1.—6

REPORTS, > No. 73. —Petition of William Hodge, of Christchurch. Praying for compensation for loss caused by reduction in wages when employed by the Railway Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 11th August, 1926.

Government Railways Bill. I am directed to report that the Railways Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 11th August, 1926.

No. 244.—Petition of Robert Bradfield Church, of Masterton. Praying for a compassionate allowance for injuries received in a railway accident. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 2nd September, 1926.

No. 265. —Petition of Henry McCabe, of Whangamomona. Praying for extra compensation for injuries received in a railway accident whilst on duty. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 2nd September, 1926.

No. 18. —Petition of Christine Jessen, of Miramar, Wellington. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of the death of her son whilst on active service. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th September, 1926.

No. 68.—Petition of Susan Broomfield, of Hukerenui. Praying for a compassionate allowance because of the death of her son in a railway accident. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends hat the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th September, 1926.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Railways Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the ability and tact displayed by the Chairman, Mr. J. S. Dickson, in the conduct of the business of the Committee during the session ; and further desires that this resolution shall be recorded in the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. T. K. Sidey, 7th September, 1926. Member of the Committee.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Railways Committee, consisting of ten members, has held four meetings during the session, and that the average attendance has been six per meeting. The Committee had referred to it the Government Railways Bill, which was duly considered and reported upon. Five petitions were also referred to the Committee, which were disposed of as follows : Favourable consideration, 1 ; consideration, 2 ; no recommendation, 2. 7th September, 1926.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not. given ; printing (525 copies), £1 15s.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 926.

Price 3d.

2