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No. 378.—Petition of H. V. Allen, of Woodville. The petitioner prays for mitigation of a fine of £5 inflicted upon him, by the Mayor of Woodville, for being drunk and disorderly. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner is not entitled to any relief. 20th July, 1888.

No. 379.—Petition of E. L. Clack, of Auckland (No. 4). The petitioner prays that new regulations may be made with regard to fees and costs payable by suitors in the Supreme Court. I am directed to report that the Committee sees no reason to recommend the prayer of the petitioner. 20th July, 1888.

No. 381. —Petition of A. Hunter and Others, of Cust. The petitioners protest against the granting of State aid to Roman Catholic schools. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 20ch July, 1888.

No. 384. —Petition of C. E. Davidson and Others, of Maungaturoto. The petitioners pray for the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Act. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the subject of this petition. 20th July, 1888.

Nos. 388 and 389. —Petitions of A. 11.I 1. Halcombe and Others, of New Plymouth, and S. Pagan and Others, of Bull's. 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. 20th July 1888.

No. 55. —Petition of H. B. Huddleston, of Blenheim. The petitioner complains that clause 170 of "The Land Transfer Act, 1885," has had the effect of invalidating his license to practice as a surveyor, and consequently of depriving him of his professional income. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner refuses to comply with the conditions required to enable him to obtain his license, the Committee is of opinion that he has no claim on the colony for relief. 25th July, 1888.

No. 264.—Petition of Eobebt Atkinson, of Auckland. The petitioner prays for compensation for alleged illegal dismissal from the service of the Customs Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petitioner has no claim whatever against the colony. 25th July, 1888.

No. 382.—Petition of 0. Clack and Others, of Sydenham. The petitioners pray for amendment of the Slaughterhouses Act. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition has been dealt with by the House during the present session, the Committee, has no recommendation to make. 25th July, 1888.

No. 394. —Petition of Mabtin Chapman and Others, of Wellington. The petitioners are of opinion that the Thorndon Cemetery is so crowded as to endanger the public health, and ought therefore to be closed without delay. They pray for the appointment of a Commission to examine the cemetery and report upon its condition, with a view to closing it. I am directed to report that, as this is a local matter, and as there is now before the House a Bill dealing with the subject, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th August, 1888.

No. 398. —Petition of John Isbistee, Otamatea County Chairman. The petitioner prays for such amendment of the Rating Act that the smallest collectable rate may be made one shilling. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th August, 1888.