THE GOLDFIELDS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2300, 17 August 1881, Page 3

THE GOLDFIELDS.

IBS’ TKLKGEAPIt.] [from the own cobbbspondent op the “PEBBB.”J WELLINGTON, August 16. The goldfields committee to-day presented an important report on the subject of riparian rights on goldfields. The report is vary lengthy. The committee are of opinion that the Goldfields Act, 1875, has not provided a remedy for minors against arbitrary enforcement of riparian righto by landowners, because (1) it tabes 180 days to enforce the Act; (2) it provides that any person injured by such action shall receive compensation on arbitration ; (3) the Act does not define what constitutes “injury,” and leaves the widest scope for claims. The committee do not sea why unconditional compensation should be paid to landowners in cases whore the public interest demands the resumption of water rights in order to develops goldfields. Lands are increased in value by public worts and the development of goldfields, ond if the mining population is large, landowners cannot hope to claim freedom to exercise riparian rights. The cases of the Taiori and Olutha are instanced. The committee therefore recommend that oil riparian rights affecting rivers in proclaimed gold fields bo resumed, vphenever required for public purposes, and if compensation is allowed it should be only on two (conditions: computed on actual injury to land by being deprived of water in its natural state, and to the owner by his homestead being deprived of pure water. (2) That the increased value of property through public works on gold fields be assessed as a sob off in awarding compensation for damage sustained. The committee advise that outlets for railways he preserved from sale where possible. The committee further expressed regret that successive ministries have devoted so little attention to the many reports that have been referred to them, a neglect that can hardly encourage the committee to persevere in endeavouring to ameliorate the condition of mining industries under difficulties unexampled in a country which owes its prosperity so largely to the development of mining resources.