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No. 251.—Petition of the Waitara Borough Council, of Waitara. Praying for a compassionate allowance towards the expenses of the Licensing Committee. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration and inquiry. 7th September, 1926.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee desires to express its sincere appreciation of the able manner in which its Chairman, Mr. J. McC. Dickson, has presided over and conducted the business brought before the Committee during the session. His courteous and tactful manner in dealing with members and witnesses, and his knowledge of procedure, has helped the Committee to arrive at its conclusions in an impartial manner ; and it is desired that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of this meeting and reported to the House. C. E. Bellringer, 7th September, 1926. Member of the Committee.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee desires to record its sincere appreciation of the able manner in which the Clerk, Mr. R. H. Williams, has carried out his duties during the session, and, further, that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. 7th September, 1926.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members, held thirteen meetings during the session ; the average attendance of members at each meeting was six. The following table shows the disposal of the business which came before the Committee : — Petitions referred to the Committee .. .. .. .. 49 Petitions dealt with .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 45 Reports presented to the House .. .. .. .. .. 41 Petitions referred for favourable consideration ... .. .. 16 Petitions referred for consideration .. .. .. .. 7 Petitions given no recommendation .. .. .. .. 18 Petitions referred to other Committees .. .. .. .. 4 Petitions held over until next session .. .. .. ~ 4 7th September, 1926.

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