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1924. NEW ZEALAND.

PUBLIC PETITIONS M TO Z COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. J. McC. DICKSON, Chairman.)

Presented to the House of Representatives, and ordered to be printed.

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Thursday, the 17th Day of July, 1924. Ordered, "That a Select, Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to consider all petitions from M to Z that may be referred to it by the Petitions Classification Committee ; to classify and prepare abstracts of such petitions in such form and manner as shall appear to it best suited to convey to this House all requisite information respecting their contents, and to report the same from time to time to this House, and to have power to report its opinions and observations thereon to this House ; also to have power to call for persons and papers ; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist, of Mr. Bell, Mr. de, la Perrolle, Mr. J. McC. Dickson, Mr. Hawken, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Macmillan, Mr, T. W. Rhodes, Mr, Sullivan, Mr, Thomson, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Bollard.)

INDEX.

No. Petitioner. I Page. | I i 102 Albert, D. J., and 4 others .. .. 0 240 Bascombe, C., and 3 others .. . . 5 242 Campbell, P., and 29 others .. .. 5 236 Carpenter, C. T., and 03 others .. 5 2J5 Coates, R., and 13 others .. .. 5 252 Coleman, B., and 1,137 others . . 5 217 Dargaville, F. F., and 8 others .. 5 235 Dickens, S. J., and 134 others .. 5 240 Elliott, F., and 9 others .. . . 5 : 248 Griffen, Thomas .T., and 11 others .. 5 213 Harding, M. H., and 15 others .. 5 222 Harrison, F., and 27 others .. .. 5 238 Hill, Percy, and 10 others .. .. 5 220 Hogg, J., and 22 others .. .. 5 249 Hopkins, B. P., and 54 others .. 5 253 Howie, R. B., and 844 others .. 5 ] 92 Irvine, W. S. . . • • • • 3 234 Izod, Francis L. .. ■ • 5 245 Jack, A. J., and 262 others .. . . 5 221 Johansen, F., and 37 others .. . . 5 214 Jones, A., and 12 others . . .. 5 247 Keene, Garnett, and 408 others .. 5 227 Kimber, I., and 31 others .. .. 5 229 Lowe, Roy A., and 138 others . . 5 243 Macrae, J. E., and 10 others .. .. 5 250 Mason, H. E., and 119 others .. 5 219 Meale, 0. F., and 107 others .. . . 5 173 Meenan, John .. .. . . 5 209 Mehaffy, H. and J. M. .. . . 4 132 Meikle, J. J. .. • ■ ■ • 2 152/23 Mewhinney, Oliver .. .. .. 3 223 Milnes, Ingham, and 14 others , .. 5 131 Missen, M. E. .. . . .. 5 77 Moeller, Charles .. .. .. 3 233 Montgomery, Hugh, and 99 others .. 5 210 Morton, H. L., and 17 otheis .. 5 303 Moyle, W. S. E. .. .. .. 5 382 Muirhead, P., and 39 others .. .. 6 55 Myers, John Scott .. ., .. 2 230 McCully, George, and 17 others ., 5

No. Petitioner. Page. 231 McDermott, J., and 52 others .. 5 134 McLellan, J. C. .. . . .. 4 280 MoLeod, A., and another .. .. 4 143 Macfarlane, G. D., and 101 others .. 3 48 Mackenzie, Clutlia, and 17 others .. 2 193/23 Norton, G. P. .. .. .. 2 359 O'Dea, James .. .. .. fl 194/23 Otane Town Board .. .. .. 2 293 Owen, L. . . .. .. .. 5 96 Parkinson, W., and 52 others .. 3 198/23 Peebles, Agnes . . .. . . 2 11 Peskett, Henry .. .. .. 3 352 Petrie, G., and 78 others .. .. (i 146 Petrie, J. G. .. .. .. 4 278 Plummer, Albert .. . . . . 5 199/23 Prudhoe, J. C. .. .. .. 2 169 Ranson, Morris, and 12 others .. 3 78 Register Company (N.Z.) (Limited) .. 2 241 Reyburn, C. T., and 49 others . . 5 56 Rigg, Arnold, and 110 others.. .. 6 225 Roberts, W. J., and 31 others .. 5 218 Robertson, W. J., and 9 others .. 5 239 Roper, Stephen, and 31 others .. 5 226 Salmon, David, and 52 others .. 5 157 Scannell, M. R., and 106 others .. 3 324 Sellers, A., and 37 others .. .. 5 192/23 Shadbolt, Ada M. .. 139 Shaw, R. H., and 3 others .. .. 3 396 Skeels, Lilian May .. .. .. 6 99 Stone, David .. .. . . 4 196 Sweeney, J. L., and 102 others .. 6 228 Thomson, Daisy, and 153 others .. I 5 163 Thomson, J. W. .. • • • • 4 244 Timewell, W. N., and 19 others .. 5 390 Tiratu Co-op. Dairy Company (Limited) (i 224 Trounson, G, and 3 others .. .. 5 237 Vuletich, Joe, and 23 others .. . . 5 400 Watson, E. W. .. • ■ .. 6 326 Watson, Violet .. . . .. 4 165 Waugh, T., and 3 others .. .. 6 174 Wilson, W. Stuart .. . . .. 4 256 Woolston Tanneries (Limited) .. 4 232 Wordsworth, William, and 279 others .. 5

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BEPOBTS. No. 48.—Petition of Clutha Mackenzie and 17 Others, of Auckland. Praying for legislation which will entitle members of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind to contribute to either the Teachers' Superannuation Fund or to the Public Service Superannuation Fhlkl I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 20th August, 1924.

No. 55. —Petition of John Scott Myeks, of Marshland, near Christchurch. Praying for compensation for alleged miscarriage of justice. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 20th August, 1924.

No. 132. —Petition of John James Mrtkle, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for alleged wrongful imprisonment. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with the recommendation that a compassionate allowance be granted. 20th August, 1924.

No. 198/23. —Petition of Agnes Peebles, of Morrinsville. Praying that, as she is not qualified to receive a widow's pension, she should receive a compassionate grant of a similar amount. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 20th August, 1924.

No. 199/23. —Petition of J. C. Prudhoe, of Cashmere Hills, Christchurch. Praying that the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill be not passed in its present form, but that such changes be made therein as will prove to be in the best interests of the children of the Dominion. I am, directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th August, 1924.

No. 192/23- Petition of Aba M. Shadbolt, of Okauia, near Matamata. Praying for return of stamp duty and other expenses paid on purchase of a farm at Okauia. I am directed to report, that, the petitioner not having exhausted her legal remedy, this Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th August, 1924.

No. 193/23.—Petition of G. F. Norton, of Wellington. Praying that legislation be enacted to prevent the sale of the assets of the New Zealand Meatpacking Company to the Bank of New Zealand. I am directed to report that, as the agreement petitioned against has already been carried out, the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to it, but recommends to the Government that legislation be enacted to prevent such cases happening in the future. 20th August, 1921.

No. 78. Petition of The Register Company (N.Z.) (Limited), of Wellington. Praying for a refund of income-tax paid on 28th February, 1924. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th August, 1924.

No. 194/23.—Petition of Otane Town Board, of Otane. Praying against the recommendation of the Commission which reduces the rating-area of the Otane Town Board. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, as tho recommendation of the Commissioners has already been given effect to. 28th August, 1924.

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No. 11. —Petition of Henry Peskett, of Wuodend, Canterbury. Praying for a refund of stamp duty on a property purchased at Oxford in 1920. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration and inquiry. 28th August, 1924.

No. 139.—Petition of R. H. Shaw and 3 Others, of Waikino. Praying that a compassionate allowance be granted to mothers of two schoolboys killed by John Higgens at Waikino. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th August, 1924.

No. 1512/23.— Petition of Oliver Mkwhtnney, of Wellington. Praying for reimbursement of costs in connection with certain litigation in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. I have to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th August, 1924.

■ ■ ■ ■ ... No. 157.—Petition of M. It. Scannkll and 106 Others, of Dunedin, Praying for the resumption of operations under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act for the purpose «f receiving fresh applications for building and acquiring homes. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 9th September, 1924.

No. 96.—Petition of W. Parkinson and 52 Others, of Auckland. Praying for the revision of Customs duty on imported granite. I have to report that the Committee recommends that this petition he referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a view to increasing the duty on imported dressed stone. 9th September, 1924.

No. 77. —Petition of Charles Moeller, of Helensville. Praying for an inquiry by the Public Service Appeal Board into the facts connected with his dismissal from the lighthouse service. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to tie Government for consideration. 9th September, 1924.

No. 143.—Petition of G. D. MacFarlane and 101 Others, of Christchurch. Praying for legislation dealing with the reduction of shipping freights in the interests, of the fruit trade in the South Island. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 9th September, 1924.

No. 169. —Petition of Morris Ranson and 12 Others, of Auckland. Praying for legislation which will have, the effect of reducing the rentals of the shops they occupy in Newmarket. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th September, 1924.

No. 192.—Petition of W. S. Irvine, of Christchurch. Praying for refund of stamp duty paid on an agreement to lease land which was not completed. I have to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th September, 1924.

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No. 269. —Petition of H. and J. M. Mehaffy, of Drury. Praying for the setting-up of a Commission to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the purchase by themselves in rights of 100 acres of land in the Auckland District. .1 have, to report that in the, opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th September, 1924.

No. 99. —Petition of David Stone, of Wellington. Praying that he may be compensated for the additional loading on a house which he purchased on advice from the Labour Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of this Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th September, 1924.

No. 274.—Petition of W. Stuart Wilson, of Wellington. Praying for an extension of the Dominion's overseas advertising campaign. I am directed to report that the Committee, recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd October, 1924.

No. 134.—Petition of J. C. McLellan, of Christchurch. Praying for compensation for alleged wrongful arrest and reimbursement of legal costs. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. The Committee is of opinion that a drastic investigation should be held into the disappearance of money from certain letters that passed through the postoffice concerned. 3rd October, 1924.

No. 163.—Petition of J. W. Thomson, of East Oxford. Praying for compensation for the loss of office as Harbourmaster at Okarito. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1924.

No. 280.-—Petition of A. McLeod and Another, of Whitianga. Praying for exemption from payment of land-tax as a set-off against losses due to flood damage. 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. 9th October, 1924.

No. 146. —Petition of J. G. Petrie, of Invercargill. Praying for adequate retiring-allowance or compensation for services rendered in the Interna] Affairs Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 10th October, 1924.

No. 326.—Petition of Violet Watson, of Hastings. Praying for an investigation of the administration by the Public Trustee of her husband's will, with a view to redress. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. The Committee, recommends that a thorough and independent investigation into the accounts and administration of the estate concerned be held, the petitioner to have full powers of representation at such inquiry. 10th October, 1924.

No. 256. —Petition of Woolston Tanneries (Limited), of Christchurch. Praying for the setting-up of an independent Committee for the purpose of inquiring into the question of monetary adjustments alleged to be due by the Government to the company. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with the recommendation that the whole matter be referred to a Supreme Court Judge. 17th October, 1924.

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No. 293. —Petition of L. Owen, of Auckland. PRAYING for refund of stamp duly on a land deal at Oneroa which was not completed subsequently. lam directed to report thai in (I pinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to (he Government for favourable consideration. 17th October, 1924.

No. 131 .—Petition of M. E. Missen, of Wellington. Praying for compassionate allowance in recognition of services performed by her late, husband in the Postal Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th October, 1924.

No. 173.—Petition of John Meenan, of Dunedin. Praying for compensation for leave due on his retirement from the Public Works 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 October, 1924.

No. 56.--Petition of Arnold Rigg and 110 Others, of Birkdale. Praying that a concrete bridge be erected over a narrow tidal creek to connect Birkdale, Glenlield, anil surrounding districts. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1924.

No. 324. Petition of A. SELLERS and 37 Others, of Northcote. Praying for a reduction in the valuation of their dwellings at Northcote, Settlement, Papanui. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred In the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1924.

No. 303.—Petition of W. S. E. Moyle, of Christchurch. Praying for an amendment of the Victory Park Act, 1919, to provide for additional representation on the Trustees Board. I have to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, with the recommendation that a conference of all bodies concerned be held in an attempt to come to an amicable settlement. 28th October, 1924. No. 278. —Petition of Albert Plummer, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for monetary losses .said to be due to cancellation of a Government contract. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1924.

No. 213. —Petition of M. H. Harding and 15 Others, of Mangawhare (and 39 other Petitions on the same subject, as per Schedule attached). Praying that the construction of the railway between Kirikopuni and Dargaville be authorized during the, present session. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th October, 1924. Schedule. No. 214.—Francis A. Jones and 12 others. No. 234. —Francis L. Izod and 23 others. No. 215.—R. Coates and 13 others. No. 235.—5. J. Dickens and 134 others. No. 216.—H. L. Morton and 17 others. No. 236.—C. T. Carpenter and 63 others. No. 217.—F. F. Dargaville and 8 others. No. 237.—J0e Vuletich and 23 others. No. 218.—W. J. Robertson and 9 others. No. 238.—Percy Hill and 10 others. No. 219.—0. F. Meale and 107 others. No. 239.- .Stephen Roper and 15 others. No. 220.—J. Hogg and 22 others. No. 240.-0. Bascombe and 3 others. No. 221.—F. Johansen and 37 othors. No. 241.—C. T. Reyburn and 149 others. No. 222.—F. Harrison and 27 others. No. 242.—P, Campbell and 29 others. No. 223. —Ingham Milnes and 14 others. No. 243.—J. E. Macrae and 16 others. No. 224.—G. Trounson and 2 others. No. 244.—W. N. Timevvell and 19 others. . No. 225.—William John Roberts and 31 others. No. 245.—A. J. Jack and 262 others. No. 226.—David Salmon and 52 others. No. 246.—F. Elliott and 9 others. No. 227.—1. Kimber and 21 others. No. 247.—Garnet Keene and 408 others. No. 228. —Daisy Thomson and 153 others. No. 248.—Thomas J. Griffin and 11 others. No. 229.—-Roy A. Lowe and 138 others. No. 249.—8. P. Hopkins and 154 others. No. 230.—George McCully and 17 others. No. 250.—H. E. Mason and 119 others. No. 231.—J. McDermott and 52 others. No. 252.—-B. Coleman and 1,137 others. No. 232. —William Wordsworth and 279 others. No. 253. —R. B. Howie and 844 others. No. 233.—Hugh Montgomery and 99 others.

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No. 359. —Petition of James ODea, of Wellington. Praying for an inquiry into the proceedings which resulted in his commitment to the Waitati Home in 1904, with a view to granting him compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th October, 1924.

No. 196. —Petition of J. L. Sweeney and 102 Others, of Okarito. Praying that the improvement of Okarito Harbour be proceeded with. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, with the recommendation that full investigation be made by the Marine and Forestry Departments. 30th October, 1924.

No. 102. —Petition of D. J. Albert and 4 Others, of Takapuna. Praying that steps be taken to endeavour to bring the New Hebrides directly under British control. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with the recommendation that the representation made in the petition be transmitted to the Imperial authorities for immediate consideration. 30th October, 1924.

No. 165.—Petition of Thomas Waugh and 3 Others, of Wellington. Praying that the Government give consideration to the competition between the State Forestry Department and private nurserymen. 1 am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th November, 1924.

No. 400. —Petition of E. W. Watson, of Hastings. Praying for a refund of land-tax collected by the, Tax Department in error. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 6th November, 1924.

No. 382.—Petition of P. Muirhead and 39 Others, of Whitehall. Praying for an inquiry into the taking of a poll of the ratepayers of Matamata County on the Ist October, 1924. I am directed to report that the Committee, at the request of the petitioner, asks the permission of the House that this petition be withdrawn. 6th November, 1924.

No. 396. —Petition of Lilian May Skeels, of Auckland. Praying for a refund of stamp duty paid on an agreement which was not subsequently completed. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th November, 1924.

No. 352. —Petition of G. Petrie and 78 Others, of Aria. Praying that the name of William David Anderson be expunged from the criminal records of the Supreme Court, and that he be compensated for an alleged miscarriage of justice. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th November, 1924.

No. 390. —Petition of Tiratu Co-operative Dairy Company (Limited), of Tiratu. Praying for reduction of their liability to the Repatriation Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, with the recommendation that the matter be fully investigated by the Valuation Board with a view of giving some relief to petitioners. 6th November, 1924.

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Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Committee desires to record its hearty appreciation of the ability, care, and attention devoted by the Chairman, Mr. J. McC. Dickson, to the business of the Committee, and of the courteous and tactful manner in which his duties have been carried out during the session ; and further desires that this resolution shall be recorded on the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. Chas. E. Maomillan, 6th November, 1924. Member of the Committee.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Committee desires to record its hearty appreciation of the efficiency with which the Clerk, Mr. Anderson, has carried out. his duties during the session ; and further desires that, this resolution shall be recorded on the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. 6th November, 1924.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that, the. Public Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members, held sixteen meetings during the session. The average, attendance of members at. each meeting was seven. The following table, shows the disposal of the business which came before the Committee : — Petitions referred to the Committee .. .. .. . . 83 Petitions dealt with .. .. .. .. .. . . . . 83 Reports presented to the House . . .. .. .. . . .. 47 Referred for favourable consideration .. .. .. .. ..17 Referred for consideration .. .. .. .. .. 54 Petitions given no recommendation .. .. .. .. ..II Petitions withdrawn . . . . .. .. .. . . .. 1 6th November, 1924.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (470 copies), £9 10s.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinnek., Government Printer, Wellington. —1924.

Price 6d.\