1.—2.

8

No. 263. —Petition of Masefield Brothers and 10 Others, of Bay of Islands. Petitioners pray that the proposal to admit to New Zealand Canadian canned salmon duty free be not entertained by the House. I am directed to report that, as there is legislation before Parliament dealing with the subjectmatter of this petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th September, 1895.

No. 281.—Petition of W. H. Martin and 1,256 Others, of Auckland (No. 1). Petitioners pray that legislation may be passed prohibiting property-owners from planting trees near the boundaries of their respective properties, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th September, 1895. No. 223.—Petition of Heney R. L. Wily and 22 Others, of Waiuku. Petitioners pray for a grant of £500 for the purpose of draining the Akaaka Swamp. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th September, 1895.

No. 268.—Petition of Malcolm Nicoll and 47 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners state that foreign vessels are not subject to the same stringent regulations as British ships in regard to manning and loading, and are consequently able to carry much larger cargoes in proportion to their tonnage, and at much less cost than British ships. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that, as the facts set out i;i this petition disclose a real grievance on the part of the Auckland shipowners in respect of the competition of foreign vessels, the Committee is of opinion that the question should receive the early consideration of Parliament. 13th September, 1895.

No. 336. —Petition of M. Morton, of Owaka. Petitioner states that he took up a deferred-payment section near Hyde ; that he afterwards bought it right out at £3 per acre ; that through a continuation of bad seasons he had to mortgage the section ; that subsequently the mortgagee foreclosed, and he lost everything. He prays that he be granted a bush section of land. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 13th September, 1895.

No. 279.—Petition of W. G. Winstone and 40 Others, of Auckland. Petitionbbs pray for an amendment of " The Public Works Act, 1894," in respect to the licensing of vehicles by Borough Councils. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 13th September, 1895.

No. 244.—Petition of J. Townley and 50 Others, of Gisborne. Petitioners pray for a grant of money to construct a road through the Tauwhareparae Block to the Government Block, " Huiarua," a distance of ten miles. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 13th September, 1895.

No. 296.—Petition of Michael Malone and 78 Others, of Maunganui Bluff. Petitioners pray that the Government may purchase the Maunganui Bluff Swamp, to be used for the purpose of gum-digging by the settlers of the district at a royalty. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petition be granted. 13th September, 1895.

No. 316.—Petition of Alexander Mackay, of Ohinemuri. Petitioner prays that he be rewarded for the discovery of payable gold at Owharoa, Waihi, and Waitekauri. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee. 13th September, 1895.

Nos. 261 and 403.—Petitions of Michael Mullooly, of Tolago Bay (Nos. 1 and 2). Pbtitionbk prays that certain decrees made by the Validation Court, in connection with the Tuawhatu Blocks Nos. Iβ, 2, and 4, and the Kirikiriroa Block, be not confirmed. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner does not appear to have exhausted his legal remedy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th September, 1895.