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the future the Government should make careful inquiries before appointing Returning Officers ; that the Committee recommends the Government to amend " The Electoral Act Amendment Act, 189G," clause 15, with the view of definitely fixing the day and hour in which nominations for candidates for the House of Representatives shall close. 2nd August, 1898. [For Minutes of Evidence and Appendix, do., vide Appendix 1.-2 a.]

No. 128. —Petition of Rev. G. MacMureay and 2 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that any Bill having for its object the granting of any additional facilities for divorce may not be passed into law. I am directed to report that, as there is a measure now before the House dealing with the subject-matter of the petition, the Committee declines to make any recommendation. 3rd August, 1898.'

No. 109.—Petition of William Olliver, of Lyttelton. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance on account of his late services in the Railways Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Railways Committee. 3rd August, 1898.

Nos. 102, 105, and 117.—Petitions of T. Thompson and 58 Others, T. Tanner and 36 Others, and C. Maegoliouth and 21 Others. Petitioners pray that the Cycle Traffic Bill now before Parliament may not be passed. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioners have made out a case worthy of the consideration of the House when dealing with the Cycle Traffic Bill. 3rd August, 1898.

No. I.—Petition of Thomas McConnell, of Waimate. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation or a small pension for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, the petitioner having received the usual land-grant made to old soldiers, the Committee considers he has no further claim on the colony; but, as the petitioner may be entitled to participate in an Imperial fund of a compassionate nature from which grants are made to old soldiers, the Committee recommends that the Defence Department should forward the petitioner's case to the proper authorities for consideration. sth August, 1898. '

No. 82.—Petition of Catherine Sweeney, of Greymouth. Petitioner prays that she may be granted a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband, who was killed on the co-operative works at Mangaonoho. I am directed to report that, on account of the exceptional circumstances of the case, the Committee recommends a compassionate allowance, not exceeding £50, be granted to the petitioner. sth August, 1898.

No. 103. —Petition of J. J. H. Pascoe, of Catlin's River. Petitioner states that while in the execution of his duty as constable, in arresting a lunatic, he was shot at and wounded in the hip; that on account of the said wound his health has never been good since; and that he was dismissed from the Police Force. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. sth August, 1898.

No. 58.—Petition of Maby Caroline McNamara, of Tinakori Road, Wellington. Petitioner prays that she may be granted a compassionate allowance on account of the death of her late husband, who was for many years employed in the Government Printing Office. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th August, 1898.

No. 122.—Petition of B. Purser and 2,599 Others, of Blenheim. Petitioners pray that the construction of the Blenheim-Hurunui Eailway may be proceeded with. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Railways Committee. 12th August, 1898.

No. 175.—Petition of J. C. Peach and 399 Others, of Inglewood. Petitioners pray for the erection of a joint post-office and Courthouse at Inglewood. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, 18th August, 1898.