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No. 64.—Petition of William Hall, of Penrose, near Auckland. Petitioneb prays that he may be compensated for losses caused by fire started by sparks from a railway-engine. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Eailways Committee. Bth July, 1896.

No. 67. —Petition of W. Caelton and 119 Others, of Eatanui. Petitionees pray that the Catlin's Eiver Eailway may be extended to the Catlin's Eiver. I am directed to report that the Committee, having been informed that the Government will within the next three months commence a survey of the country beyond the Catlin's Eiver, so as to determine the best route for the extension of the said railway, has no recommendation to make. 9th July, 1896.

No. 95.—Petition of H. B. Huddleston, of Blenheim. Petitioner prays that he may be permitted to practise as an authorised surveyor, and for redress of certain alleged grievances. I am directed to report that the Committee finds that the petitioner has presented to the House, during the years 1887 and 1896 (inclusive), no less than twelve petitions upon the same matter, the report upon each and every one of which has been either " No recommendation," or " No claim against the colony," and, after again considering the petitioner's case, the Committee is of opinion that he has no claim against the colony. 10th July, 1896.

No. 18.—Petition of Jessie Kelly, of Wickliffe Terrace, Port Chalmers. Petitionee prays for a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services. I am directed to report that, after a full inquiry into the circumstances of the ease, the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 10th July 1896.

No. 58.—Petition of J. E. Duncan, of 34, Pirie Street, Wellington. Petitioner prays that he may receive further compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that the petitioner has proved that the Audit Department has in the past improperly paid two small sums of money by way of compensation for loss of office—viz., £1 7s. Bd. and £1 14s. Bd.; but the Committee cannot therefore recommend that a further impropriety should be committed by complying with the petitioner's prayer, and it has therefore no recommendation to make. 14th July, 1896.

No. 78.—Petition of E. Bauchope and Others, Chairman, Taranaki Education Board. Petitioners pray that increased grants may be made for their education district. I am directed to report that the Committee is of the opinion that the subject-matter of the petition involves a question of policy, and that, as legislation would be necessary to give effect thereto, the Committee recommends that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th July, 1896.

No. 27.—Petition of J. M. King, J.P., and 7 Others, of Warkworth. Petitioners pray that an inquiry may be held into the cause of the dismissal of Constable Haddock from the Police Force. I am directed to report that the Committee has again gone into the circumstances of this case, and has also examined ex-Constable Haddock upon the matter. The Committee exceedingly regrets that the Government have not seen fit to carry into effect the recommendation made last session, and can but reiterate the same—viz., that an inquiry should be held into the circumstances connected with, and which led up to, the dismissal of Constable Haddock, late of Warkwork; such inquiry to be held before a Magistrate, ex-Magistrate, or any other competent person who has not been directly or indirectly connected with the case. 16th July, 1896.

No. 7. —Petition of Gatheeine Barnes, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for redress of certain alleged grievances. I am directed to report that the Committee has again fully considered the petitioner's case, and has arrived at the same conclusion that has been arrived at by the A to L Petitions Committee upon four previous occasions—viz., that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 16th July, 1896.

Nos. 128, 131, and 132. —Petitions of David Henderson and 37 Others, C. Polson and 90 Others, and C. Mbyees and 276 Others. Petitioners pray that Scripture-lesson books may be used in the primary schools of New Zealand. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration ; but, as the matter is one of public policy, it has no recommendation to make. 16th July, 1896.