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Nos. 406 and 446. —Petitions of G. L. Gladding and 430 Others; and G. Grayson and 17 Others, Union Street, Auckland. Petitioners pray that the Order in Council making it compulsory for Civil Service cadets to serve three years in a Volunteer corps may be repealed. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th September, 1896.

No. 398.—Petition of John King, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for a reconsideration of his claims against the Government. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th September, 1896.

Nos. 444 and 445.—Petitions of A. B. Pobdyce and 162 Others, of Mount Eden Eoad, Auckland ; and J. G. Wile and 133 Others. Petitioners pray that 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. 18th September, 1896.

Nos. 389, 390, 393, 399, 407, 408, 409, and 410.—Petitions of James Clarke and 464 Others, of Palmerston South; P. C. Valpy and 109 Others ; A. C. Begg and 296 Others ;D. Harman and 136 Others; C. S. P. Moore and 35 Others; M. Fleming and 13 Others; T. O. Hay and 9 Others; and J. Neild and 35 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. 18th September, 1896.

Nos. 416, 417, 418, 419, 448, 449, 450, and 451.—Petitions of Eev. B. J. Carter and 51 Others, Biversdale, Otago ; M. A. Smellie and 85 Others ; J. Blackbourne and 34 Others ; J. Grigg and 16 Others; A. C. Knight and 22 Others; W. Shaw and 21 Others; W. H. Bristow and 22 Others; M. Latter and 22 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. 22nd September, 1896.

No. 413.—Petition of E. G. Knight, Customhouse Quay. Petitioner prays that a Bill may be passed enabling every father of ten children to obtain a grant of 100 acres of land. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 22nd September, 1896. 411.—Petition of Mrs. L. C. Lyster, of Petone. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's service in the police. I am directed to report that, as evidence has been given that the petitioner has died since presenting her petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 22nd September, 1896. No. 118.—Petition of W. C. Higham and 33 Others, of Huia, Auckland. Petitioners pray that £400 may be placed upon the estimates for the construction of a bridge over the Huia Eiver. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th September, 1896.

411.—Petition of Mrs. L. C. Lysteb, of Petone. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's service in the police. I am directed to report that, as evidence has been given that the petitioner has died since presenting her petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 22nd September, 1896.

No. 118.—Petition of W. C. Higham and 33 Others, of Huia, Auckland. Petitionebs pray that £400 may be placed upon the estimates for the construction of a bridge over the Huia Eiver. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th September, 1896.

No. 455. —Petition of George Baldick, of Blenheim. Petitioner prays that he may receive a grant of land as being one of the oldest colonists. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th September, 1896.

No. 414.—Petition of W. G. Bassett, of 83, Tinakori Eoad. Petitioner prays for compensation for alleged wrongful arrest by the police. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 29th September, 1896.