last twenty-five. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st August, 1900.

No. 43. —Petition of Waltee A. White, of Hunua. Petitionee prays that he may be granted relief in connection with certain sections of Crown lands taken from him, &c. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition.should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 21st August, 1900.

No. 147. —Petition of Bobeet Hendebson McPhebson, of Oamaru. (Eeport No. 1.) Petitioneb prays that he may be granted further compensation for the loss of office as sergeantmajor in the New Zealand Defence Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st August, 1900.

No. 170.—Petition of Henby C. Powell and Another, of Herekino. Petitionebs pray —Firstly, that letters of naturalisation may be issued to certain Austrian village settlers in the Herekino district; and, secondly, that fines and Court expenses, amounting to £50, for digging for gum without a license at Kaikino, &c, may be refunded. I am directed to report : (1.) That the persons mentioned in the petition not being eligible or suitable for naturalisation this Committee has no recommendation to make. (2.) That inasmuch as they have received great consideration from the Court which heard their case the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st August, 1900.

No. 215. —Petition of G. Page and Sons and 19 Others, of Nelson, and 19 other similar Petitions as per attached Schedule. Petitionees pray that subsection (7) of section 39 of the proposed Factories Bill, 1900, may be expunged from the Bill. 1 am directed to report that the Committee is strongly of the opinion that the prayer of the petitioners should be granted, and that subsection (7) of section 39 of the Factories Bill, 1900, should be expunged. 23rd August, 1900.

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Nos. 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 256, 257, 258, 259, 282, 283, 292, and 296.—Petitions of A. Price and 52 Others, of Thames; Thomas Chrisp and 25 Others, of Gisborne ; H. W. Atkinson and 19 Others, of W T hangarei; E. Farrell and 34 Others, of Onehunga ; Kearns, Younghusband, and Co. and 25 Others, of Auckland; E. Morton and 271 Others, of Auckland; E. H. Nolan and 103 Others, of Hawera ; James Scanlon and 11 Others, of Westport ; W. Spedding and 101 Others, of Auckland ; John Fisher and 9 Others, of Auckland ; W. H. Smith and 13 Others, of Auckland ; Eobert Gilmour and 21 Others, of Invercargill; B. Curtis and 50 Others, of Dunedin; J. H. Dalton and Co. and 42 Others, of Auckland; H. W. Burgess and 51 Others, of Wellington ; C. Nicholls and 32 Others, of Auckland; E. H. Wyatt and 5 Others, of Whangarei; George Murch and 51 Others, of Wanganui; T. Vivian and 11 Others, of Auckland.

No. 297. —Petition of Henry Paekeb, of Waiuku. Petitionee prays that he may be granted compensation for the loss of office as district constable at Waiuku. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd August, 1900.

No. 165. —Petition of Amelia Mooney, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that she may be granted further compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services as messenger. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd August, 1900.

No. 284. —Petition of J. C. Swainson and 92 Others, of Otaki. Petitionebs pray that the Old-age Pensions Act may be so amended as to allow aged persons who have resided in the colony for upwards of fifty years, but who do not receive the benefits of the Act because they have not attained the age of sixty-five years, to be eligible for pensions. I am directed to report that, as it is the intention of the Government to bring down an Oldage Pension Bill this session, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd August, 1900.

No. 177. —Petition of Mary Josephine Taylor, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that inquiry may be made into the cause of her dismissal as charwoman at the Parliamentary Buildings. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd August, 1900.

No. 238. —Petition of James Victor, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that an inquiry may be made into the circumstances of his dismissal from office as headmaster of the Native school at Eaukamaunga and the cancellation of his teacher's certificate. I am directed to report that, considering the gravity of the offence for which the petitioner was dismissed, and of which there is ample evidence, this Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th August, 1900.

No. 210.—Petition of Donald Petrie, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation for loss of office as Inspector of Schools under the Provincial Government of Otago for the period of three years ending the 31et December, 1876. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th August, 1900.

No. 327.—Petition of B. Mitchelson and 127 Others, of Dargaville. Petitioners pray that the post- and telegraph-office at Dargaville may be moved to a more central site, and that it also be enlarged. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th August, 1900.

No. 345. —Petition of John Wilks, of Wade. Petitioner prays that he may receive a grant of land for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th August, 1900.

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No. 329.—Petition of James Samson Neave, of Gore. Petitioneb prays that the law-costs incurred by and owing to him on account of the prosecution and conviction of William Lambert for perjury in connection with the case of John James Meikle may be paid to him. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th August, 1900.

No. 346.—Petition of John Wilkins and 29 Others, of Auckland. (Eeport No. 1.) Petitionees pray that the manufacture of pure and wholesome wines may be encouraged, and that the present licensing law in respect to wine licenses may be amended. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th August, 1900.

No. 260.—Petition of Eev. Joseph S. Smalley, of Nelson. Petitioner prays that a Bill may be introduced making the totalisator illegal. T am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th September, 1900.

No. 322.—Petition of T. W. P. Smith and 165 Others, of Auckland. Petitionebs pray that all Government subsidies to local bodies may be made available for expenditure in the spring of each year, and that the taking-up and settling of Crown lands be facilitated in every way, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th September, 1900.

No. 209.—Petition of John Geobge Pascoe, of Wellington. * Petitioneb prays that he may be granted a rehearing of his case, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee sees no reason for departing from the decision arrived at on a similar petition dated the 25th July last—viz., " That the Committee has no recommendation to make." 4th September, 1900.

No. 110.—Petition of James Nightingale, of Hokitika. Petitioneb prays that he may be given employment in the Government service, or other relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th September, 1900.

No. 271. —Petition of Nimmo and Blaib and 5 Others, of Dunedin. Petitionebs pray that an alteration may be made in the Customs tariff in connection with the importation of seeds in packets, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th September, 1900.

No. 274. —Petition of Filippo Maeangoni, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that he may be granted some relief in his old age, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th September, 1900.

No. 172. —Petition of John Wheeleb, of Euakiwi. Petitioner prays that further investigation may be made into his claim for a grant for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 11th September, 1900.

No. 346.—Petition of John Wilkins and 29 Others, of Auckland. (Eeport No. 2.) Petitioners pray that the manufacture of pure and wholesome wines may be encouraged, and that the present licensing law in respect to wine licenses may be amended. The report on this petition having been referred back by the House to the Committee for urther consideration, I am directed to report that, after further consideration, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th September, 1900. •

No. 308.—Petition of B. S. T. Simpson, of Alford Forest. Petitioner prays for a grant of land, or its equivalent in money, for military services rendered to the colony. Aaul am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 11th September,-1900.

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No. 439.—Petition of John Boss and 37 Others, of Wharekawa. Petitioneks pray that John Boss may be granted the sum of £100 for his time and trouble in making a portion of the road between Whangamata and Wharekawa. I am directed to report that, as there is no information before them to show the nature of the services rendered, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 13th September, 1900.

No. 437. —Petition of Jambs Miller and 7 Others, of Bideford and Whareama. Petitioners pray that they may be granted the sum of £300 to improve the road from Bideford to the Bast Coast. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th September, 1900.

No. 440.—Petition of W. Walls and 113 Others, of Matakanui, &c. Petitioneks pray for the construction of the Thompson's Gorge Boad. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th September, 1900.

No. 393. —Petition of James B. Paterson and 618 Others, of Waiapu District. Petitionebs pray that the triennial licensing poll may not be abolished, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th September, 1900.

No. 403.—Petition of E. Wagner, of Bamarama. Petitioner prays for a grant of £250 to form and metal portions of the main road in the Opaheke Highway District. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 13th September, 1900.

No. 441.—Petition of Hector Sheenan and 49 Others, of Wanganui. Petitioners pray that the Government may acquire land for working-men's homes in the vicinity of Wanganui. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 13th September, 1900.

No. 287.—Petition of Simon Byan and 9 Others, of Wanganui. Petitioners pray that they may receive a grant on account of military services rendered to the colony, &c. I am directed to report that, as certain other old soldiers have received separate grants for separate services, the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners' claims should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th September, 1900.

No. 442.—Petition of Alfred Henry White, of Nelson. Petitioner prays that an inquiry may be held, or that he be reappointed as head-attendant at the Nelson Lunatic Asylum, or that he be found some suitable employment. I am directed to report that the Committee affirms the resolution arrived at on a similar petition dated the 12th July last—viz., "That the Committee has no recommendation to make." 18th September, 1900.

No. 387.—Petition of G. L. B. Thomas, of Coromandel. Petitioner prays that he may be given a grant of land for military services rendered to the colony. , I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th September, 1900.

No. 395.—Petition of John Shea, of Wanganui. Petitioner prays that he may be given a grant of land for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner's remission certificate was placed in the hands of an agent, who failed to exercise it within the time prescribed by Act, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 19th September, 1900.

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No. 448.—Petition of Louisa Wilkinson, of Palmerston North. (No. 1.) Petitioner prays that the sum of £191 Os. 10d., moneys alleged to be due to her on account of her late husband's services in the Mines Department, may be paid to her. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th September, 1900.

No. 147. —Petition of Bobebt Hendebson McPheeson, of Oamaru. (Report No. 2.) Petitioneb prays that he may be granted further compensation for loss of office as staff sergeantmajor. The report on this petition having been referred back to the Committee by the House for the purpose of taking further evidence, I am directed to report that the Committee, having again fully considered the petition, sees no reason to alter the decision arrived at on the 16th August lastviz., " That the Committee has no recommendation to make." 25th September, 1900.

No. 488.—Petition of G. Sellwood and 248 Others, of Howick. Petitionebs pray that some assistance may be given towards lengthening the Howick Wharf. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 25th September, 1900.

No. 438. —Petition of E. Pobteb and Co. and 22 Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that the petroleum oils, stove naphtha, gasoline, and distillate, may be placed on the duty-free list. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 9th October, 1900.

No. 445. —Petition of T. T. McAlistee, of Tapanui. Petitionee prays that he may be granted a refund of a fine of £100, inflicted in connection with an alleged defrauding of the Customs revenue. I am directed to report that, while recognising that a fraud was committed, the Committee is of opinion that the fine inflicted of £100 was a very heavy one, considering the value of the goods affected, and accordingly refers the petition to the Government for consideration. 9tb October, 1900.

No. 331. —Petition of Amos Smabt and 511 Others, of Kowai and District. Petitionees pray for a modification of the regulation in respect of netting indigenous fishjat the mouth of the Ashley Eiver. I am directed to report that, as the department undertakes to amend the existing regulations prescribing fishing at the mouth of the Ashley Eiver as recommended by the Government Inspector of Fisheries, the Committee is satisfied that will meet the prayer of the petitioners, and accordingly recommends the same be given effect to. 9th October, 1900.

No. 526.—Petition of John Watt, of Pahiatua. Petitioneb prays that a small bonus may be granted to the inventor of any or system that will create a market for New Zealand mineral oils in their crude or unrefined state, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th October, 1900.

No. 166.—Petition of Belinda Phcebe Mageath, of Wanganui. Petitioneb prays that she may be granted some land on account of her late husband's military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1900.

No. 552.—Petition of B. Monk and 89 Others, of Kyeburn and Naseby. Petitionebs pray that they maybe granted telephonic communication with Naseby, and for a more frequent mail-service. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 10th October, 1900.

No. 573. —Petition of Louisa Wilkinson, of Wellington. (No. 2.) Petitionee prays that certain sums of money, alleged to be due to her on account "o her late husband's services in the Mines Department, may be paid to her. I am directed to report that the Committee, having again considered this matter, affirm the resolution arrived at on a similar petition on the 18th September last—viz., " That the Committee has no recommendation to make." 10th October, 1900.

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No. 533. —Petition of Saeah Ann Tayloe, of Manakau. Petitionbe prays that she may be granted 60 acres of land on account of her late husband's military services rendered to the colony, &c. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner's omission to make use of her late husband's land certificate within the prescribed time was owing to the Lands Department having mislaid it, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 10th October, 1900.

No. 557. —Petition of W. Eobbetson and 2 Others, of Maori Hill. Petitionees pray that the Dunedin Drainage and Sewerage Bill may be referred to the local bodies interested before being passed into law. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 10th October, 1900.

Nos. 625 and 626.—Petitions of J. H. Wilson and 36 Others, and Eobeet Wallace and 63 Others. Petitionees pray that legislation may be introduced to suppress the gaming evil in New Zealand. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petitions be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th October, 1900.

No. 598.—Petition of E. C. Mouldby, of Christchureh. Petitionbe prays that the licensing law may be so amended as to allow New-Zealand-made wines to be sold in smaller quantities than 2 gallons. I am directed to report that the question of the sale of New Zealand light wines in less quantities than 2 gallons be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with the view of provision being made for the issue of licenses for the sale of the same in the contemplated Licensing Bill. 13th October, 1900.

No. 568.—Petition of Stbwaet Menzies, of Silverstream. Petitioner prays that he may be granted a further sum of money for the discovery of the body of A. B. Hawthorne, who was murdered at Silverstream. I am directed to report that the Committee recognises that Mr. Menzies has done valuable public service in assisting to obtain evidence in connection with the Silverstream murder case, especially in the discovery of the murdered man's body; but, considering that service of this nature is every citizen's duty, the Committee cannot recommend any further payment to the petitioner. 13th October, 1900.

No. 593.—Petition of A. B. Moeeison and 331 Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that the existing permission to close for half a day on Saturday, in place of the day selected, be not interfered with. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the option of closing on Saturday afternoons should not be interfered with. 13th October, 1900.

Final Eepoet. I have the honour to report that the Committee has held twenty-five meetings during the session. Number of petitions referred to the Committee ... ... ... 118 Number of petitions dealt with by the Committee ... ... ... 110 Number of petitions not dealt with by the Committee ... ... ... 8 Number of reports presented to the House ... ... ... ... 110 Number of specific recommendations made therein ... ... ... 17 Number referred to Government for favourable consideration ... ... 18 Number referred to Government for consideration ... ... ... 19 Number no recommendation, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 56 I am also directed to report the following resolution passed by the Committee, viz. : " That this Committee desires to place on record its sense of appreciation of the efficient services rendered by Mr. Dasent, clerk to the Committee, extending over several sessions. His aptitude for business, his punctual attention to his duties, and his uniform courtesy command the respect of the Committee. They have therefore much pleasure in recommending him to the favourable consideration of the Government for employment during the recess, and that this resolution be reported to the House." 13th October, 1900. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,200 copies), £6 Us. 6d.

By Authority: John Maokay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oo.

Price 6d.]