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RBPOKTS No. 130. —Petition of G. Welch and 12 Others (and 8 similar Petitions, as per Schedule attached hereto). Praying for legislation extending' the hours of business of small retail traders who do not employ labour. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th September, 1924.

Schedule. No. 111.—Petition of J. U. Scott and 5 others. No. 115.—Petition of Fanny Churchill and 23 No. 112.—Petition of A. E. Cilmore and 17 others. others. No. 113. —Petition of E. A. Lepper and another. No. 140.—Petition of E. A. Gungall and 20 others. No 114.—Petition of A. E. Jupp and 2 others. No. 144.—Petition of G. A. Meekings and 18 others. No. 145.—Petition of D. Sullivan and 3 others.

Scaffolding and Excavation Amendment Bill. The Labour Bills Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee recommends that it be allowed to proceed, with amendments as shown on the copy of the Bill attached hereto. 14th October, 1924.

Footwear Begulation Amendment Bill. The Labour Bills Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee recommends that it be allowed to proceed, with amendments as shown on the copy of the Bill attached hereto. 16th October, 1924,

No. 291 .--Petition of L. Cave and 71 Others. Praying for an amendment of section 3, subsection (2), Shops and Offices Act, 1921-22, to enable retail traders of New Plymouth to extend their hours of business during Christmas week. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th October, 1924,

Workers' Compensation Amendment Bill. The Labour Bills Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to recommend that the Workers' Compensation Amendment Bill be not proceeded with this session. The Committee also recommends that the workers' compensation for accidents law should be investigated during the recess by experts, with a, view to a revision of the law being introduced in the House next session. 3rd November, T924-.

Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill. The Labour Bills Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee recommends that it be,allowed to proceed without amendment. 3rd November, 1924.

Companies Empowering Bill. The Labour Bills Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee recommends that it be allowed to proceed, with amendment as shown on the copy of the Bill attached hereto. 3rd November, 1924,

Painters and Decorators Health Protection Bill. The Labour Bills Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee recommends that it be not allowed to proceed this session, as it is being dealt with by regulations. 3rd November, 1924.