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No. 306. —Petition of the Esmos Timber and Machinery Co., of Wellington, and 17 Others. Praying that woodworking machinery be added to the Seventh Schedule of the Chattels Transfer Act, in order that it may be immune from registration under hire-purchase agreements. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th November, 1927.

No. 286/26. —Petition of L. C. Williamson, of Wellington, and 2,517 Others. Praying for an amendment of the Board of Trade Act, 1919. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of this petition having been dealt with in an earlier report of this Committee during the present session, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th November, 1927.

Special Report. # I have the honour to report that the Industries and Commerce Committee desires to record its great appreciation of the courtesy and ability with which the Chairman, Mr. Girling, has presided over the business of the Committee during the session. It further desires that this resolution shall be recorded in the minutes of the Committee and reported to the House. C. E. Macmillan, 29th November, 1927. Member of the Committee.

Special Report. I am directed to report that the Industries and Commerce Committee desires to compliment Mr. Edward F. Fox on the manner in which he has this session again carried out the duties of Clerk to the Committee, and desires that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of the Committee, and also that it be reported to the House. 29th November, 1927.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Industries and Commerce Committee, consisting of eleven members, has held eight meetings during the session, with an average attendance of seven members. The Committee heard forty-one petitions, of which ten were concerned with the important question of price-fixing in regard to the necessaries of life, and thirty with the importation of alleged shoddy materials. It also considered the report of the Commission of Inquiry on the Proprietary Articles Trade Association, and a matter referred to it by the Minister. 29th November, 1927. W. J. Girling, Chairman.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (475 copies), £3 10s.

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