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No. 119/31 (Sess. 2).—Petition of D. W. Coleman, of Gisborne, and 8,399 Others. Praying that work on the Waikokopu-Gisborne Railway be resumed. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition be referred to the Government for consideration, with a view to investigating any offers of financial guarantees from the district. 7th November, 1931. 1

No. 156/31 (Sess. 2). —Petition of W. F. Hodsen, Camp 18, Waipapa Point, Marlborough. Praying that the construction of the South Island Main Trunk Railway be proceeded with. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th November, 1931.

No. 157 (Sess. 2). —Petition of the Amalgamated Society of Eailway Servants of New Zealand. Praying that amending legislation be introduced to enable members of the Eailway Service compulsorily retired to receive superannuation retiring-allowances without actuarial reductions. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 7th November, 1931.

No. 168/31 (Sess. 2). —Petition of W. H. Landells, of Christchurch. Praying that he be declared the true inventor of a certain buffer-plate punch. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th November, 1931.

No. 177 (Sess. 2). — Petition of the New Zealand Locomotive Engineers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association. Praying that amending legislation be introduced which will enable its members to obtain one-sixtieth of salary for each year of service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 7th November, 1931.

No. 182 (Sess. 2). —Petition of the New Zealand Railway Tradesmen's Association. Praying that clause 14 of the Finance Act, 1931, be so amended that railway men compulsorily retired will be allotted a pension equal to one-sixtieth of their retiring salary for each year of service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 7th November, 1931.

No. 187/31 (Sess. 2). —Petition of J. W. M. Smith, of Wellington. Praying for alteration in the method of computing his superannuation allowance. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 7th November, 1931.

No. 136/31 (Sess. 2). —Petition of Ella E. Irwin, of Christchurch. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of the death of her husband in a railway accident near Christchurch. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 10th November, 1931.

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