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No. 298.—Petition of L. C. Croucher and 106 Others. Objecting to any alteration in shopping-hours. I have the honour to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition has been carefully considered when framing the amendments to the Shops and Offices Amendment Bill, upon which the Committee has already reported to the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th October, 1927.

Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill. I have, by direction of the Labour Bills Committee, to report the following resolution to the House : That the proceedings of the Committee during the taking of evidence on the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill be open to accredited representatives of the press. Ist November, 1927.

Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill. I have the honour to report that the Labour Bills Committee has carefully considered the above Bill, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed, with the amendments as shown on the copy of the Bill annexed hereto. 22nd November, 1927.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the members of the Labour Bills Committee desire to place on record their cordial appreciation of the able and courteous manner in which the Chairman, Sir John Luke, C.M.G., has presided over the deliberations of the Committee during the session ; and the members of the Committee further desire that this resolution be reported to the House. James Horn, 26th November, 1927. Member of the Committee.

Special Report. The Labour Bills Committee desires to record its great appreciation of the services rendered to it by its Clerk, Mr. Llewellyn Meredith, who throughout the session has shown unfailing tact, ability, and devotion to Ms work. The Committee further desires that this resolution lie recorded in the minutes and reported to the House. 26th November, 1927.

Kin ai. Report. I have the honour to report that the Labour Bills Committee, consisting of ten members, has held during the session thirty-eight meetings on thirty-two days, and has received evidence from ninety persons. The average attendance of members at each meeeting has been seven. Five Bills and five petitions were referred to the Committee, all of which have been reported to the House. 26th November, 1927. John P. Luke, Chairman.

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

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 927-

Price 3d.]

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