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No. 23. —Petitions of Nicholas Turner and 7 Others, of Wellington (and 9 similar Petitions, as per attached Schedule). Petitioners pray that inquiry may be made into the circumstances of the case of one Mary Richards. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th October, 1904.

Schedule. No. 314.—Women's Christian Temperance Union, No. 374. —Thorndon Methodist Church. Kaiapoi. „ 375.—Women's Christian Temperance Union, ~ 315.—Women's Christian Temperance Union, Auckland. Woodend. „ 376. —Women's Christian Temperance Union, ~ 316. —Women's Christian Temperance Union, Rangiora. Lyttelton. „ 414.—Lydia Smith and 2 others, Timaru. „ 357. —Office-bearers, Church of Christ, Newtown. „ 564.— R. Cossum and 3 others, Bluff.

No. 770. —Petition of the Opotiki County Council and 254 Others, of Opotiki. Petitioners pray that a sufficient sum may be placed on the estimates to insure the speed}' completion of the Pakihi Road between Opotiki and the Motu, via the Otara Gorge. 1 am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th October, 1904.

Nos. 809 and 810. —Petitions of W. J. Platt and 46 Others, and Robert Black and 8 Others, of Opotiki, &c. Petitioners pray that a further portion of the Nukuhou dray-road may be constructed, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th October, 1904.

No. 724. —Petition of the New Zealand Coal and Oil Company (Limited), of Dunedin. Petitioners state that, in view of the alterations in the Customs duty on kerosene and paraffinwax, the company will not be able to reopen its works unless it receives substantial assistance from the Government. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that, as the question involved in the petition is a matter of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th October, 1904.

No. 716.—-Petition of W. B. Scandrett and 843 Others, of Waianiwa, <fee. Petitioners pray that the New Zealand Coal and Oil Company (Limited) may be granted such encouragement and assistance as will enable it to ascertain whether the industry is one that can be carried on to advantage, &c. I am directed to report that, as the question involved in the petition is a matter of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th October, 1904.

No. 459. —Petition of John Nicol and 15 Others, of Ohura. Petitioners pray that the Tokirima Road may be constructed. I am directed to rep>ort that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th October, 1904.

No. 491. —Petition of Samuel Charles Phillips, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays that he may be granted a pension in lieu of compensation on his retirement from the position of Gaoler, Dunedin Prison. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th October, 1904.

No. 340.—Petition of Frank Smith, of Wellington. Petitioner states that, through the action of the Newtown Licensing Committee in refusing to grant the renewal of his license for the Park Hotel in June, 1903, he has sustained a loss of £1,248 17s. 2d. He prays for relief. -I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petitioner is entitled to a refund of the fine and costs imposed for selling liquor without a license, and, further, that provision should be made for a refund of three-fourths of the license fee paid for the yearly and that this recommendation be referred to the Government for early consideration. 14th October, 1904. 2—l. 2.