C—B

6

The plant now on the property, together with such tramway-formation as may be required by the lessees, to be valued mutually, and the lessees to purchase same at the price arrived at by the said valuation. Payment for same, if desired by lessees, may be spread over a period of years, but with interest on unpaid amounts at the rate of per cent, per annum added. If plant is purchased by deferred payment the lessees shall maintain the same in proper working-order, and may not sell or otherwise dispose of any portion of such plant until the whole of the payments are completed. 4. That the lessees may except from such valuation any article or part of the plant which they may not require, the same to remain the property of the Government. Westport, 9th June, 1899. R°^S™/ } 11ls P ectors of Mines -

Mokihinui Coal-lease. Mines Department, Wellington, 10th July, 1899. Offers in writing will be received up to noon of the Ist day of September next from persons willing to lease and work, under the provisions of the Coal-mines Act and regulations, the above coal-mine, comprising an area of 957 acres, situated in the County of Buller, on the west coast of the Middle Island, together with the plant and machinery now on the ground. The following conditions will apply to any lease that may be granted:— (a.) A royalty of 6d. a ton to be paid on all coal raised during any one year, such royalty to be payable every six months, on the Ist day of January and Ist day of July in each year. (b.) Fifty per cent, of the amount paid as rent or royalty will be allowed towards the cost of further prospecting for coal within the limits of the lease. (c.) The plant now on the ground, a schedule of which can be seen at the offices of the Inspectors of Mines at the Thames, Dunedin, and Westport, or at this office, together with such portion of the tramway formation as may be required by the lessee to be mutually valued, the lessee to purchase the same for the amount of the valuation : payment may, however, extend over a period of five years, or for such further period as may be agreed upon, without interest, or the lessees may lease the same on payment half-yearly of interest at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum on the capital value, as agreed upon. (d.) The lessee to maintain the plant in proper working-order, and not to be allowed to sell or dispose of any portion of the same. Applicants will be required to state — (1.) The terms for which the lease will be taken. (2.) The quantity of coal they are prepared to produce from the mine every six months, from the Ist day of January and Ist day of July in each year. (3.) The annual dead-rent per acre they are willing to pay on the Ist day of January and Ist day of July in each year: the amount of rent to be deducted from the royalty of 6d. a ton hereinbefore referred to. A. J. Cadman, Minister of Mines.

Schedule of Available Plant at the Mohikinui Coal-mine. 24 chains tramway, of 281b. rails (Top Seam). 29 chains tramway, of 28 lb. rails (Hut Seam). 53 281b. rails, 18 ft. long (in stock). 2 28 lb. rails, 12 ft. and 16 ft. long. 3 points and crossings, 28 lb. rails. 24 chains of tramway, of 40 lb. rails. 10 40 lb. rails, 9 ft. to 18 ft. long. 1 40 lb. rail, 9 ft. to 18 ft. long. 10 chains of tramway, of 14 lb. rails (Hut Seam bord-lines). 15 chains of tramway, of 141b. rails (Top Mine bord-lines). 5 chains of tramway, of 141b. rails (Bell's heading bord-lines). 20 chains of tramway, of 141b. rails (Top Mine). 90 14 lb. rails, from 6 ft. to 18 ft. long (in stock). 35 14 lb. rails, from 1 ft. to 5 ft. long (in stock). 7 crossing-plates for 14 lb. rails. 1 coil of f steel-rope, about 40 chains (new). 3 coils of old wire-rope, about 20, 4£, and 4 chains long respectively. 20 chains f steel wire-rope on drum steam-winch. 2 pair wagon-wheels, diameter 2 ft., on 2J axles, 3 ft. 6 in. gauge. 12 cast-iron wheels, 14in., 16in., 20in., 24in. and 4ft. diameter. 1 horizontal double-action pump, 8J cylinder, driven by endless rope. 1 horizontal double-action pump, 7f cylinder (in stock). 1 vertical pump driven either by hand or rope (in stock). 1 hand force-pump 3£ cylinder (in stock). 50 2 in. pipes, 10 ft. to 15 ft. lengths (in stock). 10 ljin. pipes, 10 ft. to 15ft. lengths (in stock). 52 cast-iron pipes, 4 in. diameter, chain, 9 ft. long, socket-joints (in use). 6 cast-iron pipes, 4 in. diameter, chain, 8 ft. long, flange-joints (in use). 9 cast-iron pipes, 4 in. diameter, chain, 9 ft. long, socket-joints (in stock).