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'No. 395.—Petition of W. G. Gaeraed, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that his wife may receive the old-age pension. I am directed to report that the Committee-has no recommendation to make upon this petition. 16th October, 1903.

Nos. 436 and 524.—Petitions of J. Glendinning and 155 Others, of Dunedin ; and H. E. Andeew and 3 Others. Petitionees pray that a dental school be established, and that dentists be exempt from juries. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th October, 1903.

No. 521. —Petition of Joseph Healey and Party, of Whakatane. Petitionees pray that they may receive the full amount for work done on Government works, Ruatoki. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, and that the Government's attention be called to the report of this Committee, 4th November, 1901, Petition No. 527. 16th October, 1903.

No. 677.—Petition of R. T. Jeffeey and 445 Others, of Opotiki. Petitionees pray that provision may be made for the survey of railway-line Gisborne to Rotorua. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th October, 1903. __

Nos. 396 and 401. —Petition of James Kelman and 600 Others, of Alexandra; and A. C. Iverson and 95 Others. _ Petitioners pray that provision may be made for the extension of the railway to Ophir. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make upon these petitions. 16th October, 1903.

No. 428.—Petition of Mary Ann Kelly, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that she may receive compassionate allowance for loss of husband, an ex public officer. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th October, 1903. No. 390. —Petition of Maegaeet Lawlee, of Kaikoura. Petitionee prays that she may receive further compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th October, 1903.

No. 516. —Petition of F. Walkley and 21 Others, of Ohau (together with 23 other similar Petitions, as per attached Schedule). Petitioners pray that a referendum may be taken for Bible-reading in schools. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th October, 1903.

Schedule. No. 554.—Isabella Grant and 106 others. No. 742. —W. H. Kirker and 76 others. „ 559.— J. Fletcher and 20 others. „ 743.— N. Hall and 40 others. „ 560.—C. Lucas and 21 others. ■ „ 744. —M. J. Williams and 60 others. „ 596.— H. B. Chapman and 237 others. „ 745.—0. A. Eibye and 51 others. „ 597.—Peter Keir and 72 others. „ 746. —A. Charlton and 22 others. „ 598.—A. J. Carmichael and 19 others. „ 747.— J. A. Flesher and 16 others. „ 599. —S. McKenzie and 24 others. „ 757.—A. Kinkade and 203 others. „ 600.— W. Grant and 39 others. „ 758.—M. Morrisch and 12 others. „ 601. -L. Hawkins and 62 others. „ 770.— J. Pitcaithly and 26 others. „ 622.—C. Bruce and 38 others. „ 773.—M. A. Harris and 70 others. „ 662.-P. Steer and 152 others. „ 789.— G. A. Alexander and 20 others. „ 663.— F. McDonald and 112 others.

No. 678.—Petition of B. P. Bayly, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that compassionate allowance be granted him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th November, 1903.