Mining.

A.—sb.

10. The Governor may from time to time, as he thinks fit, by Order in Council, — (a.) Constitute andjtappoint in and for or more districts or portions thereof such Wardens' Courts as he deems necessary ; and also 5 (b.) Abolish any such Court; and also (c.) Appoint fit persons to be Wardens, each of whom shall hold office during the Governor's pleasure, and for the purposes of this Act shall have jurisdiction throughout the colony, but shall exercise his jurisdiction and perform his duties and func- iq tions in such districts or localities as the Minister from time to time directs : Provided that the fact of any Warden exercising jurisdiction or performing any duty or function in any Court, district, or locality shall be conclusive evidence of his autho- 15 rity so to do. 11. (1.) The Governor may from time to time, in such manner and on such terms as he thinks fit, appoint for any one or more districts or portions thereof such fit persons to be Mining Registrars, Receivers of Gold Revenue, Clerks, bailiffs, assistant clerks, assistant bailiffs, and 20 other officers of Wardens' Courts therein as he deems necessary, all of whom shall hold office during the Governor's pleasure. (2.) If and as often as any such officer is incapacitated by illness, absence, or other sufficient cause from performing his duties, the Warden may appoint a fit person to act as deputy, who, whilst so acting, shall 25 have all the functions and duties of the officer for whom he is the deputy. (3.) An entry of every such appointment shall be made by the Warden in the minute-book of the Court. 12. The Governor may from time to time, in such manner and on such terms as he thinks fit, — 39 (a.) Appoint fit persons to be Inspectors of Mines ; and also (b.) Appoint any Receiver of Land Revenue to be at the same time Receiver of Gold Revenue ; and also (c.) Appoint post-offices at which miners' rights may be issued by, and rents, royalties, fees, and other moneys receivable under 35 this Act may be paid to, the Postmaster or chief officer in charge of any such post-office : And may also prescribe the mining districts or portions thereof in and for which each such appointment is made. 13. All mining districts and Wardens' Courts which, having been 40 constituted under any former Mining Act, are in existence at the commencement of this Act shall be deemed to be constituted under this Act. 14. Every person who, having been appointed to any office under any former Mining Act, holds that office at the commencement of this 45 Act shall be deemed to be duly appointed to the same office under this Act. 15. (1.) It shall not be lawful for any person appointed or employed by or under the Crown in any capacity in the administration of this Act to hold, directly or indirectly, any pecuniary interest what- 50 ever in any mining privilege in the district in which he performs his duties :

Constitution of Wardens' Courts and appointment of Wardens. 1898, No. 38, sec. 11

Appointment of Mining Registrars. Receivers of Gold Revenue, Clerks, and bailiffs. Ibid. sec. 12,

Deputies thereof.

Appointment of Inspectors of Mines' and post-offices for payments. Ibid, sec. 13 1899, No. 29, sec. (i (2)

Existing districts and Courts continued. 1898, No. 38, sec. 14

Persons continued in office. Ibid, sec. 15

Officers not to have personal interest. Ibid, sec. 16

12