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No. 343.—Petition of ,T. E. Belch*® and 378 Others, of Woolston, &c. Complaining of the smoke nuisance from the railway-works near Christchurch, and praying that steps may be taken to abate the same. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 30th October, 1920.

No. 299.'—Petition of Robert N. Wickham, of Christchurcli. Praying for further inquiry into or compensation for a certain alleged assault. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd November, 1920.

Government Railways Amendment Bill. The Railways Committee, to which was referred the Government Railways Amendment Bill, lias the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed, with the amendments shown on the copy attached hereto. 3rd November, 1920.

Spboiatj Report. I have the honour to report that the Railways Committee desires to record its high appreciation of the great care, ability, impartiality, and courtesy with which the Chairman, Mr. Bollard, has presided over the business of the Committee during this session; and it further desires that this resolution shall be recorded in the minutes of the Committee, and be reported to the House. T. K. Sidey, sth November, 192.0. Member of Committee.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Railways Committee, consisting of ten members, has held ten meetings during the session. The following table shows the disposal of the business which came before the Committee :— Number of petitions referred to the Committee ... ... ... 36 Number of petitions dealt with ... ... ... ... ...35 Number of reports presented to the House ... ... ... ... 21 Number of petitions referred for favourable consideration ... ... 1 Number referred for consideration ... ... ... ... ... 10 Number of petitions given "No recommendation" ... ... 22 Number referred to other Committees ... ... .. .. 2 Number of petitions held over ... ... ... ... ... 1 Bill reported on ... ... ... ... ... .. 1 sth November, 1920.

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By Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—1920.

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