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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1901 Session I, I-01

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1901. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS A TO L COMMITTEE. (Mr. SYMES, 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 3rd Day op July 1901 such petitions, in such form and manner as bwTIZ i, S?- d &bstraots of infoimation respecting their contents, and to report the same from Le tim te House all requisite report its opinions and observations thereupon to this H™e I t h«™ I Z*! , and to have P ower to three to be a quorum : the Committee to coneist of Mr CoWin Mr Hall ° OaU J or ? erBOns and P a P ers i MoKenzie, Mr. Khodes, Mr. Symes, Mr. J. W. Thom^^^hi^^^^l^^l^^^Bj

INDEX.

No. Petition. Page. No. I Petition. Page. 501 100 205 486 480 692 303 529 1095 474 105 232 1275 361 1261 Aitken, J. Anderson, Jane C. Annett, Alioe P. Badger, W. .. Balero, A. Bannatyne and Co. (Limited) .. Beattie, J. Bell, J. Bennett, W. H. Blackwell, Mrs., and others Booth, N. Brothers, E. W. Brown, H. M., and others Budd, A., and another Buller, Lillie.. 4 3 3 5 5 4 3 6 6 4 2 3 7 5 7 1255 171 484 148 687 577 222 221 195 i Prankish, J. D. Praser, E. V., and others '.'. Garliok, T. .. Garrard, W. G. Garrick, W. .. Gauntlett, Charity W. ' Gifford, J. .. Golding, W. .. Grant, J. 7 2 8 2 7 5 4 4 2 1272 235 567 527 203 10 355 201 535 460 481 Hare, J., jun., and others Harris, C., and others Hatrick, A., and others Healey, J., and others Hedley, T., and others Hodge, B., and others Hodge, R. Hughes, J., and others Hunt, W.J... Hunter, W. .. Hursthouse, R., and others '.'. 8 5 4 6 2 8 4 3 7 8 5 1077 704 308 706 1207 953 307 149 701 534 306 1238 199 Carse, H., and others Casely, W. J. Chadwick, W., and others Chalklin, Jane Champion, W. H. W. .. Chapman, W., and others Clark, J., and others Clarke, W. H. Cleary, W. .. Collier, J. H. .. Conboy, W. H. Crofts, H. E... Cummins, J... 6 7 3 7 7 6 3 2 8 7 3 7 2 360 1 524 Johnstone, Emilia Johnstone, E., and others Joyce, E. P., and another 4 8 4 17 589 528 178 402 701 223 Kelly, A., and others Kenealy, D. .. Kilgour, J. King, T. R. .. Kirk, J. B. .. Knight, J. Knight, R. G. .. [[ 2 7 5 4 5 8 3 386 919 305 Delaney, W. M. Dihars, A. L... Donoliff, Eliza 3 6 4 381 533 316 Edwards, H., and others Edwards, J., and others Edwards, W. B. 6 5 8 186 467 1099 705 196 Lanauze, Alice M. (vide also Pascoe) Leeoh, S. A. .. .. , _ ' Lewis, J. J. .. Lindsay, A., and others Littledale, W. 2 5 6 7 2 176 12 1174 615 L257 Pairohild, Mary Pinal Report PitzGerald, W. C. Plynn, 3. Foreman, W... Poster, A. .. .. .. •'• 3 8 2 6 5 7 1204 1177 Mackay, A. .. Martin, E. .. .. '[ 6 6 593 525 Pascoe, W. A., and others Progressive Liberal Association •'•' 6

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EEPOETS.

No. 105. —Petition of Nicoll Booth. Petitioner prays that steps be taken to restore certain roads adjoining petitioner's property, near Dunedin. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 23rd July, 1901.

No. 149.—Petition of W. H. Clarke. Pbtitioneb prays for a grant of land for military services rendered during the Maori war. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd July.. 1901.

No. 12.—Petition of W. C. FitzGebald. Petitioner prays that the House may make provision for payment of the balance of amount of costs incurred by him in defending an action brought against petitioner as Public Vaccinator. I am directed to report that this Committee has no further recommendation to make. 23rd July, 1901. * '

No. 148.—Petition of W. G. Garrard, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that his wife, Thirza Jane Garrard, be granted an old-age pension. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd July, 1901.

No. 17. —Petition of Adam Kelly and 77 Others. Petitioners pray for the establishment of telephonic communication between Motuihi Island and Waiheke Island, in Auckland Harbour. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 23rd July, 1901.

No. 171.—Petition of B. V. Pea see and 104 Others, of Pipiriki. Petitioners pray that special legislation be introduced amending the Licensing Acts so as to enable a license to issue in respect of the accommodation-house at Pipiriki. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition involves a question of public policy, this Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th August, 1901.

No. of John Grant, of Woodville. Petitioner prays for the remission of a fine imposed on him for breach of the Gaming and Lotteries Acts. ■ ■ • ■ I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 6th August, 1901.

No. 196. —Petition of W. Littledale, of Parramatta, New South Wales. Petitioner prays that he be granted a sum of money in lieu of land for military services. I am directed to report that Standing Order No. 299, relating to the signature of petitions, not having been complied with, the Committee recommends that this petition be referred back to the Petitions Classification Committee. 6th August, 1901.

No. 186.—Petition of Alice Maud Lanauze, of Christchurch. Petitioner prays that she be granted a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th August, 1901.

No. 199.—Petition of John Cummins, of Auckland. Petitioners pray for a further allowance, on account of injuries received by him while in the Police Force. I am directed to report that, as this is a case of great hardship, the petitioner being absolutely incapacitated from earning his livelihood through injuries which he received while discharging his duty as a police constable, the Committee recommends the Government to make provision for the maintenance of the petitioner and his family by an annual appropriation by Parliament. 6th August, 1901,

No. 203.—Petition of T. Hedley and Others, of Waiotu. Petitioners pray that a sum of money be granted for the completion of the Galbraith Eoad, Hukerenui Valley. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 6th August, 1901.

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No. 223.-—Petition of E. G. Knight, of Wellington. Pbtitioneb prays that a lease in perpetuity of 100 acres of land, at a nominal rental, be granted to parents of seven children or over. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition involves a question of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th August, 1901.

No. 176. —Petition of M. Fairchild, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that she be granted a further allowance on account of the death of her husband, the late Captain Fairchild. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 21st August, 1901.

No. 205.—Petition of Alice P. Annett, of Patearoa. Petitioner prays that she be granted a sum of money to reimburse her the amount of loss which she sustained through the burning of the school-house, Rongahere. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the Government to place the sum of £70 on the estimates as compassionate allowance to petitioner, and to deduct the same sum from moneys payable to the Otago Education Board. 21st August, 1901.

No. 232. —Petition of E. W. Bbothbes, of Auckland. Petitionbb prays that he be granted the New Zealand war medal and the Volunteer long- and efficient-service medal. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st August, 1901.

No. 306.—Petition of W. H. Conboy, of Waihi. Petitioner prays for an inquiry into the circumstances connected with certain proceedings instituted against him by the Coromandel County Council, and compensation therefor. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st August, 1901.

No. 100.—Petition of Jane Cowie Anderson, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance on account of the death of her late husband, a platelayer in the employ of the Eailway Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Railways Committee. 22nd August 1901.

No. 308.—Petition of Walton Chadwick and Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray for a grant of money for the construction of a road in Hobson County. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 22nd August, 1901.

No. 201.—Petition of John Hughes and Others, of Marsden. Petitioners pray that a sum of money be granted for repairs to the old Marsden Road. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 303.—Petition of James Beattie, of Gore. Petitioner prays for compensation for losses which he has suffered in consequence of a decision given by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, under the Mining Act. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 307. —Petition of J. Clark and 32 Others, of Pollok. Petitioners pray that some compensation be granted to Henry Parker for his retirement from the position of district constable at Waiuku. I am directed to report that, in view of the long and faithful services rendered by ex District Constable Henry Parker, this Committee recommends that the usual retiring-allowance be granted to him. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 386. —Petition of W. M. Delaney, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that he be granted some remuneration or compensation for military services. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd September, 1901.

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No. 474. —Petition of Mrs. Blackwell and Others, of Kaiapoi. Petitionebs pray for the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Act. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 501. —Petition of James Aitkbn, of Invercargill. Petitioner prays for a public inquiry into circumstances connected with the divorce case, Wallace v. Wallace, in which case petitioner was joined as co-respondent. I am directed to report that this Committee, having heard the evidence of the petitioner and having read the affidavits and declarations put in by him, finds that he has established his claim to such public inquiry. 3rd September, 1901.

Nos. 524 and 525.—Petitions of E. P. Joyce and Another, and the Peogeessive Libeeal Association. Petitioneks pray for alteration in the method of election of members of Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 567.—Petition of A. Hateick and Others, of Wanganui. Petitioners pray that the prayer of the petition of Eleanor Ward be granted. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, this petition should be referred to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 178.—Petition of Dr. T. E. King, of Takaka. Petitioner prays for inquiry into the circumstances of his retirement from the service of the Lunacy Department, and compensation therefor. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition shpuld be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th September, 1901.

No. 221.—Petition of W. Golding, of Wanganui. Petitionee prays for a grant of land for military services rendered. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th September, 1901.

No. 305. —Petition of Eliza Doncliff, of Westport. Petitioner prays that she be granted compensation for the death of her late husband, an employe of the Westport Harbour Board. I am directed to report that this Committee recommends the Government to place the sum of £150 on the estimates as compassionate allowance to the petitioner, and to deduct the same sum from moneys payable to the Westport Harbour Board. 13th September, 1901.

No. 360. —Petition of Emilia Johnstone, of Port Waikato. Petitioner prays that she be granted compensation for losses sustained by her late husband during the early Native disturbances. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th September, 1901.

No. 692.—Petition of Bannatyne and Co. (Limited), of Wellington. Petitioners pray for the refund of certain moneys paid and costs and expenses incurred by them in consequence of an illegal demand made by the Collector of Customs for the payment of poll-tax on Chinese deserters from the steamship " Indralema." I am directed to report that this Committee recommends the Government to pay the balance now unpaid of the total sum claimed by the petitioners. 13th September, 1901.

No. 222.—Petition of J. Giffoed, of Kaihu. Petitionee prays for compensation for the sale of his property by the Bank of New Zealand under a mortgage given by him for balance of purchase-money. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1901.

No. 355.—Petition of E. Hodge, of Mercury Bay. Petitioner prays that he be granted compensation for military services. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make 26th September, 1901.

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No. 361. —Petition of A. Budd and Another, of Timaru. Petitioners pray that they be granted compensation for losses sustained by them, owing to the cancellation of their contracts for supplying liquor and provisions to the Volunteer camp, Timaru, in April, 1900. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners should be compensated for the losses they have sustained, and that the amount of such compensation should be based on the judgment given in their favour in the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court at Timaru on the 12th September, 1900. 26th September, 1901.

No. 481.—Petition of E. Hubsthouse and Others, of Motueka. Petitioners pray that the Motueka Harbour and Wharf be removed from the control of the Nelson Harbour Board and vested in the Motueka Borough Council. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the Borough of Motueka and the portion of the Waimea County for which the Motueka Harbour is the natural outlet be withdrawn from the Nelson Harbour District, and that the Motueka Harbour and Wharf, with all assets and liabilities, be vested in representatives of the Waimea County Council and the Borough of Motueka, and that the necessary legislation for the purpose be passed this session. 26th September, 1901.

No. 235.—Petition of C. Harris and Others, of St. Heliers Bay. Petitioners pray that the St. Heliers Bay Post-office and Telephone Bureau be removed from the present position, pending the erection of a Government Building. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist October, 1901.

No. 402.—Petition of J. B. Kirk, of Christchurch. Petitioner prays that a conviction on the charge of embezzlement obtained against him in the Supreme Court be set aside by the House. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist October, 1901.

No. 467. —Petition of Captain S. A. Leech, of Westport. Petitioner prays that the reports of the Public Petitions A to L Committee' in 1896 and 1897, in reference to his case, be given effect to. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist October, 1901.

No. 480.—Petition of Andrew Balero, of Bay of Islands. Petitioner prays that he be reimbursed his costs incurred in defending a prosecution in the Supreme Court for cattle-stealing. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist October, 1901.

No. 615.—Petition of W. Foreman, of Tataraimaka. Petitioner prays that a fine imposed upon him, under section 34 of " The Stock Act, 1893," be remitted. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist October, 1901.

No. 486.—Petition of Wilfred Badger, of Christchurch. Petitioner prays that the Government may purchase his rights in the publication known as " Badger's Statutes." I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1901.

No. 528.—Petition of John Kilgour, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of office as attendant at Seacliff Asylum. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 9th October, 1901.

No. 533.—Petition of J. Edwards and Others, of Miller's Flat. Petitioners pray that telephonic communication be established between Island Block and Miller's Flat. I am directed to report that this Committee recommends that the prayer of the petition be given effect to by the Government. 9th October, 1901.

No. 577. —Petition of Charity W. Gauntlett, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that she be granted compensation for the loss of her husband, a member of the Torpedo Corps. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 9th October, 1901.

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No. 1174.—Petition of John Flynn, of Hawera. Petitioner prays for some compensation in recognition of the services rendered by him as a Volunteer during the Maori war. I am directed to report that this Committee is of opinion that the petitioner should be adequately compensated for past services rendered by him to this colony as a Volunteer during troublous times, and for a severe gunshot-wound in the hip, received at the battle of Te Ngutu-o-te-manu, while serving with the colonial forces under Colonel McDonnell. 9th October, 1901.

No. 381.—Petition of H. Edwards and 325 Others, of Nelson. Petitioners pray that the House will, out of the general revenue of the colony, pay to the depositors of the Nelson Savings-bank the amount of deficiency in the repayment of deposits on the liquidation of the bank. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Public Accounts Committee. 18th October, 1901.

No. 593.—Petition of W. A. Pascoe and 8 Others, of Christchurch. Petitioners pray that a compassionate allowance be granted to Alice Maud Lanauze, widow of Bobert Joseph Lanauze, late of His Majesty's Customs. I am directed to report that this Committee, upon hearing the further evidence in regard to this case which has been adduced in support of the present petition, recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 18th October, 1901.

No. 919.—Petition of A. L. Dihars, of Paeroa. Petitioner prays for compensation for secret services rendered to the British forces during the Maori war. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th October, 1901.

No. 953.—Petition of William Chapman and Others, of Motueka. Petitioners pray for a grant of £100 for the erection of protective works on the Motueka Eiver. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th October, 1901.

No. 1077.—Petition of H. Carse and 15 Others, of Mauku West. Petitioners pray that the colonial scale of teachers' salaries be not adopted. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee. 18th October, 1901.

Nos. 1099 and 1177.—Petitions of J. J. Lewis and B. Martin, of Dunedin. Petitioners pray that the practice of smoking by youths be suppressed by legislation. I am directed to report that, as a Bill dealing with the subject-matter of this petition is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th October, 1901.

No. 529. —Petition of John Bell, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for an inquiry into the circumstances under which an order was made against him under the Destitute Persons Act, and into certain other matters. I am directed to report that,'in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 31st October, 1901.

No. 1204.—Petition of A. Mackay, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that he be granted custody of his children, who were, on his own application, committed to St. Mary's Industrial School, Ponsonby, in 1891. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 31st October, 1901.

No. 1095.—Petition of W. H. Bennett, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that a compassionate allowance be granted to the daughters of the late E. H. Bradford, Government Armourer. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 31st October, 1901. : :_

No. 527. —Petition of Joseph Healey and Others, of Karangahake. Petitioners pray that they be paid the sum of £71 25., being the balance due on a contract for blasting rock entered into by them with the Eoads Department. I am directed to report that the contract between the petitioner and the department having been a verbal contract, and a dispute having arisen between the contractors and the engineer in charge of the works, this Committee recommends the Government to inquire into the matter, with a view to settling the said dispute. 4th November, 1901.

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No. 534. —Petition of J. H. Collier, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of office as Dairy Inspector. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th November, 1901.

No 589.—Petition of D. Kenealy, of Eemuera. Petitioner prays for compensation for military services.I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th November, 1901.

No. 687. —Petition of William Garrick, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that he be granted compensation for military services, or some suitable employment. I am directed to report that this Committee recommends that provision be made for the case of petitioner, and other similar cases, by providing employment in connection with the experimental farms of the colony. 4th November, 1901.

No. 704.—Petition of W. J. Caselt, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for compensation for military services. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th November, 1901.

No. 706. —Petition of Jane Chalklin, of Wanganui. Petitioner prays for compensation for military services rendered by her late husband. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th November, 1901.

No. 1207.—Petition of William H. W. Champion, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that he be granted compensation for losses which he has sustained owing to the holding of a Magisterial inquiry into the alleged unseaworthy condition of tlie ketch "Envy," of which he is master. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th November, 1901.

No. 1255.—Petition of J. D. Prankish, of Sunnyside. Petitioner prays that he be permitted an opportunity of establishing his sanity. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th November, 1901.

No. 1257.—Petition of A. Foster, of Taihape. Petitioner prays that he be granted the sum of £45 2s. 6d., being the amount of salary, houserent, and grazing allowance, due to him as school-teacher at the Chatham Islands, under an appointment from the Education Department in 1888. I am directed to report that this Committee recommends the Government to give effect to the prayer of the petition. 4th November, 1901.

No. 1261.—Petition of Lillie Buller, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that she be granted a compassionate allowance on account of the death of her late husband, an official in the Lands and Survey Department. I am directed to report that this Committee recommends that the prayer of the petition be given effect to by the Government. 4th November, 1901.

No. 1275.—Petition of H. M. Brown and Others, of Wellington. Petitioners pray that the colonial scale of teachers' salaries be not adopted by the House. I am directed to report that, as legislation dealing with the subject-matter of this petition has been passed by the House, this Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th November, 1901.

Nos. 535 and 705.—Petitions of W. J. Hunt and A. Lindsay and 15 Others, of Wellington. Petitioners pray that compensation be granted for losses sustained by W. J. Hunt through the passing of certain Native-land legislation in connection with the Ngarara Block. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th November, 1901.

No. 1238.—Petition of H. E. Crofts, of Christchurch. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of employment in the Deaf-and-dumb Institute, Sunnier. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim against the colony. 7th November, 1901.

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No. 701.—Petition of John Knight, of Christchuroh. Petitioner prays for compensation for alleged unlawful committal to, and detention in, a lunatic asylum. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th November, 1901.

No. 1. —Petition of B. Johnstone and 154 Others, of Port Chalmers, and 61 Similar Petitions. Petitionees pray that by a plebiscite taken in every electoral district the minds of the electors be ascertained on the question of the institution of Bible-reading in public schools. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of these petitions involves a question of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th November, 1901.

No. 484.—Petition of Thomas Gaelick, of Paeroa. Petitionee prays for compensation for injuries sustained by him in the course of employment under the Public Works Department at Karangahake Tunnel. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 7th November, 1901.

No. 460.—Petition of "W. Huntee, of Wellington. Petitionee prays that he be granted compensation for military services. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 7th November, 1901.

No. 1272. —Petition of J. Haee, Jun., and Others, of Whangaroa. Petitionees pray that a sum of £50 be granted by the Government towards a subsidy for the purpose of securing the residence of a medical practitioner in Whangaroa County. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 7th November, 1901.

No. 316.—Petition of W. B. Bdwaeds, of Wellington. Petitionee prays that he be granted compensation for loss of office as Commissioner under "The Native Land Court Acts Amendment Act, 1889." I am directed to report that this Committee recommends the Government to settle the petitioner's claim according to the equity of the case. 7th November, 1901.

No. 701. —Petition of W. Cleaey, of Whangarei. Petitionee prays for an inquiry into the circumstances under which a quantity of kauri-gum lying in his store was seized by order of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland, and for redress. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the Government to give effect to the prayer of the petition. 7th November, 1901.

No. 10. —Petition of B. Hodge and 4 Others, of St. Clair, and 301 similar Petitions. Petitionees pray that certain proposals in respect of the licensing question be not adopted by the House. lam f , to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th November, 1901.

Final Eepoet. I am directed to report that, the Committee has had 435 petitions referred to it, has held 21 meetings to consider the same, and has brought up 435 reports thereon, viz. : —■ Specific recommendations ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 For favourable consideration of Government ... ... ... ... 15 For consideration of Government ... ... ... ... ... 73 No claim or no recommendation ... ... ... ... ... 327 Eeferred to other Committees ... ... ... ... ... 9 435 7th November, 1901. W. Symes, Chairman.

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