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working of the Schools of Mines now established in various parts of the colony; also to report generally on the best means whereby the mining industry of the colony may be fostered and encouraged." 10th July, 1889.

Exhibits fob, the Dunedin Exhibition (No. 1). The Goldfields and Mines Committee beg to report that, in consideration of the proper representation of the mining, mineralogy, and geology of the colony at the Dunedin South Seas Exhibition, the Government be requested to make suitable provision so that the department may be enabled to send full and representative exhibits. 10th July, 1889.

Expenditure on Mineral Exhibits. The Goldfields and Mines Committee beg to report that they have passed the following resolution : " That the Government be requested to bring down a measure, at an early date, empowering local authorities in mining districts to expend moneys in the procuring of mineral exhibits for the Dunedin South Seas Exhibition, or other exhibition hereafter which the Government of the day approve." 10th July, 1889.

No. 2.—Petition of Simon Fraser, of Auckland. The petitioner claims compensation as the discoverer of the West Taieri goldfield. I am directed to report that the petitioner's claim was dealt with and a sum of £30 awarded to him by the Provincial Government of Otago at the time of his discovery. Since then the petitioner has repeatedly petitioned Parliament for a further reward. His claim has now been six times before the Goldfields Committee, and once before the Public Petitions Committee, and has been adversely reported upon each time. No further evidence has been adduced, and the Committee concurs with the decisions previously arrived at—viz., that the petitioner has no claim. 6th August, 1889.

No. 186. —Petition of James Simpson and 71 Others. The petitioners pray that relief may be given them by constructing a track through the Oparara Gorge. I am directed to report that this Committee recommends the extension of the track to the attention of the Government. 6th August, 1889.

Certification of Mine-managers. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report that thsy have passed the following resolution: "That the Minister of Mines be requested to bring in a Bill to amend section 203 of ' The Mining Act, 1886,' in order that an extension of twelve months' time may be allowed to persons desirous of obtaining mine-managers' certificates of competency." 6th August, 1889.

Exhibits foe the Dunedin Exhibition (No. 2). The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to recommend that the Government send suitable mineral exhibits to the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, and that some official be placed in charge for the purpose of giving information to visitors. The Committee are of opinion that a suitable handbook of New Zealand mines and minerals should be prepared and placed before the public at the Exhibition. Bth August, 1889.

The Mining Act Amendment Bill. The Goldfields Committee are of opinion that the Mining Act Amendment Bill, introduced by Mr. Seddon and now before the House, contains many valuable and necessary amendments to the existing mining laws, and is a measure necessary to be passed. The Committee recommend the Minister of Mines to adopt the Bill as a Government measure. 16th August, 1889.

Granting of Subsidies to Mining Prospectors. The Goldfields Committee, who have had the above-mentioned subject under consideration, have the honour to report that, in their opinion, it is desirable that a subsidy of pound for pound be given by Government in aid of prospecting for gold, upon moneys expended by County Councils, prospecting associations, or private parties, provided such prospecting associations or private parties shall first be approved by the local authorities ; and that the Minister of Mines be asked to make provision for same on supply estimates. 16th August, 1889. -

No. 356.—Petition of P. Brennan and 31 Others. The petitioners state that under " The Mining Act, 1886," certain managers of mines have to pass an examination which is unduly severe, and that the period fixed in which the candidate must