2

I.—4a.

REPORTS.

Nos. 277, 287, 278, 552, and 681 —Petitions of Terua Tihangi and others, S. J. Laughlin and others, W Scott and others, B. W. Bignall and others, T. B. Hewitson and others, complainants; and Nos. 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 386—Petitions of E. Biffen and others, C. Brown and others, C. Butler and others, D. Donaldson and others, T. Dunn and others, E. Ettringham and others, J. Hind and others, J. McCombie and others, G. Eothwell and others, W. Steer and others, C. Symes and others, N. J. Truscott and others, A. P. Wylde and others, E. Potter and others, respondents. The Goldflelds and Mines Committee have the honour to report on the above-mentioned (complainants') petition that in their judgment any expenditure on any scheme that may be devised for arresting the silting of the Ohinemuri and the Waihou Eivers should be on a contributory basis, the local bodies whose districts are affected by the silting providing their quota towards the cost. Subject to this proviso, the Committee recommend that the petitions be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Parliament Buildings, 13th November, 1907. H. Poland, Chairman.

The Goldflelds and Mines Committee, having already dealt with the matters involved in the abovementioned (respondents') petitions, have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make. Parliament Buildings, 20th November, 1907. H. Poland, Chairman.