I.—l.

No. 496 (1895). —Petition of Jeffery Ellingham and 47 Others, Ponsonby Eoad, Auckland. Petitioners pray that Licensing Commissioners may not be allowed to tender for any work in connection with the liquor trade. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration; but, as the matter is one of public policy, it has no recommendation to make. Ist July, 1896.

No. 39. —Petition of James Devine, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that he may be paid a certain sum of money to which he is entitled; also that he may be reinstated in his office, or, in lieu thereof, may receive compensation. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 2nd July, 1896.

No. 12. —Petition of Jane Good, of Upper Queen Street, Auckland. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance on account of her husband's death and length of service in the Government employ. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner should be granted one month's pay for each year of her husband's service, up to twelve months, in accordance with the practice obtaining in other Government departments. 2nd July, 1896.

No. 53. —Petition of H. A. Austin and H. Mounsby. Petitioners pray for compensation for alleged illegal arrest by the police. I am directed to report that the police at Auckland had in March last information that some doubtful .characters were en route from Sydney to Auckland, who duly arrived and went to Rotorua. That about the same period of time the petitioners also arrived at Rotorua from Sydney via the South Sea Islands as tourists for the benefit of their health, and while at Rotorua the post-office there was robbed of £200 in cash. That the police constables in the Auckland District, upon insufficient descriptions of the supposed burglars, unfortunately arrested the petitioners, who were taken to the police-station and detained there for two days. That the police authorities, so soon as it became known to them that the petitioners were absolutely above reproach, did everything possible to remove any indignity which had been cast upon the petitioners by reason of the arrest and detention at the police-station. That the Government be recommended to send a letter to the petitioners in New South Wales, expressing regret that they should have been subjected to the indignities complained of, and asking them to allow the New Zealand Government to reimburse them for any expenses paid by them in Auckland by reason of their arrest and detention at the police-station. 3rd July, 1896.

Nos. 49, 50, 51, 52, and 59.—Petition of M. J. Dixon and 165 Others, A. Hookham and 951 Others, E. W. Fereday and 249 Others, B. Gibb and 2,470 Others, and C. Coates and 539 Others. Petitioners pray that Scripture-lesson books may be used in the primary schools of New Zealand. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration; but, as the matter is one of public policy, it has no recommendation to make. 3rd July, 1896.

No. 70. —Petition of Captain S. A. Leech, of Westport. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of office as Harbourmaster at Westport. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the Government to pay the petitioner compensation at the rate of one month's salary for each year's service during the time he was in the Marine Department's service—viz., from the abolition of the provinces to the date of his transfer to the service of the Westport Harbour Board. 7th July, 1896.

No. 22.—Petition of J. P. Low, of The Port, Nelson. Petitionee prays for compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony, 7th July, 1896.

Nos. 77, 104, and 105 (all similar). —Petitions of Joseph Hatsbl and 29 Others, of Prebbleton ; J. H. Twentyman and 546 Others, of Ashburton; C. A. Fitzboy and 304 Others, of Hastings. Petitioners pray that Scripture-lesson books may be used in the primary schools of New ZealandI am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration; but, as the matter is one of public policy, it has no recommendation to make. Bth July, 1896.

3