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No. 158, 1895.—Petition of Thomas P. Hughson and 41 Others, of Okato, Taranaki. Petitioners pray that the Public Trustee may be compelled to construct certain roads. I am directed to report that, as it has been shown that the prayer of the petitioners has been already granted, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th September, 1896.

No. 517, 1895.—Petition of W. Litchfield and 947 Others, of Blenheim. Petitioners pray that the Lower Wairau and Spring Creek Eiver Boards may be amalgamated. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the provisions made for amalgamation in the Local Government Bill now before the House are sufficient to meet the case, and therefore it has no recommendation to make. 29th September, 1896.

No. 453.—Petition of H. K. Gilmoue, of Howick, Auckland. Petitioner prays that the sum of £60 may be refunded him by the Department of Justice. I am directed to report that, as it has been shown that the Government have this matter under consideration with a view to an early settlement, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th October, 1896.

No. 479.—Petition of J. H. Kelly, of Hillside, Ngaruawahia. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of stock, said to have been caused by rabbit-poison laid by the Government Inspector. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has not exhausted his legal remedies, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th October, 1896.

No. 465.—Petition of H. yon Blarambeeg, of Gray Street, Palmerston North (No. 2). Petitioner prays that the Education Act may be amended so as to place School Boards under the control of the Government. I am directed to report that, as the prayer of the petition deals with a matter which is entirely one of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th October, 1896.

Nos. 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, and 488.-—Petitions of C. Kemp and 7 Others, Kerikeri, Bay of Islands; W. Eoss and 17 Others; H. Lane and 8 Others; Captain Bubleigh and 20 Others; C. Lewis and 2 Others ; E. Marshall and 8 Others; G. C. Hodges and 19 Others ; and J. B. Clarke and 23 Others. Petitioners pray that the Local Government Bill as now before the House may not pass. I am directed to report that, as the Bill in question is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th October, 1896.

Nos. 466, 467, and 468. —Petitions of D. Higgins and 480 Others, of Castle Street, Dunedin; G. L. Denniston and 254 Others ; and W. Thompson and 227 Others. Petitioners pray that a Scripture-lesson book 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. 6th October, 1896.

No. 154.—Petition of David Hutchison, of Balfour, Southland. Petitioner prays for redress as against certain specified actions of the Public Trustee. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. Bth October, 1896.

Nos. 523, 524, and 530.—Petitions of P. Keddie and 66 Others, St. Andrew's, Canterbury; M. Hatton and 81 Others; and A. Dewdney and 559 Others. Pbtitionbes pray that the Government will draw the attention of the Imperial Government to the concern of the people of New Zealand regarding the treatment of the Armenians by the Turks. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this is a matter where Imperial interests are at stake, and therefore it has no recommendation to make. Bth October, 1896.

No. 502.—Petition of E. E. M. Sutheeland and 520 Others, Kaikorai Manse, Eoslyn, Dunedin. Petitioners pray that a Scripture-lesson book may be used in the primary schools of New Zealand. 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. Bth October, 1896.