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No. 30.—Petition of Louisa Vitaglich, of Westport. Petitioner prays that she may be granted a compassionate allowance of £150 on account of her late husband and son, who were in the employ of the Westport Harbour Board at the time of death. I am directed to report that, while regretting the circumstances of the case, the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 29th October, 1897.

No. 110.—Petition of Owen McKeoqhan, of Anahau. Petitioner prays that certain paints manufactured by him may be used on public works throughout the colony. I am directed to report that, if the petitioner's paints be found to be equal in quality to other paints used, the Committee recommends that he be given some measure of the Government patronage. 29th October, 1897.

No. 92.—Petition of Edwin Mitchelson and 10 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray for relief in connection with the Kaihu Valley Bail way. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should bo referred to the Eailways Committee. 29th October, 1897.

No. 13.—Petition of John Paton, of Port Chalmers. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation for loss of office as pilot to the Otago Harbour Board. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 2nd November, 1897.

Nos. 3 and 86.—Petitions of James Eunciman and 1,417 Others, and Walter Eeid and 133 Others. Petitioners pray that " The Beet-root Sugar Act, 1884," may be amended. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 2nd November, 1897.

No. 1. —Petition of David Thornton Smith, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that he may be granted additional compensation on account of his late services as Assistant Librarian. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 2nd November, 1897.

No. 73.—Petition of John McDowell and Another, of Oamaru. Petitioners state that one George Thomas Watson, while working on the co-operative works in the Taranaki District, through a gunpowder explosion totally lost the sight of both eyes. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the case for the compassionate consideration of the Government. 4th November, 1897.

No. 28.—Petition of William and Jessie McLeod, of Sydenham. Petitioners state that their son Hugh McLeod fell off a small bridge near the railway-station at Lincoln, and was drowned ; that there was no notice warning people not to trespass on the bridge; that through the shock caused by the said accident the petitioner, Jessie McLeod, became seriously ill, thereby incurring considerable expense in medical attendance. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th November, 1897.

No. 37.—Petition of A. A. S. Maxwell, of Auckland. Petitioned states that he unwittingly committed a breach of the Stamp Act in connection with the transfer of some shares in the " Maoriland Gold-mining Company," for which he was fined the sum of £20, and costs, £10 11s. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th November, 1897.

No. 126.—Petition of W. B. Scandeett, of Invercargill. Petitioner prays that there may be secured to him and the other unsecured creditors in the estate of Walter Guthrie and Company (Limited) a fair and equal share in the distribution of the assets of the said company. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim whatever on the colony. 4th November, 1897.