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Nos. 317, 348, and 349.—Petitions of L. D. Nathan and 33 Others, J. J. Ceaig and 100 Others, and H. Bond and 8 Others. Petitionees pray that a clause in a Bill before the House, providing that gas-engines exceeding 5-horse power must be driven by a man holding a driver's certificate, be expunged. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend these petitions be referred to the Government. 19th September, 1900.

Nos. 376 and 377. —Petitions of G. W. Lacey and 107 Others, and J. Laundee and 297 Others. Petitionees pray that the duty on wax vestas be reinstated. I am directed to report that, as petitions deal with a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th September, 1900.

No. 433.—Petition of L. J. Bagnall and Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that the Education Act of 1877 be amended. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 21st September, 1900.

No. 384.—Petition of P. Hayman and Co. and Others, of Dunedin. Petitionees pray that proposed reductions in the duty on patent medicines and drugs be not put into force for six (6) months. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 21st September, 1900.

Nos. 483 and 494.—Petitions of S. T. Bbent and Others, of Eotorua; and Eichaed S. Ingle and Others, of Eotorua. Petitionees pray for the suppression of gambling. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 21st September, 1900.

No. 389.—Petition of M. D. Dinneen, of Mount Eoskill Eoad, Auckland. Petitioner prays for compensation for the loss of certain land. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that petitioner be paid the amount claimed, namely, £18 18s. 4d. 25th September, 1900. -. ■. • . ; . :

No. 240.—Petition of P. A. Connolly, of Hyde. Petitionee prays that his long service may be recognised in a more fitting and substantial manner. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that provision be made on the supplementary estimates for an additional £60 to be paid to petitioner. 25th September, 1900.

No. 512.—Petition of Elizabeth F. Clendon (No. 2), of Eussell, Bay of Islands. Petitionee prays for compassionate allowance for services rendered to Government by her late husband. .... .. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the medical certificate shows that Mr. Clendon's death was hastened by the coach accident which took place whilst he was travelling in discharge of his official duty, and would therefore recommend the Government to; make some provision on the supplementary estimates by way of compassionate allowance to his widow. 25th September, 1900.

Nos. 396 and 397. —Petitions of Edwabd Hutchings and Another, of Wellington; and E. H. Elliotte, of Foxton. Petitionees pray that the recommendation of the Public Petitions A to L Committee of 1899 on a similar petition be given effect to. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the Government to make provision on the supplementary estimates to give effect to recommendation made by Public. Petitions A to L Committee, 1899 : " That petitioners are entitled to a sum of £20 each by way of refund of moneys actually paid out of pocket, at the time the members of the Wellington Defence Force, at their own expense, made their way to the front." 25th September, 1900.

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