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No. 87.—Petition of John McMahon, of Auckland. Petitioneb prays that he may be reinstated as sergeant in the Police Force, and for other relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th August, 1900.

No. 249. —Petition of Alfbed Beynolds, of Christchurch. Petitionee prays that he may be granted compensation for the loss of an eye caused by a spark from a passing railway-engine. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Eailways Committee. 16th August, 1900. .

• No. 120.—Petition of Lucy Janet Nutt, of Marton. Petitionee prays that she may be granted further compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services in the Post and Telegraph Department. I am directed to report that this Committee is strongly of the opinion that the death of the petitioner's husband was accelerated, if not entirely caused, by overzeal on behalf of the department he was serving, and that, under these circumstances, the petitioner is entitled to a further compassionate allowance of £140. 16th August, 1900.

No. 159.—Petition of John Lodis Eolland, of Eeefton. Petitioneb prays that he may be. granted some reward for services as military chaplain during the Maori War, &c. I am directed to report that this Committee strongly commends the petitioner's case to the very favourable consideration of the Government. 16th August, 1900.

No. 231. —Petition of Thomas Pattebson, of Invercargill. Petitionee prays that he may be granted further compensation on account of injuries received at a railway-crossing in the year 1886. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Eailways Committee. 16th August, 1900.

No. 230. —David Miller and Another, of Catlin's. Petitionees state that although they have resided in the colony for upwards of thirty-eight years they are debarred from receiving the old-age pension through having resided out of New Zealand for three years during the last twenty-five. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st August, 1900.

No. 43. —Petition of Waltee A. White, of Hunua. Petitionee prays that he may be granted relief in connection with certain sections of Crown lands taken from him, &c. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition.should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 21st August, 1900.

No. 147. —Petition of Bobeet Hendebson McPhebson, of Oamaru. (Eeport No. 1.) Petitioneb prays that he may be granted further compensation for the loss of office as sergeantmajor in the New Zealand Defence Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st August, 1900.

No. 170.—Petition of Henby C. Powell and Another, of Herekino. Petitionebs pray —Firstly, that letters of naturalisation may be issued to certain Austrian village settlers in the Herekino district; and, secondly, that fines and Court expenses, amounting to £50, for digging for gum without a license at Kaikino, &c, may be refunded. I am directed to report : (1.) That the persons mentioned in the petition not being eligible or suitable for naturalisation this Committee has no recommendation to make. (2.) That inasmuch as they have received great consideration from the Court which heard their case the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st August, 1900.

No. 215. —Petition of G. Page and Sons and 19 Others, of Nelson, and 19 other similar Petitions as per attached Schedule. Petitionees pray that subsection (7) of section 39 of the proposed Factories Bill, 1900, may be expunged from the Bill. 1 am directed to report that the Committee is strongly of the opinion that the prayer of the petitioners should be granted, and that subsection (7) of section 39 of the Factories Bill, 1900, should be expunged. 23rd August, 1900.