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No. 3. —Petition of J. Devitt, jun., of Hamilton East. Praying that compassionate allowance be granted to him on account of sickness brought on while employed in the Government service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th June, 1916.

No. 40.—Petition of Isaac Hopkins, of Epsom, Auckland. Praying that balance of amount granted recommended by the Committee in session 1914 be paid. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th June, 1916.

No. 232. —Petition of Donald Kerr, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for loss of office as Stock Inspector. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 31st July, 1916.

Orchard-tax Bill. The Agricultural, Pastoral, Stock, and Commerce Committee, to which was referred the abovementioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed with the amendments as shown on copy attached hereto. Ist August, 1916.

Special Report. The Agricultural, Pastoral, Stock, and Commerce Committee desires to record its appreciation of the tact and courtesy shown, by the Chairman, Mr. George Hunter, and the attention given by him to the work of the Committee. Ist August, 1916.

Special Report. 1 have the honour to report that the Agricultural, Pastoral, Stock, and Commerce Committee expresses its appreciation of the services rendered to the Committee by the Clerk, Mr. F. E. Tomlinson, and recommends that he be appointed to a permanent position in the Government service. Ist August, 1916.

Final Report. 1 AM directed to report that the Committee held six meetings during the session. The Committee dealt with four petitions, as follows : — Number referred for favourable consideration ... ... ... ... 2 Number referred for consideration ... ... ... ... ... 1 Number with no recommendation ... ... ... ... ... 1 The Orchard-tax Bill was also considered by the Committee. 4th August, 1916.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (750 copie.s), £i 7s. 6d.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Piinter, Wellington.—l9l6.

Price 3d.