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No. 220. —Petition of T. E. Beooke, of 117, Manchester Street, Christchurch. Petitioneb prays that he may receive compensation for loss of office in the Eailway Department, or a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st August, 1896.

No. 121.—Petition of James E. Lysaght and 15 Others, of Hawera. Petitionees pray for a refund of moneys by the Government on account of the Public Trustee, as set forth in the petition. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st August, 1896.

No. 174. —Petition of W. N. Chambees, of Dunedin. Petitionee prays that he may receive compensation for loss of office in the Eailway Department, or a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 21st August, 1896.

No. 231.—Petition of W. Bull and 23 Others, of Dunedin. Petitionees pray that the duty may be removed from small fruits. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition is one of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st August, 1896.

No. 181.—Petition of Geoege Hiest and 43 Others, of Hunua. Petitionees pray that the Government may construct a road to the Hunua Bailway-station. I am directed to report that the Chief Surveyor's report and other evidence is favourable to the prayer of the petition. The Committee therefore recommend that, if the Hunua Eoad Board obtained the necessary lands required for the deviation of the said road, the Government should place upon the estimates the sum of £1,500 for the construction of the same. 21st August, 1896.

No. 342.—Petition of Emma Field, of Albert Street, Auckland. Petitioneb prays that the report of the Public Petitions A to L Committee upon her late husband's petition may be given effect to. I am directed to report that the Committee strongly recommend that the Government should take the matter into its early consideration, and pay to the petitioner the sum awarded—namely, £93 14s. 21st August, 1896.

Nos. 307, 314, 323, 324, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, and 340. —Petitions of Alex. D. Thompson and 2,169 Others, of Otipopo, Maheno. Petitionees pray that a Scripture-lesson book may be used in the primary schools of New Zealand. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this 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. 25th August, 1896.

No. 180.—Petition of Geobge Bakes and 54 Others, of Punakitere, Bay of Islands.

Petitionees pray that the Government may build a bridge over the Punakitere Eiver. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th August, 1896.

No. 317.—Petition of Adam Lile, of Inglewood. Petitionee prays for redress on account of an alleged miscarriage of justice. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has failed to avail himself of his legal remedies, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 27th August, 1896.

No. 9. —Petition of John Beidgman, Antigua Street, Christchurch. Petitioneb prays that he may be reinstated in the Police Force, or receive compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 27th August, 1896.

No. 271. —Petition of Jambs Haevby, of Invercargill. Petitionee prays that he may receive the sum of £30 16s. id. as interest upon certain property in course of transfer from his clients to the Government. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. Ist September, 1896.

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