1.-4

4

The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that the petition of Josiah Hudson and others be referred to the Government, in order that a geological officer may report upon the Kaipara coalfield as soon as an officer is available for that, purpose. 2nd October, 1908.

No. 494.—Petition of Arthur d'Oyly Bayfeild. Petitioner, on behalf of himself and other shareholders of the Westport-Cardiff Coal-mining Company, liquidated, represents that in May, 1900, in order to satisfy a debt of £4,470, of which £2,363 was for royalty in coal and £2,107 for deficiency on the working-expenses of the WestportNgakawau Railway to Mokihinui, the Government seized the plant, material, and works of the company, valued at £24,329; that The £2,107 ought not to have been charged against the company; that, for the reason that the debt was created through the default of another company, it ought properly to have been extinguished at the time of the passing of " The Westport-Ngakawau Railway Act, 1897." Petitioner further represents that the.plants, material, and property seized were valued by the Mining Inspectors of the Government at £7,516; that the whole of the property is now being worked by the Government in connection with the operations in progress at the State coal-mine at Seddonville, and that through the company the colony has been saved the cost thereof. No consideration has been allowed to the shareholders of the liquidated company for the value of the plant and material in excess of the alleged debt. Petitioner therefore prays for inquiry, consideration, and relief. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of Arthur d'Oyly Bayfeild that they recommend that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 2nd October," 1908. [Vide Appendix I.-4a.]

Thanks to Chairman. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report to your honourable House that at their meeting held on Thursday, the 1st day of October last, the following resolution was unanimously agreed to, namely: — "I. That this Committee give expression to w-arm appreciation and thanks for the very able manner in which the Chairman (H. Poland, Esq., M.P.) has presided over its deliberations and conducted its business during the three years of the present Parliament. " 2. That this resolution be properly recorded." 5th October, 1908.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; piinting (1,400 copies), ,£2 lis. 6d.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer. Wellington.—1908, Price 3d.]