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No. 294.—Petition of E. W. Henderson and 5 Others, of Christchurch. Praying that the New Zealand Locomotive Engineers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association may be permitted to register as an industrial union under the provisions of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. I am directed to report that the Committee is of the opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 27th October, 1917.

No. 93.—-Petition of Henry Holland and 49 Others, of Christchurch (and 5 similar Petitions. as per Schedule attached). (Second Report.) Praying for the reinstatement of the 9.45 p.m. train from Lyttelton to Christchurch. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 27th October, 1917. SCHEDULE. No. 252.—Couzens, T. H„ and 12 others. No. 109.—Lester, W. L„ and 39 others. No. 28.—Grimmer, A. W., and 24 others. No. 203.—Winsor, W. H., and 10 others. No. 139.—Hart, L., and 39 others.

Special Report. I am directed to report that the following resolution was unanimously carried : "The Committee wishes to record its satisfaction at the manner in which the Clerk (Mr. G. W. C. Moon) has carried out his duties, and at the tact and energy he has exercised in dealing with the business referred to the Committee, and recommends that he be appointed to a position so that his services may be available in future. This recommendation to be recorded on the minutes of the Committee and reported to the House." 27th October, 1917.

Special Report. I am directed to report that the following resolution was unanimously adopted : " The Committee desires to place on record its keen appreciation of the efficient and courteous manner in which the Chairman (D. Buick, Esq.) has directed the business of the Committee during this session of Parliament, and that this resolution shall be recorded on the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House." 27th October, 1917.

Final Report. I am directed to report that the Railways Committee (consisting of ten members) has held fifteen meetings during the session, the average attendance at each meeting being just under seven. The following table shows the disposal of the business that came before the Committee : — Petitions referred to the Committee ... ... ... ... ... 28 Petitions dealt with .... ... ... ... ... ... 28 Reports presented to the House ... ... ... ... ... 29 Petitions referred for favourable consideration ... ... ... 4 Petitions referred for consideration ... ... ... 6 Petitions given "no recommendation" ... ... ... ... 18 Petitions referred back to the Committee and again reported on for consideration ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 6 27th October, 1917.

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