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No. 48.—Petition of F. Atkinson and 19 Others, of Taieri. Petitioners pray that "The Shops and Shop-assistants Act, 1894," may be amended as desired. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 9th July, 1895.

No. 73. —Petition of John Coutts and 37 Others, of Palmerston South. Petitionees pray that " The Shops and Shop-Assistants Act, 1894," may be amended as desired. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 9th July, 1895.

No. 39.—Petition of Eliza Anneak. Petitionee prays for a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th July, 1895.

No. 49.—Petition of Thomas Collis, of Devonport. Petitionee prays for a retiring-allowance from Police Force, such allowance having been forfeited by bankruptcy. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee,, the petitioner should be reinstated in the Force, or found some other employment. 11th July, 1895.

No. 5. —Petition of W. G. D. Bohning, of Eoslyn. Petitionee prays for a compassionate allowance on account of injuries received while engaged in mining, as he is debarred by the time limitation from benefiting by the Miners' Belief Fund. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, a Bill should be brought in to amend section 53 of " The Coal-mines Act, 1891," in so far as regarding the extension of the time allowed for application after accident; and that the petitioner's case is especially recommended for favourable consideration under the amended Act. 11th July, 1895.

No. 25.—Petition of M. Aldeidge and 21 Others, of Port Underwood (No. 2).. Petitionees pray for telephonic communication between Port Underwood and Blenheim. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to Government for consideration. 11th July, 1895.

No. 7. —Petition of Makgaeet Connelly, of Waiotahi Creek, Thames. Petitionee prays for compassionate allowance on account of her son being drowned while in the execution of his duty for the Telegraph Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th July, 1895. __.

Nos. 33 and 37. —Petitions of H. yon Blabambeeg, Palmerston North (Nos. 1 and 2). Petitionek prays for an inquiry into alleged injustice received from the Education Board. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the Government should be requested to forward to the petitioner a copy of the Education Board's remarks upon the petition presented by the petitioner during the session of 1894. 18th July, 1895.

No. 53. —Petition of D. N. Baillie, of Christchurch. Petitioneb prays for a grant of land under the Naval and Military Settlers' Acts. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th July, 1895. ,

Nos. 77 and 78.—Petitions of the Gisbobne Women's Political Association and F. L. Aemstbong and 424 Others. Petitioneks pray that the marriage and divorce laws may be made equal as to men and women, and that the age of consent may be raised to eighteen years. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th July, 1895.

No. 3.—Petition of John H. Field, of Albert Street, Auckland. Petitionee prays for compensation on account of ; his contract with the Government for the printing of Electoral Eolls having been rescinded, and that the recommendation of the Committee of last year may be given effect to. I am directed to report that the Committee find that the petitioner entered into a contract