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No. 278.—Petition of Edith J. Donnelly, of Stratford. Praying that she be granted a pension in consideration of her late husband's_ war service. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration; the Committee is of the opinion that, owing to the number of cases of elderly widows in distressed circumstances coming before the Defence Committee, this Committee recommend that the plight of such widows should be considered by the Government when dealing with the coming national superannuation scheme. 16th October, 1936.

No. 269.—Petition of Bridget Hendry, of Devonport. Praying that she be granted a war widow's pension or a compassionate allowance in lieu thereof. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration; the Committee recommend that the advice of the War Pensions Board be taken as to whether the cause of death could be attributed to the explosion on the "Flora Simplon," and, if held attributable, that it be a recommendation to the Government that the petitioner be granted a special annuity, equivalent to a war widow's pension. W. J. Lyon, for Chairman. 28th October, 1936.

Special Report. I am directed to report that the Defence Committee desires to place on record its hearty appreciation of the services of its Chairman, Mr. Lee, and has directed that a resolution to this effect be placed on the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. J. A. McL. Roy, a Member of the Committee. 28th October, 1936.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Defence Committee desire to place on record its appreciation of the services rendered by the Clerk of the Committee, Mr. E. B. Harmān, and, further, desires this resolution to be recorded in the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. 28th October, 1936.

Final Report. I HAVE the honour to report that the Defence Committee, consisting of ten members, has held nineteen meetings during the session, and the average attendance of members has been five. Fifty-four petitions were referred to the Committee and reported on to the House. W. J. Lyon, for Chairman. 28th October, 1936.

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