PUBLIC PETITIONS A TO L COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. T. H. DAVEY, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1907 Session I, I-01

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1907. NEW ZEALAND.

PUBLIC PETITIONS A TO L COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. T. H. DAVEY, Chairman.)

Presented to the House of Representatives, and ordered to he printed. ORDER OP REPERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Thursday, the 11th Day of July, 1907. 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 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 the House ; and to have power to report its opinions and observations thereon to this House ; also to have power to call for persons and papers ; three to be a quorum: the Committee to consist of Mr. Symes, Mr. Hall, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Malcolm, Mr. Davey, Mr. R. McKenzie, Mr. Remington, Mr. Gray, Mr. Wood, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Millab.)

ORDER OP REPERENCE.

Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Thursday, the 11th Day of July, 1907. 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 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 the House ; and to have power to report its opinions and observations thereon to this House ; also to have power to call for persons and papers ; three to be a quorum: the Committee to consist of Mr. Symes, Mr. Hall, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Malcolm, Mr. Davey, Mr. R. McKenzie, Mr. Remington, Mr. Gray, Mr. Wood, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Millab.)

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INDEX.

No. Petitioners. Page. No. Petitioners. Page. 799 198 876 S13/06 130 382 721 3/06 844 722 653 786 717 658 569 767 Atkinson, William Badger, R., and 68 others Barnes, R. H, and 299 others.. Baucke, Henry Beart, H. M., and 28 others Beeoroft, A., and 29 others Beggs, R., and 16 others Bennett, Elizabeth Bodley, Henry Bradley, W., and 177 others Briggs, J. T., and 29 others Brinkley, Rebecca Brougham, G., and 10 others Buchanan, H. W. S. H, and 13 others .. Bunyan, T., and 27 others Byron, A. H. and D. J. 8 4,5 9 5 4,5 6 8 8 10 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 690 94 526 642 119 526 553 137/06 710 12 77 Hill, Marion.. Hodges, J. B., and 54 others .. Hogg, H. R., and 332 others .. Hokianga County Council Holdaway, H. 0., and 34 others Horsley and Harris, and 82 others Hughes, A., and 31 others Hunt, W. J... Hutchison, R. F., and 29 others Hyatt, H. R., and 63 others .. Hyde, W. J., and 143 others .. 7 4,5 9 8 4,5 7,9 6 5 8 5 4 488 275/06 Irving, R., jun., and 206 others Isherwood, J. C. R. .. 6 3 93 103/06 S20/06 539 133/06 37 25 678 1 833 26 S98/06 723 27 818 54/06 10/07 Callaghan, John, and 2 others Callaghan, W., and 31 others Carter, James Cavell, Henry .. Cheetham, James Clare, G., and 51 others Clark, E. L. .. Clark, G., and 245 others Clark, J. J. .. Clarke, William Henry Cofiey, Denis Coney, Mary E. Cookson, Edmund Cox, E., and 176 others Cox, Richard | Creswell, A. E. 4,5 9 4 6 9 5 3 8 4 9 5 9 ■ 7 5 9 489 329 593 271 Jenkins, Sarah Jennings, E., and 13 others Jones, C. H, and 6 others Julian, T., and 64 others 6 7 8 5 78 240 711 530/06 Kenny, Martin P. Kingston, H, and 28 others .. Kirkby, Clementina, and 6 others Knowles, Lizzie, and 79 others 3 4,5 7 4 183/06 239 79 875 395 234 148 156 198/05 870 131 Laidlaw, W., and 91 others Landrum, G., and 28 others Lane, James Larkin, Mary E. La very, N., and 29 others Leighton, W. R., and 33 others Lewis, Dr. T. H, and 12 others Lindsay, A., and 9 others Lister, G. J., and 126 others .. Love, G. M., and 48 others . .. Lynch, L., and 28 others 3 4,5 3 10 6 5 4 5 3 9 4,5 3 59 775 394 209 834 593 182 255 S52/06 Deacon, T. W., and 130 others Delahunty, J., and 20 others Dittmer, G, and 29 others Donaldson, W., and 26 others Donnelly, P. K Doolan, E., and 9 others Dore, Charles Downard, S. W., and 772 others Dunne, J., and 215 others 3 8 6 4,5 8 8 5 4,5 3 594 654 559 383 560 33 Milsted, R., and 28 others McGregor, D., and 29 others .. Mclntyre, J., and 29 others McLeod, J., and 29 others McLeod, V. F, and 28 others .. McMasters, T., and 147 others.. 8 8 8 6 8 5 5 9 211 Nield, A., and 15 others 4,5 233 848 Edgecombe, William Elliot, J., and 162 others 16 241 166 Page, H., and 155 others Phelan, E., and 27 others Powell, W. H., and 28 others .. 5 4,5 4,5 566/06 570 752 410 632 111 571 S56/06 Fairburn, E. J. Fanthorpe, G, and 28 others Farrell, J., and 12 others Final Report Fisher, A. A., jun., and 84 others Flower, A., and 35 others Ford, G., and 51. others Foy, R., and 27 others Friend, Matilda 3 8 8 10 6 8 6 8 6 669 275 Richardson, F., and 29 others .. Rodgers, J., and another 8 5 238 186 29 680 73 874 60 709 579/06 75 Game, G, and 9 others Gavey, R., and 28 others Gibson, Jane G. Gilbert, John James Gill, H. J., and 206 others Grandi, J. J., and 190 others Greenhead, C. H, and 91 others Greig, Annie Grieve, J., and 79 others Grubb, T. A., and 24 others 4,5 4,5 4 7 4,5 10 6 7 9 4,5 242 167 242 595 4 670 132 84 596 168 776 213 Shepherd, G, and 22 others Sidey, D., and 28 others Simons, W. W., and 21 others.. Simpson, T. W., and 15 others Smallfield, Rev. P. S., and 54 others Smith, W. D., and 29 others .. Speight, G, and 28 others Spragg, W., and 47 others Stables, G, and 11 others Stanaway, J., and 10 others Stan well, G. N., and 28 others.. Stehr, H E., and 31 others 4,5 4,5 4,5 8 5 8 4,5 5 8 4,5 8 4,5 777 270 597 Thomison, F., and 27 others .. Trott, M., and 4 others Turner, J. O., and 24 others .. 8 5 8 745 210 118 572 30 747 Hamlin, Frederick S. .. Hammond, H., and-5 others .. Hancock, A. T., and 38 others.. Harding, A., and 21 others Hayes, E., and 164 others Hiokford, A., and 20 others 7 4,5 4,5 8 5 7 188 Vaile, M. J., and 28 others 4,5 598 187 Watson, S., and 7 others Webb, T., and 14 others 8 4,5

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No. 183 (1906).—Petition of W. Laidlaw and 91 Others, of Matakanui. Petitionees pray for improved postal service between Matakanui and Omakau. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th July, 1907. No. 198 (1905).— Petition of G. J. Lister and 126 Others, of Clive. Petitioners pray that a petition to abolish the Clive River Board District, or to unite it with the Taradale and Meanee Districts, be not considered. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th July, 1907. No. 275 (1906).—Petition of J. C. R. Isherwood, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for consideration of his claim as a military settler. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th July, 1907. No. 652 (1906).— Petition of J. Dunne and 215 Others, of Balclutha. Petitioners pray for a railway from Balclutha to Tuapeka Mouth. Also two similar petitions, Nos. 334 and 316. I am directed to report that, as this is a question of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th July, 1907. No. 666 (1906).—Petition of E. J. Fairburn, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for inquiry and redress re survey of Nukuroa Block No. 1, Rodney County. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. • 19th July, 1907. No. 78.—Petition of Martin P. Kenny, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that the Government may give him suitable employment. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th July, 1907. No. 79.—Petition of James Lane, of Parnell. Petitioner prays for further compensation for loss of office as constable. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th July, 1907. Nos. 10 (1907) and 54 (1906).— Petitions of A. E. Creswell, of Christchurch. Petitioner prays for an increased retiring-allowance under " The Superannuation Act, 1887." I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th July, 1907. No. 25.—Petition of E. L. Clark, of Auckland. Petitioner prays that his claim for wages alleged to be due may be heard before a jury. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th July, 1907. No. 59.—Petition of T. W. Deacon and 130 Others, of Riverhead. Petitioners pray that a grant of £500 be placed on the estimates for the erection of a trafficbridge across the Waitemata River at Riverhead. I am directed to. report that this Committee has no recommendation to make, but is of opinion that all petitions praying for expenditure of public-works moneys should be referred direct to the Government by the Classification Committee. 26th July, 1907.

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No. 29. —Petition of Jane G. Gibson, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for compensation for non-delivery of a letter. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 2nd August, 1907. No. 620 (1906). —Petition of James Carter, of Sumner. Petitioner prays for redress for loss of fishing-nets sustained whilst assisting the police. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 2nd August, 1907. No. 93.—Petition of John Callaghan and 2 Others, of Wellington. Petitioners pray that this House will take steps to secure justice for petitioners in accordance with the reports of the Public Petitions A to L Committee in the years 1899 and 1900. I am directed to report that this Committee recommends to the Government to introduce a short measure enabling the petitioners to secure a rehearing by the Compensation Court. 2nd August, 1907. Nos. 73, 94, 119, 130, 132, 167, 186, 188, 210, 212, 238, 240, 75, 118, 198, 255, 131, 166, 168, 187, 209, 211, 213, 239, 241, and 242.—Petitions of N. J. Gill and 206 Others, J. B. Hodges and 54 Others, H. 0. Holdaway and 34 Others, H. M. Beart and 28 Others, C. Speight and 28 Others, D. Sidey and 28 Others, R. Gavey and 28 Others, M. J. Vaile and 28 Others, H. Hammond and 5 Others, C. Shepherd and 22 Others, C. Game and 9 Others, H. Kingston and 28 Others, T. A. Grubb and 24 Others, A. T. Hancock and 38 Others, R. Badger and 68 Others, S. W. Downard and 772 Others, L. Lynch and 28 Others, W. H. Powell and 28 Others, J. Stanaway and 10 Others, T. Webb and 14 Others, W. Donaldson and 26 Others, A. Nield and 15 Others, H. E. Stehr and 31 Others, G. Landrum and 28 Others, E. Phelan and 27 Others, and W. W. Simons and 21 Others. Petitioners pray for sums of money to be expended on various public works. I am directed to report that these petitions be referred back to the Classification Committee for the purpose of ascertaining whether they comply with Standing Order No. 419. 6th August, 1907. [This Report was withdrawn in accordance with a ruling of the Speaker that Standing Order No. 419 did not apply. For Second Report see p. 5.] No. 77.—Petition of W. J. Hyde and 143 Others, of Clevedon. Petitioners pray that a pound-for-pound subsidy be granted to the Clevedon Medical Club. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government, with a recommendation that the Government amend the Hospital and Charitable Aid Act in the direction of enabling the Boards to devote a portion of their funds to subsidising medical men in outlying districts. 7th August, 1907. No. 1. —Petition of J. J. Clark, of Wellington. Petitioner prays that effect be given to a recommendation of the Public Petitions Committee A to L in 1905. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, effect should be given to that recommendation —viz., 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. 7th August, 1907. No. 148.—Petition of Dr. T. H. Lewis and 12 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray for compensation for wrongs inflicted on the Auckland Acclimatisation Society. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 7th August, 1907. No. 530 (1906).—Petition of L. Knowles and 79 Others, of Burwood. Petitioners pray for telephonic communication from Burwood to Christchurch. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th August, 1907.

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Nos. 37, 84, 27, 16, 270, 30, 12, 275, 33, 271, and 4.—Petitions of G. Clare and 51 Others, W. Sphagg and 47 Others, E. Cox and 176 Others, H. Page and 155 Others, M. Trott and 4 Others, E. Hayes and 164 Others, H. R. Hyatt and 63 Others, J. Rodgers and Another, T. McMasters and 147 Others, T. Julian and 64 Others, and Rev. P. S. Smallfield and 54 Others. Petitioners pray for the abolition of compulsory vaccination. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th August, 1907. No. 156.—Petition of A. Lindsay and 9 Others, of Wellington. Petitioners pray for compensation for W. J. Hunt. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th August, 1907. No. 137 (1906).—Petition of W. J. Hunt, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of timber-rights in Ngarara Block. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th August, 1907. Nos. 94, 75, 234, 119, 118, and 255.—Petitions of J. B. Hodo-es and 54 Others, T. A. Grubb and 24 Others, W. R. Leighton and 33 Others, H. 0. Holdaway and 34 Others, A. T. Hancock and 38 Others, S. W. Downard and 772 Others. Petitioners pray for expenditure of moneys on public works. 1 am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th August, 1907. No. 313 (1906).—Petition of Henry Baucke, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for relief on account of alleged wrongful seizure of his property at the Chatham Islands. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make. 27th August, 1907. Nos. 73, 130, 132, 167, 186, 188, 210, 212, 238, 240, 242, 198, 131, 166, 168, 187, 209, 211. 213, 239, 241.—Petitions of H. J. Gill and 206 Others, H. M. Beart and 28 Others, C. Speight and 28 Others, D. Sidey and 28 Others, R. Gavey and 28 Others, M. J. Vaile and 2.8 Others, H. Hammond and 5 Others, C. Shepherd and 22 Others, C. Game and 9 Others, H. Kingston and 28 Others, W. W. Simons and 21 Others, R. Badger and 68 Others, L. Lynch and 28 Others, W. H. Powell and 28 Others, J. Stanaway and 10 Others, T. Webb and 14 Others, W. Donaldson and 26 Others, A. Nield and 15 Others, H. E. Stehr and 31 Others, G. Landrum and 28 Others, and E. Phelan and 27 Others. Petitioners pray for expenditure of moneys out of Public Works Fund for construction of railways. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government. 27th August, 1907. No. 182.—Petition of Charles Dore, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for reward for rearresting certain prisoners in 1859. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 27th August, 1907. No. 26. —Petition of Denis Coffey, of Rotorua. Petitioner prays for a grant of land as an old soldier. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for further consideration. 27th August, 1907. No. 233.—Petition of William Edgecombe, of New Plymouth. Petitioner prays for a grant for military services rendered. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry. 27th August, 1907.

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Nos. 382, 383, 394, and 395.—Petitions of A. Beecroft and 29 Others, J. McLeod and 29 Others, C. Dittmer and 29 Others, and N. Lavery and 29 Others. Petitioners pray for a grant of £1,500 for developing the Helensville mineral springs. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these several petitions should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th August, 1907. No. 356 (1906).—Petition of Matilda Friend, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for further compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services. 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, 1907. No. 60.—Petition of C. H. Greenhead and 91 Others, of Waiuku. Petitioners pray that effect be given to the recommendation of the Public Petitions A to L Committee of last session on the petition of C. H. Greenhead. I am directed to report that this Committee recommend that the Government request Mr. Justice Kettle to hold a full inquiry into the statements made by Mr. Charles Henry Greenhead. 29th August, 1907. No. 488. —Petition of Richard Irving, Jun., and 206 Others, of Clinton. Petitioners pray for a survey of railway-route from Clinton to Clyde Vale. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th September, 1907. No. 553. —Petition of A. Hughes and 31 Others, of Kaipara Flats. Petitioners pray for a grant to put the Main North Road between Warkworth and Kaipara Flats in repair. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government. 13th September, 1907. No. 410.—Petition of A. A. Fisher, Jun., and 84 Others, of Paeroa. Petitioners pray for a traffic-bridge over the Waihou River. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government. 13th September, 1907. No. 111. —Petition of George Ford and 51 Others, of Ruapekapeka. Petitioners pray for a grant for £100 to bridge and form a road from the Great North Road across the Ngarawahine Flat. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government. 13th September, 1907. No. 489.—Petition of Sarah Jenkins, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for further compensation for loss of husband while employed in the Government Printing Office. I am directed to report that the Committee, believing, after hearing the medical evidence, that death was probably caused by a strain, proved to have been received while in the Government Printing Works, recommends the petition to the Government for favourable consideration. 20th September, 1907. No. 539. —Petition of Henry Cavell, of Palmerston North. Petitioner prays for relief on account of an injury to his daughter. I am directed to report that the Committee, having heard the evidence, and also seen the medical certificate, are of opinion that this is a deserving case, and recommend the same to the Government for favourable consideration.

20th September, 1907.

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No. 526.—Petition of Horsley and Harris and 82 Others, of Wanganui. Petitioners pray for inquiry into the management of the State Coal-mines Department. I am directed to report that, during the taking of evidence, Mr. W. H. Crothers, agent, State Coal Depot, Christchurch, gave evidence as follows: — Q. " Will you state what your depot is charged for coal at Lyttelton?" A. " No, Mr. Chairman, I could not; this is a departmental matter." Q. "Do you decline to give the information?" A. "Yes." Q. " Have you any instructions from any one not to give that information?" A. " Yes." Q. "Who gave you the instructions?" A. "Mr. Gasquoine." Q. "Mr. Gasquoine is your superior officer?" A. " Yes." I am therefore directed to ask for the ruling of the House on the matter. 18th October, 1907. No. 690.—Petition of Marion Hill, of Pokeno, Auckland. Petitioner prays that she may be allowed to register under " The Midwives Act, 1894." I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1907. No. 711.—Petition of Clementina Kirkby and 6 Others. Petitioners.pray that the age of consent may be raised to twenty-one years. ' I am directed to report that, as this is a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th October, 1907. No. 680.—Petition of John James Gilbert, of New Plymouth. Petitioner prays for a small pension for past military services. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 29th October, 1907. No. 329^ —Petition of E. Jennings and 13 Others, of Christchurch. Petitioners pray for a subsidy of £500 for the Canterbury Society of Arts. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1907. No. 723.—Petition of Edmund Cookson, of Waitekauri. Petitioner prays for compassionate allowance for military services rendered. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th October, 1907. No. 745.—Petition of Frederick S. Hamlin, of Mount Albert, Auckland. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of office as Interpreter. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 29th October, 1907. No. 709.—Petition of Annie Grbig, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services as extra messenger to the House of Representatives. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1907. No. 747.—Petition of A. Hickford and 20 Others, of Moewatea. Petitioners pray for postal communication between Moewatea and Waverley. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth November, 1907.

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Nos. 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, and 598.—Petitions of T. Bunyan and 27 Others, C. Fanthorpe and 28 Others, R. Foy and 27 Others, A. Harding and 21 Others, C. H. Jones and 6 Others, E. Doolan and 9 Others, R. Milsted and 28 Others, T. W. Simpson and 15 Others, C. Stables and 11 Others, J. 0. Turner and 24 Others, and S. Watson and 7 Others. Petitioners pray for expenditure of moneys out of Public Works Fund for construction of railways. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government. Bth November, 1907. Nos. 559, 560, 653, 654, 669, 670, 710, 752, 775, 776, and 777.—Petitions of J. Mclntyre and 29 Others, V. F. McLeod and 28 Others, J. T. Briggs and 29 Others, D. McGregor and 29 Others, F. Richardson and 29 Others, W. D. Smith and 29 Others, R. F. Hutchison and 29 Others, J. Farrell and 12 Others, J. Delahunty and 20 Others, G. N. Stanwell and 28 Others, and F. Thomison and 27 Others. Petitioners pray for a grant of £1,500 for developing the Helensville mineral springs. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth November, 1907. Nos. 642, 678, 632, 717, 721, 722, and 688.—Petitions of Hokianga County Council, G. Clark and 245 Others, A. Flower and 35 Others, G. Brougham and 10 Others, R. Beggs and 16 Others, W. Bradley and 177 Others, and H. W. S. H. Buchanan and 13 Others. Petitioners pray for sums of money to be expended on various public works. I am directed to report that, as these petitions refer to a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th November, 1907. No. 3 (1906). —Petition of Elizabeth Bennett, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for further compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 13th November, 1907. ■ • No. 799.—Petition of William Atkinson, of Pongakawa, Bay of Plenty. Petitioner prays that he may be granted the old-age pension. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 13th November, 1907. No. 834.—Petition of P. K. Donnelly, of Thames. Petitioner prays that he may be granted the old-age pension. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the Justice Department should be requested to inquire as to whether the petitioner is entitled to the old-age pension. 14th November, 1907. No. 786.—Petition of Rebecca Brinkley, of Ohinemutu. Petitioner prays for compensation for land in Westport taken for railway purposes. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 15th November, 1907. No. 93.—Petition of J. Callaghan and 2 Others, of Wellington. Petitioners pray that this House will take steps to secure justice for petitioners in accordance with the reports of the Public Petitions A to L Committee in the years 1899 and 1900. I am directed to report, on the first part of petition, that this Committee has no recommendation to make; on the second part of petition, that the petitioners be recommended to promote a Bill enabling them to secure a rehearing of their cases. 15th November, 1907. No. 767.—Petition of A. H. and D. J. Byron, of Wellington. Petitioners pray for remuneration for the use of their patent by the Government. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 15th November, 1907.

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No. 870.—Petition of G. M. Love and 48 Others, of Moa Flat. Petitioners pray for the extension of the Waipihi Railway line to Moa Flat. I am directed to report that, as this is a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th November, 1907. No. 826.—Petition of H. R. Hogg and 332 Others, of Opotiki. Petitioners pray for the authorisation of the railway-line from Gisborne to Rotorua via Opotiki. I am directed to report that, as this is a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th November, 1907. No. 526. —Petition of Horsley and Harris and 82 Others, of Wanganui. (Second Report.) Petitioners pray for an inquiry into the management of the State Coal-mines Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government; that, as the State coal depots come into competition with other long-established businesses, this Committee recommends that the State Coal Department be put on exactly the same footing as privately owned concerns in regard to royalties, other charges, dues, rates, taxes, &c, and the making of reasonable profit, and that, especially regarding the sale of screened coal, small consumers shall receive preference. 19th November, 1907. No. 398 (1906).—Petition of Mary E. Coney, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for extra compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 19th November, 1907. No. 133 (1906). —Petition of James Cheetham, of Whiteman's Valley. Petitioner prays that inquiry may be made into the matter of his bankruptcy. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 19th November, 1907. No. 818.—Petition of Richard Cox, of Kopu, Thames. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of land grant for military services rendered. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 19th November, 1907. No. 876.—Petition of R. H. Barnes and 299 Others. Petitioners pray that " Larnach Camp " be not used as a mental hospital. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th November, 1907. No. 848. —Petition of J, Elliott and 162 Others, of Middlemarch. Petitioners pray that consumptive sanatorium be not established at Middlemarch. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, and that the Health Department be recommended to take every care in permitting sanatoria to be established near centres of population. 19th November, 1907. • No. 833.—Petition of William Henry Clarke, of Rotorua. Petitioner prays for a reward for having propounded a scheme for the relief of poverty. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 19th November, 1907. Nos. 579 (1906) and 603 (1906).—Petitions of J. Grieve and 79 Others, and W. Callaghan and 31 Others. Petitioners pray for sums of money to be expended on public works. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, as the petitions deal with a matter of policy. 19th November, 1907. 2—l. 1.

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No. 844.—Petition of Henry Bodley, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for inquiry into his prosecution for alleged milk-adulteration, for quashing of conviction following thereon, and for amendment of the law. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 19th November, 1907. No. 874.—Petition of J. J. Grandi and 190 Others, of Timaru. Petitioners pray that legislation be not introduced restricting the coursing of hares. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 19th November, 1907. No. 875.—Petition of Mary E. Larkin, of Geraldine. Petitioner prays for compensation for the loss of her husband. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 22nd November, 1907. Final Report. I have the honour to report,— 1. That the Committee held 23 meetings during the session. 2. That the Committee dealt with 131 petitions, including one held over from 1905 and fourteen held over from 1906. 3. That the number of specific recommendations were 5. 4. That the number referred to the Government were 34. 5. That the number referred to the Government for consideration were 14. 6. That the number referred to the Government for favourable consideration were 29. 7. That the number on which the Committee had -no recommendation to make were 49. I am also directed to report that the following resolutions were passed by the Committee:— '' That the Committee desires to place on record its high appreciation of the attention, zeal, and ability displayed by the Chairman, T. H. Davey, Esq., and tenders its sincere thanks to him." Also, " That the Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the valuable services of Mr. E. D. Dunne as clerk, and of the painstaking and intelligent way in which he carried out his duties, and requests the Chairman to convey such resolution to the Ministry." 22nd November, 1907. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (3,300 copies), £5 ss. By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o7. Price 6d.'j