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and from the fact that the Committee have been unable to obtain the evidence of Professors Black and Ulrich on the subject, the Committee are unable to make any specific recommendations other than those contained in previous Interim Reports Nos. 1, 'A, and 3. The Committee recommend that provision should be made for temporarily carrying on the existing schools of mines on the basis laid down by Professor Black in his report to the Government on the subject. The Committee further recommend that a similar order of reference, as of the sth June, 1888, be renewed next session ; and that during the recess the Government procure the fullest information obtainable in reference to the subject-matter of the said order of reference, and of the treatment of refractory ores. The Committee further recommend that the report be referred to the Government for their favourable consideration. 24th August, 1888.

No. 407.—Petition of John Walsh and Others, Miners of Paroa District, in the Grey County. The petitioners pray that the special mining-claim of 100 acres in the New River, at Paroa, recommended by the Warden at Greymouth, in favour of John Byrne and Samuel Brown, may be disallowed. I am directed to report that, the claims having been granted, no relief can be given to the petitioners. 24th August, 1888.

No. (57, Sess. 11., 1887. —Petition of Alexander McDonald, of Orwell Creek, in the County of Grey. The petitioner states that through some mistake on the part of the Government officers his hotel, situated at Orwell Creek, was undermined and subsequently destroyed, and that he has suffered great monetary loss in consequence thereof. He prays for compensation. lam directed to report as follows: That the petition be referred to the favourable consideration of the Government, and that the petitioner's claim be fairly and finally dealt with. 24th August, 1888. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,275 copies), £1 Be.]

Authority: Geobge Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBB.