1.—2

8

one nominated by the Valuation Department. (3.) That while the inequalities in the valuations may have given the petitioner reason to think there was prejudice against him, the evidence before the Committee does not support his contention that he was a " marked man" or the " ruin of his family " intended. 23rd October, 1901. [Adjourned debate on motion that report and evidence do lie on Table and be printed not resumed.]

Nos. 909, 1101, and 1159. —Petitions of J. Eattray, and Sons, and 88 Others, of Dunedin; George Payling and 85 Others, of Christchurch ; and John Peterson and Co., and 58 Others, of Dunedin. Petitioners pray that legislation may be passed to suppress the use of coupons in connection with the sale of tea in packets and packages, &c. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the Government should amend " The Trading-stamps Abolition and Discount-stamps Issue Act, 1900," so as to include the coupon system of discounts, the Committee being of opinion that no system of discounts, except made Jn cash, is equitable or desirable in the interests of commercial morality. 25th October, 1901.

No. 1205. —Petition of Martin Mannix, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that he may be found some light work on account of his having been injured while working on co-operative works in Taranaki. I am directed to report that the Committee strongly recommends the case of the petitioner to the favourable consideration of the Government, with the view of the petitioner being found suitable employment. 25th October, 1901.

No. 957. —Petition of S. Southerby, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that he may be allowed to pay the costs in a certain action in order that he may enter into another action against Mr. A. Grandison, &c. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, there is no bar to the petitioner paving the said costs into the Court. 25th October, 1901.

No. 7. —Petition of George Taylor, of Panmure. Petitioner prays that a Crown grant may be issued for the southern portion of Lot No. 48 of the Panmure Village, to him, as administrator for, and as one of, the children of the late Mark Taylor, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the Government to make such arrangements as will satisfactorily compromise the difficulties of the parties interested. 30th October, 1901.

No. 553, 1900; and No. 523, 1901.—Petitions of John Scott Myers, of Marshland, Canterbury. Petitioner prays that full and exhaustive inquiry may be made concerning the facts of his alleged grievances, &c. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has now been before the Committee on several occasions, and as every opportunity has been given him of fully stating his case, the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no just grounds for complaint, and has no claim for further inquiry. 30th October, 1901.

No. 1242.—Petition of Eobert Whiley, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that the compulsory production of certain documents in connection with his case may be ordered, &c. I am directed to report that, as the documents referred to in the petition do not appear to have any bearing on the case before the Committee, they have no recommendation to make. 30th October, 1901.

No. 790.—Petition of W. F. Daldy McWilliams, of Thames. Petitioner prays that he may be granted further compensation on account of injuries inflicted by Maoris at the Eotokohu Gorge while working on a survey party in the year 1879. I am directed to report that the Committee reaffirms the report of the Committee, dated 24th August, 1899, viz., " That as such a lengthy period has elapsed since the petitioner was granted the sum of £50 as compensation for the injuries received on that occasion, the Committee has no recommendation to make." 30th October, 1901.

No. 1219. Petition of H. C. Bellhouse and 2 Others; and 15 Similar Petitions as per attached Schedule. Petitioners pray that full inquiry may be made into certain allegations made as to excessive drinking by the Maoris of Taranaki. I am directed to report that, as the Committee has already reported on the subject-matter of