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No. 152.—Petition of H. J. Middleton, of Titiroa, and 16 Others. Praying for an alteration of the present system of rating, so that the Southland County Council may be able to levy rates on an acreage basis in the Titiroa Drainage District. I am directed tp report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, 19th July, 1916,

No. 200.—Petition of Hamilton Labatt Worthington, of Petone. Praying that the Government communicate with the Imperial authorities as to the present position of New Zealand and Australia in regard to the articles of the Paris Sanitary Convention, 1912, in reference to the placing of discs on ships' hawsers, and that such steps as may be necessary may be taken by the Government to enforce the Order in Council relating to such discs. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, it being the strong opinion of the Committee that, if clause 16 of the Paris Sanitary Convention empowers it, it is the duty of the Government in the interests of public health to insist upon the provisions in the Order in Council being carried out in New Zealand. 19th July, 191.6.

No. 224.—Petition of P. M. Sulenta, of Awanui, ami 86 Others. Praying for peace and justice, and to be recognized as our loyal Slav Allies. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee the question raised by this petition being one of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th July, 1916.

No. 208.—Petition of John Solomon Taylor, of Wanganui. Praying the Government to give effect to alleged recommendations of this Committee in his favour relative to his wrongful conviction. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th July, 1916.

No. 382 (1915). —Petition of William Peroival Storey, of Huia, Auckland. Praying for compensation for alleged wrongful arrest, for the exercise of the Royal prerogative in his favour, and to be heard at the bar of the House. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th July, 1916.

No. 219.—Petition of W. S. McGibbon, of Christchurch. Praying that compensation may be granted to one James McGibbon for injuries sustained by him whilst on duty at a Territorial Camp at Kowai on the 30th April, 1914. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for its most favourable consideration. 28th July, 1916.

No. 204.—Petition of Arthur Frederick Wim:sett, of Palmerston North. Praying for relief and refund of costs of trial for certain burglaries at tho General Post Office, Wellington, in 1909. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th July, 1916.

No. 154. —Petition of Pitcaithly and Co., of Wellington. Praying that the Committee will repeat its previous recommendation in favour of petitioner in the matter of the cancellation of contract for the Wellington Dock. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be strongly recommended to the Government for further consideration and inquiry. 28th July, 1916.

No. 220.—Petition of Clara E. Rae, of Wellington, and 39 Others. Praying for clemency and for a reduction of the sentence passed on one Alice May Parkinson. I am directed to report, that tho Committee has no recommendation to make; and that the report by the Chief Justice on the case of the said Alice May Parkinson be attached to this report, and the whole be printed. (Vide. Appendix 1.-2 a.) 28th July, 1916.