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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1902 Session I, I-02

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1902 NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Tuesday, the Bth Day op July, 1902. Ordered, " That a Public 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 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 have power to report its opinions and observations thereon to this House ; also to have power to call for persons and papers ; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Bennet, Mr. Buddo, Mr. Fowlds, Mr. W. Fraser, Mr. McGuire, Mr. Meredith, Mr. Monk, Mr. O'Meara, Mr. G. J. Smith, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Mills.)

INDEX.

No. Petition. Page. I No. Petition. I Page. 51 28 149 89 Adams, T., and 62 others Anderson, R. P., and 45 others .. Andrews, G., and 60 others Ardern, J., and 59 others 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 93 150 275 Pisher, D. K., and 37 others Eraser, J. M., and 43 others Fraser, Bertha, and 64 others .. 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 467 196 175 205 373 76 357 12 132 31 280 Beale, J., and 102 others Bean, W. S., and 13 others Bennett, S. P., and 32 others .. Berwick, H, and 150 others Billclifl, S., and 60 others Bourne, W., and 41 others Brunsden, A.', and 38 others Bull, J. E., and 60 others Bull, H., and 32 others Bush, G. J., and 26 others Buttle, J. N., and 62 others 7 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 317 181 182 15 16 177 23 271 Glen, G. P., and 1,238 others .. Glenny, E., and 37 others Gow, Janet K., and 11 others .. Grant, K. W., and 56 others Gray, Rev. A., and 27 others Gray, E., and 60 others Greig, Rev. A., and 95 others .. Griffin, T. N., and 41 others .. 5, 6 6 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 77 362 365 10 264 236 Hales, P., and 35 others Harper, W., and 5 others Henderson, Mrs., and 153 others Hounsell, G., and 33 others Hunt, Jane, and 59 others Hutton, W., and 87 others 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 361 176 17 471 276 238 9 178 133 Carr, T. G., and 24 others Cathie, A. G., and 14 others Christie, J., and 60 others Coates, Rev. Canon, and 53 others Collis, W., and 197 others Coull, W., and 153 others Cox, G. D., and 51 others Crawford, A., and 93 others Crook, J. E., and 25 others 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 7 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 I 173 185 Joy, J. D., and 54 others 5, 6 Kent, M. J., and 14 others 6 461 473 134 382 243 49 87 De Weston, W. M. Devenish, J. M., and 62 others .. Dixon, Rev. W. G., and 64 others Downhard, L., and 25 others Drake, E., and 52 others Driver, H. H, and 477 others .. Dukes, Rev. J., and 137 others .. 7 7 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 200 54 128 33 287 68 350 218 349 127 186) 187 I 188 J 208 174 472 97 320 MaoDonald, Alexander, and 50 others Macdonald, C, and 64 others .. Mackenzie, Jessie, and 6 others.. Macnicol, Rev. R. P., and 84 others Manchester, George, and 8 others Marten, W. B., and 32 others .. Maunder, Panny S., and 66 others McAinch, James McCarthy, Thomas McCarthy, Mary, and 47 others 3 5, 6 6 5, 6 4 5, 6 5 3 5 6 114 27 Edie, John, and 45 others Elmslie, Rev. Dr., and 84 others 5, 6 5, 6 McClusky, A. J. 4 126 11 Fantham, A. A. Pennell, R., and 25 others Pinal Report Findlay, J., and 56 others 4 5, 6 7 5, 6 McDonald, J. K. McDonald, P., and 22 others .. McKinstry, E. L., and 42 others McLaw, Rev. J., and 64 others .. McMillan, Thomas 4 5, 6 7 5, 6 5 222

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INDEX— continued.

REPORTS.

No. 102.—Petition of J. Mubgatboyd and 39 Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that the Young Persons Protection Bill may be passed. I am directed to report that, as there is a measure now before the House dealing with the sub-ject-matter of the petition, the Committee recommends it be referred to the Government for consideration. 31st July, 1902.

No. 34.—Petition of E. S. Reynolds and 18 Others, of Dunedin. Petitionees pray that the Government may grant a subsidy of pound for pound for the maintenance of perfectly equipped kindergartens in the colony. I am directed to report that, inasmuch as the public-school system of the colony provides for giving instruction and exercise by the kindergarten system, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 31st July, 1902.

No. 116.—Petition of W. J. Mobgan, and 24 Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that section 13 of "The School Committees Election Act, 1891," may be amended. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 31st July, 1902.

No. 19. —Petition of Geoege Vesey Stewaet and 6 Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that medical districts may be formed in the outlying districts, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 31st July, 1902.

No. 198. —Petition of John Schollum and 47 Others, of Puhoi. Petitionees pray that they may be granted the sum of £150 for deviations, &c, on the Southwestern Eoad. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th August, 1902.

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No. Petition. Page. No. Petition. Page. 209 313 263 91 69 131 109 116 180 286 50 102 McWilliam, Beatrice M. Menzies, F. E., and 30 others .. Mexted, Emma, and 48 others .. Mildenhall, A., and 11 others .. Miller, Margaret, and 74 others.. Miller, A. R., and 33 others Mitchelson, E., and 65 others .. Morgan, W. J., and 24 others .. Morrin, L. P., and 152 others .. Moyle, Thomas Muirhead, J., and 64 others Murgatroyd, J. 3 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5 2 6 4 5,6 2 432 56 198 30 172 306 282 75 55 19 221 Saunders, Mary Ann Sohofield, R., and 62 others Scholium, John, and 47 others .. Shacklock, J. B., and 112 others Smalley, J. S., and 48 others .. Smith, Richard, and 126 others Smith, James Spence, Rev. G. W., and 64 others Stace, Rev. A. C, and 63 others Stewart, George V., and 6 others Sutherland, A., and 266 others .. 7 5,6 2 5, 6 5, 6 5 6 5, 6 5, 6 2 5, 6 5 266 458 Newlyn, John H. Nicholson, Dr., and 25 others .. Oakes, Frank J., and 3 others .. 4 5, 6 7 14 348 78 262 151 234 22 13 57 308 184 Taylor, Rev. R., and 62 others .. Thomas, William T., and 31 others Thomson, J. M., and 59 others .. Thompson, R. J., and 73 others Tibbs, George.. Tinsley, W., and 66 others Todd, A. B., and 52 others Toneyclifie, T. E., and 62 others Trestrail, Rev. T., and 64 others Twidle, George Tye, Edith, and 38 others 5, 6 5 5, 6 5, 6 3 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5, 6 5 6 21 179 217 167 291 130 220 324 52 86 129 119 Pattulo, Rev. J. L., and 44 others Peacocke, H., and 17 others Pepper, Henry Peters, John Philip, W. H., and 101 others .. Pinfold, T. T., and 32 others .. Plummer, A. .. Pollock, A. R. Pope, J. J., and 24 others Porter, L. G. .. Potter, W. S., and 46 others Pratt, Rugby M. A., and 53 others 5, 6 6 3 4 5, 6 5, 6 3 5 5, 6 3 5, 6 5, 6 32 420 Vanes, B., and 63 others Vaney, M., and 163 others 5, 6 5, 6 53 274 112 88 34 120 470 192 Ramsay, Rev. P., and 32 others Rattray, J., and Son, and 675 others Renshaw, J., and 26 others Reid, Rev. J. S., and 95 others .. Reynolds, R. S., and 18 others .. Robertson, W., and 40 others .. Robson, George Ryburn, R. M., and 93 others .. 5, 6 4 5, 6 5, 6 2 5, 6 7 5, 6 121 158 281 410 1 452 290 170 195 18 183 Wagstaff, T., and 34 others Walker, William Charles Walker, T., and 135 others Walker, Alexander, and 15 others Ward, John, and 34 others Welch, Charles, and 113 others .. White, J. H., and 33 others Willacy, Henry Williams, S. S., and 2,767 others Williams, A., and 79 others Wilson, Jane, and 24 others 5, 6 3 5, 6 7 5 7 5, 6 3 3 5, 6 6

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No. 170. —Petition of Heney Willacy, of Eotorua. Petitionee prays for relief on account of injuries received while acting as bath-attendant at the Postmaster's Bath, Eotorua. I am directed to report that, as no fresh evidence has been adduced, the Committee confirms the resolution of last session—viz., " That the Committee has no recommendation to make." 15th August, 1902.

No. 151. —Petition of Geoege Tibbs, of Christchurch. Petitionee states that he has been boycotted in his business as a fishmonger on account of laying informations against others for selling unwholesome fish, &c. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th August, 1902.

No. 195.—Petition of S. S. Williams and 2,767 Others, of Wellington. Petitionees pray that provision may be made in " The Wellington Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1902," to insure that a graving-dock be constructed for the Port of Wellington. I am directed to report that, as the petition refers to legislation now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th August, 1902.

No. 200. —Petition of Alexandee MacDonald and 50 Others, of Taranaki. Petitionees pray that the House may refrain from legislation which will validate "The Egmont County Act, 1901." I am directed to report that, forasmuch as " The Egmont County Act, 1901," came into force on the Ist April, 1902, the prayer of the petition cannot be given effect to. 15th August, 1902.

No. 220. —Petition of Albeet Plummeb, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that he may be granted 11 acres of land for military services rendered, and for payment on account of losses sustained through supplying Maori prisoners at the Chatham Islands with goods, &c. I am directed to report that, as the claims have been considered and reported upon by previous Committees, and no fresh evidence has been adduced, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th August, 1902.

No. 218. —Petition of James McAinch, of Wellington. Petitionee prays that he may be compensated for loss sustained and degradation suffered through being imprisoned for alleged passing of false entries through the Customs, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that there was no criminal intent to defraud the Customs, and therefore recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th August, 1902.

No. 86. —Petition of Laweence Godwin Poetee, of Karori. Petitionee prays for a compassionate allowance on account of his late father's services to the Government a3 an officer of the Survey Department, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th August, 1902.

No. 158.—Petition of William Chaeles Walkee, of Auckland. Petitionee prays for a grant for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th August, 1902.

No. 209.—Petition of Beateice M. McWilliam, of Linwood. Petitionee prays that her mother, Annie McWilliam, who is serving a term of imprisonment, may be released on account of the broken-down state of her health, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st August, 1902.

No. 217. —Petition of Heney Peppee, of Wellington. Petitionee prays that he may receive a compassionate allowance on account of the loss of his son, who was killed during the late war in South Africa. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st August, 1902.

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No. s.—Petition of John Heath Newlyn, of Christchurch. Petitionee states that he is the originator of the scheme known as the " cheap-money scheme" in the year 1884, &c. He prays for consideration. I am directed to report that, while the Committee recognises that the petitioner formulated a scheme for Government advancing cheap money to settlers by utilising the public credit, and publicly advocated the same, there is not sufficient evidence to show that the scheme as propounded by the petitioner in May, 1884, was original, and could profitably be applied at the time, in consequence of the high rate of interest then obtaining. 21st August, 1902.

No. 126.—Petition of Aethue Albeet Pantham, of Hawera. Petitionee states that in February, 1884, he advocated a scheme of Government advances to settlers at a lower rate of interest than at that time obtaining, &c. He prays for consideration. I am directed to report that, as the evidence before the Committee shows the petitioner was the first to formulate a scheme for advancing money to farmers by Government, the Committee considers that in that respect the petitioner is entitled to public recognition for propounding the said scheme. 21st August, 1902.

No. 208. —Petition of John Kinneae McDonald, of Waingaro. Petitionee prays that he may receive recognition for his military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that this Committee affirms the resolution reported to the House on the 24th September, 1896—viz., " That, as the Waste Lands Committee has already reported favourably on this petition, the Committee is of opinion it should be referred to the Government for consideration." 22nd August, 1902. __

No. 274.—Petition of J. Eattbay and Son and 675 Others, of Dunedin, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Petitionees pray that legislation may be passed to suppress the use of coupons and similar devices in connection with the sale of packets and packages of tea or other goods. I am directed to report that, having heard the prayer of the petition, this Committee wishes to emphasize and strongly recommend the resolution reported to the House last session—viz., " That, in the opinion of the Committee, the Government should amend ' The Trading-stamps Abolition and Discount-stamps Issue Act, 1900,' so as to include the coupon system of discounts, the Committee being of opinion that no system of discounts, except made in cash, is equitable or desirable in the interests of commercial morality." 28th August, 1902.

Nos. 186, 187, and 188.—Petition of Adam John McClusky, of Auckland. Petitionee, who has been employed in the Police and Prisons Departments, and who has been discharged therefrom, prays that his grievances may be inquired into, and that he may be granted compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that, having considered the petitions, and as no further evidence has been adduced, the Committee is of opinion the petitioner has no claim whatever on the colony. 28th August, 1902.

No. 167.—Petition of John Petees, of Wanganui. Petitionee states that he has been wrongfully confined in the Porirua Lunatic Asylum, &c. He prays for an inquiry, and that he may be paid compensation for loss and wrongs he has suffered. I am directed to report that, having heard the prayer of the petition, the evidence of the Superintendent of the Porirua Asylum, and of the petitioner, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th August, 1902.

No. 286. —Petition of Thomas Moyle, of Great Barrier Island. Petitionee prays that he may be granted 60 acres of land, or £30 in lieu thereof, for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd September, 1902.

No. 287. —Petition of Geoege Manchestee and 8 Others, of Waimate. Petitionees pray that a fairer system of valuations for the purposes of rating may be introduced, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. sth September, 1902.

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No. 308.—Petition of Geoege Twidle, of East Tamaki. Petitionee prays that inquiry may be made into rhe circumstance of the refusal to renew his old-age pension, &o. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. sth September, 1902.

No, 348.—Petition of William T. Thomas and 31 Others, of Woolston. Petitionees pray that clause 20 of " The Eating on Unimproved Value Act, 1896 " mav be repealed. ' I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petition be granted. r sth September, 1902.

No. 306.—Petition of Eichabd Smith and 126 Others, of Taranaki. Petitionees pray that an inquiry may be held into the circumstances of E. Smith's eviction from Section 129, Waimate, by the Public Trustee, and that he may be compensated therefor. I am directed to report that, after hearing evidence on the petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. sth September, 1902.

No. 350.—Petition of Eanny S. Maundee and 66 Others, of Waikato. Petitionees pray for the removal of the civil and political disabilities of women. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. sth September, 1902.

No. 349.—Petition of Thomas McCaethy, of Papakura. Petitionee prays for a grant of land for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. sth September, 1902.

No. 324.—Petition of Abthue Eobeet Pollock, of Manawatu. Petitionee prays that an investigation may be made into the circumstances of his conviction for cattle-stealing in December last. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the evidence placed before them is of such a nature as to warrant the petition being referred to the Government for investigation with the view of granting the petitioner such relief as the circumstances of the case mav suggest ' 9th September, 1902. J m '

No. 109.—Petition of E. Mitchelson and 65 Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that all restrictions on trawling in New Zealand waters may be removed, &c. I am directed to report that, the Government having carried out the recommendation made by this Committee last year, and having held an exhaustive inquiry before issuing the present regulations limiting the trawling-area in the Hauraki Gulf, the Committee has no further recommendation to make. 9th September, 1902.

No. 320.—Petition of Thomas McMillan. Petitionee prays that he may receive a grant of land, or £40 in lieu thereof, for military services rendered to the colony. J I am directed to report that, as the petitioner is debarred by Act of Parliament through having obtained his discharge subsequent to the year 1872, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th September, 1902.

No. I.—Petition of John Wabd and 34 Others, of Westland, and Eighty-nine similar Petitions as per Schedule attached. Petitionees state that, as gambling is demoralising to the individual and baneful to the best interests of the community, they pray that the totalisator may be entirely suppressed. r, -, A J am . directed to re P ort tb - a t. in view of the large and influential representations made by the 7,143 petitioners, praying for the abolition of the totalisator, this Committee recommends the prayer of the petitioners to the earnest consideration of the Government 11th September, 1902.

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Schedule of Petitions praying for the Entire Suppression of the Totalisator.

No. 282.—Petition of James Smith, of Pahiatua. Petitionee prays for a grant for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that this Committee strongly recommends the Government to give effect to the decisions arrived at by previous Committees on the petitions of E. Hutchings and others— viz., " That, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioners are entitled to a sum of £20 each by way of refund of moneys actually paid out of pocket at the time the members of the Wellington Defence Force, at their own expense, made their way to the front " —and regrets that these recommendations have not been given effect to, considering the just claims the petitioners have against the State. 17th September, 1902. __

Nos. 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, and 185. — Petitions of H. Peacocke and 17 Others, L. P. Moeein and 152 Others, E. Glenny and 37 Others, Jane K. Gow and 11 Others, Jane Wilson and 24 Others, Edith Tye and 38 Others, and M. J. Kent and 14 Others. Petitionees pray that the Young Persons Protection Bill may be passed. I am directed to report that, as there is a measure now before the House dealing with the subject-matter of the petitions, the Committee recommends they be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th September, 1902.

Nos. 127 and 128.—Petitions of Maby McCaethy and 47 Others and Jessie Mackenzie and 6 Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that provision may be made for the shelter and management of weak-minded or imbecile and idiotic children, &c. I am directed to report that this Committee reaffirms the resolutions reported to the House on the 11th July, 1900, and the 31st July, 1901, in connection with similar petitions—viz., " That the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration,

No. Name. natures. Name. Signature! I! 1 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 27 28 30 31 32 33 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 68 69 75 76 77 78 87 88 89 91 93 97 112 114 119 •120 121 J. Ward and others G. D. Cox and others G. Hounsell and others R. Pennell and others J. E. Bull and others T. E. Toneyclifis and others .. Rev. R. Taylor and others K. W. Grant and others Rev. A. Gray and others J. Christie and others A. Williams and others Rev. J. L. Pattulo and others.. A. B. Todd and others Rev. A. Greig and others Rev. Dr. Elmslie and others .. R. P. Anderson and others J. B. Shacklock and others C. J. Bush and others B. Vanes and others Rev. R. F. Macnicol and others H. H. Driver and others J. Muirhead and others .. » T. Adams and others J. J. Pope and others Rev. P. Ramsay and others .. C. Macdonald and others Rev. A. C. Stace and others .. R. Schofield and others Rev. T. Trestrail and others .. W. B. Marten and others Margaret Miller and others Rev. G. W. Spence and others W. Bourne and others F. Hales and others J. M. Thomson and others Rev. J. Dukes and others Rev. J. S. Reid and others Miss J. Ardern and others A. Mildenhall and others D. K. Fisher and others Rev. J. McLaw and others J. Renshaw and others John Edie and others M. A. Rugby Pratt and others W. Robertson and others T. Wagstafl and others 35 51 33 25 60 62 62 56 27 60 79 44 52 95 84 45 112 26 64 84 477 64 62 24 32 64 63 62 64 32 74 64 41 35 59 137 95 59 11 37 64 26 45 53 40 34 129 130 131 132 133 134 149 150 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 192 196 205 221 222 234 236 238 243 262 263 264 266 271 275 276 280 281 290 291 313 317 357 361 362 365 373 382 420 W. S. Potter and others J. T. Pinfold and others A. R. Miller and others H. Bull and others J. E. Crook and others Rev. W. G. Dixon and others G. Andrews and others J. M. Fraser and others J. S. Smalley and others J. D. Joy and others P. McDonald and others S. F. Bennett and others A. G. Cathie and others E. Gray and others A. Crawford and others R. M. Ryburn and others W. S. Bean and others H. Berwick and others A. Sutherland and others J. Findlay and others W. Tinsley and others W. Hutton and others W. Coull and others E. Drake and others R. J. Thompson and others .. Emma Mexted and others Jane Hunt and others Dr. Nicholson and others T. N. Griffin and others Bertha Fraser and others William Collis and others J. N. Buttle and others T. Walker and others J. H. White and others Rev. W. H. Philip and others F. E. Menzies and others G. F. Glen and others A. Brunsden and others T. G. Carr and others W. Harper and others Mrs. Henderson, S. Billclifi and others L. Downhard and others M. Vaney and others 46 32 33 32 25 64 60 43 48 54 22 32 14 60 93 93 13 150 266 56 66 87 153 52 73 49 59 25 41 64 197 62 135 33 101 30 1,238 38 24 50 153 60 25 163 7,143

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and that in their opinion the time has arrived when provision should be made for separate institutions for weak-minded or imbecile and idiotic persons, who at present, through the want of more suitable accommodation, are sent to the lunatic asylums, where they are unavoidably associated with patients who are under treatment for insanity, and where, also, no attempt is made towards classification or improvement by means of training and education; and, further, that from the evidence before them the Committee is of the opinion that there is urgent necessity for immediate action being taken by the Government in the matter." 17th September, 1902.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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I am also directed to report the following resolutions passed by the Committee viz •— " That this Committee desires to record its hearty appreciation of the able and businesslike manner m which the Chairman (Mr. Meredith) has carried out the business of the Committee during the past session. "That the Committee desires to place on record their approval of the courtesy, attention, and ability with which the Clerk (Mr. Dasent) has discharged his duties during the session, and again recommend him to the favourable consideration of the Government for permanent employment in the public service." J 30th September, 1902. Approximate Cost of Paper.-Preparation, not given; printing (1,200 copies), £4 lis. 6d.

By Authority: John Maokay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o2.

Price 6d.]

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