r.=i.

No. 463.—Petition of E. H. Bakewell, M.D., of Auckland. Petitionek prays for a grant of money for Major Bookes on account of his military services to the colony. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1902.

No. 450.—Petition of C. Febguson, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays for compensation on account of her late husband's service in the Police Force. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1902.

No. 476. —Petition of B. A. Dance and 50 Others, of Kawhia. Petitioners pray for a license for the sale of spirituous liquors in the Kawhia district. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1902.

Nos. 480 and 481.—Petitions of B. Bied and F. J. Wheatley and Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray for an inquiry into the cause of the cancellation of their old-age pensions. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1902.

Nos. 45, 162, 375, 376, 381, 411, 427, 428, and 451.—Petitions of William Clarke, of Whakarewarewa; A. Bruce, of Coromandel; P. Bonfield, of Auckland; E. Little, of Auckland; W. Graham, of Auckland; H. Bees George, of Auckland; A. Baton, of Auckland ; W. Littledale, of Parramatta, N.S.W. ; and J. C. B. Isherwood, of Palmerston North. Petitioners pray for grants of land for military services. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1902.

Nos. 229, 230, 231, 318, 389, 412, and 468.—Petitions of E. J. Cowie and 113 Others; G. L. Townsend and 120 Others ; K. F. Gubbins and 67 Others; L. Dixon and 1,129 Others; S. Gibson and 42 Others ;W. N. de L. Willis and 29 Others; and J. Beale and 100 Others. Petitioners pray that a portion of the Bible be read in the public schools. ■ I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of these petitions involves a question of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1902.

Final Bepoet. I am directed to report that the Committee has had seventy-seven petitions referred to it, has held twenty-one meetings to consider the same, and has brought up seventy-two reports thereon, viz. : — Specific recommendations ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 For favourable consideration of Government ... ... ... ... 10 Consideration of Government ... ... ... ... ... 19 No claim or no recommendation ... ... ... ... ... 35 Beferred to other Committees ... .. ... ... ... 4 "Undealt-with ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 Total ... ... ... ... ... 77 2nd October, 1902. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation not given; printing (1,200 copies), £'A 9s. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o2.

Price 6d.]

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