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No. 258.—Petition of R. B. Brickell, of Carterton. Praying that he be placed in the same position as other Maori War veterans. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 30th September, 1925.

No. 237. —Petition of Mary Martin, of Roskill, Auckland. Praying for inquiry and renewal of a military pension to her son. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 30th September, 1925.

No. 227 —Petition of E. Heke and 86 Others; No. 229—Petition of W. L. Panther and 16 Others, of North Auckland. Praying that they, as ex-service amputees, be granted the option of obtaining their appliances where they desire. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on these petitions. 30th September, 1925.

No. 254. —Petition of J. E. Lea, of Invercargill. Praying for relief owing to disability alleged to be due to military service. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 30th September, 1925.

No. 261.—Petition of Isabella Marie Nelson, of Hamilton. Praying that she be granted a war pension in respect of the services of her late husband with the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th September, 1925.

Special Report. I am directed to report that the Defence Committee desires to express its appreciation of the services of the late Major-General Charles William Melvill, C.8., C.M.G., D.5.0., Belgian Order of the Crown, Croix de Guerre, General Officer Commanding New Zealand Military Forces, to the Dominion and the Empire, and to convey to Mrs. Melvill its deepest sympathy in her bereavement. 22nd September, 1925.

Special Report. I am directed to report that the Defence Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the courtesy and consideration of the Minister of Defence, the Hon. Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, K.8.E., and regrets that, as he does not intend contesting the next election, he will not be a member of the Committee next year. 30th September, 1925.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Defence Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the ability and tact displayed by the Chairman, Mr. Potter, in the conduct of the business of the Committee during the session ; and further desires that this resolution be recorded on the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. J. W. Munro, 30th September, 1925. Member of the Committee.

Special Report. I am directed to report that the Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the services of the Clerk, Mr. J. L. Haselden, and that the Government be recommended to permanently appoint him, so that the Committee will be assured of his capable services and experience for future sessions. 30th September, 1925.

Pinal Report. I am directed to report that the Defence Committee held its final meeting on the 29th September. During the session the Committee held nine meetings, the average attendance of members at each meeting being six. Twenty-six petitions were received for consideration, and all of these were duly considered and reported on. 30th September, 1925.

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