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I am directed to report that this Committee, having considered the evidence given on the anti-shouting and 6 o'clock closing petitions, recommends the National Government to pass antishouting legislation similar to that passed by the British Government, The Committee recognizes that the shortening of the hours for tho retail sale of liquor during the war period would undoubtedly lessen drinking, and so contribute to the financial strength of tho Dominion and the physical and moral good and efficiency of the people. The Committee therefore recommends the prayer of the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 6th July, 1916.

[Debate on the question, " That the report do lie upon the table, and, together with the petitions, bo referred to the Government for favourable consideration," interrupted by the 5.30 p.m. adjournment.]

Schedule. No. 65.— G. F. Stockwell and 275 others. No. 92. —Laura Turner and 3,547 others. No. 66.—John E. Wyatt and 98 others. No. 93.—Mary Ann B. Smith and 57 others. No. 67. —James 'Taylor and 200 others. No. 94.—Robert Storor and 7,370 others. No. 68.—Mary Swanston and 150 others. No. 95.— G. S. Thomson and 2,080 others. No. 69. —Rosina Mclntyrc and 280 others. No. 96.—John Stewart and 449 others. No. 70. —John McKinney and 460 others. No. 105.—Jessie H. Woodham and 360 others. No. 71.—Jane Tomlinson and 175 others. No. 106.—A. W. Rowo and 6,199 others. No. 72.—Elizabeth Price and 670 others. No. 107.—Robert Tait and 116 others. No. 73.—Graham Balfour and 320 others. No. 108.— W. McDowell and 317 others. No. 74.— F. Quintroll and 190 others. . No. 109.— W. L. Boys-Smith and 14,394 others. No. 75.—John E. Salt and 79 others. No. 110. —James Simmons and 12 others. No. 76.— E. J. Green and 93 others. No. 111. —Marion Smart and 5,449 others. No. 77.—Amy Miller and 210 others. No. 112.— J. S. Murray and 353 others. No. 78.—A. S. Wallace and 134 others. No. 113.—William Richardson and 8,024 others. No. 79.—L. Simmonds and 119 others. No. 114.—Eva Moses and 325 others. No. 80. —James Maclure and 115 others. * No. 115. —C. R. Roythornc and 312 others. No. 81.—John Wardell and 920 others. No. 120.—L. A. Rhodes and 7,692 others. No. 82.— J. R. Sykes and 197 others. No. 123.—Vera C. Mitchell and 8,420 others. No. 83.—John Macdonald and 157 others. No. 130.—Robert Todd and 3,529 others. No. 84.—Frank Winstone and 228 others. No. 131.—M. E. Pogson and 22 others. No. 85.—Lucy C. Thomas and 930 others. No. 133.— J. L. Myers and 42 others. No. 86.—A. B. Macdonald and 1,080 others. No. 134.— W. Walker and 2,059 others. No. 87.—Marian Waterson and 143 others. No. 161.— J. Wilson and 934 others. No. 90.—John Medland and 11,772 others. No. 192.— W. C. Sadlier and 545 others. No. 91.—David Purdy and 3,482 others.

No. 15. —Petition of Alfred Pearce, of Kaiapoi. (Second Report.) Praying for inquiry into the matter of a certain contract for the erection of the Hapuka River Koad-bridge, and for compensation to be paid petitioner in respect thereof. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 10th July, 1916.

No. 141. —Petition of Charles Onyon, of Wellington. Praying for an investigation of his claim against the Agricultural Department for services rendered to the Royal Commission under the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act, 1914. I am directed to report that, petitioner not having exhausted his legal remedies, this Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th July, 1916.

No. 60.—Petition of Kate McDonough, of Invercargill. Praying for a compassionate allowance in respect of the long and faithful services of her late husband, Constable John McDonough. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th July, 1916.

No. 61. —Petition of Duncan McGregor and Another, of Wanganui. Praying that the alleged arrears of pension due to them under the Pensions Act, 1913, may be awarded and paid to them. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th July, 1916.

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