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The Committee would urge upon the Government the necessity, in alienations of land upon gold fields, of reserving to the Crown all riparian rights, so that no settler may have any ground in law for action against his neighbour, except for actual damage to the holding. The Committee are of opinion that water-rights granted in proclaimed gold fields, upon payment, to miners without actual reservations of any kind, which rights have been duly acquired under the Gold Fields Acts from time to time in force, ought to be respected by the Legislature. The Committee have therefore to recommend that the Government do take the whole subject into consideration, and initiate such legislation as may appear necessary to render of practical and certain value the rights hitherto and hereafter to be granted to all classes. C. A. De Laittottb, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on the Petition of Reuben Waite. I am directed to report that petitions similar to that under reference to your Committee were considered in 1875 and also in 1876. That the Committee on both occasions decided that the petitioner had no claim upon the Government. No evidence is offered to your Committee to induce them to alter the decision hitherto arrived at after careful consideration. They have therefore no recommendation to make. C. A. De Lautoue, 15th November, 1877. Chairman.

Repobt on "The Mining Companies Act 1872 Amendment Act, 1877." The Gold Fields Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled " The Mining Companies Act 1872 Amendment Act, 1877," have the honor to report,— That, having considered the Bill under reference, your Committee recommend that the same be passed ; but that it be provided that the deposit money of £20 in clause 5 should be forfeited in case the appeal be not duly prosecuted within the time prescribed by the Act. C. A. De Lautoue, 26th November, 1877. Chairman.

By Authority : Giobge Didsbttby, G-orernment Printer, Wellington.—lB77.

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