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No. 871. —Petition of H. B. Huddleston, of Blenheim (No. 2). Petitioner prays for relief, as clause 170 of " The Land Transfer Act, 1885," has had the effect of invalidating his license to practise as a surveyor. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has refused to comply with the conditions required to enable him to obtain his license, the Committee is of opinion that he has no claim upon the colony for relief. Ist September, 1896.

Nos. 344, 363, and 374.—Petitions of the Key. W. Will, of The Manse, East Taieri, and 133 Others ; the Eev. A. Cameron and 251 Others ; and the Eev. W. Nichol and 222 Others. Petitioners pray that a Scripture-lesson book may be used in the primary schools of New Zealand. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration; but, as the matter is one of public policy, it has no recommendation to make. Ist September, 1896.

No. 366. —Petition of James Howard, of Westport. Petitioner prays that he may receive compensation for injuries received from the bursting of a cannon. I am directed to report that the Committee, having for a second time investigated the claim of the petitioner, and as no new evidence has been produced to cause a revision of the conclusion arrived at last session, can but repeat its former recommendation—namely, " That it is of opinion that the colony is in no way responsible for the unfortunate accident named ; but that, taking into consideration the surrounding circumstances of the case, the Committee recommends that the Government should find some suitable employment for James Howard." 2nd September, 1896.

No. 215. —Petition of Oswald Curtis, of Nelson. Petitioner prays for compensation upon account of loss of office as Superintendent of the Province of Nelson upon the abolition of the provinces. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd September, 1896. ________

No. 101.—Petition of H. yon Blaeambeeg, Gray Street, Palmerston North (No. 1). Petitioner prays for an inquiry into the reason for his dismissal by the Wanganui Education Board. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. Bth September, 1896. Nos. 379, 404, and 405.—Petitions of J. Gray and 6 Others, of Hukerenui, Auckland ; G. B. Sutton and 2 Others; and J. E. Lambert and 6 Others. Petitioners pray that the Local Government Bill as before the House may not pass. I am directed to report that, as this Bill is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th September, 1896.

Nos. 383, 384, and 385.—Petitions of Joseph Dixon and 62 Others, of Drury, Auckland ; J. B. Priestley and 30 Others; and Eev. T. Norrie and 40 Others. Petitioners pray chat gambling may be suppressed by law. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this is a matter of public policy, and therefore it has no recommendation to make. ilth September, 1896.

No. 370. —Petition of George Elliott and 75 Others, of Mercer, Waikato. Petitioners pray that a punt may be placed upon the Waikato Eiver at Mercer. I am directed to report that, as the Chief Surveyor at Auckland reports that there are two old punts on hand, either of which might be repaired and sent to Mercer, the Committee recommends that the departmental report of the 31st ultimo be given effect to. 15th September, 1896.

No. 381.—Petition of H. E. Ceofts, of Parnell, Auckland. Petitioner prays for further consideration of his case, and compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 15th September, 1896.

No. 400.—Petition of Z. Bailey, of Mornington, Dunedin. Petitioner prays for redress and compensation on account of certain grievances in connection with a sale of land. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. -. 15th September, 1896.