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1881. NEW ZEALAND
Presented to the House of Representatives, Session 1881, and ordered to be printed.
(ME. EEID, CHAIEMAN.) No. 204. —Petition of the Buller County Council (No. 2) The Gold Fields Committee, to whom was referred the petition of the Buller County Council, praying that all rivers and public watercourses in the Buller County be made available in the development of the mining industry, have the honor to report that this petition be referred to the Government, with the recommendation that the Waste Lands Boards of the colony be instructed not to sell land on the banks of rivers or streams in the vicinity of gold fields without due reservation being made to protect the mining industry They further recommend that the watercourses on gold fields should be all proclaimed, and that the existing riparian rights affecting all outlets used for tailings be done away with. 22nd July, 1881.
No. 157.—Petition of John Cox, Miner. Petitioner states that he has for twelve years occupied a gold-mining claim in the Waihemo District, County of Waikouaiti, obtained by purchase, and has in every instance complied with the regulations provided for gold-mining purposes. He alleges that an attempt is now being made to deprive him of his rights, without adequate compensation being given. He prays the House to grant him redress. lam directed to report as follows: That the Committee recommend that Mr. Cox's claim for compensation be settled by the Government, by payment of a sum not exceeding £250 in full for all demands. 26th July, 1881.
No. 95.—Petition of J Grimmond and Others, of Ross. Petitioners pray the House to vote a sufficient sum, during the present session, to complete the construction of the Mikonui Water-race from Ross to the Long Tunnel, and to commence the construction of the Long Tunnel. Tour Committee have the honor to report: That they have obtained from the Government the various reports and documents in connection with this race, as enumerated in the schedule attached, and have taken the evidence of the Hon. Mr. Gisborne, and Mr. W N Blair, Engineer in Charge of the Middle Island. That, after giving the reports and evidence the fullest consideration, the Committee find: That the construction of the Mikonui Water-race was authorized as a colonial work by the Public Works Act of 1879. That about £11,000 have already been expended, under the authority of the Legislature, in commencing the construction of this work, and that the completion of the whole will cost about £70,000 more. That the completion of the work will probably take four or five years. The Committee believe that the work is essential to the proper working of the Ross Gold Fields, which, on credible authority, are highly auriferous. The Committee are of opinion that the race, when finished, will be directly and indirectly reproductive, and beneficial to the district and colony The Committee, therefore, recommend the Government to proceed with the construction of the race, and to expend euch sum this financial year as the funds of the colony will permit. 27th July, 1881.
Schedule of Papers. —Documents re Mikonui Water-race relative to —(1) Mr. Brogden's proposal to construct race; (2) Waste Lands Board, Hokitika, resolution to reserve land on line of race; (3) District Engineer's report, Ist August, 1872; (4) Letters from Mr. Tribe to Minister for Public Works, urging construction of race by Government; (5) Report of Select Committee on the petition
GOLD FIELDS COMMITTEE (REPOETS OF).