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No. 387, 1898.—Petition of W. Petit and 795 Others, of Waimate, Canterbury. Petitioners pray that the Waimate Hospital may be kept a separate institution. I am directed to report that, as there is a measure now before the House dealing with the subject-matter of this petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist August, 1899.

No. 82. —Petition of John James Meikle, of Southland. Petitioner prays that effect may be given to the reports of the Public Petitions Committee, M to Z, dated the 9th October, 1895, and the 14th July, 1896. I am directed to report that, the petitioner having expressed his relinquishment of all claims by the receipt given to the Government dated the 15th December, 1897, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist August, 1899. -

No. 18.—Petition of Francis D. Macbeth, of Hokianga. Petitioner states that through being only 63 years of age he cannot lay claim to an old-age pension. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner's case appears to be one for charitable aid, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist August, 1899.

No. 47.—Petition of Arthur McLean, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for compensation on account of his late father's military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as the department has no record of the petitioner's late father's services, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist August, 1899.

No. 221, 1898. —Petition of Mrs. A. J. Schnackenbeeg and 4 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that legislation may be introduced prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to young persons under the age of sixteen. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist August, 1899.

No. 110.-—Petition of John Peterson, of Kaiapoi. Petitioner states that he has been debarred from being granted an old-age pension on account of not having been a naturalized subject for five years, although a resident in the colony for thirty-five years. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that tlie petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and recommending the introduction of a measure dealing with similar cases, by which all such disabilities may be removed. Ist August, 1899.

No. 111.—Petition of John O'Neil, Makotuku. Petitioner prays for a grant of land for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has been awarded the sum of £30 by the Commissioner appointed under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th August, 1899.

Nos. 107, 124, and 125.—Petitions of John Wheelee, of Waikato; John Wilks, of Wade; and Harry Maxfield, of Auckland. Petitioners pray for a land-grant, or compensation for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that, as the petitioners' claims have been considered and reported upon by the Commissioner appointed under " The Naval and Military Claims Settlement and Extinguishment Act, 1896," the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th August, 1899.

No. 16.—Petition of Patrick Power, of Okaihau. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation or a pension for military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th August, 1899.

No. 12.—Petition of Wμ. Jambs Baven, and 4 Others. Petitioners pray that a report may be made on their petition of last session in connection with the bestowal of the New Zealand Cross on Mr. Harry Wrigg. I am directed to report that, as the Committee has been instructed by the House to resume the consideration of their petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make, Bth August, 1899,