1.—2.

No. 52. —Petition of J. Stevenson, Blenheim. Praying for payment of the balance of an amount allegedly due for services rendered as Chairman of the Marlborough Adjustment Commission. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 20th September, 1939.

No. 300/1932-33. —Petition of Sir Cyril R. J. Ward, Bart., and Others, Christchurch. Praying for a refund of portion of death duties assessed and paid in respect of the estate of the late Sir Joseph Ward, Bart. I am directed to report that the petitioners having expressed a desire to withdraw same, the Committee recommends that they be allowed to do so. 20th September, 1939.

No. 31. Petition of Aubrey Gaulter and Co., and 2,069 Others, Wellington. Praying that certain premises be not brought under the Fair Rents Act, 1936. 1 am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Statutes Revision Committee, to which has been referred the Fair Rents Amendment Bill. 27th September, 1939.

No. 146/1937. —Petition of C. R. N. Mackie, and 5 Others, Christchurch. Praying for an inquiry into the penal system of New Zealand. 1 am directed, to report that the Committee has considered this petition and recommends that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. The Committee also recommends that a parliamentary Committee be set up to investigate the whole penal system in New Zealand. 27th September, 1939.

No. 138/1937. —Petition of 1). M. Martin, and 13 Others, Wellington. Praying that a Commission of Inquiry be set up to investigate the operation of the Prison and Borstal systems. I am directed to report that the Committee has considered this petition and recommends that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. The Committee also recommends that a parliamentary Committee be set up to investigate the whole penal system in New Zealand. 27th September, 1939.

No. 5/1938—Petition of Doris M. Mirams, and 14 Others, 25 Beverley Road, Timaru. Praying for inquiry into the penal system of New Zealand. I am directed to report that the Committee has considered this petition and recommends that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. The Committee also recommends that a parliamentary Committee be set up to investigate the whole penal system in New Zealand. 27th September, 1939.

No. 45. —Petition of Victoria A. Morris, Wellington. Praying for amendment of the Deaths by Accidents Compensation Act, 1908, enabling her to proceed with a claim for compensation in respect of the death of her husband. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 27th September, 1939.

No. 23.—Petition of F. Sampson, Invercargill. Peaying that a general inquiry be held into the Borstal system of New Zealand; and that the right of appeal be granted in the event of a person's name being removed from the list of Official Visitors to Borstal institutions. I am directed to report that the Committee has considered this petition and, as to the part thereof praying for an inquiry into the Borstal system in New Zealand, rccommends favourable consideration; and also recommends that a parliamentary Committee be set up to investigate the whole penal system in New Zealand. The Committee has no recommendation to make in respect of the latter part of the prayer of the petition. 27th September, 1939.

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