1,— 2

Nos. 238 and 282.—Petitions of F. Sampson, of Invercargill. Praying that a Commission of inquiry be appointed to report upon the Borstal system in New Zealand, that the rights and duties of Official Visitors to Borstal institutions be clearly defined, and that immediate steps be taken to remove the administration of the Borstal from the control of the Prisons Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th October, 1936.

No. 256.—Petition of W. Sullivan and 20 Others, of Whakatane. Praying for the erection of a flood-gate across the mouth of the Orini dredge-cut at Paroa, Whakatane. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the Government should, when reviewing the Rangitaiki Drainage Scheme, give favourable consideration to the prayer of the petitioners. 15th October, 1936.

Borstal Institutions. —Special Report. I am directed to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee which has considered and reported on certain petitions relating to Borstal institutions, desires, after hearing evidence and visiting the Wellington Borstal, to submit the following suggestions for the consideration of the Government:— (1) That a substantial improvement in the diet of the inmates of all our Borstal institutions should be made, particularly by providing butter and fresh vegetables. (2) That local bodies, in collaboration with the Ministers' Association, should be consulted when appointments to the visiting committees are made. (3) That a reclassification should take place with a view to the segregation of the different types of inmates, so that they may be under the control of the appropriate Department. 15th October, 1936.

No. 273. —Petition of E. F. Shadbolt, of New Lynn. Praying for compensation for alleged miscarriage of justice. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry. 29th October, 1936.

No. 205, 1935.—Petition of H. Robinson and 48 Others, of Westland. Praying for an increase in wages while employed on public-works roads in Westland. I am directed to report that, in view of the fact that the prayer of the petition has been granted, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th October, 1936.

No. 284. —Petition of W. D. Wilkinson, of Cambridge. Praying for an inquiry into the origin of a fire at the Horahora Power-station. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th October, 1936.

No. 291.—Petition of Beatrice J. V. O'Keeffe, of Taradale. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of disabilities allegedly contracted by her late husband while employed by the Railways Department and in consideration of the service he rendered while so employed. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration with a view to the Railways Department providing a compassionate allowance until some general superannuation scheme becomes established. 29th October, 1936.

10