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No. 156, Petition of Thomas Mould and 255 Others ; No. 191, Petition of A. Duxbury and 13 Others. Praying for protection by way of an import duty from competition by importers of foreign-grown cocksfoot-seed. I am directed to report that, while the matter is one that involves a question of Government policy, the Committee nevertheless is of opinion that the evidence placed before it warrants a serious investigation into the condition of the cocksfoot industry by the Government, with a, view to encouraging the industry. 28th August, 1923.

No. 175.—Petition of H. A. Morrison (Limited), of Dannevirke. Praying for a refund of stamp duty which, it is claimed, was collected on an incorrect assessment. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th August, 1923.

No. 196.—Petition of Charles M'oeller, of Pouto. Praying for a magisterial inquiry into tho circumstances attendant on his dismissal from his employment as a lighthouse-keeper in the Public Service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th August, 1923.

No. 21. —Petition of Alice Quinney, of Wellington. Praying for a special grant in connection with her retrenchment in 1921 from the Public 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 August, 1923.

No. 135.—Petition of E. H. Porter, of Wellington. Praying for an increase of superannuation, retiring-allowance, or such other help and relief as may be deemed, an adequate recompense for services in the Post and Telegraph Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th August, 1923.

No. 138.—Petition of Mabel Rose, of Marlborough, and 13 Others. Praying for remission of land-tax for this year, and for compensation for financial loss due to the Wairau River flooding farms adjacent to it. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, with a recommendation that the petitioners be individually granted postponement of land-tax ; and, further, the Committee would recommend that the areas which the petitioners and those adjacent thereto occupy bo revalued. 28th August, 1923.

- No. 37. —Petition of Isabella and J. T. Smith, of Wanganui. Praying for compensation for monetary loss incurred by the refusal of the Lands Department to meet their wishes as to the disposal of part Lot 28, Plan 1403, Wanganui. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th August, 1923.

No. 30. —Petition of W. E. Timmings, of Wellington. Praying for an inquiry by a Judge of the Supreme Court into dealings connected with certain land transactions situate in Constable Street, Wellington. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, with a suggestion that all the papers should be laid before the New Zealand Law Society for inquiry and report. 28th August, 1923.