VICTORIAN GOLD RETURNS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1205, 2 January 1875, Page 7

VICTORIAN GOLD RETURNS.

We have received a copy of the Victorian gold mining statistics prepared from the reports of the mining surveyors and registrars for the quarter ending 30fch September, showing the following results : — The number of miners is 46,239, of whom 33,555 are Euro peans, and 12,684 Chinese — 33,083 being employed in alluvial, and 15,186 in quartz mining. There are 1134 steam engines, with an aggregate of 24,902 horse-power, and their value, with that of other mining plant, is estimated at £2,101,788. The number of square miles of auriferous ground actually worked upon is 1063, and there are 3398 distinct quartz reefs proved to be auriferous. The deepest shafts in the Colony are the Magdala, 1457 f t; the Newington and Pleasant Creek, 1360 f t; and the South Scotchman's, 1256ft — all in the Pleasant Creek division of the Ararat district. The estimated yield of gold for the quarter was 108,5050z 6dwt from alluvial, and 170,2450z 2dwt from quartz mines — together, 278,7500z Bdwt. The quantity exported in the quarter was 207,5130z 3dwt. Ti<e Royal Mint received during the period 92,9770j5 of gold or bullion, and issued 86,5040z of gold coin and 8460z of bullion.