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REPORTS.

No. 93/1938. —Petition of J. McCormick, and 58 Others, Poukawa. Praying for assistance in connection with the damage done to their properties by the excessive flow of water from Te Aute Lake. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for investigation as to so much of the petition as relates to flood damage, and the Committee is also of the opinion that the petitioner, Mr. J. McCormick, is entitled to compensation. 16th August, 1939.

No. 83/1938. —Petition of F. Malone, Puha, Gisborne. Praying for inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the alleged wrongful arrest and conviction of his son. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th August, 1939.

No. 117/1938. —Petition of Ella E. A. Olliver, Christchurch. Praying that she be granted a compassionate allowance on account of the death of her husband, allegedly caused during the performance of his duties as a Radio Inspector. I have the honour 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. 16th August, 1939.

No. 3.—Petition of Mary Pilling, Auckland. Praying for the enactment of legislation enabling certain Court proceedings to be reopened, and for other relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th August, 1939. A. G. Osborne, for Chairman.

No. 10.- —Petition of P. McGregor, 1001 Southland Road, Hastings. Praying for compensation in respect of a motor accident sustained by his daughter. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 23rd August, 1939.

No. 29. —Petition of Williasiina M. Rowe, Cromwell. Praying for compensation in respect of the loss by fire of Reserve Bank of New Zealand notes to the value of £20. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 23rd August, 1939.

No. 25.—Petition of J. R. Taylor. Praying for compensation on account of alleged miscarriage of justice, and that his name be removed from the prison records. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd August, 1939.

No. 35. —Petition of Rev. Dean J. J. O'Donnell, and 87 Others, Ashburton. Praying for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the realization of the farm of Patrick Small. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and, in the opinion of the Committee, the State Advances Corporation should be asked to investigate the position. The Committee further recommends that a pooling system should be adopted in order to deal with similar cases as that referred to in the petition. 31st August, 1939.

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