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No. 267.—Petition of C. Heywood and 29 Others, of Te Kopuru, Northern Wairoa. I hat Dalmatians, Crotians, and Jugo-Slavs (otherwise Austrians) may be debarred from working the gumfields. I am directed to report that, as this petition deals with a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th September, 1920.

No. 34.—Petition of F. F. Woltbr, of Wellington. Petitioner complains of his treatment whilsl interned on Somes Island, and prays for inquiry and relief as to his naturalization rights. I am directed to report as follows : — 1. With regard to the petitioner's prayer that his naturalization rights be restored, this is a matter of policy for the Government; but the Committee expresses the opinion that there is no evidence of any conduct on the part of the petitioner that should stand in the way of regranting his naturalization rights. 2. With regard to the petitioner's prayer for a public inquiry as to his loyalty and his internment, the Committee is of opinion that, as difficult questions of State policy during the war are involved, the question should be left to the Government. 29th September, 1920.

No. 117.—Petition of G. F. W. Kroner, of Wellington. Petitioner complains of treatment whilst interned on Somes Island, and prays for investigation by a legal tribunal and adequate redress. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 29th September, 1920.

No. 6. —Petition of Colonel Thomas William Porter, C.8., of Wellington. That the annuity granted under section 96 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 19115, be increased to meet the altered conditions caused through tin' present high cost of living. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 30th September, 1920.

No. 240. —Petition of Mrs. Ac.nes Ntoon, of Mosgiel. For payment of war gratuity due on account of the late George Arnott Nicol, which would have been paid to her late husband but for his untimely death. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government with a view to steps being taken to enable payment of the gratuity, or an amount equivalent thereto. 30th September, 1920.

No. 242.—Petition of William Lingard and 4 Others, and No. 303, Ben Riddle and Another (holders of the New Zealand Cross). That the name of Harry Charles William Wrigg be removed from the list of holders of the New Zealand Cross and the decoration be recalled from him. I am directed to report that, in view of the conflicting decisions that have been arrived at by various Committees which have from time to time inquired into the question, the Committee recommends the Government to' institute a special inquiry by a Supreme Court Judge or other competent tribunal to examine the whole of the documentary evidence and hear witnesses on both sides. 6th October, 1920.

No. 79. —Petition of the Home Service League (Incorporated), (J. E. Hume and 1,899 Others). For consideration of services of Home Service men with a view to granting them certain of the privileges and benefits enjoyed by the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces overseas men. I am directed to report that the Committee recognizes the splendid services of the men who were retained on home service, but until all overseas men have been fully repatriated it can make no recommendation. The Committee, however, is of opinion that in the meantime some medal or badge should be issued to Home Service men in recognition of their services. 6th October, 1920.