The Sun.
London, England, 1850-08-26 00:00:00

Mx, tH.

The mining and mineral property of the Church is
ordinarily let on leases for three lives or for twenty-one
years, upon payarint of a flee and small rei-.rvai rent;
and the minerals are workcd in some instances by the
lessees themselves, and in others by their under-7eise*s.
In addition to the proce'ds from tines and rents, there
is another profitable source of revenue which may be
said to be incident to mining prorerty, via, the right of
granting way leaves and of opening pits and ocher ease-
ments for wollting mines, which rights are generally re-
served in the lea:es of the surface.

We have not thought it necessary to filter here into
further detail with respect to the peculiarities el this
species of Church pronerty, its extent and importance,
and the mode in a hick tit is leased and managed, haying-
been fully nWiccd in the repor: of the Committee of the
House of Commons of 1839.

Having regard t' the large arnpunt of capital which
has bten sunk upon th:., property, and the gre a' risk and
losses to which tie adventurers are exposed, wo think
that the leasers generally are entilled to the same ad.
vantages of permanency of tenure as were propcs'd by
us in our first report to be conceded to the lessees cf
farms and lands; and we are of opinion that the lessors
of mining property will be practiedly benefited by this
arrangement, in like marmer u•iJa the lessors of ftvms
and lands.

We recommend, therefore, that the principles of ma-
nagement therein propoxed with respect to farms and
lands let on renewable leases for lives and years should
be applied, as nearly as may be, to the mining property
of the Church held upon Rases granted upon the pay-
ment of fines ; and tbat with respect to othor leases of
mines (except those under special Acts), we recommend
that no renea.als shc,uld be eff:cted in future without the
sanction of the Central B )ard.

Wo think, also, ghat in all future arrangements re-
specting mines, provision should be made for treating
a part, not being more than three-fwirths nor less than
a moiety, of their produce as capita!, and not as in-

cone.
We would further advise that no new mines belonging
to the Church should be allowed to be opened or
worked, or licences or losses for such purposes granted,
except in accordance with, the provisions of the Leasing
Act=` before referred to.
With regard to the reservation of the right of grant-
ing wayleaves, opening pits, &c., we are not prepared to
recommend any interference with the existing practice.
MISCELLANEOUS PROPERTY.
Before closing our report, we think it right briefly to
advert to certain miscellaneous kinds of property which
are, we find, sometimes included in leases. These aro—
quarries, clay pits, watercourses, fisheries, ferries, tolls,
wrecks, &c. There are also certain annual or periodical
payments, such as pensions, fees, tenths, &c.
We aro not prepared to recommend any specific mode
of dealing with this class of property, but would suggest
that the Central Board should be empowered, with the
concurrence of the respective owners, to adopt such
measures relating thereto as may seem to them to bo
most advisable, due regard being had to the circumstances
of each case.
Al! which we humbly submit to your Majesty's gracious
consideration.
Witness our hands and seals this 30th day of July,
1850. HARROWOY.
W. IZ LYALL.
WILLIAM PAGE WOOD.
It 13. ARMSTRONG.
JOHN GEORGE SHAW ',MITRE.
H. JONES.

* By this Act (sth and 6th Victoria, c. 108) ecclesiastical
corporations, aggregate or sole (with certain exceptions', are
enabled, with the consent of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners
for England, to grant leases of mines, reserving certain rents
or royaltie?, but without the payment of fines; part of the
improved value accruing the reunder,in the proportions above.
mentioned, being payable to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.