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Sess. 11.—1887. NEW ZEALAND.

GOLDFIELDS AND MINES COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF). MR. SEDDON, CHAIRMAN.

Presented to the Rouse of Representatives, Sess. 11., 1887, and ordered to be printed.

Eepoet on the Gold Duty Eeduction Bill. The Goldfields and Mines Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same, and recommend that it be passed, with the amendments shown in the annexed copy of the Bill. 15th November, 1887.

Nos. 25, 26, 45, 46, Sess. lE—Petitions of William Tillman and Others, John Wesnee and Others, D. McGeegoe and Others, and W. McMastees and Others. The petitioners pray for a reduction of the gold duty. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the export duty of 2s. per ounce upon gold is excessive, and its bearing upon the gold-mining industry detrimental, especially when it must be borne in mind that the average earnings of those employed in mining only averages some £80 per man per annum. This Committee therefore recommends—(l.) That relief be given the petitioners by a reduction being made in the export duty upon gold. (2.) That the Government be respectfully requested to take up the Bill now before the House dealing with this subject; or, if not expedient for it so to do, that it will give special facilities for the Bill being dealt with. The Committee, moreover, are of opinion that, inasmuch as the miners' rights fees in the North Island generally go to the Native owners of the land on which the mining is carried on, it is inexpedient to permit the reduction to apply in the North Island, unless by and with the consent of the local bodies financially interested. 30th November, 1887.

Eepoet on the Mining Act Amendment Bill (No. 2). The Goldfields and Mines Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same, and recommend that it be passed, with the amendments shown in the annexed copy of the Bill. 14th December, 1887. ___

No. 275, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Hutton and 105 Others. The petitioners pray for assistance in obtaining a water-supply on the Maraewhenua Goldfields. r -~, I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the favourable consideration of the Government. Also that the Government make inquiries as to the advisability of declaring the Maraewhenua Eiver a river into which tailings and mining debris may be deposited. mai 17th December, 1887.

No. 57, Sess. ll.—Petition of Samuel Alexandee. The petitioner claims a reward for being one of the first to draw attention to quartz-mining on the Thames Goldfield, and introducing quartz-crushing machinery thereon. I am directed to report that, this petition having been, several years ago, twice dealt with by the Provincial Government of Auckland, your Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th December, 1887.

No. 115, Sess. ll.—Petition of Eobebt Alexandee and 60 Others. The petitioners pray for assistance towards cutting tracks through the dense bush in order to develop the Wakamarina Goldfield. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th December, 1887.