THE MINING INDUSTRY (GENERAL ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1888 Session I, C-02

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1888. NEW ZEALAND.

THE MINING INDUSTRY (GENERAL ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The Seceetaby of Mines to the Hon. the Minister of Mines. Sie, — Mines Department, Wellington, 10th July, 1888. I have the honour to forward the general annual report on the mining industry of New Zealand for the twelve months ended the 31st March, 1888, together with the reports of the Inspecting Engineer, Inspectors of Mines, Wardens, and Water-race Managers for the same period, which enter into the details of the mines and works in connection therewith for the several districts. I have, &c, James McKeeeow, The Hon. G. F. Richardson, Minister of Mines. Secretary of Mines.

MINES EEPORT. Although New Zealand contains ores of nearly all the principal metals, yet mining operations on an extensive scale have been confined to gold and coal. The surface-deposits in both cases naturally received attention in the first instance ; but that stage has long been passed and attention given to winning the deeper-seated deposits and to the parent-rock of the gold and other metals found in association with it. Nature guards her treasures so well that mining enterprise is always confronted with some problem requiring the exercise of the highest skill and science for its solution. In the North Island the problem at present is how best to separate the gold, silver, and other metals found in combination in certain lodes in the Thames District. In the Middle Island the difficulty is in treating stone containing arsenic, antimony, and sulphur, associated with gold. In the alluvial workings the problem is how best to work the riverbeds and sea-beaches by dredges. Several plans are about to be tried, and, as there are hundreds of miles of coast-line and river-beds in the Middle Island auriferous, much interest is centred on the numerous companies that have taken up frontages of beach to be worked on the dredging process, which may be termed wholesale relatively to the process of saving the gold at present adopted by the individual miner, by means of matting or blanketing and the copper plate on the washingtables. Before remarking on the various divisions of the mining industry it will be well to show the results for the year 1887, and their relation to those of the former year; also the total values of New Zealand mineral products from the Ist January, 1853, to the 31st December, 1887.

For Year i Decoml jnding 31st >er, 1886. For Year Decem aiding 3.1st >er, 1887. Total from to 31st] st Jan., 1853, >ec, 1887. Name of Metal or Mineral. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. 5oia silver Oz. 227,079 12,108 239,187 903,569 2,946 Oz. 203,869 20,809 £ 811,100 3,453 Oz. 11,220,598 497,465 S 44,042,576 124,721 Total gold and silver 906,515 224,678 814,553 11,718,003 44,167,297 Mineral Produce, including Kauri-gum— Copper-ore Chrome-ore Antimony-ore Manganese-ore Hjematite-ore Mixed minerals Coal exported Coke exported Coal consumed in colony Kauri-gum Tons. 20 62 328J £ 390 1^784 1,316 1,846 52,133 715 244,108 257,653 559,945 906,515 Tons. "l34 305 144 43,719 183J 514,901 6,791 S 3J989 895 4,142 44,143 266 257,451 362,449 Tons. 1,392 5,666 989 12,656 I 51 13,686 194,184 3,639 4,266,610 111,191 i £ 17,787 37,367 13,504 45,314 220 55,822 198,957 5,854 2,133,305 4,305,601 445 46,136 497 488,217 4,920f Total quantity and value of minerals Value of gold and silver as above 540,626J 566,177$ 673,335 814,553 4,610,065 6,813,731 44,167,297 Total value of minerals produced, including gold and silver 1,466,460 1,487,888 50,981,028

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From this it will be seen that the total for the year 1887 of mineral products shows an increase in value of £21,428, which is due to the yield of kauri-gum more than compensating for the fallingoff in the yield of gold. Gold. The amount and value of gold obtained within any specified period in the colony cannot be accurately ascertained; but, as the whole of it, with the exception of what is used in the colony —a comparatively small quantity —is exported, the Customs returns may be taken as giving a close approximation of the yield for the periods to which they refer. The falling-off for the year 1887 is £92,469, as compared with 1886. Again, comparing the export for the six months ended the 30th June, 1888, with the corresponding six months of 1887, there is a falling-off in value of £13,580, The decrease is almost entirely in the alluvial fields of the West Coast and Otago. The yield of gold from quartz is fairly constant from year to year, as the following statement, covering a period of four years, for the two principal quartz-mining districts—viz., Auckland and Eeefton —will show. The returns are for the twelve months ending the 31st March in each case :—

Goromandel shows an increase in the quantity of stone crushed and also in the yield of gold, principally due to the vigorous prosecution of the Kapanga Mine. Thames and Ohinemuri show but little variation in the number of tons crushed, and with the exception of the year 1885-86 the yield of gold is very regular. The large yield for 1885-86 is due to rich stone having been obtained from the Cambria Mine. The returns from the Te Aroha field have been steadily getting less year by year, but notwithstanding this there is a prospect of this field being worked yet with more success. The Eeefton district shows a large falling-off in the yield of gold last year, which is in a great measure due to two of the regular dividend-paying mines—Welcome and Keep-it-Dark — producing very low-grade stone during the year. In the latter mine, however, the reef now found at the lower levels gives promise of better returns for this year. The quartz-mines in the Lake District of Otago have not given returns last year quite up to their usual average. At the end of Eoughridge, Ida Valley, two old claims which had been worked at different times in the course of the last twenty years, and latterly abandoned for several years, were reopened last year, and from 400 tons of stone the handsome return of 820oz. was obtained. At Serpentine, which has gone through a somewhat similar experience to that of Eoughridge, payable gold has been struck at several points along along a low-level adit, 900ft. long, following the general course of the reef. On the Old-Man Eange, above Bald Hill Flat, White's reef yielded 830oz. of gold from 820 tons of stone. This mine is at a very high level, about 3,000ft. above the sea, and can only be worked for seven or eight months in the year. The vicissitudes of failure and success which have attended quartz-mining in New Zealand go to show that persevering and well-directed efforts are almost sure of their reward. The Kapanga Mine already referred to, the Phoenix Mine at Skippers, and the Globe at Eeefton, may be taken as examples of what capital and skill can accomplish ; while failures, which could be quoted by the dozen, go to show that it is futile for persons without adequate means to engage in an enterprise requiring a large preliminary outlay before success can be achieved. Notwithstanding the failures, observation strengthens the conviction that there will yet be a very great development of quartzmining in the colony. Debdging-plants . Since the introduction of the Wellman dredger, which was constructed to work the bed of the Clutha Eiver, Otago, a large number of dredging-claims have been taken up; but, unfortunately, the pipes sent out from England with this dredger were found to be far too small to be of any real utility in carrying on dredging-operations. The holders of the claims recently taken up are waiting to see this new appliance properly, tested before commencing their operations. The novel feature of this dredge is that it lifts the gravel by means of suction produced by a centrifugal pump, the manner hitherto of raising gravel from the beds of rivers being by bucket-dredges. A large number of claims have also been taken up on the ocean beaches on the west coast of the Middle Island, and also on the east coast, between the mouth of the Clutha Eiver and the Bluff. Mr Brooke-Smith has introduced what is termed the Ball dredger (similar in construction to Wellman's), and is at present erecting one on the Five-mile Beach in the Okarito district, Westland. Should these dredges be successful there will be a large field opened out. Mr. McQueen, of Dunedin, who placed a steam-bucket dredger in the Clutha in 1881, which has been in successful operation ever since, is now building a steel pontoon bucket-dredge at Granite Creek, on the ocean beach, about twenty miles north of Westport. The machinery is to be driven by a turbine, fed through a flexible piping from a water-race.

188! (-85. 181 i-86. 188( 3-87. 1881 f-88. District. Quartz. Gold. Quartz. Gold. Quartz. Gold. Quartz. GoM. Auckland, — Coromandel Thames and Oliinemuri To Aroha Tons. 456 31,496 11,042 Oz. 3,201 37,705 9,506 Tons. 550 35,998 6,552 Oz. 3,382 61,540 4,489 Tons. 305 34,827 4,743 Oz. 4,170 38,142 3,658 Tons. 1,923 35,207 7,166 Oz. 6,774 39,354 2,918 leefton 42,994 34,349 50,412 23,997 43,100 27,198 69,411 14,591 39,875 23,930 45,970 21,143 44,296 24,403 49,046 16,775 Totals .. 77,343 74,409 70,298 84,002 63,805 67,113 68,699 65,821

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SILVETt. The silver hitherto exported is that obtained in the process of refining the gold. No metallurgical works have as yet been erected to treat silver ores, but a company proposed to erect works either at Karangehake or near Te Aroha. Over a hundred tons of ore, containing gold and silver, were shipped during last year to Europe for treatment, and the returns received are reported as very satisfactory. Antimony. The principal-antimony workings in the colony at the present time are at Endeavour Inlet, Queen Charlotte Sound. A company has boon working here for the last three or four years, and has lately, after erecting smelting-works and spending about £25,000, been re-formed in London with a larger capital, in order to carry on the workings on a more extensive scale. During last year 134 tons of ore and refined antimony were forwarded to London, valued at £3,989. At Waipori, in Otago, the antimony-mine which was opened out in former years is again taken up, and 10 tons of ore have lately been broken out for the purpose of forwarding to England for treatment, with the view of inducing a company with sufficient capital to work the mine. Manganese. At the Bay of Islands and other places in the Auckland Provincial District manganese is found. During last year 305 tons have been shipped to England, valued at £895. Mixed Minebals. The principal ores coming under this head are those containing gold and silver, associated with other metallic substances, of which 144 tons forwarded to Europe for treatment were valued at £4,142. COPPEB. Copper is found in many parts of the colony. It was worked on the Island of Kawau by the Aberdeen Company more than forty years ago, and subsequently at the Dun Mountain, Nelson. The latest copper-workings were in this locality, at the Champion Mine, where before the mine was properly opened out operations had to be suspended for want of capital. The workings have been at a standstill for over a year ; but efforts are now being made to resuscitate the enterprise by floating a company with a larger capital. Recently indications of copper have been discovered in the Buahine Eange, near Maharahara, Hawke's Bay. Several applications for prospecting licenses have been granted. Coal. This industry is steadily progressing. In 1878 the output from the mines was only 162,218 tons, and last year it amounted to 558,620 tons, being about three and a half times as great as it was ten years ago. In 1886 the output was 534,353 tons, thus showing an increase over last year of 24,267 tons. The quantity of coal imported last year, was 107,230 tons, being a decrease from the previous year's import of 12,643 tons, thus showing—as every previous year has done—that New Zealand coal is steadily gaining on the imported article. Taking the output of the mines in the colony and the quantity imported, they amount to 665,850 tons, as against 654,226 tons for the year 1886. The quantity of coal exported last year, according to the Customs returns, was 44,129 tons, but, of this, 31,178 tons was used for coaling direct mail-steamers, thus leaving the net actual exports to other countries at 12,951 tons. The actual exports for 1886 were 2,862 tons, showing an increase in exports of 10,089 tons. Although the 31,178 tons referred to as being used for coaling direct mail-steamers are included in the table of exports, they may be justly included in the consumption of the colony, as in last year's report. Upon this basis the quantity of coal consumed vvithin the colony last year was 652,899 tons, as against 651,364 tons in 1886, or the slight increase of 1,535 tons. Referring to Table No. 7, it is satisfactory to observe that the increased output consists principally of 31,916 tons of bituminous coal, while there has been a small decrease of 7,649 tons in the inferior classes of coal. Numbee of Coal-mines and Men employed. The number of mines standing on the list last year was 126, as against 110 for the year previous, but this increase has been more in the number of lignite-quarries, which can hardly be termed mines. The only real increase in the number may be set down as four, three of which employ from five to ten men each, and one over twenty-one men. The total number of men employed in coal-mining was 1,499, as against 1,605 for the previous year, or a decrease in the number of employed of 106, while the increased output from the mines amounts to 24,276 tons. The explanation of this is that a great amount of dead work was done in the previous year. For instance, the Wallsend Mine at Greymouth had 136 men during 1886, engaged mostly in preliminary work, the actual output being only 1,506 tons. The average output per man last year was 372 tons, as against 333 tons for the previous year. By referring to Table No. 9, attached, it will be seen that the largest output was in mines where twenty-one men and upwards were employed. The average in the larger workings was 406 tons per man, while in lignite-workings it was only 223 tons. The difference is easily accounted for, as lignite is only worked to supply local requirements. FUTUEE PeOSPECTS OF THE COAL-MINES. With regard to the future prospects of the coal-mining industry, it has now arrived at ihat stage where any great increase in the output will depend on an export trade, which cannot have any

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great development until the improvements to the harbours of Westport and Greymouth are sufficiently advanced to admit of large vessels loading up for foreign ports. Even with a much larger output of coal in the colony than is necessary for its own requirements, it cannot be expected that the importation of coal from New South "Wales will altogether cease, for a certain quantity will come as ballast on vessels trading between the two colonies. Accidents in Coal-mines. Notwithstanding the precautions taken by the department to provide for the safety of the workmen employed in the coal-mines, the number of accidents during the twelve months ended the 31st March last has been unusually large. There were in all thirty-one accidents, four of which proved fatal. This is at the rate of one accident for every 17,697 tons of coal won, or one fatal accident for every 139,655 tons, whereas during the previous year there were only seventeen accidents, or at the rate of one for every 31,432 tons of output, and none of them were fatal. This shows the necessity of having the mines carefully looked after; but, even with all the supervision that can possibly be exercised over them, accidents cannot be always prevented. The workmen themselves show great carelessness in many instances; and when this can be proved—which is often a difficult matter —it is the duty of the Inspectors to take proceedings against them. This has been done in several cases. It is due to those having the management of the mines in which accidents occurred during last year to state that in each case, inquiries having been made, it was found that no blame attached to them. The department endeavours to carry out the general spirit of the Act so as to secure the safety of the workmen ; but without the cordial co-operation of the managers, and above all of the workmen themselves, this desirable end cannot be attained. Kaubi-gum. It is no doubt somewhat fanciful to include the resinous exudation of the kauri pine (Dammans Australis) in a mines report, as though it were a mineral substance. It has this, however, in common with minerals, that it is dug out of the ground, and to some extent its crystallization has been altered since'it became buried there. The deposits extend more or less over the northern portion of the Auckland Provincial District, in the forests, and extensively in open country and the sites of ancient forests, of which, but for this valuable product, not a vestige remains to mark the spot where ages ago the magnificent kauri reared its noble stem and adorned the landscape with groves of beauty and sublimity such as no other tree-growth can surpass. The extensive use of the gum as a varnish in America and Europe has for many years led to a large export trade. The value of the export in 1887 was £362,449, or equal to nearly one-half the value of the gold export of the colony for the same year. The search for the gum is engaged in by both Europeans and Maoris, and at certain seasons of the year as many as ten thousand persons are engaged in connection with this industry. The gum-digger in the matter of outfit has greatly the advantage of the gold-digger: he requires neither water-race, nor sludgechannel, nor crushing machinery, nor other costly preliminary of time or money, but, accoutred with a steel-tipped prod, a spade, and a bag, he goes forth in search of treasure-trove, and, although he cannot indulge in the dreams of sudden wealth which fascinate the gold-seeker, he is sure, at least, of always averaging a fair wage. This general and equal distribution of the gains of the gum-industry throughout the district is of more value to the community than the more splendid but irregular gains of the gold-seeker. In the notice of this industry, however, it should be observed that its pursuit has a tendency to foster roaming and irregular habits, unfavourable to after application to steady industry; and it is even thought that, while the gumfields last, the improvement of the district north of Auckland, an area of about three million acres, will not be so rapid in the cultivation of the soil and in fruitgrowing, for which it is peculiarly well adapted, as it would be were there no gumfields. The statistics of the industry show that, from its commencement in 1853 to the 31st March, 1888, the quantity exported was 113,247-J tons, representing a value of £4,407,023. Hitherto the right to dig gum on the Crown lands had, in some instances, been secured by some one leasing a large area, erecting a store, and only allowing those to dig within his area who traded with him. This led to some evils, which it is proposed to obviate by issuing licenses at ten shillings per annum, conferring on the holder the same right to dig on the Crown lands that the miner's right confers on the goldfields. Hangers have been appointed to see that no digging is carried on in the forests except during the five winter months, from the Ist May to the 30th September, when there is but little risk of the destruction of the forest by accidental fire. Earnings op Minees. Gold-mining. —The number of persons engaged in gold-mining on the 31st March last was 11,720, and at the end of the previous year 11,782, making the average number throughout the year 11,751. The value of gold exported for the twelve months ended the 31st March being £766,330, gives an average earning for miners of £65 4s. 3d.; for the year previous it was £80 12s. 7d. Coal-mines. —The number of men and boys engaged in coal-mining at the end of 1887 was 1,499 ; and, as at the end of the previous year the number was 1,605, the average for 1887 may be stated as 1,552. Taking the cost of hewing the coal and other labour in working the mines at 6s. per ton, the average earning will be about £108 per man. Value op Plant, Machineby, and otheb Wobks in connection with Gold-mining. The value of machinery and plant in connection with gold-mining at the end of last year was estimated as follows:—

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Machinery and plant employed in alluvial and quartz-mining ... £508,921 Water-races, exclusive of those maintained by the department ... 727,637 Tail-races... ... ... ... ... ... 170,717 Dams and reservoirs ... ... ... ... ... 105,364 Sluices ... ... ... ... ... ... 16,734 1,529,373 Water-races constructed and maintained by the department ... 370,198 Total... ... ... ... ... £1,899,571 The above arranged in provincial districts gives for — Auckland ... ... ... ... ... ... £250,348 Marlborough ... ... ... ... ... 7,970 Nelson ... ... ... ... ... ... 590,491 Westland... ... ... ... ... ... 428,184 Otago ... ... ... ... ... ... 622,578 £1,899,571 Mining and Agkicultukal Leases. There are 340 licensed holdings, gold-mining leases, and special claims, having an aggregate area of 6,690 acres, on which an annual rental of £5,574 15s. is paid. There are also 345 agricultural leases held within mining districts, whose annual rental is £2,545 14s. 3d. GoLDFIELDS EEVENUE. The amount of revenue collected for the twelve months ending the 31st March last for miners' rights,.licenses, &c, was £17,189 ss: 10d., and from gold-duty £20,108 ss. 10d., making a total of £37,297 11s. Bd. This is paid to the local bodies of the district from which the revenue arises. The total of goldfields revenue collected since 1857 amounts to £2,196,849 9s. lOd. Water-baces. The water-races controlled and maintained directly by the Mines Department are the WaimeaKumara, Nelson Creek, and Argyle. The gross receipts from these, derived from sales of water and channel-fees, for the twelve months ending the 31st March last, amounted to £11,897 145., and the expenditure on maintenance for the same period was £7,843 Is. sd; thus leaving a balance over the working-expenses of £4,054 12s. 7d. To take these water-races separately, the Waimea-Kumara gives a surplus on the working of £4,125 17s. 4d., Nelson Creek shows a deficit of £128 13s. Bd., and the Argyle a surplus of £57 Bs. lid The Mount Ida Water-race, which is managed by a Trust, showed last year a surplus of £99 Is. 8d on the working-expenses for the first time since its construction. The Mikonui Water-race, an extensive work, estimated to cost about £90,000, has only been partially constructed, owing to the difficulties encountered in constructing the long tunnel, about two miles, the work on which has been stopped for several years. The lower end of the race, about three miles in length, having a series of short tunnels, was let to the Mont d'Or Company for £100 a year; but, on consideration of the company re-timbering the tunnels, the rent has recently been reduced to £50. The total expenditure on all the water-races and drainage- and sludge-channels has been £510,191 10s. lid., of which amount £469,392 18s. Bd. was expended on works undertaken wholly by Government, and £40,798 12s. 3d. was paid as subsidies and loans to companies and local bodies for the construction of works of this character. The water-races controlled by Government are—■ Waimea-Kumara, which cost ... ... ... £173,363 7 1 Nelson Creek ... ... ... ... ... 90,722 10 8 Argyle ... ... ... ... ... 14,701 15 3 Mikonui ... ... ... ... ... 25,644 9 6 Mount Ida, managed by a Trust ... ... ... 65,766 3 8 Total ... ... ... ... £370,198 6 2 The surplus on the working of these water-races last year amounted to £4,248 14s. 4d., or nearly li per cent on the capital value. Schools of Mines. As already mentioned, the miner is confronted with the problem of how to treat the ores in which gold, silver, and other metals occur in combination. One important step towards its elucidation has already been made in teaching him how to recognise the constituent metals in the ores. Dr. Black, Professor of Chemistry and Metallurgy at the Otago University, during each of the summer vacations of the last three years, visited the principal mining districts, delivering lectures on chemistry and teaching miners the tests to apply in the detection of the various metals. The results have been well worthy of this labour, for the miners, from their calling, being of a very observant nature, have profited greatly by the scientific instruction. It has literally been a case of the seed falling on good ground and producing fruit many fold. It is largely due to Dr. Black's labours and to the attempts at smelting by the La Monte process that the miners of the Thames realised, as they now do, the presence of the silver and other

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metals that were being shot out on the heap of tailings like so much rubbish. A great incentive has been given to prospect new fields, for in the simple tests the miner has learned to apply he is armed with a talisman to unlock the secrets of nature. It is true that it is one thing to know what is in an ore, and quite another to dissociate the metals composing it, on the large scale. But we are on the right track of discovery in having awakened the spirit of inquiry among so many intelligent men, who are supplied at various points with the means of pursuing their inquiries in the laboratory. On account of the expense it is of course impossible to equip and maintain laboratories on all the goldfields. But, recognising the importance of keeping this spirit of inquiry alive, well-equipped laboratories are maintained both at the Thames and Eeefton—the two principal quartz-mining districts —in charge at each place of an officer trained under Dr. Black. At the Thames Mr. Montgomery has charge, and Mr. Fenton at Eeofton. Their duties are to make analyses, and teach the miners, old and young, in the chemistry of their work. It is reasonable to hope that the outcome of so much intelligent application will be the discovery of a method of treating the ores so as to make the most refractory of them yield up their wealth. The expenditure on Schools of Mines since their inauguration has been as follows : — £ s. a". Subsidies towards the erection of buildings ... ... 511 12 3 Chemicals and mineralogical specimens ... ... ... 699 15 2 Salaries of teachers and travelling expenses ... ... 5,654 8 7 Total ... ... ... ... £6,865 16 0 In addition to this the liabilities amounted at the end of March last to £337 4s. 3d., exclusive of £600 which was authorised as subsidy towards the erection of a testing-plant in connection with the Thames School of Mines. Depaetment al . . As. required by the Mining and Coal Mines Acts, a Board of Examiners was appointed to test the qualifications of applicants for the certificate of competency required by managers of mines. There have been six applications, but only two came up for examination, of whom one passed. The work of the Mines Department proper requires no great number of officers. The waterraces, sludge-channels, and construction of roads and tracks are directed by the Inspecting Engineer, Mr. H. A. Gordon, who also divides the work of inspection under the Mining and Coalmines Acts with Mr. Binns, who is solely engaged in that duty, and with the occasional assistance of Mr. John Gow, but whose principal duty is the charge of the Nelson Creek Water-race. Mr. George Wilson inspects the Thames and Te Aroha districts under the Mining Act. The local charge of the Waimea-Kumara W Tater-race and Sludge-channel is under Mr. James Dand, and of the Charleston Water-race under Mr. Denis Doyle. The reports of those officers and the Wardens of the several goldfields for the year will be published simultaneously with this report. While the success of the mining-industry rests mainly with the intelligence and energy of those engaging in it, the department can materially assist by the collection and dissemination of information bearing on the most improved methods of mining in practice here and in other countries. It is but right to acknowledge the endeavours of Mr. Gordon in this respect, and on whom also rests the main executive work of the department. James McKerbow.

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No. 1. Table showing the Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Duty for Exportation from New Zealand for the Years ending the 31st March, 1886, and 1887, and the Total Quantity and Value from 1857 to 31st March, 1888.

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Year endins 31st March, 1888. Tear ending £lst March, 1887. Increase or Decrease for Year ending 31st March, 1887. Total Quanti from Jan' to 31st Mf ity and Value uary, 1857, irch, 1888. "ame of Goldfield. Port of Entry. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Increase. Decrease. iuckland Auckland .. Oz. 31,986 126,723 Oz. 32,051 & 127,390 Oz. Oz. G5 Oz. 1,554,687 5,787,415 Wellington Wellington ■17 109 47 188 700 Uarlborough 1 Picton Nelson Blenheim .. 'i.76 944 "656 3,400 399 78 1,430 293 54,974 212,087 Nelson Dunedin .. 1,120 ■ 4,056 477 1,723 643 Nelson f 1,987 112 7,378 448 2,543 115 9,508 458 225,711 896,390 2,099 7,826 2,658 9,906 559 West Coast | 1 Nelson Westport .. Greymouth Hokitika .. Wellington 1,593 8,783 55,581 29,121 6,334 35,131 222,304 116,482 1,004 17,106 66,284 32,597 7 3,918 68,223 261,387 130,388 30 19,169,881 95,078 380,251 116,998 463,946 21,920 4,828,967 Canterbury Dunedin .. 24 96 Otago { I Dunedin .. Inveroargill RIverton .. 55,451 6,227 219,539 24,482 73,259 3,898 2,693 293,447 15,187 10,772 18,185,037 18,372 4,608,755 Totals .. 61,478 244,021 79,850 319,400 191,961 762,877 232,081 922,600 40,320 11,273,306 44,251,612

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No. 2. Total Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Duty for Exportation from the 1st January, 1857, to the 31st December, 1887. (This return shows the produce of the various goldfields. Gold entered at Nelson from Hokitika, Greymouth, and Westport is put under the head of "West Coast," and from Invercargill and Riverton under the head of "Otago.")

Auckland. Kelson. Marlborough. Wesi Coast. Otago. Wellii Canterbury. igton. Tol :al. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 , 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 308 1,239 4,483 3,448 5,449 5,814 6,637 53,660 132,451 85,534 330,326 104,890 119,449 76,910 69,485 56,057 99,081 55,982 37,901 42,720 35,516 33,059 41,291 36,087 42,989 32,271 30,697 £ 1,192 4,098 13,853 10,552 17,096 17,463 18,277 168,874 434,687 319,146 1,188,708 369,341 437,123 305,068 262,156 221,905 403,627 220,454 154,295 176,416 141,326 131,007 163,618 143,564 170,416 128,140 121,564 10,437 13,226 7,336 4,538 6,335 10,422 9,580 14,410 12,137 7,650 9,123 5,999 10,631 12,244 10,014 8,175 13,697 5,642 4,577 14,018 5,367 4,463 2,993 3,222 3,453 3,289 2,064 2,159 2,798 2,582 2,914 £ 40,422 51,272 28,427 17,585 24,552 40,386 37,120 55,841 47,030 29,643 35,918 38,396 42,524 48,692 40,056 32,700 54,786 22,158 17,866 55,862 21,092 17,223 11,424 12,223 13,039 12,494 7,724 8,002 10,337 9,979 10,829 896,602 ■■ 24,838 7,952 469 501 404 666 1,852 1,867 2,057 1,274 1,198 1,159 450 870 404 879 1,550 1,378 1,352 636 1,079 540 404 1,041 54,820 £ 95,231 30,814 1,818 1,978 1,616 2,664 7,408 7,468 8,228 5,050 4,748 4,636 1,796 3,197 1,617 3,460 5,650 4,531 5,400 2,524 4,306 2,160 1,451 3,759 •• 1,463 289,897 552,572 511,974 405,762 317,169 280,068 232,882 172,574 188,501 157,531 158,678 133,014 153,198 144,634 142,822 144,090 127,544 130,048 116,905 111,686 117,861 112,671 98,774 £ 5,560 1,127,370 2,140,946 2,018,874 1,608,844 1,269,664 1,121,525 931,528 690,296 756,442 631,203 635,480 531,274 612,823 578,508 571,061 575,258 509,971 519,978 467,152 446,517 471,325 446,287 395,430 •• 187,696 399,201 614,387 436,012 259,139 168,871 158,670 171,649 153,364 165,152 154,940 157,674 182,416 135,107 121,423 118,477 113,169 105,003 102,869 113,666 102,670 83,446 87,478 78,810 73,183 79,104 70,443 4,594,019 £ 727,321 1,546,905 2,380,750 1,689,653 1.004,163 654,647 623,815 086,596 613,456 660,694 619,760 630,696 734,024 542,154 487,632 473,491 455,341 422,277 407,868 457,705 411,923 333,804 352,334 318,932 294,378 317,543 279,518 30 £ 120 £ 10,437 13,534 7,336 4,538 194,031 410,862 628,450 480,171 574,574 735,376 686,905 637,474 614,281 544,880 730,029 445,370 505,337 376,388 355,322 322,016 371,685 310,486 287,464 305,248 270,561 251,204 248,374 229,946 237,371 227,079 203,869 £ 40,422 52,464 28,427 17,585 751,873 1,591,389 2,431,723 1,856,837 2,226,474 2,844,517 2,698,862 2,504,326 2,362,995 2,157,585 2,787,520 1,731,261 1,987,425 1,505,331 1,407,770 1,284,328 1,496,080 1,240,079 1,148,108 1,227,252 1,080,790 1,002,720 993,352 921,797 948,615 903,569 811,100 io 37 ioi 380 24 96 47 169 Totals .. 225,495 211,510 4,802,318 19,063,316 1,543,734 5,743,966 18,127,380 188 706 24 96 11,220,598 44,042,576

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Note.—Export of coal included 410 tons, value £507, of foreign produce.

No. 3. Table showing the Total Quantity of Mineral Ores, the Product of Mines other than Gold and Kauri Gum, exported from the Colony up to 31st December, 1887.

2—C. 2

Silver. Copper Ore. Chrome Ore. Antimony Ore. Manganese Ore. Hematite Ore. Mixed Mineral Ore. Coal. Coke. Kauri Gnni. Totals. Oz. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Ton3. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Ounces. ' Tons. Value. 1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 •• ' 11,063 37,123 80,272 37,064 36,187 40,566 29,085 12,683 33,893 23,019 20,645 20,005 18,885 5,694 16,826 24,914 16,624 12,108 20,809 £ 2,993 11,380 23,145 9,910 9,850 10,380 7,569 3,171 7,556 5,755 4,512 4,500 4,236 1,286 3,785 5,125 3,169 2,946 3,453 •• 351 245 137 110 51 "246 84 7 £ 5,000 2,605 1,590 1,300 1,024 2^700 977 120 •■ •■ 3 8 116 52 3,843 595 768 281 £ 25 120 1,440 520 24,719 4,318 4,910 1J315 ■■ £ " " •• •• - • £ •• £ •• i I £ .. .. i •• .. 2 •• 1 "261 973 1,027 750 1,672 1,696 990 724 1,463 3,385 1,854 2,658 6,362 7,144 7,020 6,621 3,207 6,522 6,104 43,893 46,136 44,129 £ I •• 4 •• 2 ! •■ •• "400 1,228 1,210 800 1,508 1,612 855 655 1,363 3,129 1,954 2,071 5,139 6,187 5,977 5,610 2,380 4,879 4,461 51,257 52,133 44,650 •• £ " ! .. •• .. I I 830 1,661 355 1,440 2,522 1,811 2,010 1,046 856 1,103 1,400 2,228 1,867 2,535 2,635 2,690 2,850 4,391 5,054 4,811 2,834 2,569 : 2,231 2,88S 3,633 3,445 3,229 4,725 5,461 5,533 j 6,518 6,393 5,875f 4,920} | 6,791 15,972 23,864 4,514 1SJ591 35,251 20,037 20,776 9,851 9,888 11,107 27,026 60,590 46,060 70,572 77,491 72,493 111,307 175,074 167,958 154,167 85,816 79,986 13S,523 109,234 118,348 132,975 147,535 1 242, S17 253,788 i 200,369 336,606 342,151 299,702 257,653 362,449 !4,305,601 •• .. I .. I 11,063 37,123 j 80,272 37,064 36,187 40,566 29,085 12,683 1 33,893 23,019 20,645 20,005 18,8S5 5,694 16,826 24,914 16,624 12.10S 20,809 497,465 830 1,661 355 1,440 2,522 2,167 2,263 1,300 1,018 4,997 1,995 2,996 1,867 3,077 3,904 3,801 3,600 6,070 6,750 5,822 3,558 4,119 5,631 7,975 8,682,| 12,420 12,722 17,177 15,438 14,019 14.953J 13,071 51.468J 52,4111 51,666J £ 15,972 28,864 4,514 18,591 35,251 25,068 23,501 12,883 11,708 36,850 31,344 65,500 46,060 72,287 81,419 74,680 115,100 1SS.082 192,715 164,982 96,321 91,957 149,272 129,372 137,711 154,687 168,001 275,799 271,633 281,016 350,080 353,024 362,779 318,783 419,844 21 50 " I 6 55 •• I "us 1,105 •• 4 60 30 31 "l02 612 24 900 804 2,516 2,140 2,611 1,271 2,181 384 318 602 32SJ 305 •• ! 10,416 8,338 10,423 3,283 6,963 1,155 809 1,716 1,316 895 •• "' j 3J180 2,366 2 2,674 1,955 2,784 22 •■ 14,824 9,664 8 11,335 4,303 8,597 110 87 15 53 25£ 85 154 87 223 275 1,430 236 267 497 183J 228 51 189 721 177 324 135 353 480 2,057 372 385 715 see; 5 9 46 20 36 41 678 106 •• "l2 i ■• "390 666 62 134 5,289 1,784 3,989 50J '20s 114 445 144 993 1,848 4,142 20 .. I •• ■• Totals 17,787 5,6601 37,367 i 1 51 i 220 13,686 55,822 194,594 I 1 199,4641 J3,639 5,854! 111,191* 497,465 124,721 1,392 989 13,504 12.656J 45,3141 343,907 4,805,65'

10

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No. 4. Table showing the Value of Goldfields Revenue, including Gold Duty, since 1860 to 31st March, 1887, and the Amount of same for Year ending the 31st March, 1888.

No. 5. Table showing the Increased Production of Coal, Year by Year, during the last Ten Years, and the Decrease of Coal imported for the same Period.

No. 6. Table showing the Output of Coal from the various Mining Districts, and the Comparative Increase and Decrease, for the Years 1886 and 1887, together with the Total Approximate Quantity of Coal produced since the Mines were opened.

Name of District. Goia Duty, Year ending 31st March, 1888. Goldfields Eevenue, Year ending 31st March, 1888. Total Amount of Goldfiolds Kovenue and Gold Duty, from 18G0 to 31st March, 1888. 'o value of goldfields revenue and gold duty, from 1800 to Dlst March, 1887. {Vide Table No. 10, Mines Report, 1887) Luckland Vollington .. Telson larlborough .. Janterbury .. Vestland )tago £ s. el. 3,292'13 5 4,042 1G 5 119 8 7 0 17 G 5,096 3 1 0,950 6 10 £, s. d. 4,802 13 10 5 0 0 4,808 3 7 96 3 0 59 16 8 2,121 12 7 5,235 10 2 £ s. a. 2,159,551 IS 2 37,279 11 8 Totals 20,108 5 10 17,189 5 10 2,196,849 9 10

Coal raised in the Colony. Coal imported. Year. Yearly Increase. Tons. Plus or Minus. Incroaso and Decrease. Tons. .878 .. .879 .. .880 .. .881 .. .882 .. .883 .. .884 .. .885 .. .886 .. .887 .. 162,218 231,218 299,923 337,262 378,272 421,764 480,831 511,063 534,353 558,620 69,000 68,705 37,339 41,010 43,492 59,069 30,232 23,290 24,267 174,148 158,076 123,298 129,962 129,582 123,540 148,444 130,202 119,873 107,230 + 16,072 34,778 6,664 380 6,043 24,904 18,242 10,329 12,643 +

Output of Coal. Approximate Total Output of Coal up to 31st December, 1887. Name of District. Plus or Minus. Increase or Decrease. 1886. 1887. tawakawa .. Vhangarei, Kamo, and Whauwhau /Vaikato 'olorus Vest Wanganui Vestport teefton Jreymouth .. lalvern )imaru )tago louthland Tons. 30,775 30,947 43,072 4,168 119,929 2,809 130,485 14,072 650 141,697 15,749 Tons. 35,078 15,265 48,367 3,783 116,242 1,786 162,170 11,681 172 144,741 19,335 + + Tons. 4,303 15,682 5,295 385 3,687 1,023 31,685 2,391 478 3,044 3,586 Tons. 650,480 195,594 367,688 711 24,939 517,758 30,448 931,480 219,645 1,748 1,578,239 100,207 + + + Totals 534,353 558,620 24,267 4,618,937

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No. 7. Table showing the Different Classes of Coal from the Mines in the Colony.

No. 8. Table showing the Number of Coal-mines in Operation, the Number of Men employed, and the Output of Coal per Man.

No. 9. Return showing the Quantity and Value of Coals imported into and exported from New Zealand during the Year ended the 31st December, 1887.

Department of Trade and Customs, W. T. Glasgow, Wellington, 28th April, 1888. Secretary.

Output of Coal. Plus or Minus. Approximate Total Output of Coal up to the 31st December, 1887. Name of Coal. 1886. 1887. Increase or Decrease. iituminous 'itch .. irown .. jignite Tons. 285,357 83,179 154,305 11,512 Tons. 317,273 81,048 142,113 18,186 + Tons. 31,916 2,131 12,192 6,674 Tons. 2,125,132 722,G39 1,641,589 129,577 + Totals 534,353 558,620 24,267 4,618,937

Number of Mines working. Number of Minors employed in each Mine. Total Number of Men employed. Output of Coal during 1887. Average Output per Man. 87 15 8 16 I to 4 men in each 5 to 10 II to 20 21 men and upwards 162 85 118 1,134 1,499 Tons. 36,197 31,283 31,038 460,102 Tons. 223 368 263 406 126 558,620 372

Import >d. Exported. Countries whence imported. Quantity. Value. Countrios to which exported. Quantity. Value. tinted Kingdom lueensland few South Wales .. 'ictoria Tons. 3,158 588 103,114 370 £ 4,873 421 102,632 302 , United Kingdom* jj New South Wales ! Victoria .. ' Fiji Islands I Hongkong.. 1 United States of America on the East Coast South Sea Islands! Tons. 31,178 4,279 2,485 2,605 3,436 7 1 £, 35,109 2,853 1,579 1,699 3,273 9 Totals .. 139 128 107,230 108,288 Totals .. 44,129 44,650 * Included in exportation [and produce. t Included ii is New Zealand produce. ;o United Ki: exportation lgdom, 410 to: ;o South Sea : is, value £507, of foreign coal; t slands, GO tons, value £60, of fo: ilie remaindei reign coal; t! is New Zea ie remaindei

a—2.

No. 10. Number of Miners employed during the Years ending 31st March, 1888, and 1887.

[Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,975 copies), £12 lls. 6d.]

By Authority : George Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBB.

12

Alluvial Miners. Quartz-minors. Totals. Grand Totals. Mining District. European. Chinese. European. Chinese. European. Chinese. 1888. 1887. Auckland — North Hauraki South Hauraki To Aroha Marlbobouoh — Pclorus Wairau tTBLSOH — Wangapcka Collingwood, Takaka, and West Wanganui Inangahua Ahaura Charleston Westporfc, including Addison's, Northern Terraces,Waimangaroa, North Beach, Mokihinui, Karamea, and Lower Buller Valley Lyell .. Murchison Owen ., vVestland— Ross Waimea and Stafford Totara Hokitika and Kanieri Kurnara ... Greyrnouth Arnold Greenstone Okarito Jackson's Bay .. 3tago— Hindon Tuapeka Clyde .. Cromwell Alexandra Roxburgh .. • Black's Tapanui Waikaia, Upper Waikaia, Nokomai, Waikaka, and Waikawa Longwood and Merrivale Orepuki Roundhill Wakatipu Goldfields—Arrow, Macetown, Cardrona, ICawarau, Bracken's, and Motatapu Naseby Queenstown Kyeburn and Clarke's Hamilton, Sowburn, &c. Hyde and Pullerton's Serpentine Macrae's, Strath-Taieri, and Shag Valley Maerowhonua St. Bathan's and Ida Valley 90 50 47 225 133 500 250 327 50 200 10 200 305 400 330 230 120 89 30 266 200 4 20 20 30 90 30 270 190 60 1 300 871 76 75 390 27 120 "40 40 • 300 871 76 90 50 47 300 523 500 250 354 170 200 50 240 305 400 330 230 120 89 30 266 200 4 20 20 30 90 30 270 190 60 1 300 871 70 90 50 47 300 789 700 250 358 190 220 50 270 395 430 600 420 180 90 30 150 986 102 00 40 ' 13 165 850 670 252 218 210 260 370 396 585 420 575 555 225 74 50 l • 40 480 33 320 130 156 135 00 158 5 420 20 150 100 120 40 30 150 12 40 "'30 20 52 520 33 350 150 156 138 60 158 5 420 20 150 100 120 40 30 150 57 940 53 500 250 276 178 90 308 50 912 53 461 223 189 210 3 *307 37 120 80 250 350 50 3 40 120 80 300 '350 50 40 120 430 350 '400 "so *292 170 250 140 100 250 170 500 140 100 310 600 2G0 575 145 70 47 25 135 45 70 12 50 15 27 10 65 4 9 45 74 21 50 15 27 10 65 60 101 31 115 40 135 20 "lO 40 145 "20 40 165 42 148 Summary, (vuckland Maelbobough Kelson .. vYestland DTAGO 140 1,742 1,704 2,771 510 671 1,812 1,247 652 40 431 1,247 140 2,394 1,744 3,202 510 671 1,812 1,247 140 2,904 2,415 5,014 1,238 100 2,638 3,256 4,550 Totals 6,357 2,993 2,370 8,727 2,993 11,720 11,782