1.-2

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No. 248. —Petition of H. C. Steffeiit, of Wellington. Praying that he may be granted a military pension. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for further inquiry. 31st July, 1916.

No. 372 (1915). —Petition of James Magee, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for loss on. subcontract in excavating for railway-formation on the Stratford Main Trunk line. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 31st July, 1916.

No. 246. —Petition of Alice Weston, of Christchurch. Praying for a compassionate allowance in respect of the services of her late husband, Staff Sergeantmajor Weston, in the New Zealand Forces. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 31st July, 1916.

No. 215.—Petition of L. M. Schrader, of Wellington. Praying the House to consider whether there is any public interest which would be affected by your petitioner or others availing themselves of the services and aid of one Henry Markwald in carrying on a business in New Zealand. I am directed to report that, as in the opinion of the Committee the matter contained in the petition is matter of policy, it, has no recommendation to make, but it would suggest that the Government make further inquiry. 4th August, 1916.

Special Report. I have the honour to report, that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee desires to record its hearty appreciation of the unceasing care, skill, and attention devoted by the Chairman, Mr. Okey, to the business of the Committee, and the able and courteous manner in which he has carried out his duties this session of Parliament; and that this resolution be recorded in the minutes and reported to the House. 4th August, 1916.

Final Report. I am directed to report that the Public Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members, has during the session held 20 meetings, the average attendance at each meeting being 8. The following table shows the disposal of the business which came before the Committee : — Number of petitions referred to the Committee... ... ... ... 91 Number of jaetitions dealt with ... . . ... ... ... 86 Number of reports presented to the House ... ... ... ... 36 Number referred for most favourable consideration ... ... ... 2 Number referred for favourable consideration ... ... ... 15 Number referred for further consideration and inquiry ... ... ... 1 Number referred for consideration and inquiry ... ... ... 1 Number referred for further inquiry ... ... ... ... I Number referred for consideration ... ... ... ... ... 2 Number of petitions given "No recommendation" ... ... ... 13 Number of petitions referred to another Committee' ... ... ... I Number of petitions held over by request ... ... ... ... 5 4th August, 1916.

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