1.—4.

8

No. 203.—Petition of E. A. Simpkin and 79 Others, of Tokatoka. Petitioners pray that a sum of £250 may be granted to improve the main road from Matakohe to the Wairoa Eiver. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th September, 1898.

No. 238.—Petition of George Yeaebuey and 29 Others, of Hukerenui.

Petitioners pray that they may be granted a sum of £300, to connect the Eamarama Eoad with the Jordan Eoad, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th September 1898.

No. 220.—Petition of T. E. Price, of Tauranga. Petitionee prays that "The School Committees Election Act, 1891," may be amended. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th September, 1898. ■

No. 225.—Petition of John Wilks, of Wade, Auckland. Petitioner prays that he may be granted a reconsideration of his claims for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner's claims have been considered and reported upon by the Commissioner appointed under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th September, 1898.

No. 37.—Petition of Alfred Spencer Peecival, of Oamaru. Petitioner prays that he may be reinstated in the Telegraph Service, or that he may be paid the usual compensation. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 15th September, 1898.

No. 161.—Petition of F. G. Eoach and 16 Others, of Wellington. Petitioners state that they are agents, resident within the colony, representing firms in Great Britain, and are liable for the payment of income-tax; that non-resident agents can visit New Zealand and dispose of goods for their principals without such payment, and that they are thereby placed at a disadvantage. They pray that section 19 of " The Land and Income Assessment Act Amendment Act, 1892," may be repealed. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the prayer of the petitioners merits the serious consideration of the Government. 20th September, 1898.

No. 228.—Petition of Margabet Paery, of Thames. Petitioner states that her late husband was granted 60 acres of land for military services rendered, but that he never received a Crown grant for the same, and that subsequently the land was given as an endowment to the Taranaki County. She prays that her claim to the said land may be made valid, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 22nd September, 1898.

No. 256.—Petition of Sir James Mouat, V.C., of London. Petitioner prays that he may be given a further opportunity of substantiating his claim for recognition of services rendered to the colony in organizing the medical staff during the Maori war, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd September, 1898.

No. 272.—Petition of Charles Thomas and 18 Others, of Kaiatea. Petitioners pray that a sum of money may be placed on the estimates for the construction of a bridge over the Ngunguru Eiver. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd September, 1898.

No. 258. — Petition of James Eutheefoed and Another, of the Inch Clutha Eiver and Eoad Board. Petitioners pray that a sum of £300 may be granted for the construction of river-protection works at Inch Clutha. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd September, 1898.