PUBLIC PETITIONS M TO Z COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. OKEY, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1913 Session I, I-02

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1913. NEW ZEALAND.

PUBLIC PETITIONS M TO Z COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. OKEY, Chairman.)

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

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals "f th" lloitsf oj Hi'pr<'xfitl<ttir('H. Thursday, the 3rd Day of July, L9lB. Ordered, " That a Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to consider all petitions from M to Z that 11s:i \ be referred to it by the Petitions Classification Committee, to classify and prepare abstracts of enoh petitions in such form and manner as shall appear to it best suited to convey to this House all requisite information respecting their OOntente, 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. K. K. Bollard, Mr. Clark, Mr. Craigie, Mr. Davey. Mr. Diokie, Mr. Laurenson, Mr. Okey, Mr. Scott, Mr. Wilson, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. Rhodes.) Kkioay. thk 18th Day of July, 1913. Ordered, " That all petitions not finally dealt with during Session 11, 1912. stand referred to the same Committees as they were referred to during the said session." —(Hon. Mr. Massey.)

INDEX.

Mo. Petitioner. Page. No. Petitioner. Page. Final Report.. .. .. .. " 407 Pitcaithly, Robert .. .. .. ! 6 31 Plummer, Albert .. .. .. 2 210 Luke, John, and 143 others .. .. 4 190 Pope, George, and 46 others .. .. 3 353 Price, J. G., and 3 others .. .. 0 189 Macalister, R. .. .. .. 3 75 Mackie, C. R. V. .. .. .. 60 Q u i nn John, and 12 others .. .. 2 387 Mackintosh, Joseph * .. .. .. o 193 Maumill, G., and 79 others .. .. 4 389 Maysmor, John .. .. .. 6 428 Rees, Annie E. .. .. . . li 439 McArthur, Florence .. .. .. 6 50 Riley, William 313 McCallion, Patrick .. .. .. •"> 62 Robbins, B. C, and 146 others .. 2 200 MoGinty, James, and 79 others .. 4 463 i McGregor, James A. .. .. .. 7 386 / 12 Shadbolt, Ernest Francis (three reports) 2. B 43] -Mc-Huffh. William ■•,,-• •• ' 247 Shuker, A., and 51 others .. .. 4 390/121 McKenzie, H. A. W., and 11 others .. 3 435 gimj RoheTt c 7 457 ': McMeekin, Eliza J. .. .. .. 131 Snl i t h, Mary Anne .. .. .. 3 257 Meacham, Mary .. •• •• * 241 Smyth, Charles Gordon .. .. 4 340 Meares, Henry Osborne Davenieh, and 4,5 26g Sole, George E. .. .. .. 5 another (two reports) Special Report (Chairman) .. .'. 7 132 Meyer, Johann H. .. .. .. -i 455 Stanley, Mary Jane .. .. .. 7 400 Millikin, M. M., and 177 others 7 g gteans, Charles, and 2 others .. .. 2 395/12 Montgomerie, Sarah J. C. .. .. 2 443 g fc Leger) Ne i lie> and 3 ot h e rs .. .. j (i 311 Montgomery, Rose L. .. .. o no S ullivan, J. T. .. .. .. 3 59 Moran, William .. .. .. j 366 Myers, John Scott .. .. ..5 73 Murphy, William J 2 305 Wakefield, Lmma 4 185 Murray, R. and 626 others .. .. 4 288 Watts, 1 rank W 5 456 Wellington City Brass Band .. . . / :;<!! Newport, Flora « 290 Wetherilt, Henry 4 58 Newth, John, and 11 others .. .. 2 214 White, Henry 117 Wimsett, Arthur F. .. .. .. 3 47 i O'Dwyer, Margaret 3 67 Wooler, Ernest . .. .. 3 222 O'Neill, Celia S 5 402 Workman, Elizabeth 5 Page. No. Petitioner.

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EEPOBTS. No. B.—Petition of Charles Steans and 2 Others, of Gore. Praying for refund of duty paid on tobacco. &c, damaged by the River Mataura overflowing its banks. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th August, 1913. _ No. 50. —Petition of William Riley, of Wellington. Praying for redress in connection with pay received while employed as Printing Overseer in Hie Majesty's Gaol, Lyttelton. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 7th August, 1913.

No. 31 .—Petition of Albert Plummer, of Auckland. Praying for a compassionate allowance for loss sustained on a Government contract. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 7th August, 1913.

No. 58 —Petition of John Newth and 11 Others; No. 59—Petition of William Moran : and No. 60 —Petition of John Quinn and 12 Others, of Auckland. Praying for relief to William Moran on account of accident in the Waihi Grand Junction Mine I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee these petitions should be referred lo the Government for consideration ; and, further, that the Government should be asked to introduce legislation making provision for the maintenance of those who through accidents arc incapacitated from earning a living. 7t,h August, 1913.

No. 62.—Petition of B. C. Robbins and 14.6 Others, of Tauranga. Praying that the route known as the Tui Track be opened for public traffic. I am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make.

13th August, 1913. No. 3.—Petition of Ernest F. Shadbolt, of Christchurch. Praying for relief on account of illness caused through the insanitary drainage of the Railway Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Railways Committee. 13th August, 1913.

No. 73.— Petition of William J. Murphy, of Wellington. Prating for compensation for loss sustained through sale of certain lands. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 13th August, 1913.

No. 395 (1912).— Petitior of Sarah J. C. Montgomery, of Reefton. Praying for compassionate allowance on account of the death of her husband. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 13th August, 1913.

No. 386 (1912).—Petition of Ernest Francis Shadbolt, of Christchuroh. Pβ wing for a retrial of the case Shadbolt v. Meares and Williams, or other relief. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. ' 21st August, 1913,

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No. 57.—Petition of Ernest Wooler, of Auckland. I'kayixg for relief for injuries received in the South African War. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to bhe '■overnment for favourable consideration. 21st August, 1913.

No. 47.— Petition of Margaret O'Dwyer, of Waihi. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of the death of her husband. F am directed to report that, as the Public Trustee has now been authorized by regulations to make payments to widows of men who have died through miners' disease, the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 21st August, 1013.

No. 75.—Petition of C. R. V. Mackte, of Christchurch. ■ Praying for the release of youths on Ripa IslandT am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to bhe Defence Committee. 21st August, 1913.

No. LSI. —Petition of Mary A.wk .Smith, of New Plymouth. L'raying for compassionate allowance on account of the death of her husband, the late E. M. Smith, M.P. [ am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 21st August, 1913. Nd. 189. —Petition of R. Macalister, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for loss of position in the Public Service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 21st August, 19r3.

\'<i. I IT.—Petition of Arthur F. Wimsett, of Nelson. Prating for relief in connection with expenses incurred in defending a prosecution for alleged burglary . I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th August, 1013.

No. 190. —Petition of George Pope and 46 Others, of Roto-roa Inebriates Home. Praying that the Reformatory Institutions Act, 1909, be repealed or amended. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred u> the Government for consideration. 28th August, 1913.

No. 170.—Petition of J. T. Sullivan, of Uunedin. Praying for reinstatement as Inspector of Fisheries, or compensation for services renderedI am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 28th August, 1913.

No. 390 (1912). —Petition of I!. A. VV. McKenzie and H Others, of Wellington. Praying for a refund of £1,539 175., duty paid in the estate of T. W. McKenzie (deceased). I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th August, 1913. ,

No. 214. —Petition of Henry White, of Auckland. Praying for compassionate allowance 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 favourable consideration. 4th September, 1913. ,

No. 132.—Petition of Johann H. Meyer, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for loss of contract. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and that the trustees of the Macarthy Estate be urged to make searching inquiries with regard to the letting of the contract. 4th September. 1913.

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No. 185.—Petition of R. A. Murray and 026 Others, of Gore, &.v. Praying that the Government will not increase the number of racing-days in the Dominion. I am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 4th September, 1913.

No. 193. —Petition of G. Maumill and 79 Others, of Auckland. Praying tor the continuation of the co-operative system on the North Auokland Railway construction works. 1 am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee ha.s no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 4th September, 1913.

No. 209-Petition of James McGintY and 79 Others; and No. 210—Petition of John Luke and 143 Others, of Maraetai, Auckland. Praying that the brick-kiln now used for the storage of explosives at Maraetai be removed, and that the Government establish and control magazines for the storage of explosives in the Hauraki Gulf. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee these petition* should be referred to a board of experts to make full inquiries into the allegations made. 12th September, 1913.

No. 217.—Petition of A. Shdkkb and 51 Others, of Christchuroh. Praying for a post and telegraph office at the Cranford Street tram terminus, Christchurch. I am directed to report that the Committee has m> recommendation to make with regard to tub petition. 25th September, 1913.

No. 290. —Petition of Henry Wetherilt, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for services rendered as Inspector of Machinery. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th September, 1913.

No. 257.—Petition of Mrs. Mary Meaoham, of Wellington. Praying for compassionate allowance for 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 consideration. 26th September, 1913.

No. 305. —Petition of Mrs. Emma Wakefield, of Timaru. Praying for compassionate allowance for services rendered as cleaner at the Courthouse, Timaru. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd October, 1913.

No. 241. —Petition of Charles Gordon Smyth, of Oamaru. Praying for reinstatement in the Police Force. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 3rd October, 1913.

No. 310.—Petition of Henry Osborne Devenish Meares and Jambs Hugh Williams, of Christchurch. Praying that the petition of Ernest Francis Shadbolt be referred back to the Public Petitions Committee for further consideration, and that petitioners be afforded an opportunity of being heard and calling witnesses in reply to allegations contained in such petition. 1 am directed to report that the order of the House of the 21st August. 1913, referring the petition of Ernest Francis Shadbolt. of Christrhurcli, to the Government for favourable consideration be rescinded, and the report on the said petition be referred back to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee for further consideration. Bth October, 1913.

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No. 313. —Petition of Patrick McCallion. of Dunedin. Praying for compensation in lieu of retiring-allowances for services in the Prisons and Customs Departments. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 10th October, 1913.

No. 386 (1912).—Petition of Ernest Francis Shadbolt. of Christchurch. (Second Eeport.) Praying that Judge Chapman's ruling be sustained, or that a new trial be granted, or other relief. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to bhe Government for favourable consideration. 16th October, 1913.

No. 222. —Petition oE Mrs. Celia 8. O'Neill, of Mangonui. I'kaying for a compassionate allowance for services rendered by her late husband bo bhe Lands and Survey Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred t<> the Government for consideration. 16th October, 1913.

No. 311. —Petition of Mrs. Rose L. Montgomery, of AucklandI Prating lor a compassionate allowance of £500 for maintenance of heraelf and children. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to I lie Government for consideration. 16th October, 1913.

No. 340.—Petition of Henry Osborne Devenish Meares and James Hijch Williams, of Christchurch. (Second Report.) Praying that the petition of Ernest Francis Shadbolt be referred back to the Petitions Committee, and that petitioners be afforded an opportunity of calling witnesses and being heard in reply to allegations contained in the said petition. I am directed to report that, as the Committee has reconsidered its report on the petition of Ernest Francis Shadbolt and has adhered to its previous decision to refer his petition to the favourable consideration of the Government, the Committee has no recommendation to make in regard to the above petition. 16th October, 1913.

No. 269.—Petition of George E. Sole, of New Plymouth. Praying for fresh scrip or money value of same to replace original scrip lost through fire. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee, the scrip having been granted, the Government, if they are satisfied that no payment has been made, should be recommended to issue new scrip or make a money grant in lieu thereof. 23rd October, 1913.

No. 288.—Petition of Frank W. Watts, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for formulating the scheme of workers' homes. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 23rd October, 1913.

No. 366.—Petition of John Scott Myers, of Marshland, near Christchurch. Praying that he may be heard at the bar of the House in order to set forth his grievance? for wrongful imprisonment as a rogue and swindler. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 23rd October, 1913.

No. 402. —Petition of Elizabeth Workman, of Christchurch. Praying for compassionate allowance on account of death by accident of her husband. 1 am directed to report that the Committee lias no recommehdation be make with regard to (.his petition. 29th October, 1913.

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No. 387.—Petition of Joseph Mackintosh, of Wellington. Fraying for compassionate allowance for dismissal as gardener whilst in the employ of the Public Works Department. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that petitioner be granted half-pay on sick-leave up to the date of his notice of dismissal. 29th October, 1913.

No. 353.—Petition of J. G. Price and 3 Others, of Motueka. Praying that a sum of money may be granted for Jshe erection of suitable library and reading-room at Motueka. 1 am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to thin petition. 29th October, 1913.

No. 407. —Petition of Robert Pitcaithly, of Wellington. Praying for relief owing to the loss sustained by the termination of the Wellington dock contract, and the passing of the Wellington Harbour Board Empowering Act. L9lO, which destroyed petitioner's business as a contractor. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for further inquiry. 12th November, 1913.

No. 391. —Petition of Flora Newport, of Golden Gate, near Paremata. ■Praying for compassionate allowance owing to her misfortune in being left in poor financial I circumstances. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to I the Government for consideration. 12th November, 1913.

No. 389.—Petition of John Maysmor, of Wellington. Praying *'or relief on account of services rendered in the Land-tux and other Departments owing to no superannuation or compensation having been awarded. I am directed to report that the Committee has n<> recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 12th November, 1913.

No. 428. —Petition of Annie E. Rees, of Gisborne. Praying for an allowance on account of the services rendered by her late.husband. W. L. Bees, .U.H.R.. who devoted much time to the public service to the neglect of his own interests. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition .should, b< , referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd December, 1913.

No. 443. —Petition of Nellie St. Leger and 3 Others, of Masterton. Praying for compensation- owing to the loss of their licenses by reason of the alteration of the boundaries of the electoral districts. I am directed to report that, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee lias no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 3rd December, 1913.

No. 431. —Petition of William McHugh, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for wrongful imprisonment. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd December, 1913.

No. 439.—Petition of Florence McArthur, of Wellington. Praying for compassionate allowance for services rendered to the Government by her late husband, Dr. McArthur, S.M. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd December, 1913.

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No. 406.—Petition of M. M. Millikin and 177 Others, of Kaiwarra. Praying for the establishment of a tramway service between the present terminus of the Wellington City Corporation tramways and Kaiwarra. • I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 10th December, 1913.

No. 457. —Petition of Eliza J. McMeekin, of Prebbleton. I 'raying for compensation in connection with the death of her late husband. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 10th December, 1913.

No. 435. —Petition of Robert C. Sim, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for loss sustained through being summoned as a witness for the police. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 10th December, 1913.

No. 463. —-Petition of James A. McGregor, of Wellington. Praying for compassionate allowance in consideration of his being totally blind and destitute. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the Government make legislative provision for cases of this kind. 10th December, 1913.

No. 455. —Petition of Mary Jane Stanley, of Hamilton. Praying for assistance on account of the loss of the services of her late husband, bath attendant at Te Aroha. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 10th December, 1913.

No. 456. —Petition of the Wellington City Brass Band, of Wellington. Praying for payment of the amount of capitation owing to the band by the Defence Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for further inquiry. 10th December, 1913.

Special Report (re Chairman). I am directed to report that the Committee desires to record its hearty appreciation of the great care and attention devoted by the Chairman, Mr. Okey, to the business of the Committee, and of the able and courteous manner in which his duties have been carried out this session of Parliament; and that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. 10th December, 1913.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee has held 19 meetings during the session of 1913, and the. business dealt with was as follows: — Number of petitions referred to the Committee .. .. .. .. 57 Number of petitions dealt with .. .. .. .. .. .. 56 Number of petitions held over (not having been returned from the Department to which they were referred for report) .. .. . . .. I Number of reports presented to the House .. .. .. .. 53 Number of specific recommendations therein .. .. .. .. 4 Number referred for favourable consideration .. .. .. .. 13 Number referred for consideration .. .. .. .. ..12 Number referred for inquiry .. .. . . . . . . .. 2 Number referred to other Committees .. . . . . .. . . 2 Number with no recommendation .. .. .. .. .. 20 10th December, 1918.

Ai'/iii'j-iiiin/t t'nsi of Paper.—Preparation, not aiv<m ; printing (i.4uo copies), *--'..

Authority : John Mackav, Government Printer. Wellington.—l9l3.

I'iin I'ul. I