L—4

2

No. 32.—Petition of T. W. Gibson. Petitioner prays for a reward for the alleged discovery of a goldfield in Otago in 1864. I am directed to report that the Committee- consider that the petitioner has no claim, as they are of opinion that his case is one of those in which rewards for the discovery of goldfields does not apply. 27th July, 1893.

No. 283. —Petition of Eobeet Johnstone, of Blackstone Hill, Otago. Petitioner prays that he may be allowed to repurchase a water-race, which he states was purchased by the Government very much under its real value owing to his (petitioner's) bankruptcy. I am directed to report that the Goldfields and Mines Committee recommends the Government to restore the water-race to the petitioner, upon a refund being made of the purchasemoney. 10th August, 1893.

No. 111.—Petition of H. Howe and Others, of Livingstone, Otago. Petitioners pray for the refund of money, amounting to £77 7s. 6d., costs charged against petitioners in an action brought for fouling a stream by mining tailings and debris at Maerewhenua, Otago. I am directed to report that the Goldfields and Mines Committee is of opinion that the petitioners have no claim in law against the colony ; but still, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, the Committee recommend some consideration should be shown to them. 10th August, 1893.

No. 84.—Petition of David Law, of Port Chalmers. Petitioner states that in the year 1881 he advanced £50 to one John Mackley upon the security of a mortgage upon land held by the latter at Duntroon, Otago ; that the land eventually became petitioner's property ; that the Eiver Maerewhenua flows close to the land ; that, tailings and debris from mines being ailowed to flow into this river, it overflows on to his land and injures him; that, having made a claim for compensation, he found that he was barred from obtaining such by not having applied within six months from the date of the Proclamation making the Maerewhenua a watercourse into which tailings might be discharged. He therefore prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Goldfields and Mines Committee recommend that the Government do not take advantage of the neglect of the petitioner to file his claim for compensation in the time required by law, but they should allow his claim to be heard on its merits. 16th August, 1893.

No. 80.—Petition of M. and P. Hayes and Others. Petitioners pray for a reward for discovering the goldfields at Bound Hill and Longwood, Southland. I am directed to report that, after due consideration, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 23rd August, 1893.

No. 260. —Petition of William Guffie, Bobert Sheppaed, and Frank Indee, of Naseby, Otago. Petitioners state they that are holders of a mining lease under "The Mines Act, 1877," situated at Mount Buster, near Naseby. They pray that the Eeceiver of Gold Eevenue may receive from them a rent payable under a licensed holding, and that the sum of £54, being the amount in excess of what will be payable under licensed holding, may be refunded to them. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioners, having suffered by the error of a Government officer, are equitably entitled to relief, and that the question of the extent of such relief may be remitted to the consideration of the Government. 30th August, 1893.

No. 400.—Petition of James Mitchell, of Naseby, Otago. Petitioner purchased certain mining property, rights, quartz at grass, and plant at Nenthorn, near Naseby, from a company in liquidation. Six of the holdings were never transferred to petitioner, but he has been compelled to pay rent on the same ; he has never worked the holdings, and the supposed quartz turned out to be mullock, and that in consequence petitioner altogether estimates his loss at £500. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Goldfields and Mines Committee have no recommendation to make ia reference to this petition. 30th August, 1893.

Nos. 298, 299. —Petitions of Thomas 3?. Bybne and Others, and the Kumara Minces' Association. Petitioners pray for a reduction in the price of water charged by the Government for the waterrace on Kumara Goldfield. I am directed to report that, after due consideration, the Committee is of opinion that, as the matter of fixing the price of water is a question of policy which should be decided by the Government, this Committee has no recommendation to make. sth September, 1893.