GOLDFIELDS AND MINES COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. POLAND, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1908 Session I, I-04

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1908. NEW ZEALAND

GOLDFIELDS AND MINES COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. POLAND, Chairman.)

Presented to the House of Representatives, and ordered to be printed.

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extract* from tin- Journals of the House of Representatives. Friday, the 3rd Day op July, 1908. Ordered, " That a Goldfields and Mines Committee, consisting of ten members, be appointed, to whom shall be referred all matters relating to mining and all Bills relating to mines, with power to call for persons and papers ; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Dr. Chappie, Mr. Colvin, Mr. W. Fraser, Mr. Herries, Mr. R. McKenzie, Mr. Macpherson, Mr. Poland, Mr. Seddon, Hon. Mr. Mills, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. McGowan.) Wednesday, the 29th Day of July, 1908. Ordered, " That the Hours of Underground Workers Bill be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee." — Mr. R. McKenzie, for Mr. Guinness.) Tuesday, the 4th Day oif At/gust, 1908. Ordered, " That the petition of T. Moriarty be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee."—(Hon. Mr. Duncan.) Tuesday, the Bth Day or September, 1908. Ordered, " That the Coal-mines Bill and the Mining Amendment Bill be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee."—(Hon. Mr. McGowan.) Wednesday, the 16th Day of September, 1908. Ordered, " That the petition of A. D. Bayfeild be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee."—(Mr. Sidey.)

INDEX.

No Name of Petitioner. Page. -r—i 376 Andrews, H., and others 3 494 Bayfeild, A. 1). (vide Appendix L-4a) 4 403 432 377 Campbell, F., and others Chambers, G., and others Christie, A., and others Coal-mines Amendment Bill Coutts, J., and others Cushman, M., and others .. .. ! 3 .. i 3 .. | 3 .. I 2 3 . . 3 467 466 468 Davidson, G., and others .. 3 433 Ellison, P., and others 3 99 459 Farmer, A. J., and another Frost, J., and others 3 3 404 Griffin, P. M., and others 3 470 471 221 Holley, W., and others Honey, S. R., and others Hosie, James Hours of Underground Workers Bill Hudson, J., and others Hyams, H., and others 3 .. | 3 2 2 3 3 572 415 405 Indexing of Mining Acts Jones, W. D., and others Karnback, E., and others Keller, W., and others 3 3 3 ■•! 3 472 473

II No. Name of Petitioner. )l j 880 Kelly, James | Page. .. ! 2 406 Linklater. H.. and£others 174 Low, Oeorge 3 2 407 Mabin, E. B., and others' 573 j Mackay, Alexander 378 | Meharry, A., jmi.. and others .. 475 ' Michell, H. L., and others Mining Amendment Bill 31 Moriarty, Timothy 476 { Mulvihill, E., and others 416 ! McArtney, H, and others 434 McCarthy, F., and others 474 Mcintosh, G. G, and others 3 3 :i 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 552 Parkinson, VV. R., and others . . 3 553 Roper, J. W., and others 3 477 Stewart. J., and others 417 Steer, J., and others 3 3 408 Taylor, C. X., and others 409 Taylor, Joseph, and others 421 Teichelman, E., and others Thanks to Chairman 179 Thomson, R. B. 3 3 3 4 2 465 White, W. H., and others 435 Wicks, E. A., and others 379 Wickes Limited and others 3 3

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REPORTS.

No. 880.—Petition of Jambs Kelly, of Nelson. Petitioner prays tlutt a reward may be granted to him as the first discoverer of a payable goldfield in the Reefton district. The Goldfields anil Mines Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that the petition of James Kelly be referred to the immediate ami favourable consideration of the Government. 30th July, 1908.

No. 1(4. —Petition of George Low. Petitioner represents that lie has been put to an expense of £100, and has also lost much time in contesting at law his right to a mining claim at Waipori, and this through no fault of his own. He prays that an amount equal to his expenditure out of pocket may be granted to him. The Goldfields and .Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of George Low that thev have no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1908.

No. 179.—Petition of R. B. Thomson. Petitioner represents that he prospected for copper, and found copper-ore on Section 1, Block 6, Kaeo Survey District; on making application at Whangarei for a mineral license he found himself opposed by a Mr. Donald McLeod, but, a decision being given in his favour, his application was granted; legal proceedings ensued, and again, on appeal, Mi-. Justice Edwards decided in his favour : notwithstanding this, petitioner found himself forced to come to terms with McLeod, and so arranged to pay him £100 and forego the Supreme Court expenditure amounting to over £100: then the Minister would not sign the lease unless £100 was lodged with the Public Trustee as a guarantee that £. r )00 was expended mi the property for the purpose of developing it. Petitioner prays that an allowance of £100 be paid to him in consideration of the amount paid to McLeod, and also the £120, the costs of the law proceedings in the Supreme Court. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of R. B. Thomson that they have no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1908.

No. 31.—Petition of Timothy Moriarty. Petitioner seeks to obtain compensation for loss sustained by him through the alleged sale of his land by the Government to the Greymouth Harbour Board. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of Timothy Moriarty that they have no recommendation to make. • ird September, 1908.

No. 221.—Petition of James Hosie. Petitioner seeks to obtain a reward for the discovery of gold which he alleges was made by him at Waihi, Karangahake, and Puru. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of James Hosie that thev have no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1908.

Hours of Underground Workers Bill. The Goldfields and Mines Committee, to whom was referred the Hours of Underground Workers Bill, have the honour to report to your honourable House that, having duly considered the provisions of the said Bill, they recommend that it be not proceeded with. I."it11 September, 1908.'

'Coal-mines Amendment Bill. The Goldfields and Mines Committee, having bestowed careful consideration upon the provisions of the Coal-mines Amendment Bill, referred to them by your honourable House, have the honour to report that they recommend that the said Bill be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments shown on a copy of the Bill hereto attached. 15th September, 190S.

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Mmmi; Amendment Bill. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to repoi't to your honourable House that, having given careful consideration to the provisions of the Mining Amendment Bill, referred to them, they recommend that the said Bill be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments shown on a copy of the Bill hereto attached. 22nd September, 1908.

No. 'Mti. —Petitions of EJ. Andrews and 1,643 Others (as per Schedule attached). PETITIONERS pray that legislation be passed during the current session such as will enable the Government to deal with certain applications for water-rights necessary for harnessing the Toaroha River, Westland, in connection with which it is proposed to develop power for working the Rimu Terraces. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that the petitions of H. Andrews and others be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. [Bth September, 1908. Schedule. No. 376.—Andrews, H.. and 88*bthers. No. 407.—Mabin, E. 15.. arid 88 others. .. 403.— Campbell, F., and 22 others. .. 378.— Meharry, A., jiin., and 99 others. ~ 432.—Chambers, ({., and r>l others. .. 475. — Miohell, H. L., and 12 others. .. 377.—Christie, A., and 88 others. .. 476.—Mulvihill, E., and 65 others. ~ 4(57.— Coutts and 9 others. .. 416.—McArtney, H., and 82 others. ~ 466.—Cushman and 55 others. .. 434.—McCarthy. F., and 53 others. ~ 468.—Davidson and 22 others. .. 474. —Mclntosn, <!. C, and 6 others. .. P., and 41 others. .. r>s2.—Parkinson. W. R., and 14 others. „ 409.—Frost, J., and 21 others. .. 553.—Roper, J. W., and 14 others. ~ 404.—Griffin, P. M., and 32 others. .. 477 Stewart, •!.. and 101 others. .. 470.—Holley, W.. and 15 others. .. 417.—Steer. .1.. and 78 others. .. 471.—Honey, S. 8., and 11 others. ~ 408.—Taylor. ('. X.. and 58 others. .. 415.—Hyams. H.. and Bfi others. .. 409.—Taylor. .J., and 42 others. .. 405.—Jones, W. D.. and 83 others. .. 421.— Teiohelman, E., and 88 others. ~ 472.—Karnback, E., and 33 others. ~ 465.—White, W. H.. and Hi others. .. 473.—Keller. W.. and 7 others. .. 435. Wicks, E. A., and 49 others. .. 406.— Linklater, H.. and 27 others. .. 379. — Wickes Limited and 80 others. No. !)!). Petition of A. J. Farmer and Another. Petitioners represent that they acquired from one Malcolm Fleming the lease of a coal-mining property at Greymouth in connection with which the said Malcolm Fleming had paid into the hands of the Public Trustee a sum of £500 as security for the fulfilment of the conditions of the lease ; that the petitioners had paid to the said Malcolm Fleming £500 in consideration of the £500 paid by him to the Public Trustee ; that by the company brought into existence by them a considerable amount of work was done, and a huge sum expended in seeking to develop the mine, the company, being ultimately wound up: that they had seen that all the liabilities in connection with the companj were paid. They pray thai tin , £50(1 deposited with the Public Trustee be repaid to them. 'The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that the petition of A. J. Farmer and another lie referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1908. Indexing op Mining Acts. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report to your honourable House that, in order that the transaction of the business of your Committee may in future years be greatly facilitated, they respectfully recommend that indices be supplied to the Mining Acts. Your Committee recommend that this report lie referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1908. No. 573.—Petition of Alexander Mackat. Petitioner seeks to obtain a reward for the discovery of gold alleged to have been made by him at Waihi, Karangahape, Waitekauri, and Owharba. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of Alexander Mackay that they have no recommendation to make. 2nd October, 1908. No. 572. — Petition of Josiah Hudson and il Others. Petitioner* represent that coal has been found in six different places on the Kaipara Flats; that this coal has been tested by the Government Analyst, who reported that it contained about 96 per cent, of pure carbon. They therefore pray that a sum of money may be allocated in order to thoroughly test the coalfield, and that a competent geologist be sent to examine and report upon the outcrops.

No. 99. Petition of A. J, Farmer and Another. Petitioners represent thai they acquired from one Malcolm Fleming the lease of a coal-mining property at Greymouth in connection with which the said Malcolm Fleming had paid into the hands of the Public Trustee a sum of £500 as security for the fulfilment of the conditions of the lease ; that the petitioners had paid to the said Malcolm Fleming £500 in consideration of the £500 paid by him to the Public Trustee; that by the company brought into existence by them a considerable amount of work was done, and a large sum expended in seeking to develop the mine, the company. being ultimately wound up: that they had seen that all the liabilities in connection with the cornpan; were paid. They pray that the £500 deposited with the Public Trustee be repaid to them. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that the petition of A. J. Farmer and another be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. , -22 11.1 September, 1908.

Indexing of Mining Acts. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report to your honourable House that, in order that the transaction of the business of your Committee may in future years be greatly facilitated, they respectfully recommend that indices be supplied to the Mining Acts. Your Committee recommend that this report be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1908.

No. 573.—Petition of Alexander Mackay. Petitioner seeks to obtain a reward for the discovery of gold alleged to have been made by him at Waihi, Karangahape, Waitekauri, and Owharoa. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of Alexander Mackav that they have no recommendation to make. 2nd October, 1908.

No. 572.—Petition of Josiah Hudson and 47 Others. Petitioners represent that coal has been found in six different places on the Kaipara Flats; that this coal has been tested by the Government Analyst, who reported that it contained about 96 per cent, of pure carbon. They therefore pray that a sum of money may be allocated in order to thoroughly test the coalfield, and that a competent geologist be sent to examine and report upon the outcrops.

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The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that the petition of Josiah Hudson and others be referred to the Government, in order that a geological officer may report upon the Kaipara coalfield as soon as an officer is available for that, purpose. 2nd October, 1908.

No. 494.—Petition of Arthur d'Oyly Bayfeild. Petitioner, on behalf of himself and other shareholders of the Westport-Cardiff Coal-mining Company, liquidated, represents that in May, 1900, in order to satisfy a debt of £4,470, of which £2,363 was for royalty in coal and £2,107 for deficiency on the working-expenses of the WestportNgakawau Railway to Mokihinui, the Government seized the plant, material, and works of the company, valued at £24,329; that The £2,107 ought not to have been charged against the company; that, for the reason that the debt was created through the default of another company, it ought properly to have been extinguished at the time of the passing of " The Westport-Ngakawau Railway Act, 1897." Petitioner further represents that the.plants, material, and property seized were valued by the Mining Inspectors of the Government at £7,516; that the whole of the property is now being worked by the Government in connection with the operations in progress at the State coal-mine at Seddonville, and that through the company the colony has been saved the cost thereof. No consideration has been allowed to the shareholders of the liquidated company for the value of the plant and material in excess of the alleged debt. Petitioner therefore prays for inquiry, consideration, and relief. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of Arthur d'Oyly Bayfeild that they recommend that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 2nd October," 1908. [Vide Appendix I.-4a.]

Thanks to Chairman. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report to your honourable House that at their meeting held on Thursday, the 1st day of October last, the following resolution was unanimously agreed to, namely: — "I. That this Committee give expression to w-arm appreciation and thanks for the very able manner in which the Chairman (H. Poland, Esq., M.P.) has presided over its deliberations and conducted its business during the three years of the present Parliament. " 2. That this resolution be properly recorded." 5th October, 1908.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; piinting (1,400 copies), ,£2 lis. 6d.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer. Wellington.—1908, Price 3d.]