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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1899 Session I, I-02

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1899. 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. Wednesday, the 12th Day of July, 1899. 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 abstraots 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 ita opinions and observations thereupon to this House ; also to have power to call for persons and papers: three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Field, Mr. Fraser, Mr. Holland, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Meredith, Mr. Monk, Mr. Moore, Mr. Morrison, Mr. O'Meara, and the Mover."—(Hon. Mr. T. Thompson.)

INDEX.

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No. Petition. Page. No. Petition. Page. 62 27 18 216 361 33 264 26 477 497 76 10 11 125 82 89 142 120 41 Mackay, W. G., and 102 Others.. Mackenzie, Jessie, and 112 Others Macbeth, F. D. Macky, James MacDougall, Allan Madigan, Patrick Malone, Josiah Marin, Louis Marshall, John Taylor Marshall, James, and 109 Others Masefield Brothers and 39 Others Masters, W. W., and 56 Others (No. 1) Masters, W. W., and 61 Others (No. 2) Maxfield, Harry Meikle, John James Meikle, William, and 54 Others .. Montgomery, Eliza Musson, G., and 37 Others Myers, John Scott 2 2 4 6 9 5 7 2 9 9 3 2 2 4 4 3 5 3 8 431 Pye, William A., and 106 Others 8 55 Quirke, Thomas 3 382 469 68 12 209* '262 446 56 152 Ranger, Henry J., and 97 Others Ranish, Harry Rattigan, Peter Raven, William James, and 4 Others Raven, William James, and 4 Others Roisterer, Lorenz Rizzi, Agostino Ross, R. J. .. Rountree, John Resolution of Committee asking the House to refer petitions held over from last session Report, Final 7 9 6 4 5 7 9 2 6 3 10 28 388 57 464 318 47 227 375* 71 162 McAuliffe, John McGaffin, A., and 34 Others McKeown, Arthur McKeever, William MoKinnon, Gordon McLean, Arthur MoLellan, James MoMurray, Gavin McNelies, Mathew Mo Williams, W. F. Daldy 2 7 2 8 8 4 6 5 7 6 221* 20 43 390* 38 449 451 377 491 288 4 Sohnackenberg, Mrs. A. J., and 4 Others.. Scott, John Scully, Hannah Scully, Patrick .. Scully, James Seagar Brothers Seymour, A. P. Shearman, Thomas Shepherd, T. V., and 1,479 Others Smith, Margaret Smith, Clara 4 2 ' 3 3 6 9 8 8 9 7 5 3 8 380 175 Tarrant, H. A., and 42 Others Tindall, Thomas R. .. 7 5 53 356 Neill, Robert, and 5 Others Nicholas, Henry 282 Vaughan, Joseph, and 30 Others 6 506 252 111 150 291 O'Donohue, Jeremiah John O'Leary, Jeremiah O'Neil, John .. O'Rourke, Bartholomew Osborne, Samuel, and 38 Others 9 9 4 5 6 211 107 515 364 19 124 496 105 507 31 266 386 52 Waterworth, W. Wheeler, John White, Rose Wiloock, William George Wilford, Thomas Mason Wilks, John Willis, W. N. de L., and 60 Others Wilson, A., and 56 Others Woller, Frederick Woodbury, Frederick Woodford, Edward Worden, Thomas, and 155 Others Wright, A., and 131 Others .. 6 4 10 8 5 4 • 9 3 9 7 7 8 6 63 110 387* 77 299 37 16 Parker, W. J., and 62 Others Peterson, John Petit, W., and 795 Others Phillips, Coleman Piatt, W. S., and 33 Others Porter, James.. Power, Patrick 5 4 4 3 6 3 4 * 1898.

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EE POETS.

No. 57.—Petition of Arthue McKeown, of Pihama. Petitioner prays for relief on account of certain law-costs incurred in an action brought against the Public Trustee. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 19th July, 1899. .

No. 20.—Petition of John Scott, of Sydenham. Petitioner prays for relief on account of injury received while in the employment of the Railway Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Eailways Committee. 19th July, 1899.

No. 56.—Petition of Eichard John Boss, of Thames. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation for military services rendered. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner's claim has been considered and reported upon by the Commissioner appointed under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th July, 1899.

No. 28. —Petition of James McAulifpe, of Caversham. Petitioner states that in July, 1898, he was called upon to assist the police to arrest a supposed burglar, and while so doing he was shot in the thigh, by which injury he has been incapacitated from following his usual occupation. He prays for further relief. I am directed to report that, in view of what last year appeared to be only a temporary injury now turning out to be a permanent one, the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner is worthy of further compensation by the Government. 19th July, 1899.

No. 62.—Petition of W. G. Mackay and 102 Others, of New Zealand. Petitioners pray that, as " Christadelphians," they may be exempted from military service, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the question of the petitioners' conscientious scruples against being called upon to render military service be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th July, 1899.

Nos. 10 and 11.—Petitions of W. W. Mastees and 56 Others (No. 1), and W. W. Mastees and 61 Others (No. 2), of Nevis. Petitioners pray for a modification of the weekly mail-service to Nevis. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the prayer of the petitioners is reasonable and that the Government be recommended to give effect to the same, and, also, that a special recommendation be made to the Postal Department to relieve the isolation of settlers situated in remote districts as much as possible by reasonable mail-service. 19th July, 1899.

No. 27.—Petition of Jessie Mackenzie and, 112 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that provision may be made for the shelter and management of weak-minded or imbecile and idiotic children. I am directed to report 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 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 toward classification or improvement by means of training and education. 19th July, 1899.

No. 26.—Petition of Louis Mabin", of Eangiora. Petitioner states that, through not having received his letters of naturalisation, applied for in the years 1856 and 1860, he has been debarred from being granted an old-age pension. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and that a measure should be introduced to deal with similar cases by which all such disabilities may be removed. 19th July, 1899.

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No. 77. —Petition of Colbman Phillips, of Featherston. Petitioner prays that the appointment of Adam Armstrong as Returning Officer may be cancelled, and that the evidence taken before the Public Petitions Committee at the last sitting of Parliament upon this matter and printed be laid upon the table of the House, &c. I am directed to report that, as the allegations set forth in this petition were inquired into and reported upon to the House last session of Parliament, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st July, 1899.

No. 43. —Petition of Hannah Scully, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for some' consideration on account of her husband who was dismissed from the Police Force of *New Zealand on the 13th June, 1898. I am directed to report that the circumstances of the case are such that the Committee cannot make any recommendation. 21st July, 1899.

I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, all petitions referred to that Committee during last session, and not finally dealt with, should be again referred. 21st July, 1899.

No. 120.—Petition of Geo. Musson and 37 Others, of Cobden. Petitioners pray that they may be granted a sum of money in order to repair and clear the Cobden Cemetery. I am directed to report that the Committee do not recommend the prayer of the petition. 27th July, 1899.

No. 390, 1898.—Petition of Patrick Scully, of Greymouth. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation for loss of office in the Police Force of the colony, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 27th July, 1899.

No. 76. —Petition 'of Masepield Brothers and 39 Others, of North Kaipara. Petitioners pray that Oscar Sandin may be allowed to perform the duties of engineer on the oilengine vessel " Warkworth." I am directed to report that, as the Marine Department has already granted the prayer of the petitioners by issuing a permit enabling Oscar Sandin to act as engineer to the " Warkworth," the Committee has no recommendation to make. 27th July, 1899.

No. 55. —Petition of Thomas Qoirke, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that he may be reinstated in the Police Force, and for other relief. I am directed to report that the evidence placed before the Committee does not warrant any interference in the matter. 27th July, 1899.

No. 37. —Petition of James Portee, of Thames. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation on account of an injury received while working on the Paeroa-Te Aroha Eailway. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 27th July, 1899.

No. 105. —Petition of A. Wilson and 56 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that they may be granted a sum of £500 to complete the metalling on the main road between Birkenhead and Albany. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 27th July, 1899.

No. 89.—Petition of William Meikle and 54 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that they may be granted a sum of £300 for repairs and metalling on the Swanson-Henderson Road. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 27th July, 1899.

No. 53.—Petition of Eokeet Nbill and 5 Others, of Wairoa. Petitioneks pray that Michael Fitzgerald may be granted some land on account of his military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as the Commissioner appointed under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," has rejected petitioners' claim, the Committee has no recommendation to make, Ist August, 1899.

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No. 387, 1898.—Petition of W. Petit and 795 Others, of Waimate, Canterbury. Petitioners pray that the Waimate Hospital may be kept a separate institution. I am directed to report that, as there is a measure now before the House dealing with the subject-matter of this petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist August, 1899.

No. 82. —Petition of John James Meikle, of Southland. Petitioner prays that effect may be given to the reports of the Public Petitions Committee, M to Z, dated the 9th October, 1895, and the 14th July, 1896. I am directed to report that, the petitioner having expressed his relinquishment of all claims by the receipt given to the Government dated the 15th December, 1897, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist August, 1899. -

No. 18.—Petition of Francis D. Macbeth, of Hokianga. Petitioner states that through being only 63 years of age he cannot lay claim to an old-age pension. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner's case appears to be one for charitable aid, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist August, 1899.

No. 47.—Petition of Arthur McLean, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for compensation on account of his late father's military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as the department has no record of the petitioner's late father's services, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist August, 1899.

No. 221, 1898. —Petition of Mrs. A. J. Schnackenbeeg and 4 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that legislation may be introduced prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to young persons under the age of sixteen. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist August, 1899.

No. 110.-—Petition of John Peterson, of Kaiapoi. Petitioner states that he has been debarred from being granted an old-age pension on account of not having been a naturalized subject for five years, although a resident in the colony for thirty-five years. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that tlie petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and recommending the introduction of a measure dealing with similar cases, by which all such disabilities may be removed. Ist August, 1899.

No. 111.—Petition of John O'Neil, Makotuku. Petitioner prays for a grant of land for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has been awarded the sum of £30 by the Commissioner appointed under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th August, 1899.

Nos. 107, 124, and 125.—Petitions of John Wheelee, of Waikato; John Wilks, of Wade; and Harry Maxfield, of Auckland. Petitioners pray for a land-grant, or compensation for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as the petitioners' claims have been considered and reported upon by the Commissioner appointed under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th August, 1899.

No. 16.—Petition of Patrick Power, of Okaihau. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation or a pension for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th August, 1899.

No. 12.—Petition of Wμ. Jambs Baven, and 4 Others. Petitioners pray that a report may be made on their petition of last session in connection with the bestowal of the New Zealand Cross on Mr. Harry Wrigg. I am directed to report that, as the Committee has been instructed by the House to resume the consideration of their petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make, Bth August, 1899,

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No, 209, 1898.—Petition of Wμ. James Eaten, and Others. Petitionees pray that a thorough investigation may be made into the circumstances in connection with the bestowal of the New Zealand Cross on Mr. H. C. W. Wrigg, of Auckland. I am directed to report that, from the evidence adduced, the Committee is of opinion that Mr. H. C. W. Wrigg was not entitled to the New Zealand Cross. A copy of the evidence is attached. Bth August, 1899. [Note. — Interrupted debate on motion to refer report back to the Committee. Vide Journals House of Sepresentatives, 6th October.]

No. 150. —Petition of Baetholomew O'Eoubke, of Canterbury. Petitioner prays that his son may be released from St. Mary's Industrial School, Nelson. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the granting of the prayer of the petition. 10th August, 1899.

No. 375, 1898.—Petition of Gavin McMueeay, of Papakura. Petitioner prays that he may be granted a re-hearing of his case, Win. Hooper v. Gavin McMurray. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner did not exhaust his legal remedy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th August, 1899.

No. 33. —Petition of Patbick Madigan. Petitioneb prays that he may be granted further compensation on account of injuries received while carrying out his duties as a prison-warder. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no further claim upon the colony. 10th August, 1899.

No. 175. —Petition of Thos. E. Tindall, on behalf of the Awitu Eoad Board. Petitionees pray that they may be granted the sum of £400 for the opening up and improvement of the main trunk road between Awitu and Waiuku. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 10th August, 1899.

No. 63.—Petition of W. J. Paekee, and 62 Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that they may be granted consideration of their claims on account of military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as 43 of the petitioners have had their claims considered and adjudicated upon by the Commissioner appointed under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," and as under the provisions of the said Act the Committee has no power to deal with the claims of the additional twenty petitioners, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 22nd August, 1899. "__

No. 142. —Petition of Eliza Montgomeey, of Auckland. Petitioneb prays that the claims of her former husband, John Caffrey, and her son, Michael Caffrey, for military services, may be considered. I am directed to report that, as the claims made by the petitioner have been considered and reported upon by the Commissioner appointed under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. 22nd August, 1899.

No. 19.—Petition of Thomas Mason Wilfoed, of Wellington. Petitioneb states that at the General Election of members of the House of Eepresentatives, held on the 4th day of December, 1896, he was elected member for the Wellington Suburbs : That on petition such election was declared to be void, and that he was incapacitated from being elected to, or sitting in, the House of Eepresentatives for a period of three years. He prays that he may be relieved from such incapacity. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has availed himself of his legal remedy and obtained redress in the Law Courts, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 22nd August, 1899.

No. 4.—Petition of Claba Smith, of Wellington. Petitioneb prays that she may be granted a further compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services in the Telegraph Department. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has received the sum of £300, as a compassionate allowance, and now applies for a further allowance, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1899.

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No. 282.—Petition of Joseph Vaughan and 30 Others, of Umawera. Petitionees pray that they may be granted a sum of money sufficient to enable them to make an outlet road to Waihou. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th August, 1899.

No. 216. —Petition of James Macky, of Devonport. Petitioneb prays for a grant of land, or remission scrip in lieu thereof, for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that as the petitioner's claim has been considered and reported upon by the Commissioner appointed under "The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th August, 1899.

No. 162.—Petition of W. F. Daldy McWilliams, of Thames. Petitioneb prays that he may be granted further compensation for injuries caused by Maoris firing on a Government survey party while surveying near Eotokohu in the year 1879. I am directed to report that, as such a lengthy period has elapsed since the petitioner was granted the sum of £50 as compensation for the injuries received on that occasion, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th August, 1899.

Nos. 291 and 299.—Petition of Samuel Osboene, and 38 Others, of New Plymouth; and William S. Platt, and 33 others, of Ghristchurch. Petitionees pray that a measure may be passed to suppress the gambling evil. I am directed to report that, as there is a measure now before the House dealing with the subject matter of these petitions, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th August, 1899.

No. 38.—Petition of James Scully, of Ponsonby. Petitioneb prays that he may be granted further compensation for loss of office as SergeantMajor in the Defence Department. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th August, 1899.

No. 152.—Petition of John Eountbee, of Auckland. Petitioneb prays that a sum of £820 may be placed on the supplementary estimates as compensation to Mr. Thos. Bell, of Sunday Island, for the loss of sheep and produce consumed by settlers on the island who were in starving condition, &c. I am directed to report—(l.) That, in the face of a letter dated the 10th February, 1898, from Mr. Bell, and received by the Hon. the Premier on the sth October, 1898, stating that Mr. John Eountree, of Auckland, held no authority whatever from him (Mr. Bell) to act on his behalf in any way, the Committee has no recommendation to make. (2.) That the Committee recommends the Government, when opportunity offers, to make inquiry into the circumstances of Mr. Bell having supplied settlers on Sunday Island with food, and as to what loss (if any) he sustained in so doing. 29th August, 1899. \Beferrcd bach to the Committee for reconsideration, 29th August. No further report.]

No. 68.—Petition of Pbtee Eattigan, of Arrowtown. Petitioneb prays that he may have reissued to him Land-scrip No. 688, registered in the year 1865, for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner failed to exercise his right for a land grant within the prescribed time as provided by law, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th August, 1899.

No. 227. —Petition of Jambs McLellan, of Auckland. Petitioneb prays that he may be refunded the cost of surveying the following Blocks of Native land : Awaroa, Nos. 1 and 2, and Eoto Kakahi. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 29th August, 1899.

Nos. 52 and 211.—Petitions of A. Weight and 131 Others, of Auckland, and William Wateewoeth, of Wellington. Petitionees pray that some protection may be extended to the order tailoring trade from the alleged unfair competition by the wholesale merchants and factory-owners, and that all garments should be stamped with the name of the maker, and how made, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that all goods made in a factory shall have a ticket attached to each garment showing whether "specially made to order," "made by chart," or " clothing known as stock-made goods." sth September, 1899.

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No. 262.—Petition of Lokenz Eiesteeer, of Eawene, Hokianga. Petitioner states that he was refused an old-age pension on the ground that he is not a naturalised subject of New Zealand, although a naturalised subject of Victoria. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and recommending the introduction of a measure dealing with similar eases by which all such disabilities may be removed. sth September, 1899.

No. 264.—Petition of Josiah Malone, of Christchurch. Petitioner prays that a public inquiry may be held into the circumstances of the death of the late Dr. J. H. Malone at the Lyttelton Gaol. I am directed to report—(l.) That, from the evidence placed before it, the Committee is of opinion that no further investigation into the circumstances of the case is required. (2.) That the Committee recommends the Government to make suitable provision for the proper treatment of inebriates and other persons coming under the control of the police. sth September, 1899.

No. 266.—Petition of Edward Woodford. Petitioner prays that he may receive a grant of land on account of military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as the Committee has no power to deal with the petitioner's claim under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. sth September, 1899.

No. 288.—Petition of Margaret Smith, of Wellington. Petitioner 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. sth September, 1899.

No. 31.—Petition of Frederick Woodbury, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays that he may be reinstated in the Police Force of the colony, or that he be granted compensation for wrongful dismissal therefrom. I am directed to report that the evidence against the petitioner placed before the Committee, in proof of the offence which led to his dismissal from the Police Force, is so palpable, the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petition. 12th September, 1899.

No. 71.—Petition of Mathew McNelies, of Toko, Hawera. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation for alleged wrongful arrest as a bankrupt, &c. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 14th September, 1899.

No. 388.—Petition of Andrew McGaffin and 34 Others, of Elsthorpe. Petitioners pray that they may be granted a small portion of land at Kairakau as a harbour reserve, and that accommodation be erected for the receiving of exports and imports. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th September, 1899.

No. 380.—Petition of H. A. Tarbant and 42 Others, of Waimea. Petitioners pray that they may be granted a sum of £150 for the purpose of erecting a bridge over the Graham Eiver at or near its junction with the Motueka Eiver. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th September, 1899.

No. 382.—Petition of Henry J." Banger and 97 Others, of Ohristchurch. Petitioners pray that the duty on imported bicycles may be raised, in order to encourage the manufacture of bicycles in the colony, &c. I am directed to report that, as the petitioners pray for a revision of the Customs tariff, a policy question, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th September, 1899.

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No. 41.—Petition of John Scott Myers, of Marshland, Canterbury. Petitioner prays that some competent tribunal may be set up to make a full and exhaustive inquiry into an alleged miscarriage of justice in connection with certain lawsuits in which petitioner has been from time to time engaged. I am directed to report that, inasmuch as whatever misfortunes have befallen the petitioner have been largely the result of his own omissions or neglect, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th September, 1899.

No. 451.—-Petition of A. P. Seymour, Chairman Marlborough Education Board, of Blenheim. Petitioner prays that the sum of £1,000 may be granted the Marlborough Education Board for the purpose of establishing a high school at Blenheim, &c. I am directed to report that the claims of the Marlborough Provincial District for a grant of public money in aid to establish a secondary school at Blenheim justify the Committee in recommending the prayer of the petition to the very favourable consideration of the Government. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 431. —Petition of William A. Pye and 106 Others, of Waitemata County. Petitioners pray that they may be granted a sum of money to form and metal part of the mailcoach road from Wray's Hill, Takapuna—distance, eight miles. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 318.—Petition of Gordon McKinnon, of Port Chalmers. Petitioner prays that the fine inflicted for piloting the ship " Bessfield " from Port Chalmers to Wellington without first renewing his license may be remitted. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 364.—Petition of George William Wilcock, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that the prohibition against his being employed on Government works may be removed. I am directed to report that, as the grievance complained of by the petitioner has been removed, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 356.-—Petition of Henry Nicholas, of Earotonga, Cook Islands. Petitioner prays that he may be granted relief in connection with certain alleged wrongs done to him by the Federal Government of the Cook Islands, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government, with the view of an inquiry being made into the circumstances of the case. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 377. —Petition of Thomas Shearman, of Earotonga, Cook Islands. Petitioner prays that the application to the British Eesident for his deportation from the Cook Islands may be withdrawn, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government, with the view of an inquiry being made into the circumstances of the case. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 386. —-Petition of Thomas Woedbn and 155 Others, of Maketu District. Petitioners pray that compensation may be granted to Mrs. Donaghue, who was seriously injured by her horse bolting and colliding with a telegraph-post on the road from Bamarama to Maketu. I am directed to report that, under the circumstances of the case, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 464. —Petition of William McKbbvbe, of New South Wales. Petitioner prays that he may be allowed to sue the Government for a land-grant for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner's claim has been considered and reported upon by the Commissioner appointed under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. sth October, 1899.

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No. 361. —Petition of Allan MacDougall, of Wellington. Petitionee prays that an inquiry may be made into certain alleged delays in the delivery by the Post Office, Wellington, of letters and grain-samples addressed to him, &c. I am directed to report that, as the evidence placed before it does not disclose any neglect or carelessness on the part of the officials of the General Post Office, Wellington, the Committee has no recommendation to make. sth October, 1899. -

No. 252.—Petition of Jeeemiah O'Leaey, of Woodville. Petitionee prays that compensation may be granted him on account of injuries received while working on the Government co-operative works on the Kawatau Valley Boad. I am directed to report that, as further representations from those who have a personal knowledge of the merits of the case have been laid before it, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. sth October, 1899.

No. 446.—Petition of Agostino Eizzi, of Wellington. Petitionee prays that the fine inflicted by the Court of Industrial Arbitration may be remitted. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th October, 1899. ,

No. 477.—Petition of John Tayloe Maeshall, of Wellington. Petitionee prays that he may be granted employment in the public service. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th October, 1899.

No. 507.—Petition of Feedeeick Wollee, of Normanby. Petitioner states that he is debarred from being granted an old-age pension on account of not being a naturalised subject of New Zealand, &c. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the favourable consideration of the Government, with the view of the disabilities complained of being removed. 18th October, 1899.

No. 491.—Petition of T. V. Shepheed and 1,479 Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that the question of this colony joining the Commonwealth of Australia may be submitted to the electors of New Zealand, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th October, 1899.

No. 469.—Petition of Haeey Banish, of Wellington. Petitionee prays that the balance of the fine inflicted for an evasion of the Customs duty, £80, may be remitted. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th October, 1899.

Nos. 496 and 497. —Petitions of D. N. de L. Willis and 60 Others, and James Maeshall and 109 Others. Petitionees pray that some portion of the Bible may be read in the public schools of the colony, &c. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition is a question of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th October, 1899.

No. 506.—Petition of Jeeemiah John O'Donohub, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that he may be granted compensation for loss of office as a warder in the Prisons Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th October, 1899.

No. 449.—Petition of Seagae Bbotheks, of Auckland. Pbtitionees pray that they may be granted a rebate of Customs duty charged on certain parts of a riveting-machine, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee, having viewed similar machinery working, is of the opinion that the parts for which Customs duty has been charged are part and parcel of the one machine, and recommends that the prayer of the petitioners be granted. 18th October, 1899. 2—l. 2.

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No. 515.—Petition of Eose White, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that she may be granted a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services 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. 18th October, 1899.

Final Bbport. I have the honour to report that the Committee has held twenty-six meetings during the past session. Number of petitions referred to the Committee ... ... ... 84 Number of petitions dealt with by the Committee ... ... ... 79 Number of petitions not dealt with ... ... ... ... ... 5 Number of reports presented to the House ... ... ... ... 79 Number of specific recommendations made therein ... ... ... 13 Number referred to Government for favourable consideration ... ... 6 Number referred to Government for consideration ... ... ... 13 Number of " no recommendation," &c. ... ... ... ... 47 I am also directed by the Committee to further report that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded Mr. Meredith in appreciation of his ability and attention to the business of the Committee during the past session of Parliament. 20th October, 1899.

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