Aug. 5.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 2719

authority, stating whether and to what extent the statements in the application are true, and, in the case of a genuine discovery of a new mining-field, the number of miners bona fide engaged in mining operations thereon at the expiration of twelve months after the date of the discovery.

131. The amount of the reward (in no case exceeding £500) shall be computed at the rates hereafter specified for every full number of ten miners bona fide engaged in mining operations on the new field at the expiration of twelve months after the date of the discovery.

132. If the reward is offered by the Government such rates shall be as follows:—
     (1.) £50 where the new field (whether of gold, silver, tin, copper, or diamonds) is distant not less than three miles from the nearest known similar field at the date of the discovery, whether such similar field was then worked or not.
     (2.) £37 10s. where such new field is distant less than three miles and not less than one mile from such similar field.
     (3.) £25 where such new field consists of (a) the discovery of a new lead or lode, distant less than one mile and not less than half a mile from the nearest known lead or lode at the date of the discovery, whether such known lead or lode was then being worked or not; or (b) the recovery of an old lead or lode which, at the date of the recovery, had been lost.

133. If the reward is offered by a local authority such rates shall be those hereinbefore specified, or such modification thereof as, with the approval of the Minister, the local authority thinks fit to make.

EXAMINATIONS FOR MINE-MANAGER’S AND BATTERY SUPERINTENDENT’S CERTIFICATES.

The Board.

134. With respect to the Board of Examiners for Mine-managers’ and Battery Superintendents’ Certificates the following provisions shall apply:—
     (1.) At all meetings of the Board the quorum shall be four, and the Chairman appointed by the Governor shall preside: Provided that if at any meeting the Chairman is absent, the members present may appoint one of their number to act as chairman at such meeting in his stead, and, whilst so acting, the person so appointed shall have all the powers of the Chairman.
     (2.) Each member of the Board who is not otherwise employed in any department of the public service shall receive by way of travelling-expenses the sum of £1 11s. for each day’s absence from his place of abode for the purpose of attending at a meeting of the Board, including the day of his leaving his place of abode, but not the day of his return thereto.
     (3.) He shall also be repaid all sums properly expended by him for fares by railway, coach, or steamer in travelling for the purpose of such attendance.

Certificates by Examination.

135. The examination for certificates as mine-managers or battery superintendents shall be held at such times and places as are appointed by the Board, and with respect to such examinations the following provisions shall apply:—
     (1.) For the better conduct of the examinations the Board may appoint supervisors, with such functions and powers as the Board thinks fit.
     (2.) Every candidate for a certificate by examination shall at least one month before the date fixed for the examination, and in the Form No. 93 in the Eighth Schedule hereto, make application in that behalf to “The Secretary of the Board of Examiners under the Mining Act,” at Wellington, and shall forward therewith a fee of £1.
     (3.) For the purpose of enabling the Board to determine whether the candidate possesses the requisite practical experience, his application shall specify with sufficient particularity for identification and reference the respective mines in which he has been employed, and the period and nature of his employment therein, including, in the case of a battery superintendent’s certificate, the nature of the chemical process used in the mine, and of the machinery and appliances connected therewith.
     (4.) For the purposes of section 234 of the Mining Act the requisite practical experience of a candidate for a battery superintendent’s certificate shall be actual employment for not less than twelve months in the working of the chemical process used in the mine, and of the machinery and appliances connected therewith.
     (5.) The evidence in writing from previous employers in proof of the nature and extent of the candidate’s practical experience, to be supplied to the Board as required by section 234 of the Mining Act, shall be so supplied at the same time as the application is forwarded, or as soon thereafter as is possible.
     (6.) The subject of examination for certificates as mine-managers shall be as follows:—
     Subject I, Mining.—The laying-out, timbering, and construction of shafts and underground workings; blasting