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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1905 Session I, I-01

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1905. 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 from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Wednesday, the 28th Day op June, 1905. Ordered, " That a Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to consider all petitions from A to L 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 it to 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 te a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Hall, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Lang, Mr. Lawry, Mr. R. McKenzie, Mr. Remington, Mr. Symes, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Wood, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones.)

INDEX.

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[o. Petitioners. Page. No. Petitioners. Page, 118 628 249 509 273 171 555 604 137 462 1 510 454 26 452 605 27 458 630 378 Alexander, A., and 102 others .. Armstrong, M. W., and 49 others Babbage, A. W., and 15 others.. Babbage, A. W., and 399 others Bagnall, William, and 74 others Barlow, B. W. Batt, Samuel Bayley, B. P. Bell, A. W., and 51 others Bentley, E. S., and 134 others .. Beethan, R. .. Birehley, Helen Blomfield, E. C. Boggan, H. M. Boggan, H. M. Bradley, H, and 5,741 others .. Brent, Daniel Bruce, J., and 17 others Bunn, Elijah Buttle, Robert N. 6 10 6 8 6 4 10 11 4 8 5 7 7 :j il 10 3 8 11 8 600 437 404 56 63 257 Collyer, E. A. Cosson,|George,Jand 106 others.. Creagan, Rosanna K. .. Creech, D. J. C. Cresswell, A. E. Crowther, H. J., and 22 others 12 12 8 3 2 7 5 282 435 529 10 145 Day, Annie M. Davey, A. J. Davis, T., and 259 others Diver, Frank Drummond, Annie Dunedin Drainage and Sewage Board, The 2 6 9 9 4 9 30 Ferguson, James Final Report Fraser, Hugh, and 27 others Friend, Matilda 12 13 9 11 419 607 393 552 21 37 50 447 79 606 66 556 418 667 64 Cameron, H. G., and 100 others Cameron, R. M., and 184 others Campbell, J. M. Causley, William Chapman, W. T., and 92 others Christchurch Ministers' Association Clark, E. L. .. Clark, E. L. (No. 2) .. Clarke, W. H. Clark, J. J. .. Coates, G., and 104 others Conboy, W. H. Coney, M. E. 8 12 3 4 3 12 4 12 10 10 8 12 7 650 283 119 166 60 59 453 438 68 146 Gapes, George Gardner, D., and 204 others Garrick, William Gauntlet, Charity W. Gibson, William Gilford, John Glendining, Robert, and another Gray, John, and 43 others Green, E. .. Guthrie, Caroline 11 12 5 5 4 4 7 8 3 5 244 225 463 291. 120 Handley, M., and 11 others Hansen, Anders, and 88 others Harp, W. A., and 176 others Harris, G. H. Harris, Lewis, and others 7 6 8 7 3

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EEPORTS.

No. 69.—Petition of Charles Lett, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for reforms in lunatic asylums. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st July, 1905.

No. 9.—Petition of James Cooper Irvine, of Christchurch. Petitioner prays to be registered under " The Dentists Act, 1904." I am directed to report that, after an exhaustive inquiry and examination of the documents and correspondence, the Committee is of the opinion that, the application for registration was posted in time, and that the receipt for the registration of the letter on the 30th December, 1904, is proof that the application was made in time; as it should have reached the Registrar-General on the 31st December, 1904, and as it did not do so, the fault must have been either with the Postal Department or the Registrar-General, and not with the applicant. The Committee therefore recommends that the application be given effect to, or, if necessary, the Act be amended this session validating the application. 21st July, 1905.

No. 63,—Petition of Albert E. Cresswell, of Christchurch. Petitioner prays for increased pension. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for the purpose of taking the Crown Law Officer's opinion, and acting upon such opinion. 21st July, 1905.

No. 70.—Petition of Thomas Looan and 29 Others, of Pukekawa. Petitioners pray that £300 be placed on the estimates for formation-works on the Pukekawa Road. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st July, 1905.

No. s.—Petition of Annie Maria Day, of Lyttelton Petitioner praj's for compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 21st July, 1905.

10. doners. Page. No. Petitioners. 'age. 654 35 8 255 11 147 459 629 363 124 256 409 167 138 284 Hawkins, T. C, and 32 others .. Hay tor, J. A., and 47 others .. Hedley, Thomas, and 62 others Herbert, Patrick Hertslet, C. L., and 54 others .. Hing, Charley, and 40 others .. Hiller, J. A., and 11 others Hodge, Richard, and 24 others.. Hogg, H. R., and 179 others .. Howard, F. R. Howley, John Hughes, Martin Hughey, John Hunua Road Board Hunter, W. E., and 24 others .. 12 3 3 12 3 5 12 10 9 6 5 !) 6 4 7 531 512 513 553 41 69 610 36 70 197 Langan, John Law, Union, and Crown Insurance Company Leslie, W. D. Leslie, W. D., and 23 others Lester, R. E, . |j Lett, Charles jgj Lewis, F. C, and others Lodder, William Logan, T., and 29 others Long, H, and 144 others 9 10 11 10 4 2 9 8 2 5 464 229 29 17 228 McGrevy, Thomas, and 127 others Mackay, William, and 36 others Meikle, J. A. L., and 9 others Meikle, J. J. Meikle, J. J. 8 6 5 5 10 221 203 9 Inglis, J., and 213 others Irvine, C. H., and 49 others Irvine, J. C. .. 13 5 2 121 589 395 93 487 Johnstone, Emelia Jordan, J. B., and 72 others Judson, J., and 814 others Julian, Thaddeus Juriss, Alexander 4 II 9 7 II 612 125 Naumann, C. G. 0., and 234 others Neave, James S., 13 1(1 276 Opaheke Road Board 6 258 647 Palmer, E. G., and 12 others Powdrell, J., and 36 others 7 10 204 139 139 22 609 369 245 277 222 Katikati Road Board Kelly, Jessie Kelly, Jessie (No. 2) .. Kennedy, Sarah Kerr, Donald King, Duncan Kinsella, Georgina, and 449 others Roller, F. R., and 42 others .. Kulling, Martha 3 6 11 4 11 9 6 6 5 370 613 431 Shaw, S. H. .. Skinner, W. H., and 94 others Styles, G. F., and 340 others 10 13 9 193 Taylor, Thomas, and 61 others.. 6 465 Wright, Thomas, and 11 others 8

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No. 27.—Petition of Daniel Brent, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays for compensation and arrears of salary. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Education Committee. 28th July, 1905.

No. 56.—Petition of D. J. C. Creech, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for light employment iv Government service. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 28th July, 1905.

No. 26.—Petition of H. M. Boggan. Petitioner prays for reconsideration of action to revoke will of Henry Willis. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. . 28th July, 1905.

No. 50.—Petition of W. T. Chapman and 92 Others. Petitioners pray for a pound-for-pound subsidy up to £500 for bridging Todd's Crossing. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th July, 1905.

No. 21.—Petition of J. M. Campbell. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th July, 1905.

No. 68.—Petition of Edward Green. Petitioner prays for renewal of old-age pension. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th July, 1905.

No. 35.—Petition of J. A. Hayter and 47 Others. Petitioners pray that £75 be put on the estimates to complete part of the Ruapekapeka Road. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th July, 1905.

No. 11.—Petition of C. L. Hertslet and 54 Others. Petitioners pray for grant of £50 for a bridge over Toby's Creek. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th July, 1905.

No. B.—Petition of Thomas Hedley and 62 Others. Petitioners pray for £300 for completing Hukerenui Road. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th July, 1905.

No. 120.—Petition of Lewis Harris and Others. Petitioners pray for £300 to complete Raglan Road. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th August, 1905.

No. 204.—Petition of Katikati Road Board. Petitioners pray for £10 and new Appropriation Act. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th August, 1905.

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No. 171.—Petition of B. W. Barlow and Others. Petitioners pray for a superannuation scheme for the Civil Service. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition, as it is a question of policy. 16th August, 1905.

No. 10.—Petition of Annie Drummond. Petitioner prays for £2,000 compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 16th August, 1905.

No. 121.—Petition of Emelia Johnstone. Petitioner prays for £180 10s., being award granted by Compensation Court. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the favourable consideration of the Government, and that the Government be recommended to give effect to the award made by Judge Beckham, and place the sum on the supplementary estimates to compensate the petitioner. 16th August, 1905.

No. 22.-—Petition of Sarah Kennedy. Petitioner prays for compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th August, 1905.

No. 41.-—Petition of R. E. Lester. Petitioner prays for £300 for road from Horeke to Ivydale. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th August, 1905.

No. 79.—Petition of E. L. Clark. Petitioner prays that inquiry may be made into the action of a certain Judge I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition, as petitioner has not exhausted his legal remedies. 16th August, 1905.

No. 60. —Petition of William Gibson, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for reinstatement in police, and for relief as to expenses. I am directed to report that iv the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th August, 1905.

No. 59.—Petition of John Gifpord. Petitioner prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommeudation to make on this petition. 16th August, 1905.

No. 37.—Petition of William Causley. Petitioner prays for compensation for using land as rifle range. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 16th August, 1905.

Nos. 137 and 138.—Petitions of A. W. Bell and 51 Others, of Hunua, near Auckland, and the Hunua Road Board. Petitioners pray for a sum of money to be put on the estimates to complete road in Hunua district. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee these petitions should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and the Government be recommended to give effect to the prayers thereof. 18th August, 1905.

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Nos. 17 and 29. —Petitions of J. J. Meikle, of Wellington, and J. A. L. Meikle and 9 Others. Petitioners pray that recommendations of previous Committees on the Meikle case be given effect to. I am directed to report, in accordance with the ruling of Mr. Speaker, that these petitions are contrary to the Standing Orders: therefore the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th August, 1905.

No. I.—Petition of Richmond Beetham, of Masterton. Petitioner prays for a pension in lieu of compensation for loss of office as Stipendiary Magistrate. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the Government deal with Mr. Beetham's case on similar lines to those proposed in the case of Mr. Mueller, as the two cases are practically identical; and the Committee would recommend the prayer of the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 18th August, 1905.

No. 119.—Petition of William Garrick, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for compassionate allowance on account of wounds received during the Maori war. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 25th August, 1905.

No. 166. —Petition of Charity W. Gauntlet, of New Plymouth. Petitioner prays for compassionate allowance for the death of her husband, late of the Torpedo Corps. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 25th August, 1905.

No. 146.—Petition of Caroline Guthrie, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for redress re lapsed policy in Government Life Assurance Department on life of G. H. Guthrie (deceased). I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 25th August, 1905.

No. 147.—Petition of Charley Hing and 40 Others, of Wellington. Petitioners pray for the suppression of gambling amongst the Chinese. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th August, 1905.

No. 222. —Petition of Martha Kulling, of Masterton. Petitioner prays that £126, in the hands of the Public Trustee, from the estate of Fred Kulling (deceased), be handed to her. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th August, 1905.

No. 197. —Petition of H. Long and 144 Others, of Whangarei. Petitioners pray for suspension of " The Counties Act, 1886." I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th August, 1905..

No. 203.—Petition of C. H. Irvine and 49 Others, of Whangape. Petitioners pray for road access to sections in Whangape Survey District. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th August, 1905.

No. 256.—Petition of John Howley, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for relief re his retirement from the Police Force. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th August, 1905.

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No. 124. —Petition of Frederick It. Howard, of Puhipuhi. Petitioner prays for compensation for gum seized under the Kauri-gum Industry Act. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th August, 1905.

No. 249. —Petition of A. W. Babbage and 15 Others, of Awaroa, Kawhia. Petitioners pray for £2,500 for metalling road. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 7th September, 1905.

No. 276.—Petition of the Opaheke Road Board, Manukau. Petitioners pray for £400 for roads. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th September, 1905.

No. 139.—Petition of Jessie Kelly, of Port Chalmers. Petitioner prays for £375 allowance for loss of her husband, who was pilot for Otago Harbour. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 7th September, 1905.

No. 167.—Petition of John Hughey, of Feilding. Petitioner prays for the old-age pension. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 7th September, 1905.

No. 273.—Petition of William Bagnall and 74 Others, of Turua, Thames County. Petitioners pray for £250 for Netherton and Turua Ferry. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th September, 1905.

No. 225.—Petition of Anders Hansen and 88 Others, of Kaiparoro, Eketahuna. Petitioners pray for a bridge over Makakahi River. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th September, 1905.

No. 277.—Petition of F. R. Roller and 42 Others, of Paiaka, Hukerenui. Petitioners pray for £200 for a road and for £70 for a bridge. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th September, 1905.

No. 282.—Petition of A. J. Davey, of Stratford. Petitioner prays for relief re mistake in tender for railway buildings. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th September, 1905.

Nos. 193, 118, and 229.—Petitions of Thomas Taylor and 61 Others, of Waikaia, Alexander Alexander and 102 Others, of Wendon, and William Mackay and 36 Others, of Waikaia. Petitioners pray for completion of Riversdale-Switzers Railway. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee these petitions should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1905.

No. 245.—Petition of Georgina Kinsella and 449 Others, of Blackball. Petitioners pray for completion of Blackball Railway. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1905.

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No. 284.—Petition of W. E. Hunter and 24 Others, of Tangihua, Auckland District. Petitioners pray for a road from Maungakaramea to Waiotama. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 22iid September, 1905.

No. 64.—Petition of Mary Emily Coney, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for compassionate allowance on account of the short term her husband lived to enjoy his pension. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, drawing the attention of the Government to the two precedents mentioned in the departmental report. 22nd September, 1905.

No. 453. —Petition of Robert Glendining and Another, of Dunedin. Petitioners pray for rebate of probate duty on estate of James William Smith (deceased). I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1905.

No. 244.—Petition of M. Handley and 11 Others, of Ohinemuri. Petitioners pray for a sum of money to repair Cadman Road. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd September, 1905.

No. 93. —Petition of Thaddeus Julian, of Christchurch. Petitioner prays for alteration in proposed amendment to " The Medical Practitioners Registration Act, 1869." I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, as there is a Bill before the House on this subject. 22nd September, 1905.

Nos. 257 and 258.—Petitions of H. J. Crowther and 22 Others, of Westport, and E. G. Palmer and 12 Others, of Ohinemuri. Petitioners pray for a superannuation scheme for the Civil Service. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on these petitions, as they are questions of policy. 22nd September, 1905.

No. 510.—Petition of Helen Birchley, of Palmerston North. Petitioner prays for a grant of Native land. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 3rd October, 1905.

No. 291. —Petition of George H. Harris, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that compensation may be made him for injuries received while in the Police Force, and for his subsequent retirement therefrom. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a recommendation that the petitioner be given some suitable light employment; the Committee being of opinion that the injury was received while in the execution of duty. sth October, 1905.

No. 454.—Petition of E. C. Blompield, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that £200 be granted to him for the Native and Maori lands administration work carried out by him during a period of two years. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 13th October, 1905.

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No. 509.—Petition of A. W. Babbage and 399 Others, of Kawhia. Petitioners pray that preliminary steps be taken towards establishing railway communication between the main trunk line and Port of Kawhia, by having a survey and estimate of cost made and laid before Parliament. I am directed to report that it is the opinion of the Committee that the Government should be asked to take the matter into their favourable consideration, with a request to having the line surveyed. 13th October, 1905.

No.' 418.—Petition of G. Coates and 104 Others, of Matakohe. Petitioners pray for a bridge across the Awaroa River. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 13th October, 1905.

No. 438.—Petition of John Gray and 43 Others, of Hukerenui. Petitioners pray for a grant for raising the main roadway where it crosses swamps in the districts of Hukerenui and Towai. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 13th October, 1905.

No. 36.—Petition of William Lodder, of Karangahake. Petitioner prays for a medal for the Maori War. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th October, 1905.

Nos. 462, 463, 464, and 465.—Petitions of E. S. Bentley and 134 Others, oFWhakatane, W. A. Harp and 176 Others, of Rotorua, Thomas MoGrevy and 127 Others, of Opotiki, and Thomas Wright and 11 Others, of Tauranga. Petitioners pray for a sum of money to be placed on the estimates for the purpose of erecting the Whakatane and Rangitaiki Bridges. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 18th October, 1905.

No. 404.—Petition of Rosanna K. Creagan, of Waitahu, County of Inangahua. Petitioner prays for 600 acres of land, on account of being the first white child born in the Inangahua district. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 18th October, 1905.

No. 393.—Petition of H. G. Cameron and 100 Others, of Tuapeka West, Petitioners pray for a sum of money for a deviation on Falconer's Valley Hill, on the LawrenceTuapeka West Road. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 18th October, 1905.

No. 458.—Petition of J. Bruce and 17 Others, of Taniwha, Wairangi, Waikato. Petitioners pray for the erection of two bridges in the Waerenga subdivision of the Whangamarino Road District. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 18th October, 1905.

No. 378.--Petition of Robert Buttle and 10 Others, of Opani Point, Kopu. Petitioners pray for a grant for the Turua-Netherton Road. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, I.Bth October, 1905.

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No. 435.—Petition of T. Davis and 259 Others, of Ngaruawahia. Petitioners pray for the erection of a traffic-bridge at Ngaruawahia. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th October, 1905.

No. 145.—Petition of the Dunedin Drainage and Sewage Board, of Dunedin. Petitioners pray for refund of Customs duties on certain machinery. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th October, 1905.

No. 529.—Petition of Frank Diver, of Keppell Street, Arch Hill, Auckland. Petitioner prays for grant of land for services rendered during the Maori war. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th October, 1905.

No. 419.—Petition of Hugh Fraser and 27 Others, of Mangakahia. Petitioners pray for a grant to complete certain roads in the Mangakahia district. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th October, 1905.

No. 409.—Petition of Martin Hughes, of Invercargill. Petitioner prays for further rebate of fine in connection with the construction of the LumsdenMararoa Railway in 1886. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 18th October, 1905.

No. 363.—Petition of H. R. Hogg and 179 Others, of Opotiki, Bay of Plenty. Petitioners pray that the Government will authorise and survey the railway-line from Gisborne to Rotorua via Opotiki. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 18th October, 1905.

Nos. 395 and 431.—Petitions of J. Judson and 814 Others, of Opunake, and G. F. Styles and 340 Others, of Mount Egmont. Petitioners pray for the construction of a railway-line from Opunake to Mountain Road. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th October, 1905.

No. 369.—Petition of Duncan King, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for compensation for wrongful arrest. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 18th October, 1905.

No. 531. —Petition of John Langan, of Napier. Petitioner prays for a grant of land for services rendered during the Maori war. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 18th October, 1905.

No. 610. —Petition of F. C. Lewis and Others, of Masterton. Petitioner prays that the road known as " Barton's Line " be metalled. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th October, 1905. 2—l. 1.

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No. 512.—Petition of The Law, Union, and Crown Insurance Company, of Wellington. Petitioners pray for a refund of part of annual license fee, as the company has gone out of business in New Zealand. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 18th October, 1905.

No. 553.—Petition of W. D. Leslie and 23 Others, of Whangaroa County. Petitioners pray for a grant for the completion of the road from Otoroa to Matauri Bay. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th October, 1905.

No. 228.—Petition of J. J. Meikle, of Wellington. Petitioner prays to be heard at the bar of tEe House. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the M to Z Public Petitions Committee, 18th October, 1905.

No. 125. —Petition of James S. Neave, of Gore. Petitioner prays for payment of his costs as solicitor in connection with the Meikle cases. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th October, 1905.

No. 370.—Petition of S. H. Shaw, of Wilton Streef, Spreydon, near Christchurch. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of office as police constable. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 18th October, 1905.

Nos. 605 and 647.—Petitions of H. Bradley and 5,741 Others, of Napier, and J. Powdrell and 36 Others, of Wairoa. Petitioners pray that Lake Waikaremoana be adopted as source for supplying electrical energy. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 26th October, 1905.

Nos. 628 and 629.—Petitions of M. W. Armstrong and 49 Others, of Maungatapere, and Richard Hodge and 24 Others, of Ruatangata. Petitioners pray for grant to open up the Ruatangata to Maungakaramea Road. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th October, 1905.

No. 555.—Petition of Samuel Batt, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for pension in connection with his services in the Government Printing Office. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petitioner should be recommended to the Government for a gratuity of £100 on account of his long and faithful service. 26th October, 1905,

No. 556.—Petition of J. J. Clark, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for just and equitable compensation for work done in the Defence Department. I am directed to report that the Government be requested to pay the petitioner the pay of a lieutenant and allowances while he was making up the King's Medal roll. 26th October, 1905.

No. 66.—Petition of W. H. Clarke, of Tauranga. Petitioner prays for consideration of his claim for military services. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 26th October, 1905.

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No. 607. —Petition of Matilda Friend, of Palmerston North, Petitioner prays for compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 26th October, 1905.

No. 650.—Petition of George Gapes, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for £150 compensation for loss of road frontage to his section. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 26th October, 1905.

No. 589.—Petition of J. B. Jordan and 72 Others, of Motueka. Petitioners pray for relief re Whakarewa trust leases. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government with a view to the matters complained of being investigated, and the passing of legislation if necessary next session to validate the leases*referred to. 26th October, 1905.

No. 487. —Petition of Alexander Juriss, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays for reinstatement or compensation for resignation from the Police Force. I am directed to report that, the petitioner having resigned his position as police constable, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th October, 1905.

No. 139.—Petition of Jessie Kelly, of Port Chalmers. (Second Report.) Petitioner prays for £375 compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 26th October, 1905.

No. 609. —Petition of Donald Kerr, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for further 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 Agricultural, Pastoral, and Stock Committee. 26th October, 1905.

No. 513. —Petition of W. D. Leslie, of Matauri Bay, County of Whangaroa. Petitioner prays for compensation for land taken for road purposes. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition, as, in the opinion of the Committee, it is not a question for the Government to deal with. 26th October, 1905.

No. 604. —Petition of B. P. Bayley, of Ngaruawahia. Petitioner prays for further compensation in connection with his 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. 28th October, 1905.

No. 452.—Petition of H. M. Boggon. Petitioner prays for an inquiry into recent will case re Willis (deceased), heard at Napier. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, as petitioner has not exhausted his legal remedies. 28th October, 1905.

No. 630.—Petition of Elijah Bunn, of Murchison. Petitioner prays for compensation for injuries received from a dynamite-explosion at Murchison. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a recommendation that the Government give reasonable compensation. 28th October, 1905.

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No. 552.—Petition of R. M. Cameron and 184 Others, of Helensville. Petitioners pray for £1,000 to develop the Helensville hot springs. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1905.

No. 667.—Petition of W. H. Conboy, of Greymouth. Petitioner prays that the order of reference guiding the Audit Commissioner be extended. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 28th October, 1905.

No. 447.—Petition of the Christchurch Ministers' Association. Petitioners pray for the abolition of the totalisator. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition,, as a question of policy is involved. 28th October, 1905.

No. 600.—Petition of E. A. Collyer, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1905.

No. 606. —Petition of E. L. Clark, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for an inquiry into and refund of money paid by him to the Supreme Court. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 28th October, 1905.

No. 437.—Petition of George Cosson and 106 Others, of Awanui. Petitioners pray for a subsidy for a medical man for the Awanui and surrounding districts. 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, 1905.

No. 30.—Petition of James Ferguson, of Ellerslie. Petitioner prays for compensation for discovering Penrose rifle range. 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, 1905.

No. 283. —Petition of D. Gardner and 204 Others, of Rotorua. Petitioners pray that the rules of the Rotorua Acclimatisation Society may be registered under the Animals Protection Act. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred, to the Government for consideration. . 28th October, 1905!

No. 654.—Petition of T. C. Hawkins and 32 Others, of Avoca and Mangaru. Petitioners pray that grants for roads be made available in summer. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1905.

No. 459.—Petition of J. A. Hiller and 11 Others, of the County of Grey. Petitioners pray that the Omoto-.\larsden Road be repaired. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1905.

No. 255.—Petition of Patrick Herbert, of Tauranga. Petitioner prays for grant of land for services rendered during the Maori war. I am directed to report chat the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition 28th October, 1905.

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No. 221.—Petition of J. Inglis and 213 Others, of Roxburgh. Petitioners pray for the continuation of the Heriot-Roxburgh Railway. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 28th October, 1905.

Nos. 612 and 613.—Petitions of C. G. 0. Naumann and 234 Others, of Dunedin, and W. H. Skinner and 94 Others, of New Plymouth. Petitioners pray for a superannuation scheme for the Civil Service. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendations to make on these petitions, as a question of policy is involved. 28th October, 1905.

Final Report. I am directed by the Committee to report, — 1. That during the session the Committee has held twenty-live meetings. 2. That the Committee received 124 petitions for consideration. 3. That three petitions were referred to the Government with a specific recommendation. 4. That thirty-six petitions were referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 5. Tliat forty-three petitions were referred to the Government for consideration. 6. That thirty-four petitions received no recommendation. 7. That four petitions were referred to other Committees. 8. That four petitions were held over until next session. 9. That the Committee passed a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman, Mr. Symes, for the able and courteous manner in which he had at all times conducted the business of the Committee. 10. That the Committee desires to express its appreciation of the valuable services of the Clerk, Mr. J. L. Haselden, and of the painstaking and efficient manner in which he has carried out his duties, and that this resolution be conveyed to the Ministry. 31st October, 1905. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,425 oopiesj, £8 14s.

By Authority: John Mackay. Government Printer, Wellington.-1905. Price 6d.]

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