11

1.—2

No. 533. —Petition of Saeah Ann Tayloe, of Manakau. Petitionbe prays that she may be granted 60 acres of land on account of her late husband's military services rendered to the colony, &c. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner's omission to make use of her late husband's land certificate within the prescribed time was owing to the Lands Department having mislaid it, the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 10th October, 1900.

No. 557. —Petition of W. Eobbetson and 2 Others, of Maori Hill. Petitionees pray that the Dunedin Drainage and Sewerage Bill may be referred to the local bodies interested before being passed into law. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 10th October, 1900.

Nos. 625 and 626.—Petitions of J. H. Wilson and 36 Others, and Eobeet Wallace and 63 Others. Petitionees pray that legislation may be introduced to suppress the gaming evil in New Zealand. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petitions be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th October, 1900.

No. 598.—Petition of E. C. Mouldby, of Christchureh. Petitionbe prays that the licensing law may be so amended as to allow New-Zealand-made wines to be sold in smaller quantities than 2 gallons. I am directed to report that the question of the sale of New Zealand light wines in less quantities than 2 gallons be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with the view of provision being made for the issue of licenses for the sale of the same in the contemplated Licensing Bill. 13th October, 1900.

No. 568.—Petition of Stbwaet Menzies, of Silverstream. Petitioner prays that he may be granted a further sum of money for the discovery of the body of A. B. Hawthorne, who was murdered at Silverstream. I am directed to report that the Committee recognises that Mr. Menzies has done valuable public service in assisting to obtain evidence in connection with the Silverstream murder case, especially in the discovery of the murdered man's body; but, considering that service of this nature is every citizen's duty, the Committee cannot recommend any further payment to the petitioner. 13th October, 1900.

No. 593.—Petition of A. B. Moeeison and 331 Others, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that the existing permission to close for half a day on Saturday, in place of the day selected, be not interfered with. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the option of closing on Saturday afternoons should not be interfered with. 13th October, 1900.

Final Eepoet. I have the honour to report that the Committee has held twenty-five meetings during the session. Number of petitions referred to the Committee ... ... ... 118 Number of petitions dealt with by the Committee ... ... ... 110 Number of petitions not dealt with by the Committee ... ... ... 8 Number of reports presented to the House ... ... ... ... 110 Number of specific recommendations made therein ... ... ... 17 Number referred to Government for favourable consideration ... ... 18 Number referred to Government for consideration ... ... ... 19 Number no recommendation, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 56 I am also directed to report the following resolution passed by the Committee, viz. : " That this Committee desires to place on record its sense of appreciation of the efficient services rendered by Mr. Dasent, clerk to the Committee, extending over several sessions. His aptitude for business, his punctual attention to his duties, and his uniform courtesy command the respect of the Committee. They have therefore much pleasure in recommending him to the favourable consideration of the Government for employment during the recess, and that this resolution be reported to the House." 13th October, 1900. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,200 copies), £6 Us. 6d.

By Authority: John Maokay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oo.

Price 6d.]