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No. 84. —Petition of Thomas Manuell and 43 Others, of Makerau. Petitionees pray that they may be granted the sum of £200 to replace a bridge over the Makerau Eiver. I am directed to report that, as the matter is a question of public policy, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1897.

No. 42.—Petition of Christian Schischka and 49 Others, of Eodney County. Petitionees pray for a grant of £200 to enable them to replace two bridges on the Puhoi-Makerau Eoad. I am directed to report that, as the matter is a question of public policy, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1897.

No. 81.—Petition of G. N. Mclntosh and 26 Others, of Ida Valley. Petitionees pray that reservoirs may be erected on the Moa and Woolshed Creeks for the use of settlers during the autumn and summer months. I am directed to report that, as the matter is a question of public policy, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1897.

No. 80.—Petition of James McAtamny, of Ida Valley. Petitioner prays that a reservoir may be erected on the " Bread and Water Stream " for the purposes of mining and irrigation. I am directed to report that, as the matter is a question of public policy, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1897.

No. 22. —Petition of Lieut.-Colonel Thomas McDonnell, of Wanganui. Petitioner prays that effect may be given to the report of the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, dated 13th August, 1891. I am directed to report that this Committee has no further recommendation to make other than that contained in the Committee's reports bearing dates of 13th August, 1891, and 28th August, 1894—viz., "That the Committee recommends the Government to give the petitioner employment for which he is suited if opportunity offers." 28th October, 1897.

No. 10, Sess. I.—Petition of E. Eetchfoed and 31 Others, of Waimarino. Petitionees state that those employed on co-operative works (except by day-labour) cannot average 4s. a day; that, in order to prevent favouritism, certain officers should be removed; and that the surface road-work should be given exclusively to the settlers. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1897.

Nos. 67, 76, and 103.—Petitions of Ann Quinn, John McMenamin, and Eichaed WoethINGTON. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Eailways Committee. 28th October, 1897.

No. 125.—Petition of A. H. Tuenbull, of Christchurch. Petitionee states that the late James I. Lawson was killed while in the employ of the Eailway Department; that the said James I. Lawson by will bequeathed to his two unmarried sisters the sum of £212 ss. 3d., due to him as compensation; and that the executors under the will have not been able to obtain payment of the said amount. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the sum of money which would have been duo to the late James I. Lawson had he retired from the service be placed on the supplementary estimates, and paid to the executors of the estate. 29ch October, 1897.

No. 88.-—Petition oi Elizabeth Staunton, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that she may be granted a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband, who was Eecord Clerk in the Deeds Registry Office, Auckland. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1897.