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1936. NEW ZEALAND.

PUBLIC PETITIONS M TO Z COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Rev. C. L. Carr, Chairman.)

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives.

ORDERS OF REFERENCE.

Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Thursday, the 1(!th Day op April, 1936. Ordered, "That a Select Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to consider all petitions from Mto Z that may be referred to it; to classify anil prepare abstracts of such petitions in sucli 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: the Committee to consist of the Rev. Mr. Carr, the Hon. Mr. Cobbe, Mr. Coulter, Mr. Hargest, Mr. Holland, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Lyon, Mr. Neilson, Mr. Nordmeyer, and the Mover." —(Hon. Mr. Nash, for Hon. Mr. Semple.) Friday, the 17th Day of April, 1936. Ordered, " That all petitions not finally dealt with during the session of 1935 be again referred to the same Committees as they were referred to during the said session." —(Hon. Mr. Savage.) Tuesday, the 9th Day of June, 1936. Ordered, « That the Public Petitions Mto Z Committee have leave to sit during the present sitting of the House." —(Rev. Mr. Carr.) Memorandum for the Chairman, Public Petitions Mto Z Committee:— The following resolution from the Public Petitions Mto Z Committee was adopted and agreed to by the House of Representatives on the 6th August, 1936, on the motion of the Rev. Mr. Carr: — " That the proceedings of the Committee during the taking of evidence on the petition of the New Zealand Airways, Limited, and another, be open to accredited representatives of the press." G. P. Bothamley, Acting Clerk of the House of Representatives. Wednesday, the 12th Day of August, 1936. Ordered, " That the Public Petitions Mto Z Committee have leave to sit during the present sitting of the House." —(Rev. Mr. Carr.) Wednesday, the 19th Day of August, 1936. Ordered, " That the Public Petitions Mto Z Committee have leave to sit during the present sitting of the House." —(Rev. Mr. Carr.) Thursday, the 20th Day of August, 1936. Ordered, " That the Public Petitions Mto Z Committee have leave to sit during the present sitting of the House." —(Rev. Mr. Carr.) Wednesday, the 26th Day of August, 1936. Ordered, " That the Public Petitions Mto Z Committee have leave to sit during the present sitting of the House." —(Rev. Mr. Carr.) Thursday, the 27th Day of August, 1936. Ordered, " That the Report of the Public Petitions Mto Z Committee on the petition of W. S, Clinch and others be referred back to the Committee for further consideration." —(Mr, Moncur.)

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INDEX.

REPORTS.

No. 23, 1935,—Petition of N. McTaggart, of Johnsonville. Works^D^artment nSati ° n allegedly susta ™d while employed with the Public I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration snouia oe 29th April, 1936.

No. 202, 1935.—Petition of F. Thomson, of Auckland LT «• Unemployment Board, or a compassionate I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has no claim on the Unemployment Funds but may be entitled to relief under the War Veterans' Allowances Act, 1935, the Committee has no recommendation to make. ' īeR 29th April, 1936.

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No. Petitioner, &c. Page. Borstals (Special Report on) .. 10 Canterbury Pilgrims and Early 8 Settlers' Association (Inc.) 175 Clinch, W. S„ and 474 others (two 8 reports) 116/1935 Engineers, Firemen, &o.., .. 4 Final Report .. .. .. 12 360/1934-35 George, W. E., and 21 others .. 6 183/1935 Kauri Industries .. . . 3 100 Maloney, P. .. .. 6 127/1935 Mangin, W. H. J. .. .. 11 31 Mareantelli, V. .. .. 4 26 Marquet, Lillian G. .. . . 4 175 Matamata Licensing .. . 5 and J 90 Mather, W. J. .. .. .. 5 117 Matheson, Ruby .. .. 4 183/1935 Mosstnan. A. B. R. .. . . 3 355/1934-35 Moulin, G., and 4,939 others .. 6 34 Munro, D. .. .. . . 3 162 Murray, G. A. .. .. . . 8 113/1935 McAvinue, J. .. .. .. 3 177 McCormack, E. C. .. . . 7 113 McFaul, W. J., and another .. 9 23/1935 McTaggart, N. .. .. , . 2 88 New Zealand Airways, Ltd. (two 5 and 7 reports) 291 O'Keeffe, Beatrice J. V. 10 199 Penketh, J. .. .. 8 36 Pilling, Mary, and 113 others . . 5 65 Plowman, J. N., and 2 others . . 7 182 Power, M. 8 198/1935 Pratt, J. H. .. .. " 3 Press, proceedings open to . . 5 222 Priestley, Helen H. .. . . 9 131 Quinney, Alice .. . . 9 192/1935 Railway Officers' Institute .. 3 61 Reed, F. .. . . 4 29 Reid, W., and 47 others .. 4 205/1935 Robinson, H., and 48 others .. 10 95 Rowley, J. C. F., and 75 others . . 8 126 Ryan, J. .. .. . . I 8

'• No. J Petitioner, &c. j page. 238 and 282 Sampson, F. .. , jq 214/1935 Sanderson, E. V., and another, and ] 1 1,399 others 201 Savage, J. n 54 Scott, H. T. .. . . " 4 273 Shadbolt, E. P. .. _ _ jq 148 Shakeshaft, C. E. .. .. 7 361/1934-35 Sherwin, C., and 26 others .. (; 173/1935 Sinclair, W. J., and another .. 4 171 Smith, J. M. .. _ _ g 174 Smithson, Ellen M. .. .. 9 Special Report (re Borstals) .. 10 Special Report (re Chairman) .. 11 .. Special Report (re Clerk) ,. u 192/1935 Stanley, V. J., and another .. 3 116/1935 Stephenson, T. H. .. ,, 4 155 Sullivan, M., and another .. 8 256 Sullivan, W., and 20 others . . 10 64 Sutherland, Kate .. .. g 99 Tangney, E. .. .. g 212/1935 Taumarunui Borough Council .. IX 211/1935 Te Kuiti Borough Council . . 11 202/1935 Thomson, F. ., , 2 50 Thomson, H, P. R. .. . _ 4 7 47 and 141 Thomson, N. S. .. 6 160 Tomkies, E. A... ., ,. 9 102 Vanstone, Harriett E. .. 9 181 Webb, E. R., and 10 others . . 8 132/1935 Welnoski, Prances I. . . . , 3 and 44 354/1934-35 West, T., and 5,666 others .. (> 143 Whitehouse, E. J. .. .. 0 57/1935 Wight, I)., and 15 others s 10 Wild, P. .. , . .. 5 284 Wilkinson, W. D. ., .. 10 92 Willcocks, C. R. ,. ., g 290 Williams, A. L. ., ] \ 218 Wilson, A. E. .. .. ,, 9 184 Wright, P. E. .. 9 210/1935 Young, C. S. .. 3

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Nos. 132, 1935, and 44,—Petitions of Francis Ī. Welnoski, of Arapuni, Waikato. Praying for a compassionate grant in consideration of the services rendered by her late husband while employed by the Public Works Department, and on account of his death allegedly arising from and in the course of such employment. _ I am directed to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee has carefully considered these petitions and recommends that the petitions be referred to the Government for favourable consideration with a view to a moderate compassionate allowance being granted to cover the cost of funeral and other expenses incidental to her husband s death. 29th April, 1936.

No. 183, 1935,—Petition of A. B. R. Mobsman, of Otorohanga (representing Kauri Industries, Ltd.). Praying for a refund of stamp duty. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. Bth May, 1936.

No. 57, 1935,—Petition of D. Wight and 15 Others, of Southland. Praying for a refund of the amount paid for shares in the Mataura Intermediate Rural Credit Association. . . I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth May, 1936.

No. 210, 1935,—Petition of C. S. Young, of Napier. Praying for reinstatement in the Public Service. . . I am directed to report that with a view to the reinstatement of the petitioner m the Prisons Department or in an equivalent position in another Department the Committee is of the opinion the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration, and the Committee recommends that whenever a departmental inquiry is held and an unfavourable decision against a member of the Public Service arrived at a chaige should be made and the member so charged be afforded every opportunity of giving a defence. 13th May, 1936.

No. 198, 1935.—Petition of J. H. Pratt, of Hamilton. Praying for a refund of stamp duty paid on a compulsory purchasing covenant which did not become operative. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th May, 1936.

No. 192, 1935.—Petition of V. J. Stanley and Another (representing the New Zealand Railway Officers' Institute). Praying that a conciliation tribunal be established to adjudicate on the conditions of employment of members of the First Division of the Railway Service. I am directed to report that the member in charge of the petition having expressed a desire to withdraw same, the Committee recommends that he be allowed to do so. 13th May, 1936.

No. 34.—Petition of I). Munro, of Christchurch. Praying for reinstatement in the Railways Department, or payment of superannuation or compensation. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and the Committee recommends that all cases of prematurely retired public servants in similar circumstances receive a like consideration from the Government. 21st May, 1936.

No. 113, 1935.—Petition of J. McAvinue, of Taumarunui. Praying for payment of £52 10s., allegedly due from the Public Works Department for the hire of horses and drays. . I am directed to report that the member in charge of the petition having expressed a desire to withdraw same, the Committee recommends that he be allowed to do so. 21st May, 1936.

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No. 31.—Petition of Y. Marcantelli, of Christchurch. Praying for compensation for suffering and loss of liberty through alleged wrongful imprisonment. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 21st May, 1936.

No. 61.—Petition of F. Reed, of Auckland. Praying for an increase in his superannuation allowance. I am directed to report that the member presenting the petition having requested that it t| e . referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee, this Committee recommends that the Petition be so referred. 28th May, 1936.

No. 117.—Petition of Ruby Matheson, of Greymouth. Praying for compensation for loss of income owing to alleged negligence of the Public Trustee. 1 am directed to report that the Committee, having been advised that the petitioner lias not exhausted her legal remedies, has no recommendation to make. 28th May, 1936.

No. 116, 1935,—Petition of T. H. Stephenson (representing the New Zealand Locomotive Engineers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association of Wellington). Praying that a tribunal be established to consider matters in dispute affecting employees of the Railways Department. 1 am directed to report that the member in charge of the petition having expressed a desire to withdraw same, the Committee recommends that he be allowed to do so. 28th May, 1936.

No. 26.—Petition of Lillian G. Marquet, of Christchurch. Praying for compensation for injuries allegedly sustained in a railway accident at Lyttelton. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 28th May, 1936.

No. 29.—Petition of W. Reid and 47 Others. Praying for the construction of a bridge over the Whakatane River in the vicinity of Ruatoki. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and the Committee recommends that the Public Works and Native Departments immediately confer with the Whakatane County Council with a view to determining a fair basis of costs and having the construction of the bridge put in hand without delay. 10th June, 1936.

No. 173, 1935.—Petition of W. J. Sinclair and Another, of Auckland. Praying that they may be granted compassionate allowances equal to the blind pension. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 10th June, 1936.

No. 50. —Petition of H. F. R. Thomson, of Waihi. Praying for reinstatement in the Post and Telegraph Department, or employment in another Department of the Public Service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 30th July, 1936.

No. 54.—Petition of H. T. Scott, of Hamilton. Praying for compensation for loss of employment and for a refund of his trial expenses. .1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make 30th July, 1936.

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No. 88.—Petition of New Zealand Airways, Limited, and Another.—Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee has passed the following resolution: " That the proceedings of the Committee during the taking of evidence on the petition of New Zealand Airways, Limited, and another, be open to accredited representatives of the press, and that the Chairman do report this resolution to the House, and move the adoption thereof by the House." 6th August, 1936.

No. 171. —Petition of J. M. Smith, of Kakanui. Praying for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the inquest in connection with the death of his daughter. I am directed to report that the Committee, after hearing the evidence, is of the opinion that the unfortunate death of the deceased was due to misadventure, and the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 6th August, 1936.

No. 36.—Petition of Mary Pilling and 113 Others, of Auckland. Praying for enactment of legislation enabling certain Court proceedings to be reopened. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry. 6th August, 1936.

No. 99.—Petition of E. Tangney, of Timaru. Praying for additional compensation for injuries received while employed by the Railways Department, or for suitable employment in the Public Service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration with a view to the petitioner being placed in some suitable light employment in the Railways or other State Department. 6th August, 1936.

No. 90.—Petition of W. J. Mather, of Wanganui. Praying for a compassionate grant on account of injuries received while employed by the Railways Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration with a view to a sufficient compassionate allowance being granted to cover the cost of their transport to Auckland and the maintenance of the petitioner and his family while the petitioner is undergoing training at the New Zealand Institute for the Blind at Auckland. The Committee is further of the opinion that if the petitioner desires that his property at Wanganui be administered by the Public Trustee, the Public Trustee should undertake that duty. 18th August, 1936.

No. 10.—Petition of P. Wild, of Invercargill. Praying for a refund of stamp duty. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th August, 1936.

No. 92.—Petition of C. R. Willoocks, of Lyttelton. Praying for compensation for alleged wrongful dismissal from the position of Harbourmaster at Apia, or reinstatement in the Public Service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 18th August, 1936.

No. 175. —Petition of W. S. Clinch and 474 Others, of Matamata. Praying for amendment of the Licensing Act, 1908, to provide for the issue of a license or licenses at Matamata. I am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. (Referred back to Committee for further consideration, 27th August, 1936.) 27th August, 1936.

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No. 64.—Petition of Kate Sutherland, of Christchurch. Praying that she be granted a compassionate allowance or other relief on account of the death of her husband in attempting the rescue of another person at the Bealey. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 10th September, 1936.

Nos. 47 and 141.—Petitions of N. S. Thomson, of Dunedin. Praying that he be given suitable employment in the Railways Department or a compassionate allowance for injuries allegedly received while employed by that Department, or that he be supplied with a new artificial limb. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th September, 1936.

No. 100.—Petition of P. Madoney, of Wellington. Praying for redress by having a certain record expunged from the Police Gazette and the Police Department's files, and for compensation for loss allegedly sustained. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration with a view to a record being made in the Police Gazette and the Police Department's files exculpating the petitioner in accordance with the findings of the Royal Commission and such additional compensation being paid as the Government may approve. This Committee views with disapproval the practice of the Crown Law Office in stipulating that the recipient of compensation or relief shall waive all claim to further action. 10th September, 1936.

No. 360, 1934-35.—Petition of W. E. George and 21 Others, of Huntly. Praying for a minimum wage of 14s. per day and a forty-hour week for all relief workers employed on schemes financed or subsidized by the Unemployment Board. I am directed to report that the member in charge of the petition having expressed a desire to withdraw same, the Committee recommends that he be allowed to do so. 10th September, 1936.

No. 355, 1934-35.—Petition of G. Moulin and 4,939 Others, of Christchureh. Praying for a minimum wage of 14s. per day and a forty-hour week for all relief workers employed on schemes financed or subsidized by the Unemployment Board. I am directed to report that the member in charge of the petition having expressed a desire to withdraw same, the Committee recommends that he be allowed to do so. 10th September, 1936.

No. 361, 1934-35. —Petition of C. Sherwin and 26 Others, of Huntly. Praying for an increase of 10s. per week for relief workers and for persons receiving sustenance allowances. I am directed to report that the member in charge of the petition having expressed a desire to withdraw same, the Committee recommends that he be allowed to do so. 10th September, 1936.

No. 354, 1934-35. —Petition of T. West and 5,666 Others, of Christchureh. Praying for an increase of 10s. per week for relief workers and for persons receiving sustenance allowances. I am directed to report that the member in charge of the petition having expressed a desire to withdraw same, the Committee recommends that he be allowed to do so. 10th September, 1936.

No. 143. —Petition of E. J. Whitehouse, of Palmerston North. Praying for a compassionate allowance for 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 most favourable consideration. 17th September, 1936.

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No. 65.—Petition of J. N. Pdowman and 2 Others, of Napier. Praying for remission and reduction of interest and for reduction of final balance of the William Plowman estate for stamp-duty purposes. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, particularly in regard to a reduction of the rate of interest charged on unpaid duty from per cent, to 3 per cent, as from the time when interest began to accrue. 17th September, 1936.

No. 148.—Petition of C. E. Shakeshaft, of Hamilton. Praying for a refund of stamp duty. I am directed to report that, as the statutory period for recovery was exceeded owing to delay on the part of the Lands and Survey Department, in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 17th September, 1936.

No. 88.—Petition of New Zealand Airways, Limited, and Another. Praying for compensation for alleged unfair treatment in connection with the issue of licenses to operate air services in New Zealand. I am. directed to report that the Committee finds — (1) That the petitioners rendered unique service to New Zealand in developing airmindedness. (2) That the petitioners carried on this service recognizing that in the initial stages of aviation they would be faced with financial loss. (3) That the petitioners reasonably anticipated that such loss would be compensated by profits when the service became firmly established. (4) That the petitioners' application to the Transport Co-ordination Board, as Air Licensing Authority, was in order and was duly considered by the Board. (5) That the Board apparently laid down two conditions as at least desirable if not essential, viz.: — (a) That the machines to be used should be of British manufacture, (ft) That New Zealand capital should be used. (6) That the petitioners complied with both these conditions, the Boeing machines proposed to be used being of Canadian manufacture and the company giving an undertaking that it could and would raise the necessary finance in New Zealand. (7) That the Board gave the necessary licenses for the main services to companies which did not propose to use New Zealand capital. (8) That in one case the Board promised to issue a license to a company not then in existence, which has in fact never come into being. (9) That the petitioners, in being refused any worth-while license, were thereby placed in such a position that they could not recoup themselves for their outlay and the loss they had sustained in developmental work. (10) That, having regard to all the foregoing and the voluminous evidence placed before it, the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration with a, view to the prayer of the petitioners being acceded to in some adequate and substantial manner by way of compensation or the granting of trunk air routes. 17th September, 1936.

No. 177.—Petition of E. C. McCormack, of Matamata. Praying that legislation be enacted enabling him. to apply for compensation under the Workers' Compensation Act, 1922, or that he be granted further compensation for loss of wife and child and for personal injuries sustained during the Waimangu Geyser eruption, 1917. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. The Committee, having heard the evidence of the petitioner and his counsel, are convinced that the petitioner has been very inadequately compensated for his severe personal and family losses incurred on the occasion of the eruption at Waimangu, where he was employed as a guide. His wife and child died under the most distressing circumstances from injuries, and the petitioner suffers severe permanent physical disability. Four hundred pounds compensation and two years' subsequent wages paid cover only loss of personal property and hospital expenses. Further, there is no departmental record that the petitioner was subsequently offered suitable employment of a tolerable character in view of the serious nature of his injuries. 24th September, 1936.

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No. 181. —Petition of E. R. Webb and 10 Others (representing the Canterbury Pilgrims' and Early Settlers' Association, Incorporated), of Christchurch. Praying that a certain room in the Provincial Council Chambers, Christchurch, be set apart for the Canterbury Pilgrims' and Early Settlers' Association, Incorporated. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 24th September, 1936.

No. 126. —Petition of J. Ryan, of Taupo. Praying for compensation for injuries allegedly sustained while employed by the Public Works Department, I am directed to report that, as there is reason to believe that the injury causing the loss of the finger was incurred in the course of his employment with the Public Works Department, the Committee recommends the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 24th September, 193tf

No. 182.—Petition of M. Power, of Whangarei. Praying for reinstatement in the Police Force, or compensation in lieu thereof. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should lie referred to the Government for consideration. 24th September, 1936

No. 162.—Petition of G. A. Murray, of Grey Lynn. Praying for additional compensation for injuries sustained while employed by the Railways Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, but suggest that the petitioner may be eligible for an invalidity pension. 24th September, 1936.

No. 175.—Petition of AV. S. Clinch and 474 Others, of Matamata. —Second Report. Praying for amendment of the Licensing Act, 1908, to provide for the issue of a license or licenses, to Matamata. I am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist October, 1936.

No. 155. —Petition of M. Sullivan and Another, of Weheka. Praying for amendment of the Licensing Act, 1908, to enable them to obtain a license to sell spirituous liquors at their Pox Glacier Hostel. I am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, in the opinion of the Committtee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist October, 1936.

No. 95,—Petition of J. C. P. Rowley and 75 Others, of Central Otago. Praying that the Licensing Act, 1908, be amended to permit the granting of licenses at tourist resorts where no licensed accommodation is at present provided. I am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist October, 1936.

No. 199.—Petition of J. Penketh, of Palmerston North. Praying for payment of overtime allegedly performed whilst employed as Government plumbing overseer in Samoa; also payment of wages in lieu of Leave. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th October, 1936.

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No. 184.—Petition of F. E. Wright, of Lower Hutt. Praying for compensation for alleged loss through the ereetion of the railway ramp in front of his property at Lower Hutt. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th October, 1936.

No. 160. —Petition of E. A. Tomkies, of Wellington. Praying that his previous service with the Defence Department be counted for superannuation purposes on retirement from the Railways Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th October, 1936.

No. 201.—Petition of J. Savage, of Palmerston North. Praying for appointment to the permanent staff of the Railways Department and for compensation for loss of employment due to breach of an alleged undertaking given by the Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th October, 1936.

No. 131. —Petition of Alice Quinney, of Wellington. Praying for additional compensation on account of her compulsory retirement from the Public Service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration with a view to the petitioner obtaining adequate compensation. 6th October, 1936.

No. 218.—Petition of A. E. Wilson, of Wellington. Praying that he be granted an annual retiring-allowance, subject to adjustment in respect of contributions withdrawn, or reinstatement in the Public Service, with back service credited to him for superannuation purposes. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be retferred to the Government for consideration with a view to this case being dealt with in the same manner as those of a similar nature. 14th October, 1936.

No. 102. —Petition of Harriett E. Vanstone, of Little River. Praying that the ownership of her late husband's property be restored to her. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th October, 1936.

No. 174.—Petition of Ellen M. Smithson, of New Lynn. Praying for an inquiry, presided over by a Magistrate, into the circumstances surrounding the alleged loss of money, stock, and chattels. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th October, 1936.

No. 222. —Petition of Helen H. Priestley, of Wellington. Praying for a compassionate allowance in respect of injuries allegedly sustained while travelling on the New Zealand Railways. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th October, 1936.

No. 113. —Petition of W. J. McFaul and Another, of Addington. Praying for an inquiry and compensation on account of the death of their son, allegedly arising out of the negligence of the Lyttelton Harbour Board. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, but would suggest that the Lyttelton Harbour Board may reasonably undertake at least to pay the funeral expenses of the deceased, and as the jetty at Governor's Bay is not in use for shipping more adequate protection of human life be provided. 15th October, 1936. 2—l. 2.

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Nos. 238 and 282.—Petitions of F. Sampson, of Invercargill. Praying that a Commission of inquiry be appointed to report upon the Borstal system in New Zealand, that the rights and duties of Official Visitors to Borstal institutions be clearly defined, and that immediate steps be taken to remove the administration of the Borstal from the control of the Prisons Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th October, 1936.

No. 256.—Petition of W. Sullivan and 20 Others, of Whakatane. Praying for the erection of a flood-gate across the mouth of the Orini dredge-cut at Paroa, Whakatane. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the Government should, when reviewing the Rangitaiki Drainage Scheme, give favourable consideration to the prayer of the petitioners. 15th October, 1936.

Borstal Institutions. —Special Report. I am directed to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee which has considered and reported on certain petitions relating to Borstal institutions, desires, after hearing evidence and visiting the Wellington Borstal, to submit the following suggestions for the consideration of the Government:— (1) That a substantial improvement in the diet of the inmates of all our Borstal institutions should be made, particularly by providing butter and fresh vegetables. (2) That local bodies, in collaboration with the Ministers' Association, should be consulted when appointments to the visiting committees are made. (3) That a reclassification should take place with a view to the segregation of the different types of inmates, so that they may be under the control of the appropriate Department. 15th October, 1936.

No. 273. —Petition of E. F. Shadbolt, of New Lynn. Praying for compensation for alleged miscarriage of justice. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry. 29th October, 1936.

No. 205, 1935.—Petition of H. Robinson and 48 Others, of Westland. Praying for an increase in wages while employed on public-works roads in Westland. I am directed to report that, in view of the fact that the prayer of the petition has been granted, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th October, 1936.

No. 284. —Petition of W. D. Wilkinson, of Cambridge. Praying for an inquiry into the origin of a fire at the Horahora Power-station. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th October, 1936.

No. 291.—Petition of Beatrice J. V. O'Keeffe, of Taradale. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of disabilities allegedly contracted by her late husband while employed by the Railways Department and in consideration of the service he rendered while so employed. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration with a view to the Railways Department providing a compassionate allowance until some general superannuation scheme becomes established. 29th October, 1936.

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No. 290,—Petition of A. L. Williams, of Apia, Western Samoa. Praying that an inquiry be held into the circumstances surrounding his dismissal from the position) of clerk and book-keeper to the central group of New Zealand Reparation Estates, Samoa; that he be granted compensation for alleged wrongful dismissal; and that he be reinstated in his former employment. . I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1936.

No. 127, 1935.—Petition of W. H. J. Mangin, of Wellington. Praying for a compassionate grant on account of injuries allegedly sustained while undergoing a course of instruction on the training-ship " Amokura. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1936.

No. 211, 1935,—Petition of Te Kuiti Borough Council and 1,357 Others. Praying that legislation be enacted providing for the taking of a referendum on the licensing question in the King-country. ... . . . I am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th October, 1936.

No. 212, 1935. —Petition of Taumarunui Borough Council, and 4,211 Others. Praying that legislation be enacted providing for the taking of a referendum on the licensing question in the King-country. . . . I am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, m the opinion oi the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th October, 1936.

No. 214, 1935.—Petition of E. V. Sanderson and Another (representing the Forest and Bird Protection Society, Incorporated), and 1,399 Others. Praying that legislation be enacted to abolish the traffic in birds in New Zealand and to prevent the catching and liming of both native and imported birds. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and the Committee recommends that the trafficking in and caging of wild birds be prohibited. _ Clyde Carr, Chairman. 29th October, 1936.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that at its final meeting the Public Petitions M to Z Committee passed the following resolution: " That this Committee place on record its high appreciation of the care and ability with which the Chairman, Rev. Clyde Carr, has conducted the business of the Committee, and- directs that this resolution be reported to the House." John G. Cobbe, a Member of the Committee. 29th October, 1936.

Special Report. ] have the honour to report that at its final meeting the Public Petitions M to Z Committee passed the following resolution: " That this Committee place on record its appreciation o± the capable manner in which the Clerk, Mr. E. A. Dobbie, has carried out his duties during the session, and directs that this resolution be reported to the House." 29th October, 1936.

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1.—2.

Pinal Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members, held twenty-one meetings during the session; the average attendance at each meeting was six. The following table shows the disposal of the business that came before the Committee Petitions referred to the Committee .. .. .. 77 Petitions dealt with . . .. . . .. .. 68 Reports presented to the House . . . . .. .. 71 Petitions referred for most favourable consideration .. .. 15 Petitions referred for favourable consideration .. .. 13 Petitions referred for consideration . , . . .. .. 11 Petitions referred for inquiry .... . . .. .. .. 2 Petitions given no recommendation . . . . .. .. 20 Petitions withdrawn . . .. . . .. .. 7 Petitions held over till next session (by request) .. .. .. 6 Petitions held over till next session (received too late to be dealt with) .. 2 Petitions transferred to other Committees .. . . .. 1 Clyde Carr, Chairman. 29th October, 1936.

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