New South Wales. 
45 
I have seen respecting “ Kilcunda and Cape Paterson” is from 
Mr. Cowan, Mining Surveyor, dated 2nd August, 1875, who, 
after considerable examination and collection of available infor¬ 
mation, comes to the conclusion that “ very little can be deduced 
with certainty in regard to either the character or extent of the 
Kilcunda and Cape Paterson Coal-deposits except by actual 
experiment. The pick of the miner, will in my opinion, be the 
only conclusive test.” (“Progress Report Ro. Ill ,” 1876, p. 270.) 
But the money spent, and the labour bestowed on investi¬ 
gations and search for Coal in Victoria has been enormous, and 
it is a subject for deep regret that her enterprising Colonists 
have not been more successful, as a valuable and abundant 
Coal-field in that Colony would have been, of whatever geologi¬ 
cal age, most beneficial to thousands of the present and future 
occupants of that interesting territory. 
The old Coal-beds, as well as what the Southern scientists are 
pleased to call “ Carbonaceous” strata, are equally unpromising, 
and Mr. Howitt shows the reason—because they have been 
greatly denuded. 
578. (Q.) You are a member of the Mining Commission ? (A.) I am. 
570. (Q.) Bid you sign that report ? (A.) No. 
580. (Q.) How are meetings of the Mining Commission called ? (A.) The 
Mining Commission consists of Professor M‘Coy, Mr. Panton, the Resident 
Warden at Bendigo, and myself. Mr. Pautou is hardly oyer in town ; I 
could not say how many meetings he has attended, but very few; and no 
regular meetings have over been called. Now and then 1 go up to the 
University and discuss these matters with Professor M‘Coy. 
581. (Q.) By Mr. O' Shanassy. — In sending in a report from the Mining 
Commission to the Government, is it the practice to obtain the consent of 
the other members of the Commission ? (A.) Not formally. 
582. (Q.) That is, the document is not sent, to them ? (A.) I have seen 
tlie document ; in fact I wrote the report myself with Professor M'Coy, lie 
dictating and 1 making suggestions, and then it was subsequently copied by 
a clerk, l suppose under Professor MUoy’s directions, and 1 have seen it 
published in the newspapers ♦ hut from the time Professor M‘Coy made the 
rough draft of it 1 have not seen it; whether it was ever sent to Mr. Panton 
I am not. aware. 
584. (Q.) Uoes that document meet your views now P (A.) There are 
some portions of it which do not meet my views. 
586. (Q,.) By the Chairman. — I wish to ascertain precisely as to the 
constitution of the Mining Commission, you say it consists of three gentlemen, 
namely, yourself, Professor M‘Coy, and Mr. Panton ? (A.) Yes. 
587. (Q.) Mr. Panton resides at Bendigo ? (A.) Yes, 
588. (Q-) So that practically you and Professor M‘Coy arc the Mining 
Commission ? (A.) Yes. 
589. (Q.A Is it usual to hold meetings of the Commission ? (A.) Not formal 
or regular meetings of which minutes arc kept; we meet occasionally and 
discuss things in a manner that I have all along considered was not the way 
to carry it on. 
590. (Q.) Then is it competent for you or for Professor M‘Coy to write in 
the mode you have described a document, and send i lb in as a report of the 
