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No. 245.—Petition of William Meates, of Poerua, Otira Line Petitioner represents that whilst working for the Poerua Gold-mining Company he accidentally cut his foot, the case developing into blood-poisoning, so that he was unable to work from the 3rd July to the 4th September. He was not aware that the time for making application for relief was so limited under the Gold-miners' Relief Fund, and he prays now that such relief as might have been obtained from that fund be granted to him. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of William Meates that they recommend that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th September, 1911.

No. 88.—Petition of J. Patterson Muir, of Ross. Petitioner represents that mining privileges in Westland held by him for more than thirty-six years were, in October, 1909, declared by Mr. Warden Acheson to be forfeited by reason of nonuser, petitioner at the time being a sufferer from illness. The loss of his claim has deprived him of the means of earning a livelihood, and he is now penniless. He prays for relief. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of John Patterson Muir that they are of opinion that a man who has worked a claim for thirty-six years, and upon which he has constructed dams and cut races of the value of £2,000, and upon the produce of which he has been enabled to bring up a family of thirteen children, is entitled to the compassionate consideration of your honourable House. Your Committee therefore recommend that the Government cause an estimate to be made of the monetary value of the mining privileges forfeited by the Warden. with B view to relief being afforded to petitioner. 29th September, 1911.

No. 100.—Petition of George Routhan. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report to your honourable House that the question involved in the petition of George Routhan does not fall within the scope of the functions of your Committee. Your Committee recommend that the petition of George Routhan be referred to the Public Petitions M to Z Committee. 29th September, 1911.

Mining Regulations. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report that, having given consideration to the Mining Regulations (Paper 197 c), referred to them by your honourable House, they have not any amendments to suggest at present. Your Committee therefore recommend that the said Mining Regulations be approved. 3rd October, 1911.

Regulations for the Administration of the Gold-miners' Relief Fund. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report that, having duly considered the regulations, dated the 13th April, 1911, and the amended regulations, dated the 14th September, 1911, for the administration of the gold-miners' relief, they recommend that they be approved subject to the amendments made therein. 3rd October, 1911.

No. 279. —Petition of Thomas Tilt.guaud Loiiman. Petitioner represents that one of the Wardens of the Goldfields has refused to take evidence bearing importantly on his case, and in giving his decision has not taken into consideration the true facts as they have been submitted, and that this is so lie is prepared to prove. He asks for inquiry. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report that they have resolved to postpone Eurther consideration of the petition of Thomas Tillguard Lohman until next session; in the meantime they recommend that the petition be referred to the Government, with a view to enabling the Warden whose judgment has been questioned to furnish a reply. 18th October. 1911.

Mining Amendment Bill. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report that, having carefully considered the provisions of the Bill to amend the Mininsr Act, 1908, referred to them by your honourable House, they recommend that the said Bill be allowed to proceed subject to the amendments shown therein. 18th October, 1911