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No. 278. —Petition of J. W. Hope, of Auckland. Praying for investigation into alleged wrongful conviction for disobedience of maintenance order. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1928.

No. 281. —Petition of S. Hannafin, of Riccarton. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services as a police constable. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th October, 1928.

No. 291.—Petition of J. H. Lyon, of Waikato. Praying for compensation for farming-drill damaged on railway controlled by Public Works Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1928.

No. 292.—Petition of Margaret S. Ironside, of Roskill. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services as Superintendent of His Majesty's Prison. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1928.

No. 294. —Petition of P. B. Harris, of Wellington. Praying for inquiry into circumstances of his confinement in Porirua Mental Hospital. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1928.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions A to L Committee desires to place on record its sincere appreciation of the capable, courteous, and impartial manner in which the Chairman, Mr. John Bitchener, has presided over its deliberations during the session ; and that the Committee further desires that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of the Committee, and also that it be reported to the House. Alex. Harris, 9th October, 1928. A Member of the Committee.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions A to L Committee wish to place on record its hearty approval of the excellent work done during the session by the Clerk, Mr. E. B. Harman, whose painstaking interest in his work is very helpful and much appreciated by the Committee. 9th October, 1928.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Public Petitions A to L Committee, consisting of ten members, held twelve meetings during the session, with an average attendance of six members. Fifty-two petitions were referred to the Committee, and were dealt with as follows : Referred to the Government for favourable consideration .. .. 12 Referred to the Government for consideration . . .. 20 Referred to the Government for inquiry .. . . .. . . 1 Petitions on which the Committee made no recommendation .. 18 Petition withdrawn .. .. .. .. .. 1 52 Held over until next session .. .. .. .. .. 2 54 9th October, 1928. J. Bitchener, Chairman.

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