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REPORTS. No. 118. —Petition of Rebecca Byrnes, of Onehunga. Praying for compensation on account of the death of her husband, which resulted from a mishap met with during his employment in the New Zealand Railways Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Commiteee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th September, 1925.

Government Railways Amendment Bill. The Railways Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 9th September, 1925.

No. 203. —Petition of Lucy Elizabeth Morton, of Hamilton. Praying for a compassionate allowance owing to the death of her husband whilst employed in the New Zealand Railway service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th September, 1925.

Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Bill. The Railways Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has considered same in accordance with an instruction of the House that it consider clause 142 only, and the Committee recommends that it be allowed to proceed, with the amendments as shown on the copy of the Bill attached. 16th September, 1925.

No. 50.—William Hodge, of Christchurch. Praying for redress for services rendered in connection with the New Zealand Railways Department. I am directed to report that, seeing the Railways Department made a reasonable offer to the petitioner, who refused same, this Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th September, 1925.

No. 243.—Petition of Papanui Progress League and 210 Others, of Papanui, Christchurch. Praying that the Papanui Railway-station be brought within the city area and suburban fares be charged. I am directed to report that, as this is a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th September, 1925.

No. 27.—Petition of Susan Broomfield, of Hukerenui. Praying for compensation for loss of her son, killed in railway accident at Hukerenui. I am directed to report that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th September, 1925.

No. 208. —Robert Horatio Hanson, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for injuries received while engaged in the Railway service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 24th September, 1925.

Special Report. I am directed to report that the Railways Committee desires to place on record its high appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the Committee by Mr. Witty, both as Chairman and member, over a continuous period of twenty-three years. G. R. Sykes, 29th September, 1925. Member of the Committee.