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No. 242.—Petition of Collins and Others, Miners. Petitioners pray that Bradshaw's Creek, on the south side of the Buller River, near Westport, may be declared a sludge-channel, in order to the rendering of greater facilities for the carrying on of mining operations in their district. The Committee have the honour to report that they recommend the questions involved in the granting of the prayer of the petition of Collins and others be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th October, 1895.

The Mining Act Amendment Bill. The Goldfields and Mines Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, have the honour to report that, having duly considered the same, they recommend that it be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments shown on a copy of the Bill attached hereto. 15th October, 1895.

Questions Eeperred by the House to the Committee. The Committee, having had under consideration the series of twelve questions referred by your honourable House to them for answer, have the honour to report that, in view of the near approach of the close of the session, they recommend that the questions be referred to the Government in order that a copy may be sent to every Mining Union or Association in the colony with a request for expressions of opinion. 15th October, 1895.

Proposals relative to the Mining Industry referred back to the Committee for reconsideration. The Committee, having again had under consideration the series of twelve questions referred by your honourable House to them for answer, have the honour to recommend that the questions be referred to the Government with the view to the appointment of a Commission to visit the various goldfields of the colony, and report upon—(l) The most desirable localities for conserving water for mining and irrigation purposes; (2) the approximate cost of such necessary works; (3) the proclamation of rivers and disposition of tailings ; (4) the questions referred to the Committee by the House on the motion of the Hon. A. J. Cadman. 18th October, 1895.

No. 301. —Petition op the Executive of the Kumara Minces , Association (No. 2). The Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that the petition of the executive of the Kumara Miners' Association, together with the report of the Mining Department thereon, be printed. 25th October, 1895. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,350 copies), £1 18s.

By Authority: Samuel Costall, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9s. Price 3d.'}

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