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No. 157.—Petition of E. J. Powell and 205 Others, Miners, Charleston Eiding, Buller County. Petitionebs complain of the burden cast upon them in having to manage and maintain the Argyle Water-race, and seek relief. The Goldfields and Mines Committee, having duly considered the statements contained in the petition of E. J. Powell and others, have the honour to report that they recommend that the said petition be referred to the Government. 27th October, 1898.

No. 349.—Petition of Hokatio Agaes Walmsley, Waihi, Ohinemuri. Petitioneb seeks to obtain the fee-simple of or a lease in perpetuity for certain sections of land which he has held under leases for twenty-one years at Ohinemuri, but which leases have lapsed. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report, on the petition of Horatio Agars Walmsley, that having duly considered the same they cannot, in the interests of the mining industry, recommend the granting of the fee-simple of the sections referred to by petitioner. They recommend that a surface title under section 121 of "The Lands Act, 1892," be allowed to petitioner, in order to insure to him his improvements, and that the petition be referred to the Government. 27th October, 1898.

No. 337. —Petition of Eodbkick Mcßae, of Wangapeka District. Petitionek represents that he paid £250 and became liable in addition for £750 to satisfy the claims for compensation in order to the proclaiming of the Wangapeka Eiver as a watercourse into which tailings and mining debris might be deposited, such payments and such Proclamation being for the public benefit. He seeks relief. The Goldfields and Mines Committee, having considered the petition of Eoderick McEae, have the honour to report that they recommend that the said petition be referred to the Government. 27th October, 1898.

No. 14. —Petition of William Cbaig and Thomas Ckaig-, Settlers, Grey Valley. Petitioners pray that compensation may be granted to them for damages to their property at O'Callaghan's Creek through mining operations in their locality. The Goldfields and Mines Committee have the honour to report, on the petition of William Craig and Thomas Craig, that they recommend that the said petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th November, 1897.

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