1.—2.

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Nos. 128 and 129. —Petitions of A. J. McClusky, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for compensation on account of loss of office as police constable, and for inquiry by a Stipendiary Magistrate into the circumstances of his injury and discharge from the prison service. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make in respect to the prayer of these petitions. 2nd September, 1908. •

No. 178.—Petition of Catherine Thompson, of Sawyer's Bay. Petitioner prays for compensation on account of the death of her son, W. H. Rennie, of Papakaio. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make in respect to the prayer of this petition. 2nd September, 1908.

No. 82. —Petition of Elizabeth Walls, of Christchurch. (Second Report.) Petitioner prays for compensation for land sold for non-payment of rates. I am directed to report that the Committee, having reconsidered this petition, has no recommendation to make so far as the prayer of this particular petition is concerned; the Committee, however, strongly recommends the Government, in cases where local bodies sell any property or properties for the non-payment of rates in deceased estates, to take such steps as will ultimately lead to a reform in the law dealing with such cases, so that any such estates may not be sacrificed. 2nd September, 1908.

No. 78.—Petition of John Pilkington, of Remuera. Petitioner prays for redress relative to Native land at Remuera. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 3rd September, 1908.

No. 81.—Petition of John Swann, of Aotea. Petitioner prays that he may be granted a pension in recognition of his military services. I am directed to report that the Committee lias no recommendation to make in respect to the prayer of this petition. 22nd September, 1908.

No. 224. —Petition of Joseph Rowley, of Christchurch. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation for his services under the Provincial Government. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make in respect to the prayer of this petition. 23rd September, 1908.

No. 13.—Petition of E. McMahon, of Kakahi. Petitioner prays for an inquiry into the circumstances connected with the termination of his contract for the supply of railway sleepers at Kakahi. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make in respect to the prayer of this petition. 22nd September, 1908.

No. 56. —Petition of John Ward, of Lower Hutt. Petitioner prays that legislation may be introduced for the purpose of protecting tenants from liability for rates in certain cases. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the question of introducing legislation to secure redress in this and similar cases should be recommended to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1908.

No. 503. —Petition of A. W. Balderston and 20 Others, of Kaiwaka, and 39 other similar Petitions as per Schedule attached. Petitioners pray for an alteration in the proposed route of the North Auckland Railway. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that before the North Auckland Railway is extended north from Topuni as at present proposed the Government be recommended to make an exhaustive survey of alternative routes in order that the best interests of the various districts may be served. 22nd September, 1908. I. 2— Inset.