a—l 4.

XXX

mines only, in the Waihou River and Komata Creek; that no mining debris be placed in the Ohinemuri River, except under special permit, from the mines at Karangahake; that tine grinding to slimes be enforced in all cases, and that fine grinding be defined as 95 per cent, of the crushing to pass through a standard 80-mesh screen. (c.) As to the Utilization of the Wealth contained in the Coarse-sand Tailings claimed under River-dredging Licenses by the Waihi-Paeroa Gold-extrac-tion Company (Limited). —That the legal position should be determined, and, if possible, that the gold contained therein should be made available for payment for the proposed works. (d.) As to Works of Prevention. —That the Public Works Department be employed to make stop-banks, with flood-gates, &c, along each river-bank where required, on lands to be taken without compensation; that the Public Works Department obtain plant for and carry out the dredging in the rivers, removal of the willows, the making of the river-diversion in the Waihou at Ngararahi-Opukeko-Te Koutou; and, so soon as it can be legally done, in the Ohinemuri from Pereniki's Bend to the Junction; that a new wharf be constructed on the site of the present Te Puke - Netherton Ferry. (c.) As to the Blending of the Waters of the Waihou and Te AwaitiPiako Rivers. —That a survey be made and steps taken to divide the watershed in accordance with the information thus obtained. (f.) As to Native Lands. —That any lands affected by the proposed works should either be purchased or be made subject to European conditions, and that any rating for river pur poses be enforceable against Native lands. (g.) As to River Board.— That the existing Ohinemuri River Board be abolished; that a new Board be constituted, having special representation and jurisdiction over the whole watershed area, except within the Thames Harbour Board limit, to collect funds to pay interest on the cost of construction of the works proposed, and on their completion to undertake the duty of their upkeep and extension; that the Board be given, in addition to usual River Board powers, special powers to deal with sludge-channel interests and as a Drainage Board, and to deal with the influx of light sands from drains, with power to impose tolls on vessels using the navigation and goods using the wharves, except within the Thames Harbour Board limit. (h.) As to Finance.— That the funds required—say, £130,000 to £150,000 —be advanced by the State to the River Board, and that the revenue of the Board, to provide interest on and to repay same, and to carry out its functions, be derived from gold duty, from a tonnage rate on the discharge of mining debris and residues into the rivers, from a contribution from the Consolidated Fund, from rating-powers over the River Board and drainage district, including Native, but excluding Crown lands, and from sundry tolls, &c. (i.) As to Gold Duty. —That an equitable distribution of the gold duty be made between the Waihi Borough and the Ohinemuri County, and that the cost of the upkeep of more of the Main Road be thrown upon the borough. (j.) As to the Fishing Industry. —That it has suffered no substantial harm entitling it to special consideration. (k.) As to Hill Bush Lands.—That it is important that works of reafforesting be undertaken. (I.) The Commissioners advise that in so far as their recommendations cannot be now legally carried into effect there should be special legislation. And this our report, which has beer, unanimously adopted, we have the honour to respectfully submit for the consideration of Your Excellency, in obedience to the Commission addressed to us. Given under our hands and seals, this eighth day of July, nineteen hundred and ten. William Ferguson. (1.5.) Edwin Mitchelson. (1.5.) F. R. Flatman. (1.5.) Chas. R. Vickerman. (1.5.)