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No. 27.—Petition of A. T. Griffin, of Wellington. Petitionee alleges that he contracted tuberculosis whilst serving in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and is now unable to earn sufficient to maintain his family. He prays for suitable permanent employment or financial assistance. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration with a view to some suitable employment being found for the petitioner. 17th January, 1922.

No. 28.—Petition of George Jones, of Petone. Petitioner states that his son, H. C. Jones, late gunner in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces, is stranded in England with his family, and prays that they may be granted a free passage to New Zealand. I am directed to report that .the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th January, 1922.

No. 16. —Petition of Julia King, of Petone. Petitionee prays for a pension in respect of the war services of her husband, who disappeared from hospital two days before peace was signed. I am directed to report that the Committee ib of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 17th January, 1922.

Anzac Day Amendment Bill. I am directed to report that the Defence Committee, to which was referred the Anzac Day Amendment Bill, has duly considered the same, and is of opinion that it should be allowed to proceed without amendment. 19th January, 1922.

No. 260.—Petition of F. B. Mabin, of Wellington. For reinstatement in the Civil Service, or adequate compensation for loss of employment. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that, in view of all the facts, especially the Government promise to Civil servants and the excellent reports on Mr. Mabin's ability, he should be reinstated in the position he held before the war or its equivalent. It is therefore recommended that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 19th January, 1922.

No. 63.—Petition of J. T. Bosworth, of Palmerston North. That the recommendation contained in the report of the Defence Committee of the 3rd November, 1920, may be carried into effect. I am directed to report that the Committee finds that no fresh evidence against the petitioner's claims could be brought forward ; it therefore repeats the recommendation made in its report on the 3rd November, 1920—viz., " That, in view of the petitioner's services having been availed of during the term of his final leave, he should be paid an extra six month's salary." 19th January, 1922.

No. 212. —Petition of Elizabeth Savage, of Kirksville, Missouri, U.S.A. That the gratuity payable on account of her late brother, Robert Marrett, may be paid to her instead of to Mrs. Walsh, of Taranaki, to whom the Pensions Board has awarded same. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 24th January, 1922.

No. 138. —Petition of Margaret E. Wilson, of Gisborne. Petitioner alleges that owing to her husband having been granted his discharge in England he has not returned to support her. She prays for a pension, or financial assistance equal to the pension paid to widows of soldiers. I am directed to report that the Committee finds that a matter of policy is involved, but it considers the Government should take steps to meet this and all similar cases. 31st January, 1922.