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No. 298.—Petition of Phyllis Kerz, of Auckland. Praying that she be granted a compassionate allowance in consideration of her late husband's waf service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ist November, 1934.

No. 165. —Petition of B. Key, of Auckland. Praying for a compassionate allowance in consideration of his war service and service with the Samoa Civil Police Force. I am directed to report that the member presenting the petition having requested permission to withdraw it, the Committee recommends that he be allowed to do so. Ist November, 1934.

No. 24.—Petition of Agnes W. Smailes, of Auckland. Praying for a compassionate allowance in respect of her late husband's war service. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st February, 1935.

No. 318. —Petition of A. J. Simpson, of Wellington. Praying that he be granted an increased pension in respect of a disability contracted while on war service. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th March, 1935.

No. 343. —Petition of Maggie Tims and Another, of Grey Lynn. Praying that the estate of their deceased brother be credited with the amount of pension due as the result of injuries sustained while on war 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. 7th March, 1935.

No. 352. —Petition of C. L. Graham, of Wellington. Praying for an increase in his war pension. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 21st March, 1935.

No. 346. —Petition of J. Piercy, of Mataura. Praying for reconsideration of his military pension. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd March, 1935. 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. 29th March, 1935. J- Hargest, 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. 29th March, 1935. w. E. Barnard, Member of the Committee.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that during the present session the Defence Committee, consisting of ten members, has held sixteen meetings, with an average attendance of five. Twenty-seven petitions were referred to the Committee, and reported on to the House. 29th March, 1935. J- A. Lee, for Chairman. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing 300 copies), £3 12s. 6d.

By Authority: G. H. Loney, Government Printer, Wellington. —1935. Price 3d.]

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