3

1.—2

No. 17. —Petition of William Reecb, Chairman Ghristchurch Tramway Board. Petitionee prays that he may be granted a remission of Customs duty on electrical machinery imported for the construction of tramways in the Christehurch Tramways District, which machinery cannot be satisfactorily made in the colony. I am directed to report that, having considered the petition and evidence tendered on the question, the Committee is of the opinion that the proposed electrical tramways are a public work for the public benefit, and therefore recommends the Government to place a sum of money on the estimates sufficient to refund the duty on the various necessary appliances imported for the work. *22nd July, 1903.

No. 79. —Petition of Thomas Scott and 13 Others, of Dunedin City Council. Petitionebs pray that they may be granted a remission of Customs duty on electrical machinery imported for the construction of tramways in the City of Dunedin, which machinery cannot be satisfactorily made in the colony. I am directed to report that, having considered the petition and evidence tendered on the question, the Committee is of the opinion that the proposed tramways are a public work and for the public benefit, and therefore recommends the Government to place a sum of money on the estimates sufficient to refund the duty on the various necessary appliances imported for the work. *22nd July, 1903.

No. 70. —Petition of His Worship the Mayob, Wellington City Corporation. Petitionee prays that he may be granted a remission of Customs duty on electrical machinery imported for the construction of tramways in the City of Wellington, which machinery cannot be satisfactorily made in the colony. I am directed to report that, having considered the petition and evidence tendered on the question, the Committee is of the opinion that the proposed tramways are a public work for the public benefit, and therefore recommends the Government to place a sum of money on the estimates sufficient to refund the duty on the various necessary appliances imported for the work. *22nd July, 1903.

No. 104.—Petition of Thomas Hawkins Smith, of Maketu. Petitioneb states that he obtained judgment in the S.M.s Court, at Maketu, for certain moneys due to him ; that the same were collected by the Bailiff of the Court, but that he has not yet been paid the full amount so collected, and he prays that he may be paid the balance owing, and the costs incurred in connection therewith. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has not received the full amount claimed by him, and, as the evidence goes to show that the Bailiff received the same, the Department should pay to the petitioner the said amount. 23rd July, 1903.

No. 175. —Petition of Hoeatio Nelson Wabnee, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that he may be granted compensation on account of his past services in the Government of New Zealand. I am directed to report that this Committee, having considered the long service rendered by the petitioner, recommends the Government to grant him a compassionate allowance of £200. 28th July, 1903.

No. 174. —Petition of Chables S. Beass, and 4 Others, of Invercargill. Petitionebs state that they have suffered pecuniary loss, and have been deprived of their means of living, through the severe administration of the Licensing Act. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee, having considered the circumstances of the case, has no recommendation to make. 28th July, 1903.

No. 9. —Petition of William Spencee and 51 Others, of the Bluff, &c. Petitionebs pray that the right to a landing-place at the Bluff Harbour may be restored to them, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government. 28th July, 1903.

No. 198. —Petition of Chables Tayloe and 21 Others, of Christehurch. Petitionebs pray that legislation may be passed to place the election of members of Education Boards on the basis of popular representation. I am directed to report that, as the matter is a question of public policy, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th August, 1903.

* Debate on consideration of report interrupted by 5.30 adjournment on 22nd July.