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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1926 Session I, I-02

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1926. 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 he printed.

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Wednesday, the 30th Day of June, 1926. Ordered, " That all petitions not finally dealt with during the session of 1925 be again referred to the same Committees as they were referred to during the said session." —(Right Hon. Mr. Coates.) Thursday, the Ist Day of July, 1926. 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. Bell, Mr. Bellringer, the Hon. Mr. Buddo, Mr. J. MeC. Dickson, Mr. McKeen, Mr. Samuel, Mr. Savage, Mr. Seddon, Mr. Tapley, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Bollard.) Friday, the 23kd Day of July, 1926. Ordered, " That the petition of Mary McGregor be referred direct to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee."— (Mr. Hockly.) Thursday, the 29th Day of July, 1926. Ordered, " That the petition of Sydney Tovey be referred direct to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee."— (Mr. Fraser.) Tuesday, the 3rd Day of August, 1926. Ordered, " That the petition of J. Mitchell be referred direct- to the Public Petitions Mto Z Committee."— (Mr. J. S. Dickson.) Ordered, " That the petition of Eveline Margaret Molloy be referred direct to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee." —(Mr. J. S. Dickson.) Wednesday, the 11th Day of August, 1926. Ordered, " That the name of Mr. McKeen be deleted from the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, and that the name of Mr. McCombs be substituted therefor." —(Hon. Mr. Bollard.) Thursday, the 12th Day of August, 1926. Ordered, " That the petition of the Woolston Tanneries (Limited), be referred direct to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee."—(Mr. McCombs.) Friday, the 20th Day of August, 1926. Ordered, " That the petition of S. J. Clegg and others be referred direct to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee." —(Hon. Mr. Hawken.) Monday, the 23rd Day of August, 1926. Ordered, " That the petition of the Wanganui Trotting Club be referred direct to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee."—(Mr. Veitch.) Ordered, " That the petition of Elizabeth L. McKinna and another be referred direct to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee." —(Hon. Mr. Anderson.) Monday, the 6th Day of September, 1926. Ordered, " That the petition of Hene Toko be referred direct to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee."— (Hon. Mr. Ngata.) Ordered, " That the petition of W. Standish be referred direct to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee."— (Mr. J. S. Dickson.) Tuesday, the 7th Day of September, 1926. Ordered, " That the petition of L. C. Williamson and others be referred direct to the Public Petitions M to Committee." —(Mr. Fraser.)

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INDEX.

REPORTS. No. 251/25. —Petition of Woodville County Council, of Woodville. Praying for payment of balance of subsidy on rates collected for year ended 31st March, 1923. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st July, 1926.

Nos. 271/25, 15/26. —Petitions of the Staff of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind, of Auckland (two Petitions). Praying that they may be admitted as contributors to the Teachers' Superannuation Fund or the Public Service Superannuation Fund. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petitions be referred to the Education Committee to deal with. 21st July, 1926.

No. 39.—-Petition of J. C. McLellan, of Christ-church. Praying for an inquiry into the circumstances of his arrest on an unwarranted charge, and for. such compensation as may be deemed adequate. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 21st July, 1926.

No. 51. —Petition of John Foster Smith, of. Hastings. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of injuries received in a railway accident at Piripiri. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a recommendation that petitioner be granted a compassionate allowance equal to the amount of the old-age pension for a period of two years. 21st July, 1926.

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I No. | Petitioner. Page. I . . . 254 Clegg, S. 161 others .. .. 5 Final Report .. .. ., 7 "l5/->6J J u^i'ee Institute for the Blind (Staff of) 2 247 Lloyd, J. if. vx., and 12 others . . 0 97 Manson, G. E., and 3,072 others .. 4 75 Marlborough Racing Club .. .. 3 270/25 Meikle, J. J. .. .. .. 3 101 Mitchell, John .. .. .. 5 102 Molloy, E. M. .. .. .. 5 82 McGregor, Mary .. .. .. 4 268/25 Mcintosh, W. .. .. .. 3 257 McKinna, Elizabeth L. .. .. 6 39 McLellan, J. C. .. .. .. 2 249 McMillan, A., and 19 others .. .. 6 240 McRae, A., and 65 others .. .. 6 95 O'Halloran, G., and 370 others .. 4 26 Parkinson, T., and 125 others .. 3 248 Petty, P. H., and 7 others .. .. 6 83 Phillips, Alice J. .. .. 4 35 Pilling, Mary .. .. .. 3

No. Petitioner. Page. 212 Roberts, Dr. C. R. S. .. .. 5 98 Rothery, Henry, and 2,282 others .. 4 47 Ryan, John .. .. .. 4 154 Shadbolt, C. W. .. .. 6 63 Sharman, Juliet W. .. .. 5 51 Smith, Jphn Foster .. .. 2 Special Roport (re Chairman) i. .. 7 Special Report (re Clerk) ' .. .1 7 250/25 Stevenson, Edward .. .. 3 89 Teale, J. W., and 196 others .. 4 46 Thompson, J. H. .. .. 3 261 Thomson, William .. .. .. 6 23 Timaru Trotting Club .. .. 3 86 Tosland, J. S., and 161 others .. 5 99 Tovey, Sydney .. - .. 5 53 Turnbull, James .. .. .. 4 88 Wairarapa South County Council .. 6 251 Waitara Borough Council .. .. 7 45 Walding, Alice .. .. .. 3 258 Wanganui Trotting Club .. .. 6 155 West, J. M., and 27 other's .. .. 5 62 Willis, H. R. .. .. .. 4 251/25 Woodville County Council .. .. 2 235 Woolston Tanneries (Limited) .. 6

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No. 268/25. —Petition of W. Mclntosh, of Herbertville. Praying for reinstatement in the Public Service owing to his resignation having been tendered under pressure. I am directed to report that'the Committee has no recommendation to make on the above petition. 30th July, 1926.

No. 23. —Petition of Timaru Trotting Club, of Timaru. Praying for a refund of £69 17s. Bd. penalty inflicted on account of late payment of fees. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th July, 1926.

No. 26. —Petition of T. Parkinson and 125 Others, of Tauranga. Praying that the Valuation of Land Act, 1908, may be amended to give relief to farming lands in urban areas. 1 am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a view of giving effect to the remit of the conference of municipal delegates held in Dunedin in February, 1926. 30th July, 1926.

No. 35. —Petition of Mary Pilling, of Waihi. Praying for the protection of the Crown against the loss of her estate through the action of her late agent. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 30th July, 1926.

No. 46. —Petition of J. H. Thompson, of Mangaweka. Praying for a refund of £31 stamp duty paid twice on the purchase of the same farm. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 30th July, 1926.

No. 75.—Petition of Marlborough Pacing Club, of Blenheim. Praying for remission of penal clause on account of late payment of fees. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th July, 1926.

250/25. —Petition of Eiiward Stevenson, of Auckland. Praying for compensation and inquiry into prosecution of petitioner by the Labour Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th August, 1926.

270/25. —Petition of J. J. Meikle, of Auckland. Praying for further compensation for alleged wrongful imprisonment. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. ■. 12th August, 1926.

No. 45. —Petition of Alice Walding, of Auckland. Praying for the cancellation of the order committing her daughter, Florence Mary Walding, to a receiving-home. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration and inquiry. 12th August, 1926.

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No. 47.—Petition of John Ryan, of Westport. Praying for a compassionate allowance for long service with the Westport Harbour Board as engine-driver. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 12th August, 1926.

No. 53.—Petition of James Turnbull, of Spreydon. Praying that he may receive the same compensation (after forty-two years' service) as that paid to old Civil servants who did not join the Superannuation Fund. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 12th August, 1926.

No. 62. —Petition of H. R. Willis, of Auckland. . Praying for the cancellation of an order taking away the guardianship of his child from him. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th August, 1926.

No. 82. —Petition of Mary McGregor, of Gordonton. Praying for a remission of the balance claimed as stamp duty on the estate of her late husband. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 12th August, 1926.

No. 83.—Petition of Alice J. Phillips, of Wanganui. Praying for relief on account of forfeited recognizance. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 12th August, 1926.

No. 89. —Petition of J. W. Teale and 196 Others, of Manawatu District. Praying for the abolition of the Manawatu-Oroua River District. I am directed to report that, as the prayer of the petition can be given effect to only by the passing of a local Bill, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th August, 1926.

No. 95.—Petition of G. O'Halloran and 370 Others, of Auckland. Praying that legislation be enacted to make waterworks lands rateable in accordance with the Rating Act, 1908. I am directed to report that, as it is a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th August, 1926.

No. 97.—Petition of G. E. Manson and 3,072 Others; and No. 98.—Petition of Henry Rothery and 2,282 Others, of the King-country. Praying for the introduction of legislation granting the inhabitants of the King-country the right to vote on the subject of license or no-license. I am directed to report that, as this is a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th August, 1926.

No. 98.—Petition of Henry Rothery and 2,282 Others. (See under J. 6. Manson and 3,072 Others.)

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No. 102.—Petition of E. M. Molloy, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for loss of hearing and general health owing to the arduous nature of her work in the Post and Telegraph Department. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th August, 1926.

No. 155. —Petition of J. M. West and 27 Others, of Glen Eden. Praying that legislation be enacted to make waterworks lands rateable in accordance with the Rating Act, 1908. I am directed to report that, as it is a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 12th August, 1926.

No. 63.—Petition of Juliet W. Sharman, of Auckland. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of the long service of her late husband, Dr. E. W. Sharman. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 18th August, 1926.

No. 86. —Petition of J. S. Tosland, and 161 Others, of Opunake District. Praying that the borrowing-powers of the Opunake Harbour Board be curtailed. I am directed to report that, as the matter is being dealt with by Cabinet and is almost entirely a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th August, 1926.

No. 101. —Petition of John Mitchell, of Auckland. Praying for payment of balance of architect's fees on account of the Seddon Memorial Technical College. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a suggestion that the claim should be settled on the basis of architects' current charges. 18th August, 1926.

No. 99.—Petition of Sydney Tovey, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for neglect of medical treatment of injuries received while on active service. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a recommendation that he receive a lump sum, to be fixed by the Government. 26th August, 1926.

No. 212.—Petition of Dr. C. R. S. Roberts, of Oamaru. Praying for reinstatement in the service of the Mental Hospitals Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, but wishes to express its disapproval of the manner in which the petitioner's services were dispensed with. 26th August, 1926.

No. 254.—Petition of S. J. Clegg and 161 Others, of Opunake County. Praying that the Government give the Opunake Harbour Board every facility to erect a workable harbour at Opunake. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th August, 1926.

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No. 88.—Petition of Wairarafa South County Council. Praying for power to borrow sufficient money to pay for certain land taken, and legal expenses thereon. I am directed to report that, the matter having been dealt with in the Local Legislation Bill, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist September, 1926.

No. 154. —Petition of C. W. Shadbolt, of Auckland. Praying for an inquiry into the conduct of certain legal action, and for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist September, 1926.

No. 235. —Petition of Woolston Tanneries (Limited), of Christchurch. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of losses incurred through complying with certain requests of the Board of Trade. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ist September, 1926.

No. 240. —Petition of A. Mcßae and 65 Others, of Hamilton. Praying that additional licenses under the Licensing Act, 1908, be allotted to the Borough of Hamilton. I am directed to report that, as it is a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation, to make. Ist September, 1926.

No. 247, Petition of J. H. G. Lloyd and 12 Others ; No. 248, Petition of P. H. Petty and 7 Others ; No. 249, Petition of A. McMillan and 19 Others; all of the King-country. Praying that the inhabitants of the King-country be allowed to vote on the question of license or no-license. I am directed to report that, as it is a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist September, 1926.

No. 248. —Petition of P. H. Petty and 7 Others. (See under J. H. G. Lloyd and 12 Others.)

No. 249. —Petition of A. McMillan and 19 Others. (See under J. H. G. Lloyd and 12 Others.)

No. 257. —Petition of Elizabeth L. McKinna, of Gore. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of injuries caused by ex-Constable A. H. Dusting. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ist September, 1926.

No. 258. —Petition of the Wanganui Trotting Club, of Wanganui. Praying for remission of penalty duty on amount owing as result of non-payment of taxes due on their meeting in 1925. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ist September, 1926.

No. 261.—Petition of William Thomson, of Waitoa. Praying that lie be paid the surplus proceeds of sale of his farm by the Public Trustee. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist September, 1926.

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No. 251.—Petition of the Waitara Borough Council, of Waitara. Praying for a compassionate allowance towards the expenses of the Licensing Committee. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration and inquiry. 7th September, 1926.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee desires to express its sincere appreciation of the able manner in which its Chairman, Mr. J. McC. Dickson, has presided over and conducted the business brought before the Committee during the session. His courteous and tactful manner in dealing with members and witnesses, and his knowledge of procedure, has helped the Committee to arrive at its conclusions in an impartial manner ; and it is desired that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of this meeting and reported to the House. C. E. Bellringer, 7th September, 1926. Member of the Committee.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee desires to record its sincere appreciation of the able manner in which the Clerk, Mr. R. H. Williams, has carried out his duties during the session, and, further, that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. 7th September, 1926.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members, held thirteen meetings during the session ; the average attendance of members at each meeting was six. The following table shows the disposal of the business which came before the Committee : — Petitions referred to the Committee .. .. .. .. 49 Petitions dealt with .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 45 Reports presented to the House .. .. .. .. .. 41 Petitions referred for favourable consideration ... .. .. 16 Petitions referred for consideration .. .. .. .. 7 Petitions given no recommendation .. .. .. .. 18 Petitions referred to other Committees .. .. .. .. 4 Petitions held over until next session .. .. .. ~ 4 7th September, 1926.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (525 copies), £8 17s. 6d.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 926,

Price 6d.~\

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