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No 872. —Petition of Eobert Sangster, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for 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 inquiry into the circumstances of the case. 22nd October, 1901.

Nos. 638 and 1160. —Petitions of Edward Marpell and 3 Others, of New Plymouth; and H. J. White and 7 Others, of Wellington. Petitioners pray that full inquiry may be made into certain allegations made as to the excessive drinking indulged in by Maoris in the Taranaki District at tangis and huis, &c. I am directed to report that the evidence given before the Committee shows that alcoholic liquors are largely consumed at tangis and huis by the Natives in the Taranaki District; that there appears to be no difficulty in obtaining liquor in large quantities; that the orgies that sometimes occur at tangis and huis are disgraceful, and the general effects are physically and morally degrading to the Native people. The Committee therefore recommends that legislation be introduced with the view of restricting the sale of alcoholic liquors to the Native race. 22nd October, 1901.

Nos. 1041, 1120, 1168, 1169, 1170, and 1192.—Daniel Wong and 100 Others; J. T. Pinfold and Another; Wee Wah and 32 Others; G. W. Moy and 34 Others; Eev. C. H. Garland and 4 Others; and Eev. H. Kelly and 3 Others. Petitioners pray for the prohibition or limitation of the importation of opium into the colony. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition has been dealt with by the passing of the Opium Prohibition Bill, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 22nd October, 1901.

No. 787.—Petition of M. A. Nattrass, of Lower Hutt. Petitioner complains of the action of the Inspector for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in condemning her horses, &c. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has not exhausted her legal remedy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 22nd October, 1901.

No. 1073.—Petition of W. H. Tobin and 6 Others, of Wellington. Petitioners pray that the law may be amended as regards the powers conferred on Inspectors for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to have horses condemned and destroyed, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 22nd October, 1901.

No. 959.—Petition of B. E. Muppett and 431 Others, of Sydenham. Petitioners pray that the necessary legislation be passed to enable the work of fire insurance to be managed by the Municipal Councils. I am directed to report that, as the matter is a question of public policy, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government. 23rd October, 1901. '_

No. 1040.—Petition of John O'Connell, of Wanganui. Petitioner prays that he may be granted some redress on account of being wrongfully arrested and imprisoned, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 23rd October, 1901.

No. 645. —Petition of M. Macrae and 4 Others, of Halcombe. Petitioners pray that full inquiry may be made into the manner in which the refreshment-bar at the Halcombe Eailway-station is conducted, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the sale of alcoholic liquors at refreshment-rooms at railway-stations should only be permitted at such times as to meet the requirements of the public travelling by the railways, and refers this resolution for the consideration of the Government. 23rd October, 1901.

No. 137.—Petition of Eobert Thompson, of Whangarei. Petitioner prays that strict inquiry may be made into the matter of the valuation of certain of his properties in the Borough of Whangarei, made by two officers of the Valuation Department, viz., Messrs. William Duncan and James I. Wilson, &c. I am directed to report,— (l.) That the evidence given in this case does not lead to the conclusion that there has been corruption on the part of the valuers, but the valuations of some of the petitioner's properties and the great reductions made by the Assessment Court are strong reasons for careful revision of all field-book valuations where inequality is evident. (2.) That the Committee sees no reason to find fault with the constitution of the Assessment Court, as the said Court consisted of an experienced Stipendiary Magistrate, one assessor nominated by the petitioner, and