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Nos. 291 and 442, Sess. ll.—Petitions of Thomas Bennetts Hicks and 186 Others, and James McGowan and 7 Others. The petitioners pray for amendments in the Mining Act. I am directed to report that these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th December, 1887.

No. 212, Sess. ll.—Petition of James Wilkie and 119 Others. The petitioners pray that a Warden's and Eesident Magistrate's Court may be held at Owen'sEeef. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th December, 1887.

No. 70, Sess. ll.—Petition of Inia Tuhueu and 5 Others, of Arahura. The petitioners pray that gold-miners may not be permitted to make use of the Arahura Eiver for deposit of tailings. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th December, 1887.

Nos. 404 and 481, Sess. ll.—Petitions of Chables A. Poet and 50 Others, and Joseph Buttee and 67 Others. The petitioners pray for a reduction of the gold duty. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of this petition being now before Parliament, your Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th December, 1887. .

No. 4, Sess. II. —Petition of Simon Feasee. The petitioner claims payment of £1,470, due to him by the Provincial Government of Otago since 1864, for the discovery of the West Taieri Goldfield. I am directed to report that, this petition being a money claim against the Provincial Government of Otago, your Committee is of opinion that it should be dealt with by the Public Petitions Committee. 17th December, 1887.

No. 440, Sess. ll.—Petition of C. Small and 44 Others. The petitioners pray that the gold duty be not reduced. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of this petition being now before Parliament, your Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th December, 1887. --

No. 356, Sess. lE—Petition of N. P. Hjoeeing and 384 Others. The petitioners pray that the water-supply works to the Naseby Goldfields may be completed. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 20th December, 1887.

No. 503, Sess. lE—Petition of G. S. Clack and 247 Others. The petitioners pray for amendments in the Mining Act. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 20th December, 1887.

Inteeim Eepoet on the Oedee of Eefeeence, dated 23rd November, 1887, "That the Goldfields and Mines Committee be authorised to inquire into and report on the working of the schools of mines now established in various parts of the colony; also to report generally on the best means whereby the gold- and silver-mining industry of the colony may be fostered and encouraged." Youe Committee have the honour to report that they have taken evidence on the several matters above referred to. That, in consequence of the evidence not being completed, and the shortness of the time at the disposal of the Committee to consider such an important question, they are not in a position to make a full report this session, but recommend that a similar order of reference be asked for next session, when the matter can be more fully dealt with and further evidence procured, and an exhaustive and complete report can be made. That, pending such report, the Committee consider it inimical to the mining industry for the Government to seriously interfere with the present arrangements relative to the schools of mines now established. That during the recess the Committee recommend the Government to obtain from America and elsewhere full information as to the best and most effective methods of dealing with the refractory ores. (For evidence, &c, vide 1.-4 a.) 20th December, 1887. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,275 copies), £1 4s.]

Authority: Geobge Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB7.

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