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Nos. 220, 242, 243, and 248. —Petitions of John T. Daleymple and other Members of the Eangitikei County Council; the Bishop of Chbistchubch, and Others, the Waikato County Council ; and the Mayoe of Eangioea and Others. The petitioners pray for the abolition of the totalisator. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th June, 1888.

No. 232.—Petition of Kingi H. Kiea and Others, of Waimate North, Bay of Islands. The petitioners complain that the allowance of £30 a year formerly made to Mr. William KingMaori dispenser, has been reduced to £10. They pray that the old allowance of £30 may be continued. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 28th June, 1888.

No. 249.—Petition of J. A. Kelly and Others, of Dunedin. The petitioners pray for extension of the franchise to women. No. 283.—Petition of T. Kattebfeldt and other Jewellers, of Auckland. The petitioners pray for increase of the Customs duty on jewellery. No. 287.—Petition of Fbuit-growebs of Whangarei. The petitioners pray for substantial increase of the Customs duty on all kinds of fruit, including oranges and other subtropical fruit. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, these petitions should be referrred to the Government for consideration. 28th June, 1888.

No. 265.—Petition of Adam Goedon and Others, of Thames. The petitioners protest against the granting of State aid to Eoman Catholic schools, or to other denominational schools. I am directed to report that, as Bills dealing with the subject of this petition are now before the House, this Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th June, 1888.

No. 274. —Petition of J. W. Geay and Others, of Tauranga. The petitioners pray for the plantation of a settlement of Highland crofter fishermen at Te Puna. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th June, 1888.

Nos. 289, 290, 291, 292, and 293.—Petitions of J. A. Douglas and Others, A. H. Chapman and Others, A. McLean and Others, T. Teschemakek and Others, and E. Ellworthy and Others. The petitioners pray that the Borough and County of Waimate may be no longer included in the South Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid District, but may be constituted a separate district. No. 288.—Petition of N. Zieslee and Others. The petitioners protest against the above proposed separation. I am directed to report that, as a Bill dealing with the subject of these petitions is now before the House, this Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th June, 1888.

No. 156.—Petition of James Faequhae, of Christchurch. The petitioner prays for investigation of certain charges which he makes against the Eesident Magistrates at Christchurch and Lyttelton. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of this petition. 29th June, 1888.

No. 198. —Petition of John Hislop, LL.D., and Others, of North Dunedin. The petitioners pray that all trains to and from Dunedin may be made to stop at Pelichet Bay Bail way-station. I am directed to recommend the Government to give effect to the prayer of this petition. 29th June, 1888.

No. 247.—Petition of Bobebt Campbell and Others, of Waimate. The petitioners protest against the revival of the district railway rate. I am directed to report that, as a Bill dealing with the subject of this petition is now before the House, this Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th June, 1888.