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REPORTS. No. 39.—Petition of Alfred Stokes, of Newmarket, Auckland. Praying that he be granted a compassionate allowance on account of injury received during employment in the Railway service. I have the honour to report that the Railways Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th. September, 1930.

No. 42.—Petition of William Hodge, of Barbadoes Street, Christchurch. Praying for compensation and inquiry into alleged grievances in regard to service while an employee of the Railways Department, and other matters. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th September, 1930.

No. 65. —Petition of Ada M. Ferguson, of Te Kuiti. Praying for a compassionate allowance in respect of her late husband's services as Surfaceman for the Railways Department. I am directed to report that the Committee is of the opinion that the Railways Department has acted in accordance with law and custom ; but, in consideration of doubts as to cause of death, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th September, 1930.

No. 137.—Petition of Eugene Tangney, of Timaru. Praying for a grant of money or other relief in respect of injuries received whilst employed by the Railways Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 10th October, 1930.

No. 146. —Petition of G. R. Young and 16 Others, of Wilden Subdivision, Moa Flat, Otago. Praying that provision for the transport of goods and stock on the Heriot-Edievale Railway be continued, or, in the alternative, that the petitioners be granted relief in the form of a revaluation of their holdings and a reduction in rents. I have the honour to report that the Railways Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th September, 1930.

No. 176.—Petition of Edward Howard McGinniskin, of 69 Somme Road, Wanganui. Praying for payment of six weeks full pay for leave alleged to be due by the Railways Department, or other relief. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th October, 1930.

No. 199. —Petition of Rex Anthony Alexander, of Rauta Mental Hospital, Porirua. Praying for compassionate grant to be paid to his wife, as he cannot work owing to ill health caused by an accident whilst employed by the Railways Department. I have the honour to report that the Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 10th October, 1930.

No. 217. —Petition of Pukemiro Collieries, Ltd., and Renown Collieries, Ltd. Praying for review of coal contract with the New Zealand Railways Department and Taupiri Coalmines, Ltd. I am directed to report that the Committee has reviewed the correspondence and negotiations in connection with the contract between the Government and the Taupiri Coal Company, and is of opinion that the public interest has been the sole consideration of the Railways Department, and recommends that no further action be taken. 25th October, 1930.