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Nos. 516 and 651.—Petitions of Mrs. Garcia, President of the Canterbury Woman's Institute, and Others, and J. A. Costal and Others. Petitioners pray that the Offences against the Person Act may be amended, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th September, 1894.

Nos. 500 and 513.—Petitions of W. Bennett and 9 Others, and Susan Bunciman and 16 Others. Petitioners pray that the age of consent may be raised to not less than sixteen years, &c. I am directed to report that, as there is now legislation before Parliament dealing with the subject-matter of these petitions, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th September, 1894.

No. 574.—Petition of the Otago United Shipwrights' Society. Petitioners pray that the proposed extension of the Port Chalmers Wharf may be carried out under the co-operative system. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th September, 1894.

No. 596. —Petition of Thomas Jones, of Feilding (No. 2). Petitioner prays for the removal of the trustees in his assigned estate, and that such estate be placed in the hands of the Public Trustee for administration. I am directed to report that this Committee cannot recommend that the prayer of the petition be granted. 18th September, 1894.

No. 348.—Petition of John and Anne Morrison, of Kaukapakapa. Petitioners pray that a correct survey of their land may be made by the Government. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 18th September, 1894.

No. 634.—Petition of Nathan William Sharpe. and Others, of Kaukapakapa. Petitioner prays that an Act may be passed compelling owners of sections to cut down any tall trees thereon which are a nuisance to the adjoining owners, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th September, 1894.

No. 626.—Petition of Patrick McConville, of Lyttelton. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss sustained through the refusal to renew his hotel license. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner was refused the renewal of his hotel license through the operation of "The Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act, 1893," the Committee considers he has no claim against the colony. 21st September, 1894.

No. 601. —Petition of Henry Stroud, of New Plymouth. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation for loss of office as Bailiff of the Besident Magistrate's Court and Supreme Court, New Plymouth. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 21st September, 1894.

No. 553.—Petition of Horace Norgrove, of Picton. Petitioner states that he has invented a submarine steamboat suitable for all submarine works, and that he has not the means to construct a working-model necessary for the illustration of the capabilities of his invention. He prays that a sum of money may be placed on the estimates for that purpose. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st September, 1894.

No. 665.—Petition of Alexander Owen, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation for loss sustained through the refusal to renew the license of the Ship Hotel. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner was refused the renewal of his hotel license through the operation of " The Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act, 1893," the Committee considers he has no claim against the colony. 21st September, 1894.