THE GOLDFIELDS REPORT.

West Coast Times, Issue 3846, 5 August 1881, Page 2

THE GOLDFIELDS REPORT.

The annual report of the goldfiolds of New Zealand, by the Secretary of Gold' fields, Mr J. M'Kerrow, has been presented to Parliament. The reports states that there has been unusual activity on the goldfiolds during the year. Reference is made to the quartz-prospecting at Terawhiti and elsewhere as having failed to realise the expectations at first formed. The total yield of gold in New Zealand during the year was of tbe value of £1,227,252, an increase of £79,144 on the previous year. For the Maron quarter, however, there was a falling off of £115,976, as compared with the corresponding quarter of 1880. The total expert of gold from -New Zealand since 1857 ha 3 been 9,659,2600z, valued at £37,810,653. Tho mining population on 31st March last was 15,063, as against 14,409 in March, 1880. The average earnings per man was £75 8s for the past year, and £82 7s 6d for a period of four years. In Victoria the average is £80 15g per man. Owing to the cheapness of living oa New Zealand goldfields, tho New Zealand miners are considered to be enjoying a decided advantage. Fully two-thirds of the year's return of gold" was derived from alluvial mining, tho balance from quartz and cement crushing. This is about the same proportion as in former years. Over 5000 miles of water races have been construe ed by the miners at a cost of nearly £800,000, exclusive of Government water-races <&c, which cost J8450.000. The,gold returns from quartz and cement crushing was 114,480z, an increase on last year. The average yield per ton of quartz is loz 2dwt 2grs in .New Zealand as compared with lOdwfc in Victoria.