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14

No. 525. —Petition of W. Hopkins and Others, of Newman. Petitionebs pray that a subsidy may be granted for erecting a cottage hospital .at Eketahuna. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th October, 1896.

No. 316. —Petition of Louisa C. Jones, of Grey Street, Auckland. Petitionee prays for a compassionate allowance on account of her husband's death while in the Government service. I am directed to report that, as no evidence has been produced to prove the petitioner's case, and also as leave has been asked to withdraw the petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th October, 1896.

Nos. 528, 540, and 542.—Petitions of W. A. Evans and 25 Others, of Ellice Avenue, Wellington ; James Hilton and 136 Others; and Rev. W. Gillies and 24 Others. Petitionebs pray that the Government will draw the attention of the Imperial Government to the concern of the people of New Zealand regarding the treatment of the Armenians by the Turks. I am -directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this is a matter where Imperial interests are at stake, and therefore it has no recommendation to make. 16th October, 1896.

No. 527.—Petition of M. Cowling, of New Plymouth. Petitionee prays that she may receive a grant of land under the Military Settlers Act. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 16th October, 1896.

Final Eepoet. I am directed to report that the Committee has had 194 petitions referred to it by the Classification Committee, have held thirty-six meetings to consider the same, and have brought up 194 reports thereon, viz. :— Specific recommendations ... ... ... ... ... ... 15 For favourable consideration of Government ... ... ... ... 5 For consideration of Government ... ... ... ... ... 92 No claim or no recommendation ... ... ... ... ... 79 Eeferred to other Committees ... ... ... ... ... 3 Total ... 194 16th October, 1896. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,250 copies), £9 2s. 6d.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB96.

Price 6d.]