7

I.—2.

No. 359.—Petition of J. G. Wilson and 10 Others, of Bull's. Praying for a deviation of the Main Trunk Railway from near Levin to near Greatford. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, and that, in view of the contemplated alterations in the railway system at Palmerston North, the prayer of the petition should receive early attention. Ist November, 1920. (Debate on the question to refer back to Committee for further consideration interrupted by 5.30 p.m. adjournment.)

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee desires to record its high appreciation of the great care, ability, and courtesy with which the Chairman, Mr. J. McC. Dickson, has conducted the business of the Committee throughout the session. It further desires that this resolution shall be recorded in the minutes of the Committee, and be reported to the House. James Craigie, 2nd November, 1920. Member of the Committee.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members, has during the session held sixteen, meetings, the average attendance at each meeting being seven. The following table shows the disposal of the business which came before the Committee : there are no arrears:— Petitions referred to the Committee ... ... ... 63 Petitions dealt with ... ... ... ... ... ... 61 Reports presented to the House ... ... ... ... ... 40 Referred for favourable consideration ... ... ... ... 24 Referred for serious consideration ... ... ... ... ... 2 Referred for consideration and investigation ... ... ... ... 8 Referred for consideration ... ... ... ... ... ... 16 Petitions given "No recommendation " ... ... ... ... 8 Petitions referred to another Committee ... ... ... ... 2 Petitions held over by request ... ... ... ... ... I Petitions held over, not having been returned from the Department to which they were sent for report ... ... .. ... ... 2 2nd November, 1920. J. McC. Dickson, Chairman.

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