Report on Petition of W. H. Taipari.

The petitioner quotes a Proclamation by the Superintendent of Auckland offering a reward for the discovery of a payable gold field. He alleges that the Thames Gold Field was discovered by him, and thrown open by his influence. He therefore prays that the reward of £5,000 be paid him.

I am directed to report as follows:—

It appears that in 1867 the Superintendent of Auckland offered a reward of £5,000 for the discovery of a payable gold field in the Province of Auckland. After the development of the Thames Gold Fields a number of claims were made by persons alleging themselves to be the first discoverers. A Commission was appointed by the Superintendent in 1870 to investigate those claims, and it was reported by the Commission that none of the parties (including the petitioner) had any absolute claim on the ground of first discovery; but the services rendered, and the exertions made by the petitioner, were specially recognized by the Commission, and a recommendation was made that he should receive the sum of £300.

The Committee are of opinion that the important services rendered by the petitioner in causing (in the face of strong opposition) the opening of the Thames lands for gold mining cannot be considered to have been sufficiently recognized; and they would therefore recommend the prayer of the petitioner to the favourable consideration of the House and of the Government. They would further point out that the claim of the petitioner has now been in existence for nearly ten years, and they recommend that the Government should, if possible, deal with the petitioner's case now, while he is in Wellington.