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No. 464.—Petition of the Whaingaeoa Eoad Board, per W. P. Cogswell. The petitioners pray that the powers of Licensing Committees may be transferred to local bodies. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of this petition. sth September, 1889.

Nos. 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 482, and 483.—Petitions of A. McKenzie and Others, N. Coopek and Others, E. P. Gibbons and Others, Cuetis Mooke and Others, A. B. Bagnall and Others, L. G. Bagnall and Others, James Cobbett and Others, J. Sheldon and Others, and William Mooee and Others. The petitioners pray that the boundaries of the Port of Thames may be made not to include the .Rivers Thames and Piako. 1 am directed to report that, as there is now before the House a Bill dealing with the subject of these petitions, the Committee is of opinion that the petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration in connection with the Bill. sth September, 1889.

No. 318. —Petition of Alexander Dundas, of Palmerston North. Thk petitioner complains that his provincial service was not included in calculating the amount of the compensation which was paid him for loss of his office in the Survey Department; and also that no payment was made to him for work alleged to have been done for the Government after the date of his dismissal from the public service. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 6th September, 1889. '

No. 417. —Petition of H. S. Ingeam, of Marumaru, Wairoa, Hawke's Bay. The petitioner prays for custody of his two sons, inmates of the Burnham Industrial School. I am directed to report that the Committee declines to recommend the prayer of this petition. 6th September, 1889.

No. 428.—Petition of Moetimee Coeliss, of Wellington. The petitioner states that he is seventy years of age, and that he has lost his eyesight from cold and exposure which he suffered when keeper of the Quarantine-station at Wellington. He prays for a small pension. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with the recommendation that a small pension should be granted to the petitioner. 6th Septempber, 1889.

No. 466.—Petition of Jonathan Beown and Others, of Tauranga. The petitioners pray for remission of stamp duty paid by the Tauranga East Coast and Hot Lakes District Eailway Company (Limited). I am directed to recommend this petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 6th September. 1889.

No. 484.—Petition of James Fakquhae, of Lyttelton. The petitioner prays for inquiry into certain charges which lie makes against the Bosidenfc Magistrate at Lyttelton, and for relief from alleged injustice. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of this petition. 6th September, 1889.

No. 491.—Petition of Daniel Hoen, of Whangarei. The petitioner prays for ratification of his purchase of certain Maori land. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 6th September, 1889.

No. 493.—Petition of T. B. Hannafoed, of Auckland. (No. 2.) The petitioner prays for a trial of his electric windmill beacon at the public expense. I am directed to recommend this petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 6th September, 1889.

No. 502. —Petition of Jane A. Costall and 43 other Members of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, Wellington. The petitioners pray for the repeal of " The Contagious Diseases Act, 1869." I am directed to report that, as there is now before the House a Bill dealing with the subject of this petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th September, 1889.