1.—2.

and that in their opinion the time has arrived when provision should be made for separate institutions for weak-minded or imbecile and 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; and, further, that from the evidence before them the Committee is of the opinion that there is urgent necessity for immediate action being taken by the Government in the matter." 17th September, 1902.

No. 458.—Petition of Eeank J. Oakes and 3 Others, of Wellington. Petitionees pray that an annual subsidy may be granted to the North Island Brass Band Association towards the expenses of holding brass-band contests in the various centres. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th September, 1902.

No. 461. —Petition of W. M. de Weston, of Christchurch. Petitionee prays for relief on account of having been imprisoned for three months for criminal libel. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th September, 1902.

No. 470. —Petition of Geoege Eobson, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that he may be granted 60 acres of land, or £30 in lieu thereof, for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition to be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th September, 1902.

No. 410. —Petition of Alexandee Walkee and 15 Others, of Waimangaroa. Petitionees pray that ammunition may be sold to Defence rifle clubs on the same terms and conditions as it is supplied to other branches of the Defence Forces of the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th September, 1902.

Nos. 452, 471, 472, and 473.—Petitions of Chaeles Welch and 113 Others, Eev. Canon Coates and 53 Others, E. L. McKinstby and 42 Others, and J. M. Devenish and 62 Others. Petitionees state that, as gambling is demoralising to the individual and baneful to the best interests of the community, they pray that the totalisator may be entirely suppressed. I am directed to report that the Committee affirms the resolution reported to the House on the 11th instant in connection with a number of similar petitions—viz., " That, in view of the large and influential representations made by the 7,143 petitioners praying for the abolition of the totalisator, this Committee recommends the prayer of the petitioners to the earnest consideration of the Government." 30th September, 1902.

No. 467. —Petition of J. Beale and 102 Others, of Petone. Petitionees pray that the publication by newspapers of the winners of sweepstakes, "tote betting," and " street betting," may be prevented. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th September, 1902.

No. 432. —Petition of Maey Ann Saundees, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that she may be granted 80 acres of land, or £40 in lieu thereof, for military services rendered by her late husband to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th September, 1902.

Final Eepoet. I have the honour to report that the Committee has held sixteen meetings during the session. Number of petitions referred to the Committee ... .. ... 144 Number of petitions dealt with by the Committee ... ... ... 142 Number of petitions not dealt with ... ... ... ... ... 2 Number of reports presented to the House ... ... ... ... 43 Number of specific recommendations made therein ... ... ... 7 Number referred to Government for consideration ... ... ... 16 Number of "No recommendation," &c. ... ... ... ~, 20

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