1.—2.

No. 160.—Petition of Pieipi te Maaei and 5 Others, of Wairarapa. Petitioners pray that the South Wairarapa Eiver Board be restrained from letting out the waters of Lake Wairarapa, &c. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 9th August, 1895.

No. 179. —Petition of John McFablane and 436 Others, of the Provincial District of Otago. Petitioners pray that the Education Act may be amended so as to permit School Committees to sanction the daily reading of the Scripture Lesson-books of the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland in the public schools within school-hours. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th August, 1895.

No. 92.—Petition of William J. Mooee, of Wellington. Petitionee states that he served for a period of twelve years and a half in the Armed Constabulary and Defence Departments; that his services were dispensed with on 31st March, 1894; that he applied for the usual retiring-allowance, but was not granted the whole amount of his claim. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that this Committee sees no reason to alter the decision arrived at last session on a petition of a similar nature. 9th August, 1895.

No. 153.—Petition of Paul Steaka, of Puhoi. Petitionee states that he has suffered pecuniary loss to the extent of £228 17s. 6d. through not being able to obtain his deeds for lands purchased by means of scrip; that he has been compelled to survey his land at his own cost; that he purchased land from a Maori chief, by name Te Hemara, of which he has never obtained possession. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition has been dealt with during the sessions of 1892, 1893, and 1894, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th August, 1895.

No. 193.—Petition of Matthew Wouldes, of Hukerenui. Petitioner states that he is the occupier of the Village-homestead Section No. 1, Block XI., Hukerenui Survey District; that through an accident he became blind, and, consequently, has not been able to pay his rent. He prays that the arrears of rent and interest may be remitted to him. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a view of their placing the amount of petitioner's arrears of rent, &c, on the estimates. 13th August, 1895.

No. 194.—Petition of Thomas Moore, of Pukekohe. Petitioner states that he leased for ten years from the Public Trustee Lot 83, Suburban Section 2, Pukekohe ; that he fenced and otherwise improved the property; that the Public Trustee sold the property for £137 10s., the Government valuation being £70; that petitioner considers he is entitled to £30 on account of the said improvements. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th August, 1895.

No. 116.—Petition of Cheistina Geace Thomson, of Arahura. Petitioner prays that she be granted a compassionate allowance on account of her late father, who died from injuries received while in the employ of the Government. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th August, 1895.

No. 168.—Petition of B. Nolan and 68 Others, of Ellerslie. Petitioners pray that " The Contagious Diseases Act, 1869," may be repealed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th August, 1895.

No. 208.—Petition of Abeaham Stott, of Wellington (No. 2). Petitioner prays that he be granted some remuneration on account of his services as Drill Instructor to the Volunteers. I am directed to report that, as the prayer of the petition has already been dealt with this session, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th August, 1895.

5