I.—4a

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APPENDIX.

No 1. Report on Petition of W. S. Meldrum and 91 Others (No. 341), Goldfields and Mines Committee, Session 1904. The position of the various applications for coal leases at Lake Wahi, Waikato, is explicitly stated in the report of the Commissioner of Crown Lands iAuckland to the Under-Secretary for Lands (11th May, 1903). Subsequently the Inspecting Engineer to the Mines Department and the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Auckland were instructed to submit a report upon the application for coal leases, and copy of the report of these officers, with tracing, is attached hereto, and in accordance with the recommendation in the report a lease has been issued to the Taupiri Company. Thejpetition is returned herewith. H. J. H. Eliott, Under-Secretary.

No. 2. Telegram from James Colvin, Esq., Chairman of the Goldfields and Mines Committee of the House of Representatives, to James Mackenzie, Esq., Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland. The Goldfields and Mines Committee of the House of Representatives desire you to forward to me copies of all resolutions, minutes, and correspondence pertaining to the business of the Auckland Land Board in connection with the prospecting of the Huntly Coal-mining Syndicate, and the application for a lease for coal-mining purposes by the Taupiri Coal-mining Company. The Committee will meet again on Tuesday next, the 13th instant, when they hope to have the information required in their hands. James Colvin, Chairman of the Goldfields and Mines Committee.

Bβ Mining fob Coal, Wahi Lake. In reply to your telegram of the 9th instant, I forward herewith extracts from the Land Board minutes having reference to the above. I regret that I cannot forward any other correspondence, as the whole of the papers in connection with the matter are in Wellington. J. Mackenzie, James Colvin, Esq., Commissioner of Crown Lands. Chairman of Goldfields and Mines Committee, Wellington.

" 27th March, 1903.— 8e Huntly Coal Prospecting Syndicate. Taupiri Coal-mining Company and R. Fetherington applied for various areas for coal-mining purposes under Wahi and Rotoiti Lakes. It was resolved, —That applicants be. requested to explain the proposed course of procedure, and indicate on litho. or plan the approximate position of shafts, machinery, buildings, and trams. Further, that they be informed of the conditions under which the Board will recommend the Minister to grant the lease." "22nd May, 1903. — Be Taupiri Coal Company, a letter was received from the Taupiri Coal Company stating how they proposed to work the ground if a coal lease is granted them. It was resolved, —To adjourn consideration." " Resolution of the 26th June, 1903, —That the persons interested in the Wahi Lake coallease applications be communicated with, and asked to agree between themselves as to a satisfactory division of the area with the view of the Commission reporting to the Board at the next meeting." " 29th July, 1903.—A letter was received from the Huntly Coal Prospecting Syndicate and Taupiri Coal Company stating that they cannot agree to area which each should select. It was resolved, —To report result of negotiations to the Hon. the Minister of Mines, and recommend the refusal of all applications, and offer the two applicants & fair division of the Wahi Lake—terms, conditions, rentals, &c, to be fixed by the Land Board on their notifying acceptance of proposed subdivision."

No. 3. Applications foe Leases of Coal-bearing Areas at the Wahi Lake (Auckland District). (Precis of Auckland Office File 3431 on Subject.) " The Coal-mines Act, 1891." Section 4. in every mining district, and the Commissioner of Crown Lands of a land district, in any portion thereof which is situate outside of a mining district, may, with the consent of the Minister, grant leases of land for raising coal subject to the provisions of this Act and not otherwise : Provided that no such lease shall {be granted until the'application therefor has been twice advertised at an interval of one week in some newspaper circulating in the district.