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No. 269.—Petition of Charles Alexander Macdonald and another, of Waipori. Praying that the Dunedin City Corporation Empowering Act, 1924, be so amended that the petitioners may have a right to recover compensation from the Dunedin City Corporation in respect of loss sustained arising out of the operation of the said Act. I am directed to report that at a meeting of the Goldfields and Mines Committee held on Monday, 6th September, 1926, the following resolution was agreed to, namely : That the Committee, having heard evidence on the subject-matter of the petition of Charles Alexander Macdonald and another, is of the opinion that this matter should be further investigated by the sub-committee which intends visiting Waipori in connection with the petition of John T. Johnson; and that in the meantime deliberation on the petition should be deferred by the Committee. 6th September, 1926. I

No. 259/25, Petition of John T. Johnson, and No. 269, Petition of Charles Alexander Maodonald and another, of Waipori. I am directed to report that at a meeting of the Goldfields and Mines Committee held on Mondayt 6th September, 1926, the following resolution was agreed to, namely : That the name of Mr. F. Waite, M.P., be added to sub-committee appointed to inquire into the subject-matter of the petitions of John T. Johnson and Charles A. Macdonald and another, of Waipori 6th September, 1926.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Goldfields and Mines Committee desires to place on record its cordial appreciation of the able and dutiful manner in which Mr. George C. Black, as Clerk of the Committee, has during the session performed his duties; and the Committee further desires that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of the Committee, and also that it be reported to the House. Bth September, 1926.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that the members of the Goldfields and Mines Committee desire to record their sincere appreciation of the ability and urbanity during the session displayed by Mr. T. W. Rhodes, as Chairman, in the conduct of the business of the Committee, and in facilitating the harmonious progress of their deliberations ; and, further, that the members of the Committee desire that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of the Committee, and also that it be reported to the House. W. E. Parry, 9th September, 1926. Member of the Committee.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Goldfields and Mines Committee, consisting of ten members, has during the session held ten meetings, with an average attendance at each meeting of six members. One Bill—-namely, the Mining Bill—and five parliamentary papers—Amended Regulations under the Mining Act, 1908 —were referred to the Committee, and the same were carefully considered and reported upon to the House. Six petitions were also referred to the Committee, four of which were finally dealt with and reported upon to the House. Special reports were made to the House in respect of two petitions praying for the amendment of The Dunedin City Corporation Empowering Act, 1924 : these petitions will be deliberated upon next session. Bth September, 1926.

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