OUR GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10013, 27 December 1895, Page 1 (Supplement)

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

REVIEW OF PAST YEAR'S OPERATIONS.

I.v a general reviow of tho mining industry for tho year just closcd, the mosb distinctive and outstanding feature is tho groat mining boom, which started in tho early parb of tho year, and has continued, with only a slight abatement, until now.

Tho present boom must be recorded a3 ono of tho groateat, and certainly tho most sustained, in tho history of tho Hauraki goldlields of Auckland. That ib is based on a very solid foundation is shown by the returns of gold and bullion given in anothor part of this articlo, from which it will be scon that tho output from several of our leading initios during tho past twelve months has greatly exceeded that obtained during the preceding year. It has already boon productive of much good, and even moro substantial results aro lookod for during the coming yoar. Ab present prospecting is boing vigorously conducted throughoub all parts of tho Peninsula, and tho splendid returns from our leading minos aro already drawing tho attention of foreign capitalists in this direction. Tho success which has attended the oxpondituro of English capital at Waihi, Waitokauri, Karangahake, and Coromandel, should load to moro oxtonsivo operations during 1890, and, with such, important developments aro certain to follow. i

The Hauraki Peninsula is gold-bearing from ond to ond, bub ib is exceedingly mountainous and rugged, and tho difficulties encountered in exploring and prospecting a broken and precipitous country are here further increased by tho tfiick forests and dense undergrowth with which the surface is covered. Tho systematic exploration or thoso areas is more than the individual miner or pub ic enterprise can undertake, and the Government is acting wisely in granting extended areas to capitalists who aro willing to develop our resources on a comprehensive scale.

A glanco ab the gold returns will show that) the introduction of improved and scientific methods of treatment for tho extraction of tho precious metals has had a very markod influoiico on tlio increase for tho past year. The ores of 'lie Hauraki Gold field may be divided into throe principal classes, namely —free-milling ores, in which the great proportion of the gold is generally coarse, and can be recovered by copper-plate amalgamation, followed by subsequent treatment of the tailings ; bullion ores in which the gold an 1 silver occurs in such a lino state of subdivision that they can only ho satisfactorily recovered by tho cyanide process and complex sulphide ores such as those of the Champion mino, at To Arolia and Monowai mine-*, at Waiomo, in which gold and silver occur, combined or untangled with galena, copper and iron pyrites, and zinc blend. At tho Monowai mino, thoro is a vase lode of this complex material of fair value, and experiments are now being conducted with a modification of tho Von Patera process, to solvo the difficult problem of the successful treatment of this latter class of ore. The firstmentioned proco-'s, viz , hat, for dealing with free milling ores, has been tho one generally adopted, with but few exceptions, in the Thames proper and Coromandel districts, not. because it lri< proved itself to bo altogether satisfactory, but owing t > the fact that none of the modern method* of saving the coarse gold have proved more effective in their application. In the Ohiii"inui'i district, however, the second-mentioned process, viz., that of tho cyanido, has proved itself very efficient in tho treatment of the bullion class of ores.

The rapid and extensive development of the initios at Waihi, Karangahake, Wnitokauri, Thames, and Coromandel during tho past yoar, lias boon the means of attracting widespread attention, with ho result that many of our leading mines have passed into tho hands of English capitalists, who in turn havo formed strong companies for more thoroughly and vigorously developing them. Alto',' some twenty English companies, with capital representing several hundred thousmds of pounds, are now either in operation or are just about to commcnco in our mi Ist, whilst other proper ties:iru also under offer to foreign investors. In addition l.jtho English companies no less than 103 locil companies have been formed with a total subscribed capital representing about two million pounds sterling, tho various properties in tho latter category being situated as follows 37 at Coromandel, 20 at Kuaotunu, 4 at Manaia, 4 at Tapu, 3 at Waiomo, 21 at Thames, 2 ab I'uriri, 4 nt Tairua, 1 at Marototo, 18 at Waitokauri, 14 ab Waihi, 6 ab Owharoa, 22 at Karangahake, and 1 at To Arolia.

In connoctiou with tho formation of these now local companies there has been one characteristic that is worthy of being mentioned, and that is that tho money realised in tho sale of tho various properties was in most cases paid to the credit of tho newlyformed companies for tho development of tile, mines, instead of, ns in days gone by, going into tlio hands of the promoters, so that in each instanco a certain amount of capital has been available for systematically working tho properties. Tho natural conscqueneo of such a course, ib is ncodloss to say, has been that a largo aroa of ground has been prospected, while tho chances or prospects of making new discoveries have been greatly enhanced thereby.

Tho splendid results achieved by tho Wailii Gold Mining Company ab Waihi, and the Hauraki Cold Mining Company at Cororaandol, supported by incroasod yields from several other mines throughoub the year, had a most telling influence upon the mining industry from ono end of tho peninsula to tho other, and this ultimately culminated in a great demand sotting in for ground for mining purpose*. As showing.tlio amount of activity displayed in this respect, it may bo mentioned thab no loss than 100,000 acres huvo boon poggod out and applied for during tho yoar, tho greater portion of which has been taken up during the past) six months. About onefifth of this largo area, however, lias only as yet beon granted to tlio applicants by tho Warden, tho remainder of the applications having yet to bo doalb with.

Most of ground granted is now in course of devolopmcnb by tho now companies, and tho result has boon a largo increase in tho number of miners omployod. The number at work in March last was estimated at about 1400 men, whilst at presonb the number has increased to aboub 2500. Tho Ohinemuri district has received the greatest bonofit in this respect, the number of miners employed having been more than doubled since March last, whilst the same result has occurred at Coromandol, bub at the Thames thero lias only been a slight increase yet, although there is every probability of a demand for more labour setting in as soon as the now English companies thab have lately acquired properties commence operations.

The increased expenditure of capital in tho development of the mines of the upcountry mining districts has created an immediate demand for moro crushing power, this being especially tho caso ab Waihi, Karangabftkoi Waitokauri, and

Komafca, tha reefs in these districts being generally of large dimensions. Ab present the number of stampers available for crushing purposes is aboub 185 head, bub this number will probably bo increased tq over 400 head during tho ensuing year, although the whole of thorn will not bo ready for oporation until aboub the end of the year. At the Thames, there is a total of nboub 250 head of stampers available, whilst it is also probablo thero will bo a further number erected during the coming year. At) Coromandel, the stampers erected and in operation are few in number, but if only a small percontago of tho now companies which have recently commenced operations there turn out payable, it will be necessary to increase the crushing power to a very largo extent. Id will therefore bo soen that tho ensuing year is likely to witness a very large increase in tho quantity of ore reduced, which will no doubt result in a corresponding increase :!n the yield of bullion.

Tho only dividends paid during tho lasb year oub of profits resulting from actual operations carried on in our mines were tlioso distributed by the Waihi Gold Mining Company at Waihi, tho Waiotahi Gold Mining Company ab Thames, and the Kapai-Vormoct Gold Mining Company at Kuactunu. The Waihi Gold Mining Company paid four 2s dividends upon 100,000 'shares, which represented tho handsome sum of £04,000; the Kapai-Vormonb Gold Mining Company paid onesixpenny dividend oil 100,000 shares, which represents £2500; whilst tho Waiotahi Gold Mining Company paid two half-crown dividends on 0000 shares, which absorbed a sum of £1,500. The total sum paid in dividends during the year therefore amounted to £68,000. This is a pleasing contrast, when compared to tho sum paid in dividends last year when only £31500 was distributed, so that tho year now ending shows an increase of £30,500. Of course this largo sum is almost wholly duo to tho substantial dividonds paid by tho Waihi Gold Mining Company, who this year paid £04,000 as against £30,000 last year. With regard to tho amount of capital called up during tho yoar ib may bo mentioned that about 40 companies wero compelled to call upon their subscribed capital to supplomont their earnings in the valuo of gold won in order to moot their excuses, but tho money so raised has boon judiciously expended and in many cases beneficial results havo followed.

A very important item of news lias just been received from England, namely, the formation of tho Kauri Mining Corporation, formed with a capital of £500,001), subscribed to tako over tho freehold properties of the Kauri Timber Company, comprising 36,000 acres, situated in Kuaotunu, Coromandel, Whangap'jua, and Tairua. Rich reefs Imvo been found in tho properties, but no proper arrangements could bo made for working them, but now that matters havo boen satisfactorily settled tho throwing open of such a largo block of auriferous country will mean avast addition to tho goldliolds.

We append our correspondents reports :—

OHINEMURI.

Pakkoa, Thursday. In looking at Ohinemuri at the commencement of 1805 and its end, as far as mining operations are concerned, it will bo admitted that the closing scenes of tho year wore the best, tor at no period in tho history of Ohinemuri has there been such wholesome activity displayed in the development of tho mineral resources of tho field as »at present. Indeed, though it is looked upon as an unwieo stop to prognosticate in far as mining is concerned, thero is unquestionably every safety in stating that tho year 1896 will oven see greater tilings accomplished than has characterised mining operations in the Ohinomuri district during the past, for such a consummation must inevitably bo effected as a result of tho workings now in hand and those about to be undertaken.

Tho excellent results achiovod by the Waihi Gold Mining Company wore tho main factors which brought about tho present, statu of affairs, the consistent monthly output of bullion forcing upon the minds of invoslors, at homo and abroad, tho groat tilings that can be accomplished when capital, combined with systematic working, is brought into operation, Considerable attention was then paid to Ohinomuri, and at tho commencement of tho year, a great demand sot in for land for mining purposes, in fact, all over the district, the pegging-out of now claims con tinued unabated for a considerable timo, and up to tho past month or two. It- may bo montioncd that out of tho large number of new leases applied for since January last, something like 40 special claims and 88 liconsed holdings have boon granted by tho Warden, tho distribution being as follows

Karangahake: Three special claims and 33 licensed holdings. Waitokauri: Thirteen special claims and 30 licensed holdings. Marototo: Two special claims and two licensed holdings. Waihi: Fourteen special claims aud 11 licensed holdings. Komata: Five special claims and seven licensed holdings. Owharoa: Three special claims and soven licensed holdings.

The area covered by thoso claims and holdings is over 6000 acres, the special claims contributing 3708 acres, and tho licensed holdings 2376. This, however, does not represent the total number of applications for new ground, as thero aro soipo hundreds yet to bo doalt with, dolays having been occasioned in connection with tho surveys of the ground. It might naturally be oxpoctod that with such activity displayed in tho acquirement of ground the revenue derivable would bo considerable, and in this anticipations have beon realised, as up to 7th December tho sum of £20,000 had boon passed through the Warden's office at Paeroa. It will therefore bo seen that as far as Ohinomuri is concerned the districb has attractod a considerable amount of attention, good results from which [are bound to accrue. The one pleasing feature of tho past year's work is tho fact that a good deal of attention has como from foreign quarters, and no fewer than ton new companies, comprising English capitalists, have beon formod for the dovolopmcnt of tlio properties acquired by thorn. These aro as follow:—Woodstock and Victor, at Karangahake; tho Union, Waihi • Silverton, Grand Junction, and Waihi Proprietary, ab Waihi ; tho Waitekauri, Waitekauri Extended, and Alpha at Waitokauri, and the Komata reefs at Komata, whilo strong syndicates of homo capitalists are also developing tho Earl of Glasgow mino ab Karangahake, and the Fern Spur claim ab Owharoa. With tlio Now Zealand Crown Gold Alining Company ab Karangahake, the Waihi Gold Mining Company at Waihi, and tho Jubileo at Waitekauri, the total number of Englishowned mines in the Ohinomuri districb is 15, so that where so much capital in to bo oxponded beneficial results must) inevitably follow. Tho following table will show the number of stamps already availablo for crushing purposes in Ohinomuri, and tho number of now stampers to bo erected: —

This will make a total of 400 stampers, whilo it is contemplated that the following extra crushing power will also bo added during t.he year:—Komata Roefs Gold Mining Company, 20 hoad; Marototo, 30 head; nVaitokauri Extended, 20 head; Alpha, 20 hoad. Therefore, when all are

actually at work reducing ore, tho bullion returns from Ohinorauri should bo correspondingly increased. The returns for the year it will bo seen by tho tabulated statement given in another portion of this article, show a considerable increase for the year, tho Waihi company's yield being an exceptionally bright one, whilst tho contributions from the district in general have boon supplemented by the Woodstock, which commenced crushing in March last. Altogether tho outlook for the future is an exceedingly bright one, and when the new crushing mill commences operations the output should be more than doubled. As regards tho past month's operations, there is very little to record, no new work of any moment having been undertaken, owing to the closo proximity to the holidays. KARANGAHAKE.

At Karangahake tho Now Zealand Crown mine's property has been placed under tho control of Mr. Dawa gentleman of experience sent from Homo—whoso duty will bo to genorally superintend tho whole of tho workings at the mine and bartery. One of bho first alterations in tho system of working in vogue prior to his arrival was a deviation from wages to contract, and in futuro all the underground workings are to bo carried otib under the latter regime. This, ib is thought, will bo moro profitable to tho company, and also to the mon employed. The development of the company's property has beon vigorously prosecuted, the results boing of a payable nature, the last return to hand being £1850 worth of bullion from 442 tone of ore. This, of course, is from the November run, and was not available at the titno the last summary was published. The following statement shows tho tonnage of ore treated during the current, yoar, together with tho quantity and value of bullion received thorefrom:—

The Woodstock Gold Mining Company's property has been been fully manned during tho past mouth, tho development of Shepherd's and tho Maria lodos being prosecuted, good payable ore having beon passed from both workings. Tho amount of oro treated during December was 232 tons for a yield of bullion valued at £803 lis lid. Tho return is nob so large us the previous ono, but a less tonnage of quartz was troated, t.ho battery only running 24 days instead of 28 as usual. This company commenced crushing in March last and since then tho following bullion yields have been won : —

Totals „ .. .. 24-21 „ £5117 12 3 This yield is decidedly an encouraging ono, and when all tho new works about to bo undertaken aro woll in hand and a larger supply of quartz broken out, the enlarged crushing plant, when working, should have a big talo to tell at the end of 1890. During tho first six months of the year 1894, 320 tons of oro wero treatod for 11 (Khz of bullion, which realised something over £800, so that ib will bo ssen tho Woodstuck Company has made rapid strides in tho matter of bullion extraction. All the other mines during the month have carried on operations as usual, bub not in any case did new developments tako place.

OWHAROA. A good deal of. work has been going on at Oivliaroa, tho Owharoa Company's pro perty being assiduously worked under tho management of Mr. Morgan. The prospecting works aro woll in hand, and it is hoped thai some tangiblo results will shortly follow. During tho past year a considerable tonnage of oro was brokou out from the old workings by tributers, tho value of bullion recovered boing £207 145 Bd. WAITER, Tlio Waitokauri Gold Mining Company's fine property is being systematically openod up. From June up to the November period 1052 tons of ore had been treated for 873! l of bullion, valued at £0806. There lias also been a marked increase in connection with the output of bullion from this mino during ISO.) as for tho year preceding, 1295 tons of oro wero treated, from which f>3oßoz« of bullion wore recovered, the value being £6200, so that for this year there is an increaso of over £3000 in bullion value. The return for the present month is not yet to hand, but the valuo of the bullion will, ib is anticipated, be from £900 to £1000. Tho Jubiloo and Waitokauri Extended Companies have also progressive works in hand.

KOMATA. During tho past yoar the Komata mino, which is now included in tho area of tho Wuitekauri Company's property, crushod '.'2O tons of ore for 4280zs of bullion valued at £258 Gd, in itio up as follows: -Gold, £226 lGsj silver, "£3l 10s; total, £258 6s.

WAIHI. Of course main interest centres round tho Waihi Company's property, which undoubtedly has worked wonders in tho way of stimulating influence towards the systematic development of largo roofs, but the work done at the company's battery is best bold by giving in detail tho quantity of oro crushod during tho year, and value, which are as follow

nn.iNos. November 10,420 tons, partial cleanup, 9107. bullion, £1 Is KM per 02, value per ton 4s Oil ►«, .. « - 00 211 Tens. Value.

Total .. _ 29,830 ~ „ £102,589 It was decided to run tho plaub and mill for an extra week this month, in order to mako a final cloaning-up for tho yoar, bub tho result, fortunately, has not como to hand to be included in this month's Summary ; but it is estimated that as tho result of 35 days' crushing at the mill, the output will bo valuo for about £16,000. This of course makes a record return, and when added to tho valuo already obtained up to the 16th of November, £102,589, would give a total return for tho year of £118,589. The total product of tho mino for the year 1894, was £82,820, thus showing an" increase for the present year of at least £35,769, a fact which speaks volumos for the progress and developmonb of tho mine, as well as the wonderful resources of the magnificenb reefs which ib contains.

The Waihi-Silverbon is undoubtedly next in importance to the Waihi Company's property, and every effort is being made to have the new battery ready by January, to treat the largo tonnage of ore which is now coming to hand. Tho Grand Junction and Waihi Proprietary, are, with other mines, also boing opened up, WAIORONGOMAI.

Work on tho various mining properties in this locality is being steadily prosecuted. flood stone is boing got in tho Colonist and Cadman claims, and vigorous prospecting work is going on in soveral other mines. Tho amount of bullion won from W aiorongomai during tho past twelve months was 1970z 4dwt, valued at £050 19s 7d.

• THAMES DISTRICT. Tiumes,"Thursday. Tho most important features which have characterised tho Biiuipg industry in this

part of tho Ifauraki Peninsula during tho East year uro (1) the satisfactory steps that avo been taken for commencing the exploration of tho low levels through tho placing in tho hands of strong financial English componios of several of the most important minos of the district, and (2) tho demand which set in during tho early part of tho lust half of the year for acquiring ground for mining purposes, which demand still continues, although in a modified degree. Those two features have cawed eucli a briskness and improved feeling in tho mining industry that the prospects for tho future are looked upon as being of a much brighter aspect than has boon tho case for many years past, and thero is 110 doubt but that the ensuing year will soe developments of a most important character, both as regards the testing of tho Thames low levels and tho exploitations of tho back country districts.

The properties that have passed into the hands of English investors, in which deeplevel operations are to be comraencod forthwith are the Queen of Boanty (which also includes the Deep Sinker and Deep Levels Consolidated), the May Queen, and the Moanataiari. These properties are situated in the very heart of the Thames Goldlield, and in them somo of tho very best and richest runs of gold of the district have beon discovered. In the Queon of Beauty mino gold has already been proved to exist at a depth of 740 feet below the soa level, but owing to an unfortunate accidont that occurred some timo ago to tho pumping machinery whilst the very lowest level was in courso of being opened up, tho mino has since remained unworked. Tho now English company will at once commence its development, instructions having been received by cable from London to that offecb only a fow days ago. In fact a small staff of raon has already been put on to prepare tho necessary site for tlio new pumping and winding plane -which is to bo erected, whilsb the stripping and enlargement of the shaft is also to be commenced in a few days.

The machinery under order, and delivery of which is expected during the early part of tlio new year, includes for the pumping plant ten boilers, two engines, and two 25inch pumps, capable of throwing 2000 gallons of water per minute; an engine and winding gear for the winding plant; an engine and 40-stamp battory for the battery plant; an engine and dytiam9 for tho electric lighting plant; and boring and driving machinery by compressed air. Tho total cost of this plant) is put down at about £50,000, and provision is made for adding to it as may bo required. Tho plant is dosigned for carrying on operations to a depth of 2000 feet, aud tho utilisation of water power to tho fullost dogreo has also been provided for. The Government is to subsidise the expenditure on the winding and pumping plant at tho rate of £ for £, and also on the expenditure in enlarging and sinking the shaft. Tho carrying out of this important work is bointr looked upon with groat eagerness by all those who tako an interest in the wolfaro of tho mining industry, as upon its ultimato succoss depends to a very large extent tho future of tho Thames district proper. With respect to tho May Queen property no definite plan of operations lias yet bean decided upon concerning the low levels, as tho English company which is to tako it over has not assumed control. The property, however, is a most valuable one, and, as will bo seen elsewhere, it has proved the principal gold-producer in this district during tho past year, and that, too, from the lowest level in which operations aro being conducted on tho field at tho present juncture. The Moanataiari mine has already passed into the hands of its new English possessors, hut no new works liavo been undertaken. It is intended, however, directly after tho Christinas holidays, to re-opoii tho old Jusb-iihTime shaft in tho Moanataiari Creak, and to sink it) a further depth for testing tho valuo of tho eastern continuation of tho old Caledonian and other lines of roofs, and also to commonce other important prospecting works. As tho various works referred to aro the first of thoir kind undertaken having for thoir object tho development of the deep level? of tho Thamos, tho operations of the new English companies will bo watched with intense interest.

Another pleasing feature of the year, and one which is deserving of special notice, was the taking over in September last of the Norfolk and City of Dunedin mines, together with additional adjoining ground, by the Tarnru Creek Gold Mining Company. Operations wore at once commenced on behalf of the now proprietary, which has sinco had a largo staff of miners employed in opening up and developing both the Norfolk and City of Dunedin sections. In both of theso sections a large amount of work has since been accomplished, and the fir-it crushing on behalf of the company, viz., 300 loads of quartz, was completed last week for the payablo return of 1(3to// l'2dvvts of melted gold, which roalisod on being sold £532 lis, its assay valuo being G4-! lOd per ounce. The quartz inciudod in the above crushing was won from both the Norfolk and City of Dunedin sections, at which points largo blocks of payable oro ore now oporated upon, so that during the ensuing year there is every probability of the company materially aiding tlio gold roturns of tho Thames district.

Several other of our mines aro under offer to English syndicates, and according to information now to hand tho negotiations in each instance are likely to turn out successful. Amongst tho properties thus under offer are the Alburnia, upon which a cash doposit has already been paid, the Victoria, tho Hazelbank combined with Comer's Kurunui No. 3 mine, and the Whim, which adjoins the Alburnia. If these properties aro taken over by English companies, in addition to tho ones previously referred to, then there will indeed bo a largo expenditure of English capital within the Thames district, during the ongoing yoar, a? a result of which important developments are sure to follow. With regard to tho demand that has existed for now mining areas, during tho year now ending, especially within tho last six months, it will be somewhat surprising to many, to loam that no less than 30,627 acres wero taken up and applied for, at tlip Warden's Office, as licensed holdings and special claims, and that tho largo sum of £13,585 was deposited on behalf of same, in the shape of Burvoyors' feos and rent. Of licensed holdings, J25 wore appliiod for, which represented a total area of 2874 acres, out of which number the Wardon has already granted 62, representing 13H4acresof ground; 29, covoring 679 acres, have been withdrawn ; 2, covering 35 acres, have been refused, whilst tho remaining 32 applications, covoring 776 acres, havo still to bo dealt with by the Warden. Tiio total number of special claims applied for was 304, which comprised a total area of 27,753 acres. Of •this numbor 52, covering 4565 acres, have been vocomraended for granting; 45, covering 4199 acres, havo been withdrawn ; and the remaining 207 applications, covering 18,989 acres, still remain before tho court. In addition to the above, applications were also received for 10 prospecting areas, 6 soa beach dredging claims, 55 miner's right claim?, 40 machino sites, and 126 waterrights. The land applied for in the above applications is abDut equally divided betwoon tho Thames proper, To Puru, Waiomo, Tapu, Mata, Tairua, Ohui, and Puriri districts, so that a very largo tract of country is represented by them. In many instances extensive prospecting works have already been commonced, with tho result thai sovoral most promising looking lodes aro being opened up, and there is but little doubt many important discoveries will eventuate during the year just being entered upon. In respect to the gold returns for the past yoar, tho proud position of being the highest producer, so far as the Thames district propor is concerned, again falls to the lot of the May Queen Gold Mining Company, which crushod 6048 loads of quartz for the handsome yield of 69280z lawts of gold, valued at no less a sum than £19,182 9s 9d, which yield is 4lSloz 2dwb in excess of last yoar's return, whilst tho iucreased quantity of quartz crushed is 3957 loads. The bulk of this handsome yield of gold his been obtained from tho now No. 4 level which was in course of development at the close of last year in tho May Queen section, and from which a large supply of crushing dirt will be forthcoming for many months to como. Tho results that.havo attoudqil tlio dovolop*

Mont of this block, together with thosa obtained in the Trenton and Saxon sections as well, speak well for the futuro prospect! of the mino at still lower dopths, tha development of which will no doubt bo undertaken during tho forthcoming year by the new English company that is shortly to take possession of tho mino. Tributers in tho mino have crushed '291 loads of quartz during the year for a yiold of llSSozs 9dwts of gold, of a total valuo of £3112 7s 84, which is a slight decreaso on tho preceding year. The old Waiotahi Gold Mining Company again takes second place in its yield of golj for tho year, 2313 tons of quartz having been won and crushed for tho return of 23160z5 ldwt of gold, which, however, is a decrease of 3760z 18dwt upon the provious year's return. It is only fair to state, iiovy.over, that only cloven month's returns wi) included in this yiold as the final retorting for the year has not eventuated at the timo of penning this, but nevertheless tho total is hardly likely to coiuo up quite to last) year's total, even when this month's return is to hand. Tributers in tho mino hnva also crushed 1,471 tons during tho year for 7070z 12dwts of gold.

Tho Moanataiari Gold Mining Company takes third position with 19240zs lGdirts of gold, valued at £5,229 lis 6d for which 6048 tons of surface dirt and quartz were crushod. This a decrease of 7GGoz 14dwt in the yiold of gold when compared with lasb year's return. Tho company has carried on a largo amount of prospecting work during tho year, but the results attending them have not come up to the expectations formed regarding them, although a change in this respect may occur at any moment. As before stated the mino is now in tho hands of an English company, which intends to commenco a new series of important prospecting works at onco, so that thoro is good reason for believing that there will bo a different talo to record at the end of another year. Tho tributers' operations in the mino during the year resulted in 7i)2>)z lOdwb of gold being got, for which 3630 tons of quartz were crushed. The only othor mines in which yields of gold running into four figures were obtained as tho result of tho year's operations wero tho Alburnia and Victoria. In these instances the company's and tributers returns combined give tho respective returns of 1 122307. Sdwt and 10740z of gold, which is a considerable increase in each case upon tho previous year's operations. The returns from tho most of the othor mines show a slight decrease, but as tho number of goldproducing mines has been slightly increased during tho year, the total output will no doubt bo found, when the official returns aro mado up, to be quite equal to if not slightly in excess of tho provious year's output. Ib is a somewhat difficult matter to givo at present a correct estimate as to what tha total yield of gold, together with its valuo, for tho past year will amount to; but, judging from the returns that are already to hand, the yield will not bo vory far short of 25,5U00zs for tho Thames district proper. This amount of gold, valued ab tho low of £2 I*2* per ounco, will givo a total valuo of £66,300. Appended are given tho principal public returns of gold that "were banked during tho past 12 months, but in addition to thorn it must be remembered thai) a vory considerable qimntity of gold was banked by private tailings, battery ovvner3, private claim-ownors, etc. oh. ilwts. Valuo. Alburnia Co. and trib., £ a. 4 am talis 1223 8 .. 2,191 2 0 Cambria Co., 375 loads.. 079 0 .. 1,859 1 4 City of Dunedin trib., 103 loads 183 17 « 579 0 O Comer's Kurunul No. '2, 057 tans .. .. 971 4 ... 2,615 2 0 llazolba.uk Co., 258 loads Bit) 5 _ 787 14 4 llazelbank trib., 1070 loads 214 1 .. Ml 7 5 Liitlo Willie Claim, .10111) 21X117 « 620 0 0 May Queen Co., 0043 loads 6923 I _ 19,132 9 9 May Queen trib., 291 loads 11M 9.. 3,112 7 8 Moanataiari Co., oftSs tons 1928 (i „ 5,230 2 3 Moanataiari trib., SB3<> tans 752 10 „ 2,020 1 i Muuowai Amalgamated Co., 47'J tons .. - 097 11 1 North Star tributers, 111) loads 194 19 „ 498 4 « Occidental Co., 41 loads 32 7 _ S7 13 (1 Occidental tributers, 9 loads 200 11 „ [i(,i 14 10 Orlando Co., 19!) loads .. 74 0 .. It'll 1 3 Koyal Co. (Tapn), 12 tons 21 0., CO 0 0 Sheridan Co. (Tapu), 335 tons 293 14 - 900 0 0 Tararu Creek Co., 300 loads 10112.. 532 11 0 Victoria Co. and tributers, 373 loads .. .. 1,074 0 .. 2,905 0 0 Waiotahi Co., 2313 tons.. 2,310 1 _ 0,30(3 7 8 W.uoiihi Co. tributers, j 1171 tons 271 3 _ 7U7 12 0 17,78$ 13 .. £19,608 10 1

Very few roturns of go'd were obtained from tho out-districts during the past year, the only exceptions being £697 odd worth of bullion from the Monowai Amalgamated Company's mine at VVaiomo, between 30002 and 400oz of gold from Tapu, and a little from Puriri. The forthcoming yoar, howover, is likely to see a groat change in this respoct in <Ull tho districts mentioned, as well as at To I'uru, Upper Tararu, and Tairua, for very extensive development) works are now in progress in all of them, and in many cases very valuable reefs hava been recently discovered. The chief drawback at present in each of theso districts is tho want of suitable crushing plants, but, as already stated; provision is being made to supply this much needed want. Tho news of tho past month calls for no very special mention, tho operations carried on having been of the usual routine character. .. Very fair results have attended most) of the works in progress, and the outlook generally is a most promising one, so far as tho new year is concerned. In fact it is donbtful whether our local gold mining industry ever boro so rosy an appearance as it does at the present time. During tho month 16 more new special claims, representing 1413'aores of ground ; two licensed holdings, covering 28 acres ; three waterrights, and one machino sito, were applied for; and a sum of £513 6s was lodged on behalf of thorn. At presont, mining operations throughout tho ontire district aro at a standstill owing to tho Christmas and Now Year holidays, but in most cases vigorous work will bo re-commenced on tho Cth pros.

COROMANDEL. Thursday. Mining matters havo assumed a somo» what quieter aspect of late, though I atn glad to say mining operations aro still as active as ever, in fact more so, as now ground is broken every day, and in some cases at least it is tho evident intention to give tho ground a thorough test. In the Hauraki mine, things are still going on as brisk as ever, and there is a steady output of tho precious metal. £87,000 is not bad for cloven months' work, and is going a long way to prove ray prediction twelve mocths ago, that only the Caledonian, of all tho rich mines on tho Thames Peninsula, could beat it. They are now sinking the shaft for another level. Bunkor's Hill: Great changes have taken placo in this mine, and the result has been disappointing, but tho mine has great possibilities still, and it is not worked out. Tho fact is that none of tho rich shoots of gold ever extend far along the reef, and tho present one in the Hauraki has been the longest. But while tho same • class of country continues there aro always hopes, and I shall bo very much disappointed if they do not come on it) again in tho next gully; besides, I do no") think they ar<j deep enough. Welcome Find : Tho manager is pushing on his main drive. He has already intersected two or thrco good largo bodies of stone, which havo drained all tho old workings, thus showing tho connection. Tho class of country ho is going through is excellent, and no doubt ho is ill the right track. I beliovo ho expects to cub another roof shortly. When theso reefs are driven upon there "may be important discoveries. Hauraki North: The shaft in this mino has been sunk about 100 feot, and the manager is now opening out. Ho should only havo a vory little way to go to cut tho old Golconda reef, which yielded such rich roturns years ago, and no doubt there aro plonty of other reefs and loaders to bo mob with.

Wyndyardton : This mino is making fair headway, though ib is nob quito so far advanced as its neighbour, bub ib has much the same class of country, and will doubtless gob some good leaders b/ and byo. Now Golconda: They have a splendid class of country in one or two loadors very highly miuoralisod, but unfortunately they havo had too much water to contend with, and that) has greatly rotated operations,

bub I understand they have now _ made arrangements to get machinery. This is as it should be, and I feel confident will be heard of in the near future. Hauraki Wo. 2: This mino has also decided to sink a shaft, and are now making preparations with that object). Tho proposed amalgamation is still in embryo, but from what I can learn it is likely to come off, and if so that will be a valuable property. Blagrovo's: Good work is being dono in this mine. They are now down a considerable distance, and will bo likely to cut tho reef at any time. Ivapanga: This company is steadily sinking their shaft to open up the reef cut in tho borohole. I understand it is the manager's intention to start work northward from the old shaft on Seotty's boundary. Thoy have a considerable stretch of country in this direction, and there is no reason why they should not get another shoot of gold—in fact it is almost certain they will. Scotty's: Sinking is continued in this mine through very hard country. Thoy are also driving in tho Golden Point level. 2no manager is very sanguine of success in tho near future. North Kapanga : The main level is still being pushed ahead in fairly good country, rather tight, but no reef of any importance has been' cut lately. The north crosscut is also going ahead, and there tho country is very treacherous, full of soapy backs, requiring very close timber. Thero is tho formation of a reef here, but very little quartz. Britannia : The managor is making good headway sinking the shaft. 1 presume ho will open out very shortly now. New Tokatea: The manager i a pushing in tho low level, and •'?..> started to bring along the leading stope from tho rise, and has obtained some fairly good stone. Royal Oak, Hauraki; This company are pushing on tho work with all speed, and will be likely to make a stir in the early part of the new year. Tola.tea (Hauraki): The same remarks apply to this mine ; the low lovel is being rapidly pushed ahead and it will very soon top the new reef. The main levels and passos are being re-timbered, and it will be all ready by tho time the new level is in. Several of tho other mines are making good progress on tho Tokatea but do not call for special mention. KUAOTUNU. This district is still to tho fore, tho Vermont holds its own and the more it is developed the more valuable it bocomes. In tho drivo south which is now in many hundred feet they have still a good reef; in fact, it has improved of late while the slopes are still as good as ever. The mine is only curbed by the crushing power available.

Try Fluke : The manager of this mino is still doing wonders under rather adverse circumstances the stuff being very low grade ore, but there is au unlimited supply and when they get in tho low level no doubt wo shall bear of better returns again. Waitaia: This mine is looking firstclass, and is one of those that tho more it is opened up the better it is. Tho manager has now driven a very long distanco both north and south, and has had payable i!tuff nearly all the way, and as is well known, in ono or two places bo got rich specimens. That the Kuactunu field has so far beer, •a productive one is shown by the year's returns from the two principal gold mines iu tho district as follows

nz*. dwts. Value. Try Fluke,s tons .. "117 3 _ £7.95.5 O 8 Sapai-Vermont, tons .'i-iiJ 0 _ 1,7-20 1 L'

Id addition, occasional returns have been obtained from the Waitaia and other mines, and the Great Mercury is also a steady gold producer, but tho property being owned in Sydney, the returns from it are not made known locally, but sent direct to the head office.

.. ,,, .. .Stamps iii Additional Name of Company. exs tonce. supply. N.Z. Crown.. ..20 20 Woodstock .... '0 30 Talisman .. .. 10 (just erected) - Wailii .... on 1110 Silvcrton .. .. 40 (just oroctcd) — H'aitekaiirs.. .. 10 40 nice Darling ..10 — Jubilee .. .. 10 — Owharoa m 10 - 210 ISO

' Date. Tans. Bullion. Value. Gold. Silver. 189.'). oz. (lwt. uz. dwt. £ 3 (1 Jnn-Keb.. 572 54!) 3 (>14 15 2,2'.*> 4 10 March .. 41!) 305 0 «!',) 0 1,24.1 7 fl April .. 411) (lid 14 f>3* 5 2,489 9 7 May .. 49.1 Ml 11 li4» 11 2,115 10 « Juno .. 4«3 n:KI 14 04X M 2,4*7 10 0 July .. frill Mil 1 074 14 2,313 8 7 'August .. r.ni 502 1 704 0 2,327 0 (i Seiilomb'r 442 618 8 031 18 2,129 7 3 October.. 447 MO 9 824 0 2,120 0 0 November 442 451 14 514 3 1,800 U 0 December — — — — Total .. 4007 j 5250 0 I 6058 22 '21,510 4 8

Date. Tonmgo. Value. March - „ .. :mi £!)M 14 4 Apiil „ .. .. 210 „ 7i;il 7 7 May '.'.'I „ 737 1(1 7 .1 lino "IS .. 91!) 3 0 .Inly -JID m 7 0 August .. .. „ 221 8S2 IS (J S«in<jint>er .. ,, 2)0 „ 7s.» C 4 October 232 „ 754 10 5 November ,, 211 „ K'i3 Hi 7 December t . „ 232 „ SII3 11 11

[Toll- "7,. I Value I Value _ , , Period. |ii'p;.il)'lim.!per pur ton. I I |£ s. d. i t s. d. .£ s. <1. Jan. 12 .J 7502,113 1 (I o|:i 13 3 2,740 3 10 Feb. ,. 2,Hill6,520 'l 0 513 '4 0 8,007 2 3 March 9 ..!2,I3»5,631.511 0 10:3 11 (1 7,558 11 7 April i) .. 2,1:10 5,456 1 0 7i.1 8 1 7,250 4 11 M ly 4 .. 2,100 5, il 7 7'3 8 10 7,510 1 10 .Tuna 1 ,. 2,521.5,855 ! l 7 2:3 3 2 7,!H13 9 8 Juno 29 .. 2,050 «,»12.5!l II 8'3 2 llj 9,15115 0 July 27 . .2,9107,291 il 0 1113 5 11 9,581 1 3 All;;. 21 .. 2,71)0|ll,971 il 7 4 3 10 (1 9,519 8 7 Sept. 21 ,. 3,000«,277 '1 0 0i3 11 7 10,733 3 3 Oct. 19 .. 3,180:8,389 11 7 2.3 11 8 11,305 0 11 Nov. 10 .. 3,0607,02! 11 0 3 ! 3 5 6 10,019 14 11