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No. 254. —Petition of J. F. P. Yeatman, of Wellington. Praying for increased fees for auditing the accounts of the Wellington Education Board. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th October, 1928.

No. 282.—Petition of Josephine O'Donovan, of Wellington. Praying for relief on account of the services of her late husband, a former Police Commissioner. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th October, 1928.

No. 284.—Petition of Alice Quinney, of Wellington. Praying for inquiry and compensation for loss of position in Public Service. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th October, 1928.

No. 295.—Petition of C. Nisbet and Another, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for land taken for railway purposes. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th October, 1928.

No. 345. —Petition of L. P. Voice, of Spreydon. Praying for relief owing to loss of money paid to a defaulting solicitor. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th October, 1928.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Committee desires to record its hearty appreciation of the ability, care, and attention devoted by Mr. J. McC. Dickson, a member of the Committee since 1915, and Chairman since 1919, to the business of the Committee, and of the courteous and tactful manner in which his duties have been carried out, not only during this session but also since 1915 ; and further desires that this resolution shall be recorded in the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. C. E. Bellringer, 4th October, 1928. Member of Committee.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Committee desires to record its appreciation of the efficient manner in which the Clerk of the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, Mr. J. D. Hislop, 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. 4th October, 1928.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members, held ten 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 .. .. .. .. .. 33 Petitions dealt with .. .. .. .. ~ .. .. 31 Reports presented to the House .. .. .. .. 30 Petitions referred for favourable consideration .. .. .. .. 8 Petitions referred for consideration .. .. .. .. 6 Petitions given no recommendation .. .. .. .. 16 Petitions referred to other Committees .. .. .. .. 1 Petitions withdrawn .. .. .. .. .. 1 Petitions held over till next£session .. .. .. 2 4th October, 1928. J. McC. Dickson, Chairman.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Prepaiation, not given ; Printing (450 copies), £4 17s. 6d.

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Price 6d.]

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