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No. 332.—Petition of Francis Trask and 332 Others, of Nelson. Petitioners pray that bottle licenses may not be abolished, as proposed in the Licensing Bill now before Parliament. I am directed to report that, as there is legislation before the House dealing with the subjectmatter of this petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make, 13th September, 1895.

a. — — — Nos. 259 and 260.—Petitions of David E. O'Neill and Henry O'Neill, of Hawke's Bay. Petitioners pray for a reduction of the rent paid by them for the Grazing-runs Nos. 67 and 66 6SP T am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitions should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 13th September, 1895.

No. 394.—Petition of John Metcalf and 3 Others, of North of Auckland. Petitioners pray for the extension of the North of Auckland Bailway to Whangarei. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Eailways Committee. 17th September, 1895.

No. 386. Petition of the Oamaru Harbour Boaed, of Oamaru. Petitioners pray that steps may be taken to put a stop to unfair competition on the part of the Government railways. . . I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Eailways Committee. 17th September, 1895. „___

No. 240.—Petition of Samuel Morrell, of Wellington. Petitioner states that he applied for a patent of a sash-fastener ; that he was under the impression that he had twelve months in which to complete the specification ; but, on discovering that the period was for nine months only, he had to pay a fine of £6 before an extension of time could be granted him. He prays that the fine of £6 may be remitted. _ I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petition be granted. 17th September, 1895.

No. 198. Petition of Jeremiah McCarthy, of Waihao Flat. Petitioner states that in January last he was arrested for the murder of one Thomas Sullivan ;, that the Stipendiary Magistrate committed him for trial; but on the case coming before the Grand Jury his Honour the Judge directed the jury to throw out the bill, and petitioner was released from custody; that petitioner incurred expenses amounting to £100 in connection with the same. He prays for relief. . . ~. . . . . I am directed to report that this Committee is of opinion the callousness exhibited by petitioner towards the deceased whilst lying on the road-side in an evidently unsound state of mind and body contributed in a large degree to create in the minds of the police the suspicion which led to his arrest; therefore the Committee has no recommendation to make in regard to the petition. (Vide also h!-37.) 20th September, 1895.

No. 276.—Petition of Samuel Morrison, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of office as warder in the prison at Dunedin. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner was very properly dismissed from the service, and therefore has no claim upon the colony. 27th September, 1895.

Nos. 252 and 299.—Petitions of C. P. Mitchell and 371 Others, and Heney Maedbn and 355 Others, of Waihi and District. Petitioners state that one Charles Harley was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment for attempting to dissuade certain persons from giving evidence in an assault case at Paeroa, and ordered to pay the cost of the prosecution. As petitioners think he did not mean to commit a breach of the law, they consider the sentence a heavy one. They pray that relief may be granted him. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be reterrea to trie Government for consideration. 27th September, 1895.

No. 389. —Petition of John McKeague, of Bangitata. Petitionee prays that he may be refunded certain expenses incurred by him as Eeturning Officer in connection with the local-option poll held for the district of Ashburton in March, 1894 I am directed to report that, as the case has been adjudicated upon by a Stipendiary Magistrate, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist October, 1895. 2—l. 2.