1.—4.

1895. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Tuesday, the 25th Day of June, 1895. Ordered, " That Standing Order No. 211 be suspended, and that a Goldfields and Mines Committee, consisting of fifteen members, be appointed ; to which shall be referred all matters relating to mining, and all Bills relating to mines; five to be a quorum; the Committee to consist of Mr. Allen, Mr. Carncross, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Fraser, Mr. Guinness, Mr. W. Kelly, Hon. Mr. Larnach, Mr. Mackintosh, Mr. McGowan, Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie, Mr. R. McKenzie, Mr. Mills, Mr. O'Regan, Han. Mr. Seddon and the Mover."—(Hon. Mr. Cadman.)

No. 30. —Petition of Simon Eraser, of Mangatapu, Settler. Petitioner claims a reward of £500 for the discovery of the West Taieri or Hindon Goldfield. I am directed to report that the Committee see no reason to depart from the decision arrived at in 1894, to the effect that " Mr. Fraser was not the first discoverer of the Hindon Goldfield, and that there are no grounds upon which he should be exceptionally treated from other old miners who have helped to develop the goldfields of the colony." The Committee, therefore, have no recommendation to make. 12th July, 1895.

No. 96.—Petition of Samuel Alexander, of the Thames, Miner. The petitioner claims consideration for the discovery of the Thames Goldfield. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th July, 1895.

No. 300. —Petition of William Guffie and Robeet Sheppaed Franks Indee, of Mount Buster, Naseby. Petitionees pray that the sum of £54, being the amount paid by them in excess on account of licensed holding, may be refunded. I have the honour to report that the Goldfields and Mines Committee have reported upon the subject-matter of this petition in 1892, and also in 1893, and are strongly of opinion that the Government should at once give effect to their recommendation, now twice made, and feel surprised that their former recommendations have not been given effect to. 19th July, 1895.

" The Coal-mines Act Amendment Bill, 1895." The Committee have the honour to report that they have carefully considered "The Coal-mines Act Amendment Bill, 1895," and recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed, together with the amendments as shown on the attached copy of the Bill. 31st July, 1895.

No. 2.—Petition of William Guffie and Eobekt Sheppard Franks Indeb (No. 2). The Committee have the honour to report that they have rescinded their resolution, reported to your honourable House on the 23rd of July last, in reference to the petition of Messrs. Guffie and Inder. The Committee recommend that this report be referred to the Government. Bth August, 1895.