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No. 144. —Petition of Thomas T. Lohmann, of Cape Terrace. Petitioner represents that one of the Wardens of the goldfields has refused to take evidence bearing importantly on his case, and in giving his decision has not taken into consideration the true facts as they have been submitted, and that this is so he is prepared to prove. He prays for inquiry and relief. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of Thomas T. Lohmann that they have no recommendation to make. 17th October, 1912.

No. 313. —Petition of J. Patterson Muir, Miner, Ross. Petitioner represents that mining privileges in Westland held by him for more than thirty-six years were, in October, 1909, declared by Mr. Warden Acheson to be forfeited by reason of non-user, petitioner at the time being a sufferer from illness. The loss of his claim has deprived him of the means of earning a livelihood, and he is now penniless. He prays for relief. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of John Patterson Muir that they recommend that the petition, be referred to the Government, with a view to further inquiries being made by the Warden as to the value of the water-races, dams, pipes, and other of the mining property on the claim of petitioner at, the time of its forfeiture, in order that relief may be afforded. 24th October, 1912.

No. 349. —Petition of Robert Johnson, Karamea District, Nelson. Petitioner represents that the development operations of the Mount, Radiant Mine, in which a large amount of capital has been invested, are being seriously impeded through the want of proper access to the mine, but that the erection of a traffic-bridge, with approaches, over the Little Wanganui River would quite satisfy the necessities of those associated with him in the Mount Radiant mining enterprise. He prays that assistance may be rendered. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of Robert Johnson that they recommend that the said petition be referred to the Government, with a view to provision being made on the supplementary estimates for the erection of a traffic-bridge over the Little Wanganui River as prayed for. 24th October, 1912.

No. 363.—Petition of John Samuel Ritchie, of Onehunga, Miner. Petitioner represents that in 1902 he went to work at the Waihi Company's mine, where the dry process of crushing is in operation, as a battery hand ; that as a result of such working he contracted pneumoconiosis, or miner's complaint; and that three medical practitioners have certified that he will never be fit to return to work any more. Having no resources he is concerned for the future of himself, his wife, and his children. He has five children. He prays for relief. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report that they regard the facts disclosed in the petition of J. S. Ritchie as exceptional, and they therefore recommend that the said petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 31st October, 1912.

No. 364. —Petition of Peter McLachlan Campbell, of Waimate. Petitioner represents that, having come into the possession of a previously worked coal-mine, situated near W T aihao Forks, in Canterbury, he made application to the Inspector of Mines, Dunedin, for a copy of the plan showing the old workings. The Inspector informed him that he did not possess such a plan, and could not comply with his request. Petitioner proceeded with mining operations. On breaking through info old workings water flowed in and the mine collapsed. Petitioner estimates the amount of his loss at £400, without regard to the profits that would have accrued to him if his mining operations could have been continued. His loss was due to the inability of the Inspector to furnish a plan. Petitioner seeks to obtain compensation. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of P. McLachlan Campbell that, pending the receipt of more complete information, they have agreed to hold over further consideration until next session. sth November, 1912.

No. 389. —Petition of James Henery and 81 Others. Petitioners pray that, as against the proposal to vest the control of the Waimumu Stream and Sludgechannel in the Southland County Council, it be vested in a local Board of the ratepayers. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the petition of James Henery and others that they have no recommendation to make. sth November, 1912.