I.—4a

Sess. 11.—1884. NEW ZEALAND.

WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE: REPORT ON PETITION OF F.D. RICH AND W.H. WILLIAMS; TOGETHER WITH PETITION, MINUTES OF EVIDENCE, AND APPENDIX.

Beport brought up 28th October, 1884, and ordered to be printed.

EEPOET. The petitioners are the proprietors of the Shag Point Colliery, and they allege they have suffered severe pecuniary loss through the action of the Government Inspector of Mines (Mr. Binns), which action led to the necessity of closing the mine. They pray that relief may be granted to them for the purpose of reopening the mine. After an extended inquiry into the merits of the case, and having examined a number of witnesses, many of them being experts, the Committee have the honour to report—l. That in their opinion the action of the Inspector of Mines was warranted. 2. That, looking at the capital expended on this mine, and the need of keeping open a coal mine in the district, a lease of the submarine coal fields for a long term should be granted to Messrs. Eich and Williams, and an extension of the existing lease if no private rights are interfered with. 3. That a Government grant should be made in aid of reopening the mine, such grant not to exceed one-third of the total cost of such reopening, and in no case to exceed £5,000. James Fulton, 28th October, 1884. Chairman.