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Central Waikato Electric-power Board Empowering Bill The Local Bills Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report: — (1) That it is a Local Bill. (2) That the Standing Orders have been complied with, with the exception of Standing Order 366, which, in so far as it relates to the number of days from the commencement of the session within which local Bills may be introduced, was suspended by the House to enable the Bill to be introduced and to proceed. (3) That the rights and prerogatives of the Crown are not affected. (4) That the Committee recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments as shown on the copy of the Bill annexed hereto. Bth October, 1947. Local Elections and Polls Amendment Bill The Local Bills Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and taken evidence thereon, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 22nd October, 1947. No. 34/1946. —Petition of G. W. Dell and Others, of Christchurch Praying for an amendment to the present system of rating in Christchurch for drainage purposes. I am directed to report that the petition is one which in ordinary circumstances the Committee would have recommended to the Government for favourable consideration, but that, in view of the implications arising out of the subject-matter contained therein, the Committee considers that the petition should be referred by the Government to the Local Government Commission for urgent consideration and recommendation. 23rd October, 1947. Riverton Borough Empowering Bill The Local Bills Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report:— (1) That it is a Local Bill. (2) That the Standing Orders have been complied with, except in the following respects, but were suspended in these respects by the House to enable the Bill to be introduced and to proceed : (a) Standing Order 361 was not complied with, in that notice of intention to introduce the Bill was not published within the prescribed time ; and (b) Standing Order 366 was not complied with in so far as it relates to the number of days from the commencement of the session within which local Bills may be introduced. (3) That the rights and prerogatives of the Crown are not affected. (4) That the Committee recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments as shown on the copy of the Bill annexed hereto. 30th October, 1947. 2—l 16

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