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No. 236.—Petition of John D. Forster, of Christchurch. Praying for compassionate allowance on account of injuries received. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd September, 1926.

No. 250. —Petition of William Francis Gordon, of New Plymouth. Praying for compensation for alleged unfair treatment in the matter of extended leave from the Public Service, and loss of half-pay. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1926.

No. 260.—Petition of John Henry Hannan, of Auckland. Praying for relief from conditions imposed on landlords by the rent-restriction legislation. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee a matter of policy is involved, and therefore it has no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1926.

No. 273. —Petition of Ivan Matin Curin, of Thames. Fraying that he may be granted a retail wine license at Hamilton. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1926.

No. 71. —Petition of Thomas Cochran and 168 Others, of Southland. Praying for relief regarding the rating and reticulating system adopted by the Southland Electricpower Board. I am directed to report that, as a matter of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Bth September, 1926. ——

No. 253. —Petition of N. B. Fryday and 23 Others, of Taranaki. Praying for compensation and investigation in connection with the work of the Taranaki Power Board. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration ; and the Committee would strongly recommend that the Public Works Department make full investigation into the subject-matter of the petition, regarding the operations of the Taranaki Power Board. Bth September, 1926.

No. 256.—Petition of John L. Coutts, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for time and monetary loss incurred in manning a steamer during the seamen's strike. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. Bth September, 1926.

No. 274.—Petition of Gladys Martha Dowse, of Wellington. Praying that section 22 of the Infants Act, 1908,. be amended so that her child Elvira Frederickson (adopted by Charles and Lucy R. A. Bethell) be returned to her. I am directed to report that, the child Elvira Frederickson having been legally adopted, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Bth September, 1926.

Special Report. The Committee desires to record its high appreciation of the tact and consideration shown to members and petitioners by its Chairman (Mr. Bitchener) during the session, and it is the unanimous wish of the Committee that this resolution should be recorded in the minutes and be reported to the House. Bth September, 1926. Gordon Eliott, Member of the Committee.

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