1.—6

4

connection with promotions Regulation 40 be carried out, and that when an officer is not recommended for promotion he be immediately supplied with a copy of the report giving reasons for his not being so recommended; that readjustment of classification is desirable, and that the Government be recommended to go into the whole question of regrading the First Division, with a view to more adequately remunerating officers generally, and striking out the ninth grade, and fixing a maximum of £220 for officers who fail to qualify for promotion; that the Railway Regulations dealing with leave of absence be amended so as to bring them into conformity with the regulations of other branches of the Public Service; that the staffing of stations be reviewed, with a view to reducing excessive hours where such exist; that Regulation 47 be altered so that three days be allowed at commencement of journey and ten days after arrival at destination in cases where officers are transferred to meet the exigencies of the Department; that the evidence placed before the Committee does not justify it in recommending that the Minister's power of veto on Appeal Board decisions be abolished. tVirJe also Appendix 1.-6 a.] 27th October, 1911.

Nos. 637 (1910) and 69 (1911). —Petitions of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants. Petitioners pray for consideration with regard to conditions of employment, wages, and other matters. I am directed to report that this Committee, having had the petition of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants before it, and having met the representatives of that society in conference and heard representations from them, recommends that the Government set up a Board or Commission to inquire into the petition of the Second Division of the Railway service, with a view to recommending the best method of removing any grievances or anomalies that may exist. [Vide also Appendix 1.-6b.] 27th October, 1911.

Special Report (No. 1). The Railways Committee has the honour to report that at the final meeting of the Committee held on the 26th October, 1911, the following resolution was passed unanimously:— " That the Railways Committee desires to place on record its high appreciation of the valuable services rendered by the Chairman, Mr. J. T. Hogan, to the Committee, and for the fair and impartial manner in which he conducted the business. Owing to the lengthy hearing required in connection with the petition of the Railway Officers' Institute, the duties of Chairman have this session been particularly arduous, requiring considerable patience, tact, and ability, all of which have been displayed to a marked extent by Mr. Hogan ; and that this resolution be recorded on the minutes of the Committee and reported to the House." 27th October, 1911.

Special Report (No. 2). The Railways Committee has the honour to report that at the final meeting of the Committee held on the 26th October, 1911, the following resolution was passed unanimously:— " That this Committee desires to record its hearty appreciation of the great care and attention devoted by the clerk, Mr. N. Jacobs, to the business of the Committee, and the able and courteous manner in which his duties have been carried out during this session of Parliament; and that this resolution be recorded on the minutes of the Committee and reported to the House." 27th October, 1911.

Final Report. I am directed to report that the Committee held its final meeting on Thursday, the 26th day of October, 1911. The number of meetings held by the Committee was ... 23 The number of petitions referred to the Committee was 26 The number of petitions referred to the Government for consideration was 9 The number of petitions referred to the Government for favourable consideration was ••■ ■ ■■ 3 The number of petitions on which the Committee had no recommendation to make was ••■ ... 12 The number of reports brought down by the Committee and presented to the House was . • .22 Average attendance of members at meetings of Committee 7'l 27th October, 1911.

Approximate Coat nl Paper. —Preparation, not given : printing (1.400 copies). £ 1 fis

Authority : John Mackay. Government Printer, Wellington.—l9ll.

Pric* 3d.)