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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1924 Session I, I-01

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1924. 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 House of Representatives. Thursday, the 17th Day of July, 1924. Ordered, " That a Select Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to consider all petitions from A to L that may bo 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 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 s the Committee to consist of Mr. Bartram, Mr. Bitchener, Mr. Burnett, Mr. Harris, Mr. Lye, Mr. Munro, Mr. Ransom, Mr. J. C. Rolleston, Mr. Wright, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Parr.) Wednesday, the 24th Day of September, 1924. Ordered. " That the petition of D. Dickie and. others be referred back to the Public Petitions A to L Committee for further consideration."—(Mr. de la Perrelle.) Ordered, " That the petition of J. Crawford and others be referred hack to the Public Petitions A. to L Committee for further consideration." —(Mr. Sidey.)

INDEX.

No. Petitioner. Page. No. Petitioner. Page. 151 135 30 125 UO Anderson, E. P., and 24 others Armstrong, H. T., and 24 others Ash by, James, and 23 others.. Atkinson, Ernest Auckland and Suburban Drainage Board and 38 others 5 5 5 3 8 Hid 33 40 35 90 170 363 389 2ti 190 319 3 Caskie, J., and 25 others Chalmers, John Howe Collins, Katharine Collis, Kate Cooper, William Saunderson Cornwell, F. D., and 24 others Coupor, William Alexander Xavia Cowling, Francis B... Crawford, James, and 9 others Creamer, Edward George Cromer, R. W., and 90 others Crump, Colin Campbell 5 5 4 4 (i 5 (i 7 5, 8 4 5 3 58 70/23 121 354 380 41 79 1 38 142 392 2 52 118 95 341 Baigent, Henry, and 24 others Baker, George Thomas Barr, J., and 22 others Bates, Joseph William Bath, Charles Long Baxter, W. G., and 19 others Blackburne, Harold Sewallis Bogle, V. A., and 107 others Booth and Co. (London), Limited Booth and Oo. (London), Limited Boustridgc, F. F., and 122 others Bowden, Emma Braithwaitc, A. J., and 24 others Brydon, Raohael Mary Bunz, A. J., and 24 others Burton, Mabel 5 2 5 6 7 5 7 5 3 3 7 4 5 3 5 6 325 264 4 194 161 98 414 83 129 Dalziell, Frederick George Densem, George Dow, Marie Florence Dickie, David, and 697 others Dive, B., and 24 others Dixon Investment Company (Limited) Douglas, James Duncan, Thomas Steele Dunlop, N. F., and 24 others.. (! (i 3 5, 7 5 3 7 4 5 180/23 366 Caldwell, Thomas, and 2 others Cameron, Isabel 2 7 39 255 364 Elliott, William James Esther, Robert Thompson 15 vans, Walter Eranois 4 7 0

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INDEX— continued.

REPORTS, No. 76/23. —Petition of George Thomas Baker, of Brooklyn. Praying that ho should be reimbursed for the money lie expended on medical assistance for his wife, whose illness and subsequent death are alleged to have been due to the insanitary condition of the police quarters he occupied at Foatherston. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that, at the request of petitioner, leave be given for petition to be withdrawn. ' 20th August, 1924.

No. 167/23. —Petition of Thomas Arthur Glenny, of Waipukurau. Praying for refund of amount of stamp duty paid in error on a memorandum of transfer. I am directed to report that in tins opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 20th August, 1924.

No. 180/23. —Petition of Thomas CALDWELt and 2 Others, of Gisborne. Praying for legislation to be introduced whereby the petitioners may be permitted to reduce mortgages without gift duty being charged. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th August, 1924.

No. 162/23.—Petition of William Hamilton and 118 Others, of Milton. Praying for removal of restrictions at present in force in regard to netting fish in the Tokomairiro Eiver. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th August, 1924,

No. 201/23. —Petition of Alfred Craig Ferguson, of Lower Hutt. Praying for a grant to cover law-costs incurred by him in securing the acquittal of his son, who was tried for arson. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th August, 1921.

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! _ No. Petitioner. Page. No. i Petitioner. Page. 318 201/23 314 320 289 Fairs, N. C, and 89 others .. Ferguson, Alfred Craig Final Report Forrest, William Forsyth, Thomas, and 99 others Franklin, J., and 97 others .. 6 2 8 6 5 5 85 84 201 160/23 Lester, W. T., and 23 others . . Lind, Annie Lovelock, Henrietta Bella Lowe, Levi, and 14 others 5 4 .. i 7 4 66 Morton, A., and 24 others 5 49 167/23 188 29 76 137 182 Giles, Thomas Harle Glenny, Thomas Arthur Glessing, J., and 24 others Goodwin, J. J., and 24 others Green, D. J., and 24 others .. Groombridge, F., and 24 others Gunson, James H., and 207 others 4 2 5 5 5 5 5 191 61 138 200 159 80 Provan, R. F., and 74 others. . Roberts, John, and 244 others Rooke, R., and 24 others Rowland, W. A., and 25 others Royds, J. J., and 149 others .. Ryder, H. A., and 24 others .. 5 5 5 5 5 5 162/23 358 32 94 123 75 Hamilton, William, and 118 others Harper, Robert Robinson Harris, Robert William Hebden, J. R., and 24 others Hill, Henry Ewart Horn blow, R. E., and 24 others 2 6 3 5 5 5 336 189 153 Schofield, R. W., and 94 others Sloane, H. B., and 25 others . . Smith, Joseph, and 32 others Special Report (re Chairman) Stowe, W. B., and 123 others Stuckey, R. J., and 24 others 5 5 . . j 5 8 5 5 158 103 120 172 Jenkin, R., and 24 others Just, E. U., and 24 others 5 5 195 Traill, E. A., and 23 others .. 5 187 27 53 Keast, A., and 25 others Kemp, Frederick William Knight, H., and 24 others 5 3 5 42 104 122 Walsh, Michael, and 25 others Westwood, W. J., and 24 others Wildish, G. T., and 26 others 5 . . 5 5

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No. 3. —Petition of Colin Campbell Crump, of Khardnllah. Praying for remission of land-tax on land at Kawau Island, which has been claimed from him as mortgagee. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, 20th August, 1924.

No. 4.—Petition of Mapie Florence Dew, of Wellington. Praying for a compassionate allowance in recognition of the services of her deceased husband, formerly an Inspector in the Police Force of New Zealand. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with the suggestion that a further grant of six months' salary (making a total of twelve months' salary) be paid to petitioner as a compassionate allowance. 20th August, 1924.

No. 32. Petition of Robert William Harris, of Taranaki. Praying for refund of stamp duty paid on an agreement to mortgage which was subsequently annulled. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th August, 1924.

No. 38. —Petition of Booth and Co. (London), Limited. Praying for a refund of excess income-tax paid in error for the year 1918. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 20th August, 1924.

No. 142. —Petition of Booth and Co. (London), Limited. Praying for a rebate of income-tax alleged to have been paid on an incorrect assessment. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 20th August, 1924.

No. 98. —Petition of Dixon Investment Company (Limited), (per Levin and Co. (Limited), of Wellington, as the Attorney of the said Dixon Investment Company (Limited)). Praying for inquiry into the alleged incorrect assessment of trading-license fee, and for return to them of the excess rate collected. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 20th August, 1924.

No. 125. —Petition of Ernest Atkinson, of Dunedin. Prayinu that a further allowance of £400 be, granted to him as compensation for the accident which was the cause of his retirement from the Lands Department three years before his time. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration ; and the. Committee desires to call the attention of the Government to the fact that, although petitioner received a comjiassionate allowance of £100 as the result of a petition in the session of 1921, his medical expenses owing to the accident amounted to £200. 20th August, 1924.

No. 27. —Petition of Frederick William Kemp, of Hamilton. Praying for refund of stamp duty paid on an option to purchase land, which option expired before completion of the transaction. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 20th August, 1924.

No. 118.—Petition of Kachael Mary Brydon, of Blenheim. Praying that she may be granted the widow's pension without deductions. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 9th September, 1924.

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No. 39. —Petition of William James Elliott, of Auckland. Praying for a refund, of Post Office Savings-bank deposit alleged to have been withdrawn by forged orders. I am report that in|the opinion of the Committee, although petitioner has no legal claim, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, with the suggestion that half the amount claimed, be paid to petitioner. 9th September, 1924.

No. 83. —Petition of Thomas Steele Duncan, of Tauranga. Praying for compensation for alleged wrongful arrest by the police on a charge of false pretences. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, as the Committee think some compensation should be paid to petitioner notwithstanding that his claims are exaggerated. 16th September, 1924.

No. 160/23.—Petition of Levi Lowe and 14 Others. Praying that certain specified areas be relieved from liability to be rated under the Electric-power Boards Act. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th September, 1924.

No. 2. —Petition of Emma Bowden, of Kaiwarawara. PrAj'ing for a compassionate allowance in addition to the old-age pension which she now receives. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th September, 1924.

No. 35. —Petition of Kate Collls, of Auckland. Praying for a compassionate allowance in recognition of the services performed by her deceased father while he was employed in the New Zealand Police Force. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. -16th September, 1924.

No. 84. —Petition of Annie Lind, of Dunedin. Praying for a new trial of her husband's casts, as fresh evidence can be adduced. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee petitioner has not exhausted her legal remedies, and therefore it has no recommendation to make. 16th September, 1924.

No. 49. —Petition of Thomas Harle Giles, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for Joss of appointment as Conciliation Commissioner of the Northern and Taranaki Industrial Districts of New Zealand. I am directed to report that in this opinion of the Committee this petition should be, referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 17th September, 1924.

No. 190. —Petition of Edward George Creamer, of Auckland. Praying for refund of stamp duty paid on agreement to purchase land, which agreement was subsequently cancelled. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, as the Committee consider this is a case of real hardship, and suggest that an immediate refund be made. 17th September, 1924.

No. 4-o.—Petition of Katherine Collins, of Christchurch. Praying for a compassionate grant in consideration of the circumstances attending the death of her husband, formerly an employee of the Post and Telegraph Department. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th September, 1924,

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No. I.—Petition of V. A. Bogle, of Wanganui. (and 7 similar Petitions, as per Schedule attached). Praying that there be no extension of the gambling facilities by legislative enactment. 1 am directed to report that, as in the opinion of the Committee a matter of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th September, 1924. Schedule. No. 61. —John Roberts and 244 others. No. 182. —James H. Gunson and 207 others. No. 153.—Joseph Smith and 32 others. No. 191. —R. ¥. Provan and 74 others. No. 158.— W. B. Stowe and 123 others. No. 320.- —Thomas Forsyth and 99 others. No. 159.-J. J. Royds and 149 others.

No. 29.—Petition of J. J. Goodwin, of Hawera (and 32 similar Petitions, as per Schedule attached) Praying for amendment of the Gaming Act, 1920, in the direction of licensing bookmakers. I am directed to report that, as in the opinion of the Committee a matter of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th September 1924. Schedule. No. 30. —James Ashhy and 23 others. No. 121. —J. Barr and 22 others. No. 41.— W. G. Baxter and 19 others. No. 122.— G. T. Wildish and 26 others. No. 42.---Michael Walsh and 25 others. No. 129.— N. F. Hunlop and 24 others. No. 52.—A. J, Braithwaite and 24 others. No. 135. —H. T. Armstrong and 24 others. No. 53. —Henry Knight and 24 others. No. 137.— F. Groom bridge and 24 others. No. 58.—Henry Baigent and 24 others. No. 138. —R. Rooke and 24 others. No. 66.—A. Morton and 24 others. No. 151.— E. F. Anderson and 24 others. No. 75.— R. E. Hornblow and 24 others. No. 170.— F. 1). Cornwell and 24 others. No. 76.—P. J. Green and 24 others. No. 172.— E. U. Just and 24 others. No. 80. —H. A. Ryder and 24 others. No. 160.— J. Caskie and 25 others. No. 85.— W. T. Lester and 23 others. No. 161.— 8. Dive and 24 others. No. 94.— J. R. Hebden and 24 others. No. 187.— A. Keast and 25 others. No. 95.—A. J. Bunz and 24 others. No. 188.— J. Olessing and 24 others. No. 103.— R. J. Stuckey and 24 others. No. 189.— H. B. Sloane and 25 others. No. 104.— W. J. Westwood and 24 others. No. 195— E. A. Trail and 23 others. No. 120. —R. Jenkin and 24 others. No. 200.— W. A. Rowland and 25 others.

No. 194. —Petition of David Dickie and 697 Others, of Southland. Praying for payment of increased subsidy on rates collected in the Southland County. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee a matter of policy is involved, and it therefore has no recommendation to make. 24th September, 1924. (Referred back to the Committee for further consideration.)

No. 33.—Petition of John Howe Chalmers, of Balfour (Southland). Praying for compensation for monetary losses incurred by the beneficiaries in his deceased wife's estate, through the alleged forced sale of her interest in a Crown lease. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th September, 1924,

No. 26. —Petition of James Crawford and 9 Others, of Dunedin. Praying for a reduction in the capital value of the workers' dwellings occupied by them. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th September, 1924, (Referred back to the Committee for further consideration.)

No. 289, Petition of J. Franklin and 97 Others ; No. 318, Petition of N. C. Fairs and 89 Others; No. 319, Petition of R. W. Cremer and 90 Others; and No. 336, Petition of R. W. Schofibld and 94 Others : all of Whakatane. Praying for the construction of a branch railway connecting the Main Trunk East Coast Railway with Whakatane. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist October, 1924,

No. J23. —Petition of Henry Ewart Hill, of Gisborne. Praying for compensation owing to compulsory retirement from office as Registrar of Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Electors. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th October, 1924.

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No. 264. —Petition of George Densem, of Hamilton. Praying for a compassionate allowance for injuries received, in a motor accident at Hamilton. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, 14th October, 1924.

No. 325. —Petition of Frederick George Dalzibll, of Wellington. Praying for inquiry by a competent tribunal into the suggestion that nature is an organized kingdom, perfectly controlled both for good and evil in an order so simple and obvious that every one may see and test it in the practical operation of his daily life: upon the grounds (I.) that in this view the troubles of the world may be seen to arise from a lack of loyalty to this kingdom, anil (2) that this view is easily tested, because proof of one fact of life inconsistent with it will condemn it. I. am directed to report that the Committee, while recognizing the ethical value of the petitioner's ideals, is, however, of the opinion that the petitioner's objects can best be attained, by the education of public opinion ; therefore the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th October, 1924.

No. 314.- —Petition of William Forrest, of Auckland. Praying for compensation alleged to bo due to him on surrender of the contract for construction of the Okahukura Tunnel. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th October, 1924.

No. 90.—Petition of William Saunderson Cooper, of Wellington. PRAYING for reinstatement in the Public Service of New Zealand, or for adequate compensation in lieu thereof. 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, 1924

No. 354. —Petition of Joseph William Bates, of Hawke's Bay. Praying for release from arrears of income-tax accrued on property of which he is the mortgagee. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1924, No. 364. —Petition of Walter Francis Evans, of Temuka. PRAYING for exemption from payment of land-tax which is now charged to him as a result of the bankruptcy of the previous owner of the, freehold. 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, 1924.

No. 363. —Petition of William Alexander X. Couper, of Havelock North. Praying for a refund of stamp duty paid on a conveyance of title to certain interests in Te Wharau and Kohinurakau Blocks. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th October, 1924.

No. 341.—Petition of Mabel Burton, of Dunedin. Praying for a compassionate allowance in recognition of the services of her husband, who was at the time of his death employed in the Lands and Survey Department. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th October, 1924,

No. 358.—Petition of Robert Robinson Harper, of Dunedin. Praying for a refund of stamp duty paid on an agreement of sale which was subsequently cancelled. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the. Government for favourable consideration. 3rd November, 1924.

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No. 194. —Petition of Davtd Dickie and 697 Others, of Southland. (Second Report.) Praying for increased subsidy on rates collected in the Southland County. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee a matter of policy is involved, and therefore it has no recommendation to make. 3rd November, 1924.

No. 392.—Petition of F. F. Boustridge and 122 Others, of Brunner. Praying for legislation to abolish the present Borough of Brunner and to have said borough merged in the Grey County Council. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and. that a poll of the electors should be taken to decide the issue in dispute. 3rd November, 1924.

No. 380. —Petition of Charles Long Bath, of Feilding. Praying for compensation in connection with two sections of land at Featherston which were taken by the Crown under statutory provision. .1. am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd November, 1924.

No. 255. —Petition of Robert Thompson Esther, of Hawke's Bay. Praying for inquiry into his claim to a superannuation allowance from the National Provident Fund Board. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th November, 1924.

No. 79. —Petition of Harold Sewallis Blackburne, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for services rendered to the Government while he was employed in the Marine Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th November, 1924.

No. 201. —Petition of Henrietta Bella Lovelock, of Palmerston North. Praying for an inquiry into the conditions of sale of farming-land on the, Oroua River which she purchased under alleged misrepresentation. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that petitioner has not exhausted her legal remedies, and therefore has no recommendation to make. 6th November, f924.

No. 389. —Petition of Francis B. Cowling, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for expenses incurred, and for mental and physical suffering experienced, through alleged wrongful arrest ; or, alternatively, for the appointment of a Royal Commission to investigate the matter, the said Commission to be empowered to award compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, 6th November, 1924.

No. 366. —Petition of Isabel Cameron, of Wellington. Praying- for the repeal of section 44 of the Property Law Act, 1908. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th November, 1924.

No. 414. —Petition of James Douglas, of Wellington. Praying for a compassionate allowance in addition to the old-age pension which he now receives. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 6th November, 1924.

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No. 110. —Petition of Auckland and Suburban Drainage Board and 38 Others. Praying that the road giving access to Orakoi Native Settlement be formed without delay. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee, as this road will require to be made, this petition should be referred to the Government. 6th November, 1924. (Debate on question, That the report do lie upon the table, interrupted by 5.30 p.m. adjournment.)

No. 26. —Petition of James Crawford and 9 Others, of Dunedin. (Second Report.) Praying for a reduction in the capital value of the workers' dwellings occupied by them. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration ; and the Committee would suggest that it may be possible, without prejudice, to extend the time for repayment of capital value. 6th November, 1924,

Special Report. The Committee desires to place on record its high appreciation of the capable and impartial manner in which the Chairman, Mr. Wright, has presided over its deliberations during the session. J. W. Munro, 6th November, 1924. Member of the Committee.

Final Report. The Public Petitions A to L Committee, consisting of ten members, held twenty-one meetings during the session, with an average attendance at each meeting of seven members. Ninety-live petitions were referred to the Committee, and ninety petitions were dealt with as under : — Referred to the Government for favourable consideration .. .. 15 Referred to the Government for consideration .. .. .. ..15 Referred to the Government .. .. . • • . ■ • .. 1 Petitions on which Committee made no recommendation .. . . 58 Petition withdrawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 90 Held over until next session .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 95 6th November, 1924.

Approximate Coat of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (475 copies), £0 17a. Oct.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer. Wellington.—lß24.

Price 6d.]