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No. 21. —Petition of Jennie F. Nathan, of Wellington. Praying for refund of £355 paid by way of stamp duty on agreement for sale and purchase. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 21st September, 1927.

No. 145.—Petition of John Mcßeth and 6 Others, of Wanganui. Praying for the reduction of capital value of workers' dwellings occupied by them. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee it be recommended to the Government to make inquiry into this case with a view to making such alterations in rent and conditions as will lead to the tenements all being occupied. 21st September, 1927.

No. 136. —Petition of Huia James Morgan, of Hawera. Praying that his marriage be dissolved owing to his wife being detained in a mental hospital. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st September, 1927.

No. 134.—Petition of Henry Mehaffy, of Drury. Praying that the report of the Public Petitions M to Z Committee on his previous petition be given effect to. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 21st September, 1927.

No. 148.—Petition of Herbert William Sly, of Papatoetoe. Praying for compensation for loss he has suffered in connection with a land transaction. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th October, 1927.

Nos. 262, 264, 278, 283. —Petitions of Collingwood County Council, Motueka Borough Council, Takaka County Council, and Takaka Town Board. Praying for extension of river limits in Nelson District. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th October, 1927.

No. 249.—Petition of Wellington Suburban Motor-bus Co., Ltd., of Wellington. Praying for compensation owing to loss caused by the business being taken over as the result of the passing of the Motor-omnibus Traffic Act. I am directed to report that, as the petition is a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1927.

No. 247. —Petition of John Watson, of Port Chalmers. Praying for a refund of income-tax. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with the suggestion that the sum of £48 lis. 9d., tax charged on the transfer of uncollected debts, be returned to petitioner ; and, further, the Committee is of the opinion that the method adopted by the Commissioner of Taxes for a number of years in assessing income-tax on a percentage based on gross takings should be inquired into. 28th October, 1927.

No. 290.—Petition of Henry Mornington Smith, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for loss suffered through an assault committed by a detective. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a suggestion that a compassionate grant of £25 be made petitioner. 28th October, 1927.

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