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No. 295.—Petition of the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Officers' Association (Incorporated), of Wellington. Praying for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the transfer of C. E. Scott, which is alleged to have been done in an arbitrary manner. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee —(1) All serious allegations made against C. E. Scott-have been disproved; (2) communications from one Government Department to another should be sent through the Heads of each Department; (3) the unqualified right of transferring officers must remain with the Head of each Department; (4) no further inquiry is necessary. 26th October, 1917.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee desires to place on record its hearty appreciation of the efficient and courteous manner in which the Chairman (Mr. Dickie) has directed the business of the Committee during this session of Parliament, and further desires that this resolution shall be recorded on the minutes of the Committee and reported to the House. 27th October, 1917.

Final Report. I am directed to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members, has during this session held twenty meetings, the average attendance at each meeting being just under seven. The following table shows the disposal of the business that came before the Committee :— Number of petitions referred to the Committee ... ... ... 54 Number of petitions dealt with ... ... ... ... ... 52 Number of reports presented to the House '. .. ... ... ... 52 Number referred for immediate and most favourable consideration .'.. 1 Number referred for immediate and very favourable consideration ... 1 Number referred for favourable consideration ... ... ... 23 Number referred for further consideration and inquiry ... ... 1 Number referred for consideration ... ... ... ... ... 7 Number given "No recommendation" ... .... ... ... 18 Number referred to another Committee ... ... ... ... 1 Number held over by request ... ... ... ... ... 2 27th October, 1917.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (G5O copies), £_.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington. —1917.

Price 6d.]