By an additional amended regulation, granted under regulations of February 2, 1888, any protection area which after the date of the grant thereof comes within the limits of a proclaimed gold-field, may, notwithstanding such proclamation, continue to be held until the expiration of twelve months from the date of such grant, or until payable gold on such area is discovered, which ever shall first happen. The labour conditions must however be fully complied with, or the extension of time will cease, and the protection area will be forfeited. Gold-mining leases are granted for areas not exceeding 25 acres, at an annual rent, payable in advance, of 20_s._ per acre. The term may not exceed twenty-one years. The leases are liable to cancellation unless worked by the proper number of men, or machinery power equal to the men. The leases can be determined by giving three months’ notice, and the lessees have power to remove all machinery used on the land. QUEENSLAND. On payment of 10_s._ the Governor may cause to be issued to any person (not being an Asiatic or African alien), a mining licence for one year, and on payment of the sum of £4 a business licence. All applications for mineral leases to be made on the prescribed form, and to be accompanied by the proper survey fee and the first year’s rent. The yearly rental of every lease to be at the rate of 10_s._ per acre, payable in advance, the term not to exceed twenty-one years, but a further lease of twenty-one years may be granted on such terms as the Minister deems equitable. Area not to exceed 100 acres. Mining without a right is punishable by removal of the offender from the field, and the infliction of a fine of £10, or one month’s imprisonment.