I.—4a

35

170. Mr. Allen.] Are there no men mining on the Tairua lease-land? —There are none now; there might have been some four years ago. I did some mining there four years ago. I was led to believe it did not belong to them. I found a lode there ; I spent a lot of money on it. 171. Hon. Mr. Gadman.] Are you desirous of taking up a claim on Tairua? —Yes. 172. Have you applied to the Warden?— Yes. 173. What does he say ?—He is waiting for the Government to fix it up. At the time when we took it up he thought it was Government land. The case was adjourned for a month. 174. Suppose you got your claim granted, do you think you could work it without interfering with the Kauri Timber Company's rights ? —Yes. 175. Do you know the Coromandel Peninsula?—l do not know that so well. 176. Do you think it possible that, if mining rights were granted, the miners who would take them up could work their claims without interfering with the Kauri Company's rights? — I am quite sure they could without interfering with them in any way. Eobert Faeeell sworn and examined. 177. The Chairman.] You are a miner ?—Yes. 178. Do you wish to give evidence on the proposed Mining Act ?—Yes. 179. That is the Act before the Committee at present ?—I have very little to say; Mr. Gordon, I suppose, has told you all. 180. You are a mate of Gordon's, but you have nothing to say ? —lt would be a great advantage to the district if these lands were thrown open for mining purposes. 181. Mr. Garncross.] Have you read the Bill?—■Nβ, I have not. 182. But you say it would be a great advantage to throw open this land ?—Yes 183. Have you considered whether it would interfere with the Kauri Company's rights if that were done ? 184. Do you know the Kauri Company's freehold estate connected with this ? —I have not considered that. 185. Were you invited to come here and give evidence ? —I came here of my own will. . 186. You have no evidence to give on the Bill itself?— No. 187. Hon. Mr. Gadman.] Do you think, from what you know of Tairua and Coromandel mining communities, and the people residing in those districts, that they are favourably inclined to the passing of this Bill, or otherwise ?—They are in favour of the passing of this Bill. 188. You think so ?—Yes. 189. Has any one in the district objected to it ?—I have never heard of any one objecting to it. 190. Mr. W. Kelly.] Are you a member of the Tairua Miners' Union ?—■Nβ. 191. Or any other Miner's Union? —No ; I am a prospector.

APPENDIX.

CONDITIONS FOE MINING ON THE LAND HELD BY THE KAUEI TIMBEE COMPANY. [Handed in by Mr. Charles Rhodes.] Kaubi Freehold Gold Estates Eegulations. Interpretation Clauses. (a.) The word "company" in these regulations shall mean the Kauri Freehold Gold Estates (Limited). (6.) The words " new company" shall mean any company, syndicate, or corporation, that may take up or lease any block or blocks of land on the Kauri Freehold Gold Estates (Limited) freehold. (c.) The word "lessee," and also the word "prospector," shall be taken to read either as singular or plural. Prospecting Licenses. 1. Any person wishing to prospect on such of the company's estates as are set apart for prospecting shall first apply to the company for a license for such purpose. 2. The company will then, on the payment of the sum of 55., issue to the said applicant a license authorising him to enter upon the said lands for the purpose of prospecting and searching for gold and silver. The said license to be in force for a period not exceeding six months from the date of issue of same, and shall embody the following conditions: — (a.) The licensee only to have the right to enter upon and use the said land for the purpose for which the license has been granted, and for no other purpose. (b.) The licensee shall vigorously and continuously prospect the said land, and shall promptly report to the company's manager at Auckland the discovery of any metal, or mineral, or precious stones. (c.) The licensee shall not remove, or permit to be removed, any kauri-gum from any of the Kauri Freehold Gold Estates freehold land, whether leased to any person or otherwise, without the consent of the said company. (d.) It is imperative that in carrying on mining operations, whether in prospecting or otherwise, the strictest precaution shall be taken by prospectors and miners to prevent damage by fire to any bush growing on the company's lands.