PUBLIC PETITIONS M TO Z COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. J. McC. DICKSON, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1922 Session I, I-02

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1922. NEW ZEALAND.

PUBLIC PETITIONS M TO Z COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. J. McC. DICKSON, Chairman.)

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

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Friday, the 14th Day of July, 1922. Ordered, " That a Select Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to consider all petitions from M' to Z 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. Craigie, Mr. J. MoC. Dickson, Mr. A. Hamilton, Mr. Hawken, Mr. Horn, Mr Marnier, Mr. T. W. Rhodes, Mr. Statham, Mr. Sullivan, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Lee.)

INDEX.

No. Petition, &c. Page. No. Petition, <fcc. Page. Bookmakers, petitions for licensing of .. 378 Osborn, Elaine G. .. .. .. 6 (see Evans, Mary) 263 Owen, John .. .. .. 5 4 317 286 304/21 333 134 292 225 226 176 228 213 173 130 386 119 101 299 Evans, Mary, and 4,323 others (and 89 2 03 Piggin, Stirtevant .. .. .. 2 .similar petitions) 183 Porter, E. H. .. .. .. 3 87 Preseott, J. H., and 68 others.. . . 6 Final report .. .. .. 7 297 Quinney, Alice .. .. .. 5 Greymouth Borough Council .. .. 5 132 Reid, J. W... .. ... .. 4 MeGallum, A. .. .. .. 4 366 Robieson, 0. R. C. .. .. .. 7 McConnell, S. C. K. .. .. .. 3 McCready, James, and .18 others .. 4 351 Saunders, Judah .. .. .. 5 Macdonald, Minnie .. .. .. 3 2 Shannon Co-operative Cash Trading 4 McGibbon, James, jim. .. .. 3 Society (Limited), and 57 others MeKoo, Martha I. ' .. . . .. 4 224 Soutor, E. N., and 2 others .. .. 5 McNeil, Harold J. .. . . 6 .. Special report (re Chairman) .. .. 7 Madden, Elizabeth .. .. .. 4 178 Spence, J. L., and 11 others .. .. 3 Malcolm. Maud M. .. .. .. 6 373 Sprott, T. II., and 202 others .. .. 6 Mason, David .. .. .. 6 253 Stephenson, C. W. .. .. .. 2 Meikle, John J. .. .. .. 3 315 Stone. David .. .. .. 5 Moeller, C. A. .. .. .. 2 .175 Styles, T. H. B. . . .. .. 3 Moody, Thomas .. .. .. 6 227 Sullivan, A. R., and 219 others .. 7 Morris, E. J., and 7 others .. . . 5 377 Sweeney, John .. ,. .. 7 Morris, Jane .. .. .. 2 Myers, John Scott .. .. .. 6 82 Thomson, Ella R. .. .. .. 2 218 Toogood, George .. .. .. 4 New Zealand Post and Telegraph Officers' 5 Association , 241 Waters, W. A; .. .. .. 7 Newall, W. R., and 3,821 others .. 4 356 Wilding, F. ... .. .. 6 239 337

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EBPOETB. No. 101. —Petition of Jane Morris, of Christchurch. Praying for a compassionate allowance or a pension as compensation for the death by accident of her husband whilst employed by the Public Works Department at the Otira Tunnel in 1916. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a view to granting petitioner annually the equivalent of the old-age pension until she roaches the age of sixty, a period of about six years. oth September, 1922.

No. 82.—Petition of Ella E. Thomson, of Christchurch. Praying that she may be granted a compassionate allowance as she is not eligible to claim a widow's pension. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, it having been proved to the satisfaction of the Committee that petitioner has no present claim to a pension. 12th September, 1922.

No. 53. —Petition of Stirtevant Piggin, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for alleged wrongful retirement from the Public Service. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th September, 1922.

No. 253. —Petition of C. W. Stephenson, of Wellington. Praying for compensation in respect of his retirement from the Post and Telegraph, Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th September, 1922.

No. 130.—Petition of Charles A. Moeller, of Pouto, Kaipara Head. Praying for a magisterial inquiry into the circumstances attendant on his dismissal from his employment as a lighthouse-keeper in the Public Service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for full inquiry. 12th September, 1922.

No. 4. —Petition of Mary Evans, of Auckland, and 4,323 Others (and 89 similar Petitions, as per Schedule attached). Praying that the necessary legislation be passed for the licensing of bookmakers under proper safeguards. T am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th September, 1922. Schedule. No. s.—Annie Johnston and 3,509 others. No. 34.—A. L. Smith and 338 others. No. 6.—James S. Stanley and 674 others. No. 35.—Emily Swaysland and 1,504 others. No. 7. —George Robbie and 5,626 others. No. 36.— T. Meade and 740 others. ' No. B.—Leonard Spicer and 627 others. No. 37.— W. J. I. Davidson and 880 others. No. 9.-—Catherine H. Allen and 4,323 others. No. 38.--J. Dalrymple and 232 others. No. 11.— J. H. Hawkins and 1,700 others. No. 39.-—Elsie E. Turner and 2,999 others. No. 12.—A./Thomas and 392 others. No. 40.—Ray E. Fitzer and 1,530 others. No. 13.—H.'Fisher and 417 others. No. 4.1.— W. O. Sham and 299 others. No. 14.—John S. McHugh and 287 others. No. 42.—A. MePhee and 207 others. No. 15.—Robert A. Cropper and 650 others. No. 43.—M. McAuley and 147 others. No. 16.—Wm. J. Cole and 883 others. No. 44.—A. C. Bovington and others. No. 17.— H. Charlesworth and 493 others. No. 45.—11. R. Radford and 276 others. No. 18.—M. McGlll and 197 others. No. 46.—X. C. Richdale and 1,477 others. No. 19.— J. A. Daigety and 303 others. No. 47.—A. K. Edwards and 596 others. No. 20.— E. J. Massey and 282 others. No. 48.— T. G. Mullins and 441 others. No. 21.— H. R. Hayden and 86 others. No. 49.— H. Groves and 299 others. No. 22.—Jas. A. Bennett and 1,040 others. No. 50.— D. T. Steel and 4,085 others. No. 23.— F. K. Judd and 404 others. No. 51.— T. Thomson and 36 others. No. 24.—V. A. Mills and 625 others. No. 52.—5. Slater and 3,761 others. No. 25.— F. G. Niiskisson and 952 others. No. 64. —T. Currie and 661 others. No. 26.—V. E. Morgan and 210 others. No. 65.— R. Sproule and 3,447 others. No. 27.— W. H. Rowe and 831 others. • No. 66.—0. S. Ellis and 1,902 others. No. 28.—M. Keppel and 114 others. No. 67.— E. J. Ferguson and 610 others. No. 29.—C. Bailey and 792 others. No. 68.— J. H. l,obb and 155 others. No. 30.—A. Johnston and 384 others. No. 69.—A. R. Poole and 1,799 others. No. 31.—1. R. Goldwater and 2,012 others. No. 70.— R. Powley and 1,612 others. No. 32.— W. A. Paterson and 743 others. No. 71.—C. Garliek and 411 others. No. 33,—P, T . Henley and 3,006 others. No. 72.—C. H. Knowles and 1,883 others.

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Schedule— continued. No. 73.— H. Daysh and 350 others. No. 121.—A. Butler and 39 others. No. 74.—A. Bray and 214 others. No. 122.- -Elizabeth Davidson and 44 others. No. 7.'.— E. D. Knapping and 739 others. No. 123.— H. Ward and 350 others. No. 88.— W. G. Nairn and 358 others. No. 124.— W. A. Bain and 13 others. No. 89. —C. L. Rose and 76 others. No. 125.— J. F. Sunnex and 70 others. No. 90.— N. J. Ellingham and 238 others. No. 126.— J. A. Hickey and 3 others. No. 91. —G. H. Armstrong and 33.1 others. No. 127. —J. Marsh and 23 others. No. 92.— W. I. Connor and 3,972 others. No. 135.—0. Walker and 8 others. No. 93.—A. R. Agnew and 192 others. No. 136. —G. Smart and 16 others. No. 102. —R. Ashby and 441 others. No. 137.— R. J. Agnew and 9 others. No. 103.—C. R. S. 'Martelli and 227 others. No. 144.—L. J. Shaw and 152 others. No. 104. —James Fisher and 122 others. No. 145. —T. C. Smith and 11 others. No. 112.— W. E. Thomas and 7 others. No. 146.— W. J. McCutcheon and 25 others. No. 113.—A. F. Liddell and 21 others. No. 150.— T. Burns and 420 others. No. 114.— E. A. Kirby and 42 others. No. 151.— W. C. Mooney and 34 others. No. 115.— R. G. Shaw and 43 others. No. 186. —W. Plowman and 1,199 others. No. 120.—Robert Leader and 1,893 others.

No. 175.—Petition of T. H. B. Styles, of Hastings. Praying for a certain readjustment of succession duty in respect of the estate of a deceased, person. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th September, 1922.

No. 183.—Petition of E. H. Porter, of Wellington. Praying for an increased retiring-allowance on retrenchment from the; Post and Telegraph Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred, to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th September, 1922.

No. 134. —Petition of Minnie Macdonald, of Wellington. Praying for a compassionate allowance in respect of the services of her late husband in the Lands and Survey Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 13th September, 1922.

No. 178. —Petition of J. L. Spenoe, of Ruakituri, Wairoa, and 11 Others. Praying for legislation defining the boundaries between the Gisborne Harbour Board District and the Wairoa Harbour Board District, so that petitioners remain in the former district. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th September, 1922.

No. 173. —Petition of John J. Meikle, of Auckland. Praying for further compensation for wrongful imprisonment. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should bo referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a suggestion that it should consider the granting to petitioner of a sum of £4 per week for the remainder of his life. 26th September, 1922.

No. 292. —Petition of James McGibbon, Jun., of Christchurch. Praying for compensation for injuries sustained in a Territorial camp. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 26th September, 1922.

No. 364/21. —Petition of S. C. K. McConnell, of Hanmer Springs Hospital. Praying for reinstatement in the.Public Service. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1922.

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No. 333.—Petition of James McCready, of Whakatane, and 18 Others. Praying that the western portion of the Borough of Whakatane lying to the west of Hinemoa Street be excluded from the said borough and be included in the County of Whakatane. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Department of Internal Affairs, to be dealt with under the procedure laid down by section 132 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1920. 26th September, 1922.

No. 176. —Petition of Elizabeth Madden, of Christchurch. Praying for a compassionate allowance or a pension equivalent to a widow's pension. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for immediate consideration. 28th September, 1922.

No. 2.—Petition of the Shannon Co-operative Cash Trading Society (Limited), of Shannon, and 57 Others. Praying for an inquiry into the Government's alleged liability in respect of a bankrupt caterer at Mangahao. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be, referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th September, 1922.

No. 286.—Petition of Archibald McCallum, of Dunedin. Praying that as a partially disabled soldier he may be given regular employment of a light nature. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for immediate favourable consideration. 28th September, 1922.

No. 132. —Petition of John W. Rgid, of Wellington. Praying for employment in the Public Service equivalent to his former position in the Crown Estates Department, Samoa, or for compensation. I am diiected to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1922.

No. 218.—Petition of George Toogood, of Wellington. Praying that he be paid certain moneys alleged to be due to him under a contract with 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 favourable consideration. The Committee is of opinion that, as there appears to have been a genuine misunderstanding between the petitioner and the Public Works Department as lo whether the price of the cement which is the subject-matter of the petition was gross or net, net with casks extra, or net casks free, the sum of £250 should be paid by the Department to petitioner in full settlement. 3rd October, 1922.

No. 225.—Petition of Martha I. McK.ee, of Wellington. Praying for an extension of the provisions of the Widows' Pension Act, or a compassionate allowance. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, the circumstances of the case being very exceptional. 4th October, 1922.

No. 337.—Petition of W. R. Newall, of Wellington, and 3,821 Others. Praying that the Government will prevent affiliation of this New Zealand Post and Telegraph Officers' Association with the Alliance of Labour. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th October, 1922.

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No. 239. —Petition of the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Officers' Association, of Wellington. Pbaying for an inquiry into the question of the affiliation of petitioning association with the Alliance of Labour. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, and that the evidence taken before the Committee be attached to the report. 4th October, 1922. (Evidence not printed.) No. 224. —Petition of Rdwin N. Souter, of Cambridge, and 2 Others. Praying for a refund, of legal expenses in connection with certain litigation. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should bfereferred to the Government for favourable consideration. 11th October, 1922.

No. 119.—Petition of E. J. Morris, of Wanganui, and 7 Others. Praying for a reduction in the price of certain workers' dwellings at Wanganui. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th October, 1922.

No. 297.--Petition of Alice Quinney, of Wellington. Praying for reinstatement in the Public Service or an adequate retiring-allowance. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 17th October, 1922.

No. 315.—Petition of David Stone, of Wellington." Praying for a refund of certain moneys from the Labour Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 19th October, 1922.

No. 351. —Petition of Judah Saunders, of Wellington. Praying that, as an ex-Imperial soldier, he may be granted a free passage back to England. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 19th October, 1922.

No. 317.—Petition of the Greymouth Borough Council, of Greymouth. Praying for a refund of one-half of the moneys expended by petitioners on protection-works against erosion of the Grey River. I am directed to report that, as, according to the opinion of expert engineers furnished to the Committee, the work performed by the Greymouth Borough Council appears to have been urgently necessary to prevent rapid erosion by flood of the Railway Reserve, through which the borough water pipe-lines are carried, and the Railway Department has benefited materially by the protection afforded by the work, the Committee is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 19th October, 1922.

No. 263.—Petition of John Owen, of Ohakune. Praying for compensation for an injury alleged to have been sustained by his daughter at a State school. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the, Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. The Committee suggests that the petitioner be granted a compassionate allowance, that arrangements should be made to give him an honourable discharge from the balance of his liability for hospital expenses, and that his daughter be commended to the sympathetic interest of the Education Department. 23rd October, 1922.

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No. 87.—Petition of J. H. Prescott, of Puketui, and 68 Others. Praying for the, construction of a road suitable for vehicular traffic between Tairua and the Town of Thames. 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, 1922.

No. 356. —Petition of Frederick Wilding, of Christchurch. Praying for a refund of certain income-tax payments. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd October, 1922. *

No. 226. -Petition of Harold .1. McNeil, of Auckland. Praying for the refund of the amount of a certain bail-bond given by him in respect of one Broadhurst I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a suggestion that the case is one in which a refund of a portion of the amount claimed might fairly be made. 28th October, 1922.

No. 228.—Petition of Maud M. Malcolm, of Wellington. Praying that she may be granted a compassionate allowance to enable her to properly bring up her family. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th October, 1922.

No. 213. —Petition of David Mason, of Wellington. Praying for reinstatement in the Public Service, or compensation. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th October, 1922.

No. 386. —Petition of Thomas Moody, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for injuries sustained while employed in the Government Printing Office, or for Government employment of a light nature. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1922.

No. 299. —Petition of John Scott Myers, of Marshland, Christchurch. Praying for the removal from, the records of the Supreme Court of New Zealand of a certain judgment pronounced by the late Mr. Justice Denniston, and for compensation. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th October, f922.

No. 378. —Petition of Elaine G. Osborn, of Christchurch. Praying for a compassionate allowance to enable her to support her children, her husband having deserted her. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1922.

No. 373.—Petition of T. H. Sprott, of Wellington, and 202 Others. Praying that certain land and effects in New Zealand the property of one Alfred Hill may be transferred to Sarah Hill, and for a, compassionate allowance for her. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th October, 1922.

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No. 227. —Petition of Arthur R. Sullivan, of Auckland, and 219 Others. Praying for the refund to Harold J. McNeil of £100 paid by him to the Public Account in respect of one Broadhurst. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be retcrred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a suggestion that the case is one in which a refund of a portion of the amount claimed might fairly be made. 28th October, 1922.

No. 377. —Petition of John Sweeney, of Auckland. Praying for a compassionate allowance to enable him to maintain himself, he being permanently disabled by illness contracted on board H.M. cable-ship " Iris." 1 am directed to report, that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration and inquiry. 28th October, 1922.

No. 241. —Petition of W. A. Waters, of Wellington. Praying for a grant of increments of pay alleged to have been withheld from him whilst petitioner was employed in the New Zealand Public Service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the. Government for consideration. 28th October, 1922.

No. 366. —Petition of Charles R. C. Robieson, of Wellington. Praying for reinstatement in the Public Service, or an increase of his superannuation, or compensation from the funds of the State Fire Office. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th October, 1922. (Debate on the question, " That the report do lie upon the, table, and, together with the petition, be referred to the Government for favourable consideration," interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment.'

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee desires to record its warm appreciation of the ability, courtesy, and tact displayed by the Chairman, Mr. J. McC. Dickson, in his conduct of the business of the Committee during the session ; and further desires that this resolution shall be recorded on the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. Jas. Craigie, Member of the Committee. 28th October, 1922.

Final Report. 1 have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members has held eighteen meetings during the session. The average attendance of members at each meeting has been six. The following table shows the disposal of the business which came before the Committee : — Number of petitions referred to the Committee, . . . . . . . . 131 Number of petitions dealt with . . . . .. . . .. 131 Number of reports presented to the House . . .. .. •.. 42 Number referred for favourable consideration . . .. . . .. 22 Number referred for consideration .. . . .. .. . . 7 Number referred for consideration and inquiry . . . . . . .. 1 Number referred for inquiry . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Number of petitions given " No recommendation " .. .. .. 10 Number of petitions referred to a Department . . . . . . . . 1 30! h October, 1.922.

Approximate Cost oj Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (450 copies), £0. 10s.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 922,

Price 6d.]