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No. 282.—Petition of Joseph Vaughan and 30 Others, of Umawera. Petitionees pray that they may be granted a sum of money sufficient to enable them to make an outlet road to Waihou. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th August, 1899.

No. 216. —Petition of James Macky, of Devonport. Petitioneb prays for a grant of land, or remission scrip in lieu thereof, for military services rendered to the colony. 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. 24th August, 1899.

No. 162.—Petition of W. F. Daldy McWilliams, of Thames. Petitioneb prays that he may be granted further compensation for injuries caused by Maoris firing on a Government survey party while surveying near Eotokohu in the year 1879. I am directed to report that, as such a lengthy period has elapsed since the petitioner was granted the sum of £50 as compensation for the injuries received on that occasion, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th August, 1899.

Nos. 291 and 299.—Petition of Samuel Osboene, and 38 Others, of New Plymouth; and William S. Platt, and 33 others, of Ghristchurch. Petitionees pray that a measure may be passed to suppress the gambling evil. I am directed to report that, as there is a measure now before the House dealing with the subject matter of these petitions, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th August, 1899.

No. 38.—Petition of James Scully, of Ponsonby. Petitioneb prays that he may be granted further compensation for loss of office as SergeantMajor in the Defence Department. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th August, 1899.

No. 152.—Petition of John Eountbee, of Auckland. Petitioneb prays that a sum of £820 may be placed on the supplementary estimates as compensation to Mr. Thos. Bell, of Sunday Island, for the loss of sheep and produce consumed by settlers on the island who were in starving condition, &c. I am directed to report—(l.) That, in the face of a letter dated the 10th February, 1898, from Mr. Bell, and received by the Hon. the Premier on the sth October, 1898, stating that Mr. John Eountree, of Auckland, held no authority whatever from him (Mr. Bell) to act on his behalf in any way, the Committee has no recommendation to make. (2.) That the Committee recommends the Government, when opportunity offers, to make inquiry into the circumstances of Mr. Bell having supplied settlers on Sunday Island with food, and as to what loss (if any) he sustained in so doing. 29th August, 1899. \Beferrcd bach to the Committee for reconsideration, 29th August. No further report.]

No. 68.—Petition of Pbtee Eattigan, of Arrowtown. Petitioneb prays that he may have reissued to him Land-scrip No. 688, registered in the year 1865, for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner failed to exercise his right for a land grant within the prescribed time as provided by law, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th August, 1899.

No. 227. —Petition of Jambs McLellan, of Auckland. Petitioneb prays that he may be refunded the cost of surveying the following Blocks of Native land : Awaroa, Nos. 1 and 2, and Eoto Kakahi. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 29th August, 1899.

Nos. 52 and 211.—Petitions of A. Weight and 131 Others, of Auckland, and William Wateewoeth, of Wellington. Petitionees pray that some protection may be extended to the order tailoring trade from the alleged unfair competition by the wholesale merchants and factory-owners, and that all garments should be stamped with the name of the maker, and how made, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that all goods made in a factory shall have a ticket attached to each garment showing whether "specially made to order," "made by chart," or " clothing known as stock-made goods." sth September, 1899.