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No. 159.—Petition of Mrs. Mary Lowden, of 75 Burke Street, Spreydon, Christchurch. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of her late husband's services as Railway Workshops Manager at Addington. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 25th September, 1928.

No. 172.—Petition of G. W. Forsyth, of Christchurch. Praying that : -he be found permanent employment in the Government service owing to permanent injuries received whilst in the employ of the Railway Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 25th September, 1928.

Government Railways Amendment Bill. The Railways Committee to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has heard evidence on and. carefully considered the provisions thereof. The Committee recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with amendments as shown on a copy of the Bill attached hereto.

3rd October, 1928. No. 243. —Petition of Hugh Bradley, of Ohakune. Praying for compensation on account of injury received whilst employed by the Railway Department. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th October, 1928.

No. 265.—Petition of T. E. Mills, of Lower Hutt. Praying for a compassionate allowance owing to an alleged injury received in the New Zealand Railways service. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th October, 1928.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the members of the Railways Committee desire to express their appreciation of the ability and courtesy displayed during the session by Mr. J. S. Dickson, M.P., as Chairman, in the conduct of the business of the Committee ; and, further, that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of the Committee, and also that it be reported to the House. W. A. Veitch, 4th October, 1928. Member of the Committee.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the members of the Railways Committee desire to express their appreciation of the ability and courtesy displayed by their Committee Clerk, Mr. H. K. Hawken, in the carrying-out of his duties this session ; and, further, that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of the Committee, and also that it be reported to the House. 4th October, 1928.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Railways Committee, consisting of ten members, has during the session held six meetings, with an average attendance at each meeting of seven members. The Government Railways Amendment Bill was referred to the Committee, and the same, after careful consideration, was reported upon to the House. Eleven petitions were referred to the Committee, nine of which were finally dealt with and reported upon to the House. 4th October, 1928. ,T. S. Dickson, Chairman.

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