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crew who were drowned when the s.s. " Wairarapa " was wrecked in 1894, and that she has been left in straitened circumstances. She prays for relief. I am directed to report that, on taking into consideration the very exceptional circumstances in connection with the death of the late Constable Luke McDonnell, the Committee recommends the Government to grant the petitioner, Elizabeth McDonnell, a compassionate allowance equal to three years' salary. 22nd August, 1901.

No. 318.—Petition of Bella Eose and 27 Others, of Dunedin. Petitioners pray that the clause in the Factories Bill prohibiting the employment of females in match-factories be not passed by the House. I am directed to report that, as there is a Bill now before the House dealing with the subjectmatter of the petition, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1901.

No. 375. —Petition of M. A. Sievwright and Another, of Gisborne. Petitioners pray that the members of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards may be elected by the electors of the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1901.

No. 468.—Petition of John Wilkes, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that he may receive a grant for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as the Committee during last session of Parliament recommended the petition be referred to the Government for consideration, they have no further recommendation to make. 22nd August, 1901.

No. 385.—Petition of Thomas Patterson, of Invercargill. Petitioner prays that he may be granted further compensation on account of injuries received at the Canon Street railway-crossing, Invercargill. I am directed to report that, as this petition has previously been before the Eailways Committee, in their opinion it should be referred to that Committee. 22nd August, 1901.

No. 226.—Petition of W. H. Tucker, of Gisborne. Petitioner prays for the validation of certain leases in connection with the Whangara Block, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 28th August, 1901.

No. 382.—Petition of John A. Pain, of Martinborough. Petitioner prays that he may receive a grant for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that this Committee strongly recommends that effect be given to the recommendation contained in the report of the Public Petitions A to L Committee, dated 15th September, 1899, on the petition of Edward Hutchings and others, viz. : " That, in the opinion of the Committee, 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." 4th September, 1901.

No 530.—Petition of Thomas McCarthy, of Papakura. Petitioner prays that he may receive a grant 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. 4th September, 1901.

No. 187. —Petition of James Muir, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that the sum of £15 3s. 4d. maybe paid him as representing an increase of salary as bath-attendant at Eotorua from Ist April to 31st October, 1899, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th September, 1901.

No. 583.—Petition of Jane A. Smith and 3 Others, of Naseby. Petitioners pray that the Contagious Diseases Act may be repealed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th September, 1901.