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2

BEPORTS. No. 140. —Petition of Edwin Arthur Payne and 2 Others, of Amberley. Praying for compensation for loss of crops, &c, destroyed by fire alleged to have been caused by sparks from a railway locomotive. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd August, 1917.

No. 65.—Petition of John S. Russell and 120 Others, of Aramoho. Praying that the railway-crossing at Spier Street, Aramoho, may be opened as a public crossing. J. ant directed to report that the Committee is of the opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. • 29th August, 1017.

No. 355.—Petition of Selwyn Plantation Boaud. Praying for compensation for losses sustained by fires in plantations, alleged to be caused by sparks from a railway locomotive. I am. directed to report that the Committee is of the opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th September, 1917.

No. 236 (1916). —Petition of Ronconui te Whitu and 2 Others, of Raetihi. Praying for compensation for the death of their mother, who was accidentally killed in a railwayconstruction accident at Raetihi. I am directed to report that the Committee, is of the opinion this petition should be referred to the Public Works Department for immediate and favourable consideration. 26th September, 1917.

No. 240.—Petition of H. R. Thomason, of Wai-iti. Praying for light employment in consideration of the fact that he had lost both his legs while in the employment of the Railway Department. 1 am directed to report that the Committee is of the opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 26th September, 1917.

No. 273.—Petition of W. F. McLean and 9 Others (and 6 similar Petitions as per Schedule attached). Praying that superannuated railway men be placed on the same footing as present members of the Railway Department in regard to payment of war bonus, also the issue of free passes and privilege tickets. I am directed to report that in the opinion of this Committee this is a question of policy, and therefore it has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1917.

SCHEDULE. No. 303.—Verdon, 8., and 12 others. No. 368.—Collick, 1.J., and 11 others. No.' 329.—Bamett, J., and 15 others. No. 372.—Murray, T„ and 8 others. No. 307. —Laws, Thomas, and 7 others. No. 386. —Holmes, C. E.

No. 243.—Petition of Theo. Lange, of Tc Kuiti. Praying for compensation for injuries caused to his daughter through a railway accident at Te Kuiti. I am directed to report that the Committee is of the opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th September, 1917.