DEFENCE COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. GLENN, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1921 Session I-II, I-12

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Session 11. 1921. NEW ZEALAND.

DEFENCE COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. GLENN, 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 7th Day of October, 1921. Ordered, " That Standing Order No. 219 be suspended, and that a Select Committee be appointed, consisting of eleven members, to deal with all matters in connection with defence ; with power to call for persons, papers, and records ; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Burnett, the Hon. Mr. Coates, Mr. J. S. Dickson, Mr. Glenn, Mr. Kellett, Mr. Mitchell, the Hon. Dr. Pomare, Mr. Potter, Mr. Seddon, Mr. R. W. Smith, and the mover." —(Hon. Sir R. H. Rhodes.) Ordered, " That the Anzac Day Amendment Bill be referred to the Defence Committee." —(Hon. Mr. Stewart.) Tuesday, the 22nd Day oe November, 1921. Ordered, " That Standing Order No. 219 be suspended, and that the name of Mr. Mackenzie be added to the Defence Committee." —(Hon. Sir R. H. Rhodes.)

INDEX.

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No. Petitions, Ac. Page. l_ No. Petitions Ac. Page. 103 Annear, F. Anzac Day Amendment Bill 5 4 2 5 4 260 11 209 Mabin, F. B. .. Macduff, Amelia Macpherson, Duncan 4 2 5 228 Sess. I 15 63 Barnard Improved Safety Gun (Limited) ] Beck, W. T. Bosworth, J. T. 3 2 3 341 Neilson, A. E. 5 4 3 4 3 351 6 O'Sullivan, P. W. .. Owen, Rachel E. .. 5 2 107 284 358 223 Currie, Robert ] Croft, P. J. Dovey, Kate 6 6 12 Pulsford, CD. 6 5 5 5 228 Richardson, W. G. (Barnard Improved. Safety Gun (Limited) 2 202 Edwards, E. E. 5 Final report 6 4 6 212 10 Savage, Elizabeth Sim, Leo Special report Swann, John 4 2 6 5 27 Griffin, A. T. 4 6 229 121 Hill, J. C. .. Hornibrook, E. L. .. Humphrey, A. T. .. 4 2 2 3 6 247 5 Ingley, J. .. 3 6 3 4 3 173 149 7 138 10 Weatherston, Gilbert Wellbourn, A. E, and another Willeox, H. R, and 74 others Wilson, Margaret E. Wolter, F. F. 3 3 3 4 2 28 Jones, G. .. 4 291 356 16 Kenny, M. P. Kienle, Christian King, Julia .. 3 5 4 3 5 4 129 Yeates, Dr. Edward 2 I

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REPORTS. No. 10. —Petition of Leo Sim, of Brooklyn. Petitionee prays for payment of amount alleged to have been short-paid for his military services. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that any claim the petitioner may have would be of a mora] nature against the Imperial Government, and it recommends that the New Zealand Government should again submit his case to the Imperial authorities with a suggestion that the same be reconsidered. 2nd November, 1921.

No. 129. —Petition of Dr. Yeates. Petitionee prays that certain notices in the New Zealand Gazette in relation to his military services may be cancelled, and his appointment to and discharge from the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces readjusted ; also that he may receive adequate compensation for injuries received through the alleged action of the military authorities. I am directed to report that the Committee, having taken into consideration all the circumstances of Dr. Yeates's case, and having heard his evidence and the evidence of his witnesses, and address by his counsel, also the evidence of the Defence Department and address by its counsel, finds : — 1. That Dr. Yeates's medical qualifications are unquestioned. 2. That in regard to petitioner's claim for consideration and compensation the Committee has no recommendation to make. 25th November, 1921.

No. 228.—Petition of Baenaed Impeoved Safety Gun (Limited), of Palmerston North. Peaying for the introduction of legislation dealing with the use of pea-rifles and other firearms. I am directed to report that the Committee approves of the principle of compulsory attachment of a safety device on all pea-rifles, and therefore recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 7th December, 1921.

No. 10. —Petition of Fbedeeic Fbancis Woltee, of Wellington. That his grievances in connection with his internment may be redressed, and that employment be found for him. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th December, 1921.

No. 6. —Petition of John Cecil Hill, of Wellington. That compensation be granted to him for loss of employment under Defence Department. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petitioner's claim be treated on the same basis as settlements have been made in the cases of other members of the Samoan Constabulary Force. 7th December, 1921.

No. 11. —Petition of Amelia Macduff, of Parawai, Thames. Foe a compassionate allowance in respect of her son, who was drowned at Trentham whilst under military control. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th December, 1921.

No. 6. —Petition of Kachel Elizabeth Owen, of Timaru. Foe a refund of £72 9s. 6d. paid by her to save her husband from prosecution for embezzlement, a result which did not eventuate. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th December, 1921.

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No. 7.—Petition of H. R. Willcox and 74 Others, of Invercargill. Petitionees pray that the site of the Otatara Rifle Range, Invercargill, be changed, on account of danger to persons using the channel of the Waihopai River. I am directed to report that, in view of the fact that the Government is pledged to remove the range if it is proved to be dangerous, the Committee has no recommendation to make 15th December, 1921.

No. 149.—Petition of Alfred Edward Wellbourn and Another, of Broad Bay, Dunedin. Petitioner alleges that through ill health contracted whilst on military duties he is unable to earn a living, and prays for maintenance for himself and wife. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th December, 1921.

No. 107. —Petition of Robert Currie, of Lowther, Southland. For remission of £78 death duty on the estate of his late brother, who was killed in action in France. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 21st December, 1921.

No. 173.—Petition of Gilbert Weatheeston, of Green Island, Otago. Praying for a further allowance to meet his disabilities incurred through rheumatic troubles contracted whilst in military camp. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 21st December, 1921.

No. 229.—Petition of Major E. L. Hornibrook, of Wellington. Petitioner alleges that he has been seriously damaged in reputation and has suffered pecuniary loss through alleged malicious prosecutions, and he prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee, having investigated the charges brought against Major Hornibrook, is of opinion that the said charges are unfounded, and it recommends that legal expenses, up to the amount of £25, should be granted to him. 21st December, 1921.

No. 5 Session I, and No. 15.—Petitions of Captain W. T. Beck, D.5.0., of Auckland. That adequate compensation may be granted to him in recognition of his long service in the Defence Department. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that Captain Beck should receive the same treatment as was afforded to officers retired in 1920-21, and therefore recommends that his petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 21st December, 1921.

No. 291.—Petition of M. P. Kenny, of Wellington. Petitioner alleges that owing to injuries received while on military duties he is unable to do any hard work, and he prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st December, 1921.

No. s.—Petition of Joseph Ingley, of New Plymouth. That he be granted the New Zealand War Medal and all the privileges appertaining thereto. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 21st December, 1921.

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No. 27.—Petition of A. T. Griffin, of Wellington. Petitionee alleges that he contracted tuberculosis whilst serving in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and is now unable to earn sufficient to maintain his family. He prays for suitable permanent employment or financial assistance. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration with a view to some suitable employment being found for the petitioner. 17th January, 1922.

No. 28.—Petition of George Jones, of Petone. Petitioner states that his son, H. C. Jones, late gunner in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces, is stranded in England with his family, and prays that they may be granted a free passage to New Zealand. I am directed to report that .the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th January, 1922.

No. 16. —Petition of Julia King, of Petone. Petitionee prays for a pension in respect of the war services of her husband, who disappeared from hospital two days before peace was signed. I am directed to report that the Committee ib of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 17th January, 1922.

Anzac Day Amendment Bill. I am directed to report that the Defence Committee, to which was referred the Anzac Day Amendment Bill, has duly considered the same, and is of opinion that it should be allowed to proceed without amendment. 19th January, 1922.

No. 260.—Petition of F. B. Mabin, of Wellington. For reinstatement in the Civil Service, or adequate compensation for loss of employment. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that, in view of all the facts, especially the Government promise to Civil servants and the excellent reports on Mr. Mabin's ability, he should be reinstated in the position he held before the war or its equivalent. It is therefore recommended that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 19th January, 1922.

No. 63.—Petition of J. T. Bosworth, of Palmerston North. That the recommendation contained in the report of the Defence Committee of the 3rd November, 1920, may be carried into effect. I am directed to report that the Committee finds that no fresh evidence against the petitioner's claims could be brought forward ; it therefore repeats the recommendation made in its report on the 3rd November, 1920—viz., " That, in view of the petitioner's services having been availed of during the term of his final leave, he should be paid an extra six month's salary." 19th January, 1922.

No. 212. —Petition of Elizabeth Savage, of Kirksville, Missouri, U.S.A. That the gratuity payable on account of her late brother, Robert Marrett, may be paid to her instead of to Mrs. Walsh, of Taranaki, to whom the Pensions Board has awarded same. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 24th January, 1922.

No. 138. —Petition of Margaret E. Wilson, of Gisborne. Petitioner alleges that owing to her husband having been granted his discharge in England he has not returned to support her. She prays for a pension, or financial assistance equal to the pension paid to widows of soldiers. I am directed to report that the Committee finds that a matter of policy is involved, but it considers the Government should take steps to meet this and all similar cases. 31st January, 1922.

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No. 103.—Petition of F. Annear, of Palmerston North. That his services as chief stevedore for the New Zealand Government, and the broken state of his health through overwork whilst so employed, may be taken into consideration and some further compensation be paid to him. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 31st January, 1922.

No. 247.—Petition of John Swann, of Aotea, Raglan. Petitioner alleges that he contracted ill health while on military duties in Samoa, and complains of subsequent harsh treatment having aggravated his troubles. He prays for a compassionate allowance to meet expenses. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 31st January, 1922.

No. 351. —Petition of Patrick W. O'Sullivan, of Palmerston North. Foe compensation for loss and injuries to health suffered through wrongful arrest as an alleged deserter. I am directed to report that the Committee repeats the recommendation made on a similar petition on the sth November, 1920—viz., " That the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration." [Debate on the question, " That the report do lie on the table and be referred to the Government for consideration," interrupted bv the 5.30 p.m. adjournment.] 31st January, 1922.

No. 223.—Petition of Kate Dovey, of Remuera, Auckland. Peaying for a pension or monetary compensation in respect of her late husband's services in the Defence Department. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth February, 1922.

No. 209.—Petition of Duncan Macpherson, of Wellington. Petitionee prays for continuation of allowance granted to him for injuries received whilst carrying on his duties on the Hospital Ship " Marama." I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion the allowance should continue, and therefore recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth February, 1922.

No. 202.—Petition of E. E. Edwards, of Wellington. Praying for adequate relief for disabilities alleged to have been the result of war services. I am directed to report that, owing to the death of the petitioner, the Committee has no recommendation to make. , Bth February, 1922.

No. 356.—Petition of Christian Kienle, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for loss through being interned on Somes Island. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion a matter of policy is involved in this petition, and has therefore no recommendation to make. Bth February, 1922.

No. 341. —Petition of A. E. Neilson, of Karori, Wellington. Peaying for reinstatement as a permanent officer in the Defence Department, and for compensation for loss of employment. I am directed to report that the Committee is satisfied that the petitioner was an efficient officer of the Defence Department, and recommends that the Government should favourably consider his claims. The Committee further recommends that in carrying out the scheme of retrenchment the Government should adhere to the policy of giving preference to efficient officers who have been on active service. Bth February, 1922.

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No. 12.—Petition of C. D. Pulsfoed, of Eastbourne, Wellington. Praying, on behalf of himself and other members of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, that promises made as to payments by way of equalization of pay and allowances between Imperial and New Zealand rates may be carried into effect. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration and inquiry. Bth February, 1922.

» No. 121.—Petition of A. T. Humphrey, of Palmerston North. Praying for increase of pension, or other relief. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth February, 1922.

Nos. 284 and 358.—Petitions of P. J. Croft, of Rotorua. Praying for compensation for loss of employment. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to these petitions. Bth February, 1922.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that during the present session the Defence Committee held twenty meetings, the average attendance of members at each meeting being seven. The business referred to the Committee consisted of one Bill (the Anzac Day Amendment Kill) and forty-three petitions. The Bill was duly considered and reported on. Of the petitions thirtyfive were considered and reported on ; the remaining eight are unavoidably held over, viz. : No. 188, Lieut.-Colonel Chesney (Mr Seddon) ; No. 253, W. H. Barber (Mr. R. W. Smith) ; No. 289, K. S. Henry and 19 others (Mr. Mitchell) ; No. 305, Mary W. Miller (Mr. Wright) ; No. 307, R. 0. Fullbrook (Mr. Glenn) ; No. 338, The Trustees, Wellington Society for Relief of Aged and Needy (Dr. Newman) ; No. 361, David Pringle ; and No. 362, John Stevenson. Bth February, 1922. W. S. Glenn, Chairman.

Special Report. I am directed to report that the Defence Committee desires to place on record its hearty appreciation of the services of its Chairman, Mr. Glenn, and has directed that a resolution to this effect be placed upon the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. G. Mitchell, Bth February, 1922. Member of the Committee.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (450 copies), £8.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l922.

Price 6d.]