REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS A TO L COMMITTEE. (Mr. JOYCE, CHAIRMAN.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1897 Session II, I-01

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Sess. 11.—1897. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS A TO L COMMITTEE. (Mr. JOYCE, CHAIRMAN.)

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

ORDERS OP REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Fbiday, the 15th Day of Octobeh, 1897. Ordered, " That a Public Petitions A to L Committee, consisting of ten members, be appointed to consider all petitions that may be referred to it by the Petitions Classification Committoo, 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 information respecting 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. The Committeo to consist of Mr. Crowther, Mr. Joyce, Mr. J. W. Kelly, Mr. Lawry, Mr. Massey, Mr. R. McKenzie, Mr. McLean, Mr. O'Regan, Mr. Wilson, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones.)

Fbiday, the 19th Day of Novembeb, 1897. Ordered, "That the names of Messrs. Wilson and Massey bo discharged from the Public Petitions A to L Committee, and the names of Messrs. Symes and Letbbridge substituted therefor."— (Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones.)

INDEX.

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[o. Petition. Page. No. Petition. Page. A. Abbott, J. W., and Others Abraham, R. S., and Others Arthur, D. M. 202 133 03 219 45 40 35 D. 9 3 3 4 3 4 2 290 308 96 ■s 9 5 Daoombe, W. H. Davis, A., and Others Deane, Mary E. Dudley, Ven. Archdeacon B. T. Duffin, John Duthie, W. O., and Others Dyer, J. H. .. B. 8 6 7 4 7 7 4 6 7 3 5 248 60 257 211 237 157 115 70 50 75 129 Banks, D. Barnes, Catherine Barrett, John Bayliss, C. E., and Others Beaufoy, H., and Others Becher, T., and Others Bell, John Bellerly, A. L., and Others Brooke, T. R. Brown, Major Charles Burn, D. 266 E. Erwin, A., and Another P. 51 187 268 Field, Emma Fook On Forrester, J., and Others 6 5 9 111 162 26 288 52 G. c. 4 6 9 5 6 6 8 7 7 5 9 6 6 2 George, Thomas J. Gilbert, J. J. .. Goring, F. Y. .. Gourley, H., and Others Graham, T., and Others 6 7 5 8 7 210 23 302 132 198 83 116 43 16 2* 311 62 5 82 Caldwell, Jane Cane, Owen Carey, J. B. .. Carlton, W., and Others Chadwin, W., and Others Clark, G., and Others .. Clarke, B. L. .. Clifford, R. .. Clist, C. B., and Others Cogswell, W. P. Corbett, H., and Others Cosgrave, M. .. Craig, W. F. .. Crofts, H. E. .. 54 127 29 163 2 46 4 85 H. Hamlin, Isabella Harley, John, and Others Harper, C. J., and Others Harrison, J., and Others Harvey, G. M. Haselden, J. L., and Son Hausmann, J. A., and Others .. Hay, John 5 4 6 6 7 2 6 2 * Soss. I., 1807.

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INDEX— continued.

No. 9.—Petition of J. H. Kelly, of Ngaruawahia. Petitionee prays for compensation for sheep said to have been poisoned by a Eabbit Inspector. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th November, 1897.

No. 82.—Petition of H. E. Ceofts, of Auckland. Petitionee prays for compensation for loss of office. _ I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 4th November, 1897.

No. 85.—Petition of John Hay, of Middlemarch. Petitionee prays for compensation for alleged ill-treatment by the police. ■ I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has not supported his statements by evidence, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th November, 1897. i

No. 35.—Petition of J. H. Dyee, of Hokianga. Petitionee prays for redress as against the decision of a Stipendiary Magistrate. '• I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has not exhausted his legal remedies, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th November, 1897.

No. 46.—Petition of J. L. Haselden and Son, of Molesworth Street, Wellington. Petitionees pray for redress as against a certain action of the University Senate. I am directed to report that the Committee is of the opinion that the November examinations should be advertised in the public Press in the same manner as those held in December, and that, if this were done, such cases as the petitioners' would be much less frequent; also that, under the circumstances, the University Senate should afford the petitioners, and others similarly situated, an opportunity of sitting for examination in June next. 4th November, 1897.

No. 120.—-Petition of A. H. Jones, of Christchurch. Petitionee prays for an inquiry into the matter of his compulsory resignation from the Police Force. I am directed to report that, taking into consideration all the facts of the case, the Committee is of the opinion that the Police Eegulations should be amended so as to allow men placed in similar circumstances a chanco to recover their position ; but that, as the facts are admitted, there is no necessity for the inquiry asked for. 4th November, 1897.

No, Petition. i Page. No, Petition. Page. 178 68 182 289 281 Henderson, Alexander Hislop, J., and Others Howe, G., and Others Hursthouse, C. W., and Others Hutt, M., and Others .. 3 6 6 9 8 11 12 15 106 Leech, Captain S. A. .. Lester, R. E. .. Liddell, Herbert Lowry, J. R., and Others 3 5 4 8 304 14 291 99 120 167 292 J. Jackson, R. A., and Others Johns, E. Johnson, C. J., and Others Jolly, S. C. .. Jones, A. H. ... .. Jones, J. G., and Others Jones, W. H. .. 8 6 9 6 2 4 9 17 164 M. Matthews, E. W. D„ and Others McRae, G., and Others 6 6 298 N. Naismith, G., and Others' 9 97 o. K. Kallangher, J. P., jun., and Others ICellv, Jessie Kelly, J. H Kennedy, Thomas, jun. Kew, Manfred Keys, William, and Others Kimboll, A. C. King, John Knight, Charlotte Koch, A. .. i . . .. O'Neill, J., and Others 168 57 9 66 119 275 112 49 65 10 6 3 2 5 4 8 5 7 3 4 297 218 P. Priestly, J. B., and Others R. Ross, G., and Others .. 169 124 s. Sim, John, and Others Smaill, G., and Others.. Special Report • ■■■■■.. a 6 9 201 105 25 44 41 L. 8 6 5 7 8 T. Lano, R., and Others Lane, T. M., and Others Laney, James Langman, R. .. Lawson, John 199} 296 J Turnbull, J., and Others w. Wilson, A., and Others 8 98

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No. 45.—Petition of John Duppin, of New Plymouth. Petitionee prays for compensation for dismissal from the Police Force. I am directed to report that, having regard to the petitioner's long service to the colony without a mark against his name, the Committee considers that he has, in consequence of one lapse from duty, been treated with undue severity. Therefore the Committee recommends that his case should receive reconsideration from the Police Department. 4th November, 1897.

No. 63.—Petition of Mary E. Deane, of Masterton. Petitionee prays that a certain legacy may be paid to her by the Public Trustee. ( . I am directed to report that the Committee has gone fully into the circumstances of the case, and obtained a report from the Public Trustee, stating that every effort has been made to discover the next-of-kin in the estate, but without result. Bearing in mind the fact that the circumstances set forth in the petition are fully borne out by statutory declarations made by those present at the time of the deceased's death, the Committee recommends that, as the amount to the credit of the estate has been paid into the Consolidated Fund, the sum of £89 9s. 7d. should be placed upon the supplementary estimates, and be divided equally between the claimants. 4th November, 1897. '

No. 178. —Petition of Alexandee Hendeeson, of Wellington. Petitionee prays that he may have a fair and impartial inquiry before a judicial tribunal into the charges made against him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the prayer of the petitioner should be granted. And the Committee is strongly of the opinion that he should be enabled to have the charges made against him investigated before some judicial tribunal, as it has been shown that the former investigation was incomplete. 4th November, 1897.

No. 65. —Petition of Charlotte Knight, of New Brighton, Christchurch. Petitioner prays for redress as against the New Brighton Tramway Company. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th November, 1897.

No. 133.—Petition of A. Davis and 243 Others, of Taupo. Petitionees pray that the Government may take over the " Terraces Hotel" and grounds at Taupo as a Government sanatorium. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the site referred to in the petition is well suited for a Government sanatorium, and would recommend the prayer of the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 12th November, 1897.

No. 116. —Petition of E. L. Clarke, of Auckland. Petitionee prays for redress as against a decision of the Supreme Court. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th November, 1897.

No. 57.—Petition of Jessie Kelly, of Wycliffe Terrace, Port Chalmers. Petitionee prays for a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's service to the colony. I am directed to report that, as no fresh evidence has been tendered, the Committee is of the opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 12th November, 1897.

No. 75. —Petition of Major Chaeles Beown, of New Plymouth. Petitionee prays for an inquiry and relief. I am directed to report that the Committee is of the opinion that, considering the petitioner's long and meritorious public service to the colony, the subject-matter of his petition should be referred to the Chief Judge of the Native Land Court for inquiry by him, or such other Judge as he (the Chief Judge) may recommend to the Government to make such inquiry. - 12th November, 1897.

No. 11.—Petition of Captain S. A. Leech, of Westport. Petitionee prays that the recommendation made last year by the Committee may be given effect to. • I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this case differs from others of a similar character (such as Pilot Burgess, of Auckland), inasmuch as Captain Leech had a certain amount of General Government service. The Committee therefore recommends the petition to the consideration of the Government. 16th November, 1897.

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No. 115.—Petition of John Bell, of Queen Street, Auckland. Petitioner prays for an inquiry re the decision in a certain case of a Stipendiary Magistrate. I am directed to report that the documentary evidence of many respectable residents of Auckland shows that the petitioner (who is well known to them) was for many years considered by them to be a sober man of good character; but, as that evidence was not produced before the Magistrate when he made the order under the Married Woman's Protection Act, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th November, 1897.

No. 10.—Petition of A. Koch, of Tinakori Eoad, Wellington. Petitionee prays for a compassionate allowance on account of the death of his son while in the service of the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th November, 1897.

No. 210.—Petition of Jane Caldwell, of Napier. Petitionee prays for compensation on account of her daughter's loss of health while employed by the Government. I am directed to report that, in consequence of the allegations made in the petition, the Committee is of the opinion that the Government should make further inquiries regarding the same. 19th November, 1897.

No. 219.—Petition of the Venerable B. T. Dudley, Archdeacon of Auckland. Petitioner prays that the Divorce Bill as now before the House may not pass. I am directed to report that, as the Bill in question is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th November, 1897.

No. 211.—Petition of C. E. Bayliss and 583 Others, of Wellington. Petitionees pray that the Wellington City Empowering Bill may not pass. I am directed to report that, the Bill in question having already passed the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th November, 1897. _-_

No. 40.—Petition of W. O. Duthie and 50 Others, of Quarry Hills, Waikawa. Petitionees pray for a reduction of their rents paid for lands held under the Crown. I am directed to report that, as the prayer of the petition involves a matter of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th November, 1897.

No. 167.—Petition of J. G. Jones and 10 Others, of Taheke, Auckland. Petitionees pray that the Government may resume control over the Punakitere Settlement. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make 24th November, 1897.

No. 127.—Petition of John Haeley and 33 Others, of the Upper Manuherikia District. Petitionees pray that a sum of money may be placed upon the estimates for a bridge over the Manuherikia Eiver. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make 24th November, 1897.

No. 15.—Petition of Heebeet Liddell, of Waipawa, Hawke's Bay. Petitionee prays for the reissue of a remission certificate. I am directed to report that the remission certificate was issued in January, 1892, two years after the decease of William Liddell, the person named therein. That probate was granted to the petitioner of the estate of the said William Liddell in July, 1890. That, upon the issue of the said remission certificate by the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Napier, the petitioner produced probate and obtained the certificate. That the petitioner sold the certificate, but the purchaser failed to surrender the same within the statutory limitation. The Committee therefore recommends the Government to place the sum of £30 upon the supplementary estimates for payment to the petitioner. 24th November, 1897.

No. 119. —Petition of Manpeed Kew, of Pokeno, Auckland. Petitionee prays for redress as against the Auckland Charitable Aid Board. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this is a matter between the Auckland Charitable Aid Board and the petitioner, and it has therefore no recommendation to make. 25th November, 1897.

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No. 132. —Petition of W. Caelton and 199 Others, of Eatanui. Petitioners pray that a road may be metalled at Owaka. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government. 25th November, 1897.

No. 187. —Petition of Fook On, of Wellington. Petitionee prays for relief from poll-tax imposed upon his wife. I am directed to report that the Committee is of the opinion that, upon proof of the marriage ceremony in this colony, the Governor be advised to remit the fine of £100, as provided by section 10 of "The Chinese Immigrants Act, 1881." 25th November, 1897.

No. 26.—Petition of F. Y. Goring, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for further compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petitioner's case to the favourable consideration of the Government. 25th November, 1897.

No. 96. —Petition of D. M. Arthur, of Invercargill. Petitioner prays for an inquiry and compensation. I am directed to report that the evidence adduced shows that neither the police nor the committing Magistrate could have acted differently under the circumstances; but that subsequent developments of the case indicate that there are doubts as to the identity of the petitioner. Therefore, considering that the petitioner has lost his employment through his arrest and imprisonment, the Committee recommends that the Stipendiary Magistrate at Invercargill should hold an inquiry into the matter, in order to allow the petitioner a chance to clear his character. 2nd December, 1897.

No. 129.—Petition of D. Burn, of Nelson. Petitionee prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 2nd December, 1897.

No. 12.—Petition of E. E. Lester, of Hokianga. Petitioner prays for redress as against an action of the Lands and Survey Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the Government should pass legislation this session to reinvest the petitioner with the 6 perches of land in question, and to pay him any legal expenses incurred in the matter. 2nd December, 1897.

No. 2 (Session I.). —Petition of W. P. Cogswell, of Te Uku, Eaglan. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 2nd December, 1897.

No. 66. —Petition of Thomas Kennedy, Jun., of Auckland. Petitioner prays for further compensation for loss of office. lam directed to report that the petitioner has no claim against the colony; but the Committee recommends that the member presenting the petition may be allowed to peruse the departmental papers in connection with the case, in order to satisfy the petitioner. 2nd December, 1897.

No. 25.—Petition of James Laney, of Cambridge. Petitioner prays for compensation for military services. I am directed to report that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 2nd December, 1897.

No. 54.—Petition of Isabella Hamlin', of Pokeno. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 2nd December, 1897.

No. 112.—Petition of A. C. Kimbell, of 50, Dixon Street, Wellington. Petitioner prays for redress re certain matters connected with the sale of the Fernhill Bailwayline. I am directed to report that the Committee has heard the petitioner state his case at length, and also received the exhaustive evidence produced, and has found nothing therein contained of a public nature. Therefore the Committee is of the opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 2nd December, 1897.

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No. 99.—Petition of 8. C. Jolly, of New Brighton, Christchurch. Petitioner prays for compensation as the inventor of the conversion-of-loans scheme. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd December, 1897.

No. 4.—Petition of J. A. Hausmann and 118 Others, of Woodend, Kaiapoi. Petitioners pray that the rights of fishing and shooting at a certain lagoon may be made public. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the presentor of the petition may be allowed to withdraw the same. • : ; 3rd December, 1897. , ,■.- ' ■ '

No. 23.—Petition of Owen Cane, of Westport. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd December, 1897. .

No. s.—Petition of W. F. Craig, of Dunedin, Express-proprietor. Petitionee prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd December, 1897. ■

No. 62.—Petition of M. Cosgeave, of Wellington. Petitionee prays for further compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, v, . 3rd December, 1897.

No. 14.—Petition of E. Johns, of Pongaroa. Petitionee prays for redress as against the Wairarapa North County Council. I am directed to report, that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd December, 1897. ■■■

No. 51. —Petition of Emma Field, of Marine Parade, Ponsonby, Auckland. Petitionee prays that the previous report of the Committee may be given effect to. I am directed to report that the Committee has gone through the petitioner's case, and finds that the late Mr. Field had a contract to print the Auckland electoral roll and the supplementary rolls for the year 1893. But in consequence of the passing of " The Electoral Act, 1893," shortly before the general election in the same year, and in view of all the surrounding events which then happened in Auckland, the Committee is of the opinion that inequity the petitioner is entitled to the payment of £93 145., and recommends the Government to place that sum upon the supplementary estimates to meet such payment. 7th December, 1897. '_

Nos. 168 and 169 (similar). — Petitions of J. P. Kallangher, Jun., and 136 Others, of Seadown, and John Sim and 151 Others. Petitioners pray that the proposed gun-tax may not become law. I am directed to report that, as the prayer of these petitions involves a matter of public policy the Committee is of the opinion that the petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th December, 1897.

Nos. 17, 29, 68, 70, 83, 97, 98, 124, 163, 164, 165, 182, 198, and 218 (all similar).—Petitions of E. W. D. Matthews and 89 Others, C. J. Haepee and 226 Others, J. Hislop and 36 Others, A. L. Belleely and 80 Others, G. Clack and 156 Others, J. O'Neill and 40 Others, A. Wilson and 34 Others, G. Smaill and 297 Others, J. Haeeison and 453 Others, G McEae and 37 Others, T. M. Lane and 53 Others, G. Howe and 191 Others, W. Chadwin and 349 Others, and G. Eoss and 56 Others. Petitionees pray that charitable aid may be made a charge upon the Consolidated Fund. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government; but, as the prayer of the petitions involves a matter of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th December, 1897.

No. 60.—Petition of Catheeine Baenes, of 41, Aro Street, Wellington. Petitionee prays for redress as against an action of the police. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th December, 1897.

No. 111.—Petition of Thomas J. George, of Hawera. Petitionee prays for an inquiry into the conduct of the master of the Hawera School. I am directed to report that the Committee, having the assurance of the. Chairman of the Wanganui Education Board that the said Board intends dealing exhaustively with the subjectmatter of the petition, has no recommendation to make. 9th December, 1897.

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No. 257. —Petition of John Barrett, of Kirwee, Canterbury. Petitionee prays for redress on account of an appeal case re the impounding of certain sheep. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the Government should define (by an amending Act) the position of "the nearest accessible pound" under section 11 of "The Impounding Act, 1884," as recent decisions show that there is a wide divergence of legal opinion upon the matter; Also, the Committee recommends the prayer of the petitioner, as regards the reimbursement of expenses incurred, to the favourable consideration of the Government. . 9th December, 1897.

No. 43.—Petition of E. Clifford, of New Plymouth. Petitioner prays for compensation for military services. I am directed to report that, there being no evidence to support the petitioner's claim, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th December, 1897.

No. 44.—Petition of E. Langman, of New Plymouth. Petitionee prays for compensation for military services. I am directed to report that, there being no evidence to support the petitioner's claim, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th December, 1897.

No. 162.—Petition of J. J. Gilbert, of Pukearuhe. Petitioner prays for compensation for dismissal from the Permanent Militia Force. I am directed to-report that it has been shown that the petitioner has already received compensation upon leaving the Force; also that, having regard to the other matters complained of, the petitioner has not exhausted his legal remedies. Therefore the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th December, 1897.

No. 2.—Petition of G. M. Harvey, of Marton. Petitionee prays that the Supreme Court may be empowered to rehear a certain case. I am directed to report that the petitioner has not exhausted his legal remedies, that the lawcourts are still open to him, as to any other citizen of New Zealand, and that he should seek his appropriate legal remedy. The Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th December, 1897.

No. 237. —Petition of H. Beaufoy and 4 Others, of Te Arai, Poverty Bay. Petitioners pray that the sum of £80 expended in defending an action at law, as a School Committee, may be refunded. I am directed to report that the evidence shows that the Education Board for the District of Hawke's Bay is entirely responsible for the payment of the proper costs incurred in the defence of this case. Therefore the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th December, 1897.

No. 52.—Petition of T. Graham and 3 Others, of Otahuhu. Petitioners pray that a sum of money may be placed upon the supplementary estimates to erect a jetty at Otahuhu. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the Government to subsidise the work in question upon the pound-for-pound basis. 10th December, 1897.

No. 157.—Petition of T. Bechee and 86 Others, of Puhoi. Petitioners pray that the Kaipara Eailway may be extended. I am directed to report that, as the prayer of the petition involves a matter of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th December, 1897. * _

No. 49.—Petition of John King, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for redress on account of loss in attending a Eoyal Commission. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th December, 1897.

No. 16.--Petition of C. B. Clist and 301 Others, of Kaiapoi. Petitioners pray that the Ashley Eiver may be excluded from the regulations made re whitebait fishing. I am directed to report that, as it has been shown that the Government has already taken steps favourable to the petitioners, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th December, 1897.

No. 50.—Petition of T. E. Brooke, of 310, Upper Queen Street, Auckland. Petitionee prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th December, 1897. J

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No. 41. — Petition of John Lawson, Official Assignee, Auckland. Petitioner prays for the payment of certain survey fees re a bankrupt's estate. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th December, 1897. •

No. 275. —Petition of William Keys and 33 Others, of Onewhero. Petitionees pray that a bridge may be constructed over the Waikato Eiver at Tuakau. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th December, 1897.

No. 288.—Petition of H. Goueley and 578 Others, of Dunedin. Petitionees pray for the remission of the sentences passed upon certain bookmakers. I am directed to report that, as a part of the subject-matter of this petition is still sub judice, there being an appeal to the Supreme Court, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th December, 1897.

No. 248.—Petition of D. Banks, of Ashley. Petitionee prays for compensation for loss sustained on sheep bought, and afterwards proved to have been stolen. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th December, 1897.

No. 201.—Petition of E. Lane and 49 Others, of Nukuroa. Petitionees pray for redress as against an action of the Deputy Official Assignee at Timaru. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th December, 1897.

No. 266. —Petition of A. Erwin and Another, of Summer Street, Ponsonby. Petitionees pray for a grant of land under the Immigration Act. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th December, 1897.

No. 290. —Petition of J. W. Abbott and 1,999 Others, of Victoria Street, Wellington. Petitioners pray for the remission of the sentences passed upon certain bookmakers. I am directed to report that, as a part of the subject-matter of this petition is still sub judice, there being an appeal to the Supreme Court, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th December, 1897.

No. 281.—Petition of M. Hutt and 49 Others, of Waimate. Petitionees pray that the Bill now before the House to suppress gambling may be passed. I am directed to report that, as the said Bill involves a matter of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th December, 1897.

No. 304.—Petition of E. A. Jackson and 19 Others, of Mamaku. Petitionees pray for a reduction of rents on lands held under the Government. I am directed to report that, as the prayer of the petition involves a matter of public policy, the Committeee has no recommendation to make. 16th December, 1897.

No. 106.—Petition of J. E. Lowey and 40 Others, of Tuapapa, Glen Murray. Petitioners pray for a sum of money to place a punt upon the Waikato Eiver at Churchill. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the Government to subsidise the work in question upon the pound-for-pound basis. . 16th December, 1897.

No. 297.—Petition of J. B. Peiestly and 42 Others, of Hunua. Petitionees pray that the recommendation made by the Committee last year may be given effect to. I am directed to report that the Committee is of the opinion that the former report referred to should be again referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and repeat the same— viz. : " The Committee recommend that, if the Hunua Eoad Board obtain the necessary lands required for the deviation of the said road, the Government should place upon the estimates the sum of £1,500 for the construction of the same." 16th December, 1897.

Nos. 199 and 296. —Petitions of J. Turnbull and 21 Others, of Invercacgill (Nos. 1 and 2). Petitionees pray that certain proposed fishing regulations may not become law. I am directed to report that, as the Bill in question is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th December, 1897.

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No. 298. —Petition of G. Naismith and 12 Others, of Half-moon Bay. Petitioners pray that charitable aid may be made a charge upon the Consolidated Fund, I am directed to report that, as the prayer of the petition involves a matter of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th December, 1897.

No. 302. —Petition of J. B. Caeey, of Hawera. Petitionee prays for redress on account of certain conduct of the police. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th December, 1897.

No. 202.—Petition of W. H. Dacombe, of Christchurch. Petitionee prays for compensation for maltreatment in the Christchurch Hospital. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government to ascertain the truthfulness or otherwise of the statements made; and, if the same prove to be true, the Committee recommends the Government to ask the Hospital authorities to find some suitable employment for the petitioner, failing which, as the case is a necessitous one, that the Government should provide the same. 20th December, 1897.

No. 268. —Petition of J. Foreestee and 174 Others, of Eweburn, Otago. Petitionees pray that those engaged in agricultural pursuits may be equally considered, in the matter of water rights, with those engaged in mining. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 20th December, 1897.

No. 308. —Petition of E. S. Abeaham and 4 Others, of Palmerston North. Petitionees pray that they (as a Licensing Committee) may be reimbursed the costs in a certain licensing case. I am directed to report that the Committee finds that the Auditor-General will not allow the local body to pay the costs, as the statute makes no provision therefor; that the Stipendiary Magistrate, being a statutory officer, was compelled to support the judgment of the Licensing Committee on appeal, which was dismissed, and costs given against the appellant; but through the indigence of the appellant the costs cannot be recovered. The Committee is of the opinion that the Government should place such a sum upon the supplementary estimates as will relieve such Stipendiary Magistrate and the Committee from any personal liability for the payment of such costs. 20th December, 1897.

No. 292.—Petition of W. H. Jones, of 23, Lichfield Street, Christchurch Petitionee prays for compensation for injuries received on the railway. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 20th December, 1897.

Nos. 289 and 291. —Petitions of C. W. Hursthouse and 69 Others, of Te Kuiti; and C. J. Johnson and 35 Others, of Otorohanga. Petitionees pray that licensed houses may be granted in the King-country. I am directed to report that, as these petitions involve a matter of public policy, the Committee is of the opinion that they should be referred to the Government for consideration . 20th December, 1897.

No. 311.—Petition of H. Corbett and 28 Others, of Cricklewood. Petitionees pray that a stock-bridge may be erected over the Tengawai Eiver. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the Government to subsidise the work in question upon the pound-for-pound basis. 20th December, 1897.

Special. We, the members of the Public Petitions A to L Committee, are again desirous of expressing oar appreciation of the able, efficient, and satisfactory manner in which our Chairman, John Joyce, Esq., M.H.E., has discharged his duties during this session of 1897. As our findings have generally been unanimous, we are desirous that this resolution should be recorded upon the minutes of this meeting. Signed upon behalf of the Committee, 20th December, 1897. W. Crowthee. Approximate Cost of Paper,— Preparation, not given; printing (1,2.50 copies), £>\ 9s. 3d.

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

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