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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1910 Session I, I-01

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1910. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

ORDER OP REFERENCE. Extract from, the Journals of the House of Representatives. Thursday, the 7th Day op July, 1910. 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 this House ; and to have power to report its opinions and observations thereon to this House ; also to have power to call for persons and papers ; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Davey, Mr. Dillon, Hon. Mr. T. Duncan, Mr. Pisher, Mr. Hine, Mr. Macdonald, Mr. Newman, Mr. Smith, Mr. E. H. Taylor, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. R. McKenzie).

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INDEX.

Petitioners. Page. No. Petitioners. Page. No. 75 328 1 615 513 373 398 438 389 131 496 16 390 507 374 375 396 519/09 502 Alexander, Dr. E. H., and 13 others Allison, William, and 27 others Anderson, Duncan Ashburton Hospital and Charitable Aid Board Atkinson, W. Bailey, R. T., and 85 others Baker, Madeline Bartlett, W. H, and 36 others Benfell, H, and 16 others Bennett, Thomas, and 133 others Bennett, W. A., and 29 others Best, George Charles Betts, E. R., and 16 others Black, J. H, and another Black, W., and 16 others Braund, S., and 15 others Brown, J., and 103 others Budden, Martin Bush, R., and 53 others 4 5 ! 3 9 7 | 8 6 7 8 7 8 5 8 10 8 8 8 5 8 622 358 251 364 378 538/09 626. 421 610 27 419 i 435 21 138 28 20 384 440 724 332 Hendy, R. 0., and 29 others Hill, James .. .. ,' |. •• Hill, J. R., and 56 others |, |g'.. Hill, S., and 55 others !■; t- [ .. Hodgson, E., and 15 others |, '.. Hollings, P. L., and 105 others.. Houchen, Henry Howard, W. F. Hume, A., and 492 others Hunter, A. R. Hustwick, T. H. Hutton, E., and 141 others .. .. , Hyde, A. H, and 27 others .. 9 6 4 6 8 4 9 9 8 6 9 8 4 Jeffries, John Jolly, Rev. Isaac, and another Jonathan, George, and 24 others Jones, E. J., and 16 others Jones, E. J., and 43 others Jones, John S. Jones, Joshua. (Vide Appendix I.-la) .. 5 4 4 10 8 11 10 137 503 403 181 607 571/08 407 369 25 711 275 189 714 372 427 119 376 336 729 Callister, Norman Campbell, R. A., and 50 others Canyit, C. E., and 16 others Carnahan, Marion Carr, James Caverhill, C. R. Cheal, P. C, and 1,349 others .. Chees*man, H, and 85 others .. Clark, E. L. .. Clark, E. L. (second petition) Clarke, W. H. .. .. Clausen, M. K, and 19 others (2 reports) Clements, Kathleen Coakley, C. H, and 104 others Corkill', Joseph, and 411 others.. Cox, Edwin, and 18 others Cressy, R., and 16 others Cross, Albert . . .. .. j. Currin, Francis, and 82 others . . .. i 3 8 8 5 7 (i 8 7 3 10 3 5, 6 10 8 11 3 8 8 11 19 338 430 139 490 397 256 445 221 385 422 446 415 394 505 600 King, William S., and 9 others 4 Larsen, Anna, and 15,999 others .. ! Liyick, Louisa .. .. Lloyd, David .. .. Lockett, G. H. Loughlin, C. 0., and 152 others Love, G. M., and 21 others .. Lowe, S., and 15 others .. Lundon, D., and 95 others .. .. j Lye, S., and 16 others . . 7 10 5 7 8 3 8 5 8 Manning, M., and 51 others Milne, Rev. J., and 16 others . . .. j Morall, George J. .. .. .. j Morrison, H. K, and 117 others .. \ Muir, J., and 33 others Mulgrew, T., and 9 others 8 8 7 8 8 8 377 94 409 383 262 624 Daley, J. J., and 14 others Davidson, Joseph and another Dawson, W. J. Droutledge, H., and 16 others Drummond, A., and 28 others Dryden, W. S. East, Selwyn Ensoll, J., and 63 others 8 3 6 8 8 9 4 8 365 386 623 509 380 416 391 76 Mcintosh, 0., and 16 others MeNiel, A., and 15 others 6 8 Nicholson, G. C, and 17 others North Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board 8 9 235 444 Paterson, A. K., and 18 others ' Phillips, G., and 69 others Povey, F. J., and Purdy, Dr. J. R., and 49 others 8 8 8 5 69 721 379 Feltus, R. J. Feltus, R. J. (second petition) Fenall, R., and 16 others Final report Finlayson, T., and 1,447 others Fisher, D. K, and 23 others Fletcher, William, and 111 others Freyberg, B. G, and another Fryer, Frank C. 5 10 8 11 8 6 II 6 3 399 366 497 395 405 388 387 587 Ryan, M. J., and another 7 361 363 250 362 5 Savage, Dr. T. C, and 36 others Scott, W., and 118 others Shortland, E. H, and 101 others Stevenson, J. B., and 16 others Stewart, K., and 16 others Stockley, W., and 16 others Stott, George A. 6 8 8 8 8 8 9 599 404 498 353 Geddes, Francis Gibbons, E. H., and 16 others Gill, R. W. .. Goldwater, A., and 242 others .. 8 8 8 7 257 402 614 392 Tamblyn, A. H., and 29 others Thomas, E. J., and 155 others Thompson, J. P., and 35 others Thompson, W., and 218 others 3 7 8 8 *181 7 382 504 495 629 393 255 46 !- Hamilton, George Douglas Hardinge, J., and 16 others .. Hawkes, J., and 49 .others Hawkins, Annie H. .. Hawkins, S. S., and 49 others Hazard, W., and 85 others Heath, R., and 13 others Heatherington, Percy R. 4 8 8 8 9 8 3 3 4 8 8 8 9 8 3 3 619 408 517 510 352 381 506 491 Walker, G., and 84 others Ward, C., and 84 others Ward, G. A., and 220 others Waterworth, T.' Webber, L., and 239 others Wilkinson, G., and 16 others Williams, W. K., and 34 others Wylie, W. S., and 99 others 8 8 8 9 7 8 8 8 * Sessioi II, 1909,

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EEPOETS.

No. 1. —Petition of Duncan Anderson, of 156 Sydney Street, Wellington. Petitioner prays for recognition for military services tendered. 1 am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 17th August, 1910.

No. 137.—Petition of Norman Callister, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for an investigation into the action of certain constables, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition 17th August, 1910.

No. 25.—Petition of E. L. Clark, of New Lynn, Auckland. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss sustained through alleged default of the Courts of justice in dealing with his case in 1884. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition 17th August, 1910.

No. 275.—Petition of W. H. Clarke, of-Rotorua. Petitioner prays for an inquiry i.nto deductions made from his and his wife's old-age pensions. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1910.

No. 119,—Petition of Edwin Cox and 18 Others, of Cambridge. Petitioners pray that all legislation making vaccination compulsory be repealed. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition 17th August, 1910.

No. 94.—Petition of Joseph Davidson and Another, of Dome Creek, Waikaia. Petitioners pray for compensation for land taken for railway-construction. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition 17th August, 1910.

No. 5. —Petition of Frank C. Fryer, of Fendalton, Christchurch. Petitioner prays for an amendment to the Dentists Act, 1908. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the Dentists Act be amended so as to permit all bona fide apprentices and dentists at the time of the Act coming into operation being admitted. 17th August, 1910.

Nos. 255, 256, and 257.—Petitions of R. Heath and 13 Others, G. M. Love and 21 Others, and A. H. Tamblyn and 29 Others. Petitioners pray for an extension of the Edievale Railway to tap Moa Flat. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1910.

No. 46.—Petition of Percy R. Heatherington, of Christchurch. Petitioner prays that he be allowed to register as a dentist. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 17th August, 1910.

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No. 251.—Petition of J. R. Hill and 56 Others, of Egmont Road, Taranaki. Petitioners pray that compensation be granted to C. Barriball for injuries sustained while complying with a summons to attend the District Court as juryman. _ " I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 17th August, 1910.

No. 538 (1909).— Petition of P. L. Hollings and 105 Others, of Masterton. Petitioners pray for remission of remainder of sentence passed on Gilbert Langdon on the 12th November, 1908, for cattle-stealing. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on tins petition. 17th August, 1910.

No. 21.—Petition of A. H. Hyde and 27 Others, of Matiere. Petitioners pray that " local option " be granted in the King-country. 1 am directed to report that, as this is a question of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th August, 1910.

No. 28.—Petition of Rev. Isaac Jolly and Another, of Dominion of New Zealand. Petitioners pray that the "locker" system, and the manufacturing for sale of intoxicating liqtlor in no-licer.se districts, be made illegal. I am directed to report that, as this is a question of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th August, 1910.

No. 20. —Petition of George Jonathan and 24 Others, of Kawhia. Petitioners pray that " local option " be granted in the King-country. I am directed to report that, as this is a question of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th August, 1910.'

No. 19.—Petition of William S. King and 9 Others, of Ratanui. Petitioners pray that " local option " be granted in the King-country. I am directed to report that, as this is a question of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th August, 1910.

No. 75. Petition of Dr. E. H. Alexander and 13 Others, of Dunedin. Petitioners pray that provision be made for the immigration of domestic servants. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th August, 1910.

No. 235.—Petition of Selwyn East, of Hastings. Petitionee prays for amendment of the Dentists Act, 1908. I. am directed to report that this Committee recommends that the Dentists Act be amended so as to permit of all bona fide apprentices and dentists at the time of the Act coming into operation being admitted. 25th August, 1910.

No. 181 (Se-ss. 11, 1909) and No. 7 (1910).—Petitions of George Douglas Hamilton, of Tiratu, Dannevirke. Petitioner prays for -compensation for land absorbed (Maugatoro Estate) by the Bank of New Zealand. I am directed to report that, as a Select Committee has been set up to deal with this matter, this Committee has no recommendation to make. 25th August, 1910.

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No. 138.—Petition of John Jeffries, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for refund of certain contributions under the Police Force Act, 1908. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 25th August, 1910.

No. 139. —Petition of David Lloyd, of Picton. Petitioner prays that he may be allowed to obtain the maximum pension provided by the Police Force Act, 1908. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration.

25th August, 1910. No. 221.—Petition of D. Lundon and 95 Others, of Rotorua. Petitioners pray that John Gallon may be compensated for loss of employment at Rotorua. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable and immediate consideration. 25th August, 1910.

No. 76.—Petition of Dr. J. R. Purdy and 49 Others, of Wellington. Petitioners pray that provision be made for the immigration of domestic servants. 1 am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th August, 1910.

No. 16. —Petition of George Charles Best, of Devonport, Auckland. Petitioner prays for further compensation on account of loss of position of pilot. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd September, 1910.

No. 181.—Petition of Marion Carnahan, of Ravensbourne, Dunedin. Petitioner prays for compassionate allowance on account of the death of her husband whilst in Government employ. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 2nd September, 1910.

No. 189.—Petition of M. K. Clausen and 19 Others, of Te Aroha. Petitioners pray that boardinghouse-keepers be given coequal rights, with reference to defaulting lodgers, that hotelkeepers possess. lam directed-to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd September, 1910.

No. 69.—Petition of R. J. Feltus, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for redress for alleged assault while confined in a mental hospital. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 2nd September, 1910.

No. 328. —Petition of William Allison and 27 Others, of Whangarei Heads. Petitioners pray for a grant for the improvement of the road between Urquhart's wharf and the boundary of the Parua Bay Road Doard District. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth September, 1910. . .

No. 519 (Sess. 11, 1909).—Petition of Martin Budden, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for £75 compensation for injuries received while on co-operative works on the Stratford-Ongarue Railway. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. Bth September, 1910.

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No. 189.—Petition of M. K. Clausen and 19 Others, of Bonny Glen, Te Aroha. (Second Report.) Petitioners pray that boardinghouse-keepers be given coequal rights, with reference to defaulting lodgers, that hotelkeepers possess. 1 am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth September, 1910.

No. 366.—Petition of Dr. T. C Savage and 36 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that provision be made for the immigration of domestic servants. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth September, 1910.

No. 571 (1908).—Petition of C R. Caverhill, of Akitio. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss suffered through alleged offer of a Government appointment as Valuer. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 14th September, 1910.

Nos. 363, 364, and 365.—Petitions of D. K. Fisher and 23 Others, S. Hill and 55 Others, and G. Mclntosh and 16 Others. Petitioners pray that the Walton Park Railway be extended to Brighton, a distance of four miles. I am directed to report that these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th September, 1910.

No. 358.—Petition of James Hill, of Haku, Te Kuiti. Petitioner prays for further payment for bushfelling work done by him on road-lines in Te Kuiti District. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 14th September, 1910.

No. 27.—Petition of A. R. Hunter, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for compensation for injuries received on parade whilst being a member of the Auckland Garrison Band. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 14th September, 1910.

No. 398.—Petition of Madeline Baker, of Christchurch. Petitioner prays for an amendment of the Dentists Act, 1904. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1910

No. 409.—Petition of W. J. Dawson, of Christchurch. Petitioner prays for an amendment of the Dentists Act, 1904. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1910.

No. 362. —Petition of B. C. Freyberg and Another, of Wellington. Petitioners pray for an amendment of the Dentists Act, 1904. I am directed to report that this Committee recommends that the Dentists Act be amended so as to permit of all bona fide apprentices and dentists at the time of the Act coining info operation being admitted. 22nd September, 1910.

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Nos. 338, 352, 353, and 402.—Petitions of Anna Larsen and 15,999 Others, L. Webber and 239 Others, A. Goldwater and 242 Others, and E. J. Thomas and 155 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that Government House grounds, or any part of them, be not used for other purposes. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petitions is a matter of policv the Committee has no recommendation to make. ' 22nd September, 1910.

No. 490.—Petition of G. H. Lookett, of Gisborne. Petitioner prays for an amendment of the Dentists Act, 1904. _ I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1910.

No. 415.—Petition of George J. Morall, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays for an amendment of the Dentists Act, 1904. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1910.

No. 399.—Petition of M. J. Ryan and Another, of Wellington. Petitioners pray for an amendment of the Dentists Act, 1904. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1910.

No. 369.—Petition of H. Cheeseman and 85 Others, of Kerikeri. Petitioners pray for a grant to complete the formation of the Waihou-Puketi Public Road 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th October, 1910.

No. 513.—Petition of W. Atkinson, of Pongahawa, Bay of Islands. Petitioner prays for the old-age pension, or some other relief. 1 am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the (jrovernment for inquiry. 26th October, 1910.'

No. 438.—Petition of W. H. Bartlett and 36 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that Parliament may legislate to grant to the author or producer of any photograph, copyright in such photograph. ' F I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be. referred to the Government for consideration. 26th October, 1910.

No. 131.—Petition of Thomas Bennett and 133 Others, of Ruapuna, Canterbury. Petitioners pray for telephonic communication from either Ruapuna or Carew to Ashburton or Geraldme. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition 26th October, 1910. r

No. 607.—Petition of James Carr, of Ashburton. Petitioner prays for redress for alleged wrongful treatment whilst an inmate of the Ashburton -O.OSpiTJEtI. 26th Sb?/ 1910 POrt *** C ° mmittee has no recommendation to make on this petition.

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No. 336. —Petition of Albert Cross, of Mornington, Dunedin. Petitioner prays for inquiry into his dismissal from the public service in 1902. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 26th October, 1910.

No. 262.—Petition of A. Drummond and 28 Others, of Upper Moutere, Nelson. Petitioners pray for a grant of .£5O to make a deviation of the existing road at present in use 761 I to report that the Committee recommends that, this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th October, 1910.

No. 361.—Petition of T. Finlayson and 1,447 Others, and 51 similar Petitions as per Schedule attached. Petitioners pray for mora rapid construction of the North of Auckland railways to Mongonui; also the*Auckland to Gisborne Railway, and the Stratford to Ongarue Railway. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th October, 1910.

Schedule. No. 372.-Coakley, C. H, and 104 others. No. 403.-Canyit, C. V others 373.—Bailey, R. T., and 85 others. „ 404.-Gibbons, EH and "^ft ;; 371-Black>., and 16 others. ~ and Tm ottST niK S and 15 others „ 407. —Choal, r. L.., ano 1,3*9 ovneis. " '"elrA rdlSotC 408.-Ward, C, and 84 others. " -S'J J. anfuotheis. „ 416.-Phillips, G and 69 others. " Ink TTndasor, E and 15 others „ 422.—Manning, M., and 51 others. " :=S n i :; «^»**«. *. "ifir " 380.-Paterson, A. K., and 18 others. „ 444.-Ensoll J., and 63 others. " «n ft and 16 others „ 445.—Lowe, S., and 15 others. " S ,_ h£ and lathers . 446.-Milne, Rev. J., and 16 others. " 3raCSSfett,andl6^L n , „ 491.-Wylie, WS. and 99 others. " %ta T I I „H ir others „ 496.—Bennett, W. A., and 29 others. " -L°y n e S S. "„ 497.-Scott, W, and 118 others. ;; m-McNiel A., and 15 others. „ R and 53 others. 387 —Stockier, W., and 16 others. „ 503.—Campbell R. A and 50 others. " 388-Stewart! K., and 16 others. „ 504,-Hawkes, J and 49 others. " Hq Well H and 16 others „ 505.—Muir, J., and 33 others. " and 16 others. 506.-WilKams, W. K, and 34 others. " 391-lovty F. J.', and 16 others. „ 517.-Ward, G. A., and 220 others. " 392-Thompson, W, and 218 others. „ 600.-Mulgrew T., and 9 others. - :: BfcS|^£JS~- " 397.—Loughlin, C. 0., and 152 others.

No. 599.—Petition of Francis Geddes, of Stone Wall, Waihao Downs. Petitioner prays for a refund of a fine imposed through infringement of Stamp Duty Act. lam directed to report'that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 26th October, 1910.

No. 498.—Petition of R. W. Gill, of Bowen Street, St. Kilda, Dunedin. Petitioner prays that he may be granted three months' leave of absence on full pay ' I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 26th October, 1910.

No. 495. —Petition of Annie H. Hawkins, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services whilst employed in the Prisons Department. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 26th October, 1910.

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No. 421.—Petition of W. F. Howard, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for a sum of money and a grant of land for military services rendered. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition 26th October, 1910.

No. 587.—Petition of George A. Stott, of 113 Willis Street, Wellington. Petitioner prays for an amendment of the Dentists Act, 1908. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th October, 1910.

No. 510.—Petition of T. Waterworth, of Napier. Petitioner prays for amendment to the Dentists Act, 1908. 1 am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th October, 1910.

No. 615.—Petition of Ashburton Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Petitioners pray for amendment of the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act, 1909. I am directed to report that, as the two bodies interested have come to an amicable arrangement, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1910.

No. 509.—Petition of North Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. ..Petitioners pray for amendment of the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act, 1909. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 28th October, 1910.

No. 622.—Petition of R. 0. Hendy and 29 Others, of Okauia, Auckland. Petitioners pray for a grant to fell and grade the Tui Track for public use, so that Tauranga and Matamata may be connected. 1 am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd November, 1910.

No. 626. —Petition of Henry Houchen, of Owen's Road, Auckland. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance of £300, on account of injuries received while serving with the Seventh Contingent in the South African war. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 2nd November, 1910.

No. 419.—Petition of T. H. Hustwick, of 29 Macdonald Crescent, Wellington. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of office as a Customs Analyst. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 2nd November, 1910.

No. 624.—Petition of W. S. Dryden, of Waiouru. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance on account of alleged injuries received while in the employ of the Public Works Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 4th November, 1910.

No. 629.—Petition of S. S. Hawkins and 49 Others, of Marua, Whangarei. Petitioners pray for a grant of £200 for deviation of the Marua-Whananaki Road. I am directed to report that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th November, 1910.

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No. 430.—Petition of Louisa Livick, of Hurau Street, Gisborne. Petitioner prays for compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's sudden death whilst in the employ of the Postal Department.. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th November, 1910.

No. 507.—Petition of J. H. Black and Another, of Waitaria and Fitzroy Bay, Marlborough. Petitioners pray that the proposal to enforce the operation of the Counties Act in the Sounds County be not entertained. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 11th November, 1910.

No. 711.—Petition of E. L. Clark, of New Lynn, Auckland. (Second Petition.) Petitioner prays for inquiry into his claim against the estate of the late Duncan Campbell, also into grievances alleged by petitioner in connection with a Supreme Court action. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 11th November, 1910.

No. 440. —Petition of E. J. Jones and 43 Others, of Whangarei. Petitioners pray that the close season for mullet in Whangarei Harbour may be abolished._ I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 11th November, 1910.

No. 332.—Petition of Joshua Jones, of Mokau. Petitioner prays for permission to present himself at the bar of the House for examination and production of papers, or other relief. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion,— 1. That the statements made in the petition regarding the Hon. Dr. Findlay have no foundation in fact. 2. That Mr. Bamford, Registrar-General, did not proceed to New Plymouth nor remove caveat re sale of Mokau lands, without the necessary legal authority, as stated by petitioner. ■■'). That the petitioner was not asked to attend the inquiry held by Sir Robert Stout and Judge Palmer, on the ground that he had no legal standing before the Commission. 4. That, according to the evidence submitted to the Committee, the petitioner does not appear to have any legal interest in the estate, and therefore the Committee cannot recommend that he be beard before the bar of the House. 5. That, in order to settle the long-standing dispute in connection with the Mokau-Mohaka-tino Block, the Government be recommended to assist in bringing about an amicable understanding between the parties concerned, with the view of settling the land. 6. That, in view of the fact that the petitioner believed his original from the Natives to be legally' sound, and taking into consideration the treatment meted out to him by solicitors in England, whereby he lost his legal interest in the estate, the Committee recommends that in any such mutual understanding the petitioner's claims to equitable consideration should be clearly defined. 15th November, 1910. (Vide Appendix 1.-la.)

No. 714. —Petition of Kathleen Clements, of 30 Lome Street, Wellington. Petitioner prays for substantial compassionate allowance, owing to her husband's death due to his carrying out the instructions of the Government Inspector of Machinery. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and that in the opinion of this Committee a regulation should be passed providing that all buildings where machinery is placed should be examined and passed by the Inspector of Machinery. 16th November, 1910.

No. 721.—Petition of R. J. Feltus, of Auckland. (Second Petition.) Petitioner prays for damages for ill treatment while committed to Auckland Mental Hospital. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 16th November, 1910.

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No. 250.—Petition of William Fletcher and 111 Others, of Otane. Petitioners pray for the erection of a post-office at Otane. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition loth November, 1910.

No. 724.—Petition of John S. Jones, of Dunedin. Petitioner prays for consideration in the proposed amendment to the Dentists Act. _ lam directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for -favourable consideration. 16th November, 1910.

No. 427.—Petition of Joseph Corkill and 411 Others, of Wairoa, Hawke's Bay. Petitioners pray that Wairoa Borough and Wairoa County be constituted a separate hospital district from the Hawke's Bay Hospital District. I. am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the prayer of the petition be granted. 23rd November, 1910.

No. 729.—Petition of Francis Cuhrin and 82 Others, of Spring Grove, Nelson. Petitioners pray for a grant to complete Happy Valley Main Road up the Teal River. I am directed to report that the Committee has no" recommendation to make on this petition 23rd November, 1910.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions A to L Committee has held twenty-five meetings during the session <ef 1910. Number of petitions referred to the Committee ... ... ... 134 Number of petitions referred to the Government for favourable consideration ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 24 Number of petitions referred to the Government for consideration ... 73 Number of petitions referred to the Government for inquiry ... ... 1 Number of petitions on which the Committee had no recommendation to make ... ... ... ... ... ... "... 32 Number of petitions on which the Committee made a special report ... 1 Number of petitions held over until next session ... ... ... 3 I am also directed to report the following resolutions passed by the Committee: viz., "That this Committee desires to record its high appreciation of the attention, zeal, and ability displayed by the Chairman, T. H. Davey, Esq."; also, "That the Clerk, Mr. E. D. Dunne, be commended for the manner in which he has carried out his duties." 24th November, 1910.

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