I. —2

7

No. 227. —Petition of Arthur R. Sullivan, of Auckland, and 219 Others. Praying for the refund to Harold J. McNeil of £100 paid by him to the Public Account in respect of one Broadhurst. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be retcrred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a suggestion that the case is one in which a refund of a portion of the amount claimed might fairly be made. 28th October, 1922.

No. 377. —Petition of John Sweeney, of Auckland. Praying for a compassionate allowance to enable him to maintain himself, he being permanently disabled by illness contracted on board H.M. cable-ship " Iris." 1 am directed to report, that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration and inquiry. 28th October, 1922.

No. 241. —Petition of W. A. Waters, of Wellington. Praying for a grant of increments of pay alleged to have been withheld from him whilst petitioner was employed in the New Zealand Public Service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the. Government for consideration. 28th October, 1922.

No. 366. —Petition of Charles R. C. Robieson, of Wellington. Praying for reinstatement in the Public Service, or an increase of his superannuation, or compensation from the funds of the State Fire Office. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th October, 1922. (Debate on the question, " That the report do lie upon the, table, and, together with the petition, be referred to the Government for favourable consideration," interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment.'

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee desires to record its warm appreciation of the ability, courtesy, and tact displayed by the Chairman, Mr. J. McC. Dickson, in his conduct of the business of the Committee during the session ; and further desires that this resolution shall be recorded on the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. Jas. Craigie, Member of the Committee. 28th October, 1922.

Final Report. 1 have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members has held eighteen meetings during the session. The average attendance of members at each meeting has been six. The following table shows the disposal of the business which came before the Committee : — Number of petitions referred to the Committee, . . . . . . . . 131 Number of petitions dealt with . . . . .. . . .. 131 Number of reports presented to the House . . .. .. •.. 42 Number referred for favourable consideration . . .. . . .. 22 Number referred for consideration .. . . .. .. . . 7 Number referred for consideration and inquiry . . . . . . .. 1 Number referred for inquiry . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Number of petitions given " No recommendation " .. .. .. 10 Number of petitions referred to a Department . . . . . . . . 1 30! h October, 1.922.

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