1.—2

11

I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government, with a recommendation that inquiry be made into the matter with the view of affording the settlers the relief prayed for. 26th October, 1904.

No. 763. —Petition of John Morrison, of Auckland. Petitioner, who has been retired from the Post and Telegraph Department on compensation, prays that his services in the Armed Constabulary and Police Force may count for pension. 1 am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petitioner has no claim for his services in the Armed Constabulary and Police Force to count for pension. 28th October, 1904.

No. 876, 1903. —Petition of Edward John Searle, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that inquiry may be made into the transactions in connection with his bankruptcy, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1904.

No. 208. —Petition of Catherine Warnes, of Napier. Petitioner prays that she may be paid the amount of a cheque for £511, dated tlje 11th May, 1876, issued to her late husband, but which has not yet been countersigned, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1904.

No. 771. —Petition of the Maori Hill Borough Council and 45 Others. Petitioners pray that they may be granted the sum of £500 for the widening of the Main Leith Valley Road. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1904.

No. 909. —Petition of Andrew C. Thompson, of Timaru. Petitioner prays that the fine of £50, imposed for an alleged false declaration in connection with the importation of an oil-engine for a motor 'bus, may be refunded to him, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1904.

No. 884. —Petition of Mabel F. Paul, of New Plymouth. Petitioner prays that a letter to the Inspector of Prisons, dated the 20th March, 1904, from William Runciman may be carefully inquired into. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 2nd November, 1904.

No. 19. —Petitions of G. Petherick and 6 Others, of Wellington (and 20 similar Petitions, as per attached Schedule). Petitioners pray that inquiry may be made into the matter of the number of deaths caused through drunkenness, and as to whether the appointment of district constables might not prevent the same, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 2nd November, 1904.

Schedule. No. 317.—Patchett and others. No. 453.—Mariners' Pride Lodge, 1.0. G.T., Lyttelton. „ 318. —Cuba Street Methodist Church, Palmerston „ 454. —Christchurch Prohibition League. North. „ 455.—Antidote Division of Sons and Daughters of „ 319.—Women's Christian Temperance Union, Auck- Temperance. land. „ 456.—Reviving Stream Lodge, 1.0. G.T. „ 320. —Auckland Province No-license Council. „ 457. —A. Twyford and 3 others. „ ,321. —Session, Knox Church, Parnell. „ 475. —R. H. Taylor and 5 others. „ 322.— W. Grigg and 10 others. „ 476.—Woolston Methodist Band of Hope. „ 400. —Job Benning and another. „ 493.— H. T. Hurrell and 2 others. „ 416.—Independent Order of Rechabites. „ 565.—John Officer and 2 others. . • „ 429.—William Ready and another. ~ 608.—L. Maofarlane and 6 others. „ 444.— J. J. Bates and 2 others.