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No. 309.—Petition of S. Mortleman and 88 Others, of Rakauroa and Matawai. Praying that the section, of the Gisbome-Motu line between Otoko and Rakauroa be opened for the carriage of passengers, and that an additional locomotive be placed on the line for ballasting and carrying heavier freights. I am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. 22nd October, 1912.

No. 296.—Petition of William Pettie and 52 Others, of Gisborne. Praying that the Government may, in a material way, recognize the great services rendered by Mrs. Lee, nee Miss Mary Collins, commonly called " the Taranaki heroine." I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 24th October, 1912.

No. 354.—Petition of Charles Rout and 82 Others, Civil Servants, of Wellington. Praying that a clause be inserted in the Public Service and Superannuation Bill making it legal for a Civil servant who has served fifteen years and who is compulsorily retired under the provisions of the Public Service Act, 1912. without any fault of his own, to draw his superannuation, allowance computed for fifteen years or more. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th October, 1912.

No. 74. —Petition of James O'Brien, of Ngahere, Westland. Praying for compensation for damage to land at Ngahere caused through the building of an embankment with no culverts through it, whereby petitioner's land was prevented from being drained and was continually flooded. 1 am directed to report that the Committee, on the evidence placed before it, is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for further inquiry. 29th October, 1912.

No. 362. —Petition of P. J. Murphy and 29 Others, of Heretaunga Riding, Hawke's Bay. Praying that the Government pass legislation to enable the Hawke's Bay County Council to charge the Pakowhai special rate to the County Fund Account. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, as the Council is favourable to this being done, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1912.

No. 385. —Petition of Simon Ryan, of Wanganui. Praying for a compassionate allowance for military services rendered. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th November, 1912.

No. 375—Petition of A. Marshall and 6 Others ; No. 376—Petition of W. Young and 23 Others and No. 377 —Petition of A. Davidson and 15 Others. Praying for the survey and early completion of the Gore-Hedgehope Railway from its present terminus to some place on the Main Trunk line near Gore. 1 am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petitions. 4th November, 1912.

No. 385.—Petition of T. R. Tyerman and 69 Others, of Motu and Surrounding Districts, East Coast, North Island. Praying for the early completion of the Gisborne-Motu Railway. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th November. 1912.