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4

No. 221.—Petition of T. Landor and Others, of Buller County. Petitioners complain of the burden of having to manage and maintain the Argyle Water-race. The Goldfields and Mines Committee, after careful consideration, have the honour to report that, in their judgment, the prayer of the petition cannot be given effect to. sth October, 1899.

Mining Act Amendment Bill. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report that, having bestowed the most careful consideration upon the Mining Act Amendment Bill, referred to them by your honourable House, they recommend that the said Bill be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments shown on a copy of the same attached hereto. Your Committee venture the expression of a hope that your honourable House will see fit to pass this important Bill this session. 19th October, 1899.

Mining Begulations. The Goldfields and Mines Committee, to whom was referred the regulations gazetted under "The Mining Act, 1898," have the honour to report that, having carefully considered the same, they recommend that the said regulations be referred to the Government, with the request that the regulations be amended so as to agree with the copy attached hereto. (Vide Appendix 1.-4 a.) 19th October, 1899.

Nos. 92, 138, 153, 158, 166, 193, and 198.—Petitions of W. Marslin and 761 Others, John Ewing and 65 Others, Charles Thomson and 33 Others, Herbert Edwards and 31 Others, F. L. Taoon and 33 Others, Edgar Ward and 41 Others, George Bobertson and 31 Others. Petitioners pray that certain amendments may be effected in the mining regulations. The Goldfields and Mines Committee, having submitted to your honourable House the amendments in their judgment necessary to be made in the mining regulations, have the honour to report upon these petitions that they have no recommendation to make. • 19th October, 1899.

No. 518.—Petition of Clement Augustus Comes, Junior, of Ohinemuri, Karangahake. Petitioner prays that he may be permitted to acquire the freehold of 20-| acres of land, Section No. 8, Ohinemuri, which has been held under agricultural lease since the year 1881. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 20th October, 1899. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,325 copies), £1 10s.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB99. Price 3d.]