A ROYAL COMMISSION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12258, 8 June 1914, Page 2

A ROYAL COMMISSION.

(Pkr Press Association.) Greymouth, June 5. The Royal Commissioner appointed to enquire into the, timber and mining interests and the terms of tenure oftrown lands on the West Coast commenced taking evidence, this morning. Evidence was given that large areas held under mining leases could not be used for coal mining, and suggested that provision be made for farming purposes, particularly fruit. Coal rights and surface rights should both be dealt with by the Warden, as dual control was objectionable. A sawmiller's opinion , was that the control of mining wardens over timber areas be abolished under certain conditions, and a commissioner alone deal with the applications. The payment of royalty should be on the timber actually nroduced. Millers should be allowed to "peruse any fresh regulations under the Land Act before they are put into force. There was no good reason for continuing the division of land into Wardens' timber areas and Land Board timber areas. The settlers asked for an improved system of tenure for lands. Evidence was taken till late in the afternoon..