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Nos. 145, 146, and 147, Sess. ll.—Petitions of L. McNamara and Others, of Haora Tareranui and Others, and of Edward Quinn and Others. The petitioners pray that steps may be taken to allow Hoera te Mimiha and Hone Koroneho, at present confined in Mount Eden Gaol, to show their innocence. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government. 17th November, 1887.

No. 148, Sess. ll.—Petition of Hoera te Mimiha. The petitioner, a prisoner in Mount Eden Gaol, prays for a rehearing of his case, in order that he may be able to prove his innocence. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th November, 1887.

Nos. 192 and 193, Sess. ll.—Petitions of D. Stanley and Others and of A. S. Nodder and Others. The petitioners, unemployed inhabitants of Auckland, pray that the House will cause some necessary or reproductive works to be done in the Auckland Province, in order to alleviate their present dire distress. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the favourable consideration of the Government. 17th November, 1887.

No. 196, Sess. II. —Petition of Samuel Stephenson, of Auckland. The petitioner prays that the Licensing Act may be amended, and that he may be examined by the Public Petitions Committee with regard to the same. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th November, 1887.

No. 223, Sess. ll.—Petition of Edward Pavitt and Others, of Christchurch. The petitioners pray that the tariff may be revised during the present session. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is now under the consideration of the Government, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th November, 1887.

No. 91, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Whiting and Others. The petitioners, fishermen and residents of Wanganui and Wellington, pray for certain amendments to be made in " The Fisheries Conservation Act, 1884." I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th November, 1887.

No. 186, Sess. II. —Petition of George Thompson, of Waikato. The petitioner alleges that his two children were improperly committed to an industrial school, and prays for an inquiry. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th November, 1887.

No. 198, Sess. ll.—Petition of H. J. Woodward and Others, of Mokoreta, Southland. The petitioners state that they purchased land under the control of the Otago School Commissioners when land was valued at a high upset price ; that they are now unable to meet their liabilities to the Board of Governors and School Commissioners. They pray that such amendments may be made in " The Public Bodies' Leaseholds Act, 1886," as will allow the price of the land to be reduced; that a Eoyal Commission may be appointed to revalue the land; or for other relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th November, 1887.

No. 88, Sess. ll.—Petition of Joseph Smart, of Lyttelton. The petitioner states that, while in the employ of the Eailway Department, on the Bth August, 1887, he sustained a serious injury to his foot through no fault of his own, which has disabled him from following his ordinary employment. He prays that employment may be provided to suit his disabled state. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd November, 1887.

No. 227, Sess. II. —Petition of J. K. Strachan, of Wanganui. The petitioner states that, on 30th June, 1886, he paid a bottler's license-fee of £20, and that, immediately after said payment, the Act under which it was made was repealed. He alleges that the Borough Council of Wanganui are willing to return the money to him if they can legally do so. He prays that power may be given to the said Council to refund the money. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd November, 1887,

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