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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1920 Session I, I-01

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1920. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from, the. Journals of the Bouse of Representatives. Wednesday, tiib 14th Day of July, 1920. Ordered, " That a Select Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to consider all petitions from A to L that may be referred to it by the Petitions Classification Committee ; to classify and prepare abstracts of such petitions in such form and manner as shall appear to it best suited to convey to this House all requisite information respecting their contents, and to report the same from time to time to this House ; and -to have power to report its opinions and observations thereon to this House; also to have power to call for persons and papers; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Bartram, Mr. Bitchcner, Mr. Brown, Mr. Burnett, Mi. Harris,' Mr. McNicol, Mr. Mitchell, Dr. Thackcr, Mr. Wright, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Anderson.) Tuesday, the 20th Day of July, 1920. Ordered, " That all petitions not finally dealt with during the session of 1919 be again referred to the same Com tnittees as they were referred to during the said session."—(Right Hon. Mr. Massey.)

INDEX.

No. Petitioner, Ac. Pago. 139 I Andrews, Anno .. .. 4 94/Sess. 11/18 ! Angland, Daniel .. .. 2 372/19 Armstrong, A. .. .. 2 266 | Auckland Acclimatization Society (i 121 Bambery, Margaret Louisa .. 4 361 Barker, George, and others .. 7 133 ', Bartlett, J. G. S., and others .. 3 297 Beattio, Hannah . . ..' 6 362/19 , Bicknell, ,T. T. .. .. 2 80 Bisson, Clarenco Henry . . 3 70 ! Black, Ivan .. '.. .. 2 257 Bloomficld, Charles, and others 4 258 i Brown, Alfred .. .. 7 326 ■ Buchanan, Margaret H. A., and (i others 11 Buckhurst, W. B. .. .. 2 122 Burke, Ida M. P. .. .. 4 120 Burke. Mary E. .. . . 4 334 Butler, Norah .. . . 7 31 Calder, J. B., and others .. 5 101 i Canavan, Emmeline .. .. 4 132 i Chapman, E. A. .. .. 3 310 Clarke, James, and others .. 0 49 Clarke. W. H. .. .. 2 127 Craig, A. R., and others .. 5 109 : Davidson, William L .. .. 3 349/19 Delancy, Walter . . .. 2 83 Dryden, William Smith .. 5 37 Egginton, Francis .. .. 3 319 Elliott, Harold E., and others .. 5 148 Elliott, P. C. .. .. 3 255 Emmett, Ellen, and others .. 4 261 Fahey, Edward, and others . . 7 25/Sess. 1/18 Faulke, Herbert Charles .. 8 134 Faulke, Horbcrt Charles .. 4 186 Featherston County Council and 5 others Final report .. .. .. 7

No. Petitioner, &c. Page. 85 85 112 200 275 372 185 251 Foley, John T. Foley, John T. (second report).. Fowler, F. J. O. Fullbrook. Biohard O. Gailey, Minnie Galloway, A., and others Gannon, Michael John Godfrey, Ada Winifred 3 7 3 4 5 7 6 5 174 13 207 278 230 Hannan, J. H. Heaps, Wilson Hcywood, C, and others Husband. Thomas R. Hyland, Michael (i 2 4 6 5 30 Inglis, J. R., and others 5 114 106 16 117 Johnston, J. A., and others Johnston, W. A. Kidd, David, and others Kroner G. F. W. 5 3 2 3 336 294 Lewis, Henry .. Livingstone, Matthew 6 99 50 51 MaoDonald, Donald, and others Martin, A., and others McChlcry, Alexander, and others 5 5 5 105 Pua, T. M., and others 5 98 97 Ray, Frank, and others Richards, M H, and others 5 6 ' Special report . 7 32 160 Wallace, George, and others Westport Harbour Board 5 4 113 j Young, D., and others 5

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REPORTS. No. 1)4 of Sess. 11, 1918. —Petition of Daniel Anoland, of Albury. I'raying that he be reinstated as a Justice of the Peace. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th July, 1920.

No. 349 of 1919. —Petition of Walter, Dblaney, of Auckland. Praying: that he be paid certain moneys alleged to have been deducted from his Maori War pension. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th July, 1920.

No. 362 of 1919. —Petition of John T. Bicknell, of Kahutara, Featherston. Praying for protection against certain proceedings taken by the Featherston County Council in respect of a box drain put in by him on his property. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. sth August, 1920.

No. 11. —Petition of W. B. Buckiturst, of Christchurch. Praying for payment of moneys alleged to be owing to him by the Crown, and for an amendment in the Public Service Superannuation Act. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. nth August, 1920.

No. 16. —Petition of David Kmn and 115 Others, of Moonlight. Praying for the construction of a bridge over Moonlight Creek. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. sth August, 1920.

No. I.'?. —Petition of Wilson Heaps, of Nelson. Petitioner prays that he may be granted the sum of ,£750 in recognition of extra duties performed without remuneration whilst he was Collector of Customs at Nelson. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 11th August, 1920.

No. 49. —Petition of William Henry Clarke, of Veterans' Home, Mount Roskill. Petitioner alleges that he has been wrongfully deprived of portion of his old-age pension, and prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government, for favourable consideration. Illh August, 1920.

No. 70. —Petition of Ivan Black, of Matamata. Petitioner prays that he may receive compensation for losses incurred through alleged malicious prosecution. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government for most favourable and immediate consideration. 11th August, 1920.

No. 372 of 1919. —Petition of Arthur Armstrong, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of employment. I am directed to report that the Committee recognizes the hardship of the petitioner's case, and recommends it to the Government for immediate and sympathetic consideration with a view to reimbursing him his monetary loss, 11th August, 1920,

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No. 37. —Petition of Francis Egginton, of Auckland. Praying for refund of amount deducted from his retiring-allowance, and for legislation to prevent further deductions. * 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. Bth September, 1920.

No. 80.- -Petition of Clarence Henry Bisson, of Napier. Praying for refund of hue incurred through non-compliance with the demands of the Land and Income Tax Department. 1 am directed to report that the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration, with a recommendation that, in the opinion of the Committee the fine should be reduced to £10. Bth September, 1920.

No. 112. —Petition of Felix John Gordon Fowler, of Auckland. Praying for wages due to him, and alleged to be held by the authorities of St. Joseph's Industrial School, Takapuna, Auckland. I am directed to report, that the Committee has rio recommendation to make. Bth September, 1920.

No. 117. —Petition of G. P. W. Kroner, of Wellington. Praying that he be given the opportunity of determining his status and clearing his character by having his case investigated by a legal tribunal, and that adequate redress be granted to him and his family. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Defence Committee. Bth September, 1920.

No. 132, Petition of Ernest Alfred Chapman, and No. 133, Petition of J. G. S. Bartlett and 189 Others, of Featherston. Praying that compensation be paid to E. A.. Chapman, who was injured while doing,his duty in the New Zealand Police B'orce, and resumed work before he was fit, and so undermined his health. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion, from the evidence adduced, that a prima facie case for further consideration by the Superannuation Board has been disclosed, and recommends that the matter be referred back to the Board for inquiry, and an opportunity be given at such inquiry to Mr. Chapman to produce any evidence he thinks necessary. Bth September, 1920.

No. 85. —Petition of John Timothy Foley, of Wellington. Praying for redress for alleged unlawful imprisonment through conspiracy by police. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th September, 1920. (Referred back for further consideration.)

No. 106. —Petition of William A. Johnston, of Wellington. I'raying for compensation for loss of wages and a refund of legal expenses incurred through alleged wrongful arrest. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 20th September, 1920.

No. 148.- -Petition of Peroival Cumming Elliott, of Wellington. Praying that reasonable compensation be given him for loss of his business, livelihood, and profit as hotelkeeper in Apia, Samoa. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th September, 1920.

No. 109. —Petition of William Legertwood Davidson, of Wellington. Praying for an inquiry into the administration of the Public Works Office at, Tauranga. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th September, 1920.

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No. 134.—Petition of H. C, Faulke, of Wellington. Praying (1) that provision be made during the present session of Parliament for a rigid; of appeal by medical practitioners to the Supreme Court against decisions of the British Medical Association, New Zealand Branch; and (2) that legislation be introduced making illegal the boycott of medical practitioners not members of the British Medical Association, but on the Dominion roll, by members of the British Medical Association. I am directed to report that clause (I) of the prayer of the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1920.

No. 139.—Petition of Ann Andrews, of Christchurch. Alleging that owing to behaviour of her husband she has no means of support, and praying for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 22nd September, 1920.

No. 255, Petition of Ellen Emmett and 296 Others, and No. 257, Petition of Charles Bloomfield and 6,346 Others. Praying that legislation be passed this session providing for assistance to blind folk. I am directed to report that the Committee, whilst of the opinion that this is a matter of policy, wishes to express its sympathy with the prayer of these petitions, and refers them to the Government for immediate consideration. 22nd September, 1920.

No. 120, Petition of Mary E. Burke j No. 121, Petition of Margaret L. Bambery; No. 122, Petition of Ida M. P. Burke. Praying: for compassionate allowance for injuries sustained through the alleged negligence of the Defence authorities in allowing one Onslow Mayhew to retain the use of firearms. I am directed to report that Ihis Committee again recommends the several petitions to the immediate and favourable consideration of the Government, 22nd September, 1920.

No. 267.—Petition of C. Heywood anil 29 Others, of Te Kopuru. Praying that action be taken in respect to foreigners who did not offer their service's to the Empire in the late war, so as to preclude them from digging or otherwise obtaining kauri-gum to the detriment of returned soldiers and others. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Defence Committee. 22nd September, 1920.

No. 200.—Petition of Kichard Outen Fullbeook, of Wellington. Praying that compensation be given him for alleged miscarriage of justice. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th September, 1920.

No. 160. —Petition of the Wbstport Harbour Board. Praying (I) for repeal of section 109 of the Finance Act, 191.5; (2) for refund of all moneys paid into the Consolidated Fund by virtue of section 109; and (3) for the appointment of a Parliamentary Committee to inquire into petitioner's administration since 1914, and whether proposed Bill is necessary or desirable in the interests of the Dominion. 1 am directed to report that, as a matter of policy is involved, the Committee lias no recommendation to make, but is of opinion that in the event, of the Government taking over the VVestport, Harbour ample local representation should be given on the controlling authority. 6th October, 1920.

No. 101.—Petition of Emmeline Canavan, of Invercargill. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of the death of her husband. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th October, 1920.

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No. 83. —Petition of William Smith Drydbn, of South Dunedin. Praying for compassionate allowance on account of injury received whilst employed by the Public Works Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has iio recommendation to make. 7th October, 1920.

No. 25 of Session 1, 19 18.—Petition of H. C. Faulke, of Wellington. Praying that provision be made for right of appeal of medical practitioners to Supreme Court against decision of the British Medical Association, New Zealand Branch. I am directed to report that (he Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th October, 1920.

No. 186. —Petition of Featherston County Council and 43 Others. Praying that work on the Martinborough Railway be proceeded with at an early date. I am directed to report that, as a matter of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th October, 1920.

No. 105.—Petition of T. M. Pua and 352 Others, of Rarotonga. Praying for inquiry into educational matters in Rarotonga. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Education Committee. 7th October, 1920.

No. 30.—Petition of J. R. Inglis and 25 Others, and 10 similar Petitions as per Schedule attached. Praying for construction of a railway from Hedgehope to Gore. I am directed to report that, as a matter of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th October, 1920. SCHEDULE. No. 31.— J. B. Calder and 52 Others No. 98.- -Frank Ray and 50 Others. No. 32.—George Wallace and 26 Others. No. 99.—Donald Maodohald and 33 Others. No. 51. —Alexander McChlery and 25 Others. No. 113. —D. Young and 24 Others. No. s(>.—A. Martin and 178 Others. No. 114.— J. A. Johnston and 19 Others. No. 97.— M. H. Richards and 43 Others. No. 127.—A. R. Craig and 49 Others.

No. 230. —Petition of Michael Hyland, of Wellington. Praying for compensation or compassionate allowance to meet losses sustained through ill health contracted whilst working for Public Works Department on Somes Island. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make 15th October, 1920.

No. 275. —Petition of Minnie Gailey, of Ohura. Praying that the Union Bank of Australia (Limited) be compelled to compensate her in respect to losses incurred through action of such bank. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th October, 1920.

No. 251.— Petition of Ada Winifred Godfrey, of Palmerston North. Praying for a compassionate allowance in appreciation of her late husband's service as clerk and storekeeper to the Mental Hospital at Tokanui. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th October, 1920.

No. 319. —Petition of H. E. Elliott and 376 Others, of Wellington. Praying that payment of the cost-of-living bonus be made to temporary Civil servants at the same rate as that granted permanent Civil servants. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to t]ie Government for favourable consideration. 15th October, 1920.

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No. 266. —Petition of the Auckland Acclimatization Society. Praying for the restoration or transfer to the Auckland Acclimatization Society of that part of the district taken over by the Government in 1907, or for compensation in respect of same. I am directed to rejiort that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th October, 1920.

No. 294. —Petition of Matthew Livingstone, of Wellington. Praying for inquiry into his alleged wrongful arrest, and that his reputation in the eyes of the public be reinstated. J am directed to report that the Committee is unanimously of opinion—(l) That the prayer of the petitioner "that his reputation be reinstated as far as possible in the eyes of the public" cannot be approved; (2) that the evidence shows that the action of the police was perfectly justified; (3) that, in view of the fact that the petitioner is the holder of a taxi-driver's license, a copy of the Committee's finding be forwarded to the Wellington City Council. 25th October, 1920.

No. 174. —Petition of J. H. Hannan, of Auckland. Praying that compensation be given to petitioner and his wife for great losses sustained through action of police. I am directed to report, that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 25th October, 1920.

No. 310. —Petition of James Clarke and 245 Others, of Taranaki. Praying for suitable legislation this «ession to secure relief for persons afflicted with blindness, I am directed to report that the Committee, whilst of the opinion that, this is a matter of policy, wishes to express its sympathy with the prayer of this petition, and refers it to the Government for immediate consideration. 25th October, 1920.

No. 326.—Petition of Margaret 11. A. Buchanan and 3,10."} Others, of Hawke's Bay. Praying that action be taken to prevent the funds from the Howard Estate being used for any purpose other than for the establishment of an Agricultural College in Hawke's Bay. I am directed to report that the Committee, whilst of opinion that a matter of policy is involved, wishes to express the opinion—(l) That under the terms of the will of the late Mr. J. Howard the Government are under no obligation to establish an. experimental or training farm on the estate left by him or in any particular part of the Dominion; (2) notwithstanding this fact, the late Mr. Howard had in mind the establishment, of an experimental or training farm on the said estate; (3) the Committee is doubtful of the suitability of the said estate for the purposes the testator had in mind; (4) the Committee therefore is of opinion that the establishment of a suitable experimental farm somewhere in the Hawke's Bay District would be in keeping with the wish and intention of the late Mr. Howard. 29th October, 1920.

No. 297. —Petition of Hannah Beattie, of Taihape. Praying for compassionate allowance on account of the death, of her husband. 1 am directed to report that in (lie opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for urgent and favourable consideration. 29th October, 1920.

No. 336. —Petition of Henry Lewis, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for alleged monetary losses. I am directed to report that, the administration of petitioner's estate being in the hands of the Public Trustee, the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Public Trust Department. 30th October, 1920.

No. 278.—Petition of Thomas It. Husband, of Turakina. Praying for compensation in regard to the sale of a section of land at Glenoairn, Turakina, and the action of the Public Trustee therewith. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th October, 1920.

No. 185. —Petition of Michael John Gannon, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for services rendered at the capture of Te TCooti. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th October, 1920.

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No. 334.—Petition of Norah Butler, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for the. death of her husband, the result of injuries received while in the execution 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. :10th October, 1920.

No. 361. —Petition of George Barker and 13 Others, of Wellington. Praying that legislation may be enacted to enable any person with an experience of not less than six years in practical dentistry to quality for registration as a dentist, after submission to a proper examination and investigation as to qualifications by a Board of qualified dentists. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 30th October, 1920.

No. 258. —Petition of Alfred Brown, of Christchurch. Praying for further monetary compensation, or some suitable occupation in the Government service, on account of injury received when working as lineman in the employ of the PostmasterGeneral. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th October, 1920.

No. 85.—Petition of John T. Foley, of Wellington. (Second Report.) Praying for redress for alleged unlawful imprisonment through conspiracy by police. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 2nd November, 1.920.

No. 261. —Petition of Edward Fahey and 294 Others, of Otago. Praying that the sentence passed upon P. M. Neilan be reviewed, especially the Probation Officer's report upon which the sentence was determined. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Prisons Board. 2nd November, 1920.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions A to L Committee desires that the thanks of the Committee be tendered to the Chairman, Mr. R. A. Wright, for the courteous, impartial, and prompt manner in which he conducted the business of the Committee during the past session. It further desires that this resolution shall be recorded in the minutes of the Committee, and be reported to the House.—(On motion of Mr. Bartram.) 2nd November, 1920.

No. 372.—Petition of A. Galloway and 77 Others, of Pahautanui. Praying that, such legislation may be passed as will empower the Licensing Committee of the Electoral District of Otaki to grant, a publican's license in respect to premises known as the Pahautanui Hotel, which license lapsed owing to alterations of electoral boundaries. I am directed to report, that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th November, 1920.

Final Iteport. The Committee, consisting of ten members, held twenty-one meetings during the session 1920. the average attendance at each meeting being seven. The Committee dealt with sixty-four petitions. The number reported to the Government for immediate and favourable consideration was 3 ; for most favourable consideration, 1; for urgent, and favourable consideration, I; for most favourable and immediate consideration, 1; for favourable consideration, 9; for immediate and sympathetic consideration, 1 ; for immediate consideration, 3; for consideration, 3; for inquiry, 2; the number on which the Committee had "no recommendation to make" was 34; the number referred to other Committees was 4; referred to the Prisons Board, 1; referred to the Public Trust Department, 1 : the number held over (not dealt with) was 1 : total, 65. 2nd November, I 920.

Approximate C'onl of Paper. -Preparation, not Riven : printing (450 copies), £8

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 92"

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