GOLDMINING DISTRICTS BILL.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 13, 21 October 1871, Page 2

GOLDMINING DISTRICTS BILL.

We have received the draft of a Bill, the short title of which is the ‘* Goldmining Districts Act, 1871." This is a most important Bill, as it proposes to supersede the existing Goldfields Laws. By it the Governor is empowered to constitute Goldmining Districts. A yearly rent is proposed of LI per year for every fifteen thousand square feet of land, the first payment to be due on the day on which the application is lodged with the Warden, and every subsequent payment on the same day in every subsequent year. Ten clauses are devoted to water races, dams, and reservoirs ; if conditions are not complied with the license to be liable to forfeiture. In such case the Inspector is to give notice to the licensee, specifying the conditions of the license that have not been complied with, and warning the licensee that at the expiration of ten days he will proceed for a forfeiture. Inspector to investigate and decide summarily, notice of decision to be given ; if no notice of appeal, license to be void ; but licensee may appeal to Warden, and a fine may be substituted for forfeiture. Ten clauses are devoted to provisions relato machine, business and residence sites. The general provisions follow, occupying four clauses. The administration of justice and power of appeals come next, and then follow the rules and regulations and miscellaneous clauses relative to the appointment of inspectors, revenue, affidavits, prospecting licenses, delegates, &c. The Act repeals the Goldfields Acts, except as to existingh rights and titles under the Goldfields Acts which may be exchanged for titles under this Act. We shall publish the Bill, which contains 115 clauses, in full, as it is a measure of great importance to all connected with the goldfields.