1.—2.

No. 308.—Petition of Geoege Twidle, of East Tamaki. Petitionee prays that inquiry may be made into rhe circumstance of the refusal to renew his old-age pension, &o. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. sth September, 1902.

No, 348.—Petition of William T. Thomas and 31 Others, of Woolston. Petitionees pray that clause 20 of " The Eating on Unimproved Value Act, 1896 " mav be repealed. ' I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petition be granted. r sth September, 1902.

No. 306.—Petition of Eichabd Smith and 126 Others, of Taranaki. Petitionees pray that an inquiry may be held into the circumstances of E. Smith's eviction from Section 129, Waimate, by the Public Trustee, and that he may be compensated therefor. I am directed to report that, after hearing evidence on the petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. sth September, 1902.

No. 350.—Petition of Eanny S. Maundee and 66 Others, of Waikato. Petitionees pray for the removal of the civil and political disabilities of women. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. sth September, 1902.

No. 349.—Petition of Thomas McCaethy, of Papakura. Petitionee prays for a grant of land 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. sth September, 1902.

No. 324.—Petition of Abthue Eobeet Pollock, of Manawatu. Petitionee prays that an investigation may be made into the circumstances of his conviction for cattle-stealing in December last. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the evidence placed before them is of such a nature as to warrant the petition being referred to the Government for investigation with the view of granting the petitioner such relief as the circumstances of the case mav suggest ' 9th September, 1902. J m '

No. 109.—Petition of E. Mitchelson and 65 Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that all restrictions on trawling in New Zealand waters may be removed, &c. I am directed to report that, the Government having carried out the recommendation made by this Committee last year, and having held an exhaustive inquiry before issuing the present regulations limiting the trawling-area in the Hauraki Gulf, the Committee has no further recommendation to make. 9th September, 1902.

No. 320.—Petition of Thomas McMillan. Petitionee prays that he may receive a grant of land, or £40 in lieu thereof, for military services rendered to the colony. J I am directed to report that, as the petitioner is debarred by Act of Parliament through having obtained his discharge subsequent to the year 1872, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th September, 1902.

No. I.—Petition of John Wabd and 34 Others, of Westland, and Eighty-nine similar Petitions as per Schedule attached. Petitionees state that, as gambling is demoralising to the individual and baneful to the best interests of the community, they pray that the totalisator may be entirely suppressed. r, -, A J am . directed to re P ort tb - a t. in view of the large and influential representations made by the 7,143 petitioners, praying for the abolition of the totalisator, this Committee recommends the prayer of the petitioners to the earnest consideration of the Government 11th September, 1902.

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