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Sess. 11.—1887. NEW ZEALAND.

GOLDFIELDS AND MINES COMMITTEE (REPORT OF), ON THE WORKING OF THE SCHOOLS OF MINES; TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF EVIDENCE AND APPENDIX.

Report brought up 20th December, 1887, and ordered to be printed.

OBDEB OF EEFEBENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Wednesday, the 23bd Day of November, 1887. Ordered, " 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."—(Mr. Seddon.)

EEPOET. 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 refractory ores. E. J. Seddon, 20th December, 1887. Chairman.

MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.

Tuesday, 29th Novembee, 1887. (Mr. E. J. Seddon, Chairman.) Mr. H. A. Gobdon, Inspecting Engineer, Mines Department, in attendance, and examined. 1. The Chairman.] With respect to the order of reference, under which the Committee has to inquire into matters intended to foster the mining industry of the colony, we propose first to examine you in regard to the school of mines. We therefore wish you to give us such information as you possess on that subject.—l would, of course, prefer that the Committee should ask me such questions as they might think fit. 2. Mr. Allen.] I would ask one question before the witness proceeds further —it is this : What do you think is the object of this school of mines?— The object, I think, is to impart to miners better knowledge than they now possess on that subject; to give them an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the different ores they come in contact with while following their occupation. 3. Do you think that a school of mines is intended to train miners, and not managers ? — Miners: a man should be a miner, I think, before he is a mine-manager. A manager must be a trained miner to all intents and purposes.

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