1-1.

No. 23. —Petition of F. J. Darling, of Napier. Praying for a transfer of the powers of administration in respect of the estate of petitioner's wife, payment of compensation on account of alleged loss of revenue, and other relief. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petitioner has not exhausted all his legal remedies. The Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1941.

No. 44.—Petition of A. J. Keesing and 1,354 Others (being ratepayers and residents of the Mount Roskill Road District), of Auckland. Praying that the Mount Roskill Road District be constituted a borough. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 11th September, 1941.

No. 52. —Petition of T. V. Foster, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for alleged wrongful dismissal from the Public Service. I have the honour to report that the Committee has carefully considered this petition. In the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. Ist October, 1941.

No. 55. —Petition of M. Delich, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for loss allegedly sustained in connection with a public-works contract. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 2nd October, 1941.

No. 67. —Petition of T. M. Johnson and 42 Others, of Wellington. Praying for an increase of ss. per week in the amount provided by way of age-benefit under the Social Security Act, 1938. I have the honour to report that, as a question of Government policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1941.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that at its final meeting the Public Petitions A to L Committee passed the following resolution : — " That this Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the capable and efficient service performed by the Clerk, Mr. E. B. Harman, in his work throughout the session, and it is the wish of the Committee that this resolution shall be recorded in the minutes and be reported to the House." 15th October, 1941. F. W. Schramm, Chairman.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that at its final meeting the Public Petitions A to L Committee passed the following resolution :— " That this Committee desires to place on record its high appreciation of the very capable and courteous manner in which the Chairman, Mr. F. W. Schramm, has presided over its deliberations during the session, and directs that this resolution shall be recorded in the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House." 15th October, 1941. A. S. Richards, Member of the Committee.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions A to L Committee, consisting of ten members, held fourteen meetings during the session ; the average attendance at each meeting being four. The following table shows the disposal of the business which came before the Committee : — Petitions referred to the Committee .. .. .. .. 31 Petitions dealt with .. .. .. .. .. .. 30 Reports presented to the House .. .. .. .. .. .. 30 Petitions referred for most favourable consideration .. .. 2 Petitions referred for favourable consideration .. .. .. 3 Petitions referred for consideration .. .. .. .. 1 Petitions given no recommendation .. .. .. .. 19 Petitions withdrawn .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 Petition held over until next session .. .. .. .. 1 15th October, 1941. F. W. Schramm, Chairman.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (310 ooplee) £5.

By Authority: E. Y. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1941.

Price 3d.]

4