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No. 335.—Petition of Henry Ellis, of Barotonga. Petitioner prays for redress on account of alleged false imprisonment by a Native Court at Barotonga. I am directed to report that this Committee, being of the opinion that petitioner has not exhausted his legal remedies, has no recommendation to make. sth October, 1899.

No. 290.—Petition of Emma M. Alpoed, of Devonport, Auckland. Petitioner prays for compensation for the death of her husband, a member of the Permanent Militia. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth October, 1899.

No. 292.—Petition of George Heighton, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation for loss of office as caretaker of Motuihi Island, or for suitable employment. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. sth October, 1899. .

No. 327.—Petition of W. Burr and 3 Others, of Hokianga. Petitionees pray that the expenses incurred by the Hokianga County Council in certain prosecutions instituted by them under the Dog Begistration Act be refunded by the Government. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth October, 1899.

No. 394.—Petition of E. Johnson and 15 Others, of Leeston. Petitioners pray that the use of drag-nets in Lake Ellesmere be prohibited. I am directed to report that this Committee, at the request of the member for the district, recommends the petition to the urgent and favourable consideration of the Government. sth October, 1899.

No. 433.—Petition of Thomas Doig, of Biccarton. Petitionee prays for redress of certain grievances in connection with the imprisonment of his son upon an order under " The Destitute Persons Act, 1894." I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. sth October, 1899.

Nos. 144, Petitions of H. Lane and Others, Opua; 233, E. Porter and Others, Auckland ; 234, A. B. Donald and Others, Auckland; 280, T. and S. Moerin (Limited), Auckland; 331, G. A. Campbell and Others, Wanganui (all similar). Petitioners pray—(l) That all oil-engines (marine) under twenty-brake horse-power be allowed to run absolutely without restriction; (2) that all oil-engines of a larger power be run by men who have passed a sufficient examination on the working of oil-engines alone, irrespective of steampower ; (3) that a competent Examiner be forthwith appointed to conduct such examinations ; (4) that all persons who can satisfy such Examiner that they have successfully worked and operated marine oil-engines prior to Ist June, 1899, be granted certificates of service available for use both within restricted limits and also at sea, but only for engines used as an auxiliary power in vessels fully equipped as sailing-ships. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the evidence taken in connection with these petitions should be printed ; but, as a Bill dealing with the subject-matter involved is now before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th October, 1899. (Vide Appendix 1.-la.)

No. 295.—Petition of James Drumm and Others, of Greymouth. Petitionees pray that merchant tailors and clothing-factories be registered as separate trades. I am directed to report that, as the prayer of the petition involves a question of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th October, 1899. No. 263.—Petition of E. L. Clack, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that inquiry be made into certain matters connected with the dissolution of a firm of which he was a member. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th October, 1899.

No. 453.—Petition of Helen Fraser, of Glenorchy. Petitioner prays that the House will cause accounts to be rendered to her in connection with the sale of her property at Queenstown by order of the Begistrar of the Supreme Court. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th October, 1899.