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No. 42.—Petition of A. W. Beid and 124 Others, of Stratford. Petitionees pray that the balance of the sentences of John Farrell, William O'Beilly, and Owen Cullen Cowen, convicted under " The Bankruptcy Act, 1892," may be remitted. I am directed to report that, as the petitioners have not approached the department in the first instance in respect of the matter contained in the petition, the Committee recommends it be referred to the Government. 29th July, 1896.

No. 122. —Petition of Bessie Annie Waenee, of Auckland. Petitionee states that her late husband was for twenty-four years a clerk in the Postal Department ; that on his death she was granted a compassionate allowance equal to two weeks' salary for each year served. She prays that she may be granted a further allowance. I am directed to report that, in the opinion cf the Committee, the petitioner should be granted the same compassionate allowance as other similar cases—viz., eighteen months' pay. 29th July, 1896. _J

No. 126. —Petition of Cheistina Mountfoet, of Wanganui. Petitionee states that her late husband was for over twenty-eight years in the employ of the Telegraph Department ; that she has been paid as a compassionate allowance twelve months' salary. She prays that she may be granted a further allowance on account of her late husband's long service. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner should be granted the same compassionate allowance as other similar cases—viz., eighteen months' pay. 29th July, 1896.

No. 155.—Petition of Thomas Vaecoe and 214 Others. Petitionees pray that a bridge may be constructed over the Mararoa Biver where it crosses the road to the Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th August, 1896.

No. 169.—Petition of John Mcßae and 121 Others, of Clutha Valley. Petitionees pray that a dray-road may be constructed from Bendigo, via Bise and Shine, through Thompson's Gorge to Matakanui. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th August, 1896.

No. 177. —Petition of A. McPhbeson and 539 Others, of Manawatu. Petitionebs pray for the completion of the road leading from the Oroua Bridge to Jackeytown, and known as the Ngawhakarau Bend. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th August, 1896.

No. 195. —Petition of David Taylor, Jun., and 54 Others, of Tirohanga and Pakaru. Pbtitionbes pray that they may be granted a sum of money for the purpose of obtaining better access to the main roads of the district. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th August, 1896.

Nos. 157 and 160.—Petitions of J. J. McClasky and 27 Others, and John McTaggaet and 33 Others. Petitionees state that gambling is widely prevalent, and is a growing evil, &c. They pray that legislation may be introduced in order to suppress the same. I am directed to report that, as there is a Bill now before the House dealing with the subject of the petitions, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th August, 1896.

No. 241.—Petition of Donald McMillan and 64 Others, of Burkes Pass. Petitionees state that gambling is widely prevalent, and is a growing evil, &c. They pray that legislation may be introduced in order to suppress the same. I am directed to report that, as there is a Bill now before the House dealing with the subjectmatter of the petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th August, 1896.

No. 238.—Betition of the Tempeeance Political Committee, Dunedin. Petitionees pray that the Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act Amendment Bill may provide that under no circumstances should bottle licenses be allowed to exist after June, 1897. I am directed to report that, as there is a Bill now before the House dealing with the subjectmatter of the petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th August, 1896.