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No. 201.—Petition of Joseph Edward Beethekton, of Auckland. Petitioner states that, owing to misfortunes before joining the Police Force he was compelled to seek the protection of the Bankruptcy Court, and was therefore discharged. He prays for his reinstatement in the Police Force. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th August, 1893.

No. 101.—Petition of Frederick W. Howard, of Mount Eden, Auckland. Petitioner states that in 1863 he was promoted from a lieutenancy in the Colonial Forces to a captaincy, but only drew the pay of a lieutenant. He prays that he be now paid the difference between the two salaries. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17 th August, 1893.

No. 256.—Petition of Russell Bates, of Kai Iwi, Auckland. Petitioner states that he selected 100 acres of land, understanding that the price was ss. per acre, and that he afterwards was charged 7s. 6d. per acre. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 17th August, 1893.

No. 141.—Petition of the Bay of Islands County Council, Russell. Petitioners pray that the Charitable Aid Act be so amended as to allow the administration of charitable aid in each county to be vested in the Council thereof. I am directed to report that, as the whole question of charitable aid will probably be dealt with shortly, the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1893.

No. 314. —Petition of Mary Steadman Aldis, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that an Act be passed repealing the Contagious Diseases Act. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1893.

No. 304.—Petition of Thomas Chapman and 2 Others, of Cheviot. Petitioners pray that the portion of their property in the Cheviot County may be included in the County of Amuri. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1893.

No. 155.—Petition of John Dan, of Wellington. Petitioner states that he had goods to the value of £94 stored at the Waitara Eailway-station, and that the same were totally destroyed by fire when that station was burnt on the 15th June. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th August, 1893. Nos. 186, 167, 185, 197, 237, 315, and 336.—Petitions of Messrs. Ekensteen Brothers and 115 Others, D. D. Hyde and 26 Others, Wm. Adair and 51 Others, Aitken and Eoberts and 1,900 Others, N. Hall and 52 Others, B. and W. Hellaby and 52 Others, J. K. Hamilton and 466 Others. Petitioners pray that the clause in the Shop Hours Bill, making it compulsory to close on Saturday afternoon, be not passed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petitions be referred to the Government. 18th August, 1893. '

Nos. 293, 290, 291, 303, 353, 354, 357, 359.—Petitions of Mary J. Carpenter and 25,519 Others, Elizabeth M. Eyre Kenny and 601 Others, Caroline Anderson and 393 Others, Kate Baldwin and 2,765 Others, Clara M. Birch and 40 Others, Sarah Lurchin and 15 Others, Marian Kirker and 49 Others, Sophia James and 34 Others. Petitioners pray that the franchise be extended to women. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th August, 1893.

Nos. 193, 154, 157, 198, 199, 204, 206, 207, 209, 210, 212, 219, 221, 223, 225, 226, 229, 238, 239, 241, 244, 264, 270, 320, 344, 347, 362,' and 363.—Petitions of L. Graham and 38 Others, John Cooper and 66 Others, Thomas Guinness and 35 Others, A. A. Carson and 100 Others, James Ellman and 53 Others, Charles Chivers and 78 Others, J. M. Brown