3

1.—2

No. 107. —Petition of A. I. Schnackenbeeg and Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that the age of consent may be raised to eighteen years. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th July, 1893.

No. 122.—Petition of M. E. Manuel and Others, of Coal Creek Elat, Otago. Petitionees, who are fruit-growers in the Otago Provincial District, pray that the importation of fruit, fruit-trees, &c, from the Australian Colonies may be prohibited, as such importation of fruit, &c, tends to the introduction of insect pests. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th July, 1893.

No. 115.—Petition of C. H. Nicholls and Others, of Dunedin. Petitionees pray that tobacconists' shops may be exempted from compulsory closing. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Labour Bills Committee. 12th July, 1893.

No. 6. —Thames County Council, per T. A. Dunlop (Chairman), and 6 Councillors. Petitionees pray that the Municipal Corporations Act may be amended in the direction of exempting county water-mains from borough taxation, or make borough waterworks liable to county assessments. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. '14th July, 1898.

J...*..... "«*jj —^^^.. No. 99. —Petition of D. Williamson of Auckland. Petitionee prays that some light employment may be given him in the Government service, or failing that, that he may receive some compensation for injuries received while in the Government service. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 14th July 1893.

No. 112.—Petition of W. H. L. and J. L. Pattisson, by their Attorney, J. B. Fisher, of Christchurch. The petitioners, who are executors of the will of the late H. J. Pattisson, pray that the stamp duty should not be assessed on a sum of £2,895 which they allege had been misappropriated by their attorneys (at the time), Messrs. Harper and Co., and in reality the said sum did not exist at the time the will was proved. I am directed to report that, having considered this petition, and the correspondence in connection therewith, the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners should be allowed to amend the statement as prayed, and that duty should not be assessed on the sum named, £2,895. 14th July, 1893.

No. 152. —Petition of Whangaeei County Council. Petitionees pray for amendment of the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th July, 1893.

Nos. 173 and 176. —Petition of E. G. Pipes and Others, and Geoege Smaet and Others. Petitionees pray that the Direct Veto Bill may be passed into law. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th July, 1893.

No. 94.—Petition of B. E. Skelton, of Napier. Petitionee prays for compensation for wrongful imprisonment, and injury to his business. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim on the colony. 19th July, 1893.

No. 163. —Petition of G. Sutheeland and Others. Petitionees pray that " The Selectors' Lands Be-valuation Act, 1892," be extended to take in small grazing-run leases. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 19th July, 1893.