PUBLIC PETITIONS M TO Z COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1916 Session I, I-02

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1916. 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. ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Friday, the 19th Day oh- May, 1916. Ordered, " That a Select Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to consider all petitions from M to Z that may bo referred to it by tho Petitions Classification Committee ; to classify and prepare abstracts of such petitions in'such form and manner as shall appear to it best suited to convoy 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. Bollard, Mr, Coatos, Mr. Craigio, Mr. Dickie, Mr. J. McC. Dickson, Mr. Okoy, Mr. Statham, Mr. Poolo, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Hanan.) Ordered, " That all petitions not finally dealt with during the session 1915 be again referred to the same Committees as they were referred during the said session." —(Right Hon. Mr. Massey.) Tuesday, the 13th Day op June, 1916. Ordered, " That the name of Captain Coates be deleted from the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, and that the names of Mr. J. S. Dickson and Mr. McCallum be added thereto."—(Hon. Mr. Hanan.) Wednesday, the 21st Day of Jtjhe, 1916. Ordered, " That the report of the Public Petitions M to Z Committee on the petition of A. Pearce be referred back to that Committee for further consideration." —(Hon. Mr. Eraser.)

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No. Petitioner. Page. No. Petitioner. Page 197 Bruce County Council.. 2 118 Plummer, Albert 4 Final report .. 6 220 393/15 Rae, Clara E., and 39 others Ritchie, John, and 81 others (and 4 similar petitions) Rongonui Terehina and 2 others 5 2 22 Gunson, J. H., and 14,999 others 2 6 4 4 5 2 4/15 4 372/15 45 £46 152 39 Magee, James Moiklo, John James Moiklo, John James Middleton, H. J., and 16 others Myors, John Scott 215 125 Schrader, L. M. Smith, G. C. Special report (re Chairman) Spurdlo, Clara, and 2,450 others (and 49 similar petitions) Steffert, H. C. Storey, W. P. .. Stringer, John R. Sulenta, L. M., and 86 others Sutclift'e, Mrs., and 203 others 0 4 6 2 64 311/15 60 219 t 01 145 MeCracken, Mary, and 1,599 others McDonough, Kate McGibbon, W. S. McGregor, Duncan, and another MoNeilage, Archibald Thompson 23 5 3 4 248 382/15 42 224 38 6 5 4 5 2 41 141 Neill, John Onyon, Charles 4 3 97 208 25 Taieri County Couneil and tho Ratepayers of the County of Taieri Taylor, John S. Trotter, N. G., and 66 others 2 5 2 46 15 15 154 Parr, C. J., and 55 others Pearce, Alfred Pearce, Alfred (seoond report) .. Pitcaithly and Co. 4 2 3 5 246 204 200 Weston, Alice Wimsett, Arthur F. . . Worthington, H. L. . . 6 5 5

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REPORTS. No. 393 (1915). —Petition of John Ritchie, of Bruce Bay, and 81 Others, and 4 similar Petitions (as per Schedule attached). Praying to have the Hospitals and Charitable Aid Act amended, and to have the Okarito and Okuru Ridings excluded from the operation of the Act; and that a special Act be passed enabling the Westland County Council to hand over to a Board of Trustees that portion of the rates from Okarito and Okuru Ridings which that body formerly paid into the funds of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board at Hokitika. I am directed to report that, it appearing that the relief sought by petitioners is already provided by the present Act, this Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st June, 1916.

Schedule. No. 394/15.— J. W. Graham and 13 others. I No. 396/15.—Andrew Scott and 140 others. No. 395/15. —P. O'Donnell and 15 others. No. 397/15. —R. Hyndman and 7 others.

No. 39, —Petition of John Soott Myers, of Marshlands, Christchurch. Prating for searching investigation into the facts set out in his petition, and that he be compensated for the wrongs he has suffered in prosecuting the seducer of his daughter, a girl of fourteen years. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to. the Government for consideration and inquiry. 21st June, 1916.

No. 25. —Petition of N. G. Trotter, of Rivcrton, and 66 Others. Praying that one Francis Arthur Leader be now released from the sentence of twelve months' imprisonment that he is serving. I am directed to report that in the opinion of this Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 21st June, 1916.

No. 15.—Petition of Alfred Pearce, of Kaiapoi. Praying for inquiry into the matter of a certain contract for the erection of the Hapuka River Road-bridge, and for compensation to be paid petitioner in respect thereof. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 21st June, 1916.

r No. 311 (I.9ls).—Petition of Mary McCracken, of Auckland, and 1,599 Others. Praying that the quarrying of scoria and stone on Mount Albert, Auckland, may be stopped. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Railways Committee, as it relates solely to matters connected with the Railway Department. 28th June, 1916.

No. 97, Petition of the Taieri County Council and Others.; and No. 197, Petition of the Bruce County Council. Praying that the toll-gate erected by the Green Island Borough Council at the bridge over the Kaikorai Stream may be abolished, or for other relief. « I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee these petitions should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. sth July, 1916.

No. 64, Petition of Clara Spurdle, of Wanganui, and 2,450 Others, and 49 similar Petitions (as per Schedule attached); No. 22, Petition of J. H. Gunson, of Auckland, and 14,999 Others; and No. 38, Petition of Mrs. Sutcliffe, of Auckland, and 203 Others. Praying, as to No. 64, that liquor-bars be closed at 6 p.m. daily until the close of the present war and for six months afterwards; and, as to Nos. 22 and 38, that the British regulations under the Defence of the Realm Act against treating with intoxicating liquors should be immediately brought into force in New Zealand.

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I am directed to report that this Committee, having considered the evidence given on the anti-shouting and 6 o'clock closing petitions, recommends the National Government to pass antishouting legislation similar to that passed by the British Government, The Committee recognizes that the shortening of the hours for tho retail sale of liquor during the war period would undoubtedly lessen drinking, and so contribute to the financial strength of tho Dominion and the physical and moral good and efficiency of the people. The Committee therefore recommends the prayer of the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 6th July, 1916.

[Debate on the question, " That the report do lie upon the table, and, together with the petitions, bo referred to the Government for favourable consideration," interrupted by the 5.30 p.m. adjournment.]

Schedule. No. 65.— G. F. Stockwell and 275 others. No. 92. —Laura Turner and 3,547 others. No. 66.—John E. Wyatt and 98 others. No. 93.—Mary Ann B. Smith and 57 others. No. 67. —James 'Taylor and 200 others. No. 94.—Robert Storor and 7,370 others. No. 68.—Mary Swanston and 150 others. No. 95.— G. S. Thomson and 2,080 others. No. 69. —Rosina Mclntyrc and 280 others. No. 96.—John Stewart and 449 others. No. 70. —John McKinney and 460 others. No. 105.—Jessie H. Woodham and 360 others. No. 71.—Jane Tomlinson and 175 others. No. 106.—A. W. Rowo and 6,199 others. No. 72.—Elizabeth Price and 670 others. No. 107.—Robert Tait and 116 others. No. 73.—Graham Balfour and 320 others. No. 108.— W. McDowell and 317 others. No. 74.— F. Quintroll and 190 others. . No. 109.— W. L. Boys-Smith and 14,394 others. No. 75.—John E. Salt and 79 others. No. 110. —James Simmons and 12 others. No. 76.— E. J. Green and 93 others. No. 111. —Marion Smart and 5,449 others. No. 77.—Amy Miller and 210 others. No. 112.— J. S. Murray and 353 others. No. 78.—A. S. Wallace and 134 others. No. 113.—William Richardson and 8,024 others. No. 79.—L. Simmonds and 119 others. No. 114.—Eva Moses and 325 others. No. 80. —James Maclure and 115 others. * No. 115. —C. R. Roythornc and 312 others. No. 81.—John Wardell and 920 others. No. 120.—L. A. Rhodes and 7,692 others. No. 82.— J. R. Sykes and 197 others. No. 123.—Vera C. Mitchell and 8,420 others. No. 83.—John Macdonald and 157 others. No. 130.—Robert Todd and 3,529 others. No. 84.—Frank Winstone and 228 others. No. 131.—M. E. Pogson and 22 others. No. 85.—Lucy C. Thomas and 930 others. No. 133.— J. L. Myers and 42 others. No. 86.—A. B. Macdonald and 1,080 others. No. 134.— W. Walker and 2,059 others. No. 87.—Marian Waterson and 143 others. No. 161.— J. Wilson and 934 others. No. 90.—John Medland and 11,772 others. No. 192.— W. C. Sadlier and 545 others. No. 91.—David Purdy and 3,482 others.

No. 15. —Petition of Alfred Pearce, of Kaiapoi. (Second Report.) Praying for inquiry into the matter of a certain contract for the erection of the Hapuka River Koad-bridge, and for compensation to be paid petitioner in respect thereof. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 10th July, 1916.

No. 141. —Petition of Charles Onyon, of Wellington. Praying for an investigation of his claim against the Agricultural Department for services rendered to the Royal Commission under the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act, 1914. I am directed to report that, petitioner not having exhausted his legal remedies, this Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th July, 1916.

No. 60.—Petition of Kate McDonough, of Invercargill. Praying for a compassionate allowance in respect of the long and faithful services of her late husband, Constable John McDonough. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th July, 1916.

No. 61. —Petition of Duncan McGregor and Another, of Wanganui. Praying that the alleged arrears of pension due to them under the Pensions Act, 1913, may be awarded and paid to them. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th July, 1916.

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No. 4 (1915). —Petition of B.ongonui Terehina, of Paraeroa, and 2 Others. Praying that compensation be sanctioned by Parliament to be paid to petitioners for the loss of their mother, whose death was caused by the alleged neglect of the employees of the New Zealand Government. I am directed to report that as in. the opinion of the Committee petitioners have not exhausted their legal remedies the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th July, 1916.

No. 42. —Petition of John R. Stringer, of Newlands, Johnsonville. Praying for compensation for loss sustained through an accident whilst in the employment of the Public Works Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. - 12th July, 1916.

No. 47.—Petition of C. J. Parb, of Auckland, and 55 Others. Praying that the sentence of imprisonment now being served by one William John Knowles may be terminated. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th July, 1916.

No. 45. —Petition of John James Meikle, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for wrongful conviction. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make 12th July, 1916.

No. 46.—Petition of John James Meikle, of Auckland. Praying that compensation be granted to him for wrongful imprisonment, and that his fingerprints be returned to him. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th July, 1916.

No. 145. —Petition of Archibald Thompson McNeilage, of Longbush, Masterton. Praying for relief, he having become totally incapacitated for military service through an accident, sustained after he had been medically accepted fur service and had expressed his willingness to go into camp forthwith. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for its most favourable consideration. 12th July, 1916.

No. 125.—Petition of George Clark Smith, of Opawa. Praying for compassionate allowance in connection with the expenses incurred through the loss of his son, Frederick George Smith, No. 6/4546, C Company, Reinforcements. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 12th July, 1916.

No. 41. —Petition of John Neill, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for his arrest and alleged illegal imprisonment at Auckland. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 19th July, 1916.

No. 118.—Petition of Albert Plummer, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for loss of an alleged contract with the Government of New Zealand for the supply of rations to the Maori prisoners at Chatham Islands in the years 1866 to 1868, I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th July, 1916,

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No. 152.—Petition of H. J. Middleton, of Titiroa, and 16 Others. Praying for an alteration of the present system of rating, so that the Southland County Council may be able to levy rates on an acreage basis in the Titiroa Drainage District. I am directed tp report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, 19th July, 1916,

No. 200.—Petition of Hamilton Labatt Worthington, of Petone. Praying that the Government communicate with the Imperial authorities as to the present position of New Zealand and Australia in regard to the articles of the Paris Sanitary Convention, 1912, in reference to the placing of discs on ships' hawsers, and that such steps as may be necessary may be taken by the Government to enforce the Order in Council relating to such discs. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, it being the strong opinion of the Committee that, if clause 16 of the Paris Sanitary Convention empowers it, it is the duty of the Government in the interests of public health to insist upon the provisions in the Order in Council being carried out in New Zealand. 19th July, 191.6.

No. 224.—Petition of P. M. Sulenta, of Awanui, ami 86 Others. Praying for peace and justice, and to be recognized as our loyal Slav Allies. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee the question raised by this petition being one of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th July, 1916.

No. 208.—Petition of John Solomon Taylor, of Wanganui. Praying the Government to give effect to alleged recommendations of this Committee in his favour relative to his wrongful conviction. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th July, 1916.

No. 382 (1915). —Petition of William Peroival Storey, of Huia, Auckland. Praying for compensation for alleged wrongful arrest, for the exercise of the Royal prerogative in his favour, and to be heard at the bar of the House. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th July, 1916.

No. 219.—Petition of W. S. McGibbon, of Christchurch. Praying that compensation may be granted to one James McGibbon for injuries sustained by him whilst on duty at a Territorial Camp at Kowai on the 30th April, 1914. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for its most favourable consideration. 28th July, 1916.

No. 204.—Petition of Arthur Frederick Wim:sett, of Palmerston North. Praying for relief and refund of costs of trial for certain burglaries at tho General Post Office, Wellington, in 1909. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th July, 1916.

No. 154. —Petition of Pitcaithly and Co., of Wellington. Praying that the Committee will repeat its previous recommendation in favour of petitioner in the matter of the cancellation of contract for the Wellington Dock. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be strongly recommended to the Government for further consideration and inquiry. 28th July, 1916.

No. 220.—Petition of Clara E. Rae, of Wellington, and 39 Others. Praying for clemency and for a reduction of the sentence passed on one Alice May Parkinson. I am directed to report, that tho Committee has no recommendation to make; and that the report by the Chief Justice on the case of the said Alice May Parkinson be attached to this report, and the whole be printed. (Vide. Appendix 1.-2 a.) 28th July, 1916.

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No. 248. —Petition of H. C. Steffeiit, of Wellington. Praying that he may be granted a military pension. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for further inquiry. 31st July, 1916.

No. 372 (1915). —Petition of James Magee, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for loss on. subcontract in excavating for railway-formation on the Stratford Main Trunk line. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 31st July, 1916.

No. 246. —Petition of Alice Weston, of Christchurch. Praying for a compassionate allowance in respect of the services of her late husband, Staff Sergeantmajor Weston, in the New Zealand Forces. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 31st July, 1916.

No. 215.—Petition of L. M. Schrader, of Wellington. Praying the House to consider whether there is any public interest which would be affected by your petitioner or others availing themselves of the services and aid of one Henry Markwald in carrying on a business in New Zealand. I am directed to report that, as in the opinion of the Committee the matter contained in the petition is matter of policy, it, has no recommendation to make, but it would suggest that the Government make further inquiry. 4th August, 1916.

Special Report. I have the honour to report, that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee desires to record its hearty appreciation of the unceasing care, skill, and attention devoted by the Chairman, Mr. Okey, to the business of the Committee, and the able and courteous manner in which he has carried out his duties this session of Parliament; and that this resolution be recorded in the minutes and reported to the House. 4th August, 1916.

Final Report. I am directed to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members, has during the session held 20 meetings, the average attendance at each meeting being 8. The following table shows the disposal of the business which came before the Committee : — Number of petitions referred to the Committee... ... ... ... 91 Number of jaetitions dealt with ... . . ... ... ... 86 Number of reports presented to the House ... ... ... ... 36 Number referred for most favourable consideration ... ... ... 2 Number referred for favourable consideration ... ... ... 15 Number referred for further consideration and inquiry ... ... ... 1 Number referred for consideration and inquiry ... ... ... 1 Number referred for further inquiry ... ... ... ... I Number referred for consideration ... ... ... ... ... 2 Number of petitions given "No recommendation" ... ... ... 13 Number of petitions referred to another Committee' ... ... ... I Number of petitions held over by request ... ... ... ... 5 4th August, 1916.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (7;"j0 copies), £3 10k.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l6.

Price 6d.]