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for weak-minded or imbecile and idiotic persons, who at present, through the want of more suitable accommodation, are sent to the lunatic asylums, where they are unavoidably associated with patients who are under treatment for insanity, and where, also, no attempt is made towards classification or improvement by means of training and education " ; and, further, that, from the evidence before them, the Committee are of the opinion that there is urgent necessity for immediate action being taken by the Government in the matter. 31st July, 1901.

No. 153.—Petition of Albert Plummer, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that he may be compensated for an alleged loss said to have been sustained in connection with a contract to supply Maori prisoners and their guard with food at the Chatham Islands in the year 1868. I am directed to report that the Committee has no further report to make than that of the Bth July, 1896—viz., " That, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim whatever upon the colony," 31st July, 1901.

No. 177. —Petition of Horatio Nelson Warner, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation for loss of office in the Government service, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th August, 1901.

No. 190.—Petition of William Eiddle, of Taueru. Petitioner prays that he may be remitted the fine of £75, imposed for having a still-head and worm for distilling on his premises, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th August, 1901.

No. 309.—Petition of Michael Quinn, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that he may be granted 60 acres of land, or £30 in lieu thereof, for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th August, 1901.

No. 215.—Petition of Simon Eyan, of Wanganui. Petitioner prays that he may receive a grant of land or money for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that this Committee concurs in the resolution on a similar petition, reported to the House on the 13th September last -viz., " That, as certain other old soldiers have received separate grants for separate services, the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner's claim should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration." 15th August, 1901.

No. 469. —Petition of Joseph Douglas Wilson, of Dunedin (No. 2.) Petitioner prays that he may be provided with a solicitor by the Government in order to prosecute his case, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for inquiry. 16th August, 1901.

No. 227.—Petition of E. J. McNee and 99 Others, of Westland. Petitioners pray for an extension of the telephone from Murchison to Mr. T. O'Eourke's. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th August, 1901.

No. 224.—Petition of Thomas James Walker, of Otautau. Petitioner prays that he may receive compensation for certain land taken for railway purposes. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Bailways Committee. 16th August, 1901.

No. 461.—Petition of John Montgarrett, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that he may receive a grant of land for military service rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1901.

No. 505.—Petition of Elizabeth McDonnell, of Auckland. Petitioner states that the death of her late husband, Police Constable Luke McDonnell, was caused through exposure, &c, while recovering and identifying the bodies of the passengers and