THE GOLD FIELDS OF NEW ZEALAND (REPORT ON.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1878 Session I, H-04

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1878. NEW ZEALAND.

THE GOLD FIELDS OF NEW ZEALAND (REPORT ON.)

Meturn to an Order of the House of Representatives dated 3rd August, 1869. " That it is desirable that the Government should cause to be laid upon the Table of this House, during each session, a, Report embodying a general account of tbe present condition of the gold fields of the colony, their advancement or otherwise during the preceding year, and their probable prospects ; together with particulars showing the average price of provisions during the year on each gold field, the rate of wages, estimated population, and such other information as would afford a comprehensive idea of the general condition of the mining interest in the colony; and that His Excellency be requested to forward a copy of such Report to Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies." (Mr. W. H. Harrison.) To the Hon. Bobert Stout, Minister of Lands. Secretary for Gold Fields Office, Sir,— Wellington, 24th August, 1878. I have the honor to forward the annual report on the gold fields. In the Appendix will be found the Wardens' reports of their respective districts, and statements of the export of gold, revenue, number of miners, mining plant, water-races, and other statistics, tabulated in as nearly as possible the same form and order as in previous Gold Fields Eeports, so that comparisons between different years may be rendered easy. I have, &c, James McKehrow, Secretary for Gold Fields. REPOET. In giving a general idea of the advancement or otherwise of the gold fields during the year, the first thing to be noticed is the Tield of Gold. There is no way of arriving at absolute certainty in this, as we do not know what is used up in the colony—the trade estimates this at 18,000 oz. per annum; nor can it be known what is hoarded or smuggled. But, assuming these unknown elements as constant from year to year, and taking no further notice of them as probably not very material, we have the Customs returns of what was exported, and, taking account of that only, there has been (Table 5) — For the twelve months ended 31st December, 1877, Oz. Value, an export of .. .. .. .. 371,685 £1,496,080 For the twelve months ended 31st December, 1876, an export of .. .. .. 322,016 1,284,328 Or an increase for 1877 of .. .. .. 49,669 £211,752 Similarly, the quarterly return (Table 7) — For the three months ended 31st March, 1878, gives an export of .. .. .. 102,630 £411,484 For the three months ended 31st March, 1877, an export of .. .. .. 82,241 330,167 Or an increase of .. .. .. .. 20,389 £81,317 Mining Population and its Earnings. Table 9 gives the number of miners on 31st March, 1878, at 15,559; on the 31st March, 1877, the number was 16,770, or a mean for the year of 16,180; and, as the value of gold exported for the same twelve months is £1,577,397, it follows that each miner would, on an average, have nearly £97 10s. for the year. I—H. 4."

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In A'ictoria the average earnings per man for the year 1877 of her 38,005 miners is given in the mineral statistics of that colony at £82 6s. l^d., or a difference of £15 in favor of the New Zealand miner. This is not labourer's wages at the present rate of Bs. per day of eight hours; but, considering the vicissitudes of the mining industry, and that it is an occupation of prizes and blanks, it is a very high general average. The falling off of 1,211 in the number of miners during the year has taken place entirely in Westland, where the decrease is actually 1,260*; but the total decrease for the colony is less on account of a slight increase in the returns from Auckland. The great falling off in AVestland is due to Kumara being much overdone in the rush which took place there in August, 1876. In Mr. AVarden Price's reports of this and the previous year, it is stated that a number of persons, as is usual in such cases, betook themselves temporarily to mining in the excitement of the rush, and soon afterwards relinquished it for their homes and ordinary occupations. Alluvial Mining, and Machinery Employed. Corresponding to the decrease in the number of miners, there is a decrease in the number of toms and sluice-boxes, the implements more particularly of what may be termed manual alluvial mining; but, in hydraulic alluvial mining, the statistics of this year keep well up with those of the previous year. The magnitude of these hydraulic operations and their importance is clearly brought out by a reference to Table 12, which shows approximately that there are some 3,795 water-races, of an aggregate length of 5,230 miles, carrying a total of 7,276 sluiceheads of water. The cost of these works, with their attendant tail-races, dams, and reservoirs, is estimated in round numbers at £850,000. They have all been executed by private enterprise, and the boldness and skill displayed in some of the greater works, while they compel admiration, leave also regret that so much good work should soon become comparatively useless, for it is inevitable that the auriferous earths must get worked out, and alluvial mining become less productive after a time. There are, however, as will be gleaned from the A\ rardens' reports, still extei:sive areas awaiting treatment by wholesale process of ground-sluicing. Quartz-Mining. The future of the mining industry will very much depend on the success of the crushing of the quartz, cement, or other matrix of the gold. There has been a very marked increase iv the machinery applied to this purpose during the year. The stamp-heads engaged crushing cement have increased from 187 to 225 ; this increase is mainly due to the very active operations going on at the famous Blue Spur, Tuapeka District, Otago, from which Mr. AVarden Carew reports a greater quantity of gold has been taken during the past twelve months than for any similar period before. Fresh deposits of cement or conglomerate have been opened up in adjacent localities, and, with the great facilities which now exist of getting machinery and all necessary material on to the ground, it would appear as though mining has taken a fresh departure in the Tuapeka District. In the machinery employed in quartz crushing the increase for the colony has been, from 63 steam engines with an aggregate horse-power of 1,776 horses, to 83 steam engines, with an aggregate horse-power of 2,157 horses, and from 1,344 stampers to 1,366; and the number of men engaged in quartz-mining has increased from 2,558 to 2,882. With regard to the localities where quartz-mining is principally carried on, viz.—Thames, Auckland; Reefton, Nelson South-AVest Mining District; and Cromwell and Macetown, Otago—it may be said of the Thames that, although the yield averaged 9,000 oz. per month for the year ending 31st March, 1878, yet, as it is only from two or three mines, and will not maintain the annual yield of former years, it has become very desirable that fresh discoveries should be made, so as to retain the population now settled there. A proposal has been made to drive a tunnel two miles long through the country behind the present mines. This would cut across the lines of all the known auriferous lodes. Sufficient evidence has been collected to warrant the belief that this work would very likely prove successful in its object if undertaken by a powerful company. Mr. AVarden Shaw's report shows that the average monthly yield of quartz crushed at Reefton is a little over 3,000 oz., and the average yield per ton of quartz crushed, 17 dwts.; an average which has been maintained very closely for the two previous years as well. As pointed out by Mr. Shaw, this is a much higher average than Victoria, which, for the year 1877, was 9 dwt. 9 gr.; and, for the six years ending 1877, an average of 11 dwts. (see Mr. Couchman's Mineral Statistics, A^ictoria.) The same authority gives the miner's wage in Victoria at from £2 2s. to £2. 10s. per week; at Reefton the wage is £3 10s. per week, and generally throughout New Zealand it is from £2 10s. to £3 10s. per week. With these rates, and great cost of transit to such places as Reefton and Macetown, the quartz to pay should not yield under half an ounce to the ton. The country as it gets opened up will bring more stone within the paying limit. At Reefton there is the great advantage of an unlimited supply of growing timber at the mines, from which to draw supplies. This advantage is denied to the Macetown mines, and, as will be seen from Mr. Stratford's report, the cost of props at Is. per foot is almost prohibitory of the use of timber. There is plenty quite near, * By comparing the returns for 1877 and 1878 the decrease in Westland would appear to be greater than 1,260 ; but the return of miners at No Town, which was shown last year under Westland, is placed this year under Nelson.

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but the mountainous nature of the country would require very considerable outlay on roads before it could be brought on to the ground. Generally, quartz-mining in Otago is heavily handicapped owing to the distance from timber supply, but there is the compensatory advantage of a country well opened up with roads, and farming settlements close to the mines, and a very great deal of the initiatory work of prospecting gone through. Although success in quartzmining in Otago has been confined to a few mines as yet, there are good grounds for believing that they are but the earnest of what is to come. The discovery of quartz reefs at Longwood, by Hayes' brothers, has widened very considerably the extensive area over which reefs were known to exist. Mr. AVood reports the stone as very rich, and the field as likely to furnish some very rich claims. There are also discoveries of reefs referred to by Mr. Simpson in his district, and on the AVest Coast, at Black Ball, Grey Valley, and at Taipo more recently, prospecting on newlyopened reefs has taken place. Leases. The return (No. 16) of gold-mining leases in force on the 31st of March last shows a marked decrease in the total number of leases and the rental derivable from them ; but since the date of this return numerous applications under the Mines Act have been received, especially in Otago, and the reduction of the rental to £1 per acre under the above Act will probably have a very decided and general effect in extending this class of holdings for mining purposes. The return (No. 17) of agricultural leases shows an increase of business as compared with last year. The effect of the increased area allowed by the Mines Act will be shown by next year's return. Maintenance of Government Water-races under the control or the Gold Fields Department. These are — Length in miles. Cost. Thames .. .. .. .. 9| .. £70,018 AVaimea .. .. .. .. 28| .. 140,830 Nelson Creek .. .. .. 24 .. 90,008 Mount Ida .. .. .. 65 .. 61,416 127 i £362,272 From the table (No. 20) of revenue and expenditure, it will be seen that for the twelve months ended 30th June, 1878, the expenditure on the Nelson Creek and Mount Ida races exceeded the revenue, and on the AVaimea and Thames revenue was in excess of expenditure. The current expenditure is for management and maintenance, and probably will not be so much for this year as for the last; but, considering the length of races, their liability to slips, and the amount of fluming and other works which must be frequently inspected and kept in order, the maintenance will always bear heavily on the revenue, and any margin that may remain will be but a small contribution towards interest of money sunk in prime cost of construction. "The Mines Act, 1877." There have been several suggestions made for amending this Act, but as, with the exception of the subject of water-race licenses, none are of pressing importance, they can lie over until more experience of the working of the Act has been obtained. The difficulty in respect of water-race licenses is, that section 31 and its subsections provide a complete system of obtaining water-rights, and the Regulations at Appendix D (made under section 51, subsection 11) provide another and independent system for the same purpose. A memorandum upon this subject has been prepared and referred to the Gold Fields Committee of the House of Representatives. Government aids to Prospecting. The published conditions upon which aids to prospecting could be obtained from the Parliamentary vote of last session have led to the formation of several prospecting associations in various parts of the colony, and many applications for the Government subsidy have been received. Those which have been granted, after satisfactory inquiry, include subsidies to associations formed at Ohinemuri, AA restland (North and South), and Marlborough. As these various prospecting parties have only recently commenced operations, and the winter season has been exceptionally severe, there is no information at present as to results; but next year's report upon this subject will show the wisdom or otherwise of granting these subsidies. There are at the present time some applications under inquiry, and no doubt many more will be made as the spring advances. In this connection may be mentioned that several applications have been made for scientific advice on quartz reef discoveries, and on the best method of saving gold. Professor Ulrich visited and reported on the reefs at Longwood, and his services have been asked for the AVest Coast on the other subject mentioned; and topographical maps are now being prepared for Dr. Hector, with a view to the geological survey of the country around Lawrence.

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Departmental. Until the last few months there has been no recognized Gold Fields Department beyond the office of an Under Secretary, which was held (in conjunction with other offices) chiefly for the purpose of preparing and presenting an annual report upon the condition of the gold fields, and ordinary correspondence connected with gold fields matters was conducted at one time from the Public Works Department, and more recently from the Crown Lands Department. The advent of " The Mines Act, 1877," and consequent increased correspondence and business at Wellington, however, rendered necessary the establishment of a separate Chief Office, which has now under its control all the officers upon the gold fields, including Wardens, Receivers of Gold Revenue, Mining Registrars, and others, and the maintenance of constructed Government waterraces ; and all correspondence affecting the administration of the gold fields is now carried on from this office as a distinct department. The Ministerial head is the Minister of Lands, the Wardens, in their judicial capacity only, corresponding with the Minister of Justice, as before. It is to this Chief Office and the departmental Under Secretary, Mr. AVakefield, that I am indebted for the collection and compilation of the appendix of Wardens' reports and statistical tables accompanying this report; and, at the same time, the readiness with which the Secretary to the Treasury, and the Secretary of Customs, Messrs. Batkin and Seed, supplied their very complete tables, is acknowledged. James McKerrow.

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APPENDIX TO REPORT ON THE GOLD FIELDS OF NEW ZEALAND.

WARDENS' REPORT.

1 * AUCKLAND GOLD FIELDS. No. 1.

Mr. Warden Keddell to the Under Secretart for Gold Fields. Sir, — Warden's Office, Coromandel, 25th May, 1878. I have the honor herewith to forward the statistical returns called for in your circular letter, and to submit the following general report on the leading features of the mining industry, and tho progress made in the Northern Division of the Hauraki Gold-mining District during the year ending 31st March, 1878. lam sorry to have to record a very barren result for the year's labour. Amongst the leading mines there has been no contribution to the small amount of gold shown in the accompanying returns. Some from the Union Beach and Tokatea, the Royal Oak, the Pride of Tokatea, Kapanga, Bismarck, Golden Point, and those holdings known in last year's report as the Palmerston and the lona, have yielded no amount worth recording; but, although these returns show a falling off from the last year's yield, I believe that the district has made some progress, and I am certain it has begun the present year under very favourable auspices. A great deal of labour has been expended on work that makes very little show, but which nevertheless takes up a great deal of time, and is only appreciated when followed up by a favourable result. I refer to prospecting, though the term is not usually applied to researches on old ground; but it is not inapplicable to the cases I allude to. During the last quarter of the year 1877, several parties of miners gave their attention to ground in the vicinity of the junction of the Driving and Main Creeks, which had been occupied over and over again before under various owners, and which was known to be intersected by many gold-bearing leaders. After much desultory work and careful tracing of golden prospects to the reefs, some three or four claims were taken up. Of these, that known as "the Corby " stands first. From this claim, in February, they obtained 66G oz. of gold from one stope 20 feet high and 20 feet long, on a reef averaging 2 feet. Since then this yield has been greatly exceeded, but I have not given it a place under the heading of " certain parcels " (in Return No. 547), as it more properly belongs to the statistics of the current than the past year. This claim forms the centre of another group, which first depended in a great measure on the " Corby " prospects; but, since their development so far, other reefs have been cut sufficient to encourage their owners, even should the " Corby " run out of their ground. From this portion of the field I anticipate good things during this year, and, in fact, the impetus the district has received from the Corby success, and the good prospects of the neighbouring claims, is already apparent. Besides these, which might with propriety be called new claims, on the Matawai, in the Tiki District, a new company has leased from the owner a piece of ground formerly worked as " The Golden Belt " and other claims, on which ground they have secured by purchase a valuable battery plant, long unused, but which I hope to see contributing to our resources now. This ground is private property, and the battery has been idle only on account of the difficulty in arranging preliminaries with the owners. AVith respect to the progress made in old established mines, I will enumerate them in the order of last year's report. The Kapanga Gold-mining Company. —Since March, 1877, their operations have been confined to sinking and driving on the course of the reef, at and under the 300-foot level. The main winze on the Coromandel shoot has been sunk on the underlie of tho reef 120 feet. The water-wheel referred to last year works admirably, and winds and pumps this portion of the works to the 300-foot level. Whilst sinking this winze, and driving on the reef right and left 70 to 80 feet in length, some very rich specimen stone and good payable general stuff was obtained. At a distance of 400 feet from the top of this winze, in a northerly direction, in what is known as the " Albion " shoot, specimens and average crushing quartz was obtained for 120 feet of the above distance. Unfortunately, when in full swing, and the mine nearly opened up for regular steady work, with a good prospect of regular returns, the company's capital became exhausted, and all labour, save that absolutely necessary to keep the mine dry, was suspended, and for the past six months no advance has been made. During this time, and more especially lately, the Directory in London have repeatedly assured their manager of their intention to procure the requisite capital, and their thorough confidence I—H. 4.

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in the prospects of the mine. No doubt the effect of the war rumours in England has retarded the subscribing of the money to a great extent. Since writing the above, I have been informed by the manager that a cablegram received by him announced the fact that the money has been obtained, and that an instalment would at once be placed to his credit. I hope, therefore, before long to see this valuable mine in full work. The amount of quartz raised from the two points referred to above was about 200 tons, yielding 40S ounces of melted gold, value £1,159. Number of men employed, usually 50. No progress is visible in the adjoining claims, South Kapanga and the Golden Point; the prospects of both, but the latter in a greater degree, have been improved by the " Corby " reef underlying in their direction. The Tokatea. —This company has been engaged upon the dead-work referred to in last year's report (the long tunnel, No. 7 level). At last it has been resolved to send for the rock-drill I recommended. It is not yet in position, though in the district. Some tributers on the surface of the higher portion of the claim obtained in November and December last the handsome returns, for about six weeks' work, mentioned in the return of certain parcels, viz., G3l ounces for 5i- tons; and other tributers were also well repaid for their labour in the same portion of the mine. The company has had a hard year, and are now contemplating, after about nine years' occupation, making their first call. I make no doubt that, when the rock-drill performs its duty, it will prove as profitable an investment as heretofore. The Pride of Tokatea. —-Nothing has been done in this large mine during the year, except under the tribute system. Seven different parties have been engaged at this work with varying success, but all making wages. The Royal Oak. —I had looked forward to being able to make a more favourable report of this company's doings. They have been engaged in steady work throughout the year, with no luck, and have had to make a heavy call. The shareholders are, however, of good heart. There have been in past times some wonderfully rich finds in this reef, and I believe that my next report will be more gratifying. The Harbour View. —Early in the year they cut the reef in their low level, and with gold visible, which made the shares favourites iv the market, and promised the shareholders (very few in number, being well held) a good return ; the result, nevertheless, did not equal expectations. They seem yet to entertain the same good opinion of the mine as heretofore, and are still at work. They sustained a severe loss by a heavy fresh, which washed into the gully the contents of their quartz paddock, which, containing about eighty tons general crushing stuff, estimated at two ounces per ton, was carried bodily away. The Bismarck. —This claim was last year working, in conjunction with the Tokatea, in putting in the No. 7 level of that company's claim, having a joint interest in reaching the lode. Since my last report a suggestion was made that it would be less costly and a saving of time to sink from the A 7an, or No. 6 level, and thus cut the reef. A conference of the two companies interested considered this, but it was ultimately left to the Bismarck to carry out the idea, and the preliminary operations attending this work have chiefly occupied their attention —750 feet from the mouth of the Van level, and 250 feet perpendicular from surface. A chamber 45 feet long, 25 feet high, and 10 feet wide has been excavated, and securely timbered, in which has been erected a ten horse-power engine, with pumping and winding gear complete. This has been started, and found to work well. By sinking 90 feet they will cut the Tokatea reef. By this work, which was no easy undertaking, aud reflects great credit on those engaged in it, they hope to save two years, as against obtaining the same end by driving on No. 7 level. On the other hand, it is argued that the continued expenses attending winding and pumping is more than a set-oft* against the delay in pushing on with the drive, which, once effected, carries away its own water, and stuff broken down is more economically brought to the stampers than by being lifted through a shaft. Paul's Creek. —This favourite locality for prospecting has not added to our list of claims this year. The AVaverley is still at work, though barely paying expenses. Waikoromiko is completely deserted, but I do not despair of seeing it again a favourite. Waipawa. —My prognostications respecting the new discovery in this creek, mentioned in last report, have unfortunately been verified, as the low level, when put in, failed to discover a continuity of first yields. Ihe Union Beach. —This claim has occupied so prominent a position iv the doings of the past year. Though its yield has been by far the greatest of the Coromandel mines, no dividend has been declared, but at present it has on hand a large quantity of specimens, and no doubt before this report reaches the department one will be announced. Throughout this time they have been subject to heavy working expenses. About the end of 1577 and the beginning of the present year their attention was taken up with a lawsuit with an adjoining company, the New Golden Pah, a case arising out of a question of boundary, and traceable to the neglect of the former company in not maintaining their pegs. The Union Beach lay claim to a portion of the foreshore outside tho boundary of my district; so do also the New Golden Pah. During the hearing of the case an injunction was placed, at the instance of the complainants (the Union Beach), on a certain shaft and drive in the possession of the defendants. This drive intersected the course of a drive the Union Beach desired to make towards and under the foreshore, having learned that the New Golden Pah had found gold there. The manager of the Union Beach, deepening a shaft known as the " Old Golden Pah shaft," a distance of"4 feet, so as to reach the supposed level of the drive before mentioned, commenced a tunnel, and drove a distance of 230 feet in the short space of ten days, besides achieving the difficult task of crossing the enemy's drive without infringing the injunction, that is, by rising over it and then dropping into former level. In their older workings they drove 746 feet towards the Golden Pah, 75 feet on the Venus reef, with payable results, GO feet north on the Green Harp reef, 40 feet north on the cross reef, with a return of over one ounce to the ton ; and 60 feet on the Black Reef, with about the same result, the above work

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being all on the 180-feet level. In the intermediate level, 120 feet north and 114 feet south have been driven on the Green Harp reef, with good results. Their new plunger (see last report) has worked admirably, requiring no expenditure. A second cage, spider, &c, has been added to the machinery. The Palmerston and the lond. —These claims have within a few months been amalgamated, and, with a third adjoining licensed holding, and a claim known as the " Golconda," which is situated on private lands, are now worked under a company styled the " Premier." The property has very good prospects. Under their different former owners they have been proved to possess many auriferous lodes, but, from tho contour of the country and the experience gained from the workings of the Union Beach and other claims in its neighbourhood, it is undoubtedly imperative on them to use powerful pumping machinery. The whole of the work must be done by shafting, and to be successful a large outlay of money will bo required. The New Golden Pah. —This claim started with the possession of a small " two-men's " claim, lying between the Union Beach and the foreshore, on its south-west angle. Operations were commenced by the sinking of a shaft and a drive pushed seaward 62 feet under the foreshore, apparently the real object of the holding ; when their work had proceeded so far, it was suspected by the Union Beach Company that the shaft was within their boundary, and, after survey, an action (before referred to) for encroachment was sued out in the AVarden's Court. During the course of the action an injunction was placed on this shaft and drive, and they commenced another shaft, within 20 feet of the one the subject of the action, and indisputably on their own ground, and from this they have made a drive 80 feet long, also under tho foreshore, to a portion of which they have since acquired a title from tho Government. They report having a strong reef, with the frequent appearance of gold. The Goodenough is a name given to a new holding on old ground in this neighbourhood, formerly known as " the Neptune," once a favourite. A shaft has been sunk to a depth of 100 feet, and a good looking lode cut, and is now opening; it would be premature to form any opinion as to its prospects. The Black Reef. —This ground has been amalgamated with that formerly owned by the Coromandel Gold-mining Company, which, together with some private lands adjoining, are to he worked by a company called the " Progress." The Conquering Hero. —This ground has again been occupied, for about the fifth time, and the present company have been earnest in their operations. The work done consists of erecting a 15 horsepower engine, winding and pumping gear, sinking a shaft 112 feet, driving 400 feet of cross-cuts on lodes 296 feet, sinking and rising on lodes 274 feet. They have crushed 140 tons yielding 65 ounces of gold. They have lately purchased a 10-stamper battery, and 20 horse-power engine, which will be erected at once. AVith these appliances on the spot, a half-ounce to the ton will give a payable return. The district, as a whole, is more hopeful, and I am warranted in believing that the present year's yield will compare more favourably with former returns than the one just past. Population. —According to census returns, the population of the district is 1,649, exclusive of 372 at Mercury Bay, which is not within the boundaries of the gold-mining district. This number would have been greatly exceeded had the census been taken at any other time than the fall of the year, when the saw-mills at Port Charles, Cabbage, Kennedy, and Mercury Bays, and at AVhangapoua, would have had at least 500 more men at work, wrater being available to bring the timber to tho mills. In the AVarden's Court the cases have principally been under the twenty-sixth section of " The Gold Mining Districts Acts, 1873, viz., forfeiture of ground by reason of non-working. The business of the Eesident Magistrate's Court for the year has been as follows:—Criminal cases, 49 ; fees and fines, £45 Bs. 7d. Civil suits, 211; fees, £126 14s. Totals, 260 cases ; fees and fines, £172 2s. 7d. I have, &c, Jackson Keddell, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, Wellington. Warden.

No. 2. Mr. Warden Fraser to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Sir,— AVarden's Office, Thames, 29th May, 1878. I have the honor to forward herewith the report of the Mining Inspector upon the Hauraki Gold-mining District South, together with the usual statistical returns for the year ended 31st March, 1878. On 30th August last the gold fields' offices established at Ohinemuri on 3rd March, 1875, were closed. The records were removed to the Thames, and at the same time arrangements were made for making considerable reductions ill the staff. These arrangements have worked satisfactorily. The general state of mining operations in this district is so fully reported by Captain Goldsmith, the Mining Inspector, that I need say nothing further on the subject. Some of the agricultural leases referred to in my last report have lapsed, owing to their not being executed by the applicants, and one has been surrendered. The number of leases in force on 31st March last was ninety-six, of wdiich eight have been assigned and five are forfeited under Regulation 10. Applications for ten new leases are in process of completion. In cases where the locality and quality of the land have been specially favourable considerable improvements have been effected; in others, but little has been done. The agricultural settlers have many difficulties to contend with, but it would add to the prosperity of the Ohinemuri district if the

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agricultural lessees were enabled, by the early completion of the gold-field purchase, to feel assured that they would ultimately acquire freehold rights over their holdings. I have, &c, W. Fraser, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, Wellington. Warden.

No. 3. Mr. Mining Inspector Goldsmith to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Report for the South Hauraki Mining District from 31st March, 1877, to Zlst March, 1878. The annual report to 31st March, 1877, concluded with the goldfield in great prosperity from the magnificent finds of gold in the Moanataiari mine, where 26,013 oz. were deposited during the latter part of March and beginning of April. April. —In the Piako, at 456 feet deep, good gold was struck to the seawards. The same evening, in the Kuranui, at 640 feet, gold was also struck. With the proceeds from the Moanataiari Mine the directors have paid off £6,000 overdraft, and dividends, £53,940, besides reserving £4,000. Alburnia has paid £2,000 dividends. In the AVaiokaraka the Piako cut the reef with good gold at 450 feet deep, reef 18 feet wide. Queen of May getting good gold. The Hape Creek Company have resumed work, with good prospects. AVaitekauri getting good stone, besides extending their tramway, thus taking in the Welcome and Young New Zealand. At Karangahaki crushing resumed with good quartz. At Owharoa, Smile of Fortune have proved their lodes payable —No. 1 reef, 6 dwt. to the ton; No. 2, 1 oz.; No. 4, 12 dwt. May. —New discoveries of gold in the Alburnia, which is taking the foremost place among gold producers. Greatly improved yields in Piako, Kuranui Hill, Queen of Beauty, Queen of May. Government water-race (costing £70,000) is being made available for water-power. Several large crushing plants are driven by it instead of steam, thereby saving considerably, and admitting of a lower grade quartz being advantageously crushed. The general stuff of the Moanataiari mine has given excellent yields, although the very rich lodo ran out about the beginning of the month; but still the mine generally yields very profitably. The Alburnia yields are very good, having heavy gold visible in three distinct faces. Specimen crushing in the Moanataiari gave, for 9 cwt., 577 oz. The Queen of May pays a dividend of 4s. per share. At Ohinemuri the Waitekauri pays its first dividend of Is. per share. June.—The returns of gold are now more generally diffused over the field. The Prince Alfred and Herald have substituted turbines for steam-power, driven by the Government water-race, to their great pecuniary advantage; a second balance-bob is added to the big pump, effecting a considerable saving in fuel. The Point Russell mine, being purchased by the Moanataiari Company, a continuation of the main beach tunnel was necessary in order to reach tho well-known gold-bearing reefs at a low level. For this purpose an Ingersoll rock-drill was obtained from San Francisco, and erected. It works admirably, and with great economy. July. —This month shows an improvement over the previous month of over 2,000 oz., whilst the general prospects are encouraging. Deep-level prospecting is progressing; contracts for driving north and south at the 640-feet level of the Big Pump are in course of execution by driving seawards, cutting the Moanataiari lodes, and in the opposite direction to intercept the Moanataiari slide, where the nature of the reef system will be disclosed, and many questions at present left to conjecture may be expected to be cleared up. Should gold be found at these levels fresh life will be infused into the Thames. The low level of the Waiotahi is yielding good gold from a reef 18 inches thick. Queen of Beauty has produced 428 oz. this month, with every prospect of continuance. Alburnia have had a very handsome yield of 2,213 oz. from crushing, which will give a good dividend. The fortnight's return of the Moanataiari was 3,200 oz. from 450 tons stone; Alburnia still breaking good stone, yielding already 1,500 oz. ; it occupies this month the first rank in gold-producing claims. At Ohinemuri, the Waitekauri has produced 1,240 oz. August. —The Alburnia has proved the largest gold-producer during the month, having contributed almost half the total yield of the field—a dividend of 10s. having been paid, followed by another of 15s, per share. The Moanataiari mine has done well, paying a dividend of ss. per share. The rock-drill has been successfully working, fully answering expectations, drilling 2 feet in seven minutes in ordinary rock, atmospheric pressure 28 lb. per square inch. This will render the prolongation of the main tunnel an easy matter, and enable the company to work the reefs in the Point Russell ground, which formerly proved so rich, but could not be worked deeper by reason of water. The Golden Calf is getting excellent stone from the low level, and continuing permanent works. In the Pumping Association, the north and south cross-cuts and the Imperial drive, at the 640-feet level, are progressing ; the north cross-cut is now 840 feet from the shaft; the south cross-cut is 427 feet from the shaft; the western, or seawards, is 182 feet from the main cross-cut. The Piako mine last fortnight produced 247 oz. September.—The Piako mine added 491 oz. to the produce, making a total, including tributers, of 1,027 oz., and plenty of good quartz to follow. The Moanataiari, for 500 tons, gave 853 oz. The rock-drill is extending the tunnel at the rate of 30 feet per week. October.—This has been a dull month. The Tookey mine has been taken on tribute. Other mines have given average yields, with the exception of the Moanataiari, which, from 1,415 tons, gave 3,530 oz. November.—This month is not characterized by any discoveries of moment; a fair average of general mining work.

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December. —The yield of gold is superior to that of several months previous. As this is the first decade of the gold field, appended are the returns of gold for the last ten years since the field has been in operation, viz.:—

Year. Produce. Value. Ozs. £ 1867 ... 6,637 ... ... 20,700 1868 ... 53,611 ... ... 168,074 1869 ... 132,454 ... ... 435,687 1870 ... 85,534 ... ... 319,146 1871 ... 330,326 ... ... 1,188,708 1872 ... 143,036 ... ... 357,108 1873 ... 119,449 ... ... 426,589 1874 ... 110,216 ... ... 289,372 1875 ... 98,937 ... ... 259,709 1876 ... 95,600 ... ... 250,949 1877 ... 123,534 ... ... 336,306 Total ... 1,299,334 £4,052,348

January, 1878. —The Alburnia is still getting good gold ; the specimen lode, four inches in width, is worked. Moanataiari returned 438 oz. for 540 tons. Queen of Beauty gave 250 oz. Old Whau have paid a dividend of 2s. per share, the result of percentages from tributes let in the ground. From Ohinemuri district some satisfactory yields have been obtained. Smile of Fortune crushed 50 tons for 35 oz ; Waitekauri gave 87 oz.; Young New Zealand, 128 oz. In this month the principal mines keep holiday for fourteen days, the result being a great reduction in the produce. The Alburnia paid a dividend of 7s. 6d., besides adding to the reserve, already £7,500. Moanataiari keep up a steady return, paying another dividend. Caledonia gave, for 16 tons, 28 oz. Cure obtained the handsome return of 400 oz. from 90 tons. Driving in the Pumping Association at the 640-feet level, continued, and promising reefs cut. Prince Imperial has been getting stone yielding 3 oz. per ton, or, for 66 tons, obtained 92 oz. February.—This month produced well from the Alburnia, Prince Imperial, Waiotahi, Queen of Beauty, and several tributes. Although the Moanataiari has fallen off, the rock-drill, however, has worked well, driving 150 feet in the month, although some of the rock has been exceptionally hard. Queen of May gave 280 oz. Prince Imperial, from 145 tons, gave 153 oz. Waiotahi, from 200 tons, gave 366 oz. Owharoa, from 200 tons, gave 139 oz. March.—This month has maintained its average production, without any very rich finds to swell the total. The returns are from steady crushings from various mines, tributes, and small holdings, much being taken from old ground taken out and more vigorously worked than formerly. The Kuranui Company have let the greater part of their ground on tribute, reserving the work of prospecting at the lower levels by the company. The total amount of quartz crushed from all sources in the mine has been 3,523 tons, which yielded 5,908 oz. of gold, or an average of I oz. 13 dwt. 13 gr. per ton ; of this yield 5,489 oz. were derived from tributers ; the percentage yielded to the company being £3,585 3s. 9d.; this, together with £523 12s. received for gold on company's account, makes a total of £4,108 15s. 9d., being a slight decrease on the previous year.

MONTHLY RETURN of GOLD from 31st March, 1877, to 31st March, 1878.

Months. Gold. 1877. oz. dwt. gr. April 1st to 30th ... ... ... ... ... 11,96112 1 May 1st to 31st ... ... ... ... ... 10,823 10 1 June 1st to 30th ... ... ... ... ... 12,77111 0 July 1st to 30th ... ... ... ... ... 8,358 6 6 August 1st to 31st ... ... ... ... ... 8,875 14 10 September 1st to 30th ... ... ... ... ... 7,992 10 6 October 1st to 31st .;. ... ... ... ... 9,201 0 0 November 1st to 30th ... ... ... ... ... 7,377 7 10 December 1st to 30th ... ... ... ... ... 11,011 0 0 1878. January 1st to 30th ... ... ... ... ... 2,842 2 12 February 1st to 28th ... ... ... ... ... 7,907 0 0 March 1st to 31st ... ... ... ... ... 8,857 7 2 107,979 1 0

RETURN of MACHINES to 31st March, 1878.

Great improvement has been made in the roads generally by the Borough, and especially by the county; in some parts new roads have been opened, to the great benefit of the miners. H. Goldsmith, Mining Inspector.

MARLBOROUGH GOLD FIELD. No. 4. Mr. Warden Whiteuorn to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Sic — Havelock, Ist April, 1878. I have the honor of enclosing my annual report of the Marlborough Gold Fields, and returns of the various matters required in connection therewith. I have, &c, W. Whitehoen, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, Wellington. Warden.

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Name. Locality. E o I <-, o 6 to >tivo Po 1 ■cr. A E o O d . a* o 10 an 8H 3 P. Plant ui led in— in ltd o M A *!___ W P.1 . i. cm « a* Vild Missouri Russell's Brown's Cararu Battery Euranui BCerald Caledonian ... Jnited Pumping Association Pyrites Company Imperial Crown Hanakau I'ramway fookey's >olden Calf Jueen of May .rorning Star Ifoanatlaiari ... Uburnia 3allarat and Clunes ... Vaioino Criterion Vaiotahi Jueen of Beauty Battery xolden Crown ?rince Imperial Piako No. 1 ... Diako No. 2 ... Bull's Tararu i> ■ i ■•■ Tararu Road ... Beach Grahamstown ... j> 5) „ Moanataiari Waiokaraka Moanataiari Grahamstown ... Moanataiari Tinker's Gully... Waioino Waiotahi jj Grahamstown ... i) ••• M j) Karaka 21 31 40 48 20 02 21 40 41 12 12 41 20 30 8 45 20 16 20 22 40 27 12 12 30 113 340 20 50 32 10 47 12 20 20 60 21 24 8 20 16 70 10 8 50 10 12 20 40 40 30 15 20 12 "s 10 20 4 4 4 20 40 52 42 30 15 113 3C0 20 50 32 10 47 12 20 20 60 21 24 8 20 16 12 70 10 16 50 20 32 4 4 4 6 16 13 2 40 15 12 4 12 10 4 25 20 4 6 16 50 6 2 40 18 10 12 20 40 42 30 15 50 20 50 32 10 12 50 15 24 8 20 IG 12 35 IG 50 20 35 295 35 52 18 20 6 32 10 45 12 12 20 8 10 35 10 3erry Coulabah )i_ehunga lalcy on ?ahau ... ... Karaka 6 6 10 1 9 8 4 4 4 Grahamstown ... Hape 6 8 8 13 2 8 7 6 8 6 2 •prague L'homas Hanning Llbion City of London Jueen of Beauty jj Grahamstown ... 40 15 12 40 15 12 j) Jope Nautilus lobinson's Tapa... 4 15 8 6 12 20 4 4 12 10 4 4 12 10 4 25 20 4 lurora L'airua tjax Phoenix rudd Price !aw-mill Company Tararu Tairua 25 20 ,, i Karaka Grahamstown ... Shortlaud 6 16 50 6 ipencer Grahamstown ... Waitekauri Korongahaki ... Ohinemuri Owharoa 1 40 16 9 15 2 40 18 10 12 "2 Vaitekauri ... vorongaliaki... Vick 40 18 10 12 Perry Total ... 827 1,231 366 1,597 773 365 152 229

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Report on Gold Fields of Provincial District of Marlborough for the Year ending 31st March, 1878. Pelorus. —The population on this field has remained at its former level, about fifty men; but at the present time considerable excitement has set in, attention having at last been directed to the terraces so long neglected; and in one of them named Arthur's Terrace a good prospect has been obtained, but not on bottom. A considerable number of claims have been marked out, but at this time, no party having bottomed, the true value of the terrace is left to conjecture. I consider that the prospects of the Pelorus District have decidedly improved, for it is now an ascertained fact that gold in payable quantities is traced at a high level above the present river for a distance of about eight miles. It has been found in four claims, besides the Deep Creek Township, and it appears to be but reasonable to conclude that these claims are parts of the same or similar runs of gold. In addition to the new find in alluvial ground, parties are prospecting a reef near the one spoken of in former reports, and they are pretty confidant of ultimate success. At present there is no material increase to the population, but there is every appearance of a rush setting in. Wairau. —This gold field is at present practically deserted, only about six men being employed there now. An application has been made for a lease of the old Sutherland Reef, which was worked some years ago, and, the trial crushing being of a disappointing nature, the work was abandoned, although the test was by no means a satisfactory one. Queen Charlotte's Sound. —Several applications for leases of reef ground have been made on the Golden Point portion of the field, but no machinery has yet been erected to test the value of the reef. Dr. Hector has examined the ground, and reported thereon, which report has been given publicity to in the Government Gazette. Ravensclif. —Nothing has been done here since the last report, but a company has been formed in England to work the Turner Company's Claim, and a commencement will shortly be made. I think there is every reason to conclude that the Marlborough Gold Fields, as a whole, will soon emerge from their present state of stagnation. W. AVhitehorn, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, AVellington. Warden.

NELSON GOLD FIELDS. No.°s. Mr. AVarden Guinness to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields, Sir, — AVarden's Office, Colliugwood, 6th April, 1878. I have the honor to forward the annual statistics of the Gold-mining District of Golden Bay for the year ending 31st March, 1878. During the past year there has not been much alteration in alluvial mining in the District of Collingwood ; about the same number of men are employed, and the average yield of gold is maintained. In Takaka the alluvial mining has fallen off, and no new ground has been opened. Iv Collingwood during the last month a few new hands have arrived, and a small party have started to prospect some ground at Snows. I have not yet had any reliable information from this quarter, but, if the roads were improved, there is little doubt that a payable aud extensive gold field would be opened up in that district, as those who have previously tried it found good prospects ; but at present this and other places known to be auriferous are virtually shut up for want of roads. A small expenditure, say, £5,000, judiciously laid out, would enable fully 1,000 miners to find profitable employment here for years. A fresh attempt is being made to test the quartz reefs in Cole's Creek. The Phoenix Company have taken up a lease of sixteen acres there, and have erected a 10-stamp battery worked by steampower. This mine was lately visited by Dr. Hector, whose report will be found in the Government Gazette, No. 13, 13th February, 1878, to which I refer you; his analysis of the quartz gives a very favourable result. I believe the company will commence operations early in April; their, works are nearly completed, and have been well put up. The mine has been opened up in a judicious manner. Should this speculation turn out successful there is no doubt that quartz-mining in this district will again be entered upon with fresh energy. Already four leases have been applied for adjoining the Phoenix Company's lease, and they will be worked as soon as the leases have been granted. I must here call your attention to the want of a mining surveyor in the district. None of these leases have yet been surveyed, although some of them were applied for in January last. This causes much dissatisfaction, and naturally retards the progress of the district. Some efforts are being made to test the silver lodes here, but at present their progress is very slow, and it is impossible to ascertain what tho result of the experiments will be. In Takaka the timber trade is improving—pines are better, and the demand has increased ; but this prosperous state must, I fear, fall off when the winter sets in, as the roads will be quite unfit for the heavy traffic. Great praise is due to the Road Board of the district for the efforts they have made, with the small means at their disposal, to keep open the roads during the summer; but, unless the contemplated tramway is made, or some larger funds are available, the timber trade must fall off very much. This is much to be regretted, as this district is mainly dependent on this trade for its advancement; very few men are engaged in gold-mining (not more than twenty), and but little farm produce beyond the requirements of the district comes to market, save a small quantity of hops, which have been cultivated to some extent, and with much success. Still, the urgent importance of improving the roads, for enabling the timber trade to be upheld, remains. The accompanying returns will supply the statistical information required in your circular. I would venture to call the attention of the Government to the great necessity there is for the

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extension of the telegraph from Motueka to Takaka and Collingwood. These places are dependent on a weekly mail service, and no medical man resides at Collingwood. There have been several serious accidents here during the past year, and the only assistance the sufferers had was what their neighbours could afford ; in one case a man, who died after removal to the Nelson hospital, lost his life, I believe, solely for want of prompt surgical aid, which could have been procured in time had there been a telegraph here. I believe the cost of erecting the line, via the inland route, would not be found very expensive ; it would not exceed forty-two miles, the most of which would pass through open country, presenting but little difficulties, and abundance of totara can be had in the Takaka Valley. I have, &c, Frank Guinness, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, AVellington. Warden.

No. 6. Mr. Warden L. Broad to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Sir,— Nelson, 24th June, 1878. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your memorandum, No. 216. I have been unable to fill up any of the returns, as I cannot obtain the required information. The population about Tadmor and Wangapeka is about the same as last year, a few miners scattered over a large extent of country, working mostly upon freehold ground. There are no mining or agricultural leases in the locality. I have visited the district three times during the year, in my capacity as District Judge, thinking it better to exercise the concurrent jurisdiction given me by the Mines Act, so as to save persons inclined to question my decisions the costs of a double appeal. I have, &c, Lowther Broad, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, AVellington. Warden.

No. 7. Mr. Warden C. Broad to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Sir,— Westport, Ist May, 1878. I have the honor to forward you herewith my annual report upon the district under my charge, together with the usual statistical returns. The completion of the Government railway to Ngakawau will, I have no doubt, prove of great benefit to the district in the development of its coal mines, and also in the opening up of tracts of agricultural and auriferous country hitherto untouched. The people of tho district have hailed with satisfaction the extensive surveys in progress over the railway and coal reserves, with a view, no doubt, to the throwing open to permanent settlement laud that has been long locked up. The outside settlement of the Karamea (distance, fifty miles from Westport) is rapidly improving, and, from the specimens of the various kinds of vegetables brought to AVestport, must possess a most productive soil. It is satisfactory to know that this settlement is now connected with Westport by monthly steam commuuication, and that the county authorities are putting the overland track in order. Gold-mining. —I. have very little to report on this head. Over the entire extent of my district (some two hundred miles square) isolated parties of miners are obtaining gold. Possibly the portion of the district which shows the greatest vitality is Charleston, where the creeks are filled with tables, the sea-beaches with miners, and the back country by numerous water-wheels engaged in crushing cement. , There has also been a new rush in the vicinity of Charleston, between that place and Addison's Flat, where, in quite new ground, several shafts have been bottomed with success. At the Lyell several large nuggets have been found in the creek, the heaviest weighing over 53 oz, The Upper Bullcr, Matakitaki, Marauia, Owen, Mangles, and other rivers have already been found to carry gold their entire length, and thus parties of miners are found scattered over the course of each of these rivers. I believe that Charleston would carry a very much larger population if the Government were to bring in the Four-mile water, at the estimated moderate cost, compared with other works, of £14,000. The new machinery is in rapid progress at the Lyell for the United Alpine Company. Some of the richest yields from quartz reefs have been obtained at the Lyell, and everybody is anxiously awaiting the erection of the new battery to test the new rich leaders discovered in the Alpine Range. Roads. —It is very satisfactory to report that means of communication have been now thrown open for wheel traffic to Reefton and the Lyell, and, although occasionally obstructed by slips and floods, yet it has proved a great boon to have a bi-weekly coach between those places and Westport. The punts iv connection with the road at the Lyell and Nine-Mile are everything that canjbe desired, and great credit is due to the County Council for at last establishing wheel traffic via Addison's Flat to Charleston, a matter that has been in abeyance for the last ten years. Coal. —Active measures are at last being taken to bring the coal in the vicinity of AVestport into market. The Wellington Company have been the first, although their coal is by no means a good sample of the coal in the district. The Coalbrookdale Company, principally composed of Dunedin capitalists, are now connecting their mine by a branch line with the main railway ; whilst the Koronui Company, whose coal is said to be of a first-class description, are following suit.

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I expect in my next annual report to be able to record a great amount of vitality in the district, more especially as before that time the large works at present in hand will have been completed. I append the statistics of the district under my charge for the past year. I have, &c, Chaeles Beoad, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, "Wellington. "Warden.

Enclosure in No. 7. DISTRICT OF BULLER. STATISTICS of Resident Magistrate's and Warden's Offices for the Year ending March 31st, 1878.

No. 8. Mr. AVarden Shaw to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Sir,— Warden's Office, Reefton, Bth May, 1878. In forwarding the usual statistical returns for the districts under my charge for the year ending March 31st, 1878,1" have the honor to report generally as follows: — Inangahua District. The sittings of the Resident Magistrate's and Warden's Courts are held twice weekly. The following synopsis will indicate the business transacted and revenue collected : — Resident Magistrate's Court.—Criminal cases, 114 j Committed for trial, 3 ; Civil cases, 420; Amount sued for, £3,301 16s. 4d.; Amount received, £1,630 13s. ; Fees and fines, £506 2s. lid. Warden's Court. —Cases heard, 11; Applications for cancellation of gold-mining leases, 4; Other applications, 236; Gold-mining leases applied for, 67; Agricultural leases applied for under Gold Fields and Mines Acts, 2. Revenue. £ s. d. Publicans' licenses ... ... ... ... ... - ... 975 0 0 Feeß on application for licenses, transfers, &c. ... ... ... 30 15 6 Revenue collected by Receiver of Gold Revenue, exclusive of rents, £1,005 15 6 &c, on leases under Nelson Waste Lands Act ... ... 2,527 4 4 Resident Magistrate's Court fees and fines ... ... ... 506 2 11 Total ... ... ... ... £4,039 2 9 There is a noticeable absence of serious crime in this mining population, attributable, doubtless, in a great measure to the comparative certainty of means of livelihood and the high rate of wages obtainable, but chiefly, in my opinion, to the intelligence and discipline that are required of quartz miners. From the foregoing tables it will be observed that but two applications wera made for agricultural leases under the Gold Fields or Mines Act in this district during the past year. These are the prominent exception to the many scores of applications made under " The Nelson AVaste Lands Act," and the marked preference shown for the latter system deserves remark, from the serious inconvenience and loss it entails upon miners. In many instances auriferous ground is belted by strips of flat country, 2—II. 4.

Westport. Charleston. Lyell. Total. Miners' Eights issued Business Licenses ... Summonses in Warden's Court Applications for registered Eights Applications for Gold-mining Leases ... Applications for Agricultural Leases ... Resident Magistrate's Court —■ Number of Criminal Cases Number of Civil Cases 174 11 6 97 1 4 257 Nil. 17 407 191 11 8 130 9 2 622 22 31 634 10 6 172 278 10 56 46 66 228 400 Revenue — £ s. d. 292 4 8 818 14 6 10 13 0 £ s. 56 1 731 18 3 2 d. 9 0 6 £ s. 161 4 726 17 7 18 d. 2 8 6 _£ s. d. 509 10 7 2,277 10 0 21 14 0 Fees and Fines of Eesident Magistrate's Court Receiver of Gold Revenue ... Clerk to Licensing Court A-mount received as Deposits on Goldmining and Agricultural Leases 91 5 0 oz. dwt. gr. 17,130 18 16 £ s. d. 1,714 2 6 68,563 13 4 153 15 0 283 2 6 528 2 6 oz. dwt. gr. 17,130 18 16 £ s. d. 1,714 2 6 68,563 13 4 Glold exported from Westport Duty Value

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which in time become the fee-simple of leaseholders ; and, in particular, sluicing operations are brought to a standstill from a dread of damages consequent upon the deposit of tailings. It is true that considerable precautions are adopted by the Board against the alienation of auriferous ground; but the responsibility is remote, and the disadvantages of the present system too apparent to justify the continuance of a dual administration of land, especially where one method is peculiarly and exclusively framed to meet the intrinsic difficulty of the case. Each year of prosperity, and consequent settlement of population, increases the difficulty, of which I see no solution but the withdrawal of gold fields from the operation of Waste Lands Acts. The Reefs. Appended will be found tabular statements of tons of quartz crushed, yield of gold, and dividends declared. Also, a comparison of dividends declared during the last four years, and of average yield of gold per ton crushed. It is my pleasing duty still to note a very marked and satisfactory progress in mining industry, and its profitable results.

RETURN of QUARTZ CRUSHED, Yield of Gold, and Dividends declared in the Inangahua District for the Year ending 31st of March, 1878.

Some of the gold melted; some retorted only. The tons are, in some cases, only approximate. Returns from Graham and Allen's private battery, Rainy Creek, not included. Calls made in registered companies during twelve months ending 31st March, 1878, £28,702. These calls were made by thirty-five companies. Comparative Return of Dividends declared by Registered Gold-mining Companies in the Inangahua District during the years ending 31st of March, 1875-78 inclusive. 1875. 1876. 1877. 1878. Dividends ... ... £13,000 £27,513 £50,612 £63,50S Comparative Return of average yield of Gold per ton of Quartz crushed in Inangahua District, during the years ending 31st of March, 1876-78. 1876. 1877. 1878. dwt. gr. dwt. gr. dwt. gr. Average yield per ton ... 14 16 18 7 17 1 Under the head of Mining Surveyors' Reports, for Victoria, for quarter ending, 31st December,lB77, the average yield per ton of quartz crushed is estimated at 9 dwt. 6 gr.; dividends averaging about 10s. per ton crushed. High-priced labour and expense of transit of machinery render stone of this quality barely payable here ; consequently, for the present, unlimited quantities of quartz below this standard are left for days to come. Before quitting this subject, it is my duty to refer to the absence of anything like a practical supervision of the safety of the mines. AVhere wages are high and competition fierce men are asked to consent to perform risks that would not be tolerated under an efficient inspection. The result is a series of accidents that would be more properly termed incidents to an irresponsible and reckless system of mining. Much valuable time has been consumed in the hearing of applications for cancellation of goldmining leases. In my opinion such matters should be determined judicially by the Warden, subject to appeal to the Court above. The circuitous procedure now in force is open to grave abuse, and, as far as I can discover, does not command the confidence of the community, who are quick to conjure up political influences in questions reserved for the decision of a Cabinet. Grey Valley (comprising Granville, Ahaura, and Nelson Creek Courts). The following is a statement of business transacted and revenue collected: — Resident Magistrate's Court. —Number of criminal cases heard, 42 ; Committed for trial, 1; Civil cases, 76 ; Amount sued for, £1,510 4s. 3d.; Amount received, £157 175,; Fees and fines paid, £218 3s. sd.

Name of Company. Tons Crushed. Ounces of Gold Yielded. Dividends. iVealth of Nations Golden Fleece Energetic Ceep-it-Dark lopeful kVelcome rust-in-Time Caledonian 7iery Cross 'talian Gully Desperandum $o. 2 South Lamp Andersons .nkerman Macedonian 9,589 4,140 11,600 8,141 3,187 720 1,652 120 427 240 230 244 450 787 420 | j I j 5,011 6,122 5,952 5,123 6,975 2,619 3,148 771 263 254 127 52 61 165 48 £ 7,800 13,200 6,300 6,583 15,675 8,250 4,200 1,500 s. d. 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 41,947 36,691 £63,508 6 8

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Warden's Court. —Cases heard, 21; Applications, 261; Gold-mining leases applied for, 18; Agricultural leases applied for, 0. Revenue. £ s. d. Licensing Court ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,148 0 0 Licensing fees ... ... ... ... ... ... 37 17 0 Gold Receiver's revenue ... ... ... ... ... 1,504 9 9 Resident Magistrate fees and fines ... ... ... ... 218 3 5 Total ... ... ... ... ... ... £2,908 10 2 The principal item of mining intelligence connected with this district is the completion of the Hochstetter water-race, brought in by the Government at an expenditure of about £100,000. This work, from its difficulty of construction, owing to the impassible character of the country it traverses, has occupied many years of patient and persevering labour, and reflects great credit upon the skill of the engineers and faithfulness of the contractors employed upon it. It is constructed to carry 60 heads of water (new regulation heads), of which about 30 have been sold. The estimated revenue is about £300 per month, and cost of maintenance about £210 per month. The margin does not appear to pay fair interest upon the capital expended; but rents from gold mining leases, miners' rights, gold duty, and other indirect sources must be considered as tributaries of revenue in connection with the scheme. A comparatively small additional expenditure would extend the race to Callaghan's Creek, where, in the opinion of the majority of miners, a large area of payable auriferous ground would be commanded by the high level of this water. At Moonlight and Blackball Creeks discoveries of gold-bearing quartz are reported. As yet the ground is insufficiently proved to warrant any prediction of success ; but the prospectors are sanguine enough to devote their time and labour to the chances of the speculation. At Orwell's Creek, where for many years rich prospects of deep alluvial gold have been obtained, operations have been carried on w rith the utmost vigour. I regret to say the results have disappointed those most interested. One company, the Napoleon Hill, has since its formation expended over £100,000 upon the claim, and are still at work. According to my last information their prospects seem somewhat brighter; but hitherto they have not succeeded in raising sufficient gold to meet current wages. The districts of No Town and Cobden have, since the date of my last report, been transferred to the charge of Mr. Warden Revell. The completion of the Grey Valley Road, between the Grey River and Deveney's Terrace, anticipated to be effected in August next, will greatly facilitate communication and transit between the two districts of the Inangahua and the Grey, and ought to reduce the high cost of necessary provisions and mining plant. The gradual and steady growth of Reefton has given encouragement to agriculturists throughout the Grey Valley, as they can depend upon a certain and remunerative market for their produce. Good roads and bridges will, of course, assist this industry, and prove a mutual benefit to consumer and producer. Generally, I would remark upon these districts that in the out-put of gold, in population, in agricultural and pastoral holdings, there has been during the past year a most marked and satisfactory increase. In fact, by whatever test we would measure the advance of a community towards civilization, wealth, and comfort, I find here no declension, but substantive and appreciable progress. I have, &c, Edward Shaw, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, Wellington. Warden.

WESTLAND GOLD FIELD (Including part of Nelson South-west Mining District). No. 9. Mr. Warden Revell to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Bir— AVarden's Office, Greymouth, 20th May, 1878. I have the honor to report on the district under my charge for the year ending 31st March, 1878, as follows : — In May, 1877, material alterations were made in the boundaries of the district by the transfer of the Greenstone District, situate in the Grey County, to Mr. Warden Price, and giving me in lieu thereof the supervision of that portion of the Nelson South-west Mining District known as the Cobden and No Town Districts, formerly under the control of Mr. Warden Shaw. I have little to report concerning the progress of mining operations during the year. The population showed a considerable decrease, both of European and Chinese miners, and, with the exception of the quartz reef at the Black Ball, no new discoveries have been made. The South Beach still maintains a small population, working in the low terrace near the sea, and washing the black sand thrown up occasionally by the heavy tides. The two large water-races constructed some years ago are beiug used for ground sluicing, and great inroads have been made into the terrace. Three alluvial gold-mining leases have been granted on the terrace, on the east side of the road, south of the Greymouth Town Reserve, and the lessees are bringing in deep-tunnel tail-races from the beach, to drain and work the ground, which is very wet,

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In the Clifton and Arnold Subdistricts mining operations are very dull. The New River Water-race Company have stopped their works for want of funds, and the depressed state of mining affairs. The Hibernian Water-race Company have done nothing to the race since it was destroyed by floods in February, 1877. Warden's Courts have been held regularly once a month at Dunganville and Maori Gully, but the number of cases disposed of are very few. The officers of police, in charge of these stations act as Receivers of Gold Revenue. They issue miners' rights, business licenses, and forms of application for registered rights. These applications are heard at the sittings of the Court, and then forwarded to the officer at Greymouth, where the registers are kept and the certificates prepared. The population in the Clifton District is estimated at 332 Europeans and 120 Chinese, and in the Arnold District at 251 Europeans and 109 Chinese. The principal gold-workings in the Cobden Subdistrict extend along the North Beach to the Razorback, a distance of twenty miles, and to the Black Ball, on the north side of Biver Grey, a distance of fourteen miles. Mining operations have been very quiet, with the exception of a slight rush about five miles up the Ten-Mile Creek, where some good prospects were found; but, owing to the great difficulties to contend with in getting up the creek, this locality has not beeu fairly prospected. On Jones's Flat, between Brunnerton and Langdon's Creek, there are five or six parties working frontage tunnel claims, and making fair wages. Two mining leases have been granted on Langdon's Creek, and another has been applied for. Four quartz gold-mining leases have been taken up on the Black Ball Ranges, but, from the exceeding rough nature of the country, it will be some time before the leases can be thoroughly opened out. In consequence of the change in the boundaries of the Resident Magistrate's District of Greymouth being extended to take in Cobden and No Town, the Resident Magistrate's Court at Cobden was closed in May, 1877, and on the 31st March, 1878, the duties of the Warden's department for Cobden District were transferred, by Proclamation of the Governor, to Greymouth. The population is estimated at 605 Europeans and 18 Chinese. The No Town District extends from tho River Arnold eastward to the Watershed between Red Jack's and Nelson Creek, the principal workings being up No Town Creek, Joyce's Gully, Red Jack's, and the adjoining gullies ; but there have been no fresh discoveries during the year. The population is estimated at 309 Europeans and 52 Chinese. Sittings of the Courts are held every fortnight at No Town, the constable iv charge holding the appointment of Clerk of the Courts, and Receiver of Gold Revenue ; but I find that the duties of this office (such as the keeping of the registers, making out the certificates of registration, and collecting the revenue, amounting to £450) are more than he can perform in connection with his police duties, and the work necessarily falls in arrear. Great difficulties have been experienced in attempting to work the Mines Act passed last session, and it will require several amendments to make it effective. The statistical returns furnished show that there are 442 head-races, of an aggregate length of 348 miles, with 524 heads of water, also 151 tail-races, and 1,285 dams and reservoirs, estimated at £33,584, which, with the mining plant, estimated at £1,672, make the total value of mining property in the district £35,256 sterling. I append herewith returns showing the population, revenue, cases disposed of, and the miners' rights, licenses, and registrations issued during the year. I have, &c, W. H. Revell, The Secretary for the Gold Fields, Wellington. Warden.

Enclosures in No. 9. THE population of the district is estimated at 5,135 souls, and are located in the under-mentioned districts.

Subdistricts. Europeans. Chinese. Totals. Westland Mining District — Greymouth Borough ... Paroa District Arnold Clifton 2,821 373 251 332 30 115 109 120 2,851 488 360 452 3,777 374 4,151 Nelson South-West Mining District — Cobden No Town ... 605 309 IS 52 623 361 Totals 914 70 984 4,691 444 5,135

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RETURN of Cases disposed of in the Resident Magistrate's and Warden's Courts during the Year.

THE REVENUE for the Twelvemonths, amounting to £10,767 16s. 8d., is made up as follows :—

RETURN of Miners' Rights, Licenses, and Registrations issued by the Receivers of Gold Revenue at their respective Offices.

No. 10. Mr. Warden Price to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Sir,— Warden's Office, Ross, 11th June, 1878. I have the honor to make the following general remarks on the state of the districts under my charge for the past year:— Okarito. —I regret I have nothing to report favourably of this district since last year. The gold revenue received has only been £72 13s. The population proper, if I may so term it, is reduced to 384 souls, for I do not include in it about one hundred men employed on the Government roads, who have come from other places. The yield of gold decreased, and mining in general in a languishing condition, yet I have much confidence in the future of this extensive district, from indications of valuable minerals besides gold —that it only requires prospecting to develop what will make it as prosperous as it was in its early days. The completion of the Bowen Road from Ross will greatly facilitate the means of communication with Okarito, which has hitherto been restricted to the sea beach, with all its difficulty of travelling. The proposed track from Peringa to the Haast will also help to open to the miner the means of prospecting, which I may say had entirely ceased. I am, however, glad to state that some ten persons in Hokitika have lately subscribed to aid prospecting about the Haast, and two miners have been so employed during the past six weeks, but no report has yet been received from them.

Subdistricts. Civil. Criminal. Wardens. Total. Westland Mining District —■ Greymouth ... ... Arnold ... Clifton 572 32 14 280 2 3 9 6 7 861 40 24 618 285 22 925 Nelson South-West Mining District — Cobden ... No Town... 3 23 1 7 6 25 10 55 26 ;si 65 Total 644 293 58 990

Greymonth. Arnold. Clifton. Cobden. No Town. Totals. Garden's Department lesident Magistrate's Department Ipirit Licensee fees, Licensing Courts >old Duty Total ... I £ s. d. £ s. d. ... I 4G2 9 0 245 13 6 728 3 0 10 19 0 ... 1,204 0 0 471 0 0 21 18 0 ... 14,266 1 11 ... 6,682 11 11 727 12 6 £ s. d. 275 7 0 10 IG 0 402 0 0 £ s. d. 350 7 9 19 0 110 0 0 £ s. d. 406 19 0 25 13 6 265 0 0 860 0 0 I £ s. d 1,740 IG :■ 777 0 ( 2,452 0 C 21 18 C 5,776 1 11 650"0 0 688 3 0 1,111 16 9 1,557 12 6 10,767 16

Greymouth. Arnold. Clifton. Cobden. No Town. Total. liners' Rights ... business Licenses, £5 business Licenses, £3 business Licenses, £2 Registrations, 5s Registrations, 2s. 6d. Registrations, Is. -pplications 263 3 8 5 254 21 762 460 185 2 3 271 123 2 2 43 60 140 190 2 30 15 1,032 7 43 20 256 94 1,035 1,535 30 213 300 255 380 Total ... 1,776 445 651 370 780 4,022

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Early in May last, when I visited Okarito, I received a letter from one of a party of three, who reported that they had got into the AVaiho Gorge, and, following the leading spur of Mount Mueller, struck down for the AVaiho River, and found gold in hard cement in the crevices of the rocks in a creek running into that river, and also in the river itself. I have since heard they brought down 5 oz. 16 dwt. This caused some little excitement, but owing to the inaccessible obstacles which at this season of the year present themselves to those moving up this gorge, it is impossible to say what the result may be until the spring sets in, which will enable prospecting to take place. This much I may state, that about ten years ago, when I resided at Okarito, a miner of the name of Kellery found his way up the Waiho, although he did not go so far as the party alluded to, and found gold, but nothing came of it. I trust, however, it may not turn out as it has done in many other instances in the rivers and creeks down South, to be a mere patch which has accidentally been stumbled upon, and when further tried led to no results. Totara. —No change for the better has taken place in this district during the past twelve months. I regret to say that the beneficial results anticipated from working Jones's and Guardian Flats have not been realized, as the persons who took up the four mining leases to form a company to work the ground failed to do so, and the leases have been surrendered. The population is much the same, numbering about 1,390 souls, which includes 53 Chinese. The gold revenue (£907) shows an increase, but this is temporary, owing to the number of business licenses (about £230) which had to be taken out by persons who desired to lease Ross town sections under " The Gold Fields Act Amendment Act, 1874," but which do not require renewal, and will not form part of this year's revenue. The yield of gold, as far as I can ascertain, has also decreased. Four quartz-mining leases were granted during the past year, and at first great hopes were entertained that they would prove payable, and tend to revive the prosperity of the district; but on prospecting the one first granted, and giving it a fair trial, it did not turn out sufficiently remunerative to warrant working it on a large scale with machinery. All further operations stopped about four months ago, although the lease is still held. The other three, after being tried, have been given up, as the indications were so poor that the lessees did not consider them worth keeping. These four leases were adjoining each other on a terrace in Donnelly's Creek. The prospecting showed no signs of a permanent reef, only slight indications of broken quartz in crevices in the reef, with no defined quartz veins; therefore at present this description of mining, which, when remunerative, conduces more than any other to the prosperity of a place, has come to a stand-still. At Donoghue's things continue much the same, mining operations being principally carried on by sinking and driving. There are also a number of sluicing claims in this neighbourhood. At Redman's the special claim of 20 acres, w rorked by machinery driven by water-power, formerly the Kohinoor, and now held by the Enterprise Company, is in full working order, employing about thirty men, and has lately held out fair prospects of proving remunerative after the expenditure of a large capital. There are also four other leases in full operation : The Greenland Company, of 10 acres, with a water-race of eight miles in length ; another of same dimensions in Blockade Gully; a third on Jones's Flat of 5£ acres ; the fourth, of 3 acres, on Bowen Terrace ; all employing a number of wages men, and paying fairly. At Aylmer Lead, near the sea beach, at the Totara Lagoon, about thirty miners are employed, making small wages. A number are also scattered up the different gullies which empty into the Totara River, and are reported doing well. In these gullies there are also about fifty Chinamen mining. This district, like many others, which at one period was highly prosperous, and maintained a large population, has from various causes declined. But it has such an amount of new ground known to be auriferous and payable, only requiring a large supply of water at a higher level to work it, and a vast wealth of gold in Jones's and Guardian Flats, which, with capital and an economical mode of working, would make it a highly remunerative undertaking to a company, that it may fairly be anticipated that in the course of time this district will retarn to some of its former prosperity. Kanieri.- —With respect to this digging, which is situated in the vicinity of Hokitika, I may say that until lately mining operations had considerably declined. The gold revenue, £375, showing a decrease of £209 to the previous year ; and, although containing within it a population of 1,662 souls, there are only 325 employed in actual mining, showing a decrease of 150 to that of the previous year. That is easily accounted for, as up to a certain period the Kumara rush drew away a considerable number of miners, many of them married men, who have not returned ; and there has not been sufficient inducement to others to take their place. But a great change has taken place within the past few weeks, which may materially conduce to the prosperity of this district. In March last a party of six men informed me that they had discovered a quartz reef situated at Butcher's Gully, between the right-hand branch of the Kanieri River and Butcher's Gully, and applied for three quartz-mining leases. On the survey being made, the locality is described as being situated on the north-west slope of Mount Graham, about one aud a half miles southerly of the gold workings at Butcher's Gully, and distant some ten miles from Hokitika, to which there is easy access, as about seven miles of the way is over a made road. This created considerable excitement, and, on the leases being granted, a company was formed, which includes some of the principal merchants and people in Hokitika. It is intended to erect machinery, and test the stone at once. Since then, four other leases have been applied for. There is no doubt that it is a well-defined reef, extensive, and in one of the leases the surveyor reports it to be ten feet in thickness. As to the quality, that is a matter to be tried, for, although the specimens proved auriferous, yet the stone is not of such richness as to judge of its payable nature until crushed in large quantities. There is no doubt whatever that the reef contains a great quantity of stone, and, if on trial it proves only moderately payable, it will draw a large population, employ a good number of wages' men, and greatly promote the prosperity not only of the Kanieri District, but of Hokitika and surrounding neighbourhood. This discovery has also given an impetus to prospecting —an association has been

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formed in the district for the purpose —and parties are out in various directions, but as yet with no results. I would here remark that the rewards offered by Government for the discovery of new gold fields, and the aid to prospecting, has had a very beneficial effect in the] Westland Gold Fields. It has been the means not only of forming the party above named, but also other parties in other districts. Waimea. —This district has in no way fallen off during the past year, but has maintained a population of 1,573 souls, which shows an increase of 73 over that of the previous year. The gold revenue is £710, and the yield of gold about £11,800 ounces. The diggings are widely spread over the district, all of an alluvial nature; and, considering that no new ground has been opened, it speaks well for its payable quality. At the commencement of the Kumara rush many left for that place, but during the last few months they have been gradually returning, and taking up, in many instances, the ground they had abandoned. There is no doubt the Government water-race has been of the greatest benefit to this district, and I ascribe its permanent condition entirely to the regular supply of water which it affords, enabling miners to open ground which otherwise could not be worked. Branch Bis now in course of construction, and will be completed in about two months. Its benefit has already been felt, for all along that portion of Tunnel Terrace which the part finished commands new claims have been taken up, and mining operations actively carried on. The whole of the water the race at present carries is being used, and the manager states that he could let more if he had a larger supply, which, when the Kawhaka head waterworks, now under construction, are completed, he will be enabled to do. There are about 50 sluicing claims, and the average number of miners using water during the past year has been eighty daily. With regard to the quartz reefs at the Taipo, although I cannot report that the holders of the mining lease granted about two years ago have done anything towards developing it, yet during the past few months considerable interest has been taken regarding that locality. And, with the view of having the place thoroughly prospected, twenty-six gentlemen in Hokitika subscribed each £50 to form a prospecting association. A manager and two men were sent out in February last to prospect the neighbourhood of the Taipo, and remained till the middle of April, when they had to return in consequence of the snow. The manager reports the discovery of reefs at a high level said to be auriferous, but nothing definite was ascertained as to their payable qualities. However, I believe that this led to four applications for leases which have lately been made in what is called the Bill Hill Range of the Taipo, lying between the river Taipo and Teremakau, situated at a mean elevation of 3,500 feet above the sea level. The surveyor, Mr. Smythe, who made the survey of the ground, reports favourably of what came under his observation. AVith reference to the Enterprise Company he reports: —"Through this lease I was able to trace the outcrop of five distinct quartz leaders, varying in thickness from 1 to 5 feet. In nine places, and at distances of 2 or 3 chains apart, I found gold distinctly visible in the stone broken from four of these leaders." Of the Morning Star he writes, —" During the progress of survey I traced precisely the same leaders which I have described in the Enterprise, and again obtained gold-bearing specimens from the surface of outcrop. I examined in all twenty-three specimens of quartz broken from the various leaders at random, and found gold in seventeen of these without the aid of a magnifying glass." Of Owen J. Parry and Co.'s lease he reports, —" A strong body of quartz nearly 6 feet thick can be traced down the almost vertical face of the mountain, and I was shown some handsome specimens of quartz, with gold visible, taken from this seam." Until the leases are fairly worked, and the stone crushed in large quantities, it is impossible to say what the result may be, but still the indications are such as to hold out fair prospects that in time quartz-mining will be successfully carried on in this part of the district. Kumara. —With respect to this gold field, I cannot say that during the past year it has made the progress it was expected; in fact, the reverse has been the case. The population has decreased by 1,994 souls. On the 31st May, 1877, it numbered 4,860; on the 31st ultimo, 2,866. I am not surprised at this decrease and declining state of affairs, which may be ascribed to various causes, viz., from the place being over-rushed at first; from all classes in general coming without any means, the miners having to live for a long time on credit; the business people building and commencing on credit; and all kinds of trades overdone; from the claims requiring a large outlay before any returns could be received ; from the ground generally turning out poor ; from the leads being found limited ; and from very little new ground being opened. This caused the floating population which always follow a rush gradually to leave. Miners, also, who came from adjoining districts, after giving the diggings seven or eight months' trial, returning to their old localities, as they found they had not bettered themselves. Overtrading has also had to find its level; but when the present depression is over it will bring about a more healthy state of things. Notwithstanding this, the diggings holds out fair prospects to those who are willing to work for ordinary wages, as from the commencement this has been the nature of the ground. There is no doubt that many are remaining until something better opens up elsewhere. Yet, on the whole, Ido not fear that for some time to come any very material change for the worse will take place, because, when sluicing commences on a large scale, and the sludge channel which Government propose making is formed, it will require less labour and expense to work the claims, and the returns will be more remunerative. Only two new leads have been opened during the past twelve months, Ist. The Scandinavian, leading from Baker's Flat towards Sandy Stewart's Hill, 28 chains in length, and from 30 to 50 feet in width, all occupied, and the men doing tolerably well. 2nd. The Ross Lead, leading from Dillman's Town towards Blake's saw-mills, 33 chains in length, and from 1 to 3 chains in width, has also proved payable. The gold revenue during the year amounted to £1,992 95.; the spirit licenses to £1,951 Is. The yield of gold has been considerable, I believe I am within the mark in estimating it at 33,154 oz. In the Resident Magistrate's Court in 1877 there have been 244 criminal cases, and 544 civil cases. Criminal fees, £26 16s. 6d.; fines, £284 155.; and civil fees, £315 17s. In the Warden's Court there were 43 cases, with costs amounting to £42 14s.

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Dellman's Town has increased in size, and begins to have the appearance of a settled township. A good road has been made to it from Kumars, and a fair trade is carried on there. During the past year Kumara has been declared a borough ; a State school has been finished— a fine building, capable of accommodating 400 children; the telegaph and post office, one building, has also been completed, and other improvements have been made in the town. The Government water-race has been a great boon to the district, for wherever new ground has been opened it has extended a branch race to command it. The miners at Kumara have no reason to complain of want of water. I know of no gold field which at its commencement had so great an advantage in this respect. The sludge-channel which Government contemplate making will be a great benefit, as it will command Dunedin Flat, Shamrock Terrace, and upper parts of the lead, and mining claims towards Larrikin's Terrace and Baker's Flat; and it would be advisable to have it carried out with as little delay as practicable. Greenstone. —This district, which is in the Grey County, is separated from Kumara by the Teremakau Eiver. During the early part of 1877, several rushes took place from Kumara to terraces on that side of the river. On Quinn's Terrace a considerable quantity of ground was taken up, but from want of water to command it the claims have been reduced to about twenty. This caused a small digging township to spring up below the terrace, which is generally known as Westbrooke, but which has since dwindled down to nothing. Several other small rushes have taken place in different parts of the district, but none have been sufficiently remunerative to attract any population. The workings are restricted generally to ground that has been opened some years, for this is one of the oldest diggings in Westland, it having been discovered in 1864. The miners are generally scattered over the terraces, and a few work the creeks. The workings are mostly carried on by ground-sluicing ; eleven parties are hydraulic-sluicing; all with average success on some of the terraces lately opened by shafts and driving. The Chinese in this district number 172, restricting their operations to the creeks and low flats along the sides of them, and appear to be contented; they are a well-behaved and inoffensive body of men. The population is estimated at 750, showing an increase of 150 over that of previous year. The gold revenue is higher by £S0—present year, £646 18s. 6d.; for 1877, £566 13s. 6d. The yield of gold I believe to have been good —certainly not less than last year —but it is impossible to arrive at a correct estimate, because a good deal was taken to Kumara and sold there. A large race is now being constructed, named "The Erin-go-Bragh," belonging to a company. Its source of water is Greenstone Creek, and it terminates on Hayes' Terrace, a distance of seven and a half miles, on which there are 54 men employed, to hasten its completion. It will have an abundant supply of water, and will command all the ground along the line of race, which is known to be auriferous and payable. On the whole the district is fairly prosperous, and, from the known auriferous nature of a large area of ground, which only requires a good supply of water at a high level to work it, holds out every prospect of maintaining the present population for some time to come. During the year the following number of registration certificates for various rights were issued: —■

N.B. —No agricultural leases granted. Gold-mining leases —4 quartz aud 1 alluvial granted in Totara District, and 1 quartz in Waimea District. The above is for the year from Ist April, 1877, to 31st March, 1878. I have, &c, M. Price, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, AVellington. Warden.

OTAGO GOLD FIELDS. No. 11. Mr. Warden Robinson to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Sir,— Warden's Office, Naseby, 31st March, 1877. I have the honor to report upon the district under my charge as Warden for the past year as follows: — 1. A dry season has to some extent been unfavourable to mining in this part of the country, where all operations are dependent upon the supply of water for sluicing ; still, on the whole, a reasonable amount of success has attended the exertions of the miners. 2. The most important event of the year in respect to mining has been the opening of the Mouut Ida Water-race and Sludge Channel. This occurred on the 26th of July, 1877, and was made the

Districts. (0 Q ■A B ■ go _. .S w a. rn a ' A » a " fi m\ | a g EH * «5 __ a 'a 3 : m" ! CO CJ . 3 s c_i -tH I a Si fl «"___■_ ■a ao {_£ 9 Sf _o o 13 O 00 z- • O en S=h3 SI ■a » __ = . ° a i'-S ~ .—. ji S °.£ d bo o a* Total. 'otara [anieri Vaimea 9 1!) 96 18 17 8 17 S3 7 89 8 14 61 1 li) 1 4 6 7 6 1 | 10 19 6 11 6 29 I ... 67 ! 3 5 7 14 1 8 13 10 79 .27 90 52 114 152 70 115 321 597 86 166 257 472 998 379 447 [umara rreenstone 3

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occasion of much rejoicing in Naseby. Since that date the race has been continuously bringing in a large supply of water for mining purposes. There was at first some little delay in bringing the water into use. This was in part to be attributed to the hard frosts then prevailing, and also to some extent the fact that comparatively few miners were in a position to buy water by paying for it in advance. It soon became evident that it would be necessary to somewhat relax the stringency of the regulation requiring payment in advance, and an arrangement was made by which miners were allowed credit for water to be used in the operations preliminary to the actual washing for gold. This plan has worked well, and the water has been all taken for some time past. It is satisfactory to note that so far the race has worked without a break, or any interruption of supply, and it is only just to say that this immunity from accident is largely due to the careful supervision of the manager, as well as to the excellence of the original construction. The risk of injury to a new race is always considerable, as slips can hardly be avoided; but in this instance no slips of a serious character have occurred, and the few that have from time to time happened have by careful watching been rendered almost harmless. The head-race and sludge-channel, with their connecting flushing race, and the dams and races for distribution, constitute an elaborate system, which requires much care and prudence in its management. The benefit to the mining interest of so large and continuous a supply of water is already very sensibly felt, and it is fully to be expected that during the next few years its usefulness will be more and more developed. The sale of water already amounts to about £250 per month, and there is every probability of this amount being, iv the course of even the ensuing year, largely increased, while the expenses of the maintenance and management will be diminished. To turn the property to the full advantage of which it is capable, it will be necessary to construct some further portion of head-race to bring in an important mountain stream, which yields a large and unfailing supply of water in the driest seasons. This would be by no means a costly work, and the advantage of any means of keeping up supplies in the drought of summer, when all ordinary sources fail, can hardly be estimated in money value. The actual revenue of the race during the period that it has been in operation has been as follows : —Sale of water from race, and channel dues, £1,514 Bs. 4d.; of this the amount received in cash has been £728 18s. lid., the remainder being on credit. 3. In my last report I took occasion to remark that the expectation of the opening of the race had given a certain stimulus to trade in Naseby, and that the opening up of some land for settlement had also had a beneficial effect. This latter source of advantage is likely to be still further wrought upon as the agitation for the opening of more land still continues, most of what was put in the market having been taken up. It is a sign of the times that the prospectus of a flour mill company has been published, and it is believed that before long many of the settlers now only fencing, or breaking up their land for the first time, will have corn to sell as grist to the mill. 4. This expectation is still further justified by the probability that before very long there may be a railway through this part of the country. In my report of last year, already alluded to. I mentioned that there was an agitation on foot to get a railway to lap the interior country of Otago. lam now in a position to record one step in advance. The railway is so far determined on that the survey for it is being rapidly pushed on, and it is only a question of time when it will have become an accomplished fact. 5. The tunnelling at Fullarton's, from which so much was expected, has, I am sorry to say, come to a standstill. The Star of Otago Company, which, with the most commendable energy, had set itself to the task of exploring the hidden treasure of the hill, has unfortunately fallen into financial difficulties, and the works are all stopped, and the company wound up. It is doubtful whether any other adventurers will soon be found to make further trial for the riches which it is so confidently asserted are only waiting to be taken possession of. 6. The Muddy Creek Company at St. Bathans have made some progress with the water-race on which they rely to enable them to complete the channel, but they have found the undertaking heavier than was anticipated, and have still a good deal of work to do before they can hope to get any return for their labour. They have been successful in obtaining a grant of Government money to assist them in their enterprise, but have not yet been in a position to draw any portion of it, as advances will only be made in proportion to the length of channel actually constructed, and they can do nothing to the channel until they get their head water-race in. 7. Some very good new sluicing ground has been opened at a place known as A 7inegar Hill, near AVelshman's Gully (Cambrian). The ground is heavy to work, but its richness is undeniable. 8. Quartz-mining at Serpentine has taken a new start. Quartz veins were long known to exist there, and they have been prospected from time to time, but with no particular success until lately. At last, however, some really promising discoveries have been made, and a company has been formed, which seems to have every prospect of a fair success. The company is now getting machinery erected, and it is expected that next season will show some good cakes of gold. The success of the company has stimulated other miners to prospect, and several new claims have been taken up. It remains to be seen which of them will be actuall}' worked. 9. The Chinese population has decidedly increased, and Chinese miners are doing very good work in several parts of the district. This is especially the case at Kyeburn, where they have been working the bed of the stream, by means of long covered tail-races, with marked success. 10. The revenue for the year has been as follows : — £ s. d. Gold revenue, including mining leases ... ... ... ... 1,371 15 8 Warden's Court, fees and fines ... ... ... ... 97 9 6 Agricultural leases and rents ... ... ... ... ... 3,126 5 2 Deferred-payment lease rents... ... ... ... ... 1,010 1 5 Resident Magistrate Court fees and fines ... ... ... 299 8 10 Cash received for water, Mount Ida AVater-race, and channel dues, already referred to ... ... ... ... ... 728 18 11 Total ... ... ... ... ... £6,633 19 6 3--H. 4.

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This shows a considerable increase upon last year, when the revenue from all sources was £3,627 18s. lid. 11. The system of conveying gold to Dunedin by Government escort having been discontinued, there are no " escort returns " from which an accurate account of gold exported from the district can be compiled I have been at some pains to obtain information from private sources, and I think lam within the mark in my estimate when I say that the gold sold in the district during the year was 21,000 ounces. I have, &c, H. W. Eobiuson, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, Wellington. Warden.

No. 12. Mr. Warden Stratford to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Sir,— AVarden's Office, Arrow, Ist April, 1878. I have the honor to forward herewith the statistical returns of the AVakatipu District, in compliance with your circular, No. 765, of the 14th March, and to add a general report for the year ending the 31st of March, 1878. Alluvial Mining, under the present system of working, is waning fast, and will almost cease to exist in a few years as an employment for individual miners. All the shallow diggings known to exist have been worked out by tho Europeans, and in many places re-tried by the Chinese. The gold has been traced in some localities into very deep ground, and it remains for capitalists and companies to bring in water and deep tail-races, to follow the leads of gold. Before leaving this subject, I may add, upon the authority of some of the most experienced miners, that the existence of gold in large quantitics'on the terraces of the Shotover aud its tributaries, on the banks of the Arrow, and terraces of theCardrona, is an undoubted fact, which will be made use of when railway and other public works are completed. Quartz-reefing. —As has been already reported for two years past, the Macetown reef's have been discovered just in time to prevent an exodus of disheartened miners, and revive the hopes of'disappointed prospectors. Out of three distinct lines of reefs there are actually marked off between forty and fifty claims, of these about ten being fairly worked, which have been found to be payable ; amongst them all we have three machines erected, the gross number of stampers on the field being twenty-five, giving employment to about fifty men. So many and varied reports have appeared in the Press during the last year about these reefs that a detailed account of their progress may prove interesting at a time when quartz-reefing is engaging so much attention. The lines of reef may bo divided into three, say, Ist. The Homeward Bound line; 2nd. The Maryborough line; 3rd. the Advance Peak line. Although the discovery of auriferous quartz reefs is generally said to be of recent date, their existence has been known for some years; what might be termed their discovery should rather mean the date when they were practically tested. Line No. 1 was opened in September, 1876, by Messrs. Raven and Barclay, who opened the Homeward Bound Claim. The direction of the lode is nearly north-west, underlaying to the southwest at au angle of about one foot- in six. Tiie lode varies in width from three to five feet. The quartz runs in bands, two or three of which, with irregular layers of mullock between, fill up the lode or fissure. The gold-bearing bands of stone arc usually those which are best defined, and fine in the grain, and are mostly found in the hanging wall; about three-fourths of the width of the lode is usually available for crushing. In opening up this mine 542 tons of quartz have been reduced in a small mill erected purposely to test its value, which yielded 551 oz. 17 dwt. of gold, equal to an average of one oz. nine grains to the ton. The company are now erecting more powerful crushing [machinery, also a tramway 1,200 feet long, to bring down the quartz from the mine to the mill. The lode, by means of tunnels and shafts, has been tested to a depth of 350 feet from the crown of the hill, and there is every evidence that it exists many hundred feet more in depth. On this same line, to the north-west, are the Ladye Fayre, Mackay's, Gladstone,* and Premier claims. The Ladye Fayre Company has never touched on a well-defined reef as yet, although; large bodies of stone have beeu met with, carrying rich gold-bearing leaders on tho underlay of the reef; it is possible that the real lode has not been touched upon yet, as it evidently dips in strike when it leaves the western boundary of the Homeward Bound. The company is sinking a deep shaft, with the intention of cross-cutting the lode at about 100 feet in depth. Mackay's Lease. —Nothing has been obtained beyond a small gold-bearing leader'on" the hanging wall of the lode; otherwise the fissure is all filled up with debris or mullock from the sides." The Gladstone. —Here the lode appears to rise to the north-west. This company struck it on the surface, and obtained very handsome prospects. The lode is well-defined and carries gold from wall to wall, or, rather, there is a sort of false wall in the centre of the fissure, which is about four feet in widtli—half on the foot-wall side is quartz, the other half is debris almost of the consistency of rock. The Premier have struck the lode at the upper end of their claim, and have", traced leaders indicating the reef at a lower level as far as the Gladstone boundary. Gold has been found both in the lode and leaders, but no trial crushing has been made. The Defiance Line. —This is a line of reef running parallel with the Homeward Bound, about two chains to the eastward. This reef only shows in places at the surface; in all cases this line of reef is double—one very regular, the other irregular and uncertain. On this line there are two claims to the eastward of the Premier, called the " Defiance " and " Young Australian." Gold has been struck in both claims, but their value is unsettled as yet. No discoveries of gold have been made south-east from the Homeward Bound. The Maryborough Line was opened in February, 1876, by the Maryborough Company. The reef bears the same direction as the Homeward Bound, and is distant half-a-niile from^it south-west, and

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underlays the same way, and at the same angle. Both of these lines being similar, the lode varies between 3 and 5 feet in width, is exceedingly well-defined and easily traced. It is the longest gold-bearing lode opened upon as yet. The Maryborough Company, from 5 tons of stone taken from a leader on the foot wall, crushed 231 oz. of gold. The value of the stone, upon an average, would be about 1 oz. to the tou, if taken in large quantities; in fact, this appears to bo about the general yield all over this field. The lode has been prospected by tunnelling and sinking, and its existence proved; 240 feet below the surface at one end of the claim, and 440 feet at tho other, at the Garibaldi Company's boundary. This company is erecting a large crushing mill at Sawyer's Gully ; also a tramway from tho mine. The Garibaldi Company, on the south-east, have struck the reef in several places, and found what should be payable stone. They are driving at a low level, so as to cut the reef in a convenient place for working. The Duke of Wellington Company, No. 2 South, have got the reef, but it appears to be split. They have obtained gold, but have not done sufficient work to form any estimate of the value of their claim. The Victor Emanuel Company, No. 3 South, have also got the reef, and from some 51 tons of quartz realized 60 oz. of gold. Finns' Lease, No. 4, have the reef, and what should be payable stone, were the mine sufficiently developed. The AU Nations Line. —This is parallel with the Maryborough, about 5 chains on its south-west. The lode is between 2 and 3 feet in width, and shows gold in payable quantities. It should not yield less than 1 oz. to tho ton. This company has beeu hitherto working on a strong leader between its reef and the Maryborough, 345 tons from which yielded 390 oz. of gold. It owns a four-stampor battery, situate about half a mile from the claim. The machinery is very compact, having full power and weight, and attached is some very ingeniously constructed apparatus for dealing with the tailings by means of a concentrator and amalgam barrel. All the tailings from the tables pass through the concentrator, which separates the heavy portions from the light; it also arrests any quicksilver escaping. The. Tipperary, Geraldine, and Caledonian appear to be continuations of this line, gold having been traced throughout the whole length. The Tipperary Claim at present is seemingly the richest opened in this district, but of course it is impossible to say which is or will be the best claims, as none of tho mines are in a position to stoup out quartz yet. They are merely prospecting by tunnelling or sinking. The Canton and Ancient Briton Claims are branches from this line tending more to the south. A little gold has been found in both of these claims. The Advance Peak or Main Lode Line.- —-There appear to be three parallel lodes here, bearing iv the same direction as the others. They seem to underlay to the north-east, but not sufficient depth has been reached to determine this. Several very rich leaders radiate from these lodes, and as ranch as 5 oz. of gold per ton have been obtained from them. A very large outlay will be necessary to devolop this line. The Katherine is apparently a strong leader from the north-east lode iv this parallel. So far as has been ascertained, the quartz lodes at Macetown all appear to rise in strike to the tops of the hills from both sides. The gold runs in shoots, and dips to the north-west at an angle of about 45 degrees. The shoots are irregular, and about 50 feet apart on on average. The hanging w ralls are usually very well defined, but the foot walls are irregular. Rich leaders are found on the foot walls. In all cases, the best defined bands of stone carry the most gold. Fine gold, in fine-grained stone, invariably yields the best returns. This description of quartz breaks angularly and in thin flakes with blue veins intersecting, and, as a general rule, when there exists the most foreign matter iv the quartz, such as pyrites of iron, sulphate of iron and copper, then most gold is found; the same rule as to goldbearing stone holds good here as iv Australian mines. There are four crushing machines with twenty-three head of 6-cwt. stampers. Three waterwheels, one turbine wheel. There are employed —at the reefs, 32 men; at the machines, 14 ; packing, 4 ; carting, 3. Cost of Timber at the Mines. Props, 6-inch to 8-inch diameter ... ... ... Is. per foot. Sawn timber ... ... ... .. ... 40s. per 100 feet. Blasting powder ... ... ... ... ... 255. per keg. Fuse ... ... ... ... ... ... Is. 6d. per coil. Steel ... ... ... .... ... ... Is. per lb. Candles ... ... ... ... ... ... Is. 3d. per lb. Coals ... ... ... ... ... ... 20s. per cwt. Packing to mines ... ... ... ... ... 100s. per ton, Carting heavy timber ... ... ... ... 200 a. per ton. There is very little doubt of the permanency of the Macetown reefs. They are almost an absolute certainty, aud when once opened out can be worked very cheaply, consequent upon water power being almost everywhere available, and the steepness of the hills obviating the necessity for any hoisting of ore or water, while the facility for self-acting tramways is all that could reasonably be desired. The lines are constructed of three rails, from 300 to 1,200 feet long, carrying trucks laden with from 7 cwt to 10 cwt. of quartz. This system is tho easiest and cheapest mode of transport from the mines to the batteries. In all probability the machines will not be in full work before tho spring, as none of tho mines arc in a position to stoup out stone as yet; and until the batteries are ready it will not do to perform this operation, as, owing to the great scarcity of timber, the ground will require to be filled up as soon as the quartz is extracted, and as, owing to the steepness of the hills, no great quantities of the quartz can be stowed away. The mines are provided with hut accommodation. The drawback has been

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entirely owing to want of skilled labour to develop the mines, and too great an eagerness on the part of discoverers to float shares before testing the real value of their discoveries. Litigation has ensued, and really sound payable reefs have been left idle in consequence. But I have yet hopes that before the frost sets in the batteries will have proved the several reefs sufficiently to have established their proper value. In the Cardrona Valley, which extends twenty miles down to Pembroke and Newcastle, the former township on the shores of Lake AVanaka, the latter on the banks of the Clutha, there are resources for a large population, the number of residents at present being 350, of whom 80 are Chinese. Mining is carried on by a few parties, who are deep-sinking and tunnelling, the latter being almost the only method of extracting the gold, the results varying from £2 to £6 per week. New workings to a small extent have been discovered by the Chinese at Pringle's Creek, near the township, with highly satisfactory results. Branch Creek, for so many years a mainstay to the Cardrona, is nearly exhausted, there being only about 12 miners left. The Chinese generally in Cardrona have been working in the old abandoned ground, which has become nearly exhausted. There are 42 European miners in the vicinity of the township, and I believe we may look upon them as permanent settlers. The yield of gold during the year from these diggings has been about 3,500 ounces. The average earnings of the Europeans £2 10s. per week, and that of the Chinese £1 15s. Pembroke. —It is but a question of a little time when this place will have acquired the position of a settled township ; a wool-classer and scourer has recently erected an establishment to carry on his trade, and employs about 15 hands already. The importance of Pembroke is also heightened by its being the terminus for the boats engaged upon Lake AVanaka, and by the fact that through it must pass the products of the several stations in tho Upper AVanaka District, and the supplies for working them ; it is likewise the depot for a great portion of the local timber required by the runholders and miners in this direction, and onwards to Cromwell; the several interests in the locality are sound, and it is making steady and permanent progress. A further impetus will be given on the completion of the steamboat now in course of construction. In the Matukituki A 7alley there are about ten thousand acres of land equal in quality to any in Otago for agricultural purposes. The opening of a block in this place would speedily induce settlement, and add to the importance of Pembroke. Russell, Ewing, and Co.'s sawmills give constant employment to about a dozen hands, who, with their wives and families, have located themselves there during the past twelve months. Although alluvial mining is declining, and the quartz reefs, of which there are several, are as yet undeveloped, new industries have sprung up to keep and even raise the population, and justifies me in reporting that this division of my district was never so sound and prosperous as at present. Upper Shotovcr. —Alluvial mining in the Upper Shotover during the past twelve months has not been an improvement on former years, but, I think, has declined. The reason for this is, as I have already stated, that the ground that could be easily worked without much expense has been getting less every year; most of the miners have not the money to carry out great works in poor ground so as to make it pay. Most of the terraces in the Upper Shotover, having a rim rock next the river or creek running near them, cannot be sluiced away without expensive rock tunnels or deep tail-races, which will cost, in many cases, hundreds of pounds' outlay before an ounco of gold can be got at. This entirely places the ordinary miner in such a position that this class of ground is locked up from him. There is very little prospecting for new ground, the poverty of a great many miners not allowing them to lose much time in looking for new ground, although I believe a large extent of new, and a great deal of it untried, ground exists at the branches of the Shotover and Skippers. A party of three men are now prospecting new ground at the head of Skippers, and are sanguine of success. Should it turn out as they expect, a large extent of new ground, five or six miles in length, will be opened up. The Chinese have, within the last week or two, been leaving Skipper's Creek, so much so that the Chinese store has had to close. This tells its own tale about the easy ground being worked out —John does not care for prospecting or spending much money in getting gold. Individual cases of success are getting rare, but a few parties of Europeans have claims which will pay fair wages for many years to come. With regard to the Phoenix Quartz Reef, the extent of new ground opened, the various levels for prospecting and other purposes, have been 609 feet; the reproductive expenditure on lodes being 400 feet, crop-drivings, risings, and sinkings, amounting to 209 feet. The quantity of quartz raised for crushing 1,200 tons, producing 262 oz. 18 dwt. of gold, or an average of 4 dwt. 9 gr. per ton. The subdivisions of this quantity in the several crushings vary in yield from 2 dwt. to 12 dwt. per ton. The size of lode from which the bulk of quartz was taken is 12 feet wide, with well-defined walls, principal gold-bearing vein on the south side of foot wall. The present cost of raising quartz, including material, is 7s. 3d. per ton; spalling and trucking to battery, 3s. Id. ; crushing, including management, smith, wear and tear, and timber used on works is 3s. 8-gd.; total cost, 14s. Oid., or about 3 dwt. 20 grains per ton of quartz. Alterations are now being made to increase power of battery for the working of twenty-five heads of stampers, which will considerably reduce the price of crushing on which this report is based—lso tons per week. The process of crushing and amalgamating are quite separate. The screens are of 290 holes per square inch, and to be further increased to 400. The pyrites are collected for the purpose of calcination, then reduced by arastra. The average fineness of gold is '9250. The following is a short account of what has been done in the Cornish and Nugget reef since April, 1877: —The main level driven 80 feet on the line of reef; a portion of the reef stouped for a distance of 70 feet in length and 15 feet high ; length of level altogether, 769 feet; distance from main level to level in the old workings, 203 feet in the underlay of the reef; a paddock made to hold over 200 tons of quartz; tramway constructed to connect the main level with the battery ; battery rc-erecteel with new framing, new stamper-boxes, self-feeding gear, and a portion of gearing new ; increased the pressure from 135 feet to 150 feet, to drive the battery. Kingston. —Tliis portion of my district is quite out of the influence of gold-mining. Its popula-

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tion hitherto has been made up of farmers and runholders. It is growing up into importance owing to the extension of the railway and settlement on the agricultural blocks. Having recommended the Government to open up another block of 3,000 acres I hope to be able to report more favourably on this division in another year. The system of proclaiming blocks divided into sections of 320 acres is already proving itself to be one of the wisest provisions for settlement ever yet introduced in New Zealand. Last year the trains from Invercargill came to within 3G miles of Kingston, in January last to within 18 miles, and now, while lam writing, to within 10 miles. The completion of the railway to Lake Wakatipu, it is anticipated, will be accomplished in June next. Agricultural industry during the past year has taken a decided turn for the better, when compared with the two preceding years. Those farmers who were fortunate enough to hold any considerable quantity of grain from the harvests of 1876-77 realized handsome prices, while cattle cammanded a good figure. "Wool has not been quite so satisfactory, as the market has been anything but steady. Still in few cases have the growers had any serious grounds for complaint. One grave error our farmers make is pursuing the practice of cropping beyond the first remove from the merino, the result being a coarse, kempy, tender wool, by no means a favourite with the wool buyers. Were they to content themselves with one crop from a choice long-woollcd ram and ordinary merino ewes carefully selected they would be enabled to produce a wool which would command at all times a paying price ; but sheep-keeping in connection with grain-growing is, comparatively speaking, a new industry, arising from the low prices ruling for cereals a few years ago, and in course of time will be followed more systematically than has yet been done here. Pigs at all times are a profitable kind of stock, and most of our farmers have done very well in that line, being able to dispose of all they could spare at from about 5d to 7d. per lb. dead weight. Horse-breeding is by no means what it might, with management, be made, as the rule seems to be to breed from any kind of mare by any kind of horse, without regard to the suitability of either. This year's crops have been very much above the average of past years, fifty bushels and sixty bushels being by no means an extravagant estimate for wheat upon some of our best farms, the yield of oats being proportionately fruitful. Should prices be anything like good our farmers will many of them become to a large extent independent, and those who have not yet bought their farms will now be in a position to do so. Any properties that have changed hands lately have realized good prices, one small farm, in a good situation, going as high as £12 an acre, and considered a safe investment at that. A proof of the favour in which farming is held in this district lies in the eagerness with which the Arrow River and other mining reserves were applied for under section 59 of the Mines Act. When the Crown Terrace is thrown open we may look for a great rush for sections, notwithstanding the difficulties with which settlers will have to contend when compared with those whose holdings are more favourably situated. Rabbits are getting to be a serious nuisance in the pastoral districts, in one instance the carrying capabilities of a run have been reduced to the extent of 10,000 sheep, entirely through their ravages. Scotch thistles also are getting very numerous in some quarters, and for the present at least interfere to a considerable extent with the carrying capacities of the land. Even with the drawbacks I have just mentioned, we may safely place every confidence in the agricultural future of the county, and, were we in possession of more ready means of transit to the seaboard, farming prospects in our midst, thanks to our beautiful climate, would compare very favourably with those of other parts of the colony. The increased area granted to miners for residence and garden has tended very much in increasing settlement. There was but little inducement to remain in one place under the old system of half an acre and compulsory residence; the more liberal rule that extended the limits to one acre, and for cultivation as well as residence, has effected so much good that I would strongly recommend an increase to three acres. Ten per cent, of our population of 4,000 have taken advantage of this boon, and on the sunny slopes of our ranges may be seen pretty gardens well laid oft' with vegetables, bushes, flowers, and trees, the latter so much needed in this otherwise treeless part of New Zealand, the whole surrounded with gorse and quick fences. The fencing in of gardens has brought about a better style of house being built by the mining class, and following this improvement, in many cases, marriage, children, contentment with less returns of gold rather than moving about, and a disposition to settle —a quality so much to be encouraged in this colon)'. Townships. —Great improvements have been made in the several townships of the district since my last report; the primitive wooden structures are being pulled down to make way for stone houses. Building-stone (a kind of rubble) is to be found in large quantities all over the district, and stands exposure to the weather very well. Trees are being planted by the Corporations, and, so far, have withstood the frosts. The provision for making waterworks in the new Municipal Act require amendment, so far as to permit of more liberal interest to the lender than 7 per cent.; this low rate has prevented the Corporations from being able to borrow money to bring in water, so much needed for the public health, and irrigation. Queenstown, as far as regards its population, has arrived at its lowest ebb. There seems to be but one opinion as to its rise again as soon as the Kingston Railway is completed. The departure of Mr. B. Hallenstein, a wealthy landowner and merchant, and the death of Mr. J. W. Robertson, an enterprising merchant, has had a depressing effect on a small town of 600 inhabitants like Queenstown, which will nevertheless rally again, owing to its beauties of scenery and healthy climate, in spite of all the obstacles placed in the way to retard its progress by the resident traders, who, blind to their own interests, persist in keeping up the prices of 1863, or nearly so, for every species of merchandise. The accommodation for tourists, who are on the increase, is excellent, but the charges cause dissatisfaction, and keep travellers away. The same remarks apply to the price of town sections, wages, and everything for which money has to be paid. Probably some lhtnedin and Invercargill people might be induced to build and reside at Queenstown three months in the year, if they could do so at as cheap a rate as they can at their own places, and there is no reason why they should not. Arroictoion has emulated the example of her big sister (Queenstown) but not suffered so much in

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consequence, owing to her enjoying more plentiful resources —farms close at hand, and mining reviving instead of waning. The gold'escort at Arrow being less than that at Queenstown is no criterion of the direction the gold comes from ; it is not an unusual thing to carry gold through one township into another; the reason for such conduct I cannot explain. As a town Arrow is fast developing, as the census returns fully prove. (On Cardrona and Pembroke I have aleady reported.) There are about 400 Chinese in the district, and of these about twelve speak English (six of the latter fairly). The want of an independent paid interpreter is much felt. The Government, or perhaps I should say, the county, is losing considerable revenue through this want, and in the Courts it is very difficult to administer justice among men whose language tho Magistrate does not understand, and wdio has no medium of communication paid to be honest; £150 a year would supply this want. Laivs. —The long-looked for Consolidated Act for the gold-fields has been prematurely born ; its clothes are scarcely made yet, and many of them do not fit. The imperfections are numerous, and in some cases serious. The entire population of this district, amounting to 3,530, is made up as follows : —-Males, 2,361; females, 1,169; of these there are 17 half-castes and 416 Chinese. There are 1,144 houses. The escort returns show an export of gold amounting to 15,666 oz., value £58,765. There have been 77 mining disputes heard. The total amount of revenue from all sources received through this department is £12,928. Statistical returns are appended. I have, &c, H. A. Stratford, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, AVellington. Warden.

No. 13. Mr. AVarden Simpson to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Sir,— AVarden's Office, Clyde, 18th May, 1878. I have the honor to hand you the statistical returns of the Dunstan District of the Otago Gold Fields for the year ended 31st March, 1878. Of the district generally I have to report that it shows, when compared with last year, marked signs of prosperity. The number of miners in the district I find to be about 1,849, or one half of the total male population according to the last census taken. This is almost tho same as last year. The following statement shows a considerable increase in the yield of gold for the year: — Oz. The yield for 1876-77 ... ... ... ... 34,812 for 1877-78 ... ... ... ... 39,084 Increase for 1877-78 ... ... ... 4,272 This increase has beeu entirely in the yield from the alluvial mines. The yield from alluvial mines for 1876-77 shows ... ... 29,633 „ „ for 1877-78 shows ... ... 35,018 Increase for 1877-78 ... ... ... 5,385 The yield from quartz mines for 1876-77 ... ... ... 5.179 for 1877-78 ... ... ... 4, 06 Decrease for 1877-78 ... ... ... 1,113 The increase in the yield from alluvial workings is not due to any new discovery, but to a plentiful supply of water during the greater portion of the season, and for many years to come the supply of water will regulate the yield, for there is no lack of gold deposits payable with a plentiful supply of water judiciously applied. The principal alluvial mines in this district still continue to be at Tinker's, in the Black's Division, and Bannockburn, in the Cromwell. At this latter place the miners have benefited much by the supply of water brought in by the Carrick Range AVater Supply Company's race, which may almost be called a Government work, aided as it was so largely by Government. This race is realizing much of what was expected of it. It has been the means of retaining many of the miners in the district, and, had it not been for the amount required to keep it in repair, being its first season, and the erection of aresorvoir, financially it would have realized all that was expected of it. There is another work in that locality, the construction of which is being aided by public money, which is beginning to show its utility —that is, the construction of a main channel up Pipeclay Gully. This gully had become choked by the discharge of tailings into it, and the miners, who had sought government aid in vain, brought the matter before the Vincent County Couucil, who in their wisdom resolved to give £1 for £1 expended. A company took the matter up, and commenced the work, and their efforts are already beginning to show good results, for several of the claims that were locked up can now be worked. As a speculation it is likely to be a success also ;at any rate, it looks very like it, as in a neighbouring gully, called Smith's, where a similar discharge of tailings is carried on, a private company, without any aid, have started to construct a similar channel. I have made special mention of those cases where aid has been given, with a view to show that it is possible for public money to be expended with good results in the development of gold-miuing, and not to be, as it is too often characterized, a throwing of money into the sea. The two last-mentioned cases also show that the time has come for the systematic working of the tailings from sluicing claims. But, while Tinkers' and Bannockburns' are the principal alluvial diggings, those are not the only places which show an increase in the yield. Alexandra and Teviot also do, particularly the latter, which rather surprises me, as the Molyneux River, on which most of the workings are situated, has been in a state of flood almost the whole of the season, and prevented very profitable work.

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The quartz-mining in this district has rather retrograded during the year, and will, I think, continue to do so until miners direct their energies to prospect for the main reefs on the tops of the ranges, instead of the slopes and spurs of those ranges, with which they have been satisfied up to the present, particularly on the Carrick Range. The Cromwell Reef, at Bendigo, and the Star of the East, at Carrick, are the only two that have given any yield during the year. Some four months ago a new reef was discovered on the top of what is known as " the Old Man Range," at the head of the Fraser River, in which considerable confidence is expressed, as it presents all the features of a main reef. The inclement weather, however, put a stop to the works before much had been done. I have no doubt that the recent reduction in the rents for gold-mining leases will, with the other advantages offered by the new regulations, tend to the development of the mines, and particularly the quartz mines, in this district, when more generally known. With this in view, it is to be regretted that the regulations have not been issued in a less confused form. Settlement. In this district during the year a marked advance has been made. Compared with last year the area taken up is nearly three times as large, and the number of lessees more than doubled. The great thirst for land has spread to the gold fields, and it is only to be regretted that all the land suitable for settlement cannot be more readily thrown open while the desire to settle on it exists. There were about 11,000 acres thrown open during the year, 7,000 in the Cromwell District and 4,000 in the Teviot, and of that area there only remains about 1,500 acres not taken up. During 1876-77, thirty-three lessees, &c, took up 4,409 acres. During 1877-78, seventy-seven lessees, &c, took up 11,920 acres. Total acreage under agricultural lease in Acres. Lessees. Annual Bent, district at present is ... ... 19,195 149 £2,320 12 6 Total acreage under licenses and leases of Land Acts ... ... ... 9,927 102 1,391 12 0 Total ... ... 29,122 251 £3,712 4 6 Of the land held under agricultural lease and deferred-payment license aud lease, there have been 3,716 acres acquired in freehold during the year. I think a great stimulus has been given to the taking up of land in this district by the increase the Legislature wisely saw fit to make in the area allowed to be taken up by one individual from 200 acres to 320 acres, and so far as the land in this district is concerned I do not consider that even 320 acres are sufficient. A number of applications have been made to me, under the 59th section of the Mines Act, to take up land on what are known as the mining reserves, but unfortunately, by reason of some technical, difficulties, I have not been able to have them dealt with yet. This section of the Act, when ouce fairly in operation, will be found most useful, enabling, as it will, large tracts of land to be utilized, both in a revenue and agricultural point of view, that otherwise would remain shut up for ever on, I am afraid, in many cases, very insufficient reasons. I have, &c, W. Lawrence Simpson, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, Wellington. AVarden.

No. 14. Mr. AVarden Carew to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Sir, — Warden's Office, Lawrence, 25th May, 1878. I have the honor to forward herewith the annual statistics for the Tuapeka Gold Fields District, and to make the following report:— Population. —The European mining population remains about the same as last year, and I estimate the number at 450. The Chinese miners have increased from 450, the estimate of last year, to 650, the present estimate. Many miners, especially Chinese, employ themselves at harvesting, and other agricultural occupations, as well as at mining, usually taking such work when high prices are offered, and returning again to mining when wages fall, and employment becomes scarce. Gold. —l estimate the produce of gold for the year at 27,260 ounces, which I believe to be correct, but as the Government do not now run the escort, there are no official records to check calculations by, as in former years. The increase over last year is 1,100 ounces. Mining. —There have been no new discoveries during the year of much importance, but great success in working the Blue Spur has directed attention to the Cement Hill, at AVetherstone's, a similar formation to the Blue Spur. The hill has long been known to be auriferous, and has been worked to some extent by sluicing. It has been demonstrated at the Spur that where cement or conglomerate can be obtained in large quantities the gold can be extracted so cheaply and expeditiously that a very small quantity of gold per ton will be remunerative, and I have it on good authority that, in localities favourable for working, a single pennyweight of gold to a cubic yard of conglomerate will leave a handsome margin of profit. These facts, together with encouraging prospects obtained in the claims first taken up, have led to the occupation of about forty acres of the hill, and I am informed that arrangements have been entered into for the erection of the first battery of stamps, to be driven by water-power. The success of this enterprise would be of very great importance to the district, for the reason, as I have mentioned in former reports, that there is a considerable extent of country of similar formation extending in a southerly direction to the sea coast. The Blue Spur has yielded a very large quantity of gold for the year —I believe more than any preceding year. The claims in this wonderful hill have been worked for the past fifteen years, and it seems they are not yet half

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exhausted. Two of tho claims were first sluiced from the surface downwards 10 to 30 feet, until no sufficient slope could be obtained to carry oft' the tailings; then, by means of shafts and drives, the lowest strata of 6or 8 feet were tunnelled out and passed through crushing-mills. All this work has been profitable, and now the whole of the remaining drift, from top to bottom (60 to 80 feet), is being excavated in a face, and crushed with, I am informed, satisfactory results ; and it seems to be certain that, before the miners have done with it, what was ou^e a precipitous hill will become a deep lake. Waipori, AVaitahuna, and other outlying places, maintain about the usual number of miners. The average earnings have, I believe, decreased; but the cheapening of food by railway facilities and other causes are a good set-off to the reduction of earnings. In quartz-mining, from time to time, reports are rife and expectations high regarding tho value of new discoveries; but I know of only one reef—that of the Nil Desperandum Company, at Waipori —that appears to be profitably worked. The AVaipori Company and the Table-hill Company have both suspended operations, but I trust they have sufficient confidence in their properties to resume work before long. A prospecting company has been organized to continue prospecting Clarke's Hill, in which some splendid patches of gold were discovered some years ago; and I have great hopes that further prospecting through the district will lead to some satisfactory results in this branch of goldmining. Agricultural Settlement. —The occupation of land by purchase and leasing has continued to progress, and there is now very little Crown land in the district, except what is required for mining purposes and reserves. There have been issued during the year 18 agricultural leases for 2,302 acres, 20 exchange leases for 1,578 acres, and 23 deferred-payment licenses for 4,067 acres. There are now current 275 agricultural leases, 130 exchange leases, and 143 deferred-payment licenses and leases held in this district, comprising altogether an area of 55,370 acres. Revenue. —The gold fields revenue, and rents under agricultural and deferred-payment leases for the year ending 31st March last amounted to £9,682 os. 7d., and the fees and fines in the Resident Magistrate's and Licensing Courts to £325 3s. 7d.; in all £10,007 4s. 2d., the largest sum reached in any one year. Courts. —The cases decided in the Resident Magistrate's Court numbered 398, and in the Warden's Court 104 cases and 365 applications were dealt with. I have, &c, E. H. Carew, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, Wellington. AVarden.

No. 15. Mr. Warden Maitland to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Sir,— Warden's Office, Dunedin, 13th July, 1878. I have the honor to forward the accompanying statistical returns relating to the Hindon Mining District for the year ending 31st March, 1878, and in doing so I beg to state that the information they contain should only be regarded as approximately reliable, inasmuch as it has been gathered chiefly from papers in the office, and persons but partially acquainted with the district. The mining operations during the year have not been of such a character as to necessitate a visit to the locality; but I hope when the time arrives for making out the next annual report that I shall be in a position to afford more valuable and definite information, based upon personal observation. The only change in the development of the gold field has been the prospecting of some apparently well-defined quartz reefs in the vicinity of Mullocky Gully. Several parties have taken up mining lease areas there, which await survey before tho applications are finally dealt with. It is the intention of one of the parties to erect machinery for thoroughly testing the stone, from a trial crushing of which a very fair prospect has already been obtained. Judging by reports that have reached me from time to time, I have reason to believe that ere long one or more of the reefs now known to be auriferous will prove payably so. The agricultural leases returned last year by my predecessor as in force at the 31st March, 1877, have since been purchased. I have, &c, J. P. Maitland, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, AVellington. Warden.

No. 16. Mr. Warden AVood to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Sir, — Switzers, sth June, 1878. I have the honor to forward the statistical returns for the past year of the district under my charge. I cannot report any improvement in the Switzers Division, nor do I look for any till the land (20,000 acres —an education reserve) which it is proposed to throw open for settlement on deferred payments so dealt with. There is no perceptible difference in the other portions of the district. The Orepuki Gold Field, on the western slope of the Longwood Range, maintains its character as a good payable field for a limited population, in consequence of the small supply of water obtainable. As I reported last year, prospecting for quartz reefs was being prosecuted on the eastern side of the Longwoods, and in April last Patrick and Morgan Hayes, who have been prospecting off and on for the last eight or nine years, discovered a well-defined reef running North-west and South-East,

29

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which promises to be rich. At a depth of, say, 30 feet from the surface, it is 2 feet thick, a decomposed or rotten quartz. The stone showed to me as taken out at this depth was very rich. This discovery has caused a good deal of prospecting, and also speculation, and two other auriferous reefs have been reported. There have been 34 leases applied for up to tho present time. Of course it is premature to venture an opinion on what the field will turn our, bnt I do not anticipate it will bo very extensive, though doubtless there will be some very rich claims; 8 leases only have yet been heard, and, with the exception of the prospector's, have been granted on the following terms'—viz., for each 1,000 feet along tho line of reef, 4 men to be employed the first 6 months, afterwards not less than 10 men, or 1 man for each 100 feet. I was there during tho last month, and shall proceed there again next week, as I hope by that time that the majority of the leases will be surveyed. I have, <fee, John Nuoest Wood, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, Wellington. Warden.

WEST WANGANUI GOLD FIELD. No. 17. Mr. Warden Mackay to the Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Sir, — Native Reserves Office, Nelson, 2nd August, 1878. I have the honor to forward, more for your information than for publication, a general report upon the West Wanganui Gold Field. This field comprises a block of laud estimated to contain about 105,000 acres, and was excepted from sale by the Native owners at the final cession of their claims to the surrounding territory to the Government in 1856. The boundaries of tho district commence at AVest AVanganui Inlet and terminate at Kauranga Point, the AVakamarama Range forming the eastern boundary. Gold was first discovered on the land in the summer of 1862, and mining operations have been carried on since that period with more or less success. An arrangement was made with the Native owners to permit mining on the property, conditionally that all persons mining thereon should pay an annual license fee of £1. At one time a large population were occupied there in mining pursuits, but, owing to the want of available tracks, combined with the difficulty of obtaining provisions, the field was gradually abandoned, although the majority of individuals who had worked there were confident that, if greater facilities were afforded for developing the country, the apparent auriferous character of the district warranted the impression that much better results could be obtained. For several years after the discovery of gold at West AVanganui mining operations were carried on under the arrangement with the Native owners, but on the discovery of gold-bearing reefs it became necessary to have the land proclaimed a gold field under clause 3 of "The Gold Fields Act Amendment Act, 1868," to provide the necessary machinery for administering gold-mining questions, as well as to facilitate the issue of mineral leases as an encouragement to embark in schemes requiring the outlay of large capital. The field was accordingly proclaimed under the aforesaid Act in October, 1873, vide New Zealand Gazette, No. 61, of that year. I enclose a plan of the Golden Bay Gold Fields, showing tho position of the Native land at West AVanganui, by which it will be seen that the major part of the territory is included within the boundary of that field. But this position of affairs did not assist matters, as far as regards the administration of mining business on the Native land, as the property in question had not been ceded to the Crown, aud the action of tho Superintendent in including it within the adjacent gold field was ultra vires. Moreover, supposing that this obstacle had not existed, the land in question, being the property of the Natives, was in the same position as private lands under similar circumstances; and, although clause 94 of " The Gold Fields Act, 1866," empowered the AVarden of any field within which private lands were situated to hear and determine cases of dispute amongst persons mining on such property with the consent of the owner, there was no provision in the Act for the issue of either miners' rights or mineral leases to meet the special requirements of the case iv point, which could only be done by bringing the land under the operations of" The Golds Fields Act Amendment Act, 1868." There is only one party, the Goldeu Ridge Quartz-mining Company, at work at present on the field; for, although there is plenty of scope for others in the vicinity of the company's leasehold, with a like prospect of success, the expense of getting machinery on the ground, combined with other difficulties that have to be contended with, has deterred other persons from embarkiug capital to test the value of the adjacent claims. The Golden Ridge Company has been at work about three years, and during that time has obtained about £8,000 worth of gold out of their leasehold, chiefly from the outcrop, the bulk of their claim being still untouched, and all the indications tend to show that tho portion yet remaining is likely to prove richer than that which has been disturbed. The machinery in use on the claim is a 5-stamper battery, driven by water-power, and the company had it in contemplation at their last meeting to add five additional stampers ; but the expense of getting the necessary appliances delivered on the ground has deterred them from carrying out the intention at present. The number of tons of cement crushed by the company during the six months ended 31st December, 1877, was 1,700, and the yield of gold produced was 479 oz. 13 dwt., giving an average of 5J dwt. to the ton. 4—H. 4.

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Another company is about erecting a 5-stamper battery at a reef about five miles distant from the Golden Ridge, with every appearance that the enterprise will ultimately prove a financial success. A company formed in Wellington are now working a seam of coal situate on the Native land on the western shore of the inlet. The seam is about 5 feet 0 inches thick, with a tendency to increase, and the coal is of excellent quality for household purposes. A small annual supply has been obtained from the district and sold in the Nelson market for many years past; but it is only now that any practical attempt has been made to develop the seam, and the present company have succeeded m proving beyond doubt that an extensive coal field exists in the locality, capable of supplying to a considerable extent the whole colony with a first-class household coal. Coal abounds in other parts of the district, chiefly in inaccessible localities. The total population of the district on the 3rd March last was 31. I enclose herewith the statistical returns in accordance with your circular letter No. 217, of the 14th June. I have, &c, Alexander Mackay, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields, Wellington. AVarden.

11.—4.

No. 1. STATEMENT showing the REVENUE of the GOLD FIELDS collected in the several Districts, and the GOLD DUTY of the COLONY of NEW ZEALAND, for the period from 1st JANUARY to 31st DECEMBER, 1877.

31

PROVINCIAL DISTRICT OF AUCKLAND. Miners' Rights. Business Licenses. Water-races, Sluices, &c. Gold-milling Leases, Rents, and Royalties. Registration. Fees and Fines, Wardens' Courts. Survey Fees. Depasturing Licenses and Timber and other Licenses. Miscellaneous. Totals. Assessments. £ s. d. 1,090 0 0 199 13 4 92 10 0 £ B. d. £ s. d. 18 0 0 £ s. d. 1,420 16 9 201 18 7 828 G 0 £ s. d. 54 17 6 9 7 6 9 12 6 £ s. cl. 3G 17 0 30 2 0 110 £ s. d. 71 0 0 £ s. a. 136 13 8 19 13 0 123 10 0 £ n. cl. 2,814 18 11 4G6 14 5 1,062 19 6 Gbahamstown coeomandel OlIlXEJIUEI ... £ s. d. 8 19 0 £ s. d. 1 15 0 8 0 0 ... 1,382 3 4 1 15 0 71 0 0 279 16 8 4,374 12 10 26 0 0 2,457 1 4 73 17 6 74 0 0 8 19 0 Gold duty reci ■ived in the provincial district during the year, £9,484 7s. Id. PROVINCIAL DISTRICT OF NELSON. COLLIXGAVOOD WESTrOET ASD CHABLESTON ... C'OBBEN Ahauea Reefton Wakgapeka West Waxgakui Lyell No To*sr ... 117 18 6 441 0 0 124 0 0 382 0 0 236 0 0 102 0 0 3 19 6 186 18 0 179 0 0 5 0 0 35 0 0 COO 284 19 0 514 0 0 27 l'J 0 i 4 6 0 13 3 6 5 3 0 5 9 6 6 12 0] 10 8 0 36 18 0 20 11 0 142 9 0 222 13 6 50 11 3 31 17 6 52 6 3 17 0 0 10 16 6 130 18 0 110 0 24 9 10 23 10 0 3 7 0 0 9 0 9 15 3 9 13 6 1 8 (i 18 10 0 2 12- 0 1 18 0 7 9 0 3 19 6 8 4 0 77 18 0 34 0 6 56 9 0 40 "lO 0 0 5 9 56 3 6 4 10 0 3 18 6 30 10 G 9 3 0 145 16 9 864 16 6 178 19 0 880 18 4 1,095 15 0 165 1 3 36 6 0 397 14 0 319 16 0 40 4 0 99 0 0 88" 4 6 10 17 0 0 0 6 1,772 16 0 984 3 0 02 13 0 | 590 14 6 223 19 1 41 0 6 256 12 0 40 10 0 115 14 9 4,091 2 10 Gold duty received in the provincial district during the year, £l :,287 Gs. 3d. PROVINCIAL DISTRICT OF MARLKOROUG1 IlAVELOCK ... ... | J ■ 58 0 0 8 0 0 0 5 0 5 7 6 0 10 0 4 1 G 7ti 4 0 Gold duty received in the provincial district during the year, Nil,

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No. 1— continued. STATEMENT showing the Revenue of the Gold Fields collected in the several Districts, and the Gold Duty of the Colony of New Zealand, for the period from 1st January to 31st Decembeb, 1877. PROVINCIAL DISTRICT OF WESTLAND. Miners' Rights. Business Licenses. Water-races, Sluices, &c. Gold-mining Leases, Rents, and Royalties. Registration. Fees and Fines, Wardens' Courts. Survey Fees. Depasturing Licenses and Assessments. Timber and other Licenses. Miscellaneous. Totals. Hokitika ... Kanieri g reymou tti... Ross Stafford Okarito Greenstone Maori Gully Clifton Kumara Jackson's Bay goi.dsuorough £ s. d. 43 0 0 261 0 0 257 0 0 221 0 0 241 0 0 36 0 0 422 0 0 168 0 0 229 0 0 1,227 0 0 4 0 0 191 0 0 £ s. d. 3 5 0 39 0 0 53 0 0 284 0 0 31 0 0 35 0 0 143 0 0 19 0 0 £ 9. d. 26 15 0 68 5 0 14 0 0 43 1" 0 £ s. d. 1 4 0 10 0 0 £ s. d. 28 14 6 41 18 6 15 1 0 19 15 6 17 0 24 14 0 £ s. d. 5 19 0 6 15 0 7 12 0 16 3 0 £ a. d. 3 "o 0 16 0 0 9 0 0 £ a. d. ... £ s. d. £ s. d. 0 10 3 3 6 j 2 6 0 I 18 0 1 4 0 0 10 0 2 0 7 16 0 10 £ s. d. 46 6 0 364 8 6 431 6 0 569 19 0 360 8 6 73 15 0 652 8 0 188 10 0 236 19 0 2,153 2 0 4 11 0 259 16 0 27 10 0 34 0 0 19 0 7 17 0 64 11 0 ... 814 "o 0 10 15 0 29 14 6 0 10 0 20 2 0 5 "o 0 39 5 0 4 9 0 ... ... 3,300 0 0 1,426 5 0 230 0 0 11 4 0 181 17 0 148 15 0 28 0 0 15 8 0 5,341 9 0 Gold duty received in the provincial district during the year, £9,510 Os. 8d. PROVINCIAL DISTRICT OF OTAGO. DUNEDIN Naseby Black's and St. Bathans Manvherikia Clyde Mount Benger Cromwell ... q.ueenstown AliRO WTOWN Lawrence ... Switzers Orefuki 53 0 0 908 0 0 157 0 0 99 0 0 110 0 0 237 0 0 659 0 0 338 0 0 362 0 0 786 0 0 402 17 0 182 0 0 136 0 0 41 0 0 8 0 0 15 0 0 23 0 0 202 0 0 57 0 0 49 0 0 129 0 0 100 0 0 21 0 0 15 0 46 2 6 8 7 6 5 0 0 5 17 6 8 15 0 22 12 6 34 9 2 16 17 6 20 15 0 11 10 0 9 5 0 647' 6 7 6" 5 0 100 1 10 21 5 0 975 14 11 559 14 2 302 8 2 176 15 2 10 0 70 2 6 12 17 6 5 17 6 2 12 6 9 2 6 52 12 6 20 10 0 24 17 6 18 17 6 21 0 6 10 12 6 66 14 G 6 9 0 3 7 0 4 0 0 2 18 0 13 18 6 27 7 0 22 0 0 55 5 0 3 6 6 4 7 0 ... ... 0 12 6 2 0 6 2 0 0 0 10 10 0 6 10 2 0 0 218 7 6 18 0 20 4 4 7 10 55 17 6 1,876 6 7 227 14 0 127 10 6 138 10 0 386 18 4 973 8 6 1,741 8 7 1,035 17 2 1,332 17 0 722 10 2 227 4 6 70 0 0 o" 7 0 ... 4,293 17 0 781 0 0 70 7 0 I 260 15 10 190 16 8 2,789 10 10 250 3 0 209 12 6 ... 8,846 2 10 Gold duty received in the provincial district during the year, £11,316 17s. 9d. C. T. Baton, Receiver-General.

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No. 2. STATEMENT showing the REVENUE of the GOLD FIELDS collected in the several Districts, and the GOLD DUTY of the COLONY of NEW ZEALAND for the period from 1st JANUARY to 31st MARCH 1878.

PROVINCIAL DISTRICT OF MARLBOROUGH.

PROVINCIAL DISTRICT OF NELSON.

PROVINCIAL DISTRICT OF AUCKLAND. fiiiners' Eights. Business Licenses. Water-races, Sluices, &c. Gold-mining Leases, Rents, and Royalties. Registration. Fees, and Fines, Wardens' Courts. Survey Fees. Depasturing Licenses and Assessments. Timber and other Licenses. Miscellaneous. Totals. £ s. d. 228 0 0 19 0 0 14 0 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. a. 215 14 0 306 14 1 54 10 0 £ a. d. 13 14 0 110 £ s. d. 28 19 6 4 5 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 5 0 0 £ s. d. 9 14 6 11 7 6 £ s. d. 501 2 0 347 7 7 68 10 0 Grahamstcwk COEOMANDEl Ohinemctu ... 5 0 0 261 0 0 5 0 0 33 4 6 5 0 0 21 2 0 916 19 7 ... 576 18 1 14 15 0 Gold duty received in the provincial district during the quarter, £1,544 129. 2d.

Collingwood Westpoet and Charleston ... Cobden Ahauha Reefton Wangapeka West Wanganui Lyell No Town ... 21 19 6 109 0 0 39 0 0 78 0 0 66 0 0 15 0 0 4 0 6 61 0 0 33 0 0 8"o 0 60 0 0 210 0 0 0 5 0 4 8 0 110 2 7 0 0 19 0 2 10 0 699 9 3 18 10 0 44 9 0 793 15 0 1 7 6 13 11 0 1 11 6 3 19 6 1 19 0 10 0 0 5 0 2 3 0 0 19 6 10 0 12 0 5 12 0 73 6 4 ... 60 13 3 0 2 6 0 5 0 2 6 0 0 10 86 15 3 835 10 9 61 9 6 196 13 6 1,146 0 4 16 0 0 12 5 6 84 6 0 83 17 6 8 0 0 0 10 ... ... ... 17 0 0 48 0 0 1 "7 6 14 0 2 "*8 0 0 13 0 j ::: 0 "g 6 0 10 427 0 0 84 1 4 i , 343 0 0 11 11 6 1,566 14 3 26 16 0 ... 63 15 3 2,522 18 4 Gold dut received in the irovincial district durini the [uarter, £1,845 9s. lOd.

Havelock ... 31 0 0 5 0 0 i 0 10 0 67 11 4 0 12 6 13 6 105 17 4 I Gold duty received in the provincial district during the quarter, nil.

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No. 2— continued. STATEMENT showing tho Revenue of the Gold Fields collected in the several District from 1st January to 31st Ma ;s, and the Gold Duty of the ColOny of New Zealand, for the perio' bch, 1878. PROVINCIAL DISTRICT OF WR ESTLAND. Miners' Rights. Business Licenses. Water-races. Sluices, &c. Gold-mining Leases, Rents, and Royalties. Registration. Fees and Fines, Wardens' Courts. Survey Fees. Depasturing Licenses and Assessments. Timber and other Licenses. Miscellaneous. Totals. Hokitika ... Kanieri GREYMOUMt Ross Stafford Okarito Greenstone Maori Gully Clifton Kumara Jackson's Bay goldsborough £ s. d. 17 0 0 55 0 0 64 0 0 57 0 0 30 0 0 3 3 6 46 0 0 44 0 0 80 0 0 165 0 0 £ s. d. 3 0 0 13 0 0 16 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 5 0 0 12 0 0 3 0 0 £ s. A, 5 15 0 11 15 0 9 6 0 6 5 0 £ s. d. 276 12 6 306 17 0 15 7 6 £ s. d. 3 11 0 9 4 0 4 13 0 2 9 6 £ s. d. 11 0 4 4 0 2 19 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. ... £ s. d. £ s. d. 0 10 10 0 0 2 0 £ s. d. 20 0 0 78 8 0 382 15 6 381 18 0 60 1 0 8 3 6 74 14 6 49 10 0 80 8 0 337 18 6 i 3 15 0 3 6 6 9 12 0 2 10 0 0 8 0 3 13 0 ... ... 0 10 165' 0 0 15 0 2 11 0 0 9 6 88 0 0 ■ 3 0 0 13 "l5 0 5 14 6 0 15 0 111 4 G ... ... ... 649 a 6 I 227 0 0 1,585 1 6 51 16 0 598 17 0 31 9 6 25 2 0 1 13 6 Gold duty received in the provincial district during the quarter, £2,854 19s. 5d. PROVINCIAL DISTRICT OF OTAGO. Dunedin Naseby Blacks Manuhehikia Clyde Mount Benger Cromwell ... queenstown Arrowtown Lawrence ... Switzers Orepuki 6 0 0 207 0 0 36 0 0 11 0 0 32 0 0 45 0 0 129 0 0 52 10 0 73 0 0 123 0 0 37 19 G 106 0 0 5 0 0 13 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 6 0 0 53 0 0 5 0 0 15 0 0 30 0 0 31 0 0 11 0 0 6 0 0 0 16 6 0 15 0 1 14 6 2 3 6 3 2 6 3 7 G 4 12 6 3 7 6 0 9 6 3 18 0 243 6 3 212 7 4 235 0 0 485 1 6 135 8 4 32 10 0 8 0 0 1 12 0 0 9 6 0 6 0 2 7 6 4 18 6 3 0 0 3 9 6 3 2 6 0 14 0 14 0 5 2 0 2 16 7 9 6 3 4 0 2 13 0 14 0 12 IG 0 4 10 0 4 2 0 G 7 0 o"2 0 0 8 0 2 5 0 0 14 0 0 10 0 10 11 0 0 482 8 3 45 10 0 17 4 6 47 12 0 265 2 4 428 2 0 552 8 0 245 0 4 196 11 0 74 6 0 128 9 0 30 7 0 858 9 6 179 0 0 1,343 13 5 29 3 G 49 9 0 3 11 0 2,493 13 5 Gold duty received in the provincial district during the quarter, £3,868 8s. 2d. C. T. Batkin, Receiver-General.

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No. 3. COMPARATIVE RETURN of REVENUE derived from the GOLD FIELDS in the several PROVINCES of NEW ZEALAND, during the YEARS 1876 and 1877, showing INCREASE or DECREASE under each Head of Revenue.

Auckland. Nelson. Marlborough. Westland. Otago. Heads of Revenue. 1876. 1877. ... O H 6 fi 1876. 1877. OS o tn fi 1876.1 18771 VI a CD ttl a q_ fi 1876. 1877. VI E 0_ u CD 1876. 1877. o_ fi 1 i fi 1 I I I £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Miners' Rights ... . . 1,049 1,382 333 1,875 1,773 102 . 58 3 3,852 3,300 552 3,690 4,294 604 Business Licenses 865 984 119 8 8 1,090 1,426 336 878 781 97 Water-races, Sluices, &c. ... 106 26 80 65 G3 2 ... 260 230 ... j 30 154 191 37 Gold-mining Leases, Bents, and Royalties 3,497 2,457 1,040 3,790 591 ( 3,199 1G5 11 154 16,641 2,789 13,852 Registration 115 74 41 189 224 35 I 6 5 1 188 182 6 290 250 40 Fees and Fines, Wardens' Courts ... 82 74 8 72 44 28 1 1 192 149 43 298 210 I S8 i Survey Fees 4 9 5 909 256 653 150 28 122 235 235 Depasturing Licenses and Assessments 29 2 27 40 40 1,194 70 I 1,124 Timber and other Licenses 137 71 66 ! I ... \ "' I Withdrawals of Leases ... 4 4 15 15 Miscellaneous 490 280 210 288 116 172 i 5 4 1 59 15 44 5,236 261 4,975 Gold Duty 5,775 9,484 3,709 ... 7,753 ! 6,287 I 1,466 j I 45 45 5,548 9,510 3,962 11,848 11,316 532 Totals.., ! i Net 2,575 Net 5,432 I I Net 57 Net 3,347 Net 20,302 11,284 13,859 15,810 10,378 133 76 11,504 14,851 40,464 20,162 Note. —The decrease in the gold revenue as above shown is mai £18,245. This decrease is, however, only apparent, and is owing to was the practice, prior to the 1st January, 1877, to classify as gold i statements. nly accoi ;he circu ields rev unted for by an .instance (licit t' enue), were cc , apparent falling off in the item be rent? received from land on tl instituted land revenue by " Thi "Leases, Rents, and Royalti ic gold fields held under lease i Financial Arrangements Act. ies," which item shows ) for agricultural or goh :, 1876," and, as a com , in the aggregate, a decrease o' 1-mining purposes (which rents it sequence, are excluded from these c. T. Batkin, Receiver- General.

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No. 4. COMPARATIVE RETURN of the TOTAL AMOUNTS of GOLD FIELDS REVENUE (exclusive of Gold Duty) collected in the several Districts during the YEARS 1876 and 1877, and the QUARTERS ending 31st MARCH, 1877 and 1878, showing the INCREASE or DECREASE in respect of each District.

36

Provincial District. District. 1876. 1877. Increase. Decrease. .UCKLAND .BLSON... [arlborough Westland Grahamstown Coromandel Ohinemuri ... Collingwood Westport, Charleston, & Brighton Cobden Ahaura Reefton Wangapeka West Wanganui Lyell No Town ... Havelock Hokitika Kanieri Greymouth... Ross Stafford ... Okarito Greenstone... Maori Gully Clifton Kumara Jackson's Bay Goldsborough Dunedin N'jseby Blacks and St. Bathan's Manuhcrikia Clyde Mount Benger Cromwell ... Qeeenstown Arrowtown ... Lawrence ... Switzers Orepuki Total ... Deduct increase £ 2,892 941 1,676 347 1,900 366 1,757 2,306 134 53 733 462 87 165 548 550 595 2,393 126 591 253 345 351 38 £ 2,845 467 1,063 14G 8G5 179 887 1,096 165 36 398 320 76 46 364 431 570 361 74 G52 189 237 2,153 5 260 56 1,876 228 127 138 387 973 1,741 1,036 1,333 723 227 £ 31 £ 47 474, 613 201 1,035 187 870 1,210 17 335 142 11 119 184 119 25 2,032 52 61 64 108 1,802 33 1 333 1,055 157 148 1,195 1,235 453 6,344 616 7,405 795 36 260 •TAGO ... 389 2,931 385 275 1,333 1,622 1,426 8,085 1,652 8,738 1,518 263 48,226 22,730 2,154 27,650 2,154 Net decrease* 25,496 1st Janu. .hy to 31st Mabch, 1877. 1878. .UCKLAND ELSON... [arlborough ... Pestland Grahamstown Coromandel Ohinemuri ... Collingwood Westport, Brighton, & Charleston Cobden Aliaura Reefton Wangapeka West Wanganui No Town ... Lyell Havelock Hokitika Kanieri Greymouth... Ross Stafford Okarito !.. Greenstone... Maori Gully Clifton Kumara Jackson's Bay Goldsborough Dunedin Naseby Blacks and St. Bathan's Manulierikia Clyde Mount Benger Cromwell ... Queenstown Arrovvtown... Lawrence ... Switzers Orepuki Total ... Deduct increase 352 92 410 61 424 69 323 568 121 1 84 131 15 13 80 101 144 129 18 98 33 55 518 2 33 13 1,511 118 48 389 384 356 753 407 2,683 811 59 501 347 69 87 83G 61 197 1.146 ' 16 12 84 84 10G 20 78 383 382 60 8 75 49 81 33S 149 255 26 412 "578 11 "91 7 "282 238 16 26 341 8 126 105 "47 2 69 10 23 180 2 ITAGO ... 111 11 482 46 17 47 265 428 553 245 197 74 128 '"78 2 1,029 72 31 342 119 "72 200 162 2,486 737 '69 11,407 7,624 2,310 6,093 2,310 Net decrease 3,783 * See Note upon Return No. 3. C. T. Batktn, Receiver-General.

37

H—4.

No. 5. RETURN of the QUANTITY and VALUE of GOLD ENTERED for DUTY for EXPORTATION from NEW ZEALAND, during the YEAR ended 31st DECEMBER, 1877.

No. 6. RETURN of the QUANTITY and VALUE of GOLD ENTERED for DUTY for EXPORTATION from NEW ZEALAND, from 1st APRIL, 1857, to 31st MARCH, 1878.

'ot. .IB, Entered for Duty at Produce or TnE Gold Fields in the District op Quantity. Value. Oz. 99,081 £ 403,627 Auckland ... Auckland ?icton Marlborough 870 3,197 Auckland ... kelson Vestport ... Jrey mouth... Nelson ... ,, ,, 602 4,765 9,506 22,008 2,300 18,792 38,061 88,132 ,, ... Westland 36,881 147,288 3-rey mouth ... Hokitika 15,420 26,665 61,596 106,651 ,, STelson Vestport ... Jreymouth... lokitika West Coast 42,085 168,247 ,» 598 9,444 42,818 26,739 2,390 37,777 171,269 106,944 ,, ,, 79,599 318,380 Dunedin -nvercargill... Otago ... 105,082 8,087 422,857 32,484 „ 113,169 455,341 Totals ... 371,685 1,496,080 Note. —In obedience to an Order of the Honorable the Legislative Council, the litherto shown opposite Nelson and Westland, is, from June last, placed under the hi Customs Department, "Wellington, 14th June, 1878. Secretary export of gold fr< .ading of West Cos William Seei and Inspector i >m the West Coast, tst. )f Customs.

DURINi Ql'ARTEI 31ST ft 185 a- THE I ENDED [ARCH, '8. Ent: foe Exr to 31st Dece: :red 3RTATION rHE IBER, 1877. Total eni Exportatio: Zealand 3 1st Mar cered for n from New i TO THE .CH, 1878. Entered for Duty at Produce of TnE Gold Fields in Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Vuckland Auckland Oz. 15,446 £ 61,246 Oz. 1,155,221 £ 4,193,166 Oz. 1,170,667 £ 4,254,412 Vellington 'icton S Telson Wellington Marlborough Nelson... L139 4.276 30 45,557 1,615,131 120 176,653 6,414,062 30 45,557 1,616,270 120 176,653 6,418,338 Vestport Selson West Coast 4,804 455 25,456 16,636 19,218 1,838 101,822 66,540 189,118 » Jreymouth lokitika ,, ,, 47,361 2,135,710 2,183,071 Dunedin !nvercargill Otago ... 8,450,095 8,639,513 ,, ... 35,588 3,096 144,162 12,382 3,697,347 14,531,098 3,736,031 14,687,642 38,684 156,544 Totals 102,630 411,484 8,648,996 33,765,194 8,751,626 34,176,678 Customs Department, Wellington, lGth April, 1878. William Seed, Secretary and Inspector of C stoma. 5— H. 4.

H.-4

38

No. 7. RETURN of the QUANTITY and VALUE of GOLD ENTERED for DUTY for EXPORTATION from NEW ZEALAND, for the QUARTERS ended 31st MARCH, 1878, and 31st MARCH, 1877.

No. 8. STATEMENT showing the PRICE of GOLD per OUNCE, PRICE charged per TON for CRUSHING QUARTZ or CEMENT, and PRICES charged for WATER per SLUICE-HEAD per WEEK, during the YEAR endiug 31st MARCH, 1878.

Quarter ended 1st March, 1878. Quarter ended 1st March, 1877. Produce of Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. .uekland felson Pest Coast •tago... Oz. 15,446 1,139 47,361 38,684 £ 61,246 4,276 -189,418 156,544 Oz. 10,067 18,215 20,978 32,9S1 £ 39,742 72,665 83,909 133,851 Tot als 102,630 411,484 82,241 330,1G7 Customs Department, Wellington, 16th April, 18' '8. Secre William Seed, :ary and Inspector of Customs.

Mining District. Price of Gold per Ounce. Price charged per Ton for crush-, ing Quartz or, Cement. Price charged for Water per sluicehead per week. Remarks. Auckland— North Hauraki... South Hauraki.., [ £ s. d. 2 10 0 to 3 16 2 13 0 j { £ s. d. 0 6 0 to 0 12 0 0 4 0 to 0 12 0 £ s. d. 7/6 per head, and pay for lost quicksilver. ifARLBOROUGn— Pelorus Wairau 3 13 0 3 13 0 .ELSON — Charleston 3 17 0 ( 3 0 0) ) to [ ( 0 10 0 J 20 in. to the sluice-head. Inangahua [ 3 16 0 to 3 17 3 3 16 0 3 13 6 I 0 10 0 to 0 15 0 No Town West Wanganui ( 3 10 0 "j i 5 0 0 ) 40 in. to the sluice-head. 40 in. to tho sluice-head. Ahaura 3 IG 0 Collingwood Westport Lyell 3 13 0 3 16 0 3 15 0 1 6 0 2 5 0 20 in. to tho sluice-head. Vestland— Waimea Totara Greymouth Clifton Arnold Greenstone 3 16 0 3 16 0 3 16 0 3 16 0 3 16 0 3 IG 0 1 10 0 4 0 0 10 0 f 3 0 0 to ( 6 0 0 2 0 0 10 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 •40 in. to the sluiechcad. Kumara 3 16 0 Kanieri New River Maori Gully Okarito 3 16 0 3 16 0 3 16 0 3 15 0 •tago— Ilindon 3 15 6 . _*°°. ( 6 0 0 ) C 2 10 0 -) ) t0 ( (. 3 10 0 J 0 15 0 Tuapeka 3 15 6 100 in. to the sluicehead. Dunstan 3 15 6 0 15 0 40 in. with 3£ in. presOrepuki Switzer's Arrow (Wakatipu Gold Field) Mount Ida 3 16 0 3 12 6 3 15 6 3 15 6 0 15 0 10 0 10 0 1 10 0 sure. 10 in. to the sluice-head. 40 in. to the sluice-head. IG in. by 1 in.

H.—4.

No. 9. NUMBER of MINERS EMPLOYED during the YEAR ending 31st MARCH, 1878.

39

Alluvia: Miners. Quartz Miners. Totals. Mining District. Grand Totals. European. Chinese. European. Chinese. European. Chinese. Auckland — North Hauraki South Hauraki Marlborough— Pelorus Wairau Nelson — Collingwood Takaka Inangahua Ahaura Nelson Creek Half-Ounce Moonlight Little Grey and Noble's Blackwater Orwell Creek Cullnghan's Sullivan's Waipuna Cobden, Black Ball, ... ) Brunnerton, and North Beach > No Town ... S Red Jack's ... ' Bell Hill ... C Dead Man's ... J Charleston Westport Lyell... West AVanganui Westland— Waimea Totem Kanieri Woodstock Blue Spur and Arahura Kanieri River Hauhau and Big Paddock Kumara Greymouth Grcenstono New River Maori Gully Okarito Jackson's Bay, and Big Bay DTAao— Hindon Tuapeka Clyde Cromwell A lexandra Nevis Teviot Black's Switzers, Dome Creek, Gow's, and Upper Waikaia Nokoinai Waikaka Orepuki, Longwood, Round Hill Wakatipu Gold Field— Arrow ... Macetown Cardrona Kawarau Bracken's Motatapu ... _, Naseby Kyeburn and Clarke's Hamilton's, Sowburn, &c. Hyde and Fullarton's Macrae's, Strath Taieri, and Shag Valley Serpentine Maerewhenua St. Bathan's and Ida Valley Other localities 50 6 120 20 60 325 60 25 60 35 120 20 8 35 ISO 1G7 200 400 300 639 509 20 100 120 30 35 1,350 150 329 187 113 85 20 "49 '5 12 6 G 54 25 170 51 10 10 15 132 172 118 99 350 1,504 2 20 450 4 12 60 10 350 1,504 52 6 140 20 510 325 60 29 60 35 120 20 8 35 192 167 200 400 360 10 639 509 20 100 120 30 35 1,350 150 329 187 113 85 20 49 '5 12 6 6 54 "25 170 51 10 10 15 132 172 118 99 350 1,504 52 6 140 20 559 325 60 29 65 47 120 26 8 35 198 221 200 400 385 10 809 560 20 100 130 40 35 1,365 282 501 305 212 85 20 45 440 80 400 140 90 180 200 35 640 13 185 101 150 100 130 5 10 10 50 450 80 480 140 90 180 200 35 650 13 185 101 150 100 130 85 1,100 93 665 241 240 280 330 80 105 20 30 160 138 73 150 50 105 20 30 160 138 73 150 50 243 93 180 210 500 375 300 25 800 400 1,200 300 90 70 GO 100 150 30 20 300 90 70 60 100 150 30 20 400 240 100 80 120 50 60 120 20 100 20 20 120 70 60 140 20 100 20 220 90 60 140 45 20 "25 "25 SUMMARY. .UCKLAND [ARLBOROCU fELSON Westland •tago [ Totals ... !— 5G 2,135 3,687 3,280 9,158 157 777 2,585 3,519 1,854 2 556 435 2,847 35 1,854 58 2,691 3,687 3,715 157 777 2,620 1,854 58 2,848 4,464 6,335 2,847 35 12,005 3,554 15,559

40

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No. 10. RETURN showing the AVERAGE PRICES of PROVISIONS and LIVE STOCK for the YEAR ending 31st MARCH, 1878.

ta -i |g H I « n P. ._, gP*< b, PM I ED w fa tu PM I M P. 0 o I ■< K I-* _i a 3 8 O Live Stock. XD BD o = pq o Meat. o CM PM — PM d. 5 3 < « Ol i o u m Pn PM"3 Mining District. | US __ a 3.2 tic PM ft] PM gg o o Q. r-t PM CM 3 g.S PM JS -.. c_ cm _s Q_. a, fa PM B CM d. 4-8 f a PM fa PM fa B PM Auckland — North Hauraki ... South Hauraki ... Marlborough — Pelorus Nelson — Takaka Pm s £ 6 5-7 24/ 22/ d. 5 1/9 1/4 1/6 1/ 1/3 7d.-l/ 2/ 1/9 20/ 17/ 6/6 6/ 7-10 5-10 15/ 10/ £ 3-60 7 10/-50 9/-20/ 20/ 4d. p. lb. 61-91 d. 6-8 4-8 d. 7-8 6-7 d. 5 6 d. 2 1 d. 6 3i-6 3/ 2/6-3/6 < 5/6 4/-S/6 22/6 7/-16 1/6 1/6 1/4 2/ [to 2/2 1/10 [to 2/2 1/10 2/ 20/ [1001b. 20/ per [100 lb. 25/ per 15 [100 lb. 30/ per [1001b. 35/ per 130/ [1001b. 50/ per 20/-80/ [100 lb. 30/ per 20/-120/ 50/ 40/-100/ 6 4£ 6 4 8 3/6 7/ 5 10/ 24/6 2i 1/ /IO /w 17/-24/ 5/ 10-50 12/-16/ 5 5 5 6 5 H 6 3/ 5/ 15/-20/ Collingwood Inangahua 6 9 10/ 24/6 25/ 3 41 1/2 2/6 1/ 2/ l!a 18/-24/ 30/ 6/ 12/6 10/-20/ 50/ 10-40 40 15/-18/ 25/ 6 8 6 8 6 10 6 1/ 5 4 li 4 6 7 3/-3/4 3/6 5/-6/ 6/ 15/-20/ 21/ [to 22/ 12/6 14/6 Cobden No Town 6 7 22/ 24/ 2i 3 2/ 1/3 1/6 11 1/6 1/9 21/ 24/ 6/ 10/ 12 14 20/ 20/-40/ 20 10-60 16/ 20/ 7 6 6 10 8 1/ 9 1/ 6 5 3 4 6 6 3/6 3/6 6/ 5/6 Lyell ... Westport Charleston Ahaura West Wanganui... Westland — Waimea Okarito Totara Kanieri Kumara Greymouth New River Maori Gully Greenstone Jackson's Bay Otago— Hindon Tuapeka Cromwell Clyde ... Alexandra Black's Teviot ... Nevis ... Orepuki Switzer's Arrow (Wakatipu Gold Field) ... Mount Ida 8 2/ 5 10/ 4 10/ 6 10/ 10 26/ 22/6 25/ 24/-26/ 28/ 4i 2i 2 1/6 1/6 1/6-2/ 1/3 2 16 1/2 1/9 1/3 1/6 2/ 2/6 1/9 1/9 2/ 34/ 22/ 20/ 24/-28/ 26/ 16/ 6/6 9/-10/ 9 8-20 15 10-13 6 20/ 10/-30/ 20/ 20/-30/ 20 10-30 25 15-30 20/ 20/ 20/ 15/ 16/ 8 8-10 8 6-8 5 7 7-9 8 5-6 5 1/ 8 9 8 5 1/ 9 6 6-8 6 6 5 4-6 6 6 3 4 2 8 5-6 6 7 7 3/6 3/6 3/6 3/6-4/ 3/6 7/ 6/ 5/ 6/-7/ 6/ 20/ 18/ 15/ 20/-25/ 15/ H 6 9 15/ 5 8/ 5 6 6 11 6 6 24/ 20/-26/ 24/ 24/ 23/6 22/6 25/ 25/ 25/ 3 4i 3 2i 3 2 3 3 3 5 2/ 2/6 1/9 2/ 1/9 1/9 2/ 1/6 1/9 1/3 16 1/9 1/6 1/3 1/9 1/3 1/9 1/6 1/6 1/3 1/2 1/3 2/ 2/ 2 <! 1/9 2/ 2( 19 2/ 1/9 1/7 18/-22/ 28/ 24/ 18/ 20/ 20/ 28/ 24/ 28/ 18/ 7 <! 9/ 8/6 6/ 5/6 9/ 9/ 7/6 9-14 15-20 12 12 13 10-15 30/ 30/ 10/ 30/ 30/ 10-50 15-40 30 25 30 15-25 14/6 20/ 20/ 15/ 15/ 17 30/-90/ 20/-60/ 60/ 50/ 80/ 30/-60/ 7 7 8 7 7 6-8 6-7 6-7 7 6-8 6 7 6 6 6-8 6 6 I 6 9 1/ 9 10 10 9 9 8 1/ 6 1/ 5 6 8 6 1/ 9 9 7 4 6 5 4 4 6 6 4 5 4 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 4 li 6 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 5i 3/6 3/ 3/6 3/4 3/6 3/6 3/6 3/ 2/9 S/-7/6 6/ 5/ 6/6 5/6 5/6 6/ 6/ 6/ 4/9 i 15/-30/ 20/ 16/ 17/ 20/ 17/ 13/-18/ 15/ 18/ ... I - 14-19 I 20/ 4 5/ 5-7 17/6 24/ 2i 2 1/9 1/ v 1/6 /10 1/6 2/ 16/ 15/-17/6 6/6 4/6-5/6 8 30/-10 10/ 20 7-45 15/ 3/-14/ 20/-100/ 6 4-6 4* 2£-6 9 6 8 4 3 4 2 2 6 6 3/ 5/6 5/6 15/-25/ 6 25/-26/ 1/3 /10-1/ 20/ 6/ 5-10 15-60 5/-10/ 35/-60/ 5 4 6} 3/-3/6 14/-18/ 3 1/6 1/9 8 6-8 B/-6/ 7 10/ 7 10/ 25/ 25/ 3 3 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/2 1/2 1/9 1/9 20/ 24/ 4/ 4/ 4 4 20/ 20/ 15 15 6/ 6/ 40/ 40/ 4-6 4-6 3 3 6 5 4 6 4 6 3 3 6 6 3/ 5/ 5/ 17/ 17/ I 6 4-6 28/ 26/-30/ 2i 3 1/3 1/3-1/6 1/3 1/-1/4 1/2 1/-1/4 2/ 1/9-2/ 13/ 19/-20 5/ 7/-7/6 10 4-15 5/, 20/ 30 15-45 10/ 7/-14/ 40/ 20/-35/ 6 5-7 4 3-4 7 6-8 6 8 5 6-7 2 3-4 6i-7i 3/ 2/9-3/ 6/ 6/-6/6 30/ 18/-22/

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41

No. 11. TABLE showing the AVERAGE RATE of WAGES per WEEK, for the YEAR ending 31st MARCH, 1878.

Mining District. I a 11 *_3 *> H 3 tag c to fl G .9 fl E 'So M E B O a M •u S3 a_ CO a © fi, fa fl o OD 1 © 00 pq © 5 C3 __ 3 © fa tn - a t am Auckland — North Hauraki... South Hauraki... Nelson— Collingwood Takaka Inangahua Charleston Westport Lyell Ahauva Cobden No Town Westland — £ s. d. £5 to £10 £ s. d. £1 to £2 10/ to 20/ £ s. d. £4 to £8 £4 to £10 £ 8. d. £3 to £6 2 14 0 £ s. d. 50/ to 60/ 2 14 0 £ s. d. 2 10 0 2 14 0 £ s. d. 60/ to 70/ 2 14 0 £ s. d. 60/ to 70/ 54/ to 60/ £ s. d. 50/ to 70/ 40/ to 50/ £ s. d. 36/ to 40/ 2 0 0 £ s. d. I 15/ to 22/ 6 18/ to 25/ £ s. d. £ 8. d. 2 0 0 1 16 0 £ s. d. 10/ to 18/ 8/ to 12/ 2 0 0 4 0 0 3 12 0 3 12 0 5 0 0 3 10 0 3 0 0 2 10 0 4 10 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 3 12 0 3 0 0 5 0 0 3 12 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 £4to£410/ 3 12 0 3 0 0 5 0 0 £5 to £6 4 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 3 0 0 2 10 0 3 10 0 3 10 0 3 10 0 4 0 0 £3 6/ to £4 3 12 0 3 10 0 2 8 0 1 16 0 3 10 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 £3 to £3 10/ 3 0 0 3 0 0 14 0 0 18 0 2 0 0 2 5 0 10 0 1 10 0 12/ to 15/ 1 16 0 1 10 0 0 8 0 0 6 0 £2 & board 2 15 0 30/ to 40/ 3 0 0 30/ to 40/ 3 0 0 3 0 0 7 0 0 4 0 0 30/ to 40/ 3 10 0 3 10 0 10 0 30/ to 40/ £5 to £6 3 10 0 3 10 0 6 0 0 £410/ to £8 30/ to 40/ 10 0 10/ to 30/ 0 12 0 10 0 15/ to 25/ 1 10 0 6 6 0 20/ to 40/ ... '" 3 12 0 4 16 0 1 10 0 2 0 0 Waimea Totara Kanieri Kumara 6 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 3 0 0 £50 "$• annum 5 0 0 5 0 0 4 0 0 6 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 4 10 0 4 10 0 4 0 0 j 4 0 0 4 10 0 4 10 0 4 4 0 16/ per day 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 2 10 0 10/ per day 10/ per day 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 12 0 3 0 0 10 0 1 10 0 10 0 5/ per day I 2 0 0 1 10 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 25/ & board 30/ & board (15/ to 20/ (. & board 1 10 0 20/ & board f15/ to 25/ & board 0 15 0 20/ & board 1 10 0 15 0 10 0 Greymouth Greenstone Okarito New River Maori Gully Otago — Tuapeka Cromwell ... ~] Clyde Alexandra ... ! Black's Teviot Nevis ... J Switzer's Orepuki Arrow (Wakatipu Gold Field)— Mount Ida 5 6 0 6 0 0 4 4 0 4 10 0 6 0 0 4 4 0 4 10 0 4 16 0 4 10 0 4 10 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 10 0 3 0 0 3 10 0 0 15 0 20/ & board 2 0 0 2 W 0 3 0 0 I I - 1 "o 0 2 10 0 ... ... 2 0 0 I 4 10 0 4 10 0 3 10 0 66/ to 72/ 48/ to 54/ 42/ to 48/ 0 15 0 1 10 0 20/ to 25/ 10/ to 20/ £5 to £6 £25 to £50 y annum £4 to £5 4 0 0 £3to£310/ 3 0 0 £3 12/ to £4 4 0 0 3 0 0 £2 10/ to £3 15/ to 20/ 25/ to 30/ 25/ to 30/ & board 15/ to 22/6 I ... 3 12 0 4 10 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 2 8 0 2 8 0 0 15 0 0 5 0 1 10 0 2 5 0 15 0 2 0 0 £40 ty annun 15/ ... 110 4 0 0 4 7 0 5 0 0 4 0 0 3 12 0 4 10 0 3 12 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 2 8 0 2 8 0 1 16 0 0 12 0 2 0 0 2 8 0 17 0 10 0 10 0 15/ ... ... ... ... ...

42

H.—4.

No. 12. TABLE showing approximately the NUMBER, DESCRIPTION, and VALUE of the WATER-RACES, TAIL-RACES, DAMS, RESERVOIRS, and GROUND SLUICES, in operation during the YEAR ending 31st MARCH, 1878.

"Water-races. Tail-races. Sams. Reservoirs. Ground Sluices. Mining Districts. | Number of iSluice-heads. Approximate Cost. Approximate Cost. Approximate Cost. Approximate Cost. Approximate Cost. Number. Length in Milea. I Number. Number. Number. 'Nnmber. .. _T < i. LAND — Hauraki North Hauraki South* Marlborough— Pelorus Nelson — Collingwood Takaka Inangahua Charleston Westport Lyell Ahaura Cobden No Town Westland — Waimca Totara Kanieri Kumara Greymouth, New River, and Maori Gully Greenstone Okarito Otago— Hindoo Tuapeka Clyde Cromwell Alexandra Black's Teviot Nevis Switzer's Orepuki Arrow (Wakatipu Gold Field) Naseby Kyeburn and Clarke's Hamilton's, Sowburn, Rock and Pillar Hyde and Fullarton'a Macrae's, Strath Taieri, and Shag Valley Serpentine ... Maerewhenua St. Bathans and Ida Valley ... Other localities 14 60 12 73 7 65 200 49 200 172 102 111 681 70 100 65 229 75 20 10 20.1 14 28 4 52 150 29 150 175J73 75i 315 60 70 68 199J 65 36 45 150 44 80 8 226 150 500 230 162 50 841 160 195 68 312 227 112 £ 3,500 17,100 1,400 1,500 200 9,345 2,000 Not known 4,000 26,325 3,780 1,059 17,000 20,000 15,000 11,328 13,936 19,615 2,000 2 16 25 8 16 150 37 100 71 12 38 674 55 58 47 104 56 25 £ 102 1,000 450 200 642 15,000 Not known 2,000 16,500 1,102 190 5,500 1,000 1,870 940 3,802 2,693 500 8 3 45 11 23 150 40 40 96 31 89 907 43 135 15 245 36 10 £ 800 60 500 200 480 10,000 Not known 1,500 6,720 690 623 5,000 1,500 1,500 450 8,155 2,665 290 '37 330 8 £ Not known 3,600 '275 250 30 100 249 '50 52 50 62 40 8 £ Not knowi 800 5,000 250 400 1,000 372 5^000 100 2 12 282 84 999 13 897 580 Not known 10 583 175 Not known 9 224 125 Not known 10 87 - _- 200 600 600 100,000 200 4,500 70 4,000 400 4,000 119 92 450 44 65 30 15 26 36 46 68 5 190 132 600 150 205 103 84 42 88 133 280 21 268 64 780 132 220 78 55 43 93 155 299 19 19,000 7,530 83,000 26,000 12,000 6,000 14,000 4,500 5,000 12,000 31,000 2,000 112 600 125 45 25 15 20 25 28 45 5 4,320 19,000 11,000 2,500 3,000 3,000 400 2,000 1,250 14,000 400 30 68 55 15 15 10 18 5 16 4 5 150 4,500 6,500 1,400 1,100 500 1,300 200 2,000 5,000 200 30 3,000 * This does not include the Government water-race from Kauaeranga Creek. For irice of water, see Return No. 8.

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11.—4.

No. 13. NUMBER of MACHINES employed in ALLUVIAL and QUARTZ MINING, for the YEAR ending 31st MARCH, 1878.

Machinery Employed in Alluvial- \ ining. Machinery Employed in Quartz-mining. Mixing Districts. ,S_a la %• to o.S = ■ _£ J. o CO r. - ,__ e _, 3OO to 'Z "lav- — -So lie Sou in «_> a la Steam employe! Crush i-encines d Winding, ling, &e. 6 is i ii ttl Is .1 is Approximate Valur op all Mining Plant included IN this Return. Si a Oh No. Aggregate Hone* power. to a Auckland — North Hauraki South Hauraki ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... - 10 too 234 1,715 11 40 136 824 7 I 25 32 7 i 1 - •18 £ 60.000 208.900 268,900 ... I 1 ... 25 ... 32 I 1 1 1 I Marlborough — Pelorus and Wairau 200 6_l 1 1 - 1 1 1 - 1 i - I 70 1,949 51 960 I 1 18 I 1 - i - I I - ... ... ... ... i - i 400 Nelson — Collingwood and Takaka West Wanganui Inangahua Charleston Lyell Westport Ahaura Nelson Creek Orwell Creek Half-Ounce ... Moonlight Waipuna ... ' Cobden and No Town ... 55 250 43 2,100 2 "23 I 6 3 7 180 48 200 2 I I ... 50 1 ... 1 20 2 i'20 2 ... 6 I 14 ... 98 1 1 10 3 1 10 170 23 10 '"l i 6 ! ... j ... 1 ... 6 j 1 ... 3! 1 O 3 j ... 1 1 ... 1 3 14 - ... ... 1,750 100 68,930 1,000 6,000 7,500 3,750 100 100 100 ... 2 7 4 1 2 ... ... 1 i 100 675 Westland — Waimea Totara Kanieri Greymouth Clifton Arnold Greenstone Okarito Kumara ... H " 3 3 1 2 168 2,616 3,180 100 120 851 34 1 8 53 488 122 60 70 92 6 58 1 8 1 - I 20 I - 2 12(1 - I 1 - 1 1 ... 112 32 218 ... ! ... 11 l_ - 1 - *l ... I 14 I 90,105 3,500 8,000 1,500 997 ... 1 i ... ... i 2,000 90 2,500 8,S 11 40~ 500 11 3 60 418 ! ! 4 5 6 91 " 3 20 12 41 ■■■ 12 12 2 1 1 I ... 4 1 2,500 600 2,500 19.597 12 ... 1 1 I ... ... Otago — Hindon Tuapeka Clyde, Cromwell,'Alexandra, Black's, Teviot, Nevis Orepuki Switzer's Arrow (Wakatipu Gold Field) ... Naseby Kyeburn and Clarke's ... Hamilton's, Sowburn, Rock and Pillar Hyde and Fullarton'a ... Macrae's, Strath Taicri, and Shag Valley ... Serpentine and Mnerewhenua St. Bathans, Ida Valley, and other localities. 4 - 1 1,000 180 1,100 256 270 100 40 15 50 40 70 3,661 20 30 2 7 2 10 700 30 7 70 160 20 25 10 2 20 55 "30 40 8 40 ... 'l 4 1 100 3 150 105 4 80 ... 4 9 8 2 29 60 "87 5 6 "5 ... 4 ... "'2 760 12,500 50,000 420 2,800 20,000 2,050 1,200 450 200 350 500 2,600 ... ... 1 ... ... ... ... I ... 1 16 "l "io I 15 7 4 1 59 ... I ... I 150 105 i - I I... I 1,111 118 6 105 I -. I 96 23 188 93,830 * Berdans. t Five of these engines i of 585 aggregate horse-power were employed in pumping.

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44

No. 14. SUMMARY.—NUMBER of MACHINES employed in ALLUVIAL and QUARTZ MINING for the YEAR ending 31st MARCH, 1878.

No. 15. TABLE showing the NUMBER of GOLD-MINING COMPANIES REGISTERED under "The Mining Companies Limited Liability Act, 1865," and Amending Acts, the Joint Stock Companies Act, and "The Mining Companies Act, 1872," upon 31st MARCH, 1878."

_ac: iinehy ejjp: iyi; IN .LLUVI. .L-HININ' Quaetz-: IN 1 IG. Mining Districts. ED 1 o it 9 .-_ r - m c /. t3 9 -3 •> IS CO __ £ S Q - O tc *^ o a |a 53 •i. O * it I O W E ■fl .-_. w 31 *- u tu o t. J_* I ° fi| O ta _J4 q g _a 3 . fi -_> O c « 2 •a E £ o 2 O _0 ■fi - 5 n Steamengines employed AVinding, Crushing &c. AggreNo. gate '■■ P- « B o a s to B is 03 C BD a D i- § _r; DO J. CD rS f - - 7! >. - 5 L 5 to 9 pq Approximate Valui of all Mining Plant included in this Return. I. o_ a _3 ■r. = .UCKLAND [ablbobough... 'elson Vestland ITAGO ... 3 9 1 200 2,616 8,841 3,661 15,318 34 12 59 488 418 1111 6 58 41 118 "i1 20 ...I 12 6 105 7 137 I "a 120 70 1,919 8 112 5 '96 83 2,157 51 32 960 218 32 11 1 1 4 $ £ 268,900 400 90,105 19,597 93,830 5 4 i 23 188 15 "7 150 105 1 2 Total 13 105 2017 223 152 225 i 1366 ,57; 3J 472,832 106

Un T 1 18( dee " Mi* jIMIted L: >5," and 1 tng Companies [ABILITY Act, Amending Acts. Under Jo Ai iint Stock ct. Under " Mining impanies Act, 1872 " Mining District. No. Nominal Capital Paid-up Capital. No. Nominal Capital. Paid-up Capital. No. Nominal Capital. Paid-up Capital. .UCKLAND — *North Hauraki South Hauraki * £ s. d. £ £ £ £ s. d. 161 2,891,950 2,258,756 0 0 16 382,200 ■18 636,200 161 2,891,950 2,258,756 0 0 16 382,200 •IS 636,200 .ELSON — Inangahua Collingwood ... Charleston AVestport Lyell Ahaura Orwell Creekf Moonlight Creekf Nelson Creekf AVest AVanganui 6 1 2 138,000 85,966 13 4 1 9,000 1,200 31 1 2 3 5 562,000 10,000 24,400 80,000 28,800 133,265 16 4 1,076 3 2 27,471 0 0 26,068 14 11 i 11,000 11,000 0 0 138,000 85,966 13 4 9,000 1,200 13 716,200 198,881 14 5 Vestland — New River AVaimeaf Totara Kanierif Kumara Cliftonf Greenstone ... 2 2 16,000 20,500 13,500 0 0 18,000 0 0 i 8,000 8,000 i 4,000 ZfiOO i 5,000 3,500 41,500 35,000 0 0 12,000 10,500 •tago— Tuapeka Cromwell Clyde Black's Arrow (Wakatipu Gtold Field) Naseby Hyde and Fullarton's ... Maerewhenua St. Bathans and Ida Valley Serpentine 11 5 5 40,975 37,000 17,400 18,602 0 0 19,780 0 0 9,000' 0 0 i 10,000 2,455 2 4 1 4 5 10,900 87,000 6,000 38,000 63,500 6,090 15 60,440 0 4,500 0 13,100 0 44,300 0 3 5 43,995 24,620 35,841 1 6 24,620 0 0 "i 4 6,000 16,600 4,500 0 11,460 0 2 19,600 19,600 0 0 i 2,400 720' 0 31 183,590 127,443 1 6 10,000 2,455 22 230,400 145,110 15 * No record ke it here Bince Act of 1872 came in force. f No returns.

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H.—4.

No. 16. RETURN of the NUMBER of MINING LEASES in force on 31st MARCH, 1878, the EXTENT of GROUND LEASES, and RENTAL per ANNUM.

No. 17. RETURN of the NUMBER of AGRICULTURAL LEASES in force on the 31st MARCH, 1878, the EXTENT of GROUND LEASED, and RENTAL per ANNUM.

Mining District. NumGross Acreage. Rental pee Annum. Mining District. Number. Gross Acreage. Rental pee Annum. ber. lUCKLAND Hauraki North Grahamstown 2 5 A. E. P. 17 0 11 11 0 34 £ s. d. 34 2 9 22 8 6 Westland— AA raimea ... Totara Kanieri Kumara ... Greymouth Okarito Jackson's Bay 1 11 2 A. e. p. 16 2 0 95 0 4 11 0 0 £ s. d. 17 0 C 104 0 C HOC Iablboeough—■ Ravensclifle AVairau Queen Charlotte Sound 7 28 1 5 56 11 3 "i 11 0 0 HOC 2 26 2 5 27 0 0 18 133 2 4 143 0 26 2 5 27 0 0 Otago— Tuapeka ... Cromwell ... Arrow (Wakatipu Gold Field) Naseby Kyeburn and Clarke's Macrae's, Strath Taieri, and Shag A'alley St. Bathans and Ida Valley Other localities 'elson— Collingwood AVest AVanganui Inangahua Charleston Ahaura Nelson Creek Orwell Creek Half-Ounce AVestport Lyell Cobden No Town ... 8 1 13 31 28 59 3 38 15 3 28 460 1 1 175 0 0 217 0 1 54 0 0 16 0 0 477 0 0 218 15 0 220 0 0 35 7 60 1 8 157 3 35 96 0 0 346 0 9 10 0 0 56 0 0 172 0 0 98 0 0 833 15 0 21 5 0 119 0 0 It 5 3 2 191 1 11 82 0 3 36 0 0 26 2 10 163 10 0 207 10 0 71 0 0 19 5 0 13 1 75 0 0 io o o 153 12 6 21 5 0 135 1,264 0 12 1,447 0 0 125 751 0 4 1,418 17 6

Mining District. Number. Gross ACEEAOE. Rental per Annum. Mining District. NumGross Acreage. Rental per Annum. ber. Auckland— Hauraki Ohinemuri Kelson— Collingwood Inangahua Charleston AVestport Lyell Grey Valley Cobden No Town 96 17 51 29 38 38 72 18 25 889 0 19 3,621 2 38 365 0 0 2,212 0 8 2,134 3 8 4,186 0 0 1,003 1 33 957 3 25 A. E. P. 4,761 0 0 £ s. d. 238 1 0 88 3 6 432 15 0 46 17 0 259 18 6 213 10 0 465 1 6 105 16 6 106 5 6 Otago— Hindon Tuapeka * Cromwell f Clyde f ... Teviot f ... Black's f ... Alexandra f ... Switzer's Orepuki Arrow (Wakatipu Gold Field) ... Mount Ida District (various localities) 275 53 8 77 7 4 41 2 A. E. P. 26,272 3 21 6,058 0 0 8,127 0 0 9,567 0 0 274 0 0 169 0 0 8,409 0 0 114 0 0 £ s. d. 3,302 12 6 780 15 0 389 5 0 1,094 17 6 34 5 0 21 10 0 1,046 12 6 16 5 0 238 13,274 1 3 1,663 10 0 A r ESTLAND — Waimea Greymouth Arnold Okarito 288 15,370 0 11 1,718 7 6 98 20,712 0 8 2,591 0 6 1 3 1 3 10 29 1 6 0 8 0 6 4 0 2 63 0 0 6 'o 0 94 0 16 12 12 0 803 87,977 0 32 10,940 13 O No. *Kxchange Leases ... ... ... ... ... 130 *Deferred Payments, Leases, Certificates, and Licenses ... 143 f Under AVaste Lands Acts— Licenses and Leases ... ... ... ... 102 A. K. 6,285 3 22,812 ( 9,927 C P. 16 18 £ e. d. 819 5 0 3,816 2 6 0 1,391 12 2 6 —H. 4.

EL—4

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No. 18. RETURN of the NUMBER of LICENSES under "The Gold Mining Districts Act, 1873," for the YEAR ending 31st MARCH, 1878.

No. 19. RETURN of CASES in the WARDENS' COURTS, and COSTS AWARDED, for YEAR ending MARCH 31,1878.

No. 20. RETURN showing the REVENUE and EXPENDITURE on account of Constructed WATER-RACES maintained by Government from the 1st of JULY to the 31st DECEMBER, 1877, and from the 1st of JANUARY to the 30th JUNE, 1878.

Mining District. Number. „ . Rental pee Gross Acreage. Amum> .UCKLAND — North Hauraki Grahamstown Ohinemuri ... Total 37 96 44 177 A. E. P. £ s. d. 236 2 24 684 0 0 591 2 23 1,754 0 0 198 3 28 597 0 0 1,027 0 35 3,035 0 0 177 1,027 0 35 3,035 0 0

Number of Mining Disputes Aggeegate Amiunt op Value. Amount op Costs Awarded. Cases wherein Judgment has decbeed specific Performance. Mining Disteict. Adjudicated on. Claimed. Recovered. No. Remarks. Auckland— North Hauraki South Hauraki S TELSON — Collingwood... Takaka Inangahua ... Lyell Westport Charleston ... Cobden Ahaura No Town 38 43 £ s. d. 300 1 0 520 7 9 £ s. d. 10 2 0 514 11 0 £ s. d. 30 15 0 70 8 0 The majority of these cases for forfeiture under section 26, " Gold Mining Districts Act, 1873." 2 1 11 8 6 17 6 20 25 602 12 6 52 0 0 120 0 0 93 5 0 27 0 0 186 1 10 16 5 0 305 19 3 10 0 2 5 0 0 10 99 7 10 0 13 0 1 10 0 111 4 0 8 8 0 24 3 0 43 10 0 17 4 0 23 7 0 10 13 0 1 1 "i PVestland— AVaimea Kanieri Kumara Totara Greenstone ... Greymouth, New River, and Maori Gully ... Clifton* Arnold* _>tago— Tuapeka Cromwell Alexandra ... Teviot Black's Clyde Switzer's Orepuki Arrow (Wakatipu Gold Field) Naseby, Kyeburn, and Clarke's ... Macrae's Hamilton, Sowburn, Rock and Pillar St. Batlian and Ida Valley Exclusive of cases disposed of Ministerially. 22 9 43 5 47 109 13 0 7 0 0 698 2 11 224 3 0 439 17 2 21 1 0 7 0 0 174 11 0 15 0 0 116 15 8 24 15 0 5 0 0 42 14 0 5 17 0 84 13 0 7 6 16 ,, ,: ,, 22 71 0 0 4 6 0 20 19 0 206 mining applications dealt with. 104 16 4 10 11 11 4 3 1,842 8 3 907 10 0 50 0 0 478 10 6 31 0 0 71 14 0 44 9 0 3 10 0 8 0 0 10 0 0 11 12 0 344 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 3 77 714 0 0 55 8 6 126 16 0 1 32 8 512 10 0 126 13 0 240 10 0 33 2 0 29 11 0 10 17 0 1 17 500 0 0 92 5 0 300 0 0 38 5 0 12 3 0 12 8 0

.st 'eceni' ler, 18! 7. 1st January to 30th June, 1878. Balance due Name of Race. Revenue. Expenditure. Kevi Water Sold. I enne. — - Expenditure. ■ Actual Eeceipts. on Water Account. Water Sold. Actual Receipt*. fliames Mclson Creek ... Wiimen-Kumara Mount Ida £ s. d. 639 8 6 70 6 8 2,028 4 4 746 11 1 £ s. d. 385 13 8 70 6 8 1,992 19 8 191 7 10 £ s. d. 278 8 6 312 2 4 324 11 8 2,070 16 1 £ s. d. 707 18 11 896 10 10 2,098 15 10 1,370 5 2 £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 854 19 2 302 6 1 f298 9 3 896 10 10 ! 940 17 7 ', 1,856 5 10 11,975 8 0 J364 8 0 1,021 12 9 | 1,590 18 2 I 903 15 8 f £191 14s. 8d. S'ote.—The retun worth of water sold prior to 1st ns numbered 8 to 19 inclusivo ai h of water sold prior to 1st Juiy, 1877. J £86 13s. 4d. worth of water sold prior to 1st July, 1877. imbered 8 to 19 inclusivo are compiled from statistics supplied by AVardens throughout the colony. Juiy, 1877. J £86 13s. 4d. •e compiled from statistics su] Gold Fielt Wt Is Department, .llington, 15tli August, 187 >epartment, Oliver "Wakefield, gton, 15th August, 1878. Under Secretary for Gold Fields. S. V Price Is. 9d.] By Authority: George Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—1878.