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No. 92. —Petition of Woolston Tanneries (Limited), of Christchurch. Praying for a refund of income-tax for a period preceding the removal of the embargo on the export of hides. 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, 1923.

No. 182.—Petition of W. K. Wilton, of Waimiha, and 15 Others. Praying for the erection of a vehicular-traffic bridge across the Ongarue River at Waimiha, to give access to the soldiers' settlement. 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, 1923.

No. 177.—Petition of William Thomson, of Palmerston North. Praying for inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the sale to him of 84 acres of dairy land at Kairanga. I am directed to report that the Committee has considered the above petition and has no recommendation to make. 28th August, 1923.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Committee desires to record its hearty appreciation of the ability, care, and attention devoted by the Chairman, Mr. J. McC. Dickson, to the business of the Committee, and of the courteous and tactful manner in which his duties have been carried out during the session ; and further desires that this resolution shall be recorded on the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the; House. W. J. Jordan, 28th August, 1923. Member of the Committee.

Final Eeport. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members, held twenty meetings during the session. The average attendance of members at each meeting was seven. The following table shows the disposal of the business which came before tfie Committee :— Petitions referred to the Committee .. .. .. .. .. 43 Petitions dealt with .. .. .. .. .. .. 37 Reports presented to the House .. .. .. .. .. . . 38 Referred for favourable consideration .. .. .. .. ..13 Referred for consideration .. .. .. .. .. ..12 Petitions given no recommendation .. .. .. .. 10 Held over . . . . .. .. . . .. . . (i 28th August, 1923.

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