REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS A TO L COMMITTEE. (Mr. SYMES, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1902 Session I, I-01

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1902. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS A TO L COMMITTEE. (Mr. SYMES, Chairman.)

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

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract front the Journals of the House of Representatives. Tuesday, the Bth Day of July, 1902. Ordered, "That a Public Petitions A to L Committee, consisting of ten members, be appointed to consider all petitions 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 thereupon to this House \ also to have power to call for persons and papers ; three to be a quorum: the Committee to consist of Mr. Colvin, Mr. Hall, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Lawry, Mr Lethbridge, Mr. R. McKenzie, Mr. Symes, Mr. J. W. Thomson, Mr. Witheford, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones.)

INDEX.

* Of 1901.

i i No. Petitioners. Petitioners. I Page. 90 . Allen, T. 4 463 164 219 468 480 I 385 375 .284* 1286* 60 457 204 162 364 441 36 Bakewell, R. H., M.D. 6 I Baucke, H. .. Beale, J., and others .. Bird, E. Blake, A. C. .. Bonfield, P. .. 5 6 6 4 6 I Bouvy, E. .. Boyes, T. Brent, D. Bruce, A. Bryant, T. M. Burgess, L. .. Buttle, G. A., and others 3 5 3 6 5 5 8 157 45 29 64 307 394 L279* 229 283 85 79 39 Christophers, A. G. Clarke, W. .. Cookroft, S. .. Conboy, W. H. Coney, J. E. Connor, E. .. Corkhill, J., and others Cowie, E. J., and others Crawford, R. Cronin, J. Crotty, J., and others Cummins, J. 4 6 3 3 4 5 2 6 5 3 2 2 476 318 Dance, E. A., and others Dixon, L. 6 6 427 24 126 450 L280* Eaton, A. Edwards, W. B. Fantham, A. A. ... Ferguson,C. Ferguson, W. Final Report Fitzgerald, W. 0. Foreman, W. 6 2 2 6 3 6 2 4 70 343 I

No. ■ Petitioners. Page. 248 Freke, E. J. H. 251 Friend, M. .. 4 2 351 Gallagher, J. 110 Garrard, W. G. 293 ! Gauntlett, C. W. 411 : George, H. Rees 389 Gibson, S., and others 363 Giles, T. H., and others 381 Graham, W. 140 Grubb, J., and others 231 j Gubbins, K. P., and others 5 3 4 6 6 4 6 4 6 277 ! Hall, W. J. .. 213 ; Hare, J., and others .. 315 ' Healey, J., and others 143 Henderson, B A. 4 Hogg, A. W., and others 327 j Hulme, F. W., and others 5 4 5 3 3 5 451 Isherwood, J. C. R. .. 6 166 ! Jelliooe, E.G. 5 Ill J Kennedy, T., jun. 249 ; Kerry, T. G. 26 King, Dr. T. R. 3 4 2 148 Lane, J., 80 Langley, A., and others 42 Large, G. E. 8 I Leech, S. A. .. 376 Little, R. 428 Littledale, W. L. 3 2 2 4 6 6 169 Mallard, F. .. 4 171 Smith, S. G. 4 230 ! Townsend, G. L., and others .. 6 481 i Wheatly, P. J., and others 412 Willis, W. N. de L., and others 6 6

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EEPOETB.

No. .39. —Petition of John Cummins, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for further relief on account of injuries received while in the Police Force. I am directed to report that, as this is a case of great hardship, the petitioner being absolutely incapacitated from earning his livelihood through injuries which he received while discharging his duty as a police constable, the Committee recommends the Government to make provision for the maintenance of the petitioner and his family by an annual appropriation by Parliament. 13th August, 1902.

No. 42.—Petition of G. B. Laege, of Waiuku. Petitioner prays for compensation to the value of £10 for the loss of his horse when on duty in the Waiuku Mounted Eifles. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the sum of £10 should be paid by the Government. 13th August, 1902.

No. 70.—Petition of W. C. Fitzgerald, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for payment of balance of costs incurred in a civil action brought against him as Public Vaccinator. I am directed to report that the Committee has nothing further to add to its report of 1899. 13th August, 1902.

No. 79. —Petition of John Crotty and Others, of Kawhia. Petitioners pray that the Counties Act be made operative in the Kawhia County. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th August, 1902.

No. 80.—Petition of Arthur Langley and Others, of Kawhia. Petitioners pray that the Counties Act be made operative in the Kawhia County. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th August, 1902.

No. 126. —Petition of A. A. Fantham, of Hawera. Petitioner prays for consideration as the originator of the scheme known as the " Government advances to settlers." I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, as it has to take evidence on a similar petition. 13th August, 1902.

No. 24.—Petition of W. B. Edwards, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for relief on account of his removal from his positions as a Commissioner under " The Native Land Court Acts Amendment Act, 1889," and Judge of the Supreme Court. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petitioner's salary and lawcosts, amounting to £3,916 195., subject to correction, as shown on page 6 of the petitioner's memorandum of July, 1902, should be paid. It therefore recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th August, 1902.

No. 26.—Petition of Dr. T. E. King, of Blenheim. Petitioner prays for relief for wrongful retirement 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. 15th August, 1902.

No. 251.—Petition of M. Feibnd, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for further compassionate allowance for services of her late husband. I am directed to report that, as the substance of this petition was reported upon on the 3rd October, 1900, the Committee has no further recommendation to make. 15th August, 1902.

No. 1279 (1901). —Petition of J. Coekhill and Others, of Wairoa, Hawke's Bay. Petitioners pray that the Government will further help to the extent of £2,000 for completing Wairoa Eiver works. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th August, 1902.

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No. 1280 (1901).—Petition of W. Feeguson, of Waikaka Valley. Petitioneb prays for a compassionate allowance on account of an accident caused by smoke from a railway-engine. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Railways Committee. 19th August, 1902.

No. 36. —Petition of G. A. Buttle and Others, of Auckland. Petitionebs pray to be given an opportunity to express their views on sharebrokers and the Stamp Act before legislation be passed. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th August, 1902.

No. 60 and Nos. 1284 and 1286 of 1901.—Petition of B. Bouvy, of Wellington. Petitioneb prays for compensation for wrongful arrest and extradition to New Caledonia. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th August, 1902.

No. 85.—Petition of John Ceonin, of Wellington. Petitioneb prays for compensation for injuries received while in railways service. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Eailways Committee. 19th August, 1902.

No. 64.—Petition of W. H. Conboy, of Auckland. Petitioneb prays for redress for losses sustained through the action of the Audit Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th August, 1902.

No. 110. —Petition of W. G. Gabeaed, of Auckland. Petitioneb prays for relief from taxation on his property. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th August, 1902.

No. 148.—Petition of James Lane, of Auckland. Petitioneb prays for monetary consideration for services rendered. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 19th August, 1902.

No. 4. —Petition of A. W. Hogg and Others, of Wairarapa. Petitionbes pray for the release of John Savage, now suffering a term of imprisonment. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th August, 1902.

No. 29.—Petition of S. Cockeopt, of Auckland. Petitioneb prays for refund of money expended for medicine for the Maoris. I am directed to report that the Committee has no further recommendation to make. 28th August, 1902.

No. 111.—Petition of T. Kennedy, Jun., of Auckland. Petitioneb prays for compensation for services in the Survey Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th August, 1902.

No. 143. —Petition of B. A. Hendeeson, of Wellington. Petitioneb prays for a compassionate allowance on account of the services of her late husband. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th August, 1902.

No. 204.—Petition of D. Beent, of Dunedin. Petitioneb prays for relief on account of his salary being reduced and his services dispensed with by the Otago High School Board. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. ■ 18th September, 1902.

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No. 140.—Petition of J. Grubb and Others, of Lyttelton. Petitioners pray for consideration for John Eoss, for thirty-eight years a school-teacher, I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th September, 1902.

Nos. 248 and 249.—Petitions of B. J. H. Freke and T. C. Kebby, of Christchurch. Petitioners pray for relief for losses sustained through the action of the Police Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioners have no claim against the colony. 24th September, 1902.

No. 363.—Petition of T. H. Giles and 9 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that free passes on the railways be given to pupils of private secondary schools in Auckland. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition involves a question of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th September, 1902.

No. 307.—Petition of J. E. Coney, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for an increase to his pension. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th September, 1902.

No. 385.—Petition of A. C. Blake, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for compensation for injustice arising out of the passing of the Public-School Teachers' Salaries Act. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th September, 1902.

No. 343. —Petition of W. Foreman, of Tataraimaka. Petitioner prays'that a fine imposed upon him under section 34 of "The Stock Act, 1893," be remitted. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th September, 1902.

No. 293. —Petition of C. W. Gauntlett, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for further compensation on account of the death of her husband while he was serving in the Torpedo Corps. I am directed to report that, owing to the reference made to the petitioner's case on page 894 of Hansard for 1899, and the evidence brought before the Committee, it recommends the petition to the Government for favourable consideration. 24th September, 1902. '

No. B.—Petition of S. A. Leech, of Westport. Petitioner prays that he be granted compensation for loss of office as Harbourmaster at Westport, as recommended by Public Petitions A to L Committee for the years 1896, 1897, and 1901. I am directed to report that the Committee, not having anything to add to its reports of the years 1896, 1897, and 1901, recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 26th September, 1902.

No. 90. —Petition of Thomas Allen, of Greymouth. Petitioner prays for compensation on being retired from the Public Works Department after thirteen years and ten months' service. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 26th September, 1902.

Nos. 157, 169, and 171.—Petitions of A. G. Christophers, F. Mallard, and S. G. Smith, of Dunedin. Petitioners pray for an inquiry into the circumstances connected with their removal from the Commission of the Peace, and relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1902.

No. 213.—Petition of J. Hare and Others, of Kaeo. Petitioners pray for a telegraph-office at Kaeo in lieu of the telephone. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1902.

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No. 315.—Petition of J. Healey and Others, of Whakatane. Petitioners pray that they be paid the sum of £71 25., being the balance due on a contract for blasting rock for the Eoads Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th September, 1902.

No. 327.—Petition of F. W. Hulme and 2 Others, of Christchurch. Petitioneks pray for compensation to F. W. flulme for being falsely charged with stealing. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1902.

No. 351.—Petition of J. Gallagher, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for compensation of £20 for military service in the Wellington Defence Force. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th September, 1902.

No. 394.—Petition of B. Connor, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays for compensation on account of her late husband's service in the Prisons Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1902.

No. 441.—Petition of L. Burgess, of Wanganui. Petitioner prays for compensation on account of her late husband's services in the Customs Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1902.

Nos. 164 and 219. —Petition of H. Baucke, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for a settlement of his claim against the Government on account of his being wrongfully outlawed from the Chatham Islands in 1860. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1902.

No. 166. —Petition of E. G. Jbllicoe, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that the evidence of J. H. Brown be taken re maladministration of the Prisons Department, as he is leaving the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee, after hearing the evidence produced by Mr. Jellieoe, and after a personal inspection of the Wellington prison and brickfields at Mount Cook Barracks, is of opinion that Mr. Jellieoe has failed to establish his charges ; therefore has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1902.

No. 283.—Petition of E. Crawford, of Palmerston North. Petitioner prays for compensation for the shooting of his son at Feilding Volunteer Encampment on the 19th January. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd October, 1902.

No. 457.— Petition of Thomas Boyes, of Motueka. Petitioner prays for compensation for thirty-six years' service in the Police Force. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that a compassionate allowance of £100, equal to one year's salary, be paid to the petitioner for his thirty-six years' service. 3rd October, 1902.

No. 277.—Petition of W. J. Hall, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays for compensation for services rendered by him to the Government. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1902.

No. 364.—Petition of T. M. Bryant, of Whangarei. Petitioner prays for compensation for introducing New Zealand white-pine for making butterboxes. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1902.

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No. 463.—Petition of E. H. Bakewell, M.D., of Auckland. Petitionek prays for a grant of money for Major Bookes on account of his military services to the colony. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1902.

No. 450.—Petition of C. Febguson, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays for compensation on account of her late husband's 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 consideration. 3rd October, 1902.

No. 476. —Petition of B. A. Dance and 50 Others, of Kawhia. Petitioners pray for a license for the sale of spirituous liquors in the Kawhia district. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1902.

Nos. 480 and 481.—Petitions of B. Bied and F. J. Wheatley and Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray for an inquiry into the cause of the cancellation of their old-age pensions. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1902.

Nos. 45, 162, 375, 376, 381, 411, 427, 428, and 451.—Petitions of William Clarke, of Whakarewarewa; A. Bruce, of Coromandel; P. Bonfield, of Auckland; E. Little, of Auckland; W. Graham, of Auckland; H. Bees George, of Auckland; A. Baton, of Auckland ; W. Littledale, of Parramatta, N.S.W. ; and J. C. B. Isherwood, of Palmerston North. Petitioners pray for grants of land for military services. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1902.

Nos. 229, 230, 231, 318, 389, 412, and 468.—Petitions of E. J. Cowie and 113 Others; G. L. Townsend and 120 Others ; K. F. Gubbins and 67 Others; L. Dixon and 1,129 Others; S. Gibson and 42 Others ;W. N. de L. Willis and 29 Others; and J. Beale and 100 Others. Petitioners pray that a portion of the Bible be read in the public schools. ■ I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of these petitions involves a question of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1902.

Final Bepoet. I am directed to report that the Committee has had seventy-seven petitions referred to it, has held twenty-one meetings to consider the same, and has brought up seventy-two reports thereon, viz. : — Specific recommendations ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 For favourable consideration of Government ... ... ... ... 10 Consideration of Government ... ... ... ... ... 19 No claim or no recommendation ... ... ... ... ... 35 Beferred to other Committees ... .. ... ... ... 4 "Undealt-with ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 Total ... ... ... ... ... 77 2nd October, 1902. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation not given; printing (1,200 copies), £'A 9s. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o2.

Price 6d.]

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