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Nos. 132, 1935, and 44,—Petitions of Francis Ī. Welnoski, of Arapuni, Waikato. Praying for a compassionate grant in consideration of the services rendered by her late husband while employed by the Public Works Department, and on account of his death allegedly arising from and in the course of such employment. _ I am directed to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee has carefully considered these petitions and recommends that the petitions be referred to the Government for favourable consideration with a view to a moderate compassionate allowance being granted to cover the cost of funeral and other expenses incidental to her husband s death. 29th April, 1936.

No. 183, 1935,—Petition of A. B. R. Mobsman, of Otorohanga (representing Kauri Industries, Ltd.). Praying for a refund of stamp duty. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. Bth May, 1936.

No. 57, 1935,—Petition of D. Wight and 15 Others, of Southland. Praying for a refund of the amount paid for shares in the Mataura Intermediate Rural Credit Association. . . I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth May, 1936.

No. 210, 1935,—Petition of C. S. Young, of Napier. Praying for reinstatement in the Public Service. . . I am directed to report that with a view to the reinstatement of the petitioner m the Prisons Department or in an equivalent position in another Department the Committee is of the opinion the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration, and the Committee recommends that whenever a departmental inquiry is held and an unfavourable decision against a member of the Public Service arrived at a chaige should be made and the member so charged be afforded every opportunity of giving a defence. 13th May, 1936.

No. 198, 1935.—Petition of J. H. Pratt, of Hamilton. Praying for a refund of stamp duty paid on a compulsory purchasing covenant which did not become operative. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 13th May, 1936.

No. 192, 1935.—Petition of V. J. Stanley and Another (representing the New Zealand Railway Officers' Institute). Praying that a conciliation tribunal be established to adjudicate on the conditions of employment of members of the First Division of the Railway Service. I am directed to report that the member in charge of the petition having expressed a desire to withdraw same, the Committee recommends that he be allowed to do so. 13th May, 1936.

No. 34.—Petition of I). Munro, of Christchurch. Praying for reinstatement in the Railways Department, or payment of superannuation or compensation. 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 all cases of prematurely retired public servants in similar circumstances receive a like consideration from the Government. 21st May, 1936.

No. 113, 1935.—Petition of J. McAvinue, of Taumarunui. Praying for payment of £52 10s., allegedly due from the Public Works Department for the hire of horses and drays. . I am directed to report that the member in charge of the petition having expressed a desire to withdraw same, the Committee recommends that he be allowed to do so. 21st May, 1936.

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