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Session 11. 1906. NEW ZEALAND

GOLDFIELDS AND MINES COMMITTEE (REPORTS, OF). (Mr. POLAND, Chairman.)

Presented to the House of Representatives, and ordered to be printed.

ORDER OF REFERENCE. ■ Extract from the Journals of the House of Bepresentatives. Friday, the 24th Day of August, 1906. Ordered, " That a Goldfields and Mines Committee, consisting of ten members, be appointed, to whom shall be referred all matters relating to mining a,nd all Bills relating to mines ; with power to call for persons and papers ; three to form a quorum : the Committee to consist Mr. Bennet, Mr. Colvin, Mr. W. Fraser, Mr. Herries, Mr. R. McKenzie, Mr. Macpherson, Mr. Poland, Mr. Seddon, Mr. Smith, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. McGowan.)

EEPOETS. No. 20. Petition of Alexander Mackay, Miner, of Paeroa, Ohinemuri. Petitioner represents that in the years 1866, 1867, and 1868 he was the discoverer of goldfields at Waihi, Karangahake, and Owha'roa, and that he floated the original company the operations of which ultimately led to the opening-up of the Ohinemuri district. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report upon the petition of Alexander Mackay that they have no recommendation to make. 14th September, 1906. No. 39.—Petition of S. J. Laughun and 778 Others. Petitioners pray that steps may be taken to put a stop to the silting-up of the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers now taking place through the inflow of tailings and mining debris from the claims of certain mining companies, &c. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report upon the petition of S. J. Laughlin and others that they recommend that the said petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th September, 1906. Coal-mines Act 1903 Amendment Bill. (Mr. Colvin.) The Goldfields and Mines Committee, to whom was referred the Coal-mines Act Amendment Bill, having taken evidence on the said Bill and carefully considered the same, have the honour to report that they recommend that the Bill, be allowed to proceed as printed, and that the evidence attached be printed. (Vide also Appendix 1.-4 a.) 26th September, 1906,

No. 39. —Petition of S. J. Lauqhlin and 778 Others. Petitioners pray that steps may be taken to put a stop to the silting-up of the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers now taking place through the inflow of tailings and mining debris from the claims of certain mining companies, &c. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report upon the petition of S. J. Laughlin and others that they recommend that the said petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th September, 1906.

Coal-mines Act 1903 Amendment Bill. (Mr. Colvin.) The Goldfields and Mines Committee, to whom was referred the Coal-mines Act Amendment Bill, having taken evidence on the said Bill and carefully considered the same, have the honour to report that they recommend that the Bill, be allowed to proceed as printed, and that the evidence attached be printed. (Vide also Appendix 1.-4 a.) 26th September, 1906,