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No. 7. —Petition of John Stains and Others, Property-holders, Miners, and Residents, Westland. Petitionebs pray that the question of the insufficiency of notice of objection to the proclamation of the Hauhau and Hokitika Rivers as sludge-channels may be waived; or that no further action be taken in connection with such proposed, proclamation; or that compensation for prospective damages may be granted to them. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report that, as in their judgment compliance with the prayer of this petition would involve disregard for the law, they have no recommendation to make. 3rd December, 1897.

No. 272. —Petition of J. Brosnan and Others, Miners, Tuapeka. Petitionebs pray that their district may be exempted from the operation of the Eight Hours Bill now before your honourable House. The Goldfields and Mines Committee, having bestowed careful consideration upon the petition of J. Brosnan and others, have the honour to recommend that the petition be referred to the Government, and that it be read by the Clerk. (Note. —This petition was printed, vide J.-l.) 7th December, 1897.

No. 156.—Petition of William Little and Others. Petitionees pray that the Waikaka Stream may be declared a river within the meaning of the Act, into which water from mines can be legally discharged. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report upon the petition of William Little and others that they recommend that it be referred to the Government. 14th December, 1897.

No. 181.—Petition of Alfred Smith and Others. Petitionebs pray that a sum of money may be granted for having developed a method for working river- and creek-beds for precious metals not otherwise capable of being worked profitably. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report upon the petition of Alfred Smith and others that they recommend that it be referred to the Government. 14th December, 1897.

The Mining Companies Acts Amendment Bill. The Goldfields and Mines Committee, to which was referred the Mining Companies Acts Amendment Bill, have the honour to report that, having carefully considered the same, it is recommended that the Bill be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments shown on a copy of the Bill attached hereto. 14th December, 1897.

The Cyanide Process Gold-extbaction Bill. The Goldfields and Mines Committee, to which was referred the Cyanide Process Gold-extraction Bill, have the honour to report that, having duly considered the same, it is recommended that the Bill be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments shown on a copy of the Bill attached hereto. 14th December, 1897.

The Mining Bill. The Goldfields and Mines Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, have the honour to report that, owing to the limited time now at its disposal, the Committee recommend that further consideration of the Bill be postponed until next session. 14th December, 1897. Approximate Oost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,250 copies), £2 Bs. 9d.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB97. Price 3d.]