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No. 402.—Petition of John Kilgoue, of Dunedin. Petitionee prays for compensation for loss of office and for injuries received whilst on the Government service. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th September, 1900.

Nos. 114 and 492. — Petitions of William Cook and Another, of Wellington; and H. Ayebs and 573 Others, of Lyttelton. Petitionees pray that the Trading-stamps and Coupons Abolition Bill now before the House be postponed for three weeks, and that they be allowed to attend and give evidence with a view of suggesting amendments to the same Bill that will have the effect of regulating the trading-stamp system without totally abolishing the same. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 28th September, 1900.

No. 175.—Petition of Jessie Kelly, of Port Chalmers. Petitionee prays that a sum of money alleged to be still payable to her late husband be paid to her. I am directed to report that, as no fresh evidence has been tendered, the Committee is of opinion that petitioner has no claim on the colony. 2nd October, 1900.

No. 436.—Petition of Vesey J. Hine, of Merriwa, New South Wales. Petitionee prays for remedial legislation to enable him to obtain Crown grant to certain land. I am directed to report that the Committee, after hearing the evidence of Mr. Bolton, solicitor, Mr. Kennedy Macdonald, and the various departmental officers, and inspecting letters, affidavits, deeds, and documents put in, are of opinion that the Bill to provide for investigation of Hine's land claim be allowed to proceed. 2nd October, 1900.

No. 379. —Petition of J. Boles and 160 Others, of the Thames. Petitionees pray that the powder-magazine at the Thames be removed to a more isolated position. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd October, 1900.

Nos. 501, 502, 503, 514, 515, 531, 536, 541, 549, 550, 561, 562, 563, 564, and 572.—Petitions of Eev. Elmslie and 108 Others, of Christchurch; Susan Bowman and 98 Others, of Napier; Joseph White and 156 Others, of Pleasant Point; W. J. Combie and 147 Others, of Hastings; D. Littlejohn and 150 Others, of Epsom; S. J. Seepell and 155 Others, of New Plymouth; Samuel Williams and 48 Others, of Napier; J. Feaseb and 49 Others, of Greatford; H. W. Johnston and 31 Others, of Waipawa; E. Paekee and 47 Others, of Matawhero; Thomas James and 235 Others, of Ellerslie; G. Clack and 148 Others, of Kaikora ; E. S. Allen and 36 Others, of Eltham ; T. J. Wills and 49 Others, of Ormondville ; B. A. Feanklin and 81 Others, of Napier. Petitionees pray that gambling be suppressed. I am directed to report that, as petitions deal with a matter of policy, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 2nd October, 1900.

No. 431.—Petition of John Angelo, of Ngunguru. Petitionee prays for a refund of expenses incurred prospecting for coal on Native land. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that petition be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 2nd October, 1900. ______

No. 432. —Petition of S. T. Bbent and Others, of Eotorua. Petitionees pray that the Eotorua water-supply be further improved. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1900.

No. 383.—Petition of Chaeitv. W. Gauntlett, of Wellington. Petitionee prays for compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd October, 1900.