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No. 13. —Petition of N. B. Fryday, of Ngaere. Praying for compensation for alleged compulsory retirement from Defence Force. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth December, 1933.

No. 227. —Petition of P. Malone, of Invercargill. Praying that he be granted a war pension on account of alleged war disabilities contracted as a result of war services. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th December, 1933.

No. 238. —Petition of H. Dobbie, of Auckland. Praying that he be granted a pension or compassionate allowance, on account of alleged disabilities sustained on active service. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 13th December, 1933.

No. 237. —Petition of G. A. Gibbs, of Picton. Praying for compensation for alleged loss of leave, and also outfit-grant, whilst employed in the Defence Department. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for consideration in respect of the first part of the praver of the petition. 15th December, 1933.

No. 248. —Petition of Mary H. Hurliman, of Normanby. Praying for payment of the war gratuity in respect of her late husband's war service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th December, 1933. H. G. Dickie, Chairman.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the members of the Defence Committee desire to place on record their appreciation of the ability, tact, and unfailing courtesy during the session manifested by the Chairman, Mr. Dickie, in the conduct of the business of the Committee ; and the members of the Committee further desire that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of the Committee, and also that it be reported to the House. 20th December, 1933. W. E. Barnard, Member of the Committee.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that at its final meeting the Defence Committee expressed by resolution its high appreciation of the efficient services rendered to the Committee by the Clerk, Mr. E. B. Harman, and directed that the resolution be reported to the House. 20th December. 1933.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that during the present session the Defence Committee, consisting of ten members, has held six meetings, with an average attendance of five. Fifteen petitions were referred to the Committee, and reported on to the House ; also one Bill was referred to the Committee, and reported on to the House. 20th December, 1933. H. G. Dickie, Chairman. Approximate Cost of Paper—Preparation, not given; printing (325 copies), £3 10s.

By Authority : G. H. Lonev, Government Printer, Wellington—l 934. Price 3d. J

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