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And the Committee has further to report that, to remove difficulties which have arisen from the doubt as to whether mining can be carried on on reserves of public lands in mining districts, a provision to the following effect be enacted this session: "No reserves set apart or hereafter to be set apart, or Crown-granted, in any mining district, for the benefit of any public corporate body, shall be deemed by virtue of such reservation to exempt the lands therein included from the operation of the provisions of any Act for the time being in force for the administration of gold fields : Provided that all revenues derived from the lands so reserved shall be the revenues of the local corporate body for whose benefit such reserve shall have been set apart. 21st July, 1882.

No. 277.—Petition of McDonnell Brothers. I hate the honor to report, after consideration, that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 21st July, 1882.

No. 129.—Petition of Eobebt Buchanan and Others. Tour Committee have the honor to report on the petitioners' prnyer as follows: That the Waipori Commonage be vested in local trustees on behalf of the residents, and that the Government be requested to give effect to this recommendation. 21st July, 1882.

No. 211. —Petition of Robert Gartie and Others. I am directed to report as follows : That the petition be referred to the Government, in order that inquiries may be made as to whether the work referred to is one that should be aided out of any fund voted by Parliament for minor works upon gold fields, or otherwise. 31st July, 1882.

No. 156.—Petition of M. N. Cooper. lam directed to report as follows: That the Committee see no ground upon which the petitioner is entitled to relief, but refer the petition to the Government to make further inquiry, if it sees fit so to do. 31st July, 1882.

Mmm& on Harbour Board Eesertes Bill.—Mining on Education Eesertes Bill.—Minings on Water-Race Eesebves Bill. I am directed to report the above Bills amended as herewith. Ist August, 1882.

No. 399.—Petition of Joseph Ferris and 96 Others, County of Tuapeka. The petitioners point out the probability of Block VII, Tuapeka East, being taken up for occupation on agricultural leases, the whole of the block and surrounding district being auriferous, and ask that it may be set apart for mining purposes. Tour Committee have the honor to recommend that the Government institute inquiries, and. if the allegations contained in the petition are sustained, recommend them to communicate with the Otago Waste Lands Board, asking them not to grant any leases except for mineral purposes. 15th August, 1882.

No. 254. —Petition of John Eable and Others, Ohinomuri. 'I'he petitioners stale that they hold certain lands under the Gold Fields Agricultural Leasing Regulations, 1875, and ask that they may be allowed to acquire the freehold thereof, without advance upon the original cost per acre to the Government. Tour Committee have the honor to report that the petition be referred to the Government for their favourable consideration. 15th August, 1882.

No. 90.—Petition of Martin Klihpel and Henry Dense, Kumara. The petitioners state that they have sustained loss to the extent of £234 by the "bursting of a Government dam on the Kapitea Creek, it having swept away appliances and material in connection with their business as fellmongers, aud ask for compensation. Tour Committee have the honor to report that, having given careful consideration of the petitioners' claim, they recommend that the sum of £150 be paid to the petitioners in full settlement of all claims against the Government. 15th August, 1882.

No. 358.—Petition of the Mayor and Corporation, Thames. The petitioners state that certain moneys, being largely in excess of the amount allowed to the Natives by the agreement of the 9th March, 1868, which have accrued from, the Thames Gold Field, and to which they believe they are entitled by section 20 of "The Financial Arrangements Act, 1876," and section Bof the Amendment Act of 1877, have been paid to the Native owners. They pray for redress. lam directed to report as follows: The Committee are of opinion that the moneys paid to the Natives are so paid in accordance with law ; that, owing to the agreement between the Government and the Natives at the Thames Gold Fields as regards gold fields revenues, the local government bodies are placed at a disadvantage as compared with local government bodies on the southern gold fields; and that Government either purchase out the Native rights, or subsidize the local bodies to the extent of the amount derived from miners' rights. 18th August, 1882.