PUBLIC PETITIONS A TO L COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. MALCOLM, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1912 Session II, I-01

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Session 11. 1912. NEW ZEALAND.

PUBLIC PETITIONS A TO L COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. MALCOLM, Chairman.)

Presented to the House of Representatives, and ordered to be printed.

* ORDER OF REFERENCE.

Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives, Friday, the 2nd Day op August, 1912. Ordered, " That a Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to consider all petitions from A to L that may be referred to it by the Petitions Classifications Committee, to classify and prepare abstracts of such petitions in such form and manner as shall appear to it best suited to convey to this House all requisite information respecting their contents, and to report the same from time to time to this House, and to have power to report its opinions and observations thereon to this House; also to have power to call for persons and papers ; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Bradney, Mr. Brown, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Dickson, Mr. Escott, Mr. Isitt, Mr. Malcolm, Mr. Payne, Mr. Robertson, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Fisher.)

INDEX.

No. Petitioner. Page. I 355 109 158/11 26 Allan, Jessie ... Anderson, Duncan Anderson, Isabella Anderson, J., and 52 others (and 3 similar petitions) Asher, J. L., and another Atkinson, W., and 112 others (and 7 similar petitions) Atwood, Captain E. B. 7 3 4 5 322 298 6 9 47 4 21 326 179 246 228 360 307 Barnard, Henry Jamea Barry, J., and 1,000 others Bartleet, Richard B. .. Brent, S. T., and 452 others Bullot, William Bussey, Henry Buttimore, Elsie 4 7 5 5 7 8 6 4/11 387 Calleott, Louisa Campbell, Ehrenfried, and Co. (Limited) Charlton, James Chitty, Charles Clarke, Peraniko, and 96 others Clarke, William Henry .. .. Collier, Robert Cock, George Crichton, A., and another Cross, Albert Cross, Albert (second report) 2 8 278 285 9 57 311 68 229 333 333 9 6 5 3 6 2 9 8 9 .42/11 155 348 368 207 351 12 374 de Latour, Dr. Harry A. Demuth, Michael, and 13 others Dickeson, George F., and 151 others Dickie, Robert, and another Diver, Frank Douglas, James .. Dryden, William S. .. Dunn, R. E., and 524 others 2 6 8 8 9 9 6 8 365 225 Earl, W. E. J. Edwards, James 9 6 347 110 160 292 96 Featherston Town Board Feltus, R. J. .. Final Report Foster, John William Frankpitt, George, and 114 others Fraser, John 8 3 10 5 7 3

No. Petitioner. I Page. 381 28 13 236 164 104 147 388 327 328 Gascoyne, F. J. W. . . Gatlcy, Benjamin Gilchrist, Joseph M. . . Gold Smith, Marion Gordon, G. J., and 14 others Gordon, G. J., and 14 others (second report) Gorrie, Morton Great Northern Brewery Company (Limited) Greenhead, Charles Henry Guthrie, R. G., and 136 others.. 0 3 2 6 4 5 3 8 7 8 14 79 302 49 10 15 _ 99 Hamilton, William H. Harron, Dora Henderson, A., and 803 others fiendy, R. A., and 48 others Hill, j. W., and 73 others Holford, George, and 131 others Hughes, Oliphant .. .. 3 3 8 2 5 2 3 294 35 Igglesden, Charles M. Isherwood, J. C. R. .. 6 7 88 352 182 308 Janion, Charles Jeffries, John .. Jones, Herbert Joseph, John S. 5 7 4 7 165 39 Kelsall, John E. Kruizenga, Henry .. .. 4 3 211 217 359 231 64 335 335 Langman, Richard Leonard, J. H., and 149 others Levin, Peter A. Lidiard, Sidney St. John Lingard, William Loundes, Joseph, and 2 others Loundes, Joseph, and 2 others (second report) Lusk, Major D. H. .. 4 7 8 5 2 8 9 70 3 104 New Zealand Sports Protection League (and 36 similar petitions) 10 124/11 Rendall, George, and 9 others 2 193 304 Sage, Jesse St. Leger, Nellie, and another 5 0 Special Report .. ... 10

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EE POETS.

No. 4 (1911). —Petition of Louisa Callcott, of 159 Kilmore Street, Christchurch. Praying for compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services in the Agricultural Department I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 23rd August, 1912.

No. 68. —Petition of George Cock, of New Plymouth. Praying for compensation for military services rendered. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. . 23rd August, 1912.

No. 49. —Petition of R. A. Hendy and 48 Others, of Okauia, Auckland. Praying for a grant for the construction of the Tui Road, to connect Tauranga and Matamata. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd August, 1912.

No. 15. —Petition of George Holford and 131 Others, of Auckland. Praying that a first-class light and fog-signal be placed on the Three Kings, a light and fog-signal on the North Cape, and " unwatched " lights on Plat Rock and Channel Island. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for urgent and favourable consideration. 23rd August, 1912.

No. 64.—Petition of William Lingard, of Wellington. Praying for compensation or pension for infirmity incurred while a member of the New Zealand Military Forces. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 23rd August, 1912.

No. 124 (1911). —Petition of John Rendall and 9 Others, of Waikouaiti. Praying that certain lands be included in the County of Waikouaiti and excluded from the Borough of Waikouaiti. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 23rd August, 1912.

No. 142 (1911). —Petition of Dr. Harry A. de Lautotjr, of Wellington. Praying for consideration for services rendered as Principal Medical Officer in the Volunteer service. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 30th August, 1912.

No. 13.—Petition of Joseph M. Gilchrist, of 402 Montreal Street, Christchurch. Praying for a compassionate allowance in consideration of services rendered to the Government. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition, 30th August, 1912.

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No. 14.—Petition of William Henry Hamilton, of Ohaupo Road, Hamilton. Praying for inquiry into allegations made in the petition, so that he may obtain justice, as through lack of means he is unable to invoke the aid of the Courts. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the Advances to Settlers Department should be asked to take action to relieve petitioner. 30th August, 1912.

No. 79.—Petition of Dora Harron, of Devonport, Auckland. Praying, for compassionate allowance on account of the death of her husband by illness contracted while doing duty as Chief Warder. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 30th August, 1912.

No. 99.—Petition of Oliphant Hughes, of Wellington. Praying for redress for wrongful imprisonment. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for immediate and favourable consideration. 30th August, 1912.

No. 39. —Petition of Henry Kruizenga, of Black's Point, Reefton. Praying for compensation for injuries received while working on Lankey's Creek Bridge. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 30th August, 1912.

No. 109. —Petition of Duncan Anderson, of 156 Sydney Street, Wellington. Praying for a land grant for services rendered whilst a member of the Auckland Militia. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 6th September, 1912.

No. 57. —Petition of William Henry Clarke, of King's Court, Upper Queen Street, Auckland Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of deductions from his old-age pension. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 6th September, 1912.

No. 110. —Petition of R. J. Feltus, of Costley Home, Epsom, Auckland. Praying for recognition of the military services rendered by his late father, Mr. G. Feltus. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 6th September, 1912.

No. 96. —Petition of John Fraser, of Tirau. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of disability alleged to be due to injuries sustained while an employee of the Public Works Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 6th September, 1912.

No. 28. —Petition of Benjamin Gatley, of Coromandel.

Praying for compensation for services rendered whilst a member of the Armed Constabulary Force. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 6th September, 1912.

No. 147. —Petition of Morton Gorrie, of Coromandel. Praying for a remission of stamp duty on the estate of Lizzie Gorrie. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 6th September, 1912.

No. 70.—Petition of Major D. H. Lusk, of Te Kuiti. Praying for a grant of land on account of his military services. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th September, 1912.

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No. 158 (1911). —Petition of Isabella Anderson, of Bluff. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of the death of her husband whilst in camp as a member of the Bluff Guards. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 13th September, 1912.

No. 21. —Petition of Henry James Barnard, of Bltham. Praying for a refund of £50, being fines imposed for non-compliance of the Stamp Duty Act. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th September, 1912.

No. 182. —Petition of Herbert Jones, of Wellington. Praying for the sum of £50, being a month's pay for each year's service as a mounted constable. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 13th September, 1912.

No. 165.—Petition of John E. Kelsall, of Onehunga. Praying for fair compensation for loss sustained through his shop and house property being condemned and burnt by order of the Magistrate. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th September, 1912.

No. 47.—Petition of Captain E. B. Atwood, of Wellington. Praying for compensation in money for injury suffered in connection with the decision of the Court of Inquiry held in Auckland, and dated 19th January, 1903, into the wreck of the s.s. " Elingamite." I am directed to report that the Committee most strongly and unanimously recommends Captain Atwood's petition to the favourable consideration of the Government, and that a copy of the letter dated 18th September, 1912, from the Merchants' Service Guild, showing the financial loss Captain Atwood has definitely suffered, be attached to this report. 25th September, 1912.

Merchant Service Guild of Australasia, 153-55 Featherston Street, Wellington, 18th September, 1912. Dear Sir, — The following will show the amount lost by Captain Atwood in salary during the time he has been on shore, since the loss of his vessel on Three Kings Group : — £ Ten years at £4 10s. per week .. .. .. .. .. 2,340 Ten years at £35 per month = £420 per annum .. . . .. 4,200 Loss .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,860 Bonus at £25 per year for ten years .. .. .. .. (add) 250 Total loss .. .. .. .. .. £2,110 This represents Captain Atwood's monetary loss alone, but 1 submit that what he has suffered through the finding of the Nautical Court's decision, where he was accused of gross negligence and blamed for the loss of life and that of the vessel, should also be taken into consideration. Mr. T.-M. Wilford, M.P., Wellington. Yours faithfully, D. J. Watson.

No. 164. —Petition of G. J. Gordon and 14 Others, of Thames. Praying that certain amendments may be made in the Fisheries Act, 1908. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 25th September, 1912.

No. 211. —Petition of Richard Langman, of New Plymouth. Praying for a pension or other compensation for military services rendered during the Maori War. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration when the military claims are being dealt with. 25th September, 1912.

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No. 193. —Petition of Jesse Sage, of Ponsonby, Auckland. Praying for compensation for military services rendered during the Maori War since 1845. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration when the military claims are being dealt with. 25th September, 1912.

No. 160. —Petition of John William Foster, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for wrongful arrest in connection with the theft of a bicycle. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 27th September, 1912.

No. 88.—Petition of Charles Janion, of Wellington. Praying for an allowance in lieu of increase in salary and travelling-expenses. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 27th September, 1912.

No. 231. —Petition of Sidney St. John Lidiard, of Wellington. Praying for a compassionate allowance for injuries received whilst captain of the steamship " Pitoitoi." I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 27th September, 1912.

No. 246. —Petition of S. T. Brent and 452 Others, of Rotorua. Praying for a grant to construct a railway from Rotorua to Taupo. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is a question of Government policy, the Committee is of opinion it should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th October, 1912.

No. 179. —Petition of Richard B. Bartleet, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for injuries received while engaged as a gunner in A Battery, N.Z.F.A., at Auckland, in firing a Royal salute. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th October, 1912.

No. 9. —Petition of Peraniko Clarke and 96 Others, of Batley. Praying for the erection of a wharf at Batley. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th October, 1912.

No. 164. —Petition of G. J. Gordon and 14 Others, of Thames. (Second Report.) Praying that certain amendments may be made in the Fisheries Act, 1908. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th October, 1912.

No. 10. —Petition of J. W. Hill and 73 Others, of Bickerstaffe. Praying for the erection of a wharf at Batley. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th October, 1912.

No. s—Petition of J. Ellis and 82 others ; No. 26 —Petition of J. Anderson and 52 Others ; No. 44 —Petition of J. Brooking and 14 Others ; and No. 90—Petition of Royal New Zealand Association of Veterans. Praying for recognition of military services rendered. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th October, 1912.

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No. 12.—Petition of William S. Dryden, of Ward. Praying for a compassionate allowance for injuries sustained in August, 1907, while employed on construction-works, North Island Trunk Railway. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 18th October, 1912.

No. 236. —Petition of Marion Gold Smith, of Auckland. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of services rendered to the Government by her late husband. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for careful consideration. 18th October, 1912.

No. 284. —Petition of Charles Moore Igglesden, of Wellington. Praying for an increase in his pension. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 18th October, 1912.

No. 304. —Petition of Nellie St. Leger and Another, of Porirua. Praying for relief for loss sustained through alteration in the licensing district. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition is a question of policy, and as there is a Bill before the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th October, 1912.

No. 322. —Petition of J. L. Asher and Another, of Napier. Praying that the existing racing regulations should not be altered. I am directed to report that, as the question involved is a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th October, 1912.

No. 307.—Petition of Elsie Buttimore, of Tauranga. Praying for compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services in the Police Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 29th October, 1912.

No. 285. —Petition of Charles Chitty, of Cambridge. Praying for a military pension for services rendered during the Maori war. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th October, 1912.

No. 311. —Petition of Robert Collier, of Dunedin. Praying for compensation from the Postal Department for loss sustained through use of his premises by the Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th October, 1912.

No. 155. —Petition of Michael Demuth and 13 Others, of Wellington. Praying for the removal of a stain on their decorations by the granting of the New Zealand Cross to Mr. H. C. W. Wrigg. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 29th October, 1912.

No. 225. —Petition of James Edwards, of Kawhia. Praying for a military pension for services rendered during the Maori war. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th October, 1912.

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No. 292.—Petition of George Frankpitt and 114 Others, of Coal Creek Flat. Praying that the Government should undertake protective works in the Grey River at Coal Creek Flat. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1912.

No. 327.—Petition of Charles Henry Greenhead, of Waiuku. Praying that he may be permitted to place before a Crown officer certain evidence in connection with a Supreme Court action. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the prayer of the petition as disclosed in paragraph 9—viz., "As an alternative your petitioner most humbly prays that he may be allowed to place before a Crown officer the evidence your petitioner alleges to be indisputable, to establish a prima facie case ; such officer to report to the Hon. the Minister of Justice "—should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1912.

No. 35. —Petition of J. C. R. Isherwood, of Lyttelton. Praying that he may be given his land grant for military services rendered. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 29th October, 1912.

No. 352. —Petition of John Jeffries, of Wellington. Praying that expenses incurred by him in obtaining his pension be paid by the Government. _ I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 29th October, 1912.

No. 308. —Petition of John S. Joseph, of Taieri Mouth. Praying for compensation for loss in connection with his contract for conveyance of material for Taieri Mouth Bridge. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th October, 1912.

No. 217.—Petition of J. H. Leonard and 149 others, of Rai Valley. Praying that the Government should form a road from Rai Valley to Wangamoa Harbour. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th October, 1912.

No. 355. —Petition of Jessie Allan, of Dunedin. Praying for compensation for loss sustained through an escaped lunatic setting fire to her houses. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 31st October, 1912.

No. 326. —J. Barry and 1,000 Others, of Renwicktown. Praying that a sum of money be placed on this year's estimates for the erection of a substantial bridge across the Opawa River at Renwicktown. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is a question of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 31st October, 1912.

No. 228.—Petition of William Bullot, of New Plymouth. Praying for a military pension for services rendered and a wound received during the Maori War. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 31st October, 1912.

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No. 360.—Petition of Henry Bussey, of Ellerslie, Auckland sup™uattn. SeiViCeS nl the Amed <*»•«»*? Force be recognized with regard to Jw £££ SIT" C ° mmittee n ° rec —tion to make on this petition.

No. 333.—Petition of Albert Cross, of Dunedin b - **-"* from the Public SlTottobet Si? 0 "* * hat the C ° mmittee taB n ° -commendation to make on this petition.

No. 348.—Petition of George F. Dickeson and 151 Others, of Kaikohe T '"" k **-> bet " c " ***• - 31st October, 1912.

No. 368.—Petition of Robert Dickie and Another, of Timaru Praying that the existing racing regulations should not be altered no re^TmtrtiontoTkl* " iS * "**« ° f C ™ttee has 31st October, 1912.

No. 374.—Petition of R. E. Dunn and 524 Others, of Timaru. Praying for the immediate release of Waihi miners in gaol JlToSs£ WIT 01 ' that the C ° mmittee haS n ° -—Nation to make on this petition.

No. 347-Petition of Featherston Town Board ; and No. 302-Petition of A. Henderson and 803 Others. ■*«—— »' «■ P— <■ » ¥-*» of p„lio y , ft. C„- m31st October, 1912.

No. 328.—Petition of R. G. Guthrie and 136 Others, of Belfast 31st October, 1912.

No. 359.—Petition of Peter A. Levin, of Wellington 31st October, 1912.

No. 335.—Petition of Joseph Loundes and 2 Others, of Ponsonby, Auckland Praying for an inquiry into the conduct of an Inspector of Fisheries LToctobet Si? 01 * tha * the °° mmittee LaS n ° commendation to make on this petition.

No. 387-Petition of Campbell, Ehrenfried, and Co. (Limited) ; and No. 388-the Great Northern Brewery Company (Limited), of Auckland. Praying for a refund of duty charged by the Customs Department on iron tanks to tb T .*° r , eP ° rt in the °P inion of the Committee these petitions should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration snouio. De reierred sth November, 1912.

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No. 278.—Petition of James Charlton, of 47 Ellice Avenue, Wellington. Praying that he receives further allowance under the Superannuation Act. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. sth November, 1912.

No. 229.—Petition of A. Crichton and Another, of Wellington. Praying that their eldest girl be restored to them. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the prayer of the petition should be granted in so far as the girl be allowed to return home on probation, and that this report be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. sth November, 1912.

No. 333.—Petition of Albert Cross, of Dunedin. (Second Report.) Praying for compensation for loss sustained through his services being dispensed with by the late Roads Department, and for inquiry. I am directed to report that in the opinion of this Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth November, 1912.

No. 351. —Petition of James Douglas, of Wellington. Praying for a grant on account of his military services. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. sth November, 1912.

No. 207. —Petition of Frank Diver, of Auckland. Praying that he may be granted a military pension for services rendered. I am directed to report that as legislation has been passed the Committee has no recommendation to make. sth November, 1912.

No. 365.—Petition of W. A. J. Earl, of Belvedere, Carterton. Praying that his brother be granted a pension or other relief on account of injuries received on H. M. S. " Pioneer." I am directed to report that in the opinion of this Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth November, 1912.

No. 381. —Petition of F. J. W. Gascoyne and 100 Others, of Hastings. Praying for the adoption of a different route to that already authorized of the proposed railway between Napier and Gisborne. I am directed to report that in the opinion of this Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth November, 1912.

No. 335. —Petition of Joseph Loundes and 2 Others, of Auckland. (Second Report.)" Praying for inquiry into the conduct of an Inspector of Fisheries. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth November, 1912.

No. 298. —Petition of W. Atkinson and 112 Others (and 7 similar Petitions, as per Schedule attached). Praying for the construction of connecting lines with the North Auckland Main Trunk Railway. I am directed to report that, as this is a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th November, 1912.

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Schedule. North Auckland Main Trunk Railway. No. 305.—A. W. Armstrong and 529 others. No. 299.—W. Hodgson and 83 others. No. 306.—E. C. Cruickshank and 1,123 others No. 300.—Salle Marius and 99 others. No. 324.—C. B. Rusk and 349 others. No. 301.—R. Turner and 117 others. No. 346. J. M. Killen and 99 others.

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No. 104.—Petition of New Zealand Sports Protection League (Geraldine Branch), (and 36 similar Petitions, as per Schedule attached). Praying for legislation to provide a reasonable extension of the present number of racing-days, and that the prohibition of the publication of dividends be removed. I am directed to report that, as the questions involved are matters of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th November, 1912.

Schedule. New Zealand Sports Protection League.

No. 105.—North Otago Branch. No. 106.—Stratford Branch. No. 107.—Wanganui Branch. No. 108.-—Wellington Branch. No. 117.—Cambridge Branch. No. 118.—Hawera Branch. No. 119.—Helensville Branch. No. 120.—Huntly Branch. No. 121.—Marlborough Branch. No. 122.—Otago Branch. No. 123.—Taumarunui Branch. No. 124.—Te Awamutu Branch. No. 125.—Timaru Branch. No. 126.—Tuakau Branch. No. 127.—Waipawa Branch. No. 128.—Westport Branch. No. 131.—Greymouth Branch. No. 132.—Karangahake Branch.

No. 133.—Maniototo Branch. No. 134.—Palmerston North Branch. No. 143.—Hamilton Branch. No. 144.—Southland Branch. No. 152.—Otahuhu Branch. No. 153.—Cromwell Branch. No. 159.—Patea Branch. No. 176.—Ashburton Branch. No. 177.—Dannevirke Branch. No. "178.—Dargaville Branch. No. 187.—Onehunga Branch. No. 188.—Hokitika Branch. No. 197.—Te Kuiti Branch. No. 198.—Ohakune Branch. No. 199.—Taihape Branch. No. 220.—Otahuhu Branch. No. 243.—Ponsonby Branch. No. 245.—Auckland Branch.

Special Report. I am directed to report that this Committee desires to express its appreciation of the courtesy and business ability of the Chairman (Mr. Malcolm). The Committee recognizes that the thoroughness and despatch with which a large amount of business has been disposed of is largely due to the Chairman's tactful conduct of affairs. sth November, 1912.

Final Report. I am directed to report, — (1.) That the Committee held 15 meetings during the session. (2.) That the Committee dealt with 123 petitions (including 5 held over from last session). (3.) That the number referred to the Government for consideration was .. .. ..22 (4.) That the number referred to the Government for favourable consideration was .. 15 (5.) That the number on which the Committee had no recommendation to make was .. 14 (6.) That the number on which the Committee made special reports was .. .. 2 (7.) That the number of the petitions held over until next session was .. .. .. 3 Total .. .. .. . . 123 I am also directed to report that this Committee wishes to put on record its appreciation of the capable way in which the clerk (Mr. E. D. Dunne) has performed his duties. 6th November, 1912.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,400 copies), £6.

Authority : John Maokay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l2.

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