1.—2

8

Nos. 396 and 425. —Petitions of Taranaki County Council, and W. N. Syme and 68 Others, County Electors of Parihaka Eiding, of Taranaki County. Petitioners object to the proposed severance of the County of Taranaki. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of these petitions is in a Bill now before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 2nd September, 1892.

Nos. 406, 436, 418, 419, 438, 437, and 417.—Petitions of C. P. Euss, Masterton Eoad Board, Henui Eoad Board, Barrett Eoad. Board, M. Organ, Henry Smith, and Picton Eoad Board. Petitioners pray that the present subsidy should not be withdrawn from the Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd September, 1892.

No. 420. —Petition of F. McParland and 199 Others, Eesidents of Brunnerton. Petitioners pray that a free pass by rail be granted to elder boys to enable them to attend the Catholic male school at Greymouth. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd September, 1892.

No. 281.—Petition of Edward Walter Puckey, Auckland. Petitioner prays for further consideration for services as Judge, Native Land Court. I am directed to report that, as it appears to the Committee from perusal of the file of papers forwarded from the Native Office in connection with the case, and the departmental report thereon, that the Government is prepared to pay Judge Puckey the full amount of compensation—viz., £1,017 12s. 2d.—to which he is legally entitled, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 2nd September, 1892.

No. 389.—Petition of J. McKinnon and 137 Others, Eesidents at Whangarei Heads. Petitioners pray that a wharf may be erected at Urquhart's Bay. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd September, 1892.

No. 427.—Petition of John Moffat and 56 Others, Settlers and Orchardists of the Wade and Surrounding Districts. Petitioners pray that the Codlin-moth Bill be not allowed to become law this session, and any future legislation proposed be circulated six months beforehand among settlers. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is now in a Bill before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 2nd September, 1892. No. 397.—Petition of George Maxwell and 49 Others, Eesidents of Kilbirnie. Petitioners pray that a telephone bureau be established at the post-office of the district. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd September, 1892.

No. 397.—Petition of Geoege Maxwell and 49 Others, Eesidents of Kilbirnie. Petitionees pray that a telephone bureau be established at the post-office of the district. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd September, 1892.

No. 433.—Petition of Otamatea County Council and 132 Others. Petitioners pray that a sum of money be placed on the estimates for maintaining the road between the settlements of Matakohe and Tokatoka. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd September, 1892.

No. 334. —Petition of Ann Skiffington, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays for consideration on account of her husband having lost his life while in the service of the Eailway Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, a gratuity equal to three months of her late husband's pay should be granted to petitioner. 7th September, 1892.

No. 109.—Petition of Dennis Murphy (Eeport No. 2). Petition referred back to the Committee, by order of the House, dated 18th August, for reconsideration. I am directed to report that, as no fresh evidence has been presented to the Committee since their report of the 18th ultimo was presented to the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th September, 1892.