I.—l.

No. 183. —Petition of M. G. Templeton, of Wellington. Praying for payment of an amount of a judgment given against him in connection with the building of the Porirua nurses' home. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 7th November, 193],

No. 149. —Petition of P. N. Denton, of Wellington. Praying for a refund of income-tax alleged to have been overpaid. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 7th November, 1931.

No. s.—Petition of S. W. Fitzheebert, of Wellington. Praying that he be granted leave to explain to a Committee of the House his proposals for a new system of finance. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the request of the petitioner should be granted, and suggests that the petition be referred to the Economic Committee for consideration. 7th November, 1931.

No. 31.—Petition of C. H. Greenhead, of Waiuku. (Second Report.) Praying that a recommendation of the Public Petition A to L Committee that petitioner be afforded an open inquiry be granted, and also compensation for loss sustained through departmental mistakes. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration : and the Committee recommends that an open inquiry should be held at the earliest opportunity. 7th November, 1931.

Special Repobt. The Committee desires to place on record its high appreciation of the capable and impartial manner in which the Chairman, Mr. E. F. Healy, has presided over its deliberations during the session ; and the Committee further desires that this resolution shall be recorded in the minutes and be reported to the House. J AS . O'Brien, 7th November, 1931. Member of the Committee.

Special Repoet. The Committee desires to express its appreciation of the capable and efficient service performed by the Clerk, Mr. R. L. Cross, in all branches of his work throughout the session, and it is the wish of the Committee that this resolution shall be recorded in the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. 7th November, 1931.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions A to L Committee, consisting of ten members, held fourteen meetings during the session ; the average attendance of members at each meeting was six. The following table shows the disposal of business which came before the Committee :— Petitions referred to the Committee .. .. . . .. .. 35 Petitions dealt with .. .. .. . . .. .. . . 32 Reports presented to the House .. .. .. .. .. .. 38 Petitions referred for favourable consideration .. .. .. .. 13 Petitions referred for consideration . . .. . . . . .. 6 Petitions given no recommendation .. . . . . .. . . 14 Petitions withdrawn . . .. .. . . .. . . . . 2 Petition transferred to another Committee .. .. . . . . 1 Petitions held over until next session .. .. .. . . .. 2 7th November, 1931. E. F. Healy, Chairman.

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