1.-6

2

BEPORTS.

No. 57.—Petition of Frank James Langford and 538 Others, of Runoiman. Praying for an inquiry into the question of closing the railway-station at Runciman and opening a central one between Runciman and Drury. 1 am directed to report that this Committee lias no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 13th June, 1916.

No. 100.—Petition of H. R. Thomason, of Wai-iti, Nelson. Praying for relief and for compensation for the loss of both legs as the result of a railway accident. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th June, 1916.

No. 24.—Petition of William Hodge, of I High Street, Christchurch. Praying: for the payment of wages alleged to be due to him by the Railway Department, and also for the compulsory refund of moneys alleged to be due to him by the Railway Employees' Sick Benefit Society. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 15th June, 1916.

No. 14.—Petition of James Moderate, of Cust. Praying for compensation for the loss of his house, destroyed by a fire alleged to have been caused by sparks from a locomotive. I am directed to report that, owing to the Committee having been informed of the decease of the petitioner, it lias no report to make, and requests leave be granted to withdraw the petition. 28th June, 1916.

No. 7.—Petition of Magnus Nioolson, of Auckland. Praying for additional and more adequate compensation for injuries received while in the employ of the Railway Department. I am directed to report that in I lie opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. The Committee expresses the hope that the Government will find petitioner suitable employment. 28th June, 1916.

No. 52 (1915).— Petition of Joseph F. Cain, of Rotoroa Island. Praying for compensation for stock alleged to have been seized by the Railway Department. I am directed to report that, at the request of the honourable member who presented the petition, the Committee recommends that leave be given to withdraw the petition. 19th July, 1916.

No. 16.—Petition of George Lee, of Templeton. Praying for compensation for the loss of buildings by a fire alleged to have been caused by a spark from a locomotive. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 27th July, 1916.

No. 140.—Petition of James McDouuall, of Petone, and 57 Others (also 30 other petitions of a similar nature, schedule of which is attached hereto). Praying for official recognition of the New Zealand Railway Tradesmen's Association. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. (Vide also Appendix 1.-6 a.) 2nd August, 1916.