RAILWAYS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. BUICK, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1914 Session I, I-06

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1914. NEW ZEALAND

RAILWAYS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. BUICK, Chairman.)

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

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals oj Ike House of Representative*. Friday, the 10th Day of July, 1914. Drill red. "That a Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to examine and report, upon questions relating to the railways; with power to call for persons and papers, three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Buick. Mr. Dickson, Mr. Bone, Hon. Mr. .Millar. Mr. Myers, Mr. Bidey, Mr. Sykes, Mr. Veitch, Mr. Witty, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. Herries.) ' Ordered, "That all petitions not finally dealt with during session 1913 stand referred to the same Committees a* they were referred to during tli"' said session."— (Right Son. Mr. Massky.) Wednesday, thi: 14th Day of October. 1914. Ordered, "That the petition of Mary Davidson lie referred direct to the Railways Committee."—(Mr. Dickson.)

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INDEX.

No. Petitioner. Page. No. Petitioner. Page. 127/13 Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants 4 64 229/13 155/13 312/13 Leonard, John Little, C, and 9 others Logie, J., and 18 others Lucy, John 6 4 1 3 125/13 293/13 2()(i 13 227/13 154/13 149/13 172/13 275/13 294/13 463 276/13 48 Barker, H., and 36 others Bartiam, C. ().. and 37 others Hates. ■!.. and 11 others Batt, A. J., and 6 other; Bennett, C, and 45 others Hcswifk, ('. T., and 11 others .. Betts, F. J., and 9 others Black, T. S., and 19 others Boden, B., and 37 others Bradley, I. J., and 67 others Braidwood, C. D., and 19 others Buchanan, James and 8 others 4 I 4 I I 4 4 4 4 5 I I 128/13 183/13 249/13 :i l>45 L3 194/13 277/13 231/13 285 274/13 :><>7 13 228/13 Mack, M. J. .. Manning, A. H., and 7 others .. Meaglier, James, and ] 4 others Mitchell, WalterS. .. Murfit. M. J., and 8 others McAra, N., and 38 others McCubbin, J., and 20 others McCutcheon, W. J., and 34 others McGahan, Thomas McGavin, G. A., and 10 others Mclntosh, S., and 20 others McKee, R., and 10 others 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 r> 4 4 4 395/13 175/13 234/13 11 Cassidy and Co. (Limited) Chadwick, H. L., and 19 others Clark. William, and 18 others .. Collard, John 4 4 :i 279/13 304 Nelson, G. 0., and 107 others .. Neilson, C. A. 4 (i 591 153/13 230/13 604 Davidson, Mary Dennehy, M., and 15 others Denz, A. J., and 35 others Doyle, T. H. 5 4 4 6 182/13 Owen, H. A., and 21 others 4 121/13 46 126/13 Final Report Fitzgerald, W. J., and 18 others Floyd, Thomas, and 12 others Foxton Harbour Board 7 4 I (i 150/13 280/13 250/13 284/13 Paton, T., and 20 others Pepperell, J., and 39 others Piper, F. W., and 14 others Pirie, F. K., and 20 others 4 4 4 4 118/13 Quinn, M. H., and 36 others 4 32 171/13 49 Gray, James Greig, William, and 14 others Gunn, Hugh r> 4 (i 420/13 224/13 295/13 382/13 Rankin, William Reidy, James, sen. Rillstone, A., and 44 others Roughan, A., and 8 others 8 4 4 4 244/13 482 233/13 119/13 301/13 246 28 151/13 283/13 232/13 236 Hall, G. H., and 7 others Harrington, W. J. Harris, W. J., and 23 others .. Henderson, E. W., and 12 others Hislop. J., and 3 others Hobbs, C. J. Hodge, William Holland, E. D., and 25 others Hooper, G. H., and 11 others Hurrell. P.. and 18 others Hyde, Frederick, and 183 others 4 6 4 4 4 :: :s 4 i 4 5 469 341 281/13 47 461/13 Shadbolt, E. F. Smith, A. B., and 102 others .. Smith, W. S., and 27 others .. Snodgrass, Andrew, and 17 others Soulsby, R., and 29 others Special Report (re Chairman) .. Speoial Report (re Clerk) Stewart, W. D., and 17 others .. (i 6 4 4 4 7 7 4 296/13 392/13 394/13 181/13 Johnson, G. R. .... Johnston, J. H., and 10 others Jones, A. H., and 6 others 5 4 4 365 282/13 120/13 305 Terehina, Wera Hiko, and 2 others Thomson, H. J., and 15 others Thomson, W. J., and 9 others .. Timmins, J. .. 6 4 4 s 26/13 323/13 Kennedy, S., and 8 others King, A. V 4 B 300/13 247 365 152/13 316/13 273/13 Watts, C. W., and 10 others .. Welsh, James Wera Hiko Terehina and 2 others West, E. W., and 8 others White, Walter Wiles, W., and 16 others 4 fi 6 4 4 4 299/13 173/13 Lawson, J. E., and 10 others Lee, C. G., and 52 others I 4

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REPORTS. No. 395 (1913). —Petition of Messrs. Cassidy and Co. (Limited). Praying for inquiry and relief in connection with the mail-coach contract between Case and Otira. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make in regard to this petition. 31st July, 1914.

No. 420 (1913).—Petition of William Rankin. Praying for compensation for loss of health alleged to have been caused by the nature of his work whilst in the employ of the Railway Department, and for free medical treatment at the thermal springs. 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. 3.—Petition of Walter S. Mitchell. Praying for compassionate allowance on account of injuries received whilst in the employ of the New Zealand Railways. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd September, 1914.

No. 28.—Petition of William Hodge. Praying for inquiry into his dismissal from the Railway service. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition 3rd September, 1914.

No. 312 (1913).—Petition of John Lucy. Praying for compensation because of imprisonment through alleged wrongful prosecution by the Railway Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 11th September, 1914.

No. 11.—Petition of John Collard. Praying for a compassionate allowance to relieve his present distressed condition. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist October, 1914.

No. 128 (1913).—Petition of M. J. Mack. Praying for rejection of the prayer contained in the petitions of the New Zealand Locomotive Enginedrivers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. Ist October, 1914.

No. 246.—Petition of C. J. Hobbs. Praying that his case be investigated with a view to his being reinstated as a labourer in the Railway Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. Ist October, 1914.

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No. 118 (1913). —Petition of M. H. Quinn and 36 Others, and 54 similar Petitions (as per attached Schedule). Praying that legislation may be at once introduced to enable the Minister of Railways to recognize officially the duly constituted society to which they belong as the only society having the right to represent matters applicable to the whole of the New Zealand locomotive-engine drivers, firemen, and cleaners. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee these petitions should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ist October, 1914.

Schedule. No. 119.— E. W. Henderson and 12 others. | No. 233. — W. J. Harris and 23 others. No. 120. —W. J. Thomson and 9 others. No. 234. —William Clark and 18 others. No. 121.— W. J. Fitzgerald and 18 others. No. 244.— G. H. Hall and 7 others. No. 125.— H. Barker and 36 others. No. 245. M. J. Murfit and 8 others. No. 149.—0. T. Beswick and 11 others. No. 249. —James Meagher and 14 others. No. 150.— T. Pa ton and 20 others. No. 250. —F. W. Piper and 14 others. No. 161.— E. I). Holland and 25 others. No. 273.— W. Wiles and 11> others. No. 152.— E. W. West and 8 others. No. 274. Gilbert A. McGavin and 10 others. No. 153.—M. Dennchy and 15 others. No. 275. T. S. Black and I!) othere. No. 154.— C. Bennett and 45 others. No. 27(i. —C. D. Braidwood and 19 others. No. 155.—John Logic and 18 others. No. 277. J. MoCubbin and 20 others. No. 171.—William Greig and 14 others. No. 279. G. O. Nelson and 1(17 others. No. 172. —F. J. Betts and 9 other. No. 280. — J. Pepperell and 39 others. No. 173.—('. G. Lee and 52 others. No. 281.— W. S. Smith and 27 others. No. 175.— H. L. Chadwiok and 19 others. No. 282.— H. J. Thomson and 15 others. No. 181.—A. H. Jonee and (i others. No. 283. —G. H. Hooper and 11 others. No. 182.— H. A. Owen and 21 others. No. 284. —F. K. Pirie and 20 others. No. 183. A. H. .Manning and 7 others. No. 203. 0. O. Bartram and 37 others. No. 194.--M. McAra and 38 others. No. 294.—8. Boden and 37 others. No.*2o(i. J. Bates and 11 others. No. 295.— A. Rillstone and 44 others. No. 207. -S. Molntoeh anil 20 others. No. 296.— W. D. Stewart and 17 others. No. 227. -A. J. Batt and 6 others. No. 299.— J. E. Lawson and 10 others. No, 228.-Robert McKee and 10 others. No. 300.—C. W. Watts and 10 others. No. 229. C. Little and 9 others. No. 301 —John Hislop and 3 others. No. 230. —A. J. Denz and 35 other.-. No. 382. —A Roughan and 8 others. No. 231. W. -I. McOutcheon and 34 others. No. 394. — -J. H. Johnston and 10 others. No. 232.—P. Hunell and 18 others. No. 461.—Robert Soulsby and 2!) others. No. 127 (1913). —Petition of Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants. Praying for better conditions of service in the New Zealand Railways Department. 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. No. 26 (1913).—Petition of S. Kennedy and 8 Others. Praying for redress of grievances in connection with the conditions of work, &c, in the New Zealand Railway service. 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.

No. 46, Petition of Thomas Floyd and 12 Othere; No. 47, Petition of Andrew Snodgrass and 17 Others; and No. 48, Petition of James Buchanan and 8 Others. Praying that casual railway employees of ten years' service and over be placed on a, better footing. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee these petitions should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth October 1914.

No. 316 (1913).—Petition of Walter Whitk. Praying for further compensation for injuries received in the New Lynn railway accident, and for inquiry as to circumstances of payment of compensation already received. I am directed to report that, as the matter has been satisfactorily dealt with by the Railway Department since the presentation of the petition, the Committee lias no recommendation to make. ieth October, 1914.

No. 224 (1913).—Petition of James Reidy, Sen. Praying for compensation for injuries sustained in the New Lynn railway accident. I am directed to report that, as the matter has been satisfactorily dealt with by the Railway Department since the presentation of the petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th October, 1914.

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No. 392 (1913).—Petition of G. K. Johnson. Praying for compensation for injuries sustained in the New Lynn railway accident. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th October, 1914.

No. 323 (1913).—Petition of Albert V. King. Praying for further compensation for injuries received in the New Lynn railway accident, and for inquiry as to circumstances of payment of compensation already received. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th October, 1914.

No. 305. —Petition of J. Timmins. Praying for a compassionate allowance because of injuries sustained whilst in the employ of the New Zealand Eailways. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 22nd October, 1914.

No. 463.—Petition of I. J. Bradley and 67 Others. Praying that the Railway Department take steps to abolish the smoke nuisance from the Timaru railway engine-sheds. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 22nd October, 1914.

No. 285. —Petition of Thomas McGahan. Praying for compensation because of alleged vindictive treatment by the Railway Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 22nd October, 1914.

No. 236. —Petition of Frederick Hyde and 183 Others. Praying that an overhead traffic-bridge be erected on the Tuakau-Harrisville main road. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this pet ition. 22nd October, 1914.

No. 32.—Petition of James Gray. Praying for a refund o-f excess railage. I am directed to report that, by leave of the Committee, this petition has been withdrawn. 22nd October, 1914.

No. 591. —Petition of Mary Davidson. Praying that she be allowed to participate in the benefits of the Superannuation Fund, or, failing this, that she be granted compensation. I am directed to report that, in view of the exceptional circumstances connected with the case, the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd October, 1914.

No. 64. —Petition of John Leonard. Praying for casual work in the New Zealand Railways service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd October, 1914.

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No. 341.—Petition of A. B. Smith and 102 Others. Praying that Scroggy Hill Street crossing be converted into a flag station, and that all suburban trains stop at the flag station on request. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd October, 1914.

No. 126 (1913).—Petition of Foxton Harbour Board. Prayings that the Foxton Wharf and revenue therefrom be transferred to them. I am directed to report that, as arrangements have been made for arbitration, the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 22nd October, 1914.

No. 482..—Petition of W. J. Harrington. Praying that Parliament uphold the findings of tribunals created by them in order to rectify mistakes. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 23rd October, 1914.

No. 469.—Petition of E. F. Shadbolt. Praying for compensation for illness contracted through alleged insanitary arrangements of the Railway Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 23rd October, 1914.

No. 365.—Petition of Wera Hiko Terehina and 2 Others. Praying for compensation for the loss of their mother, who was accidently killed in connection with the construction of the Ohakune-Raetihi Railway. I am directed to report that, as this is a matter for the Public Works Department to deal with, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd October, 1914.

No. 49. —Petition of Hugh Gunn. Praying for compensation for the alleged infringement of his patent by the Railway Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 23rd October, 1914.

No. 247. —Petition of James Welsh. Praying for compensation for grass fire starting on a railway siding. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 23rd October, 1914.

No. 304.—Petition of C. A. Neilson. Praying for a compassionate allowance for injuries received whilst in the employ of the New Zealand Railway Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 23rd October, 1914.

No. 604.—Petition of T. H. Doyle. Praying for compensation for loss suffered by him through the closing-down of his flour-mill, caused by the Railway Department building a bridge over the outfall race. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has not exhausted his legal remedy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 27th October, 1914.

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Special Report. The Committee places on record its high appreciation of the services of the Chairman, Mr. David Buick, for his patience and the straightforward and impartial manner in which he conducted the business of the Committee. 27th October, 1914.

Special Report. A vote of thanks was passed to the clerk, Mr. J. L. Higgie, for the able manner in which he has carried out his duties during the session, and the Committee recommends that the Government find him some employment during the recess ; as a clerk who knows his business is of great value to the Chairman and to the Committee. 27th October, 1914.

Final Report. I have the hononr to report that the Railways Committee held its final meeting on the 27th October, 1914. During the session the Committee met on 14 occasions, the average attendance being 6-4. The Committee had before it for consideration 88 petitions, which were dealt with as follows :— Referred to the Government for consideration, 6. Referred to the Government for favourable consideration, 63. The Committee had no recommendation to make upon 19. The number of reports brought down by the Committee and presented to the House was 35. This Committee desires to place on record its high appreciation of the valuable services rendered by Mr. McVilly, of the Railway Department, which services have been of the greatest use to the Committee. 27th October, 1914.

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