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Ashburton County River District Bill. The Local Bills Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, lias the honour to report that it is a local Bill; that the Standing Orders have been complied with, with the exception of such parts of Standing Orders 361 and 366 as were suspended by the House to enable the Bill to be introduced and proceeded with; that the rights and prerogatives of the Crown are not affected. _ That the Committee recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments as shown on the copy of the Bill annexed hereto. 21st October, 1936.

Motueka Harbour Board Amendment Bill. The Local Bills Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it is a local Bill; that the Standing Orders have been complied with, with the exception of such parts of Standing Orders 361 and 366 as were suspended by the House to enable the Bill to be introduced and proceeded with; that the rights and prerogatives of the Crown are not affected. _ That the Committee recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments as shown on the copy of the Bill annexed hereto. 21st October, 1936.

Local Legislation Bill. The Local Bills Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the said Bill and taken evidence thereon, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. J. W. Munro, Chairman. 28tli October, 1936.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Local Bills Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the very able conduct of its proceedings during the session by the Chairman, Mr. J. W. Munro. R. A. Wright, a Member of the Committee. 29th October, 1936.

Special Report. I HAVE the honour to report that the Local Bills Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the efficient services of the Clerk, Mr. W. N. Wood. 29th October, 1936.

Final' Report. The Local Bills Committee, consisting of ten members, has held eighteen meetings during the session, with an average attendance of six members per meeting. There were referred to the Committee sixteen local Bills and the Local Legislation Bill, all of which were considered and reported on. The Committee wishes to draw attention to the fact that, except in two instances, the Standing Orders relating to local Bills were suspended by the House to enable the Bills to be introduced and proceeded with. The non-compliance _ with the Standing Orders by local authorities was, it is understood, due to their belief that local Bills could not be considered during the first part of the session because of pressure of Government business. In the circumstances, the Committee considers that the suspension of the Standing Orders was warranted, but desires to emphasize the importance of compliance with them, and accordingly recommends that the Government, through the Department of Internal Affairs, notify all local authorities that, save in exceptional circumstances, a strict compliance with the Standing Orders will in future be required of them. J. W. Munro, Chairman. 29th October, 1936. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (334 copies), £6.

By Authority: G. H. Loney, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 937.

Price. 6d.\

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