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No 169.—Petition of Geobge Lopas and Abthub Appleton. Petitionebs pray for redress for alleged injustice received at the hands of Warden Macfarlane at IOSS I am directed to report that the Goldfields and Mines Committee is of opinion that the allegations contained in this petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry in regard to the administration of justice. 7th September, 1893.

No 341.—Petition of Hon. J. A. Bonab, M.L.C., and 61- Others. Petitionebs pray that a reward may be given to Daniel Galloway and James Cameron, for the dig. the Goldfields and Mines Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th September, 1893. .

No. 426.—Petition of John Donnelly. Petitioneb prays that he may be granted a reward for the discovery of gold at Donnelly's Creek, ° f °P™ that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th September, 1893. ■

No. 446. —Petition of Adam Ross. Petitioneb prays that he may be granted a reward for the discovery of gold near Eoss, in 1871. I amdheS to report that, after due consideration, the Committee has no recommendation to make. • ■ 15th September, 1893. _

Eepobt on the Mining Act Amendment (No. 2) Bill. TVr Goldfields and Mines Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to Sort that theyCβ duly considered ihe same, and they recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments thereon which are shown upon a copy of the Bill attached hereto. 2nd September, 1893.

N o 496.—Petition of William Dunn and Others. Petitionebs pray that inquiry be made into the terms upon which the Grey Valley Coal-mines are XTi2t^ should not be ch arg ed, and recommends the same to the favourable consideration of the Government. 26th September, 1893.

No 261.—Petition of the Maniototo County Council. Petitions pray for relief,'in consideration of payment for resumption of certain sections of auriferous land Gommit tee finds the statement of the Mines Department to e fl£t tKthe County requested the resumption of portion of the freehold, is not borne out by t£ facts! anlecommS S the Government refund to the County the £100 claimed by them. 26th September, 1893.

Nos 298 299 -Petitions of Thomas E. Byenb and Others, and the Kumaea Minces' Association, Aos. AW, ajj. eferred feack tQ the Committee for reconsideration (Mr. Guinness). Petitions pray for a reduction in the price of water charged by the Government for the waterraC Tam dirSeTto Sport "that, after further consideration, and taking considerable evidence thereon is of opinion that, as the reduction of the price of water is a question of policy affecting no Ton ythe petitioners but other miners in the colony, the Committee recommends that the tetftions and evidence should be referred to the Government for consideration, and that the Government should Invite the miners to furnish the department with the returns from each of the cIS supplied Sth water, so that the question maybe equitably considered (2.) That, where free wX is lanted to miners/the names of those who obtain such should be exhibited in the Warden s Office, with the amount supplied, and the dates when so supplied. 27th September, 1893.

No. 544.—Petition of S. B. Caepenteb and Others. Petitioners pray that the Waipori Biver may come under the Mining Act, so as to secure them in tVip exercise of their mining business. . ~ . , I am directed to report that, as legislation is now in progress to give the petitioners the desired relief! this Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 29th September, 1893.