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No. 158 (1911). —Petition of Isabella Anderson, of Bluff. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of the death of her husband whilst in camp as a member of the Bluff Guards. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 13th September, 1912.

No. 21. —Petition of Henry James Barnard, of Bltham. Praying for a refund of £50, being fines imposed for non-compliance of the Stamp Duty Act. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th September, 1912.

No. 182. —Petition of Herbert Jones, of Wellington. Praying for the sum of £50, being a month's pay for each year's service as a mounted constable. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 13th September, 1912.

No. 165.—Petition of John E. Kelsall, of Onehunga. Praying for fair compensation for loss sustained through his shop and house property being condemned and burnt by order of the Magistrate. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th September, 1912.

No. 47.—Petition of Captain E. B. Atwood, of Wellington. Praying for compensation in money for injury suffered in connection with the decision of the Court of Inquiry held in Auckland, and dated 19th January, 1903, into the wreck of the s.s. " Elingamite." I am directed to report that the Committee most strongly and unanimously recommends Captain Atwood's petition to the favourable consideration of the Government, and that a copy of the letter dated 18th September, 1912, from the Merchants' Service Guild, showing the financial loss Captain Atwood has definitely suffered, be attached to this report. 25th September, 1912.

Merchant Service Guild of Australasia, 153-55 Featherston Street, Wellington, 18th September, 1912. Dear Sir, — The following will show the amount lost by Captain Atwood in salary during the time he has been on shore, since the loss of his vessel on Three Kings Group : — £ Ten years at £4 10s. per week .. .. .. .. .. 2,340 Ten years at £35 per month = £420 per annum .. . . .. 4,200 Loss .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,860 Bonus at £25 per year for ten years .. .. .. .. (add) 250 Total loss .. .. .. .. .. £2,110 This represents Captain Atwood's monetary loss alone, but 1 submit that what he has suffered through the finding of the Nautical Court's decision, where he was accused of gross negligence and blamed for the loss of life and that of the vessel, should also be taken into consideration. Mr. T.-M. Wilford, M.P., Wellington. Yours faithfully, D. J. Watson.

No. 164. —Petition of G. J. Gordon and 14 Others, of Thames. Praying that certain amendments may be made in the Fisheries Act, 1908. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 25th September, 1912.

No. 211. —Petition of Richard Langman, of New Plymouth. Praying for a pension or other compensation for military services rendered during the Maori War. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration when the military claims are being dealt with. 25th September, 1912.