J.— 2

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No, 209, 1898.—Petition of Wμ. James Eaten, and Others. Petitionees pray that a thorough investigation may be made into the circumstances in connection with the bestowal of the New Zealand Cross on Mr. H. C. W. Wrigg, of Auckland. I am directed to report that, from the evidence adduced, the Committee is of opinion that Mr. H. C. W. Wrigg was not entitled to the New Zealand Cross. A copy of the evidence is attached. Bth August, 1899. [Note. — Interrupted debate on motion to refer report back to the Committee. Vide Journals House of Sepresentatives, 6th October.]

No. 150. —Petition of Baetholomew O'Eoubke, of Canterbury. Petitioner prays that his son may be released from St. Mary's Industrial School, Nelson. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the granting of the prayer of the petition. 10th August, 1899.

No. 375, 1898.—Petition of Gavin McMueeay, of Papakura. Petitioner prays that he may be granted a re-hearing of his case, Win. Hooper v. Gavin McMurray. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner did not exhaust his legal remedy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th August, 1899.

No. 33. —Petition of Patbick Madigan. Petitioneb prays that he may be granted further compensation on account of injuries received while carrying out his duties as a prison-warder. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no further claim upon the colony. 10th August, 1899.

No. 175. —Petition of Thos. E. Tindall, on behalf of the Awitu Eoad Board. Petitionees pray that they may be granted the sum of £400 for the opening up and improvement of the main trunk road between Awitu and Waiuku. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 10th August, 1899.

No. 63.—Petition of W. J. Paekee, and 62 Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that they may be granted consideration of their claims on account of military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as 43 of the petitioners have had their claims considered and adjudicated upon by the Commissioner appointed under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," and as under the provisions of the said Act the Committee has no power to deal with the claims of the additional twenty petitioners, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 22nd August, 1899. "__

No. 142. —Petition of Eliza Montgomeey, of Auckland. Petitioneb prays that the claims of her former husband, John Caffrey, and her son, Michael Caffrey, for military services, may be considered. I am directed to report that, as the claims made by the petitioner have 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. 22nd August, 1899.

No. 19.—Petition of Thomas Mason Wilfoed, of Wellington. Petitioneb states that at the General Election of members of the House of Eepresentatives, held on the 4th day of December, 1896, he was elected member for the Wellington Suburbs : That on petition such election was declared to be void, and that he was incapacitated from being elected to, or sitting in, the House of Eepresentatives for a period of three years. He prays that he may be relieved from such incapacity. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has availed himself of his legal remedy and obtained redress in the Law Courts, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 22nd August, 1899.

No. 4.—Petition of Claba Smith, of Wellington. Petitioneb prays that she may be granted a further compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services in the Telegraph Department. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has received the sum of £300, as a compassionate allowance, and now applies for a further allowance, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1899.