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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1914 Session I, I-01

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1914. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals <;/' Hk j House of Representatives, Friday, the 10th Day of July, 1914. Ordered, "That a Committee be appointed, consisting of ten mombers, to consider all petitions from A to L that may he referred to it by (lie Petitions Classification Committee, to classify and prepare abstracts of such petitions in such form and manner as shall appear to it best suited to oonvey to this House all requisite information respecting their eon ten Is. 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 liave power to call for persons and papers ; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. liradriey, Mr. Brown, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Diekson, Mr. Escott, Mr. Payne, Mr. T. W. Rhodes, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Webb, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. Fisher.)

INDEX.

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r o. Petitioner. Page. No. Petitioner. Page. 360 329 481 330 Adams, T. F., and 107 others Allan, Thomas Amotawa Kowhai Anderson, Duncan 4 4 8 3 99 Elsall, L., and 1,214 others 5 43 18 202 Final Report.. Foster, John William Fowler, James Fraser, P., and 9,278 others 6 2 2 2 381 65 387 293 372 Bell, J. M., and 1,349 others .. Bell, John .. Bezar, Frederick W. *. Brennan, Joseph Burgess, J., and 7 others 4 ■1 5 :t 4 623 19 Gasquoine, Evangeline Letitia .. Gordon, William F. .. 6 4 288 263 380 139 333 484 1 352 602 Canavan, 8. B., and 6 others Card, Henry Clarke, William H. .. Clarke, William H., and 24 others Cody, Joseph Coffey, Stephen Comeskey, Sarah Jane Coogan, Imelda Crawford, William 3 3 4 4 3 5 3 I (i 13 384 388 411 446 33 399 258 Haydoek, Edward Henderson, A. O., and 276 others .Henley, G. .. Heslop, Harwood Walter Bewson, Franeis M. Biggs, Samuel Hoptroff. E., and 153 others Howard, Richard ■1 4 4 r> t> 2 i 52 52 Jennings, William T. (First Report) Jennings, William T. "(Second Report) 2 2 427 8 266 201 46 45 207 392 20 66 472 Dare, A., and 78 ot I).t> Davis, Thomas J. Davis, W. B., and another Dinnie, Walter Dockery, Arthur John ( First Report) Dookery, Arthur John (Second Report) . . Donoaster, Eleanor Donnelly, Alva, and 9 others Dryden, William Smith Durie, James William Dysart, C. C, and 21 cithers 4 3 4 3 r> 4 3 5 ."> 5 409 398 100 393 103 151 Keaney, 1'. .. Lolly, P., and 2.'>0 others Lambie, W., and 47 others Large, Major, J. T. Levin, Peter A. Lingard, William 4 4 5 5 2 3 385 Seott, T. B., and 602 others Special Report (Chairman) Special Report (Clerk) 4 li li 413 Earl, John 5 318 Todd, Thomas, and 93 others .. (i

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BBPORTS. No. 65.—Petition of John Bell, of Auckland. Praying for inquiry and compensation for alleged wrongful conviction. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 31st July, 1914.

No. 18.—Petition of James Fowler, of Auckland. Praying that his son, now an inmate of an industrial school, should be placed at a suitable trade. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Bducation Committee. 31st July, 1914.

No. 13.—Petition of Edward Haydock, of Auckland. Praying for a refund of duty paid on contract between George Wragge (Limited) and the Auckland Harbour Board. I am directed to report that the Committee lias no recommendation to make on this petition. 31st July, 1914.

No. 52.—Petition of William T. Jennings, of New Plymouth. (First Report). Praying that he may be reimbursed all necessary expenses he was put to in connection with the Waitara Harbour Board proceedings. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 31st July, 1914.

No. 103.—Petition of Peter A. Levin, of Wellington. Praying for further compassionate allowance for services rendered whilst in the employ of the Government. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion the compensation paid to the petitioner is inadequate, and recommends the petition for the immediate and favourable consideration of the Government. 31st July, 1914.

No. B.—Petition of Thomas J. Davis, of Wellington. Praying for allowance in lieu of extended leave of absence on his retirement from the Public Service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 6th August, 1914.

No. 52.—Petition of William T. Jennings, of New Plymouth. (Second Report.) Praying that he may be reimbursed all necessary expenses he was put to in connection with the Waitara Harbour Board proceedings. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 6th August, 1914.

No. 202.—Petition of P. Fraser and 9,278 Others, of Wellington. Praying for the early release ol " strike " prisoners. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th August, 1914. No. 43.—Petition of John William Foster, of Napier. Praying for a refund of his expenses in connection with a Court ease. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th August, 1914. No. 33. —Petition of Samuel Hiogs, of Dunedin. Praying for compensation or reinstatement in the Public Service. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 13th August, 1914.

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No. 151.—Petition of William Lingard, of Wellington. Praying that, a Medical Board may examine him as to his deafness, incurred during the Maori war, or other relief. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th August, 1914. No. 330.—Petition of Duncan Anderson, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for services rendered and loss incurred while in the Auckland Militia. T am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 27th August, 1914.

No. 288.—Petition of S. B. Canavan and 6 Others, of Motueka. Praying for the sum of £300 as compensation for closing the old library, or to establish a new one. I am directed to report tliat the Committee lias no recommendation to make on this petition. 27th August, 1914.

No. 263.—Petition of Henry Card, of Wellington. Praying for a refund of reductions made in his salary while employed in the Survey Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 27th August, 1914.

No. I.—Petition of Sarah Jane Comeskey, of Upper Hutt. Praying for compensation for the loss of her husband while he was engaged saving Post Office property from a fire at Upper Hutt. [ am directed to report that, as the petition has already been dealt with by the Government, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 27th August, 1914. No. 293.—Petition of .Joseph Brennan, of Parke Island, Napier. Praying for a military pension for services rendered during the Maori War. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 3rd September, 1914.

No. 258.—Petition of Richard Howard, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for a reduction made by the. Public Works Department in his contract price for draining-work at Awakino. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 3rd September, L 914. No. 333. —Petition of Joseph Cody, of Taihape. Praying that the Government will give effect to the recommendation of this Committee on his petition of last session. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th September, 1914.

No. 45. —Petition of Arthur John Dockery, of Tsland Bay, Wellington. (First Report). Praying for redress on account of injuries received through being shot during the " strike " riot in Taranaki Street, on the 3rd November, 1913. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th September, 1914. ___

No. 266. —Petition of W. B. Davis and Another, of New Plymouth. Praying for compensation for military services rendered during the Maori War. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 16th September, 1914. No. 392. —Petition of Alva Donnelly and 9 Others, of Auckland. Praying for the release of Martha Jane O'Shaughnessy, now undergoing a term of imprisonment. lam directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ifith September. 1914,

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No. 360.—Petition of T. F. Adams and 107 Others ; No. 381.—Petition of J. M. Bell and 1,349 Others ; No. 384. —Petition of A. G. Henderson and 276 Others; No. 385. —Petition of T. B. Scott and 602 Others; No. 398.—Petition of P. Lally and 250 Others; No. 399.—Petition of E. Hoptroff and 153 Others. Praying that, as members of the Expeditionary Force, steps he taken to assure they will not be disenfranchised at the next general parliamentary election. I am directed to report that, as the prayer of these petitions has already been granted, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th September, 1914.

No. 352. —Petition of Imelda Coogan, of Wellington. Praying for compassionate allowance for services rendered by her husband while employed in the Land and Income Tax Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 17th September, 1914.

No. 380. —-Petition of William H. Clarke ; and No. 439.—Petition of William H. Clarke and 24 Others, of Auckland; Praying that they be granted the full military and old-age pensions. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on these petitions. 17th September, 1914.

No. 207.—Petition of Eleanor Doncaster, of Newton, Auckland. Praying for compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services as quartermastersergeant in the Royal New Zealand Artillery. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 17th September, 1914.

No. 388.—Petition of G. Henley, of Auckland. Praying that his wife may be released from the Avondale Mental Hospital. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petit ion 17th September, 1914.

No. 409.—Petition of P. Keaney, of Eotorua. Praying that he be granted superannuation for the full time he was employed in the Public Works Department. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for immediate and favourable consideration. 17th September, 1914. '

No. 329.—Petition of Thomas Allan, of Avondale, Auckland. Praying that the Public Trustee be authorized to hold an inquiry into certain transactions in connection with the will of the late William Brooks, of Avondnlo. Auckland. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 2nd October, 1914.

No. 201.—Petition of Walter Dinnie, of Auckland. Praying for compensation and a pension for eleven years' service in the New Zealand Government. T am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 2nd October, 1914. No. 19.—Petition of William F. Gordon, of New Plymouth. Praying for compensation for loss of half pay whilst on leave from the Survey Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the < Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 2nd October, 1914.

No. 372. —Petition of J. Burgess and 7 Others, of Hobson County. Praying for relief for distressed gum-diggers owing to the war. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth October, 1914.

No. 427.—Petition of A. Dark and 78 Others, of Waiotaki Creek. Thames, Praying that the Hauraki Gulf be not thrown open for tmuling purposes. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth October, 1914.

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No. 45.—Petition of Arthur John Dockery, of Island Bay, Wellington. (Second Report.) Praying for redress on account of injuries received through being shot during the " strike " riot in Taranaki Street on the 3rd November, 1913. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the evidence in this case shows : (1) That the petitioner was shot in the shoulder during a street riot on the 3rd November, 1913; (2) there is no evidence to show by whom Hie shot was tired: (3) Hie Committee recommends that the petitioner be paid all medical costs, expenses, and personal loss incurred owing to the injury. Bth October, 1914.

No. 20.—Petition of William Smith Dryden, of Waiouru. Praying for compensation for injuries alleged to have been received whilst employed as a ganger on the Main Trunk line. I am directed to report that the Committee lias no recommendation to make on this petition. Bth October, 1914.

No. 66.—Petition of James William Durie, of Wanganui. I'kayixi; lor compensation for military services rendered. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government Eoi special consideration, on account of the dangerous nature of the meritorious services rendered by petitioner. Bth October, 1914. No. 411.—Petition of Harwood Walter Heslop, of Sumner, Christchurch. PbayinG for a refund of a fine incurred through a breach of the Stamp Duty Act. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth October, 1914.

No. 393.—Petition of Major J. T. Large, of the Cook Islands. Praying for compensation for injury sustained while in the service of the Cook Islands Administration. I urn directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth October, 1914.

No. 387. —Petition of Frederick W. Bezar, of Wellington. PraylNQ that a sum of money be placed on the estimates to compensate him for loss sustained by destruction of furniture during the " strike " riot. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd October, 1911.

No. 484.—Petition of Stephen Coffey, of Wellington. PRAYtMi for allowance in lieu of extended leave of absence on his retirement from the Public Service* I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourab'e consideration. 22nd October, 1914. __ m No. 472.—Petition of C. (J. Dysart and 21 Others, of Whananaki. Praying for a refund of costs of defending a charge of holding an illegal race meeting. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 22nd October, 1914. . No. 413.—Petition of John Earl, of Wellington. Praying for compensation or light employment through being disabled whilst serving on H.M.S. '■ Chillenger.' , 1 am directed to repori thai in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd October, 1914.

No. 99.—Petition of L. Blsall and 1,214 Others; and No. 100—Petition of W. Lambie and 47 Others of Southland. Praying for permission to build a railway from Wairio to Ohai, and asking the Government to adopt the scheme. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. (Vide Appendix 1.-la.) 22nd October, 1914.

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No. 446.—Petition of Francis M. Hewson, of Wharepoa. Praying for a further allowance for services rendered while employed as a surveyor in the Government service. I am directed to report that in the opinion oi the Committee this petition should he referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd October, 1914.

No. 481.—Petition of Amotawa Kowhaf, of Rotorua. Praying for compassionate allowance for services rendered while employed by the Rotorua Town Board. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 22nd October, 1914. No. 318. —Petition of Thomas Todd and 93 Others, of Nightcaps. Praying that permission be not given to build a railway from Wairio to Ohai. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government 'or consideration. (Vide Appendix 1. lα.) 22nd October, 1914.

No. 602. —Petition of William Crawford, of Lower Hutt. Praying for compensation for injuries received while in the performance of his duty as a police constable. 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, 1914. No. 623.—Petition of Evangeline Letitia Gasquoine, of Wellington. Praying for compassionate allowance for the loss sustained by her late husband in consequence of his business being acquired by the State without any payment for goodwill, and in consideration of services subsequently rendered by him as General Manager of the State Coal-mines Department. I am directed to report that, in view of the Government having taken over the business of the late husband of the petitioner without the payment of any goodwill, and recognizing the merii of his service while managing tho State Coal-mines Department, this Committee recommends the petition for the immediate and favourable consideration of the Government, and suggests that a sum not less than a year's salary be granted to the petitioner. 29th October, 1914. Special Report. The Committee desires to record its high appreciation of the tact and consideration always shown to members and petitioners by its Chairman (J. H. Bradney, Esq.) during the three years he has conducted the proceedings of the Committee, and it is the unanimous wish of the Committee that this resolution be reported to the House. 29th October, 1914. Special Report. The Public Petitions A to L Committee begs to express its appreciation of the services rendered to the Committee by its ClerK (Mr. E. D. Dunne), and requests the Government to use its best endeavour to have him appointed on the permanent staff of the House. 29th October, 1914.

Final Report. I am directed to report that— The Committee during the session held 16 meetings. The Committee dealt with 55 petitions. ♦ The number of petitions recommended for special consideration was .. . . I The number recommended for immediate and favourable consideration was . . 3 The number recommended for favourable consideration was . . . . . . . . 17 The number recommended for consideration was .. . . . . .. 5 The number referred to other Committees was . . .. . . . . . . 1 The number on which the Committee had no recommendation to make was .. 25 The number held over until next session was .. .. . . .. . . ■. - 8 29th October, 1914.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (650 copies); £:t !."►*

Authority : John Mackay, (iovernment Printer, Wellington. —1914.

Price 6d.]