A.—sa,

1905. NEW ZEALAND.

"THE STATUTES COMPILATION ACT, 1902": MEMORANDUM BY THE SOLICITOR-GENERAL ON THE COMPILATION OF THE COAL-MINES ACTS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Act.

MEMORANDUM. Pursuant to section 2 of " The Statutes Compilation Act Amendment Act, 1903," the SolicitorGeneral submits the following memorandum, directing attention to the consequential and other alterations in, additions to, and omissions from the text of the Acts compiled, with a statement where necessary of the reasons therefor: — " The Coal-mines Act, 1891," No. 46: — Section 2 (Interpretation): The definition of "certificate of competency" is altered so as to express the existing law. The definition of "coal-mine" is altered to give effect to section 2 of the Act of 1893. "Compiled Acts" is defined. "Minemanager " has been added to the definition of " manager " as being the expression most commonly used throughout the Act, and "mining-manager" is omitted as not being used at all. " Service-certificate manager " is omitted as not being used, and "Certificate of service" is defined. The reference to the Mining Act in the definition of " Warden " is altered to the Act now in force. Section 3: The subsections are numbered. The words "or extension of lease" are inserted in subsection (1) and again in subsection (2) to remedy what appears to be an accidental omission. "Minister of Mines" is made "Minister," as the term is defined. In subsection (3) " Warden " and " Minister " are transposed. Section 7: "Shall feel" altered to "feels," and similar alterations made throughout all the Acts compiled for uniformity of expression and style. Section 9: Omitted, having been repealed by section 10 of the Act of 1903. Section 10: The words "or consolidation" are inserted after "amalgamation" wherever it occurs, to remedy what appears to be an accidental omission. Section 11: The words "tobe fixed by tho Board," in paragraph (2), are omitted, as having no meaning. Paragraph (3) has been recast to give effect to section 2of the Act of 1901. Section 12: "Exceptions" is inserted after "reservations" to accord with the final paragraph. The words "made in conformity with section three" are omitted as being unnecessary. All references to " Her Majesty " are altered to " His Majesty." In subsection (3) "tramway" and "railway" are transposed. Throughout the section various verbal alterations are made for accuracy of expression but without affecting the sense. Section 13: " Any lease under this Act "is altered to " the lease." Section 14: " Or' applicants " is omitted as unnecessary. Section 15: "Except as otherwise provided by this or any other Act" is at the beginning of the section, to save clauses 4 and 5 of the compilation relating to leases of Westland and Nelson coalfields reserves and education endowments. Section 18: The references to the Acts named are brought up to date. Section 19: The paragraphs are numbered, and "mine-manager" is used throughout in lieu of "mining-manager."

i—A. sa.