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No. 132. —Petition of W. Caelton and 199 Others, of Eatanui. Petitioners pray that a road may be metalled at Owaka. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government. 25th November, 1897.

No. 187. —Petition of Fook On, of Wellington. Petitionee prays for relief from poll-tax imposed upon his wife. I am directed to report that the Committee is of the opinion that, upon proof of the marriage ceremony in this colony, the Governor be advised to remit the fine of £100, as provided by section 10 of "The Chinese Immigrants Act, 1881." 25th November, 1897.

No. 26.—Petition of F. Y. Goring, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for further compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petitioner's case to the favourable consideration of the Government. 25th November, 1897.

No. 96. —Petition of D. M. Arthur, of Invercargill. Petitioner prays for an inquiry and compensation. I am directed to report that the evidence adduced shows that neither the police nor the committing Magistrate could have acted differently under the circumstances; but that subsequent developments of the case indicate that there are doubts as to the identity of the petitioner. Therefore, considering that the petitioner has lost his employment through his arrest and imprisonment, the Committee recommends that the Stipendiary Magistrate at Invercargill should hold an inquiry into the matter, in order to allow the petitioner a chance to clear his character. 2nd December, 1897.

No. 129.—Petition of D. Burn, of Nelson. Petitionee prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 2nd December, 1897.

No. 12.—Petition of E. E. Lester, of Hokianga. Petitioner prays for redress as against an action of the Lands and Survey Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the Government should pass legislation this session to reinvest the petitioner with the 6 perches of land in question, and to pay him any legal expenses incurred in the matter. 2nd December, 1897.

No. 2 (Session I.). —Petition of W. P. Cogswell, of Te Uku, Eaglan. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 2nd December, 1897.

No. 66. —Petition of Thomas Kennedy, Jun., of Auckland. Petitioner prays for further compensation for loss of office. lam directed to report that the petitioner has no claim against the colony; but the Committee recommends that the member presenting the petition may be allowed to peruse the departmental papers in connection with the case, in order to satisfy the petitioner. 2nd December, 1897.

No. 25.—Petition of James Laney, of Cambridge. Petitioner prays for compensation for military services. I am directed to report that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 2nd December, 1897.

No. 54.—Petition of Isabella Hamlin', of Pokeno. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 2nd December, 1897.

No. 112.—Petition of A. C. Kimbell, of 50, Dixon Street, Wellington. Petitioner prays for redress re certain matters connected with the sale of the Fernhill Bailwayline. I am directed to report that the Committee has heard the petitioner state his case at length, and also received the exhaustive evidence produced, and has found nothing therein contained of a public nature. Therefore the Committee is of the opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 2nd December, 1897.