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No. 34.—Petition of G. W. Dell and Others, of Christchurch Praying for an amendment to the present system of rating in Christchurch for drainage purposes. I have the honour to report that the Committee is of the opinion that as the petition affects a local body it should be referred to the Local Bills Committee. 11th September, 1946.

No. 94/1945.—Petition of C. D. Cox and Others, of Napier Praying for the framing of a master charter which will serve as a spiritual guide to all nations and as a basis of world peace. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 18th September, 1946.

No. 2. —Petition of C. J. W. Lookie, of Hastings Praying for the full application of the provisions of section 56 of the Finance Act (No. 2), 1945, regarding superannuation payments. I have the honour to report that the Committee regrets it has no recommendation to make. 18th September, 1946.

No. 35. —Petition of W. S. Hammond, of Liverpool Street, Trentham Praying for reinstatement on the Police Force of New Zealand. I have the honour to report that the Committee has carefully considered the petition and has no recomriiendation to make. 2nd October, 1946. 0

No. 52.—Petition of Margaret 0. K. L. L. Douglas, of Christchurch Praying for full investigation into circumstances connected with the execution of a deed, and subsequent proceedings, and for relief from further payments under the deed. I have the honour to report that the Committee has carefully considered the petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for most favourable and urgent consideration. This is a petition in which a Mrs. Douglas, of Christchurch, prays for certain relief in respect of a deed executed by her jointly and severally with her husband a number of years ago. The facts —although somewhat involved —were not disputed. The difficulties which confronted the Committee were of a twofold nature. In the first place, the Committee found it extremely hard to arrive at a final conclusion as to the facts, for the reason that such a decision would necessitate an examination of numerous documents and Court files and this was a task which could not be performed by members of the Committee. Secondly, the Committee was not clear as to the precise nature of the remedy which would prove adequate and effective in such a case as this. The Committee was fortunate in being able to secure the authoritative legal opinion of an eminent member of the legal profession, and after careful consideration of it the Committee reached the conclusion which forms the basis of its present recommendation. The Committee are strongly of opinion that the petitioner makes out a valid case for investigation and for relief, and the Committee urges the Government to give this matter immediate and sympathetic consideration. 7th October, 1946.

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