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No. 448.—Petition of Louisa Wilkinson, of Palmerston North. (No. 1.) Petitioner prays that the sum of £191 Os. 10d., moneys alleged to be due to her on account of her late husband's services in the Mines Department, may be paid to her. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th September, 1900.

No. 147. —Petition of Bobebt Hendebson McPheeson, of Oamaru. (Report No. 2.) Petitioneb prays that he may be granted further compensation for loss of office as staff sergeantmajor. The report on this petition having been referred back to the Committee by the House for the purpose of taking further evidence, I am directed to report that the Committee, having again fully considered the petition, sees no reason to alter the decision arrived at on the 16th August lastviz., " That the Committee has no recommendation to make." 25th September, 1900.

No. 488.—Petition of G. Sellwood and 248 Others, of Howick. Petitionebs pray that some assistance may be given towards lengthening the Howick Wharf. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 25th September, 1900.

No. 438. —Petition of E. Pobteb and Co. and 22 Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that the petroleum oils, stove naphtha, gasoline, and distillate, may be placed on the duty-free list. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 9th October, 1900.

No. 445. —Petition of T. T. McAlistee, of Tapanui. Petitionee prays that he may be granted a refund of a fine of £100, inflicted in connection with an alleged defrauding of the Customs revenue. I am directed to report that, while recognising that a fraud was committed, the Committee is of opinion that the fine inflicted of £100 was a very heavy one, considering the value of the goods affected, and accordingly refers the petition to the Government for consideration. 9tb October, 1900.

No. 331. —Petition of Amos Smabt and 511 Others, of Kowai and District. Petitionees pray for a modification of the regulation in respect of netting indigenous fishjat the mouth of the Ashley Eiver. I am directed to report that, as the department undertakes to amend the existing regulations prescribing fishing at the mouth of the Ashley Eiver as recommended by the Government Inspector of Fisheries, the Committee is satisfied that will meet the prayer of the petitioners, and accordingly recommends the same be given effect to. 9th October, 1900.

No. 526.—Petition of John Watt, of Pahiatua. Petitioneb prays that a small bonus may be granted to the inventor of any or system that will create a market for New Zealand mineral oils in their crude or unrefined state, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th October, 1900.

No. 166.—Petition of Belinda Phcebe Mageath, of Wanganui. Petitioneb prays that she may be granted some land on account of her late husband's military services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1900.

No. 552.—Petition of B. Monk and 89 Others, of Kyeburn and Naseby. Petitionebs pray that they maybe granted telephonic communication with Naseby, and for a more frequent mail-service. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 10th October, 1900.

No. 573. —Petition of Louisa Wilkinson, of Wellington. (No. 2.) Petitionee prays that certain sums of money, alleged to be due to her on account "o her late husband's services in the Mines Department, may be paid to her. I am directed to report that the Committee, having again considered this matter, affirm the resolution arrived at on a similar petition on the 18th September last—viz., " That the Committee has no recommendation to make." 10th October, 1900.