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No. 195. —Petition of John O'Fee, of Kaitangata, and 7 Others. Praying for inquiry into the position of coalfields that are practically shut up by the action of the Taratu Railway and Coal Company. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a view that, in the event of any further license being granted by the Bruce County Council to the Taratu Railway and Coal Company, steps shall be taken to ensure" that reasonable loading and transport facilities are given to petitioners and others in the same position. The Public Works' and Mines Departments to decide, if called upon by either party, as to the reasonableness or otherwise of the facilities proposed. 21st December, 1921.

No. 246. —Petition of Robert Mclntosh, of Reefton. Praying for a Commission of Inquiry regarding his treatment by the Mines Department; and that he be reinstated as an Inspector of Mines, and be granted a mine-manager's certificate, and for monetary compensation. . I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. At the same time the Committee desires to express its opinion that petitioner did not exceed his duty in his report to the Warden at Naseby in May, 1910. 12th December, 1921.

No. 105.—Petition of Richard Ross, of Thames, and 26 Others. Praying for compensation for losses sustained through the restriction on the sale of gold in the open market during the war period. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. The Committee desires to point out that during recent years no other industry was so hard hit as gold-mining, the commodity being, in the interests of the Empire and at the request of the Imperial Government, prohibited from export, with the result that a loss, based upon the world market price, of approximately £1 per ounce was sustained by petitioners. 31st January, 1922.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Goldfields and. Mines Committee, consisting of twelve members, has held eight meetings during the session. The average attendance of members at each meeting was nine ; and five petitions and one parliamentary paper (No. 137 c) were reported on. Bth February, 1922, T. W. Rhodes, Chairman.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Goldfields and Mines Committee desires to record its high sense of the ability, courtesy, and attention shown by the Chairman, Mr. T. W. Rhodes, in his management of the business of the" Committee during this session. It further desires that this resolution shall be recorded on the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. H. Poland, Bth February, 1922. Member of the Committee.

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