5

1.—2

No. 379. —Petition of Eobert Ambrose Miles, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for a refund of a fine imposed for a breach of the Stamp Act. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th September, 1901.

No. 471. —Petition of Lewis Matheson, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of salary as Harbourmaster at Fortrose, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th September, 1901.

No. 475. —Petition of Amy J. Alley and 9 Others, of Eyreton, and 12 Similar Petitions, as per attached Schedule. Petitioners pray that such steps may be taken as will open every position in the public schools of the colony to whoever' may be the most suitable candidates, regardless of sex, and that in all instances equal remuneration may be given for equal work. I am directed to report that this Committee, having gone carefully into the questions raised by the petitioners, finds —(1.) That the principle of equal pay for equal work is more nearly attained by the proposed colonial scale of salaries than under the existing circumstances ; but at the same time the Committee is of opinion that without increasing the cost of primary education the proposed scale of teachers' salaries for assistants should be so adjusted as to bring about a nearer approximation of equal pay for equal work. (2.) That the separate schools for girls at present established be retained, and the principle extended at the discretion of the Education Boards, a minimum average attendance for separate schools to be fixed by regulation or otherwise. (3.) That the system of classification for the issue of teachers' certificates, so long in operation, and which has worked so satisfactorily, be retained. (4.) That the minimum salary of certificated teachers in charge of aided schools be fixed at not less than £70 a year. Schedule.—Nos. 499, 513, 514, 515, 516, 581, 595,596, 597, 642, 659, and 769.—Petitions of Mabel Smith and 11 others, of Christchurch; Bethia Jack and 16 others, of Christchurch; Emily A. Chaplin and 5 others, of Christchurch; M. J. Sword and another, of Belfast; Gertrude M. Glanville and 9 others, of New Brighton; Jean Lorimer and 6 others, of Canterbury; Mary A. Popple and 6 others, of Canterbury; Annie Ansley and 7 others, of Canterbury; Mabala C. Mills and 6 others, of Canterbury ; Helen Craighead and 3 others, of Canterbury ; Fanny Sheard and 10 others, of Canterbury; and E. Anderson and 5 others, of Canterbury.' 19th September, 1901.

No. 530, 1900; No. 418, 1901.—Petition of Eobert Whiley, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for redress in connection with the matter of his adjudication as a bankrupt, and that he may be given the privilege of commencing actions in the Supreme Court, Wellington, without the payment of any fees, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th September, 1901.

No. 709. —Petition of J. A. Torr and 21 Others, of Tokatoka. Petitioners pray that they may be granted a wharf and roads thereto in the Tokatoka Survey District. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. 26th September, 1901.

Nos. 474, 660, and 685.—Petitions of Mrs. Blackwell and 7 Others, of Kaiapoi; Mrs. A. J. Schnackenberg and 3 Others, of Auckland; and Fanny Troy and 2 Others, of Napier. Petitioners pray that " The Contagious Diseases Act, 1869," may be repealed. I am directed to report that the petitions be referred to the Government with a recommendation that " The Contagious Diseases Act, 1869," be repealed. 26th September, 1901.

No. 686. —Petition of Alexander McMillan and 697 Others, of Wellington. Petitioners pray for the prohibition of the publication of the winners of sweepstakes by newspapers, and the prevention of " tote " and street betting. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th September, 1901.

No. 479.—Petition of Nora Villars, of Hawera. Petitioner prays that she may be granted a further compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services to the Government. I am directed to report that the Committeee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th September, 1901.