GOLD EXPORT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2355, 13 April 1899, Page 20

GOLD EXPORT.

(From Our Own Correspondent. ) WELLINGTON, April 5. The return of the quantity and value of the gold entered for export at the various New Zealand ports during the month of March shows 36,8430z, of the value of £143,821, against 24,4670z, of the value of £94,851 for the corresponding period of last year, showing an increase of 12,376 ounces, of the value of £48,970. The in-crea-se is equal to over 50 per cent, both in quantity and value, which is extremely satisfactory. The exports from each port for the month of March in the two years compare as under : — >

The increase from Dunedin is most, marked, and it is evident that the numerous dredging companies that are now in full work are beginning to show good results. Taking the figures for the first quarter we obtain the following: —

For the quarter there is thus aa increase of 21,3130z in the quantity, and £80,023 in the value, which is a pleasing demonstration of the progress that is being made by the gold mining industry. If this increase is maintained for the next three ! quarters, the vaJue of the gold output of 1899 will be quite £1,300,000; if so, it will be the best yield the colony has known for 22 years. The yield of each district for the quarter compared with the figures of 1898 shows as under: — First quarter. First quarter.

Dunedin shows to best advantage, the incre.ose being more by 100 per cent, on the return of 1898. Auckland also shows an appreciable improvement. The West Coasfchas gone back greatly, which is somewhat remarkable considering the amount of money that has been spent in developing the industry there. The export of silver for the quarter compares with that of 1898 as under: —

The white metal also shows an excellent expansion, the increased yield being 32,946 ounces of the value of £3773. An increase of £83,796 in the value of the gold and silver exported from the colony during the first quarter of the year is decidedly good.

January February March 1899. Oz. Value. £ M 34,234 4,005 »., 20,753 2,448 , 30,514 8,357 1898. Oz. Value. £ 18,177 2,202 12,331 1.42 C 22,017 2,415 Totalß .. 85,501 9,810 52,555 G. 037

Oz. Value. £ Auckland .. 35,205 128,549 Grey mouth. 15,239 60,907 "Westrort . 918 3,700 Hokitika ». 2,805 11,220 Bunedin .. 35,228 141,932 InvcrcargilL 2.42G 9,704 Blenheim „ — — Oz. Value. £ 29,405 110,873 17,716 70,871 3,146 12,588 5.356 21,548 12,647 51,320 2,048 8,192 160 697 Totals .. 91,821 350,012 70,503 275,989

January February March Oz. Value. £ 33,249 130,207 21,72) 81,984 36,8 13 143,821 Oz. Value. £ 25,763 102,766 20,278 78,372 24,467 94,851 Totals 91,821 356,012 70,503 275,980

Auckland .. Greymouth , Dunediii Invercargill Blenheim «. Hokitika „ ■Westport March, 1899. Oz. Value. £ 16,912 63,199 4,416 17,663 15,278 62,011 237 948 March Oz. 14,480 5,876 933 IGO 1,738 1,280 li, 1898. Value. £ 54,938 23,507 3,733 597 6,054 5,122 Totals . . 36,813 143,821 24,467 9-1,851