The Mining Bill.

Hastings Standard, Issue 428, 17 September 1897, Page 3

The Mining Bill.

CONSOLIDATION OF PREVIOUS MEASURES. (By Telegraph.) (Per Press Association.) Wei.lix«tox, This day. The Mining Bill to be introduced into Parliament this session by the Government, a measure to consolidate and amend the existing Acts relating to that subject, has been drafted. It is a comprehensive Bill of 800 clauses divided into ten parts. The first part is preliminary and is devoted to interpretation and repeal clauses. The constitution of districts and appointment of officers under the Bill are dealt with in Part 11. Lauds subject to the Bill and lands exempted thereon are described in Part 111., whilst Part IV. deals with miners" rights and privileges. Part V. is devoted to working, regulating and inspecting mines ; Part VI. to regulation of appliances and processes for the treating of ores and metals. Part VII. defines the procedure in regard to claims for compensation. Part VIII. provides for mining partnerships. In Part IX. the administration of justice is dealt with, and Part X. contains miscellaneus provisions as to developing the industry, itc. Copies are to be distributed amongst the Miners Association and all those interested in the mining industry. The Minister of Mines wishes to draw the attention of owners of water races and reservoirs to the new clauses dealing with these matters in order that they may express an opiuion as to whether or not these provisions will prejudicially affect their interests. The attention of local bodies who own water races is also directed to the clauses affecting them, and it will be well for surveyors to puruse the clauses in which changes are made regarding surveys. Any suggestions sent in will be considered before the Bill is finally laid before Parliament, and the various criticisms will also be placed before the Goldnelds and .Mines Committee for its consideration when ii, deals with the measure,