gold they can find, as well as a positive right, which is sometimes given to them, of a double claim. Besides this, at times a money reward is given in some places. It is done in the gold fields in the Colony of Victoria, and in very extensive works, such as at Ballarat where it is very wet, and where sometimes £30,000 is expended in tracing the leads before a single ounce of gold is obtained, they encourage them by a large claim to go ahead of that lead and prospect. They also prospect there from what is called the frontage, and they allow no person to go to the right or left, but they must go straight ahead. I think such a Proclamation, or any Act tending towards that, would more effectually prevent the development of new fields and mining industries in the country than anything that I know. 87. Then you think " The Gold Fields Act, 1866," is sufficient for all purposes of mining ?—Yes. 88. Then the only drawback to the action of the Act of 1866 would be simply a question of arrangement to be made with the Maoris, and the proclamation of the land as a reserve in January last ?—Tea. 89. The only point on which you think legislation is necessary is with regard to the reserve ?— Tes; I think legislation is required for the purpose of abolishing or raising that reserve. 90. Are the shareholders in these two claims aware that their proceedings are illegal ?—They have been made aware within the last week, and painfully so, for their shares have gone down from two pounds to two shillings and sixpence. I think that most of them are of opinion that the conforming to the regulations, and taking out the miners' rights, which have been acknowledged by the Registry Department, gave them a right to mine there. If they thought otherwise, they would not have gone to the expense of erecting large machinery, nor would they have bartered or trafficked in shares. A good deal depends on the usage on other gold fields, and many of these persons are from Victoria and Otago. Our Act, I may remark, has been framed upon the basis of the Victorian Act. 91. Mr. Clark.] What is the amount of money expended, in your opinion, on the Magenta, Wakatip, and other claims affected by this Bill ? —Taking into consideration labour, machinery, and contingencies, I should think not less than £10,000. 92. The Chairman.] Do you think that the legislation proposed in the Bill would provide the best means for working the sea beach as far as mining is concerned? —I do not. I think it is unmistakably shown by the working of the Wakatip and the Magenta mines that the men who have entered on the ground and have worked under the present regulations, under their miners' rights, is the best system. 93. Mr. Studholme.] What course do you think would be most satisfactory to the miners, and productive of the leasb injustice? —I would first validate those claims which have been taken up in error under the miners' right system, and which have been registered, it may be in error also, and which have been in full work at a very great cost ever since they were taken up. I would then throw open the remainder to the operation of " The Gold Fields Act, 1866," for mining purposes; whether by lease or otherwise is a matter to be determined. 94. The Chairman.] You think that the general course of alienation by sale of known auriferous lands would have an injurious effect on the mining interest of the Province and the Colony generally ? —I unhesitatingly say yes, because lam certain of it. 95. Do you consider that auriferous lands should be opened under the miners' right system, and that no leases should be granted until the ground has been thoroughly prospected under miners' rights ? —I shall answer that question by stating that the present regulations, which I think give a prior right to those who take up land under the miners' right system, are sufficient, because no lease can be granted until such time as miners are invited, by posters on the ground, to object to such leases. I think that the administration of the Act and Regulations is of more consequence than legislation. I wish to add that I object to the sale or leasing of any known auriferous lands outside of a proclaimed gold field. Mr. Bradshaw was thanked, and withdrew.

F.—No. 7.

Mr. Bradshaw. 10th August, 1869.

Wednesday, 11th August, 1869. Mr. Charles O'Neill in attendance, and examined. 96. Mr. O'Borlce.] Are you aware whether gold mining was authorized by the Provincial Government or other officials on the land between high and low water-mark at the Thames?— I am not. 97. Would you, from your official position at the Thames, according to the ordinary course of business, be consulted by the Provincial Government before any lease would be granted of that ground? —I would. 98. Are you aware of any persons having applied for a lease, or right to mine on that ground ? — Applications have been made for claims called respectively the Magenta and the Wakatip, but nothinghas been done in the matter. 99. Mr. Clark.~\ Do you know if any other applications have been made? —I am not aware of any. 100. Mr. Studholme.] Has the Magenta Company been registered ? —lt has. 101. How was it allowed to be registered ? —ln the Magenta claim the whole of the ground isnot below high water-mark. 102. The Chairman.'] Are you aware whether shares in the Magenta have been transferred to second parties, and registered in the Eegistry Office at the gold field prior to the application for a lease ? —I am not; indeed I know nothing about the shares. 103. Mr. Clark.] Do you know if it is true that the Magenta Company jumped the claim of a prior party upon the same ground ? —I do not. 104. The Chairman.] We are informed that the Kurunui Company occupies, under lease, a portion of the land between high and low water-mark : are you aware under what circumstances that lease was granted ? —I do not know anything about it; as far as lam aware, it has not been granted.. Mr. O'Neill was thanked, and withdrew.

Mr. C. CfNeill. 11th August, 1869,

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REPORT OE COMMITTEE ON