PUBLIC PETITIONS M TO Z COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. OKEY, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1912 Session II, I-02

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Session 11. 1912. NEW ZEALAND

PUBLIC PETITIONS M TO Z COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. OKEY, Chairman.)

Presented, to the House of Representatives, and ordered to be 'printed. ORDER OF REFERENCE.

Extract from, the Journals of the House of Representatives. Friday, the 2nd Day of August, 1912. ■Ordered, " That a Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to consider all petitions from M to Z 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 ail 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. R. F. Bollard, Mr. Clark, Mr. Craigie, Mr. Davey, Mr. Dickie, Mr. Lanrenson, Mr. Okey, Mr. Scott, Mr. Wilson, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Rhodes.)

INDEX.

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I! No. Petitioner. Page. No. Petitioner. ) Page. 135 18* 158 337 237/11 Baird, John, and 3,878 others Bray, 0., and 119 others Campbell's trustees (see A. M. Myers and another). Ching Foo, re (see William Pettie and 98 others). Cook Islands, re. (see W. R. Reynolds). 5 7 71 ' 89 293 163 41 113 100 81,288 181 268 309 312 362 158 22 McDougall, Margaret McGovern, Laurence Maguire, Kate Mclnnes, G. ¥., and 273 others McKay, Angus McKenzie, Rev. J., and another McLean, M., and another Meikle, J. J. Milsom, J. B., and another Morris, H. R. .. .: Mortleman, S., and 88 others Morton, F., and 80 others Murphy, P. J., and 29 others Myers, A. M., and another Myers, J. S. 4 3 8 . 5 3 7 3 4, 8 7 .8 10 9 10 7 2 377 Davidson, A., and 15 others .. 10 Final report II 53 Haynes's adoption, (see Flora J. Sandstein and 17 others), (two reports). 72 International Investment Company (limited) 4 202 232 60 Newth, J., and 42 others Nicholson, N., and 212 others Nicholson, Thomas . . .. ... 7 9 3 239 Kelly, J., and 73 others 7 296 Lee, Mrs., re (see William Pettie and 52 others). 74 302/11 310 O'Brien, James O'Dea, James O'Reilly, John, and another 10 7 9 366 91 375 233 Mair, Janie C. Marshall, A., and 31 others Marshall, A., and 6 others Macarthy's estate (see Public Trustee). McDonald, D. B. 11 3 10 52 271 337 Palmer, C. J. .. .: Parker, Mary E. Pettie, William, and 98 others (re Ching Foo) Pettie, William, and 52 others (re Mrs. Lee) 3 8 9 8 296 10 \

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INDEX-continued.

RE POETS.

No. 608 (1908).—Petition of Edward W. Pidgeon, of Christchurch. Praying for remission, of duty on cigarette-making machines. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 14th August, 1912.

No. 321 (1911). —Petition of Michael Ryan, of Maori Gully, near Greymouth. Praying for redress in connection with an order of the Warden's Court at Greymouth. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 14th August. 1912.

No. 16. —Petition of Albert Plummer, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for loss sustained at the Chatham Islands in 1868. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 14th August, 1912.

No. 22. —Petition of .lohn Scott Myers, of Marshlands, near Christchurch. Praying that he be granted the privilege of being heard at the bar of the House. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 14th August, 1912.

No. 25. —Petition of Wellington Farmers' Meat Company (Limited). Praying for a refund of penalty incurred under the Stamp Duties Act. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition he referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 14th August, 1912.

No. Petitioner. Page. No. Petitioner. i Page 608/08 16 171 233 1 69 Pidgeon, E. VV. Plummer, Albert Porter, Guy, and 8 others Public Trustee (re Macarthv's estate) .. Puckey, E. W. 2 2 5 7 4 82 Stuart, Mary A. 4 Sunnex, William . . .. .. j 5 3 73 212 315 237/11 17,294 234,235 354 183 95 208 321/11 385 1 Rainger, R. G„ and 8,353 others Reynolds, A. B. Reynolds, H. W. Reynolds, W. R. Riley, William Robertson, F. W., and another Rout, Charles, and 82 others Ross, Richard Rowe, John, and 138 others Runciman, J. Ryan, Michael Ryan, S. . . 4 6 9 7 114 Taranaki (N.Z.) Oil Wells (Limited) .. 66 Taupo Totara Timber Company (Limited ) 316 Taylor, .1. S. 67 Timms, ■!. II. 353 Thomas, W., and 39 other's 269 Traill, A. W., and 106 others 195 Trask, Elijah 227 : Tuppery, 8. (J., and 94 others 373 Tyerman, R., and 69 others 4 3 9 6 9 9 6 6 10 5, 8 7 10 6 5 8 2 10 255 ! Vella, .1. S., and 21 others 9 53 170 7 172 45 Sandstein, Flora .1., and 17 others Sehofield, John Scott, Richard Sherratt, R., and 185 others Smith and Smith Sawmilling Company (Limited) Sole, G. E. .. Special report (re Chairman) Special report (re Clerk) Stephenson, J. J. Stratford, J. E. 4, 5 5 4 5 4 18 Walsh, John, and 52 others 19 Ward, Man !■'. 37 Wellington'List■rid Suburbs Rifle Club. . 25 Wellington Farmers' .Meat Company (Limited) 206 Wetherilt, H. 116 Wilks, John .. .. .. i 173 Willson, A. .1. J., and 39 others 244 Wilson. J. J. 162 Wilson, R., and 111 others .. 102 Wimsett, A. F. 244 Wratt, J. S., and 5 others . . 3 4 3 2 6 5 5 8 9 6 7 325 8 11 11 4 6 61 226 376 Young, W., and 23 others 103 Yuill, Alexander 10 5

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No. 37. —Petition of Wellington District Suburbs Rifle Club. Praying for refund of Customs duty on a certain trophy won by them in the Daily Mad Empire Challenge Competition. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 14th August, 1912.

No.. 60. —Petition of Thomas Nicholson, of Wellington. Praying for further relief in connection with his application for an old-age pension. 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 granted the sum of £26. 14th August, 1912.

No. 66. —Petition of the Taupo Totara Timber Company (Limited). Praying for authority to extend the Mokai Railway to Lake Taupo. I am directed to report that the Committee, in view of the important nature of this petition, recommends that the same course be followed as last year —viz., that a special Select Committee be set up to deal with the matter. 14th August, 1912.

No. 100.—Petition of Murdoch McLean and Another, of Otira. Praying for favourable consideration and relief in connection with the Otira Tunnel contract. I am directed to report that the Committee : in view of the urgency of the petition and the importance of the matters involved, is of the opinion that a special Select Committee of the House should be set up to deal with the said petition, and recommends the House accordingly. 16th August, 1912.

No. 4. —Petition of William Sunnex, of Lower Hutt. Praying for a grant for military services rendered to the Dominion. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner should be recommended to bring his claim before the Stipendiary Magistrate. 21st August, 1912.

No. 41. —Petition of Angus McKay, of the City of Wellington. Praying that he may be granted compensation for broken service in the Public Works Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 21st August, 1912.

No. 18. —Petition of John Walsh and 52 Others, of Rotoroa Island. Praying for alterations in the regulations of the Rotoroa Island Inebriates' Home. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st August, 1912. No. 91. —Petition of A. Marshall and 31 Others, of Tokaanu. Praying for completion of the road to connect Tokaanu with Waimarino. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st August, 1912.

No. 89. —Petition of Laurence McGovern, of 72 Abberley Road, Christchurch. Praying for a grant of land in return for military services rendered. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 21st August, 1912.

No. 52.-—Petition of Catherine Julia Palmer, of Chatham Islands. Praying for payment of £200 claimed by her late husband, Captain Beamish, late of H.M. 14th Dragoons and 21st Royal North British Fusiliers. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th August, 1912.

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No. 45. —Petition of Smith and Smith Sawmilling Company (Limited), of Christchurch. Praying for refund of Customs duty paid on a water-tube boiler. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th August, 1912.

No. 53.—Petition of Flora J. Sandstein and 17 Others, of Christchurch. Praying for full inquiry into the case of the child Eileen Hilda Haynes. 1 am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th August, 1912. [Report referred back to Committee for reconsideration, 28th August, 1912.]

No. 71.—Petition of Margaret McDougall, of Wellington. Praying for a further compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th August, 1912.

No. 72 —Petition of the International Investment Company (Limited) ; and No. 73—Petition of R. G. Rainger and 8,353 Others. Praying for an amendment of the law in regard to the sale and purchase of certain bonds and debentures. 1 am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th August, 1912.

No. 19.—Petition of Mary Francis Ward and Another, of Victoria. Praying for relief in connection with certain lands and the Masterton Trust. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. 4th September, 1912.

No. 7.—Petition of Richard Scott, of Woolston, Christchurch. Praying for refund of a fine imposed in connection with the transfer of certain land. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th September, 1912.

No. 61.—Petition of John James Stephenson, of Auckland. Praying for a pension, or adequate compensation in lieu thereof, for loss of office as assistant maga-zine-keeper. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. 4th September, 1912.

No. 81. —Petition of John James Meikle, of Auckland. Praying for an inquiry into certain charges made by him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th September, 1912.

No. 169.' —Petition of Edward Walter Puckey, of Auckland. Praying for further compensation for loss of office as a Judge of the Native Land Court. 1. am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. sth September, 1912.

No. 114. —Petition of the Taranaki (New Zealand) Oil Wells (Limited). Praying for a refund of a portion of £1,200 stamp duty paid for transferring the company. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. sth September, 1912.

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No. 17. —Petition of William Riley, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for extra services while in. the Government service. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. sth September, 1912.

No. 116.—Petition of John Wilks, of Auckland. Praying for a grant of land for military services rendered. I am directed to report (hat, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry. sth September, 1912. " No. 53. —Petition of Flora J. Sandstein and 17 Others, of Christchurch. (Second Report.) Praying for full inquiry into the case of the child Eileen Hilda Haynes. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. sth September, 1912.

No. 103.—Petition of Alexander Yuill, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for loss of office as Taxidermist. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. sth September, 1912.

No. 95.—Petition of John Rowe and 138 Others, of Onehunga. Praying that legislation may be passed to local authorities to grant licenses for zoological gardens. And No. 135. —Petition of John Baird and 3,878 Others, of Onehunga. Praying that power be not granted to the Onehunga Borough Council to license the Onehunga, Zoo. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitions should, be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th September, 1912.

No. 171—Petition of Guy Porter and 8 Others ; No. 172—Petition of R. Sherratt and 185 Others : and No. 173—Petition of A. J. J. Willson and 39 Others. Praying for early completion of the Mangapoiki Road (from Gisborne to Wairoa). I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th September, 1912. No. 163—Petition of G. F. Molnnes and 273 Others, of Auckland; and No. 204—Petition of G. F. Mclnnes and Others. Praying for better railway facilities by construction of a loop line from Pokeno to Paeroa. I am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th September, 1912.

No. 170.—Petition of John Schopield, of Christchurch. Praying for compensation for injuries received while in the employ of the Post and Telegraph Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 11th September, 1912.

No. 82. —Petition of Mary Ann Stuart, of 97 Molesworth Street, Wellington. Praying for a compassionate allowance in respect of the death of her husband, formerly a messenger in the Civil Service. 1 am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for further inquiry. 11th September, 1912.

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No. 212. —Petition of Arthur Broad Reynolds, of 67 Woods Street, Ponsonby, Auckland. Praying for reinstatement to his former position in the Customs Department, or other relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. 13th September, 1912.

No. 102. —Petition of Arthur Frederick Wimsett, of Nelson. Praying for relief and assistance in connection with law-costs incurred in defending a prosecution for burglary. I am directed tojreport that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th September, 1912.

No. 183. —Petition of Richard Ross, of Thames. Praying for compensation for military services rendered as a member of the Auckland Naval Volunteers in the Maori war. I am directed to report that the Committee, in view of the Magisterial report, has no recommendation to make on the petition. 18th September, 1912.

No. 206.—Petition of Henry Wetherilt, of 41 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland. Praying for compensation for injuries sustained in connection with the wreck of the s.s. " Elingamite," while travelling on the public service. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. 20th September, 1912.

No. 226.—Petition of Jessie Evelyn Stratford, of Pahiatua. Praying for a sum of money to pay the costs of a suit of a decree of nullity of her marriage with one William James Jackson. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for full inquiry and consideration. 20th September, 1912.

No. 67. —Petition of John Henry Timms, of 10 Herald Street, Berhampore. Praying for an inquiry in order to vindicate the character and abilities of the petitioner. I am directed to report, — (1.) That in 1910 Mr. F. Thompson (of the Christchurch electric-car service) and other witnesses, when giving evidence before a Select Committee of the House, referred to petitioner in such terms as to prompt the Wellington Tramways authorities to refuse him promotion as requested. The Committee finds that this allegation had some justification in fact. (2.) That Mr. Thompson, now general manager of the Christchurch Tramway system, in his evidence mainly detailed the records of the Christchurch Tramway Board, for which he was not responsible, and did not, as alleged, reflect upon the general character of the petitioner. (3.) That, in view of the conflicting nature of the evidence and affidavits submitted, the Committee does not consider that it would be justified in recommending that an inquiry be set up to go into the petitioner's allegations, as prayed. 20th September, 1912.

No. 227.—Petition of Sydney G. Tuppery and 94 Others, of Invercargill. Praying foi a grant of money as a subsidy towards the erection of a bridge across the Waihopai Channel at Invercargill. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, as a question of policy is involved. 20th September, 1912.

No. 195.—Petition of Elijah Trask, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for injuries received while serving a term of imprisonment at the treeplanting camp at Waipa. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for further inquiry. 20th September, 1912.

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No. 189—Petition of C. Bray and 119 Others ; No. 202—Petition of J. Newth and 42 Others ; and No. 239—Petition of J. Kelly and 73 Others. Praying for the early completion of the Paeroa-Pokeno Railway. J am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 25th September, 1912.

No. 181.—Petition of James B. Milsom and Another, of Waimate. Praying for relief in connection with stamp duty paid in connection with the transfer from husband to wife of certain land at Waimate. 1 am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 25th September. 1912.

No. 237 (1911). —Petition of Wynfrith Revell Reynolds (late of Rarotonga, but now resident in Wellington). Praying for the removal of Captain James Eman Smith from the office of Resident Commissioner, Ac, in the Cook Islands, and for an inquiiy into the state of affairs at present obtaining in these islands in legal, social, and general matters. I am directed to report that, after having heard the evidence in this case, your Committee is of opinion that nothing has been proved detrimental to the administration of or the personal character of Captain James Eman Smith, the Resident Commissioner of the Cook Islands, and therefore your Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. 24th September, 1912.

No. 233. —Petition of the Public Trustee of the Dominion of New Zealand (at the Request of the Board of Trustees appointed by the Will of the late Thomas George Macarthy). Praying that the estate of the late Thomas George Macarthy may be wholly lelieved and exonerated from payment of estate and succession duty payable upon the value of the said estate. I am directed to report that, as this petition refers to a matter of public policy, the Committee does not feel justified in making any recommendation, but desires to refer the matter to the Government foi then careful consideration. 26th September, 1912.

No. 302 (1911).—Petition of James ODea, of King's Chambers, Wellington. Praying for compensation for alleged wrongs caused through committal to an inebriates' home. I am directed to report that the Committee, after hearing the evidence in this case, has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1912.

No. 158. —Petition of Arthur Mielziner Myers and Another (the Executors and Trustees of the Will of John Logan Campbell, Knight Bachelor, late of the City of Auckland, deceased). Praying that a sum be placed on the estimates as a remission of the duty payable under the Death Duties Act on the public and charitable bequests made by the above-mentioned deceased. I am directed to report that, as this petition refers to a matter of public policy, the Committee does not feel justified in making any recommendation, but desires to refer the matter to the Government for their careful consideration. 26th September, 1912.

No. 113—Petition of Rev. J. Mackenzie and Another ; No. 234—Petition of F. W. Robertson and Another ; and No. 235 —Petition of F. W. Robertson and Another. Praying that the civil rights and social interests of those adversely affected by the " Ne Temere " decree be safeguarded. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. 4th October, 1912.

No. 244.—Petition of J. S. Wratt and 5 Others, of Motueka. Praytng for a grant of a sum of money either by way of compensation for the closing of the old library by the Public Health Department or as assistance in erecting a new library. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th October, 1912.

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No. 268.—Petition of H. R. Morris, of Victoria Street, Patea. Praying for an inquiry into a contract entered into with the Public Trustee. 1 am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for full inquiry by an independent expert. 9th October, 1912.

No. 271.—Petition of Mary Ellen Parker, of Wellington. Praying for a compassionate allowance in respect of the death of her husband, Thomas Charles Parker, as the result of an accident whilst discharging his duties as a linesman in the employ of the Post and Telegraph Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 9th October, 1912.

No. 279. —Petition of Daniel Birrell McDonald, of Auckland. Praying for a grant of land for military services rendered. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner should be recommended to bring his claim before the Stipendiary Magistrate. 9th October, 1912.

No. 288.—Petition of John James Meikle, of Auckland. Praying for further compensation for alleged wrongful imprisonment. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. 9th October, 1912.

No. 293. —Petition of Kate Maguire, of 115 Grant Road, Wellington. Praying for compassionate allowance in respect of the death of hei husband whilst in the emplo of the Post and Telegraph Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 9th October, 1912.

No. 294.—Petition of William Riley, of 122 Kelburne Parade, Wellington. Praying for remuneration for extra services rendered while employed, as Printer Overseer, &c, at Lyttelton Prison. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner wishes the petition withdrawn, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1912. No. 297.—Petition of James J. Wilson, of Christchurch. Praying for compensation for injuries sustained whilst coaling H.M.S. " Challenger " of the Australasian Squadron. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. 15th October, 1912.

No. 325.—Petition of George E. Sole, of New Plymouth. Praying for issue of further scrip in place of scrip previously issued and lost, or money value of same, for military services rendered. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the scrip having been granted, the Government, if they are satisfied that no payment has been made, be recommended to issue new scrip, or make a money grant in lieu thereof. 15th October, 1912.

. No. 208. —Petition of John Runciman, of Kihikihi, Auckland. Praying for consideration on account of services rendered during the course of the Maori war. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th October, 1912.

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No. 255.—Petition of John S. Vhlla and 21 Others. Praying that the viticultural industry of the Dominion may be protected and assisted. I am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th October, 1912.

No. 312.—Petition of F. Morton and 80 Others, of Raglan. Praying for the extension of the Huntly-Awaroa Railway. I am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. 15th October, 1912.

No. 269.—Petition of A. W. Traill and 106 Others. Praying for relief from the harassing legislation and regulations under which the fishing industry is at present carried on. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th October, 1912.

No. 315.—Petition of Henry William Reynolds, of 654 Colombo Street, Christchurch. Praying for remission of the fine and costs in a case brought against the petitioner for exhibiting in his window a paper without an imprint. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th October, 1912.

No. 316. —Petition of John Solomon Taylor, of Ingestre Street, Wanganui. Praying for a retrial of the case in which the petitioner was convicted of the theft of a bicycle and sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that a retrial be granted in accordance with the petitioner's request. 15th October, 1912.

No. 310.—Petition of John O'Reilly and Another, of Whakatane, Bay of Plenty. Praying for an inquiry before a Magistrate into their contract with the Government for removal of rock on the Galatea-Rangitaiki Road. 1 am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd October, 1912.

No. 332—Petition of N. Nicholson and 212 Others : and No. 353— Petition of W. Thomas and 39 Others. Praying that the Government retain the co-operative system of construction on the East Coast Main Trunk Railway. 1 am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petitions. 22nd October, 1912.

No. 337. —Petition of William Pettie and 98 Others, of Gisborne. Praying for an amendment of the Immigration Restriction Act, 1908, in order that one Chine' Foo be permitted to reside in New Zealand, the said Ching Foo having prior to visiting his native country in 1910 resided twenty years in this Dominion. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should, be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd October, 1912.

No. 162.—Petition of Eobert Wilson and 111 Others. Praying for an amendment of the Hawke's Bay Rivers Act, 1910. 1 am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, as the subject-matte] of this petition is being dealt with by a. Bill at present before the Local Bills Committee, this petition should be referred to the Local Bills Committee.

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No. 309.—Petition of S. Mortleman and 88 Others, of Rakauroa and Matawai. Praying that the section, of the Gisbome-Motu line between Otoko and Rakauroa be opened for the carriage of passengers, and that an additional locomotive be placed on the line for ballasting and carrying heavier freights. I am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. 22nd October, 1912.

No. 296.—Petition of William Pettie and 52 Others, of Gisborne. Praying that the Government may, in a material way, recognize the great services rendered by Mrs. Lee, nee Miss Mary Collins, commonly called " the Taranaki heroine." I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 24th October, 1912.

No. 354.—Petition of Charles Rout and 82 Others, Civil Servants, of Wellington. Praying that a clause be inserted in the Public Service and Superannuation Bill making it legal for a Civil servant who has served fifteen years and who is compulsorily retired under the provisions of the Public Service Act, 1912. without any fault of his own, to draw his superannuation, allowance computed for fifteen years or more. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th October, 1912.

No. 74. —Petition of James O'Brien, of Ngahere, Westland. Praying for compensation for damage to land at Ngahere caused through the building of an embankment with no culverts through it, whereby petitioner's land was prevented from being drained and was continually flooded. 1 am directed to report that the Committee, on the evidence placed before it, is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for further inquiry. 29th October, 1912.

No. 362. —Petition of P. J. Murphy and 29 Others, of Heretaunga Riding, Hawke's Bay. Praying that the Government pass legislation to enable the Hawke's Bay County Council to charge the Pakowhai special rate to the County Fund Account. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, as the Council is favourable to this being done, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1912.

No. 385. —Petition of Simon Ryan, of Wanganui. Praying for a compassionate allowance for military services rendered. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th November, 1912.

No. 375—Petition of A. Marshall and 6 Others ; No. 376—Petition of W. Young and 23 Others and No. 377 —Petition of A. Davidson and 15 Others. Praying for the survey and early completion of the Gore-Hedgehope Railway from its present terminus to some place on the Main Trunk line near Gore. 1 am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petitions. 4th November, 1912.

No. 385.—Petition of T. R. Tyerman and 69 Others, of Motu and Surrounding Districts, East Coast, North Island. Praying for the early completion of the Gisborne-Motu Railway. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th November. 1912.

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No. 366. —Petition of Janie Cathcart Matr. Praying for recognition of the services rendered to the Dominion by her late husband, Major William Gilbert Mair, during the Maori war, and later as a Judge of Native Land and Appellate Courts. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry, and, if necessary, something should be done for the petitioner. 4th November, 1912.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee has held twenty-five meetings during Session 11, 1912 ; and the business dealt with, was as follows : — Number of petitions referred to the Committee . . . . .. 91 Number of petitions dealt with .. . . . . . . . . 89 Number of petitions held over (not having been returned from the Department to which they were referred for report). . . . .. .. . . 2 Number of petitions reports presented to the House .. .. 78 Number of specific recommendations therein .. .. .. . . 4 Number referred for favourable consideration .. . . . . 21 Number referred for consideration. .. .. .. .. . . 1,4 Number referred for inquiry . . .. . . .. .. 6 Number referred to other Committees . . . . .. ..... 5 Number with no recommendation . . . . . . . . 39 4th November, 1912.

Special Report (re Chairman). I am directed to report that the Committee desires to record its hearty appreciation of the great care and attention devoted by the Chairman, Mr. Okey, to the business of the Committee, and of the able and courteous manner in which his duties have been carried out this session, of Parliament ; and that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. 4th November, 1912.

Special Report (re Clerk). 1 am.directed to report that this Committee desires to place on record its sense of appreciation of the efficient services rendered by Mr. Cohen, clerk to the Committee. His aptitude to business, his punctual attention to his. business, and his uniform courtesy command the respect of the Committee. They have therefore much pleasure in recommending him to the Government for favourable consideration for permanent employment, and that this resolution be reported to the House. 4th November, 1912, Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given;' printing (1,400 copies), £6 10s.

Authority: John Maokay, Government Printer, Wellington.— l9l2.

Price 6d.~\