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father was offered a compensation of £60, which, considering the sum inadequate, he refused to accept, setting forth his reasons for so refusing to the then Minister of Public Works; that, in the belief that his freehold title to the land was still good, their deceased father took no further action, preferring to submit to the nuisance and destruction caused by tailings than accept the compensation tendered for his interest; that, under the firm belief that the property was still his, until a few months before his death he continued to pay rates and taxes on the land; that subsequent to the Proclamation by which the land was taken, and up to the time of his death, their deceased father does not appear to have been offered any compensation. Petitioners pray that the matter may be reopened, and that compensation be now paid to the Public Trustee as executor in the estate, and also that such further relief and assurance as may be necessary be extended to them. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of Emma Walsh and another that they recommend that, if not required for mining purposes, the land referred to be revested in the petitioners; failing such an arrangement, that the petitioners' claim receive favourable consideration from the Government. 20th October, 1911.

No. 309.—Petition of John Wesley. Petitioner represents that, whilst working in the Westport Coal Company's mine at Millerton, on the 16th November, 1908, he met with an accident from which he has never recovered, and it has been certified by medical men that he never will be able to follow mining again. He has a wife and a young family to bring up, and, having exhausted his savings in medical advice, he is now practically destitute. Petitioner asks that a compassionate allowance be granted to him equal to what would be granted to a coal-miner out of the Coal-miners' Relief Fund. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of John Wesley that they have no recommendation to make. 20th October, 1911.

No. 311. —Petition of David Dun and 104 Others. Petitioners pray that the Waimumu Stream Drainage Board may be abolished. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report to your honourable House on the petition of David Dun and 104 others that they recommend that the said petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th October, 1911.

Report {re Chairman). The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report to your honourable House that at a meeting of the Committee held this day, the 23rd October, 1911, the following resolution was unanimously agreed to, namely : — " That this Committee place upon record their high appreciation of the impartial manner in which the Chairman (Mr. H. Poland) has presided over their deliberations, and extends to him hearty thanks for the courtesy, consideration, and ability with which he has at all times conducted the business of the Committee." 26th October, 1911.

■ Report (re Clerk). The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report to your honourable House that at a meeting of the Committee held this day, the 26th October, 1911, the following resolution was unanimously agreed to, namely : — " That this Committee desire to place upon record their appreciation of the services of the Clerk, Mr. James Izett, who has filled the office of Clerk of the Goldfields and Mines Committee for a period of seventeen years, and, so that the Committee may be assured of a continuance of his service and experience, recommend the Government to provide for him clerical employment during the recess; that this resolution be reported to the House." 26th October. 1911.

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