GOLD PRODUCTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23052, 1 June 1938, Page 12

GOLD PRODUCTION

£1,279,913 FOR YEAR INCREASE OF £46,735 HIOIIER DEEDGE RETURNS WEST COAST AND OTAGO [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Tuesday Statistics relating to gold produce tion in New Zealand last year were issued this evening by the Minister of Mines, tho Hon. P. C. Webb. These show that the production for 1937 reached a total of 168,6910z., valued at £1,279,913. In 1936 the total was 164,5750z., valued at £1,233,1.78. The past year, therefore, shows an increase over 1936 of 41160z., and an increase in value of £46,735. The figures for quartz, alluvial and dredge mining respectively are as follows: — Quartz. —Hauraki, 65,811 ounces, £471,755; West Coast, 23,8370z., £191,807; Otago, 9990z., £7029. Alluvial. —Hauraki, nil; West Coast, 11,4210z., £84,804; Otago, 15,7210z., £115,220. Dredge.—Hauraki, nil; West Coast, 40,6600z., £324,972; Otago, 10,2420z., £84,326. "The most striking feature is the increased production by dredges," said Mr. Webb. "During 1936 37,2690z were won by this method and in 1937 the quantity won has risen to 50,9020z. There is no reason to suppose that this improvement will not be maintained, and with the prospect of additional dredges being constructed in tho Otago and West Coast districts the dredging industry promises to attain production on the same scale as the quartz mining industry. "The increase of 13,6330z. in dredge production is offset by decreases in the totals from alluvial and quartzmining of 64760z. and 30410z. respectively, thus reducing the overall increase for the year 1937 to 41160z."