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No. 41.—Petition of Captain S. A. Leech, of Westport. Petitionee prays that effect may be given to the previous recommendations of the Committee. I am directed to report that, the Public Petitions A to L Committee of 1896 and 1897 having reported fully upon this petition, the Committee has no further recommendation to make. 22nd July, 1898.

No. 9. —Petition of F. Macbeth, of Hokianga. Petitionee prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee. 26th July, 1898.

No. 93. —Petition of St. Albans School Committee and 49 Others, of Christchurch. Petitionees pray that all School Inspectors may be placed under the control of the Education Department.

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 subject-matter of the petition involves a question of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th July, 1898.

No. 198. —Petition of the Union Steeet (Dunedin) School Committee and 17 other Committees. Petitionees pray that all School Inspectors may be placed under the control of the Education Department. I am directed to report that, as the prayer of the petition involves a matter of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 31st August, 1898.

No. B.—Petition of W. J. Buck and 30 Others, of St. Kilda. The petitioners pray for compensation on account of the encroachment of the sea at St. Kilda, said to have been caused by negligence upon the part of the Defence Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioners have sustained considerable damage through the action of the officers of the Defence Department in the manner of constructing the Central Battery. The Committee therefore recommends the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 30th August, 1898.

No. B.—Petition of W. J. Buck and 30 Others, of St. Kilda. The petitioners pray for compensation on account of the encroachment of the sea at St. Kilda, said to have been caused by negligence upon the part of the Defence Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioners hare sustained considerable damage through the action of the officers of the Defence Department in the manner of constructing the Central Battery. The Committee therefore recommends the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government.

No. 84.—-Petition of William James Casley, of Centre Street, Freeman's Bay, Auckland. The petitioner prays for a grant of land for military services. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner's claim has been considered and reported upon by the Commissioner appointed under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th September, 1898.

No. 180.—Petition of W. H. Claeke, of Arawa Street, Eotorua.The petitioner prays for compensation for military services. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner's claim has been considered and reported upon by the Commissioner appointed under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th September, 1898.

No. 183.—Petition of E. Gutheie, of Pollen Street, Thames. The petitioner prays that he may receive value for a remission certificate granted under the Volunteer Land Acts, 1865-67, and purchased by him. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner's claim has been considered and reported upon by the Commissioner appointed under "The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th September, 1898.

No. 204.—Petition of John Guilding, of Te Aroha. The petitioner prays for compensation for military services. I am directed to report that, the petitioner not having applied to have his claim registered under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the said claim is now barred by statute; the Committee has therefore no recommendation to make. 20th September, 1898.

Nos. 217 and 218.—Petitions of E. J. Feltus, of Auckland. The petitioner prays for compensation for military services rendered by himself and family. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner's claim has been considered and reported upon by the Commissioner appointed under "The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th September, 1898.