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1888. NEW ZEALAND.

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

Presented to the House of Bepresentatives, and ordered to be printed.

SPECIAL ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Tuesday, the sth Day of June, 1888. 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 tlio best means whereby the gold- and silver-mining industry of the colony may be fostered and encouraged."—(Mr. Seddon.)

No. 194.—Petition of Geoege Claekson. The petitioner prays for a reward for being the first discoverer of gold at the Thames. I am directed to report that a thorough investigation was made into the claims on this subject by a special Commission of the Auckland Provincial Council (entitled " the Goldfields Be ward Inquiry Commission") in 1870, and also that the Thames Goldfield had already been proclaimed before the alleged discovery was made. The Committee therefore is unable to recommend that any reward be paid to the petitioner. 28th June, 1888.

Nos. 402, 477, and 401, Sess. 11., 1887.—Petitions of J. P. Oakes (Nos. 6, 7, and 5). The petitioner prays for rewards for various alleged discoveries of gold. I am directed to report that, the Committee having passed a resolution limiting the period for claiming rewards for discoveries of gold to twelve months from the date of such discoveries, the Committee cannot entertain the petitions. 28th June, 1888.

Eepobt on the Mining Companies Act 1886 Amendment 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 allowed to proceed, with the amendments shown in the annexed copy of the Bill. 28th June, 1888.

No. 284.—Petition of Timothy J. O'Leaiiy and 102 Others. The petitioners, miners and others of Charleston, pray that the Eiver Nile, on the West Coast, be at once proclaimed a sludge-channel within the meaning of the Act. I am directed by the Committee to report that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th June, 1888.

Inteeim Eepoet No. 1 on Obdeb of Eefeeence of the sth June, relating to the Mining Industry of the Colony. I am directed by the Goldfields and Mines Committee to report as follows : That an interim report under the order of reference dated the sth June, 1888, be made to the House, by the Chairman, as follows: Last session the Committee reported on the 21st December, 1887, "That during the recess the Committee recommends the Government to obtain from America and elsewhere full information as to the best and most effective methods of dealing with refractory ores." The Committee regrets to find, according to information elicited from the Mines Department, that action was not taken on the recommendation contained in the report above referred to until the 3rd May, 1888, on which date the Hon. the Minister of Mines forwarded to the Hon. the Premier a memorandum whereof the following is a copy : "Mines Department, Wellington, 3rd May, 1888.—The