Papers Past | Parliamentary Papers | Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives | 1895 Session I | REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MINES ON THE...

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REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MINES ON THE GOLDFIELDS OF NEW ZEALAND FOR THE YEAR 1894-95. BY H.A. GORDON, Esq., F.G.S., INSPECTING ENGINEER.

NEW ZEALAND. BY AUTHOEITY: SAMUEL COSTALL, GOVEENMENT PEINTEE, WELLINGTON--1895.

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1895. NEW ZEALAND.

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

oonsrTisnsrTS.

Page. Goldfields, Eoads, Water-races, Mining Machinery, and other Works in connection with Mining, Eeport on, by H. A. Gordon, Inspecting Engineer .. 1-285 Subsidised Roads and Tracks .. .. .. 1 Eoads constructed by Direct Grants .. .. 2 Prospecting for Gold Prospecting for Coal .. .. •■ • • ' Schools of Mines .. ■ • ■ • ■ • 3-25 Thames School of Mines .. .. .. 3-17 Eeefton School of Mines .. .. -. 17-20 Otago School of Mines.. .. .. .. 20-24 Minor Schools .. • • ■ ■ .. 24, 25 Expenditure on Schools .. .. .. 25 Water-races .. .. • ■ • • • • 25-33 Waimea Water-race .. .. .. .. 25, 26 Kumara Water-race .. .. .. • ■ 26-28 Waimea-Kumara Water-races .. .. .. 28 Summary showing Eesults of Working the Kumara Water-race for Twelve Years, from Ist April, 1883, to 31st March, 1895 .. .. .. 29 Mount Ida Water-race.. .. ■. .. 31 Blackstone Hill Water-races .. .. .. 31, 32 Summary of Water-races .. .. .. 32 Statement of Profits and Losses on the Working of the Water-races for the last Seventeen Years .. .. • • • • • • 32 Oamaru Water-race .. . - -. ■ • 33 Gold- and Silver-mining .. .. .. .. 33-157 Quartz- workings .. .. . • ■ ■ 33-97 North Island .. .. .. • • • ■ 33-69 Coromandel District .. .. . ■ 34-41 Kauri Block .. .. .. .. 34, 35 Hauraki Company .. .. .. 34, 35 Kapanga .. .. • • - - • • 35, 36 Kapanga Company .. .. .. 35, 36 Blagrove's Freehold .. .. .. 36 Scotty's, Hauraki .. .. .. 36 Tokatea .. .. .. .. .. 36, 37 Waikoromiko .. .. .. •. 37 Pukemaukuku .. . ■ ■ ■ • • 37 Tiki 37 Opitonui .. .. . ■ .. • • 37 Otunguru .. .. .. ■. 37 Owera .. .. . - - • ■ • 37 Mahakirau .. .. .. .. 37 Matarangi .. -. .. ■ ■ 37 Kuaotunu .. .. .. .. 37-40 Try Fluke Company .. .. .. 38 Kapai-Vermont Company .. .. 38, 39 Bed Mercury .. .. .. .. 39 Great Mercury .. .. .. .. 39, 40 Just-in-Time, Otama, Waitaia, and Aorere .. 40 Statement of Gold Eeturn, Coromandel County 41

i Page. I Quartz-workings (North Island) — continued. Thames District .. .. .. .. 42-52 Comparative Return of working of mines in Thames District, for last Financial Year against previous one .. .. .. 43 Tapu .. .. .. .. .. 43 Sheridan's Claim .. .. .. 43 Tapu Fluke .. .. .. .. 43 Royal .. .. .. .. .. 43 Waiomo .. .. .. .. .. 43-45 Monowai Company .. .. .. 44 Gem Mine .. .. .. .. 44 Broken Hill Mine .. .. .. 44, 45 Tararu .. .. .. .. .. 45 Kuranui .. .. .. .. .. 45 Hazelbank .. .. .. .. 45 Moanatairi .. .. .. .. 45, 46 Moanatairi .. .. .. .. 45, 46 New Alburnia .. .. .. .. 46 Grahamstown .. .. .. .. 46, 47 Waiotahi.. .. .. .. .. 47 Waiotahi .. .. .. .. 47 Cambria .. .. .. .. 47 Fame and Fortune ~ .. .. 47 Waiokaraka .. .. .. .. 47, 48 May Queen Company .. .. .. 47, 48 Karaka .. .. .. .. .. 48 Una Hill and Te Papa .. .. .. 48 Hape Creek .. .. .. .. 48 Puriri .. .. .. .. .. 48 Tairua .. .. .. .. .. 48 Ohui .. .. .. .. ..48 Big Pump, Thames .. .. .. 48-50 List of Licensed Holdings and Special Claims in Thames District, with Number of Men employed, May, 1895 .. .. .. 50 Statement of Gold Returns, Hauraki District, for Year ended 31st March, 1895 .. .. 51, 52 Obinemuri District .. .. .. .. 53-65 Karangahake .. .. .. .. 53-57 Crown Company .. .. .. 54-56 Woodstock Mine .. .. .. 55 Talisman Mine .. .. .. .. 56 Bonanza .. .. .. .. 56 Earl of Glasgow Mine .. .. .. 56, 57 Other Mines .. .. .. .. 57 Owharoa .. .. .. .. .. 57 Maddens Folly .. .. .. .. 57 Waitekauri .. .. .. .. 57-61 Golden Cross Mine .. .. .. 58-60 Jubilee .. .. .. .. 60 Grace Darling .. .. .. .. 60, 61 Komata .. .. .. .. 61

THE GOLDFIELDS OF NEW ZEALAND: REPORT ON ROADS, WATER-RACES, MINING MACHINERY, AND OTHER WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH MINING.

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Page. Quartz-workings (North Island) — continued. Ohinemuri District— continued. Waitekauri, Alpha Mine .. .. .. 61 Waihi .. .. .. .. .. 61-64 Waihi .. .. .. .. .. 61-64 Waihi-Silverton .. .. .. 64 Grand Junction.. .. .. .. 64 Statement showing Results of Mining Operations in the Ohinemuri District for the Year ended 31st March, 1895 .. .. .. 65 Te Aroha .. .. .. .. .. 65-67 Statement showing Results of Mining Operations in the Te Aroha District for the Year ended 31st March, 1895 .. .. .. 67 Comparative Statement of Return for Hauraki District for the Years ended 31st March, 1895 and 1894 .. .. .. .. .. 68 Return of Stone, &c, crushed, Auckland District (including Coromandel, Ohinemuri, and Te Aroha) .. .. .. .. .. 69 Middle Island .. .. .. .. 70-97 Marlborough District .. .. .. 70 Waikakaho .. .. .. .. 70 Ravenscliff .. .. .. .. 70 Wakamarina .. .. .. .. 70 Golden Bar .. .. .. .. 70 Empire City .. .. .. .. 70 Nelson District .. .. .. .. 70, 71 Collingwood .. .. .. .. 70 Blackball.. .. .. .. .. 70, 71 Minerva .. .. .. .. 70, 71 Reefton District .. .. .. .. 71-81 Return of Tons of Quartz crushed, the Yield of Gold from same, and Dividends declared, for the Year ended 31st December, 1894 .. 71 Statement showing Comparative Returns from Mines in District for the last Thirteen Years 72 Quartz-mining Companies engaged in the Reefton District, showing Amount of Calls, Dividends, Crushings, and Yield of Gold from Commencement .. .. 73-75 Old Caledonian .. .. .. .. 75 Italian Gully .. .. .. .. 75 Welcome United .. .. .. 75 Fiery Cross .. .. .. .. 75 Sir Charles Russell .. .. .. 75, 76 Dillon .. .. .. .. .. 76 Golden Fleece .. .. .. .. 76 Royal .. .. .. .. .. 76 Murray Creek .. .. .. .. 76 Wealth of Nations .. .. .. 77 Keep It Dark .. .. .. .. 77 Keep It Dark No. 2 .. .. .. 77 Hercules .. .. .. .. 77, 78 Globe .. .. .. .. .. 78 Progress .. .. .. .. 78, 79 Sir Francis Drake .. .. .. 79 Cumberland .. .. .. .. 79 Golden Lead .. .. .. .. 79, 80 Merryjigs .. .. .. .. 80 Big River .. .. .. .. 80 St. George .. .. .. .. 80 Burkes Creek .. .. .. .. 80, 81 Boatman's .. .. .. .. 81 Lyell .. .. .. .. .. 81, 82 Alpine.. .. .. .. ..81,82 Lyell Creek Extended .. .. .. 82 United Italy .. .. .. .. 82 Tyrconnel .. .. .. .. 82 Croesus West Coast and Marlborough Battery Returns 82, 83 Grey District .. .. .. .. 83, 84 Langdon's .. .. .. .. 83, 84 Totara District .. .. .. .. 84, 85 Cedar Creek .. .. .. .. 84 Donnelly's Creek .. .. .. ..84,85 C. Porter's Claim .. .. .. 84 Constitution Hill .. .. .. .. 85 Antonio Zala's Claim .. .. .. 85 Otago District .. .. .. .. 85-92 Dunback .. .. .. .. .. 85 Milton .. .. .. - .. .. 86 Canada Reefs .. .. .. .. 86 Waipori .. .. .. .. .. 86 Old Man Range .. .. .. .. 86, 87 White's Reef .. .. .. .. 86, 87 Excelsior Reef .. .. .. .. 87 Carrick Range .. .. .. .. 87 Day Dawn .. .. .. .. 87 New Bendigo .. .. .. .. 87, 88 Rough Ridge .. .. .. .. 88 Nenthorn .. .. .. .. 88, 89 Bonanza .. .. .. .. 88

Tage. Quartz-workings (Middle Island) — continued. Otago District — continued. Golden Point, Nenthorn .. .. .. 88 Mount Highlay .. .. .. .. 89 Lake District .. .. .. .. 89-92 Victor Emmanuel Claim .. .. .. 89 The Tipperary .. .. .. .. 89, 90 Premier Mine .. .. .. .. 90, 91 Skipper's and Shotover .. .. .. 91, 92 Gallant Tipperary .. .. .. 92 Leviathan .. .. .. .. 92 Wilson's River .. .. .. .. 92, 93 Hesperides Company .. .. .. 93 Triangle Extended Company .. .. 93 Morning Star Company .. .. .. 93 Battery Returns, Otago District, Year ended 31st March, 1895 .. .. .. .. 94 Statement showing Returns from Quartz-mines in the Colony for the past Year .. .. 94 Statement of Affairs of Mining Companies, as published in accordance with the Mining Companies Acts, 1891 and 1894 .. .. .. 95-97 Alluvial Mining, Middle Island .. .. .. 98-157 Marlborough District .. .. .. 99, 100 Mahakipawa .. .. .. .. 99 Nelson District .. .. .. .. 100-103 Collingwood .. .. .. .. 100-103 Parapara Hydraulic-Sluicing and Mining Company .. .. .. .. ..100-103 Westport District .. .. .. .. 103-108 Bradshaw's Terrace .. .. .. 103 Addison's Flat .. .. .. .. 104 Carmody's Claim .. .. .. 104 Shamrock Company .. .. .. 105 Croninville .. .. .. .. 105 Charleston .. .. .. .. 105 Cement Workings .. .. 105, 106 Statement of Cement crushed during last Three Years .. .. .. .. 106 Buller River .. .. .. .. 106 Matakitaki .. .. .. .. 106-108 Mammoth Sluicing Company .. .. 107 White's Claim .. .. .. .. 107 Maruia .. .. .. .. .. 108 Inangahua Valley .. .. .. 108, 109 Soldier's Creek .. .. .. .. 109 Devil's Creek .. .. .. .. 109 Grey Valley .. .. .. .. 109-118 Slab Hut Creek .. .. .. .. 109 Merrijigs .. .. .. .. .. 109 Antonio's Flat .. .. .. .. 110 Adam's Town .. .. .. .. 110 Blackwater .. .. .. .. 110 Snowy River .. .. .. 110, 111 Nobles' .. .. .. .. 111, 112 Duffers' and Half-ounce Creeks .. .. 112 Orwell Creek .. .. .. 112, 113 Ahaura .. .. .. .. .. 113 Callaghan's .. .. .. .. 113 Nelson Creek .. .. .. 113, 114 Red Jack's .. .. .. .. 114 No Town.. .. .. .. .. 114 Maori Creek and Maori Gully .. .. 115 Marsden and Paroa .. .. .. 115 Blackball and Moonlight .. .. 115, 116 Barrytown .. .. .. 116, 117 Greenstone .. .. .. .. 117 Westbrooke .. .. .. 117, 118 Kumara .. .. .. .. .. 118-121 List of Claims, Men employed, and Quantity of Water used .. .. .. .. 119 Kapitea .. .. .. .. .. 119 Callaghan's .. .. .. 119, 120 Waimea and Stafford .. .. 120, 121 Gillam's Gully .. .. .. .. 121 Arahura .. .. .. .. .. 121-125 Humphrey's Gully Company .. 121, 122 Humphrey's Gully Beds .. .. .. 122-124 Blue Spur .. .. .. .. 125 Kanieri .. .. .. .. 125, 126 Woodstock and Rimu .. .. 125, 126 Ross .. .. .. .. ..126-128 Ross United Company .. .. .. 127 Mont dOr Company .. .. .. 127 Prince of Wales Elevators .. .. 127, 128 Otago District .. .. .. .. 128-150 Maerewhenua .., .. .. 128, 129 Tuapeka .. .. .. .. 129, 130 Blue Spur Consolidated Company 129, 130 Local Industry Company .. .. 130 Clutha Valley .. .. .. ..130-132 Eddie and Kirkpatrick's Claim .. .. 131 Island Block Company .. .. .. 131

Page Alluvial Mining (Middle Island) — continued. Otago District— continued. Clutha Valley— continued. Island Block Extended .. .. 131,132 Hercules Company .. .. .. 132 Enterprise Company .. .. .. 132 Roxburgh Amalgamated Company .. 132 Bald Hill Flat .. .. .. 132, 133 Manuherikia Valley .. .. .. 133 Ophir, Ida Valley, and German Gully 133, 134 Mount Ida .. .. .. 134, 135 Hyde and Hamilton .. .. 135, 136 Blackstone Hill .. .. .. .. 136 St. Bathan's .. .. .. .. 136-138 Ewing's Claim (Hydraulic Elevating) 137, 138 Scandinavian Water-race Company .. 138 United M. and E. Company .. .. 138 Muddy Creek Tailings Channel .. .. 138 St. Bathan's Water-race Company .. 138 Eagle and Gray and P. Tiernan and Company .. .. .. .. 138 Garty and Gallagher .. .. .. 138 St. Bathan's Channel Company .. .. 138 Vinegar Hill .. .. .. 138, 139 Morgan and Hughes .. .. .. 139 Hughes and Owen .. .. .. 139 Cambrian's .. .. .. .. 139 Tinker's (Matakanui) .. .. 139, 140 Devonshire .. .. .. .. 140 Dry Bread .. .. .. .. 140 Cromwell .. .. .. .. 140 Cardrona and Criffel .. .. 140, 141 Arrowtown .. .. .. 141, 142 Arrow Falls .. .. .. .. 142 Shotover . .• .. .. .. 142, 143 Round Hill .. .. .. ..143-145 Orepuki .. .. .. .. .. 145 Preservation Inlet .. .. .. .. 146-150 Chalky Inlet .. .. .. 146, 147 Explorations of Mr. Carrick .. .. .. 146-150 Te Whara Beach .. .. .. 147, 148 Cunaris .. .. .. .. ■. 148 Sub-alpine .. .. .. 148, 149 Timber-belts .. .. .. .. 149 The Lakes .. .. .. 149, 150 Dredging .. .- .. •• ..150-157 Otago .. .. ■• •■ ..151-156 Waipori .. .. ... .. .. 151 Glenore .. .. .. .. ■. 151 J. Nelson and Co.'s Dredge .. .. 151 Clutha River .. .. .. ..152-156 Golden Gate Company .. .. .. 152 Golden Run Dredge .. .. .. 152 Bennett and Party's Excelsior Dredge .. 152 Pringle and Party's Dredge .. 152, 153 Brazil and Party's Dredge .. .. ' .. 153 Richardson and Party's Claim .. .. 153 Golden Treasure Dredge .. .. .. 153 Miller's Creek Dredge .. .. .. 153 Roxburgh Dredge .. .. .. .. 153 Dunedin Dredge, No. 2 .. .. .. 153 Dunedin Dredge, No. 1 .. .. 153, 154 Ettrick Dredge .. .. .. .. 154 Dumbarton Rock Dredge .. .. .. 154 Edina Dredge Company .. .. .. 154 Manuherikia Dredge .. .. .. 154 Eureka Dredge, Alexandra.. .. 154, 155 L. Gard's Steam-dredge .. .. .. 155 L. Gard's Steam-dredge, No. 2 .. .. 155 Enterprise Dredge .. .. .. 155 Chicago Dredge .. .. .. .. 155 Clyde Dredge .. .. .. .. 155 Sew Hoy Company .. .. .. 156, 156 Sandhills Company .. .. .. .. 156 West Coast .. .. .. .. 156, 157 Collingwood Dredge .. .. .. .. 156 Cocksparrow Dredge .. .. 156, 157 Alexandra Dredge .. .. .. .. 157 Matakitaki Dredge .. .. .. .. 157 Explorations in the Urewera Country, Report on by H. A. Gordon, Esq., and A. McKay, Esq. . .157-165 Coal-mining .. .. • ■ ■ • ■ • 165-185 North Island .. .. .. .. 165, 166 Kawakawa .. .. . ■ .. 165, 166 Hikurangi Mine .. .. .. 165, 166 Ngunguru .. .. • • ■ ■ .. 166 Waikato .. .. .. •■ -• 166 Middle Island .. .. .. ..166-172 Collingwood .. .. .. 166, 167 Collingwood Coalfield, Report on, by N. D. Cochrane, Esq., Inspector of Mines .. 166, 167 West Coast.. .. • ■ ■ • • • 167-171 Mokihinui .. .. .. .. 168

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Page. Coal-mining (Middle Island) — continued. West Coast — continued. Westport Colliery Company .. .. 168,169 Granity Creek Mine .. .. -. 169 Greymouth-Point Elizabeth Company 169, 170 Blackball .. .. .. -■ 170 Brunner .. .. .. .. 170, 171 East Coast, Middle Island .. .. 171, 172 Southland .. .. .. .. .. 172 Statement showing Mines in the Colony where Output has exceeded 9,000 tons for Past Year, Number of Men Employed, &c... .. -. • ■ 172 The Origin and the Mode of the Formation of Coal: Paper read by Adolph Firket, Professor of the University of Liege, at the Meetings of the Association of Engineers .. .. .. ■ • 173-185 Extraction of Gold and Silver from Ores by Potas-sium-cyanide Solutions .. .. • • 185-210 Experiments by W. Skey, Colonial Analyst, on the Solvent Properties of Ores in Cyanide Solutions 186-189 Mr. MacLaurin's Experiments.. .. .. 189 Bromo-Cyanogen Solvents .. .. • • 190 Cyanide-potassium Patent Bights tested in England 190-202 Judgment of Mr. Justice Eomer. —Plaintiffs have no Patent .. .. .. .. 194,195 Judgment of the Court of Appeal .. .. 197-202 The Sulman-Teed Process .. .. ..202-204 The Cyanide Process in the Transvaal Mines .. 204-208 The New Recovery Process.—Electrical Precipitation from Cyanide Solution .. .. ..208-210 Patent Rights granted .. .. .. ..211-250 Extraction of Gold and Silver by Solvents . .211-224 Improvements in, or relating to, the Extraction of Precious Metals from their Ores, by Henry Livingstone Sulman and Frank Litherland Teed ..211,212 Improvements in the Treatment of Precious Ores, by Henry Livingstone Sulman .. 213 Improvements in, or relating to, the Treatment of Ores, by Henry Livingstone Sulman .. 214 Improvements in precipitating Precious Metals from Cyanide or Similar Solutions, by John Stewart Mao Arthur .. .. ..214,215 Improvements in the Method or Process of treating Gold and Silver Ores, &c, by Edward T>. Kendall .. .. .. .. 215 Improvements in Processes of and Solvents for separating Precious Metals from their Ores, by William A'Court Granville Birkin .. 216 Improvements in extracting Gold and Silver from Ores and other Compounds, by James Alexander Walker .. 216,217 Improvements in extracting Metals with New Solvent Materials, by John James Hood . .217,218 Improvements in Electrolytic Apparatus for decomposing Chloride of Sodium or Potassium in Solution, and for leading away the Products of Decomposition, by Trevenen James Holland .. .. .. ..218,219 Improvements in making Potassic Cyanide and Apparatus therefor, by William McDonnell Mac Key .. .. .. .. ..219,220 Improvements in obtaining Gold and Silver from Ores and other Compounds, and Apparatus therefor, by James Nicholas . .220,221 Improvements in and in connection with the Extraction of Gold and Silver from Ores or Compounds containing the same, and in their Recovery from Solutions, by John Cunninghame Montgomerie .. .. ■ • 221-223 Improvements in the Extraction of Gold and Silver and in Solvents of these Metals, by Dr. Albrecht Smidt .. .. .. ..223,224 An Improved Process for the Treatment of Auriferous and certain other Metalliferous Ores, by John James Christmas .. .. 224 Pulverising Machinery .. .. .. 224-228 An Improved Rotary Grinding and Pulverising Machine, by Richard Durrant Langley . .224-226 A New and Improved Gold-saving Machine, by William Henry Dawson .. .. .. 226,227 An Improved Crusher and Pulveriser, by Gustaf Frederick Phillip Lenz and William Paynter 227,228 An Improved Machine or Apparatus for pulverising or reducing Gold-bearing Quartz or Ores or other Hard Substances, by Edward Waters .. .. .. .. .. 228 Amalgamating and Concentrating Auriferous Ores 229,242 Improvements in the Construction and Method of operating Electrical Apparatus for the Treatment of Ores containing Gold and other Precious Metals, and for amalgamating the same, by William Joseph Weeden .. .. 229-231

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Page. Patent Bights— continued. Amalgamating, &o. — continued. Improvements in Apparatus for triturating and amalgamating Auriferous and Argentiferous Ores, by John Thomas Penny and William Henry Bichardson .. .. .. 231-234 An Improved Shaking-table Concentrating Machine, usable also as an Amalgamator, by William Tarrant .. .. .. ..234-236 Improvements in, and Connected with, the Becovery of Metals from their Ores, by Charles Edgar Chapman and Thomas Fenton Whitford .. .. .. .. ..236,237 Improvements in Apparatus for saving Metals contained in Discrete Metalliferous Materials, and for concentrating and for classifying Discrete Ores and Substances, by John Frederick Cooke Farquhar .. . .238, 239 Improved Apparatus for the Extraction of Free Gold from Auriferous Material such as Alluvial Washdirt, Gravel, Sludge, Tailings, and the like, by William Eorrest Boberts and William Boberts .. .. .. ..239,240 Improvements in Apparatus for washing and saving Gold, Tin, and Gems, by Bobert Taylor Coghlan .. .. .. .. ' ..240,241 The Saving of Gold by a Travelling Endless Sluice-box, by David Mason and Bichard Thomas Wheeler, jun. .. .. ..241,242 Youngman's Eclipse Gold-saving Machine, by Henry Youngman.. .. .. .. 242 Treatment of Befractory Ores .. .. .. 242-247 An Improved Process of treating Befractory Ores, and Apparatus to be used therein, by Edgar Arthur Ashcroft .. .. .. 242-247 Dredges .. .. .. .. ..247-248 Improvements in Gold - dredging Machinery, Upright Ladder Dredge, by Henry Benjamin 247 B. Cockerell's Submarine Travelling-cradle for Gold - dredging and Separating, by Bobert Cockerell.. .. .. .. .. 248 The Improved Submarine Angle-iron Flexible Picks for Gold-dredging and other Purposes, by Bobert Cockerell .. .. .. 248 Furnace for making Crude Antimony .. .. 248 Seager's Antimony Cruding Furnace, by Edward Seager .. .. .. .. .. 248

Page. Patent Bights— continued. Blasting .. .. .. .. .. 249* A Method of and Apparatus for Blasting, by Abraham Wilhelm Schwarz .. .. 249 Ironsand Smelting .. .. .. .. 249The making of Briquettes from Taranaki Ironsand, by Edward Purser .. .. .. 249 An Improvement in Berdan-drags, Mullers, and other Solid Grinders used in Amalgamating- or Grinding-pans for the Eeduction of Quartz-tail-ings, and the Saving of Amalgam, by Joseph Kilgour .. .. .. .. ..249-250 Mechanical Treatment of Gold Ores .. .. 250-252" The Murphy Process —Automatic and Economical .. .. .. .. ..250-252 Specification for Aerial Tramway, by Benjamin Sutherland .. .. .. ..252-255 Hydraulic Pipes, Experiments by Alexander Aitken .. .. .. .. ..255,256 Table showing the Carrying-capacities of Clean Hydraulic Pipes in Sluice-heads .. .. 256 Cinnabar .. .. .. .. ..257-259 Cinnabar Deposits, Ohaeawai .. .. .. 257-259 Petroleum .. .. .. .. .. 260-Mine-managers' Examination Papers .. ..260-266 List of Mining Managers, Battery Superintendents, and Engine-drivers who have obtained Certificates under the Mining and Coal-mines Acts of 1886, 1891, and 1894 .. .. .. ..267-269 Summary of Works constructed .. .. .. 270-272 Concluding Kemarks .. .. .. ..272,273 List of Works on Goldfields undertaken wholly by the Mines Department, or by Subsidies to County Councils, Local Bodies, and Prospecting Associations, in progress on the 31st March, 1895 .. 274-277 List of Works on Goldfields constructed wholly by the Mines Department, or by Subsidies to County Councils, Local Bodies, and Prospecting Associations, and completed prior to the 31st March, 1895.. .. .. .. .. ..277-284 Beturn showing the Value of the Sales of Water, and Expenditure on and Collateral Advantages derived from the Working of the Water-races constructed and maintained by Government during the Tear ending the 31st March, 1895 .. .. 285

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1895. NEW ZEALAND.

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

Mr. H; A: Gokdon, F.G.S., Inspecting Engineer, to the Hon. A. J. Cadman, Minister of Mines. Sib, — Mines Department, Wellington, 24th July, 1895. I have the honour to submit my annual report, for the year ending the 31st March last, on the progress of the mining industry, and on different works in connection with the same having a tendency to promote a further development of the mineral wealth of the colony. The subjects are classified under the following heads: "Subsidised Eoads and Tracks," "Eoads constructed by Direct Grants," "Prospecting Works," "Schools of Mines," "Waterraces," " Gold-mining," " Quartz Workings," " Alluvial Mining, including Hydraulic Sluicing and Dredging," "Explorations in Urewera Country," "Coal-mining, including the Origin of Coal Formations," "The Cyanide Process of Treatment in connection with Gold-saving," "Experiments by W. Skey on the Solvent Properties of Ores in Cyanide Solutions," " Patents applied for in connection with Gold-mining," "Petroleum," "Cinnabar Deposits," "Examination Papers recently used in Mine-managers' Examinations," and " Statistical Tables showing the Class and Value of Works constructed."

SUBSIDISED ROADS AND TRACKS. The following statement will show the expenditure on subsidy principle authorised for the construction of roads and tracks in the different counties for the year ending the 31st March last, and the liabilities on outstanding authorities on that date:—

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THE GOLDFIELDS OF NEW ZEALAND: EEPOET ON EOADS, WATEE-KACES, MINING MACHINEEY, AND OTHEE WOEKS IN CONNECTION WITH MINING.

Name of Local Body. Expenditure for the Year ending 31st March, 1895. Liabilities on Authorities on 31st March, 1895. 3ay of Islands County Joromandel County ~!e Aroha Town Board Thames County ... ?hames Borough ... )hinemuri County Vaimea County ... darlborough County 3uller County J-rey County Vestland County ... loss Borough jake County iouthland County Jontingencies £ s. d. 317 0 0 47 7 6 549 19 10 £ s. d. 95 0 0 1,213 0 0 92 0 0 12 0 0 225 0 0 164 0 11 50 0 0 85 0 0 2 12 0 60 0 0 9 10 0 230 0 0 97 8 0 121 0 0 100 0" 0 16 2 8 7018 4 Totals ... 1,433 13 8 2,124 5 7

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ROADS CONSTRUCTED BY DIRECT GRANTS. The following statement will show the expenditure and liabilities on authorities issued on roads from direct grants to the several local bodies during the year ending the 31st March, 1895: —

PROSPECTING FOR GOLD. The following statement will show the expenditure and liabilities on authorities issued in subsidies to Prospecting Associations and parties of miners recommended by the local bodies in the different counties for the year ending the 31st March last: —

PEOSPECTING FOE COAL. The Brunner Coal-mine had to be reopened in a new place, but the character and area of the coal was not considered by the prospectors sufficient inducement for them to open this mine. On account of so many faults being met with in the old mine, and the coal thinning out, they gave notice in accordance with the terms of their lease that they would give it up. A subsidy of £1,000 was given towards opening out the new mine, which is likely to prove of larger extent than was first anticipated.

Name of Local Body. Expenditure for the Year ending 31st March, 1895. Liabilities on Authorities on 31st March, 1895. Coromandel County Te Aroha Town Board Thames County ... Thames Borough ... Ohinemuri County Piako County Collingwood County Marlborough County Buller County Inangahua County Grey County Westland County ... Lake County Southland County Fiord County Stewart Island £ s. d. 1,745 0 0 £ s, d. 2,301 0 0 15 0 0 1,271 2 5 1,658 13 10 734' "5 6 1,227 15 11 155 0 0 857 1 6 1,289 5 6 1,768 18 3 3,915 16 3 130 0 0 1,365 0 0 1,700 0 0 195 6 0 775 0 0 2,402 9 0 1,360 5 11 1,059 8 3 2,600 12 0 2,230 0 0 460 0 0 1,150 0 0 69 12 0 2,661 2 2 Totals ... 16,142 18 11 18,954 15 7

Name of County. Expenditure for Year ending 31st March, 1895. Liabilities on Authorities on 31st March, 1895. Bay of Islands County Piako County Coromandel County Ohinemuri County ... Thames County Waimea County Manawatu County ... Buller County Inangahua County ... Westland County Canterbury County ... Wallace County Lake County Southland County ... Fiord County £ a. 26 14 53 8 733 17 25 0 51 12 12 0 d, 0 9 6 0 6 0 £ s. a. 177 13 10 121 11 3 258 17 6 858 12 6 121 17 6 114 15 147 16 1,078 1 19 2 45 0 6 3 2 6 0 50 0 0 217 12 0 206 0 10 690 12 7 9"0 62 5 0 0 200 0 0 50 0 0 41 0 0 12 15 0 Totals 2,378 13 2 3,006 13 0

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SCHOOLS OF MINES. The beneficial effects of technical education in mining, which was intended to result from the inauguration of Schools of Mines, are now being realised. Mine-managers frankly admit the great advantages derived by attendance at these schools, while the young men who are growing up, and who are getting their livelihood at mining, are qualifying themselves to hold the position of managers both by technical education and practical experience. The latter can only be obtained by going through the different branches of mining, and learning to do the actual work. When these schools were first inaugurated, many mining men ridiculed the idea of mining instruction in a school being of any benefit, and that compelling a mine-manager to undergo a certain examination before he could hold a certificate as mine-manager would deal harshly with mine proprietors, as it would be almost impossible to obtain men competent to fill the position of manager as they were required. However, they have been found to work extremely satisfactorily; not only has there been a sufficient number of men qualified to fill the position of mine-managers, but several have left for other colonies, and received good appointments. The Hon. the Minister of Mines offered three university scholarships last year, to be tenable for three years; but only two candidates came up for examination—Mr. J. McLaren, from the Thames, and Mr. J. Lee, from Eeefton. The latter failed to get the necessary number of marks in the different subjects entitling him to a scholarship. The former candidate (Mr. J. McLarenj passed very creditably, getting 80-6 per cent, of the marks on nine different subjects. Amongst the different schools, as far as purely technical mining education is concerned, there is far more opportunity for students to see the practical working in the mines at the Thames than there is at any other place where a school of mines is situated. The school is directly in the heart of a large quartz-mining district, where the students can be taken underground, and the different systems of workings fully explained to them. The managers of the mines also give many of the students opportunities of making underground surveys, and thereby through actual practice, as well as theoretical training, the students are better able to understand the principles taught them. Although Eeefton is a large mining centre, the town itself is nearly three miles distant from any of the mines, so that very few of the actual miners live in the township, and therefore cannot avail themselves of the opportunity of attending a course of technical instruction the same as men can do at the Thames, where most of the miners are in or near the township. The Otago School of Mines, located at the university building in Dunedin, being without any crushing, amalgamating, or cyanide plant, the students have not the same opportunity of acquiring the practical experience as they have at the Thames School, where all these appliances are erected and worked by the students. At the same time, there are other advantages at the university school which the students at the other schools of mines have not got. THAMES SCHOOL. Notwithstanding the great depression there has been in mining in the Thames district last year, and the decrease of the number of men employed in the mines, the attendance at the school has been, on the whole, satisfactory, the average number of registered students last year being thirtyfive, in lieu of forty for the previous year. The total number of individuals attending the school and science classes were, however, considerably less last year than for the previous one, the average number being sixty-eight, whereas for the former year there were ninety. Mr. Park, however, states that for the present year thirty-five students have been registered for the first time, of which a large proportion has come from different parts of the Auckland District beyond the limits of the Thames goldfield. This shows that the teaching at this institution is appreciated by those residing at a distance as well as by the residents of the place. The assistant teacher, Mr. F. B. Allen, M.A., during about ten weeks of last year, went round the mining centres on the West Coast, and. gave a course of lectures at Denniston, Brunnerton, Kumara, Stafford, Hokitika, Eimu, &c, his place at the Thames School being temporarily filled by Mr. J. M. McLaren, the successful candidate for one of the university scholarships. The only real benefit that peripatetic lectures do in localities where no regular school is held is to stir up a desire amongst those following mining as an occupation to acquire a technical knowledge of the work they are engaged in or desire to follow up for a livelihood. Beyond this there is no lasting benefit. In order to acquire a knowledge of mining scientifically a regular course of instruction has to be attended. By merely attending lectures for a week now and then, stdents forget what they were taught before the next course of lectures is held. The continuous teaching of the Thames School for about forty weeks during the year has been the means of its great success. The following is the report of Mr. James Park, F.G.S., the Director, on the progress made and work done at the school during last year:— I have the honour to report that the past year has been a very busy and successful one, and in some respects it has shown a marked improvement on the preceding year. The average attendance of registered students was thirty-nine, compared with forty for the year 1893-94, which shows that the school has been holding its ground, notwithstanding the acute depression which has existed at the Thames during the past year or two. For the three terms of 1894 the average attendance was 293, and for the first term of the present year fifty, which is a substantial increase of over 76 per cent. Of these fifty students, no less than thirty-five have registered for the first time, a large number of them having come from different parts of the provincial district beyond the limits of the Thames Goldfield.

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An encouraging and pleasing feature of the past year was the large number of senior students who obtained remunerative employment in different capacities connected with mining and metallurgy ; indeed, so much was this the case, that at the end of 1894 I had not a single certificated senior student available for employment in response to battery-owners requiring competent men. As showing the confidence which the mining community reposes in our students, I have much pleasure in stating that, of the fifteen cyanide plants in operation in Hew Zealand, no less than nine are in charge of my late students, and in most of the others my students are employed as metallurgical assayers and assistants. The cyanide plant which was added to the school experimental plant in the month of May of last year has been kept going continuously since that date testing parcels of ore from different parts of New Zealand. It has proved of great service for the determination of the suitability of newly-discovered ores for treatment by this process, and the results obtained have led to the adoption of the cyanide process in several directions. The cyanide plant is adapted for the treatment of ores both by agitation and percolation, and is most complete in every detail. A few months' practical experience in the school plant, where so many different grades and classes of ore are being treated, affords a more varied and valuable experience and training for our metallurgical students than even a longer period in a larger plant where the same class of ore is continually being treated. I have to gratefully acknowledge the valuable and efficient assistance in the experimental plant during the past year of my late students H. F. Shepherd and A. T. Day, now of the Gassel cyanide plant at Waihi; Bain Hogg and J. Coutts, of the Woodstock cyanide works ; George Horn and J. E. Robinson, manager and assistant of the Jubilee cyanide works ; B. Wolff and George Steedman, of Komata and Golden Cross Mine and cyanide works ; C. H. Taylor, manager Monowai cyanide works; and F. W. Linck; also the hearty co-operation and assistance of the staff of the school, including Mr. F. B. Allen, M.A., B.Sc, assistant lecturer and instructor; Mr. E. Vercoe, battery-assistant and amalgamator; and Mr. Max yon Bernewitz, laboratory assistant. The whole of the operations in the plant are continually under my own supervision, and among those who have acquired a knowledge of all the work connected with the working of the Washoe and cyanide processes for the treatment of gold- and silver-ores during the past twelve months under my instructions are : F. B. Allen, M.A., H. F. Shepherd, J. R. Eobinson, C. H. Taylor, B. Wolff, George Steedrnan, E. Vercoe, George Horn, W. Home, Bain Hogg, J. Coutts, J. M. McLaren, F. W. Linck, and Max yon Bernewitz. For the year ending the 31st March, forty-seven parcels of ore, of an aggregate weight of 80,8001b., were treated in the experimental battery, as compared with thirteen parcels, weighing 21,6001b., for the preceding year. This shows an increase of thirty-four parcels and 59,2001b. Of the forty-seven parcels, twenty-five, equal 42,9251b., were subjected to the cyanide process; twenty, equal 37,8751b., were treated, by the Washoe amalgamation process ; while two parcels were wet-crushed and passed over amalgamated copper-plates. The comparative extractions obtained by the different processes were as follows : Cyanide process, 84 per cent.; Washoe process, 765 per cent.; copper-plates, 51 per cent. The treatment of the forty-seven separate parcels of ore necessitated as many separate " cleaning-up ", retortings or zinc oxidations, meltings, and valuations of bullion. Most of these operations were very efficiently conducted by the advanced students, while the recording, calculation of results, preparation, and writing of the reports devolved on myself, and entailed a very large amount of work in addition to my class duties and general supervision, including the recording and reporting on the public assays and analyses. The number of assays and analyses performed during the year was 530, an increase of 324 over the previous year ; and of these, 249, or 47 per cent., were performed during the months of February and March of the present year. Of the 530, no less than 500 were determinations for gold and silver, and, as the gold and silver were determined in each assay, this involved a thousand separate operations and weighings. In the performance of these I have to acknowledge the assistance of Mr. F. B. Allen, M.A., Mr. J. M. McLaren, Mr. Max yon Bernewitz, and many of the advanced students. During the year the dates of the school terms were altered by the Council to make them coincide with those of the Thames High School. There are, as in former years, three full terms of three months each, and two weeks in addition for the annual examinations, which are now held in December. The average attendance of our senior students in the mining and metallurgical branches, who obtain first-class certificates, is two full years, but many stay for a course of three or four years. When granting certificates, the greatest care is taken to insure that first-class certificatesare only granted to those who are actually entitled to them by experience, and an ability to perform all the operations which a knowledge of the subject involves; and to this fact I largely ascribe the success which has attended our late students in their different occupations. At the end of January, my assistant, Mr. Allen, was sent by the Hon. the Minister of Mines to the west coast of the South Island to give a course of instruction to a number of the minor schools of mines. He was absent during February and March and the first week in April, and his place was most ably and efficiently nlled by Mr. J. M. McLaren, medallist for 1892-93 and winner of one of the school of mines scholarships for 1894. The whole of the class-work was conducted as usual without a single hitch or interruption, and that in the busiest time of the year, with a greatly increased attendance and an unusually large number of public assays to perform. The number of students attending the different classes during the different terms is given in the following tabulated statement: —

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Table of Attendance for Year ending 31st March, 1895.

The annual examinations were conducted in December. As in former years, the papers were set and examined by a Board of Government examiners. Mr. Henry A. Gordon, F.G.S., M.E., was the examiner in land- and mine-surveying, mining, ventilation, pumping and winding, metallurgy of gold and silver, and mineralogy; Mr. W. Skey in assaying, practical and theoretical chemistry; Mr. A. McKay, P.G.S., in general and mining geology; and Mr. C. H. Pierard in mechanical drawing.

Results of Annual Examinations, 1894.

One of the Government school of mines scholarships for 1894 was secured by Mr. J. M. McLaren, with the high average of 80-6 in nine different subjects. Mr. McLaren also gained Mr. Finlay's gold medal for land- and mine-surveying. The President's medal for the best average fell to Mr. George Fleming, with 70 per cent, of the possible number of marks. The Ohinemuri Gazette medal also fell to the same student, with 77 per cent, of the total marks. Laboeatory. At the present time there are forty-two students in the assaying class and thirty-four in the chemistry classes, and with such large numbers our accommodation and resources are taxed to their utmost. In order to relieve the crowded state of the melting-room, the Council has just accepted a tender for lengthening that room 9ft. Provision has also been made for using four furnaces —two for melting and two for cupelling. With so many students engaged in practical assaying and chemistry, the cost of apparatus, glassware, assay materials, and chemicals is very heavy, and a considerable drain on the resources of the institution.

1894. 1895. Name of Subject. First Term. Second Term. Third Term. First Term. Registered Students. reneral and mining geology lineralogy and blowpipe jand- and mine-surveying 'ractical astronomy ... lathematics lining and applied mechanics ... lefcallurgy of gold and silver ... 'ractical chemistry ... 'heoretical chemistry... 'ractical assaying ... ... lechanical drawing ... 7 7 16 5 8 10 10 10 14 5 10 11 5 5 9 3 10 7 18 13 13 26 2 8 10 n 11 7 9 9 15 2 17 17 25 4 34 34 42 7 Total iaturday science class 88 37 123 33 Ill 39 164 25 Total attendance at all classes 125 156 150 189 Individual registered students 33 27 28 50 Total individual students 70 60 67 75

Subject of Examination. ■ First Glass. Second Class. Third Class. Failed. Total. reneral and mining geology lineralogy 'heoretical chemistry (senior) 'heoretical chemistry (junior) 'ractical chemistry 'ractical assaying Metallurgy of gold and silver lining r entilation 'ump'ing and winding ... jand- and mine-surveying lechanical drawing jaboratory practice 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 4 1 2 1 3 1 i l 1 1 4 4 2 8 5 1 2 1 5 2 11 i 3 i l 6 "i Totals 14 15 16 47

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Practical Asteonomy. Last November, with the assistance of Mr. J. M. McLaren, I fixed a large concrete block in the school-yard, in a position suitable for celestial observations, and connected it with the Mount Eden meridional circuit. This place was found more convenient for purposes of instruction than my geodesical station on Mount Pleasant, at Parawai. During the months of November, December, February, and March I gave field instructions in the methods of determining and checking the time and true meridian with the sin. transit theodolite imported from London last year. A great many observations were taken to the sun, and also to circumpolar stars, both at eastern and western greatest elongations, with the most satisfactory and accurate results. Among my students who attained good results and some proficiency with the instrument were Mr. P. B. Allen, M.A., and Mr. J. M. McLaren. Experimental Plant. The whole of the plant and appliances are in good working-order. In March, a much-needed ventilator was placed on the roof of the building over the furnace and stamper-battery, with the most beneficial results. A new dust-bin was also erected, and an endeavour made to patch up the stamper-box originally designed for wet-crushing, and adapt it for dry-crushing. Almost all the ores treated in the plant are dry-crushed, and it was found that the stamps made an undue amount of fine slimes, which rendered it impossible to treat the ore satisfactorily by the cyanide process. Hence the endeavour of the Council to remedy the evil, aided by a liberal donation from the Cassel Gold-extracting Company. The discharge was shifted to the front, the size of the box reduced as much as possible with lining blocks, and every device used to attain the desired object, but the results proved that, although the crushing capacity was increased, still the quantity of the slimes formed was so great as to hinder the percolation. During the months of February and March of this year sixteen tons, or 44 per cent., of the ore put through came in for treatment, and in order to get through the work I was compelled to use a twenty-four-mesh screen. With this coarse mesh a large proportion of slimes was formed, and at times the percolation was excessively slow, even with the air-pump working continuously. Besides the slimes, about 15 per cent, of very coarse sand came through the screen, and no doubt aided the filtration, but at the same time reduced the percentage of extraction, especially in the cases of ores containing its bullion contents in a very fine state of division. The particulars of the parcels of ore treated during the year by the cyanide and Washoe processes are shown in the following tabulated statements :—

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Schedule of Ores and Tailings treated by Washoe Process, &c., during 1894-95.

Dry Assay-value. to - O M Bullion extracted. Value per Ounce. Percentage Extraction. No. Name of Sender. Locality or Mi] Eemarks. of Parcel. Gold. Silver. Value. Gold. Silver. Value. 1 School of Mines Tui, Te Aroha 1 Lb. 1,120 Oz. dwt. gr. 1 2 16 Oz. dwt. gr. 3 15 15 £ s. a. 4 16 2 Pan Oz. dwt. gr. 0 11 12 £ s. 1 13 d. 7 Per Cent. 52-0 Per Cent. 18-0 Per Cent. 30-0 Highly - mineralised roasted tailings. Clean ore. Pyritous quartz. 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 E. McGregor ... Waiotahi Mine Norfolk Mine... Syndicate Grace Darling Ohui Thames Tararu Creek Owharoa Waitekauri ... 1,980 1,120 2,240 2,800 1,120 900 2,300 2,240 2,040 3,360 230 1,300 8 14 21 0 16 21 0 13 8 0 13 2 0 6 7 0 15 3 4 15 19 24 10 13 11 19 0 22 18 12 0 7 13 19 8 44 17 3 0 6 17 0 8 6 18 4 3 11 15 3 11 15 28 15 17 24 16 3 16 13 4 25 19 6 1 0 4 11 9 8 38 6 9 2 4 3 2 14 6 2 14 6 1 10 6 3 5 10 21 6 4 100 0 0 49 1 0 94 6 0 1 12 0 7 0 4 Plates tr Pan 24 13 0 0 6 0 0 6 12 1 17 0 0 8 0 1 1 12 12 8 0 38 0 0 21 0 0 54 5 0 0 2 12 4 10 0 0 18 2 8 2 3 1 10 1 8 0 18 0 18 2 7 1 14 2 9 1 16 0 10 6 4 4 9 0 6 3 4 0 0 7 6 67-0 69-3 24'8 84-6 85-4 76-6 55-0 90-2 82-1 94-7 94-0 60-0 43-0 72-6 38-2 64-3 14-0 58-0 30-0 62-7 71-0 41-0 90-0 56-3 64.5 66-0 36-0 84-0 73-3 75-4 52-0 90.0 81-8 93-3 94-0 59-3 tt Clean quartz. Clean mullocky ore. J. Eadford E. Worth E. Farrell E. Worth Empire City ... Broken Hill ... rt Up-count'y ores Puriri Waitekauri ... Puriri Wakamarina Waiomo . Highly-mineralised mixed ores. Clean mullocky ore. Clean hard quartz, with pyrites. Clean mullocky quartz. Clean ore, with scheelite. Quartz with iron- and copperpyrites. Mullocky quartz. tt 14 15 16 Eetreat E. Worth Fisher Brothers Puriri Punga Plat, Thames Coromandel... 2,400 2,240 1,900 0 2 12 15 2 11 8 0 4 2 7 22 13 13 11 5 16 3 0 14 9 61 15 0 32 12 0 10 0 23 13 0 10 0 0 0 13 2 9 2 17 0 7 9 94-0 96-0 930 14-0 46-4 90-0 73-0 94-7 90-5 it it 17 18 19 20 21 22 LeggeandDaldy 1,000 500 3,735 1,200 1,200 650 12 16 0 6 0 20 1 15 7 0 12 14 0 12 14 0 7 13 9 12 12 6 0 23 20 17 23 2 2 21 10 4 0 17 16 52 4 0 20 12 4 9 3 0 2 14 6 2 12 0 1 11 6 tt 5 13 8 2 13 16 13 8 0 1 3 10 0 14 12 0 8 0 3 0 3 0 0 12 0 18 1 17 1 1 0 0 5 8 8 6 75-0 73-0 58-0 87-0 95-5 92-0 Specimen tailings. General ore tailings. Clean quartz, with pyrites. Alpha Mine ... Ivanhoe Mine Imperial Mine Empire City ... Waitekauri... Karangahake ir 66-0 86-4 98-0 93-0 33-0 88-3 72-7 78-5 Wakamarina

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Schedule of Ores and Tailings treated by Cyanide Process during 1894-95.

No. Name of Sender. Locality or Mine. Dry Weight Assay-value of Ore. Strength < BulUon Value per extracted. Ounce. 1 ier Percentage Extraction. Gold. Silver. Value. Eemarks. of Parcel. Silver. Value. Gold. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 A. H. Long J. Corbett School of Mines ... Monowai Mine ... lf ... tl ... tr P. McGregor A. H. Long J. E. Smith It • • • Norfolk Mine E. J. Say Nixon ... Empire City Mine Norfolk Mine Waihi Marototo Te Aroha Waiomo Ohui Waihi Waiotahi Mine n Tararu Creek... Kanio Wakamarina... Tararu Creek... Lb. 600 300 4,930 4,480 1,120 2,240 1,120 2,115 2,000 1,120 1,120 1,120 1,910 100 1,620 2,300 2,400 2,000 600 800 650 600 800 4,480 2,400 Oz. dwt. gr. 2 18 6 6 1 1 2 16 3 0 12 I 1 2 16 0 12 14 15 4; 4 HO 4 3 0 0 1 16 0 5 1 J 0 3 18 I 0 10 0 0 0 23 0 16 0 18 21 0 7 12 : 0 12 14 J 0 2 12 2 15 10 1 15 7 0 12 14 0 12 14 0 0 7 0 3 18 Oz. dwt. gr. 9 2 8 20 13 9 3 15 15 28 14 17 9 9 1 6 16 3 13 19 18 36 2 0 15 6 14 1 3 13 0 2 12 0 1 20 0 5 0 0 0 9 0 3 9 2 16 18 3 8 3 11 6 15 2 7 22 3 6 12 19 8 4 2 2 4 1 19 7 0 12 0 16 10 £ s. a. 9 3 6 27 6 0 4 16 2 14 5 0 5 5 0 3 0 7 6 16 19 10 0 17 15 0 0 8 6 10 6 0 15 3 2 0 6 0 3 11 0 5 6 4 0 0 1 15 0 3 12 0 0 14 9 11 5 9 9 0 0 2 14 5 2 13 0 0 14 0 16 6 Per Cent. 0'45 0-5 0-75 0-60 0-50 0-65 " 0-65 0-50 0-50 0-40 0-40 0-40 0-40 0-35 0-60 0-60 0-45 0-50 0-48 0-54 0-48 0-50 Oz. dwt. gr. 2 7 0 2 17 0 6 8 0 40 0 0 21 2 0 16 10 0 0 "5 0 0 16 £ s. d. 0 13 0 0 14 10 0 10 6 0 18 0 j 0 8 6 0 16 1 0 4 0 110 93-9 98'0 82-0 92-0 91-0 77-0 70-0 85-0 95-0 98-0 96-0 90-2 93-0 96-0 85-0 87-0 93-0 95-0 93-0 74-0 72-0 72-0 93-0 97-5 67-0 580 77-0 13-0 13-0 46-0 93-0 69-0 65-0 88-0 67-0 75-0 35-0 360 21-0 93-3 70-0 56-0 77-0 30-0 93-1 97-9 81-0 87-0 84-0 72-0 ) 68-0 J 800 94-5 97-5 94-5 90-0 92-0 95-0 76-0 77-0 76-0 88-0 84-4 70-5 74-4 71-0 A clean ore. Highly-mineralised roasted tigs. Surface ore. Mineralised with blende, ironand copper-pyrites. A clean ore. tr Too low grade to treat. Pyritous tailings. Highly-pyritous tailings. Shaly country rock. Glean ore, with scheelite. Decomposing pyritous tailings, rt Broken Hill Mine Betreat Mine St. Hippo Mine ... Alpha Mine Ivanhoe Mine Imperial Mine ... Minister of Mines Empire City Mine ,, ... Waiomo Marototo Waitekauri ... 0 4 18 6 19 0 5 11 0 4 0 0 0 13 0 3 2 0 5 15 0 19 0 1 15 0 0 4 6 0 3 0 0 11 6 0 8 0 14 0 0 6 9 0 8 10 0 8 3 Ore with copper-pyrites. Clean surface ore. if ... Karangahake H Ore with pyrites. tr Canterbury ... Wakamarina... 0-35 0 7 0 0 17' 5 94-4 76-0 93 : 5 Too low grade to treat. Clean ore, with scheelite.

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Ebpoets on Working Tests. The particulars and details relating to some of the. more interesting parcels of ore treated by me during the past year are given in the following reports, copies of which were supplied to the , owners:— No. I. — Ore from Monowai Mine, Waiomo. Four separate parcels of ore were forwarded for treatment. Nos. 1 and 2 consisted of rusty l coloured, rather soft, friable quartz, containing a considerable proportion of iron-oxides and clayey matter. Nos. 3 and 4 consisted of hard, bluish-grey-coloured, splintery quartz, containing base metallic sulphides, principally iron and pyrites, galena, and zinc-blende. All the parcels were dried, dry-crushed, and treated separately with solutions of potassium-cyanide, with the following results :— No. 1 : Weight, 2 tons oewt. ; treated, 2 tons. Assay-value. Oz. dwt. gr. Extraction. Bullion ... ... ... ... 31 15 5 per ton. Gold ... ... ... ... 3 0 12 „ 92 per cent. Silver ... ... ... ... 28 14 17 „ 58 Value, £14 ss. per ton. 87 „ No. 2 : Weight, 1 ton Icwt.; treated, \ ton. Assay-value. Oz. dwt. gr. Extraction. Bullion ... ... ... ... 10 11 17 per ton. Gold ... ... ... ... 1 2 16 „ 91 per cent. Silver ... ... ... ... 9 9 1 „ 77 Value, £5 ss. per ton. 84 „ When crushed these ores produced a large quantity of the finest slimes, which rendered it impossible to effect the leaching by percolation even with the aid of a vacuum. When mixed with water the slimes, when only 2in. thick, settled on the filtering-cloth, forming an impervious bed through which it was impossible to draw the solution. In the case of No. 1 parcel, the pulp was subjected to agitation, by means of which the leaching was effected in six or seven hours. The separation of the solution from the pulp, however, was a long and tedious operation, and extended over eight days. It was effected, but not very satisfactorily, by agitating the ore, allowing the slimes to settle, and then drawing the clear solution off by a syphon. The weak solution and wash-waters were added in succession, and the same operation performed after each. In order to ascertain the degree of fineness to which No. 2 ore was reduced when ci'Ushed, I made a number of experiments with a 60-mesh, 40-mesh, and ordinary battery-punched screen, and found that the results were the same in each case, as follow : 82 per cent, passed through a 90--mesh sieve, 95 per cent, passed through a 60-mesh sieve, 100 per cent, passed through a 40-mesh sieve. Subsequent experiments proved that the sliming of these ores was in a great measure due to the construction of the stamper-box, and not to the nature of the ore. No. 3 : Weight, 2 tons 3cwt.; treated, 1 ton. Ore hard, splintery, mineralised, contained occasional large fragments of soft mullocky ore. This parcel was crushed through a 24-mesh screen, but formed a considerable quantity of fine slimes. The pulp was treated by percolation, the first charge with a depth of 4in. of ore, the second with 6in. of ore, and the third with Bin. With 4in. and 6in. of pulp the percolation was slow, but offered no special difficulties; but with Bin. the rate of percolation was so slow as to render this depth impracticable on a large working scale. Assay-value. Oz. dwt. gr. Extraction. Bullion ... ... ... ... 7 8 17 per ton. Gold ... ... ... ... 0 12 14 „ 77 per cent. Silver ... ... ... ... 6 16 3 „ 13 Value, £3 os. 7d. per ton. 72 The preliminary laboratory experiments showed an extraction of—gold, 80-8 per cent. ; silver, 63 per cent. ; value, 813 per cent. The large extraction of silver in the laboratory tests was due to the use of a greater proportion of solution to the quantity of ore treated than in the case of the working test. No. 4: Weight of ore, 1 ton; treated, \ ton. Ore hard, greyish-blue, splintery, mineralised, containing copper-pyrites. Somewhat similar to No. 3. This parcel was treated in the new leaching- and filtering-vat. The extraction took eight hours, and the washing eleven hours. Assay-value. Oz. dwt. gr. Extraction. Bullion ... ... ... ... 15 4 23 per ton. Gold ... ... ... ... 1 5 4 „ 70 per cent. Silver ... ... ... ... 13 19 18 „ 13 Value, £6 Is. 6d. per ton. 68 The laboratory experiments showed the following extraction: Gold, 90 per cent. ; silver, 78 per cent.; value, 87 per cent. 2—C. 3.

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In the treatment of Nos. 3 and 4, the potassium-cyanide seemed to act on the copper-pyrites in preference to the silver-sulphides. In the extractor, metallic copper was deposited on the zinc in considerable quantities. The whole of the bullion was practically deposited in the first three boxes, while most of the copper showed on the clean zinc in the lower boxes. From this it would appear that the zinc exerts a selective influence, precipitating the gold and silver first, and the copper afterwards. If this reaction is constant it would enable the operator to keep the most of the copper out of the bullion when treating ores containing a proportion of copper-sulphides. At the request of Mr. L. Melhose, one of the owners, a mixed sample of Nos. 1, 2, and 3 was analysed, with the following results : — Silica ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 87-63 per cent. Copper-pyrites ... ... ... ... ... ... 0-56 „ Iron-pyrites ... ... ... ... ... ... 1-20 „ Zinc-blende ... ... ... ... ... ... 1-42 Galena ... ... ... ... ... ... 037 Alumina ... ... ... ... ... ... 1-62 „ Iron-oxides ... ... ... ... ... ... 3-95 „ Water and loss ... ... ... ... ... ... 3-25 „ Total ... ... ... ... ... ... 100-00 Nos. 1 and 2 were thoroughly-oxidized surface ores, containing no metallic sulphides, consequently the whole of the copper- and iron-pyrites, galena, and zinc-blende must be credited to No. 3, which contained more base sulphides than an inspection of the analysis would imply. Analysis of No. 4 : — Silica ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 90-15 per cent. Copper-pyrites ... ... ... ... ... ... 3-78 „ Iron-pyrites ... ... ... ... ... ... 4-40 „ .Galena... ... ... ... ... ... ... 025 „ Zinc-blende ... ... ... ... ... ... 0-28 „ Alumina ... ... ... ... ... ... 0-13 „ Water and loss ... ... ... ... ... ... 1-03 „ Total ... ... ... ... ... ... 100-00 In the case of parcels Nos. 1 and 2, the laboratory extractions were as follow : — No. 1. No. 2. Gold ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 96-7 94-0 Silver ... ... ... ... "... ... ... 87-4 60-0 Value ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 95-0 89-0 Remarks. —In the case of the oxidized surface ores the extraction was very high, and easily effected. With parcels Nos. 3 and 4 the extraction was much lower, although quite payable. The small recovery in these cases was directly traceable to the mineralised character of the ore, which contained, as shown by the analysis, a considerable percentage of copper-pyrites, which acted on the potassium-cyanide. The laboratory results, however, show that higher extractions than those obtained on a working scale may be looked for. The results, however, prove that the different grades and qualities of ore from the Monowai Eeef can be successfully treated by the Cassel cyanide process. No. 2. — Ore from Ohui, East Coast {forwarded by McGregor and Party). This was a parcel of moderately-hard quartz, quite free from metallic sulphides, and containing only a small proportion of iron-oxides and clayey matter. The whole of the ore, weighing about 2 tons, was dried and then dry-crushed. The first portion crushed, amounting to nearly a ton, was treated by the Cassel cyanide process, and the second portion (nearly the same in weight) was subjected to raw hot pan-amalgamation with chemicals, partly for comparative purposes, but chiefly on account of the difficulty experienced in separating the cyanide solutions from the leached pulp, a result due to extreme fineness to which the ore was reduced in our two-stamper battery. The assay-value of the second portion was much higher than that of the first, due to the inclusion of three bags of selected gold-bearing quartz. No. 1: 2,1151b., treated by Cassel process : — Assay-value. Oz. dwt. gr. Recovery. Bullion ... ... ... ... 40 6 10 per ton. Gold ... ... ... ... 4 4 10 „ 85 per cent. Silver ... ... ... ... 36 2 10 „ 46 Value, £19 10s. per ton. 80 „ No. 2 : 1,9801b., treated by pan-amalgamation :— Assay-value. Oz. dwt. gr. Recovery. Bullion ... ... ... ... 53 12 0 per ton. Gold ... ... ... ... 8 14 21 „ 67 per cent. Silver ... ... ... ... 44 17 3 „ 43 Value, £38 6s. 9d. per ton. 64-5 „

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No. 3. — Retreat Mine, Marototo. This ore consisted of soft, friable, somewhat mullocky quartz, mixed with a very large proportion of manganese-oxide, which imparted a black colour to it. The whole parcel was dried and dry-crushed. A portion weighing 6001b., and showing an assay-value of—■ Oz. dwt. gr. Bullion ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 10 10 per ton Gold ... ... ... ... 0 2 12 Silver ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 7 22 Value, 14s. 9d. per ton. was subjected to a leaching by percolation with 0-5 per cent, solution of potassium-cyanide, which extracted lSdwt. of bullion, valued at Bs. per ounce, representing a saving of 95 per cent, of the gold, 63-3 per cent, of the silver, and 89 per cent, of the value. The remaining portion, weighing 2,4001b., on account of the difficulties attending the percolation, due to the large proportion of slimes formed by the manganese-oxides, was submitted to raw pan-amalgamation, which extracted loz. of bullion, 0-1457 fine in gold, 0-883 fine in silver, valued at 13s. per ounce, representing a recovery of 93 per cent, of the gold, 14 per cent, of the silver, and 73 per cent, of the value, calculated from the assay-value, which was 14s. 9d. per ton—that is, the same as the value of the portion treated by the cyanide process. The comparative results obtained by each process were as follows : — Cyanide Process. Waslioe Process. Gold ... ... ... ... ... 95 percent. 94 per cent. Silver ... .. ... ... ... 93-3 „ 14 Value ... ... ... ... ... 88-0 „ 73 These results, as well as my previous experiments, show that the extraction of the bullion contents of this ore can be most successfully effected by means of the cyanide process. No. 4. — Hit or Miss, Puriri. This ton of ore was dried, dry-crushed, and then subjected to hot pan-amalgamation, which recovered 230z. 13dwt. of melted gold, 0-6150 fine in gold and 0-3010 fine in silver, equal to £2 9s. 7d. per ounce. The assay-value of the dry pulp, the quantity of bullion recovered from the stamper-box, the quantity of gold recovered, and the percentages of saving are shown in tabulated form below: — Assay of Pulp. Prom Box. Total Value of Ore. Becovered. Percentage of Oz. dwt. gr. Oz. dwt. gr. Oz. dwt. gr. Oz. dwt. gr. Bullion, per ton ... 21 0 22 7 15 0 28 15 22 23 13 0 Gold, per ton ... 10 14 5 4 8 6 15 2 11 14 10 0 96 Silver, per ton ... 10 6 17 3 6 18 13 13 11 6 12 0 46-4 Value per ton, £43 17s. sd. £17 17s. 7d. £61 15s. £58 10s. 2d. 94-7 No. s. — Norfolk Mine, Taravu. This ore consisted of soft mullock clayey quartz, mixed with large masses of calcite (carbonate of lime). It was wet-crushed, and passed over amalgamated copper-plates, which saved 6dwt. 12gr. of bullion, 0-5326 fine in gold, 0-4250 in silver, worth 435. 4d. per ounce, representing a saving of 24-8 per cent, of the gold, 38-2 per cent, of the silver, and 26 per cent, of the original assay-value, which was as follows :— Oz. dwt. gr. Bullion ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 1 14 per ton. Gold ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 13 8 Silver ... .., ... ... ... ... 0 8 6 Value, £2 14s. 6d. per ton. The tailings were collected in settling-pits, and weighed 1,9101b. net dry weight. They showed the following assay-value after being thoroughly sampled:— Oz. dwt. gr. Bullion ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 15 2 per ton. Gold ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 10 0 Silver ... ... 0 5 2 Value, £2 os. 6d. per ton. They were then treated by the Cassel cyanide process by ordinary percolation with a 0-4-per-cent. solution of potassium-cyanide, which extracted the following proportions of gold, silver, and value: — Gold ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 90-2 per cent. Silver ... ... ... ... 88-0 Value ... ... ... 90-0 No. 1, gold from plates, and No. 2, bullion from tailings, are handed herewith.

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No. 6. — Broken Hill Mine, Waiomo. This ore consisted of a parcel of moderately-hard yellowish-brown quartz, containing a small percentage of iron-pyrites and a little copper-pyrites. The whole of the ore was dried and drycrushed. The first 2,0001b. showed the following value by fire-assay : — Oz. dwt. gr. Bullion ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 19 5 per ton. Gold , ... ... 0 12 14 Silver ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 6 15 Value, £3 12s. per ton. This portion was subjected to a leaching by percolation with a 0-45-per-cent. solution of potas-sium-cyanide, which extracted 4oz. of bullion, valued at 11s. 6d. per ounce, representing a saving of 93 per cent, of the gold, 21 per cent, of the silver, and 76 per cent, of the original value. The remaining 1,3001b. of ore showed a value of— Oz. dwt. gr. Bullion ... ... ... ... ... ... 12 18 16 per ton Gold ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 9 8 Silver ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 9 8 Value, £7 os. 4d. per ton. and was treated in a pan by raw hot amalgamation with chemicals, and yielded 4oz. lOdwt. of bullion, valued at 10s. 6d. per ounce, representing a saving of 60 per cent, of the gold, 56-3 per cent, of the silver, and 59-3 per cent, of the value. The average value of the whole parcel was thus— Oz. dwt. gr. Bullion ... ... ... ... ... ... 12 8 22 per ton. Goid ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 1 0 Silver ... 11 7 22 Value, £5 6s. 2d. per ton. The comparative results of the recovery by the different processes were as follows : — By Washoe Process. By Cyanide. Gold ... ... ... ... 60 per cent. ... 93 per cent. Silver ... ... ... ... 56-3 „ ... 21 Value ... ... ... ... 59-3 „ ... 76 These results prove conclusively the superiority of the cyanide process for the treatment of this ore. The recovery of 76 per cent, of the value is a very satisfactory result considering the smallness of the parcel operated upon and the large proportion of silver in the bullion. The very small amount of copper in the ore was not found to cause an excessive consumption of potassium-cyanide, and, although it showed on the zinc in the extractor, it did not hinder the precipitation of the gold and silver. No. 7. — Fisher Brothers, Punga Flat, Thames. This was a parcel of rusty-coloured mullocky quartz. It was dried, dry-crushed, and found to weigh 1,9001b. After sampling, it was assayed, with the following results : — Oz. dwt. gr. Bullion ... ... ... ... ... ... 13 16 7 per ton. Gold ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 0 4,, Silver ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 16 3 Value, £32 12s. per ton. It was then subjected to hot pan-amalgamation, which saved 10oz. of melted gold, 0-6378 fine in gold, and 0-3610 fine in silver, equal to a value of 575. 9d. per ounce, and representing a saving of 93 per cent, of the gold, and 90 per cent, of the silver, and 90*5 per cent, of the original value. A considerable proportion of the gold existed in a coarse form, which would render the treatment of this ore by the cyanide process both tedious and expensive. The above results are most satisfactory, and show that a very high percentage of the precious metal can be extracted as one operation by pan-amalgamation in charges after the ore has been reduced to a pulp by dry-crushing. No. B. — Grace Darling, Waitekauri. This consisted of half a ton of pulverised ore. It contained a considerable proportion of manganese-oxides. It showed the following assay-value :— Oz. dwt. gr. Bullion ... ... ... .. .. ... 3 17 22 per ton. Gold ... 0 6 7 Silver 3 11 15 Value, £1 10s. 6d. per ton. The dry pulp was subjected to raw hot pan-amalgamation-, and yielded Bdwt. of bullion, 03361 fine in gold, and 0-6497 in silver, valued at 28s. per ounce, representing the following percentage of extraction : —■

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Gold ... ... ... ... ... . . ... 854 percent. Silver ... ... ... ... .... ... ... 14-0 Value ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 73-3 No. 2.—This was a parcel of general quartz from the mine. It consisted of soft, friable quartz mixed with blackish-brown manganese-oxides. When dried and crushed the parcel weighed 9001b. It showed the following assay-value : — Oz. dwt. gr. Bullion ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 6 18 per ton. Gold ... ... ... ... ... 0 15 3 Silver .., ... . ... ... ... 3 11 15 „ Value, £3 ss. 10d. per ton. The dry pulp was subjected to raw hot pan-amalgamation, and yielded loz. ldwt. 12gr. of bullion, 0-2162 fine in gold, and 0-7666 fine in silver, valued at 18s. 6d. per ounce, and representing the following proportions of extraction : — Gold ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 76-6 per cent. Silver ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 58-0 Value ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 75-4 No. 9. — St. Hippo, Waitekauri. This was a parcel of moderately-hard rusty-brown quartz, comparatively free from base metallic sulphides. It was dried, dry-crushed, sampled, and assayed, with the following results : — Oz. dwt. gr. Bullion ... ... ... ... ... ... 6 1 22 per ton. . .Gold ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 15 10 Silver ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 6 12 Value, £11 ss. 9d. per ton. It weighed 8001b. dry weight, and was subjected to a leaching by percolation with a 0-48-per-cent. solution of potassium-cyanide, which extracted 3oz. 2dwt. of bullion, 0-2944 fine in gold, and 0-2656 fine in silver, equal to 245. per ounce, representing a saving of 93 per cent, of the gold, 70 per cent. of the silver, and 84-4 per cent, of the value. This is a most valuable ore, and the above experimental test shows that its bullion contents can be most successfully extracted by the cyanide process. No. 10. — Alpha Mine, Waitekauri. This was a parcel of moderately-hard rusty-coloured quartz, containing free gold and a. large proportion of silver, in the form of the sub-sulphide. It was dried, dry-crushed, sampled, and assayed. A portion, 6501b., showing the following assay-value— Oz. dwt. gr. Bullion ... ... ... ... ... 21 3 11 per ton Gold ... ... ... 1 15 7 Silver ... ... ... 19 8 4 Value, £9 per ton. was subjected to a leaching with a 054 per cent, solution of potassium-cyanide, which extracted soz. 15dwt. of melted bullion, valued at 6s. 9d. per ounce, representing a saving of 74 per cent, of the gold, 56 per cent, of the silver, and 70-5 per cent, of the original assay-value. An examination of the tailings from this parcel showed the presence of gold in particles too large to be dissolved by the cyanide solution, except by very prolonged leaching, thus explaining the cause of the comparatively low extraction. Another portion of the ore, weighing If tons, showed the following assay-value:— Oz. dwt. gr. Bullion ... ... ... ... ... 22 13 6 per ton. Gold I ... 1 15 7 Silver ... 20 17 23 Value, £9 3s. per ton. This parcel was treated by raw hot pan-amalgamation with chemicals, and yielded 13oz. Bdwt. of melted bullion, 0-1400 fine in gold, 0-8470 fine in silver, valued at 12s. sd. per ounce, representing a saving of 66 per cent, of the gold, 33 per cent, of the silver, and 58 per cent, of the value. The comparative results obtained by the cyanide process and pan-amalgamation are as follows :— Cyanide Process. Pan-amalgamation. Gold ... ... ■■• ••• 74 per cent. 66 per cent. Silver ... ... ... 56 „ 33 Value .. 70-5 „ 58 The average value of the 2 tons of ore was £9 2s. 3d. per ton. .

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Subjects of Instbuction. The subjects of instruction, together with the syllabus of lectures, are as follow: (1.) General and mining geology. (2.) Mineralogy and blowpipe determination. (3.) Mathematics. (4.) Land- and mine-surveying. (5.) Mining, applied mechanics, and hydraulics. (6.) Ventilation and explosives. (7.) Hauling and winding. (8.) Pumping and pit-work. (9.) Practical assaying. (10.) Practical chemistry. (11.) Theoretical chemistry. (12.) Metallurgy of gold and silver. (13.) Physics. (14.) Practical astronomy. (15.) Mechanical drawing. Syllabus op Lectuees and Insteuction. General and Mining Geology. —(Lecturer, James Park, F.G.S.) Physical Geology. —The earth as a planet, its form and motions; geological climate; the atmosphere; ocean ; solid crust; the interior of the earth. Dynamical Geology. —Metamorphism ; agencies modifying the crust of the earth—atmospheric, aqueous, chemical; weathering; sedimentation ; classification of deposits—mechanical, aqueous, organic, and chemical; denudation and erosion. Structural Geology. —Stratification; jointage; contortion; faults; conformity; unconformity; dip and strike ; cleavage ; metamorphic rocks; intrusive sheets, bosses, dykes, fissures; formation of quartz veins, lodes, and metallic deposits ; dynamics of lodes; recovery of lost lodes. Geological Surveying. —The practice of running natural sections; noting dip, strike, and inclination of strata and lodes ; mapping geological formations; collection of mineral and rock specimens. Stratigraphical Geology. —Classification of plants and animals; fossils; blending of species ; geological record ; the study of characteristic life, and distribution of formations from archsean to recent times, with special reference to the geology of New Zealand. Mineralogy and Blowpipe Determination. —(Lecturer and Instructor, James Park, F.G.S.) Systematic Mineralogy. —(l.) Physical properties of minerals, their hardness, specific gravity, &c. (2.) Optical- properties —refraction, reflection, polarisation, lustre, phosphorescence. (3.) Chemical properties. (4.) The application of the blowpipe, colour-tests, &c. (5.) Isomorphism, pseudomorphism, and allotropy. (6.) Distribution and paragenesis of minerals. (7.) Classification of minerals —chemical, economic. Descriptive Mineralogy. —(l.) Non-metallic division—carbon group, &c. (2.) Metallic division— a description of the principal ores of the common metals, and their New Zealand localities and modes of occurrence. Crystallography. —(1.) The six systems, their axes, typical forms, modified forms, &c. (2.) Holohedral and hemihedral forms. (3.) Beading of faces. Mathematics. —(Lecturer and Instructor, Mr. F. B. Allen, M.A., B.Sc.) Arithmetic (including the simple rules). —Weights and measures (those bearing on mining and assaying), greatest common measure, least common multiple, vulgar fractions, decimal fractions, proportion, problems. Algebra (Hall and Knight's Algebra).—The meaning and use of the various signs and symbols, the simple rules, greatest common measure, least common multiple, fractions, factors, symmetry, problems containing one unknown, simultaneous equations, quadratic equations, simultaneous equations with more than one unknown, problems involving quadratics and the use of several unknowns, practice in the use of formulas and their transposition. Euclid. —The first four books (Todhunter), including the definitions and axioms. Land- and Mine-surveyiug. —(Lecturer and Instructor, James Park, F.G.S.) Adjustments of theodolite, dial, level; chain and steel tapes; traversing with theodolite and dial; connecting survey with standard meridian ; ranging lines ; division of land; computation of areas by latitudes and departures ; reduction of slope measurements; off-sets ; chaining, computation of coordinates ; balancing survey; plotting survey and off-sets ; obstacles to alignment. Mine-surveying. —Different methods of connecting underground with surface meridian; magnetic variation; to reduce magnetic meridian to true meridian; conducting underground traverse with theodolite and dial; correcting magnetic survey by method of back- and fore-sights; holing. Mathematics. —Equations; logarithms; plain trigonometry; solution of triangles; calculating of last or connecting line ; of distance from working-face to nearest point on boundary of lease. Levelling. levels; practice with level and staff; grading roads, tramways and waterraces ; plotting and striking grades; calculation of contents of earthworks by prismoidal formula ; grading with Abney or reflecting level. Mining, Applied Mechanics, and Hydraulics. —(Lecturer, James Park, F.G.S.) Mining.— Shafts; selection of site, size; modes of excavation in dry and wet rock, wet sand, and swamp; timbering of shafts ; ladders; chambers—size, excavation, timbering; levels and drives—■ size, excavation, timbering; securing sets on inclines; modes of stoping, height, and timbering of stopes; main passes—size, timbering, division; mullock passes—size, timbering, distance apart. Pumping and Pit-work. —Pumps and engines used in metal-mining, force-pumps, plunger-pump, draw-lift, fixing pump-pieces, bearers, friction-rollers, V-bobs, balance-bobs, main rods, flat rods, clacks, buckets, bucket-rod, catches, staples and glands; thickness of pipes ; capacity of pumps. Ventilation. —Atmospheric pressure, vapour density; ventilation of drives and underground workings by natural and artificial means ; furnaces, water-blasts, fans ; division of air-courses ; noxious gases met with in metal- and coal-mines, their composition and detection. Explosives. —Their use in quarries and mines, relative strengths, action, gases evolved, composition ; charging bore-holes; firing explosives ; quantity to be used.

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Hauling and Winding. —Safety-cages ; man-engines ; strength of ropes ; strength of timbers. Water-power. —Turbines, Pelton wheels, calculation of horse-power and flow of water from bo es and nozzles. Text-book used : Gordon's "Mining and Engineering," 10s.; Government Printer. Practical Assaying. —(Lecturers and Instructors, the Director and Assistant.) Dry Assaying. —(l.) The furnaces and appliances used in fire-assaying, with sketches. (2.) The fluxes, their properties and uses. (3.) The reducers and their reducing powers. (4.) Fuels and other reagents, as salt, iron, sheet and granulated lead, glass powder, &c. (5.) Preparation of pure silver for parting gold and silver. (6.) Preparation of nitric-acid solutions for parting. (7.) Preliminary assays of ores and bullion, their use and application. (8.) Volatility of gold and silver—the influence of different temperatures in different parts of muffle; also of time in muffle. (9.) The operations in fire-assaying— a, powdering the ore ; b, sampling the dry pulp; c, preparing the charge ; d, fusing the charge, and extracting the lead-button ; c, cupelling the lead-button; /, weighing the bullion ; g, parting and calculating the value of the bullion. (10.) Probable sources of error in fire-assaying. (11.) Keeping note-books and proper record of results. (12.) The assay of litharge and red-lead. (13.) The assay of gold- and silver-ores — a, in clean quartz ; b, in pyritous quartz; c, in concentrates and tailings; d, in roasted ores; c, by amalgamation assay; /, by scorification assay. (14.) The retorting and melting of bullion. (15.) The refining of base bullion. (16.) The assay of bullion —a, weighing the assay ; b, cupelling for base ; c, adding pure silver for parting; d, rolling the "cornet"; c, parting the "cornet"; /, calculating the value. (17.) The calculation of results obtained in batteries from treatment of gold- and silver-ores. (18.) The assay of galena and cerussite; the valuation of lead, gold, and silver. (19.) The valuation of lead bullion. (20.) The assay of tin-ore (cassiterite). Wet Assaying. —(2l.) Operations— a, solution ; b, crystallization ; c, precipitation ; d, filtration ; c, decantation ;/, washing ; g, evaporation ; h, distillation; i, ignition ;j, sublimation ; k, fusion ; I, use of blowpipe ; in, the use of spirit- and gas-lamps; n, the preparation of reagents and tests of purity, &c. ; o, the preparation of fluxes; p, test papers; q, the balance, weights, operations of weighing;- r, preservation of platinum crucibles. (22.) The assay of iron-ores— a, gravimetric; b, volumetric. (23.) The assay of copper-ores— a, as oxide; b, as metal by electrolysis; c, volumetric; d, colorimetric. (24.) The assay of antimonite. (25.) The assay of bismuth glance. (26.) The assay of cinnabar. (27.) The assay of galena. (28.) The assay of zinc-ores. (29.) The assay of manganese-ores. (30.) The assay of nickel-ores. (31.) The assay of cobalt-ores. (32.) The assay of chromite of iron. (33.) The assay of arsenic-ores. (34.) The assay of silver-ores — a, volumetric ; b, gravimetric. (35.) The valuation of specimens. Text-books: Park's " Assaying and Practical Chemistry," 7s. 6d. Practical Chemistry. —(Lecturer and Instructor, Mr. F. B. Allen, M.A., B.Sc). Junior Class. —(l.) Operations (these are the same as for wet assaying). (2.) The separation of the metals into groups. (3.) Qualitative tests for the different metals. (4.) The separation of silver, lead, mercury. (5.) The separation of copper, bismuth, arsenic, and antimony. (6.) The separation of iron and alumina, iron and zinc, iron and manganese, iron and chromium. (7.) The separation of calcium and magnesium. (8.) The separation of barium, strontium, and calcium. (9.) The separation of potassium and sodium. (10.) Qualitative tests for the acid-radicals (inorganic)—a, H 2 S, HCI, HBr, HI; b, HN0 3 , HCI0 3 ; c, HB0 2 , H 2 CO 3 , H 2 Cr0 4 , HF, H 3 PO 4 , H S SiO,, H 2 SO d , H B As0 4 . (Lecturer and Instructor, James Park, F.G.S.) Senior Glass. —(l.) The estimation of chlorine. (2.) The estimation of sulphuric acid and sulphur. (3.) The estimation of phosphoric acid. (4.) The analysis of limestones and calcareous freestone. (5.) The analysis of coals, coke, charcoal, and shales. (6.) The analysis of barytes. (7.) The analysis of fluor-spar. (8.) The analysis of scheelite and wolfram. (9.) The analysis of rocks (including estimation of K 2 O and Na 2 O). (10.) The analysis of fireclays. (11.) The analysis of soils. (12). The analysis of complex sulphide ores. (13.) The analysis of milk. (14.) The analysis of waters. (15.) The analysis of bone-dust and bone-ash, with estimation of nitrogen. (16.) The analysis of guanos and apatite. (17.) The analysis of superphosphates. (18.) The estimation of alcohol— a, by weight; b, by volume. (19.) Volumetric analysis: The estimation of —alkaline hydrates; alkaline carbonates; acids, HCI, H 2 SO 4 , HN0 3 , HC.,H 3 O 2 , H 2 C,,H 4 O c ; haloid salts, HCN, KCN, I, As 2 O 3 , 8O 2 , (Na 2 S 2 O 3 + 5H 2 0.) Text-book : Park's " Laboratory Instructions in Assaying and Practical Chemistry," 7s. 6d. Theoretical Chemistry. —(Lecturer, Mr. F. B. Allen, M.A., B.Sc.) Principles of Chemistry and Chemical Philosophy. —Atoms, molecules, vapour density, quantivalence, chemical formulae. The Elements. —(l.) Their history, occurrence, preparation, properties, Uses. (2.) Compounds of the elements, their history, preparation, properties, uses, &c. Metallurgy of Gold and Silver. —(Lecturer, James Park, F.G.S.) (1.) Ore-crushing and pulverising machinery— a, rock-breakers; b, stamps; c, mills, rolls, &a. (2.) Metallurgy of gold— a, amalgamation on copper-plates, in pans, &c. ; b, chlorination processes and operations; c, leaching processes (Cassel's, &c), (3.) Metallurgy of silver— a, smelting and amalgamating ores; b, smelting —reduction with lead and fluxes; c, amalgamation in pans with mercury—use of chemicals; d, leaching with solvents—sea-water or brine, ammonia, sodium hyposulphite, alkaline cyanides ; c, oxidizing and chloridizing roasting. Text-books: Eissler's "Metallurgy of Gold and Silver"; Gordon's " Mining and Engineering."

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Physics. —(Lecturer, James Park, F.G.S.) Fundamental ideas of matter and energy; conditions of matter; gravitation; ' mechanical powers ; sound ; light; heat; magnetism; electricity ; chemistry ; physiology and health. Practical Astronomy. —(Lecturer and- Instructor, James Park, F.G.S.) The ecliptic ; equinoxes ; meridians ; longitude ; latitude ; altitude ; declination ; right ascension ; azimuth ; use of Nautical Almanac ; polar distance; zenith distance; hour-angle ; sidereal time ; mean time ; solar time ; parallax ; refraction ; retardation ; acceleration ; convergency of meridian ; determination of meridian by star and sun observations, by single altitudes and greatest elongation of circumpolar stars ; use of star-charts ; calculation of hour-angle, azimuth, and altitude of celestial bodies for any time and place ; determination of latitude by meridian altitudes ; determination of time by star transits and sun observations. Mechanical Drawing. —(lnstructor, Mr. F. B. Allen, M.A., B.Sc.) Use of scales ; printing and lettering; outline drawing ; shading; colouring; drawing to scale from copies and objects, portions of machinery, and woodwork, showing plans, elevation and sections. Special classes are held for the instruction of candidates for the Government mine-managers', battery-superintendents', and engine-drivers' certificates. First term —First Monday in February to 30th April; second term—9th May to 20th August; third term—9th September to 20th December. Eegistration of membership, 10s. per annum. Class fees, ss. per term for each subject taken up. Scale of Charges for Public Assays and Analyses. £ s. d. Bullion assays ... ... ... ... ... ...050 Assays of quartz, tailings, or concentrates ... ... ... 050 Examination and determination of rocks and minerals ... ... 0 5 0 Assay of lead- and tin-ores, each ... ... ... ...050 ~ iron- and manganese-ores ... ... ... ... 0 10 0 „ copper-and antimony-ores ... ... ... ... 0 10 0 ~ zinc-, mercury-, and bismuth-ores .. ... ■• 0 10 0 ~ gold- and silver-ores, with parting assay ... ... ... 0 5 0 Analysis of limestone and calcarous freestone j , ?, 0 10 0 ~ coals and fuels, each ... ... ... ... 0 10 0 „ rocks and soils "; ... '- ... \° g ~ fireclays and slags ... ... ... ... 100 ~ manures ... ... ... ... ... ...200 , (complete ... ... ... ... ...300 „ waters \_ .* , on n {partial ... ... ... ... ...200 „ nickel-, cobalt-, and chrome-ores .. ... ... 0 10 0 ~ concentrates ... ... ... ... ... 1 10 0 ~ complex sulphide ores, &c. ... ... .. ... 1 10 0 Experimental Plant. Experimental working-tests of parcels of ore from 1 to 3 tons in weight are undertaken by the following processes : — (1.) By Gassel Cyanide Process : Wet- or dry-crushing.— a, by percolation ; b, by agitation. (2.) By amalgamated copper-plates. (3.) By amalgamation in pans; Wet- or dry-crushing— a, by raw amalgamation in charges ; b, by Washoe process with chemicals. (Hot pan-amalga-mation, after chloridising roasting.) (4.) Chlorination : Small barrel tests. Metallurgical students are permitted, on the approval of the director, to work in the experimental plane during the treatment of ores so as to enable them to acquire a knowledge of the practical working of the different processes. Goveening Body. At the annual meeting in February, the following were elected for the year 1895 : President, Mr. James McGowan, M.H.E.; Vice-president, Mr. T. A. Dunlop ; Treasurer, Mr. J. Hague-Smith ; Council, Messrs. W. Baker, P. C. Hansen, E. F. Adams, W. Burch, and L. Melhose. During the last year, twenty-eight different parcels of ore, having an aggregate weight of about 22 tons, were treated at the experimental plant attached to the school. Of these, twenty-five lots, or 19 tons, were treated by the cyanide process, and three parcels, or 3f tons, by panamalgamation. Some of the experiments made in the treatment of these ores are very interesting. Certain of the parcels of ore from the Monowai Mine were treated very successfully. From No. 1 parcel 92 per cent, of the assay-value of the gold was obtained, and 58 per cent of the silver; from No. 2 parcel, 91 per cent of the gold and 77 per cent, of the silver; but from No. 3 and No. 4 parcels 77 per cent, and 70 per cent, of the gold respectively was obtained, while only 13 per cent, of the silver was extracted, the cyanide seemingly having a greater affinity for the copper pyrites than the silver which was in the ore; and the whole of the bullion was found in the first three zinc-boxes from the top, while the greatest amount of copper was deposited in the lower boxes, thereby indicating that the action of the zinc exerts a selective influence, first on gold, next on silver, and

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then on copper. If this is borne out by other experiments, it would show that the copper could easily be kept out of the bullion in the precipitating-boxes. Again, in the treatment of the parcels from Broken Hill Mine, at Waiomo, when there was a little copper-pyrites in the ore, the extraction of gold was 93 per cent, of the assay-value, while only 21 per cent, of the silver was recoveredi The whole of the experiments show that the cyanide solutions act on the gold in a fairly satisfactory manner, but the percentage of silver recovered depends to a great extent on the quantity of sulphides in the ore. REEFTON SCHOOL. During the past year the school at Reefton has not been so well attended. This in a great measure is due to the depression in mining which has prevailed in this district. It, however, gives me pleasure to state that mining properties in this district are at present looking better than they have been for several years, and. this will no doubt give an impetus to everything connected with mining in the place. The attendance became so small that it was considered desirable to let Mr. Aitken divide his time between Eeefton, Brunnerton, and Denniston, where there are schools at each place. The progress made at any of these schools cannot be expected to be high, as nothing short of continuous teaching will give the students a thorough practical training. It will, however, give the miners at each of these centres an opportunity of studying for their examinations as miningmanagers and battery-superintendents. During last year there were about twenty students at schools in the Eeefton district, but this does not mean a regular attendance. .About twenty attended at the Brunnerton School, and fifteen at the Denniston School. The following is the report of Mr. E. M. Aitken, the lecturer and teacher of the schools on the West Coast, on the progress made during the last year : — I have the honour to furnish my report on the work and progress of the Beefton School of Mines and its branches during the past year ending 31st March, 1895, which, I regret to say, does not show a great improvement on that of the previous year. There is no doubt that Eeefton, and, in fact, the whole of the West Coast, has gone back considerably during the past two years, and that the schools of mines have fallen with the place. However, the attendance at the various classes, although not very large in some cases, has been fairly regular ; and I may saiely say that in many of the classes very good work has been done. At the Eeefton School, the principal classes have been in assaying and metallurgy; the chemistry classes were fairly well attended, but those in mining and mathematics have fallen off considerably. Special classes were held for those preparing for mine-managers' and engine-drivers' examinations. The attendance at the outside classes— i.e., Brunnerton and Denniston—is improving steadily, and some good work has been done at these schools. During the past year I have spent the greater part of my time in Eeefton, and most of my spare time has been taken up in assaying and testing for the public, and experimenting on the treatment of tailings by cyanide and concentration. The following table will give an idea of the average attendance at the different classes and schools during the past year : — Class and School. Average Attendance. Eeefton—Assaying and metallurgy ... ... ... ... ... 14 „ Practical chemistry ... ... .. ... ... 9 „ Theoretical chemistry ... ... ... ... ... 9 „ Geology and mineralogy ... ... ... ... ... 3 „ Land-and mine-surveying ... ... ... ... ... 11 „ Mining and mathematics , ... ... ... ... 8 „ Drawing... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 Brunnerton —Mining, mathematics, and surveying ... ... ... 20 Denniston—Mining, mathematics, and surveying ... ... ... 15 The total number of individuals attending the various classes would be about 55, Brunnerton and Denniston included. Practical Assaying and Metallurgy. —The students of this class are instructed in the wet and dry methods of assaying, and in the use and composition of fluxes, fuels, reagents, &c, together with the smelting, valuing, and refining of gold and silver bullion, the dressing and curing of copperplates, amalgamation, and retorting. Instruction is also given in the various methods of extracting gold and silver from their ores, such as battery-work, amalgamation, concentration, cyaniding, and chlorinatiou. A large number of assays have been made in this class during the year, and two of the students attending have received appointments as bank assayers, which is evidence of the work done. Practical Chemistry. —In this class instruction is given in the preparation of reagents and salts, testing for acids', and metals, separation and detection of metals and mineral substances, besides assays and analyses by gravimetric and volumetric methods. In this class a good number of analyses of ores, concentrates, alloys, and coals have been made, and a large number of samples treated by cyanide and chlorination. Many experiments were made on the action of alkaline cyanides on metals and ores, and various methods have been tried for the precipitation of the gold from the cyanide solutions. Theoretical Chemistry. —This class was held on the same night as the practical chemistry, the students attending the one attending the other. The students were instructed principally in the non-metallic elements, including atoms, molecules, quantivalence, specific gravity, formula), and the properties of solids, liquids, and gases. The text-book used in both theoretical and practical chemistry has been " Bloxam." 3—C. 3.

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Geology and Mineralogy. —This class was started early in the year, but was not well attended. However, a little work was done in the determination of rocks and minerals with the aid of the blowpipe; and also some mining geology. There is a great want for some text-book on geology, especially on New Zealand geology. The book used here is " Geikie." Mining and Mathematics. —The attendance in Eeefton to these classes has not been large, although this was at one time our principal class. Instruction is given in logarithms, plane trigonometry, mining geology, strength of materials, timbering ; formation of lodes, leads, and veins; pumping and pitwork, pipes ; hauling and winding ; engines, boilers, horse-power ; ventilation, furnaces, fans, splitting of air, and gases, friction of air; explosives; water-power, waterraces, motors; formulae, &c. Special classes were held for those who were desirous of obtaining engine-drivers' and mine-managers' certificates. Many simply attend the classes to obtain their certificate, and leave as soon as that is obtained. In January, 1894, I sent eleven candidates up for examination, three for first-class mine-managers, three for first-class coalmine-managers, and five for engine-drivers. Out of these, six passed first-class ; three obtained partial passes ; and. two failed. In all, from these classes, during the last four years twenty-eight students have passed successfully as follows: Twelve under the Mining Act, six under the Coal-mines Act, and ten for engine-drivers. In January, 1895, I sent for examination seven candidates, four under the Mining Act, and three under the Coal-mines Act, the results of which are not yet known. Land- and Mine-surveying. —ln this class instruction is given in the use and adjustments of the compass, dial, and theodolite; in the tabulation of traverses, calculation of areas, heights, and distances ; plotting by protractor and rectangular co-ordinates, and levelling; also in the laying-out of roads and water-races. The attendance during the year has not been so large as in former years, and very little practical work outside has been done, on account of our theodolite being broken, and most of the screws about it are now worn out and useless. It will be necessary to obtain a new theodolite for this class during the coming year, and at present the school is not in a position to obtain one. This has always been a popular class, as it is a study which can be turned at once to practical use in a mining district, and one in which a great many mistakes are made. Drawing. —A class in this subject was commenced for those who wished to compete in the scholarship examinations, but it was not attended by many. The text-book used on this subject was " Kose." Brunnerton Classes. —ln this place the classes have been again started, and the numbers attending the classes have been steadily increasing. The instruction given is principally in mining subjects and logarithms and trigonometry, and most of the students show a fair amount of progress in their work. I have now started visiting this place for one month in every three, and will, as soon as a stock of apparatus and chemicals are obtained, commence classes in assaying and chemistry. The Committee of this school have now obtained a good room for holding the classes in, and are gradually getting it fitted up and put in order. Denniston School. —ln this school the classes have been carried on in surveying, mining, mathematics, &c.; a little work has also been done in assaying and chemistry, there being a fair supply of chemicals and apparatus in stock. I have now started visiting this school the same as Brunner, for one month out of every three, and the number of students are gradually increasing. The miners in this locality are a little scattered, and in bad weather many are unable to attend. Bee/ton School. —Very little has been done this year in the way of adding improvements to the school, as the funds of the Committee would not permit it; in fact, owing to the small number of subscriptions we have been unable to keep up the supply of chemicals, apparatus, &c, and in many cases have gone short. This state of things is owing to the great depression existing, and thus depriving the school of its outside subscriptions, and leaving it dependent on the students' fees, which are very small. I am, however, pleased to say that the place is now looking better, and we may now expect far more support than what has been given to the school lately. During last year the Hon. the Minister of Mines ordered the electric light to be laid on throughout the school, which was done, and is now a great improvement and greatly facilitates the work. Ie was intended last year to buy and erect in connection with the school a small testing and experimental plant, so that large parcels of stone, tailings, or concentrates could be operated, on. This, however, could not be carried out, as the necessary funds were not available. There is, however, every chance of this being carried out this year, as the mining companies here are now awaking to the fact that a large amount of gold is being lost free in the tailings, and combined in the concentrates. In many of the mines the workings are getting deeper every year, and the deeper the workings the less the proportion of free gold and the richer the pyrites, so that it is now becoming a necessity for mining companies to look after their tailings and concentrates, as the amount of free gold obtained is barely payable. The Laboratory. —During the past year about 250 assays, cyanide tests, berdan tests, &c, have been made, besides numerous experiments, determinations of minerals, &c, which shows an increase over that of the previous year. Among the tests made are : Fire assays, 165 ; cyanide tests, 32 ; berdan amalgamation tests, 15 ; coal analysis, 8; analysis of ores and concentrates, 9 ; meltings of bullion, 6 ; and bullion assays, 15. A few berdan tests were made on new finds of stone in the district, and some on tailings after the concentrates are extracted from them, to determine the amount of free gold left in the ore. The cyanide tests were made for the most part on the tailings flowing from the batteries in the district, and the results show that the greater part of the tailings on this field can be made to pay well by the cyanide process. The failure of the cyanide process on the tailings at Boatman's prevented other companies from adopting its use here, and now many companies are simply saving the tailings and awaiting results from other places.

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The cyanide plant at Boatman's has now been pulled down, and the berdans re-erected in its place. After the process turned out a failure, myself and some of the students made a few experiments to find out the cause, and, if possible, remedy it. I found that although these tailings only assay from 7dwt. to 9dwt. of gold per ton, that there was ldwt. 18gr. of the gold as floured amalgam, or in the floured mercury; now, with from twenty-four hours to forty-eight hours' percolation with weak cyanide solutions, this would not be extracted. The action of the cyanide on the floured mercury, however, tends to clean it, and bring it into a fit condition for saving on plates; so that on looking down the tail-race, where the tailings after treatment were swept away, the clean globules of mercury were found, which, on retorting, gave gold. This shows that had these tailings after treatment been passed over copper-plates, or through an amalgamator, a large proportion of this gold would have been saved. Another thing in the treatment of these tailings was the large amount of cyanide consumed, which was costing from 10s. to 13s. per ton of tailings; by experiment, I found that this cost could have been reduced to about 6s. per ton, and the same percentage of extraction obtained, simply by altering the mode of working. The mode of working in this plant was to add to the ore about its weight of cyanide solution, at about 5 per cent., then allow the solution to stand on the ore a few hours, and then start percolating slowly through the zinc extractor, so that the solution would take about twenty-four hours to run off. By this method there is no doubt that a great deal of the cyanide added never gets a chance to act on the ore; and then, again, the solution is started to percolate through the zinc-box before ifc has had time to act on and dissolve any gold, therefore there is a rapid action in the zinc-box, and the cyanide is being destroyed and the zinc dissolved away for no purpose, causing a loss of both cyanide and zinc. I have found by experiment that the following is a better method of working : Allow the strong solution to percolate slowly up through the ore until it rises about two inches above the surface, then start percolating (not into the zinc-box, but into a tank, from which it is pumped up again on to the top of the ore). The solution is thus kept circulating through the ore for a certain period of time, until the cyanide used is almost totally consumed in extracting gold, when the solution is allowed to flow through the zinc extractor, and the gold is precipitated quite as well as if a quantity of free cyanide was present, and in some cases the precipitation is more complete. The action in the zinc-box is not so intense, and it therefore seems as if less zinc would be consumed. The ore is afterwards washed, first with a weak solution of cyanide, so that any cyanide of gold which may be re-precipitated in the tank is re-dissolved and taken out. By this method of working, and then running the tailings through an amalgamator, there is no doubt that the Boatman's tailings could have been made to pay well; and although I gave the results of my experiments to the owners of the plant, they considered the process too expensive, and decided to re-erect the berdans. When experimenting I tried charcoal as a precipitant for gold from cyanide solutions, and in small tests managed to obtain almost total precipitation of the gold; but in the larger tests I was not so successful. There is no doubt that charcoal will act as a precipitant, but the solutions have to pass very slowly through it to obtain the gold. During the year a Mudie crusher was erected at the Alpine battery, to break the large heap of buddlings stored there. This machine worked for about two months, but only managed to save about 2dwt. of gold per ton; and it is now laying idle. I made a few experiments on the tailings running away from the machine, which were worth about 7dwt. gold per ton, and found that by concentrating the tailings down to about one-sixteenth of their bulk, nearly all the gold which was being lost could be saved in the concentrates. The concentrates would then be worth over soz. gold per ton, and could be treated profitably by roasting and chlorination. The company, I understand, have decided to erect a concentrator. There is still a lot of tailings on this field running away into the rivers, which would yield valuable products by concentration ; and it is my intention this year to make further experiments in this direction, and to forward reports to the various companies. Annual Examinations. —The students of the school would not compete in the annual examinations, as the Committee did not issue any certificates for the last. One of the students, Mr. J. W. Lee, competed for the scholarship offered by the Government, but failed to obtain the required number of marks in the various subjects. He is one of our best students here, but his papers were not done as well as what I expected from him. At the next annual examinations I intend to bring in some students from Denniston and Brunnerton to compete in some of the subjects, and to issue certificates from the Eeefton School. In conclusion, I may state that although the report on these schools this year is not so good as it might have been, there is every reason to believe that this year will see a revival in the Schools of Mines on the coast; and that the numbers attending the classes, and the support given to the schools, will increase. I must thank the Committee, and also those members who have so willingly given their services in keeping the classes together, and worked in the interest of the various schools. Mr. Aitken has been making experiments to show the cause of failure in the cyanide process with the tailings at Boatman's. A cyanide plant was erected there, but it failed to give a fair percentage of the gold in the tailings. He found there was from 7dwt. to 9dwt. of gold in the tailings, and there was about 2dwt. in floured mercury. The cost of cyanide in the working of this plant was from 10s. to 13s. per ton of tailings treated, and Mr. Aitken states that, from the experiments he made, this cost could have been reduced to 6s. per ton, and the same percentage of gold saved : that is, by allowing the solution to remain in the ore for few hours before commencing to allow it to percolate.

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The main failure of this cyanide plant, to my mind,-was that the tailings in the first place were not crushed sufficiently fine for treatment by the cyanide process, and that only a small percentage of the gold in the tailings was actually dissolved. The .action of the cyanide on the particles of the gold would leave it in a clean bright state, that directly it came into contact with mercury it would amalgamate. The cyanide would remove any coating that might be on it, and had the tailings or gangue, as it may be termed, after leaving the solution-vats, been streamed over copper-plates coated with quicksilver, the cyanide plant would have still been at work on these tailings, and the owners getting well paid for their venture. OTAGO SCHOOL. This school is attached to the University at Dunedin, and is greatly improved within the last few years. It, however, requires yet considerable alterations before a complete course of practical instruction can be given—especially on the different methods of extracting gold from its ores. Hitherto, there has been no plant at the school, where the students can see the practical working in connection with the reduction and treatment of ores; but arrangements are to be made for the erection of a small stamp-battery, with amalgamating pan and cyanide plant, which will enable any practical tests of ore to be made in Otago, instead of sending it away to the School of Mines at the Thames for treatment, as has been previously done. The following is the Report of Professor Ulrich to the Chancellor of the University, on the progress made at the Otago School of Mines for the past year:— Herewith I have the honour to submit my report on the work and the results of the School of Mines during the past session (1894), and on matters concerning present circumstances and future progress of the school. At the end of the session of 1893 the school lost six students, leaving only thirteen ; but nine fresh students entered, thus making the attendance number during the past session twenty-one. Of the six students who left, three were occasional students for special subjects only; one, who required to attend one more session for passing through the mining division, sent notice that on account 'of hi's delicate health he was advised to take a year's rest, and hoped to be able to return for next session ; the other two students had finished their studies, —one for the mining division only, the other for the mining, metallurgical, and geological divisions, —and both have since been granted the diplomas of associateship to which they were entitled. Of the twenty-one students during the past session, three entered for special subjects only—viz., two for assaying, and one for assaying and blow-pipe analysis. The other eighteen were regular registered students, who attended the different lecture courses entered for very regularly, except one, who frequently missed lectures in one of the subjects, and, in consequence, failed in the examination. The present status of these students is as follows: — Five of the new students passed through the first year's course, save that four of them, with the intention of devoting four years instead of three to going through the whole course, did not take mathematics, reserving it for next year. This accounts for the small number who entered for examination in this subject, as shown in the table given further on. Six students passed through the second year's course of the mining division, though two of them, who intend to stay four years, missed also one subject. One student of two years' standing attended only two of the mining classes, and with success in the examinations, devoting his studies principally to subjects of the B.Sc. degree examination. He intends, however, to devote the next two sessions entirely to subjects of the mining and geological divisions. Two students who entered for four years for the mining and metallurgical divisions have finished their third year. One passed examinations in all subjects taken successfully, the other failed in one subject, but as he has another year's attendance to spare, he is likely to make up the deficiency. One student of four years' standing, who through insufficient attendance, due to illness, failed in last year's examinations in some of the subjects, attended these subjects again, and was successful in the examinations. He requires to pass in only two subjects more to qualify him for the associateship in mining, as he has already been engaged for more than twelve months in practical mining work. One student, who had previously passed examinations in most of the subjects of the mining, metallurgical, and geological divisions, but devoted last year to practical mining-work, attended lectures in the remaining subjects, and also in other subjects qualifying for the first section of the B.Sc. degree, but, I am sorry to say, he failed in some of the examinations, and will have to try again next session. Two students—Donald J. Matheson and Harry G. Boydell—each of four years' standing, have successfully passed examinations in all the subjects of the mining and geological divisions, and the former also in that of the metallurgical division. H. C. Boydell, having fulfilled the condition of twelve months' practical work in mines, is entitled to the diplomas of associateship of the divisions in which he passed; but D. J. Matheson, having not as yet done any practical mining work, can only claim the diplomas of the metallurgical and geological divisions. Both these students are also qualifying for the B.Sc. degree, and H. C. Boydell has already passed the first section of this degree. The attendance of the classes and the results of the annual examinations are shown in the following table; —

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Owing to interference with the university evening classes, the lecture course of the St. John Ambulance Association was attended by only two of the students, who were successful in gaining certificates of "First Aid," as required by the new regulation instituted by the Council. During next session the number attending these classes will, no doubt, be much larger. There were no evening classes in assaying and surveying held during the session, as no one made application for them. Regarding the number of students to be counted upon to return for next year's session, it will probably be thirteen, as two of the eighteen on the roll have completed their studies, as previously mentioned, and three, who have not finished, were uncertain of return. However, as in previous years, there is every probability that an accession of new students will bring the attendance up to the average of past sessions, for it is now becoming generally recognised that the knowledge gained at a School of Mines opens to a young man who takes proper advantage of the whole course several avenues to remunerative employment leading to really good positions in time, if not in this, in other countries. The difficulty which our students have generally to face at the end of a session—namely, of finding places for practical mining work during the vacation—seems this year to have been more easily overcome than formerly. Two have gone to Ballarat, Victoria ; two to the Mount Bischoff tin-mine, Tasmania; and the others, I understand, have, with few exceptions, found work in coaland gold-mines in this province and on the west coast of the island. There was only one division certificate granted during the year to one of the past students— namely, that of " Mines and Land Surveyor," to F. B. Allen, M.A., B.Sc, who had become entitled to it by having been engaged for six months in the practice of mine- and land-surveying. The liberality of the Hon. the Minister of Mines (Mr. Cadman) in establishing three scholarships of £50 each per annum of the colonial Schools of Mines, tenable for three years at the Otago University, caused at first much excitement and satisfaction amongst our students. However, after the conditions of success in obtaining a scholarship had been closely studied by each, there seemed to be only two of the students—and these, I am sorry to say, are very doubtful—who showed a desire to try for the distinction. The reason for this apparant want of ambition is that, in order to avail himself of the money value of the scholarship in studying for a degree of the New Zealand University, which it is evidently intended for, an older student would have to extend his studies for several years longer, in order to embrace more subjects counting for the degree ; while a new student would have to reckon upon at least five years' hard study, as the examinations to be passed for the scholarships required three years' study at the School of Mines alone, and two years' study thereafter of degree-subjects is perhaps scarcely sufficient. Amongst our present students there are, however, few, if any, in circumstances permitting such a protracted university course : all are anxious to gain in three or four years — i.e., as quickly as is possible for them—the certificates of the mining and assaying divisions, and, with these credentials in possession, to go into the world in search of suitable positions, in the hope of meeting with similar success as some of our past students have achieved with like qualifications. To most of these students who went abroad found, without long waiting, satisfactory employment, while several gained really good positions. As a recent case

Subjects. Attendance. Entered for Examination. 1 1st Glass. 2nd Class. 3rd Class, i Failures. Eesults of Examination. leneral (University)— Mathematics ... Theoretical mechanics ... Theoretical physics Practical physics Theoretical chemistry ... Practical chemistry Advanced practical chemistry Biology Practical biology 4 5 2 4 6 5 2 2 2 4 5 2 4 6 5 2 2 2 i" 2" 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 "i Ipecial (School of Mines) — Mining, first course Mining geology General geology Mineralogy Petrography ... Palaeontology ... Assaying, first course Assaying, second course Blowpipe analysis Surveying, first course ... Applied mechanics Drawing, first year Drawing, second year ... 7 5 4 8 4 2 7 2 11 7 2 4 5 7 5 6 g 4 2 7 2 11 1-7 ( 2 4 5 1 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 4 2 4 6 1 2 1 4 2 4 1 1 "i 7 1 1 2 4

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in point of such success, I can mention that of Edward Paterson, who only left New Zealand for the Transvaal in August of last year, and, after being in well-paid employment nearly from the date of his arrival there, was offered and holds now a responsible position at a salary of £600 per annum, with free residence. There are other two of our past students in good positions in the Transvaal, and a number well placed in Victoria, Tasmania (the Government Geologist and Inspector of Mines), and Western Australia; but only three have so far found employment in New Zealand. And here I may be permitted to quote, as pertinent to the subject, portion of a small article headed " On matters relating to the School of Mines," which I wrote for the commemoration number of the " Otago University .Review" of 1893. It is as follows: "On glancing at the educational results of the teaching in the School of Mines one is struck by the fact that most of the past students who have succeeded in attaining to good responsible positions did so outside of New Zealand, thus favouring the opinion the writer has occasionally heard expressed : ' That State support to the School of Mines is of questionable utility if, after receiving their education at comparatively small expense to them, students leave our shores and use their knowledge for the benefit of other countries which have spent nothing in training them.' At first sight this may seem a formidable indictment; but, based as it is upon a rather one-sided, if not selfish view of the raison d'etre of professional schools, it quite ignores the main principle upon which such schools are nowadays established in all civilised countries. This principle is to afford parents opportunity to have their sons trained in professions promising them a satisfactory status and income in after life. If their own country offers openings in this respect, no doubt the young men remain ; but if it does not, they are obliged to try and are prepared to try their fortune in other countries, and so stands the case with our past mining students. All would gladly stay in New Zealand if suitable positions, with some promise of advancement, were available; but this, unfortunately, is the case to but a very limited number." So far the article. What requires to be added is that openings such as mentioned, are, from experience, most likely to occur at the Thames and Eeefton mining districts, and there the students trained at the Thames and Eeefton Schools of Mines have naturally the advantage of early information in applying for them. A few months ago, as reported to the Council, the representative of the Cassel Gold Extraction Company (owners of the patent-rights in this colony of the McArthur-Forrest cyanide gold-ex-traction process), resident in Auckland, made a present to our school of the apparatus and chemicals left behind by the officer of the company, to whom the Council had granted room and facilities in our laboratory for executing assays and trials by the cyanide process of auriferous material from Otago mines. Two of our advanced students took advantage of the necessaries thus available, and experimented with the process on auriferous tailings, though on a very small scale, under the guidance of Mr. Wilkinson, who had never himself, however, worked or seen the process worked on a large scale. It, therefore, much enhances his qualifications, and is greatly to the advantage of the school, that Mr. P. Fitzgerald, whom the Council have temporarily appointed in Mr. Wilkinson's place, thoroughly understands the working of the process on the large scale, having learnt it at the Premier Mine, Wakatipu district, under the instruction of the Cassel Company before-mentioned. According to Mr. Fitzgerald's estimate, it would only require an outlay of about £20 towards the purchase and erection of some larger apparatus, and providing a stock of necessary chemicals to permit the treatment by the process of samples up to 4cwt. of auriferous tailings ; and, in view of the fact that this process of gold extraction is doubtless the most important and successful one introduced into practice in recent times, and should, therefore, be especially well taught, both theoretically and practically, in a mining school of a gold-mining country, I take the liberty of strongly recommending this expenditure, considering that it might be made up in time by judicious charges for treatment of such larger samples. Another reason for my recommendation is that the results of the treatment by the process of comparatively large weights of material would be more reliable in estimating the percentage of gold extractable on a large scale, and therefore more satisfactory to miners sending samples, than those yielded by small trials, or by fire-assays of minute weights, hitherto resorted to. Next, we have the example of the Thames School of Mines, where the process is excellently well taught by the treatment of still larger samples than above specified, and forms, I am told, a special attraction to students. The Cassel Company having the patent-rights of the process in this colony, as before-mentioned, our school would require the permission of the representative of the company to work the process on the scale proposed; and, as such permission has been granted to the Thames School of Mines, and might, in our case, turn out very profitable to the company in leading to the introduction of the process on some of our gold-mines, I do not anticipate a refusal of it. The severing of his connection with our school of Mr. D. Wilkinson is much to be regretted, as we lost in him a highly qualified and practically accomplished teacher of his profession. The work done for the public since the close of session 1893 by Mr. Wilkinson, and after his departure by Mr. P. Fitzgerald, in assays, and by myself in determinations of minerals and rocks, was as follows :—• Charged for at Fixed Bates. (Work done by Mr. Wilkinson.) April 4th.—Assay of quartz tailings for gold; for Mr. James Allen, M.H.E., Dunedin. April 5th. —Assay of amalgam for gold ; for Mr. James Allen, M.H.E., Dunedin. April 5th. —Assay of blanketings for gold ; for Messrs. Hamilton and McKerrow, Dunedin. April 6th. —Assay of tailings for gold; for Messrs. Hamilton and McKerrow, Dunedin. April 7th and 8th.—Seven assays for gold, of seven samples of quartz from Wilson's Eiver, West Coast; from Mr. E. B. Williams, Invercargill. April 28th.—Three assays of three samples of tailings for gold ; for Mr. James Trent, Christchurch. May 4th.—Assay of sample of quartz for gold; for Mr. James Trent, Christchurch.

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May 28th.—Assay for gold, of concentrates from quartz-crushing; for Mr. Donald, jun., Dunedin. July 2nd.—Four assays of four samples of quartz for gold, and analysis of manganese ore ; for Mr. John Eeid, Blderslie, Oamaru. (Work done by Mr. P. Fitzgerald.) October 2nd.—Assay of sample of quartz for gold ; for Messrs. Haggitt Brothers and Brent, Dunedin. October 3rd.—Assay for gold of crushing-battery tailings from the Bare wood Mine; for Mr. Andrew Hamilton. October 4th.—Assays for gold of concentrates from crushing-battery, and of a sample of highlymineralised quartz, from the Barewood Mine ; for Mr. Andrew Hamilton. October 10th.—Assays for gold of blanketings from crushing-battery, Barewood Mine; for Mr. Andrew Hamilton. October 29th. —Assay of sample of quartz for gold; for Mrs. Heffernan, Dunedin. Determinations of Mineral and Rook Specimens. (Made by myself, and not charged for.) December 4th, 1893.— A specimen of a greyish-white ore in quartz from Preservation Inlet, sent by Captain Malcolm, proved to be arsenical pyrites containing only a trace of gold. January 17th, 1894. —A sample of a white soft mineral found near Dunedin, sent by Mr. C. Chapman, proved to be gypsum. March 15th.—A crystal of a dark-brown mineral from the West Coast, sent by Mr. B. Hooker, proved to be garnet. April 17th. —A specimen of lead-grey ore sent by the editor of Witness, proved to be stibnite (sulphide of antimony). April 23rd. —Two metallic minerals impregnated in quartz from Cromwell, forwarded by editor of Witness, proved to be galena and iron-pyrites. June 12th. —Examined and reported on a sample of asbestos from a lode in serpentine in the Gentle Annie Eange, Arrow district, forwarded by O'Leary and Co., Gibbston. June 20th.—Examined and reported on samples of lignite and anthracite from Fairlie, sent by editor of Witness. June 29th.—Two reports on specimens of quartz rich in black manganese-ore (psilomelane), forwarded by editor of Tapanui Courier. September 23rd. —Two samples of black sand, forwarded by editor of Witness, proved to be— one hematite with a little magnetite, the other magnetite with some hematite. October 4th.—Two metallic minerals impregnated with quartz, forwarded by editor of Witness, proved to be arsenopyrite and galena. October 20th.—Deposit from a mineral spring on the Cheviot Estate, forwarded by editor of Witness, proved to be ferruginous and calcareous clay. A specimen of an intrusive dyke rock from the so-called Burnet's face in the Westport coalmining district, forwarded by Mr. N. D. Cochrane, Inspector of Mines, proved, on microscopic examination of thin sections sent with the specimen, and of others prepared by myself, to be quartz-porphyry. Specimens of a rather decomposed rock from Ohika Bluff, also sent by Mr. Cochrane, I determined to be phyllite from their microscopic character, after vain attempts of preparing thin sections for microscopic examination. Donations to the Mining Museum. The rock and mineral collections of our museum have during the year been enriched by a considerable number of specimens by many kind donors, as under :—■ Mr. A. Hamilton, the Eegistrar : Eighteen specimens of rocks from Macquarie Island. Also a sample of black amorphous sulphur in small round pellets, concave on one side, from the Waiotapu Valley, North Island. Further, from the Water of Leith Valley, near Dunedin, a specimen of andesite, with a druse cavity, showing fine radiating crystals of aragonite, and, distributed over a mammillary coating of zoolitic matter, fine transparent crystals of phillipsite. Mr. Thomas Esdaile: Seven specimens of granite and gneiss from Brazil; ten specimens of rocks from the Thames Goldfield, the Crown Mine, Waihi, and Mount Tarawera ; twelve specimens of rocks from the Hot Lakes district, North Island ; five rock specimens from Lyttelton Harbour; and six specimens of auriferous quartz from the Crown Mine, Thames district, two showing fine pseudomorphous crystals of quartz after calcite. Mr. James Park, Director, Thames School of Mines : One specimen of pearlspar, one of chlorite rock full of magnetite, one of quartz, and three of granite, from the King-country, North Island. Mr. N. D. Cochrane, Inspector of Mines : Seventeen specimens of rocks and minerals from different places on the west coast of the South Island, including coal, auriferous quartz, stibnite, scheelite, garnetiferous granite and mica schist, and actinolite. Mr. W. L. Neill: Fine large crystal of black tourmaline in chlorite rock, from the Nelson District. Messrs. Gibb and Macdonald : Eight specimens of partly pure, partly altered, and chromitebearing dunite, from the Dun Mountain, near Nelson. Mr. D. Wilkinson : Eight specimens of tin ore, from Brookstead, Eoy's Hill, and Eex Hill, Tasmania. Mr. C. Boydell: Twelve specimens of Port Chalmers breccia, showing inclusions of phonolite and other rocks. Mr. W. Goodlet: Three specimens of pitchstone-breccia from near Oamaru.

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■Mr. J. E. Don: Four specimens of spherulitic felsite-porphyry from the West Coast, South Island; also a fine sample of asbestos, with specimens of the wall-rock, from a vein on the Gentle Annie Eange, Arrow district. Professor Shand : Four specimens of obsidian from Mayor Island ; two of native sulphur from White Island ; one of silicious sinter from Lake Botomahana terraces ; and two of copper-ore from the Island of Kawau. Professor Black : One specimen of serpentine, one of magnetite, one of infusorial earth, and one of felspathic breccia from Mount Zeehan, Tasmania ; one of rhactizite and one of mica from Stewart's Island; one specimen of rhodonite from Ophir, Otago ; two specimens of pitchstonebreccia, two of lithographic limestone, and one of chalcedony, from Oamaru. Mr. P. Fitzgerald : A fine specimen of auriferous quartz, showing, besides gold specks, a coating of gold on galena, from the Phoenix Mine, Skipper's Creek, Shotover district. Mr. Murray Eussell: A fine specimen of crystallized native copper from the Burra Burra Mine, South Australia; and one of granite, from the neighbourhood of Westport, New Zealand. Mr. G. V. Allen : Three specimens of andesite—one a rare glassy variety—from the neighbourhood of Port Chalmers. Mr. Sogers : Several specimens of rhodonite and of mixed oxides of manganese from the Dome Mountain and Waimea Plains. Mr. E. IT. Walcott: A specimen of crystallized rhodonite associated with galena from the Broken Hill Mine, New South Wales. Most of the specimens enumerated have, after identification, been labelled and placed into the large glass cases. These cases have now, however, become so overcrowded that it is really necessary to make some provision for new accessions of specimens and a better display of the old ones. The mineral collection especially requires more space, as it is very frequently inspected by the students because of its containing many species more characteristic than those of the teaching collection, and the overcrowding of the specimens leads to harmful intermixing of the labels. In my last year's report I recommended the provision of a new glass table-case for the purpose, but, on consultation .with the Eegistrar, I think his recommendation of a number of glass-covered shelves along one of the best-lighted walls of the room would be not only more convenient for inspection of specimens but also less expensive. In conclusion, I have to mention that since the previous session a number of the large stratigraphical and palseontological diagrams and pictures brought out by Mr. Wilkinson from England last year have been hung on the walls of the museum and lecturerooms, and, whilst being ornamental, form an excellent means of easy instruction to the students. The attendance at this school seems to be steadily improving. During last year twenty-one students attended the classes, and out of those there were only four failures in the examinations —two in mathematics, one in theoretical mechanics, and one in mineralogy. The quantity of assaywork done for the public is, however, very trifling in comparison to that done at the Thames and Eeefton Schools, but this is owing to the latter schools being situate in mining centres. MINOR SCHOOLS. The only report that reached the department from the minor schools is from Mr. Worley, of Nelson. With the exception of lectures given by Mr. F. B. Allen, M.A., during about three months on the West Coast last year, there has been no practical teaching. A few of those who take an interest in the work use the appliances at the schools for the testing of ores that they meet with in their daily avocations. The following is Mr. Worley's report on the Nelson School of Mines for last year : — I have the honour to submit the following report of work done in connection with the Nelson School of Mines during the year 1894. As no report of work done in 1893 was sent in, a brief explanation is necessary. My usual class for the study of mineralogy and blowpipe analysis was formed in the early part of that year, but the burning-down of several of the town schools, and an outbreak of measles, so thoroughly disorganized the schools that the mineralogy class had to be given up for some time. A fresh start was made, however, in the early part of 1894. Fourteen names w r ere enrolled ; but, with the exception of my two sons, all were quite fresh to the work, hence during the year the class was rather weak. Experience has shown that with only one lesson a week a boy does not appear to learn much during the first year. He undoubtedly gathers a lot of new ideas about metallic ores, and the tests by which they are distinguished, but he does not learn to generalise, and, therefore, cannot make much use of his knowledge. The class met thirty-two times during the year, the average attendance being about twelve. The principal ores of iron, lead, copper, manganese, chrome, zinc, antimony, silver, and gold were studied, and several blowpipe tests of all these ores (gold excepted) were made. The boys, though young, kept steadily to the work, and will probably do well after another year or two of study. An examination in blowpipe analysis was held at the close of the year. Six minerals, finely powdered, and in some cases disguised by false colouring matter, were given to the boys to test. They were not allowed to refer to any books or notes, and one hour was the time given for the testing. Fritz Worley identified them all, well within the prescribed time ; Arthur Scott mastered four of them, and Edward Kidson two ; the remainder of the boys getting only one, or none at all. Two prizes, of the value of 7s. and 3s. 6d. respectively, were given by Dr. Hudson to the boys who did best. Not caring to award a prize to my own son, the first went to Arthur Scott, and the second to Edward Kidson. After the closing of the schools for the summer vacation, the boys belonging to the mineralogy class were taken to the copper-mines district for a week. We camped in one of the disused cottages, and spent the time in exploring a part of the mineral belt. The boys were shown the outcrop of some copper-lodes, were taken into the drives, an explanation of the method of working a copper-lode being given. Special attention was directed to the altered appearance of the ore at the outcrop, so that they might know what to look for when prospecting. The mining machinery was

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carefully examined, and the process of copper-smelting explained, by an orderly progress through the works —following the ore, as it were, from stage to stage till it left the furnace as copper matt. Mr. Bennett, who is at present in charge of the works, gave the boys one lesson on the use of dynamite. Each boy made a small collection of minerals, the names being supplied by myself. Professor Black paid us a visit in November, and gave two lectures, one in Nelson, the other at Richmond. The lectures were well attended, and gave considerable satisfaction to those who were present. Several assays and tests were made for the public during the year, and charged for at School-of-Mines rates, the money thus raised being spent in the purchase of additional apparatus and chemicals. lam very much in need of a good balance, but hope soon to be able to get one with the grant that has been promised. An interesting stone brought to me to be tested proved to be emerald, of the beryl type. This, I think, is the first time of its being discovered in the Nelson District. With the aid that has been promised, I expect to be able to start other classes for the study of chemistry and assaying. EXPENDITURE ON SCHOOLS OP MINES. The following table shows the expenditure by the Government on Schools of Mines since their inauguration, exclusive of subsidies paid to the University of Otago towards the School of Mines in connection with that institution :—

The above statement shows the amount expended on the different Schools of Mines throughout the colony; but, in addition to this, the sum of £4,750 has to be added, as that has been paid to the School of Mines attached to the University of Otago, £500 being paid last year, which makes the total expenditure up to the 31st March last to be £18,855. This expenditure has extended over a period of ten years. The success of these schools is due in a great measure to Professor Black, who, by visiting the different goldfields centres, and forcibly demonstrating the advantages of a technical education, by showing the miners the comparatively easy methods of determining the different varieties of minerals they meet with, and that by acquiring this knowledge they could turn their labour to better advantage. Many of the miners have, by sheer perseverance, made themselves acquainted with the determinations of the most common metals in the different ores, and fully appreciate the value of such knowledge, and the benefits derived by the instruction given at these Schools of Mines.

WATEB-EACES. Waimba Watee-bace. The returns from the Waimea Water-race show a falling-off in the revenue derived from sales of water; but this is to be expected, as the ground that it at present commands in the vicinity of Goldsborough and Stafford requires more labour to get the gold than formerly. As year by year passes by the workings are getting further back into the range, the alluvial drift above the auriferous layer of gravels which overlies the blue reef is gradually getting deeper and the fall for the sluices getting less, the same quantity of auriferous drift cannot be washed away as in former years. The bed of the Waimea Creek and Valley is rapidly getting filled up with tailings, so that the dump from the end of the sluices is now so small that the extra length of boxes required to carry the tailings clear is becoming a considerable expense. Another element which enters into the profitable working of the ground is the system of working, in some cases yet, the old principle of using a low pressure of water through a small canvas hose is still adhered to, and this may possibly be accounted for by the fact that the small returns the miners get for working their claims does not, after the cost of living is deducted from their earnings, admit of their getting an efficient plant to work the ground; but, be that as it may, the ground in this locality has never been worked so systematically as on the Kumara field, and the fall is becoming so small that it is 4—C. 3.

Financial Years. Chemicals Subsidies towards and Apparatus, Salaries of Teaohe the Krection of also Mmeralogioal ancl TravellinRSohoola of Mines, and Specimens expenses &c Maintenance. supplied to Schools of Mines. Total Sums paid by the Department towards the Schools of Mines. 1885-86' 1886-87 1887-88 1888-89 1889-90 1890-91 1891-92 1892-93 1893-94 1894-95 £ s. d. 257 16 6 253 15 9 42 10 0 142 2 0 217 6 6 181 14 0 312 3 4 197 0 5 390 0 0 £ s. d. 36 19 9 409 1 4 253 14 1 6 12 9 181 14 10 54 8 0 £ s. d. 1,223 9 ]0 2,716 9 3 1,714 9 6 1,139 4 1 716 3 10 620 9 9 689 5 9 670 1 0 858 19 4 773 17 8 £ s. d. 1,260 9 7 3,383 7 1 2,221 19 4 1,188 6 10 1,040 0 8 892 4 3 870 19 9 982 4 4 1,055 19 9 1,209 8 6 45 10 10 Totals ... 1,994 8 6 988 1 7 11,122 10 0 14,105 0 1

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questionable if it would now recoup the expense of getting proper hydraulic plants to work the present faces. There is a large area of ground in the upper portion of the Waimea Valley and also in the middle branch of the Waimea Creek which will pay for working as soon as the tail-race, which is now commencing to be constructed, and the extension of the branch of the Waimea Bace, which is now constructed to Greek's No. 1 Guliy, is completed, which means about one mile of race-extension. A party of miners has been working in the upper Waimea Valley for several years from a shaft, and driving out the ground, and when facilities are given for working it by sluicing on the hydraulic principle no doubt good returns will be obtained. The main portion of the Waimea Eace has now been constructed for about twenty years, and towards the upper end there is about 70 chains of high fluming, which is becoming so decayed that it costs a considerable amount annually to keep in such repair that it will carry water ; indeed, the boxing is now so rotten that repairs can hardly be effected. This was referred to in my last report; and during last year a survey was made for proposed works which would do away with the most of this fluming by lowering the level of the ditch at the upper end of the long siphon. This siphon is over two miles in length, and 3ft. in diameter, and has a hydraulic gradient at the present time 1 in 155, and is capable of conveying more water than the open conduit can carry. It is proposed to reduce the gradient to lin 300, which will give it a carrying capacity of about thirty-four sluice-heads. This can be effected by taking off a quantity of the pipes on the upper end and constructing an open conduit at 40ft. lower level than the present run, which will do away with the most of the fluming. This work can be done for less money than replacing the present flume, and would reduce the annual cost of maintenance. Plans of this deviation are now prepared, and the work ready to let in small co-operation contracts. The estimated cost of this deviation is £2,300. The extension of the branch to Callaghan's is now nearing completion : the ditching is almost finished, and the siphon across the saddle at the head of the Waimea Valley is expected to be completed in about six weeks. The contract price for the siphon, which is about 25 chains in length, is £489 11s. The actual expenditure last year on the whole of the Callaghan's branch was £672 6s. About one mile of extension will have to be undertaken from Greek's No. 1 Gully to bring the water to command the middle branch of the Waimea Creek Valley, so that the water can be in on the completion of the tail-race which the miners are constructing. These works being completed will insure a considerable increase in the revenue from sales of water from the Waimea Eace. The following statement will show the amount received from the sales of water, the expenditure on maintenance, and the approximate quantity of gold obtained by the men using water from the Waimea Eace for the year ending the 31st March last: —

It will be seen the value of the sales of water for the past year amounted to £988 os. 7d., as against £828 15s. Bd. for the previous year, thus showing an increase in the revenue last year of £159 4s. lid. The expenditure on maintenance was £1,061 9s. 4d., whereas for the former year it amounted to £919 9s. 4d., showing an increase in the expenditure on maintenance last year of £142, and a direct loss on the working for the year of £73 Bs. 9d. The average number of men employed last year in claims in which water from this race was used was sixty-eight, and the approximate quantity of gold obtained by those was 2,4750z., representing a value of £9,652 10s.; and by deducting the value of the sales of water from this amount it leaves the earnings of the miners employed in claims in which the water was used to be equal to £127 Bs. 4d. per annum, or about £2 9s. per week. It has, however, to be borne in mind that this is not the actual earnings, as the cost of boxes, blocks, and tools has to be deducted from this amount. This cannot be correctly ascertained, hence this statement only shows what is left to the men working with water from the river after deducting the value of the sales of water from the total value of the gold obtained. The total cost of this work up to the present time is £131,569 3s. 2d. Kumaba Wateb-eaob. This has been one of the best-paying branch races constructed by the Government; but the upper end of the field, where the ground was first taken up, is gradually getting washed away; and, in order to utilise the available water that the water-race is capable of convey-

Month. Sales of Water. Oβ ah received Outstanding Number A VV™xiWatOT - M » th - P lo y eiJ - obtained. 1894. April May June July August September October November December.. 1895. £ s. d. 81 16 5 113 2 1 96 9 2 102 16 3 98 9 7 80 2 11 71 11 3 97 13 4 60 10 5 £ s. d. 93 6 3 118 1 0 87 15 9 91 18 3 99 11 8 77 4 0 77 12 0 85 12 6 28 9 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. j £ a. d. Oz. .£ s. d. 93 6 3 129 12 11 56 15 5 65 200 780 0 0 118 10 117 6 1 56 15 5 69 280 1,092 0 0 87 15 9 108 4 4 56 18 5 69 240 936 0 0 91 18 3 101 11 7 56 15 5 66 250 975 0 0 99 11 8 95 1 10 56 15 9 65 240 936 0 0 77 4 0 107 19 7 56 15 9 69 200 780 0 0 77 12 0 101 8 4 56 15 9 68 175 682 10 0 85 12 6 52 0 8 56 15 9 69 240 936 0 0 28 9 0 59 5 7 56 15 5 72 200 780 0 0 £ s. d. 129 12 11 117 6 1 108 4 4 101 11 7 95 1 10 107 19 7 101 8 4 52 0 8 59 5 7 £ b. a. 56 15 5 56 15 5 56 18 5 56 15 5 56 15 9 56 15 9 56 15 .9 56 15 9 56 15 5 65 69 69 66 65 69 68 69 72 Oz. 200 280 240 250 240 200 175 240 200 January February March 67 12 1 49 5 10 68 11 3 97 2 0 42 1 0 43 12 0 97 2 0 85 15 4 56 15 5 69 160 624 0 0 42 1 0 43 12 1 7 15 3 72 120 468 0 0 43 12 0 59 11 0 10 2 5 62 170 663 0 0 85 15 4 43 12 1 59 11 0 56 15 5 7 15 3 10 2 5 69 72 62 160 120 170 Totals and average 988 0 7 942 5 5 1,061 9 4 68 Average 2,475 9,652 10 0

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ing, further extensions will have to be made to bring the water to command new ground that has been taken up further down the flat. Two new tunnel tail-races are now in course of construction, one of which, known as the No. 4, should have been completed by this time. It is, however, now nearing completion, and this will allow additional new ground to be worked. Its length is 42 chains, being timbered, and boxed throughout with sluice-boxes 2ft. Bin. in width, having a depth of 3ft. on the sides, and filled with a false bottom of wooden blocks cut on end Bin. deep. A commencement has been made to construct the No. 5 tail-race, which will have a length of about 70 chains when completed ; a portion of this tail-race is constructed at the lower end, but it was found, on sinking one of the shafts, that the ground is of such a character—being a puggy blue reef —that it will not stand :it swells-to such an extent that it breaks the timber in the tail-race. It is now proposed to raise the level of this tail-race about 9ft., which will get out of this bad ground, and allow the work to be constructed in a permanent manner. This tail-race is taken in to work entirely new ground; and, from the prospects got from the wash-drift taken from shafts sunk on the claims taken up, it ought to give a new life to the Kumara field. The claims referred to comprise an area of 69 acres, and it is stated that in this area twenty-nine shafts have been sunk at different places where payable prospects have been obtained. In order to get the whole of the water utilised from the Kumara Race, the Government have granted a subsidy towards the construction of these tunnel tail-race channels —viz., £1,000 towards No. 4, and free water to the value of £500 to open out the claims; and a subsidy of £3 to £1, up to the limit of £3,000, in cash, and free water, towards the No. 5 channel. In order to give water to the mines when the No. 5 tail-race channel is constructed, it will be necessary to extend the Kapitea Hill branch of the Kumara Water-race for about 40 chains, and lay down about 30 chains of supply-pipes. This branch extension has been surveyed, and the cost of the extension to supply the claims working into No. 4 channel and towards No. 5, ap to the end of March last, was £376 18s. 7d. When this extension and tail-races are completed, no further expenditure on new works will be required for some years. It may be well to mention, for the information of those who are using wrought-iron and steel pipes, that experience has shown at Kumara that thin steel riveted pipes have not been the success that was anticipated when they were new. A steel plate of much lighter gauge than one of iron will stand the pressure better. But in the construction of pipes of a large diameter thin plates are not desirable, for the following reasons : that the water in flowing through the pipes causes a throbbing movement, and tends to loosen the joints and the pipe becomes leaky; also, thin pipes require to have a much firmer bed than is necessary where the plates are thicker. .Further, thin steel pipes require to be very carefully coated in the first place, and to be kept coated, as they are far more liable to oxidation than wrought-iron pipes. This is the experience gained by using pipes 2ft. 6in. in diameter, of steel No. 16 8.W.G., made at the Greymouth Foundry some years ago, for a deviation of the Kumara Water-race to allow Pascoe and party and Palmer and party to work the ground on which the water-race was formerly constructed. It is found that oxidation causes small holes in -these pipes, and it is now becoming a difficult matter to keep them from leaking. It is, however, but right to state that the coating on these plates was never properly done in the first instance. The wrought-iron pipes, however, which have been for twice the time in use, are in better condition now than the steel ones. The following statement will show the revenue derived from the sales of water, the expenditure on maintenance, and the approximate quantity of gold obtained from claims in which water from the Kumara Eace was used, for the year ending the 31st March last: —

It will be seen from the above statements that the value of the sales of water last year was £4,646 19s. 9d., as against £5,582 4s. 7d. for the previous year, thus showing a decrease in the revenue from this source for the past year of £935 4s. 10d.; the expenditure on maintenance being £1,976 17s. 7d., as against £1,919 Bs. sd. for the former year. The clear profit on the transactions of last year was £2,670 2s. 2d. The expenditure on maintenance is greater than what it was some years ago, when the sales of water were far more than at present. The manager's attention has been directed to this, and he has been requested to keep down the cost of maintenance as far as possible, consistent with the safety of the race and efficiency of working. In addition to the sales of water, the value of free water supplied to claims which have not proved profitable for working during the last year was £1,054 12s. Bd., and the value of free water given for deviations of race for same period

Month Sales of Water. Cash received for Sales of Water. Expenditure. Outstanding Moneys at the End of each Month. Number feoxiMen emjoStalned. Value of Gold obtained. 1894. £ a. a. 477 1 8 437 17 4 501 8 4 482 1 3 513 7 11 413 0 5 213 19 2 375 7 6 428 8 9 £ s. d. 428 1 11 523 9 2 516 7 6 456 0 0 521 8 9 347 18 4 198 4 0 348 10 0 480 0 0 £ s. d. 152 19 1 161 12 10 158 3 6 135 4 0 138 2 5 129 5 10 196 6 5 194 2 5 194 4 7 £ b. a. 142 16 0 134 10 3 132 9 11 120 17 3 111 2 0 151 1 7 160 12 9 175 15 2 139 17 8 Oz. 715 655 750 720 765 620 320 560 040 £ s. d. 2,788 10 0 2,554 10 0 2,925 0 0 2,808 0 0 2,983 10 0 2,418 0 0 1,248 0 0 2,184 0 0 2,496 0 0 April May .. June July August September October November December 105 103 109 114 116 113 113 111 102 1895. 209 12 3 148 15 7 158 8 8 126 9 1 180 4 11 103 9 5 113 101 90 456 300 460 January February March 298 2 5 198 7 1 30b 2 11 304 17 8 111 11 10 370 15 1 1,778 8 0 1,170 0 0 1,794 0 0 Totals and average .. 4,046 19 9 4,607 4 3 1,976 17 7 108 (average) 6,961 ;27,U7 18 0

C—3,

has been £40, making the total value of free water given £1,094 12s. Bd. The average number of men employed in claims in which water from this race was used was 108. The approximate quantity of gold obtained by the miners who are using water from this supply for the past year is 6,9610z., representing a value of £27,147 18s. Deducting the value of the sales of water from the value of the gold obtained, it leaves an average of £208 6s. 10d. a man per annum, or £4 os. Id. a man per week—about ss. sd. a man per week less than last year. The total cost of the construction of this work up to the end of March last was £41,359 15s. 6d.; and, taking the profits on the working last year to be £2,670 2s. 2d., it gives nearly 6i per cent, on the capital invested. Waimea-Kumara Watee-races. Taking these water-races as one work, as they are under one management, and the Kumara. Eace being dependent, to a certain extent, on its supply from the Waimea Eace —or, at least, from the Kawhaka Creek, from which the supply of the Waimea Eace is derived. In ordinary weather the whole of the water from the Kawhaka would be required for supplying the Waimea Eace if it belonged to any private person ; but the water from the latter race is allowed to flow at different points, when required, into the Kawhaka supply-race, which fills the reservoir at the Loopline Eoad, and consequently keeps up the supply for the Kumara field. Taking these water-races conjointly, the following statement will show the result of working during the last year:—

It will be seen from the above statement that the value of the sales of water last year was £5,635 os. 4d., as against £6,411 os. 3d. for the previous year, thus showing a decrease on the sales of water last year of £775 19s. lid. The expenditure on maintenance was £3,038 6s. lid.,, as against £2,836 17s. 9d. for the former year, thus showing an increase on the cost of maintenance last year of £201 9s. 2d. Deducting the value of the sales of water from the value of the approximate value of gold obtained last year from the claims in which water from this sunply was used, which is set down as 9,4360z., representing a value of £36,800 Bs., this leaves, after deducting the value of the sales of water, £177 Bs. 6d. a man per annum, or £3 Bs. Id. a man per week. The next profit on the working of these races last year was £2,596 13s. sd. The total cost of construction up to the end of March last was £194,893 16s. 10d.; so that the percentage of profit on the total outlay has been very small. It may, however, be interesting to show at a glance the working of these races separately for the ten years ending 31st March last: —

This table shows that there has been a net profit derived from the working of the Waimea Eace during the last ten years of £3,590 12s. 10d., and £47,705 4s. Id. from the Kumara Eace for the same period; but in connection with the working of the latter race there was a considerable loss on maintaining the sludge-channel, which is now maintained by the miners on consideration of the Government granting money for the reconstruction of a portion of the channel at a higher level, so as to enable them to have sufficient dump for tailings.

Month. Sales of Water. Cash received for Sales of Water. Expenditure. Outstanding Number ' Moneys at of , the End of Men emeacli Month. ployed. mate Quantity of Gold obtained Value of Qolrt obtained. 1894. Ipril >tay une uly Uigust .■. • September )ctober November December £ s. d. 558 18 1 550 19 5 597 12 6 584 17 6 611 17 6 ; 493 3 4 285 10 5 473 0 10 488 19 2 £ s. d. 521 8 2 641 10 2 604 3 3 547 18 3 621 0 5 425 2 4 275 16 0 434 2 6 508 9 0 £ s. d. 282 12 0 278 18 11 266 7 10 236 15 7 233 4 8 237 5 5 297 14 9 246 3 1 253 10 2 £ s. d. 199 11 5 170 191 5 8 172 189 8 4 178 177 12 8 180 167 17 9 181 200 17 4 182 j 217 8 6 181 232 10 11 , 180 196 13 1 i 174 Oz. 915 935 990 970 1,005 820 495 800 840 £ s. a. 3,568 10 0 3,646 10 0 3,861 0 0 3,783 0 0 3,919 10 0 3,198 0 0 1,930 10 0 3,120 0 0 3,276 0 0 1895. 365 14 6 247 12 11 376 14 2 401 19 8 153 12 10 414 7 1 295 7 7 192 7 8 217 19 8 616 420 630 armary .. February.. ilarch 183 4 6 182 188 0 2 173 113 11 10 ' 152 2,402 8 0 1,638 0 0 2,457 0 0 -L-l-U J.-1. J-\y J-CiJ Totals and average .. 5,635 0 4 i 5,549 9 8 i 3,038 6 11 17G (average) 9,436 36,800 8 0

Waimea Eace. Kumara Race. Year. Sales of Water. Expenditure on Maintenance. Net Profit. Sales of Water. Expenditure on Maintenance. Net Profit. 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 £ s. d. 1,790 16 0 1,675 19 i 1,612 11 8 1,416 6 8 1,240 9 7 1,388 17 5 1,121 16 2 1,015 12 3 828 15 8 988 0 7 £ s. a. 1,131 18 1 1,116 10 0 1,027 17 11 860 2 5 795 7 7 933 3 3 784 13 10 858 0 4 919 9 4 1,061 9 4 £ s. d. + 658 17 11 + 559 9 4 + 584 13 4 +556 4 3 + 445 2 0 + 455 14 2 +337 2 4 + 157 11 11 - 90 13 8 - 73 8 9 £ s. a. 9.788 16 8 6,470 14 4 7,169 10 3 6,716 6 10 3,550 4 8 6,665 12 8 6.645 11 0 5.789 0 9 5,582 4 7 4.646 19 9 £ s. a. 1,459 19 5 1,398 18 10 982 12 0 1,024 1 9 1,424 13 3 1,760 4 8 1,584 10 11 1,782 11 0 1,919 8 5 1,976 17 7 £ s. a. 8,328 17 3 5,071 15 6 6,186 18 3 5,692 5 1 2,125 11 5 4,899 8 5 5,061 0 1 4,006 9 9 3,662 16 2 2,670 2 2 Totals 13,079 4 11 9,488 12 1 3,590 12 10 63,025 1 6 15,319 17 5 47,705 4 1

C.-3

SUMMARY showing the Result of working the Kumara Water-race for Twelve Years, from 1st April, 1883, to 31st March, 1895.

Note.—The above does net include water for flushing purposes as follows:' No. 2 Channel, 10 sluice-heads ; No. 3 Channel, 23 sluice-heads. The average number of sluice-heads supplied daily is calculated each year on 280 working-days per annum.

5—C. 3.

Water supplied Year. J I Kate per Sluicehead per Week. April. May. _L June. July. August. September. October. I November. December. January. J . . February. March. Toti of Wl Val - ! T "or ConstmcSon Total Value = ersold - ! ASance. Delations. ° f N °- 3 , Water supplied. i^nannei. i Average Number of Sluice-heads supplied Daily. Expenditure. £ s. d. 3 0 0 £ s. a. 371 16 5 46 2 6 £ s. a. 465 2 1 44 5 0 £ s. a. 700 2 6 183 11 8 £ s. a. 583 9 7 108 19 2 £ s. a. 702 7 6 108 0 0 £ s. a. 626 16 3 85 7 6 £ s. d. 808 10 5 244 7 6 £ s. a. i £ s. a. 777 3 9 ! 774 17 11 172 18 9 63 12 6 £ s. d. 698 2 6 103 9 2 £ s. a. 1,064 0 0 86 5 0 £ s. d. 774 6 0 139 3 4 £ 8,341 s. d. 14 11 £ s. a. £ s. a. £ s. a. £ s. a. £ s. a. Water sold Free 1883-84 1883-84 1,386 2 1 i i ■ < i u \_j \_f j_ ' ■ \j Water sold Free 1884-85 1884-85 3 0 0 417 18 11 509 7 1 883 14 2 692 8 9 810 7 6 712 3 9 1,052 17 11 950 2 6 : 838 10 5 801 11 8 1,150 5 0 913 9 4 9,732 17 0 46-35 2,153 5 5 580 4 4 92 5 0 937 19 4 56 19 7 667 3 11 78 18 9 906 16 10 55 13 9 882 6 10 149 0 10 997 1 5 18 11 3 919 12 3 145 13 4 1,126 11 10 ■■ 819 17 3 69 3 9 , 39 15 0 289 4 2 26 12 6 756 9 2 45 3 9 821 0 10 2 16 8 9,70. 8 2 780 14 2 Water sold 1885-86 1885-86 2 10 0 672 9 4 994 18 11 746 2 8 962 10 7 1,031 7 8 1,015 12 8 1,065 5 7 1,195 15 7 859 12 3 315 16 8 801 12 11 j 823 17 6 10,485 2 4 49-92 1,656 0 1 686 4 0 49 1 4 j 16 8 665 16 0 24 13 9 796 6 9 9 2 0 893 5 3 745 19 7 773 19 10 23 15 0 943 13 5 31 3 4 953 15 6 22 1 3 997 7 8 697 13 5 18 11 10 18 7 2 708 15 8 15 0 935 19 7 13 2 6 9,78! 221 3 2 Free Water sold Water sold Free 1S86-87 1886-87 1886-87 2 10 0 2 0 0 690 9 9 805 8 9 893 5 3 745 19 7 797 14 10 974 16 9 975 16 9 1,015 19 6 i 716 0 7 735 5 4 710 0 8 949 2 1 10,009 19 10 57-20 1,454 19 5 758 0 4 19 10 8 776 0 11 488 3 9 242 0 11 315 7 11 40 13 9 599 5 0 120 9 7 643 7 11 83 15 10 682"8 9 74 5 0 686 7 5 562 0 10 45 9 2 32 i5 0 345 12 7 46 8 9 673 0 0 49 16 8 747 9 2 36 3 4 14 4 6,471 1,547 18 11 Water sold 1887-88 1887-88 2 0 0 758 0 4 795 11 7 730 4 8 356 1 8 719 14 7 727 3 9 706 13 9 731 16 7 594 15 10 392 1 4 722 16 8 783 12 6 8,018 13 3 56-19 1,398 18 10 535 5 10 26 11 8 679 7 8 40 19 2 167 10 10 15 13 9 656 4 7 23 10 0 684 16 1 47 7 11 694 5 0 4 11 8 591 12 1 34 16 8 710 0 0 ' 535 10 10 42 10 0 27 10 0 519 15 5 28 6 8 670 17 6 19 11 8 734 4 5 15 17 3 7,16! 10 3 347"6 5 Free 561 17 6 3ij _l \_/ \_f i _i_ v_/ \_r Water sold Free 1888-89 1888-89 2 0 0 720 6 10 183 4 7 679 14 7 732 4 0 698 16 8 626 8 9 752 10 0 553 0 10 548 2 1 690 9 2 750 1 S 7,516 16 8 53-68 982 12 0 490 6 8 107 17 3 338 7 7 90 18 0 532 1 1 87 1 4 626 19 10 75 1 10 667 8 3 32 10 0 542 8 4 16 9 5 702 12 6 38 1 4 664 1 7 395 12 3 13 0 0 34 9 2 465 2 1 58 6 8 623 18 4 90 10 10 667 8 4 74 13 4 6,71i 6 10 492 0 0 227 0 0 598 3 11 429 5 7 7,435 6 10 53-10 1,024 1 9 619 2 5 702 1 8 699 18 3 558 17 9 740 13 10 667 1 7 430 1 5 523 9 7 714 9 2 742 1 8 Water sold Free Free, No. 3 Channel 1889-90 1889-90 1889-90 2 0 0 401 13 4 45 15 0 J 495 16 4 55 3 4 256 16 8 43 0 0 377 16 3 92 15 0 353 4 2 105 15 0 122 19 1 237 7 11 93 1 8 335 1 3 318 10 10 41 10 0 330 11 8 293 8 4 103 18 4 275 8 0 159 18 9 105 13 4 97 13 4 219 15 10 48 17 6 6 0 0 248 19 7 54 8 4 221 18 1 186 16 8 71 5 0 102 11 5 3,551 4 8 396 2 6 465 0 0 1,492 2 10 1890-91 1890-91 1890-91 2 0 0 447 8 4 550 19 8 299 16 8 470 11 3 581 18 3 665 10 10 690 12 6 672 14 8 363 5 5 274 13 4 525 6 0 360 13 1 5,903 10 0 42-16 1,424 13 3 Water sold Free Free, No. 3 Channel 300 12 6 113 5 0 272 11 11 355 11 11 119 14 2 247 3 6 368 3 2 70 7 11 246 17 10 423 9 0 71 17 6 115 2 11 622 17 11 82 9 7 32 2 2 666 7 1 110 16 8 720 16 1 93 13 9 701 5 10 306 0 10 578 1 8 57 5 5 546 17 11 113 6 8 691 17 11 133 2 6 689 11 8 130 5 10 6,66! 12 8 409 5 5 793 0 5 913 18 4 1891-92 1891-92 2 0 0 686 9 5 722 9 7 685 8 11 610 9 5 737 9 8 777 3 9 814 9 10 807 6 8 635 7 1 660 4 7 825 0 5 819 17 6 8,781 16 10 62-72 1,766 4 3 Water sold 616 5 10 143 11 5 655 4 11 191 16 8 542 9 1 44 3 6 179 11 11 426 16 1 82 16 11 769 15 5 151 14 7 784 13 8 118 10 1 642 4 2 233 1 8 469 10 0 213 11 3 291 3 9 137 0 10 543 7 6 64 11 8 724 8 8 28 9 2 6,64; 11 0 996 4 5 413 3 4 Free Water sold Free 1892-93 1892-93 2 0 0 759 17 3 847 1 7 586 12 7 179 11 11 509 13 0 921 10 0 903 3 9 875 5 10 683 1 8 428 4 7 607 19 2 752 17 10 8,054 18 9 5753 1,584 10 11 495 17 1 44 18 9 505 12 11 80 2 6 493 5 10 72 4 2 495 13 6 61 2 1 602 2 8 43 5 10 635 1 3 38 2 6 571 1 8 44 0 10 458 7 1 66 2 6 382 2 1 157 6 8 390 19 2 94 4 2 450 7 6 77 10 10 308 10 0 64 2 6 5,78! 0 9 444 15 8 398 7 8 Water sold Free 1893-94 1893-94 2 0 0 540 15 10 585 15 5 565 10 0 556 15 7 645 8 6 673 3 9 615 2 6 524 9 7 539 8 9 485 3 4 527 18 4 372 12 6 6,632 4 1 4735 1,782 11 0 451 16 5 101 5 2 480 13 7 119 5 7 541 11 11 99 4 6 542 9 6 110 7 1 575 10 5 92 9 10 486 9 2 147 16 2 539 8 4 112 11 0 402 11 11 161 18 5 451 5 5 82 0 4 303 0 10 112 3 10 415 5 5 132 15 10 392 1 8 70 6 10 5,58: 4 7 1,306 0 3 39 4 4 6,927 9 2 49-48 1,917 8 5 462 8 6 553 1 7 599 19 2 640 16 5 652 16 7 668 0 3 634 5 4 651 19 4 567 10 4 533 5 9 415 4 8 548 1 3 Water sold Free 1894-95 1894-95 2 0 0 477 1 8 76 11 8 437 17 4 98 12 8 501 3 4 103 1 3 482 1 3 92 17 11 513 7 11 83 5 0 413 0 5 122 17 6 213 19 2 90 4 2 375 7 6 105 6 8 428 8 9 81 11 8 298 2 5 74 14 2 198 7 1 72 17 6 308 2 11 86 12 6 4,64 19 9 1,054 12 8 40 0 0 5,741 12 5 41-01 1,976 17 7 553 13 4 536 10 0 604 4 7 574 19 2 596 12 11 535 17 11 310 3 4 480 14 2 510 0 5 372 16 7 271 4 7 394 15 5 81 07' 4 7 9,382 5 8 2,375 15 9 2,406 1 2 95,240 7 2 19,122 2 11

_—3

Mount Ida Watee-bace. This water-race, since it was taken over by the Government from the trust that formerly managed it, has furnished sufficient revenue as yet to provide for its maintenance; previous to that it was a continual drag, money was always required to clean it out and keep it in repair, and, judging from the state it was in when the Government took it over, it had not been cleaned out for many years previous. It can never be expected to yield a large revenue. The ground is, as a rule, in a miner's phrase, very poor, and a great portion of it of a shallow character, so that a claim is shortly worked out and men have to look for fresh ground. There is also a great drawback in consequence of it being at a high elevation, some 2,000 ft. above sea-level, and subject to hard frost during about two months in winter, when sluicing operations cannot be carried on. It will, however, be the means of a number of men obtaining a livelihood here who could not do so at mining were it not for the water from this race. The following statement will show the revenue derived from sales of water, the expenditure on maintenance, and the approximate quantity of gold obtained from the claims in which water is used from this water-race for the year ending the 31st March last: —

It will be seen from the above statement that the value of the sales of water for the last year was £1,067 7s. 6d., as against £1,421 19s. 3d. for the previous year, thus showing a decrease in the sales of water last year to the value of £354 11s. 9d. The expenditure on maintenance was £1,052 3s. 7d., as against £1,013 Bs. lid. for the previous year. This shows a profit on the last year's transactions of £15 3s. lid. There was also £220 2s. 2d. collected last year for arrears due in former years for water. Payment in advance was introduced last year, and in order to give the miners a means of complying with this system one month's free water was supplied, the value of which was £236 Is. lid. There was also free water to the value of £38 19s. lid. given to parties to open out new claims, making the total value of water supplied from the race £1,106 7s. sd. During midwinter last year the water was out of the race from the 10th July to the 13th August, when the tunnel at East Eweburn was retimbered, the original timbering having become decayed. From about the middle of December to the end of March last, owing to very dry weather, the water supply was very short, and not nearly sufficient to meet the requirements, which made a considerable difference in the revenue from sales of water. The average number of miners working in claims in which water was used from the race last year was 61, and the approximate quantity of gold obtained by them was about 3,5740z., representing a value of £13,759 18s. Deducting the value of the sales of water from the approximate value of the gold obtained, it leaves £208 Is. 6d. a maruper annum, or £4 a man per week, as against £2 13s. Bd. a man per week for the previous year. The total cost of construction of this race up to the end of March last was £69,607 Bs. 9d. Blackstonb Hill Wateb-eaces. The revenue from these water-races, notwithstanding the short supply last year owing to the large spell of dry weather, has quite come up to expectation. On the races being purchased by the Government, it was considered that the working of these water-races would return 10 per cent, on the purchase-money, and also be the means of regulating the supply in the Mount Ida Eace. The high-level race, which had become greatly overgrown and filled in, was cleaned out last year at a cost of £36 16s. This has been the only expenditure incurred during the year. It will be seen from the following statement that the value of the sales of water last year was £136 os. 5d., as against £103 17s. Bd. for the previous year, thus showing an increase in the revenue from this season of £32 2s. 9d. The total expenditure last year was £6 18s. 6d., while for the former year no money was expended on these races. The approximate quantity of gold obtained from the claims during the year was 2540z., representing a value of £984 55., and the average number of men employed in these claims was seven. Deducting the value of the sales of water from the approximate value of gold obtained, it leaves £121 3s. 6d. a man per annum, or £2 6s. 7d, a man per week. The net profit on the working of these races last year being £129 Is. lid., it gives nearly 12-J- per cent, on the cost of this property, which was, including repairs, £1,036 16s. The following statement will show the value of the sales of water and the approximate quantity 6—C. 3.

Month. Sales of Water. Cash received for Sales of Water. Expenditure. Amount of Outstanding Moneys at End of each Month. Number of Men employed. ■hsl Value of Gold obtained. 1894. £ s. a. £ s. a. 122 9 5 111 12 7 112 18 8 26 13 10 82 8 0 104 7 5 151 18 3 144 0 0 138 15 7 £ s. a. 85 8 8 91 13 10 87 17 2 84 6 3 98 16 2 89 8 2 88 3 2 85 2 8 85 18 2 & s. a. 873 8 6 867 7 2 846 19 9 839 19 9 827 1 11 820 11 11 808 15 1 805 15 1 801 7 0 Oz. 310 610 350 76 120 340 566 376 324 £ s. d. 1,193 10 0 2,348 10 0 1,347 10 0 292 12 0 462 0 0 1,309 0 0 2,179 2 0 1,447 12 0 1,247 8 0 April May June July August September .. October November '.. December .. 1895. 95 11 3 92 11 3 19 13 10 69 10 2 97 17 5 140 1 5 141 0 0 134 7 6 68 61 54 36 62 41 73 65 65 January February March 90 6 9 82 7 11 104 0 0 101 6 9 83 7 11 107 11 3 87 11 2 80 4 2 87 15 0 790 7 0 789 7 0 785 15 9 71 68 70 272 118 112 1,047 4 0 454 6 0 431 4 0 Totals 1,067 7 6 1,287 9 8 61 (average) 1,052 3 7 3,574 13,759 18 0

C.—3.

of gold obtained from claims using water from these water-races during the year ending the 31st March last:—

SUMMAEY OF WatEK-BACES. Although the water-races have not all proved commercial successes, they have been the means of a large area of ground being worked which otherwise would have been now left as unremunerative for working by any other method than by sluicing. The cost of bringing water to command ground in the vicinity of Naseby was such that no private party could undertake; the length of this supply is about seventy miles, and had to be brought across a large number of wide shingle creek-beds. That makes the cost of maintenance considerably more than it would be had the race been flumed across the creek-bed in the first instance, and the water from the creek lifted at the foot of the range and led into the race by small ditches. This would have cost a little more in'the'first instance, but the cost of annual maintenance would have been considerably reduced. This, however, cannot be done now; but there are still some places where a siphon would cut off bad spots of ditching on steep sidelings. In regard to the Waimea Water-race the large cost of construction could have been avoided in the first instance, and the water brought at the same elevation, had a wrought-iron siphon been used instead of cast-iron pipes, and the costly fluming between the Kawhaka and head of siphon could have been almost done away with, which would have reduced the first cost of construction to within reasonable limits. There is, however, a large area of ground that can be worked by extending this supply, and it will give profitable employment to a number of men for many years. The Kumara Eace may be said to be the only one that has been a commercial success, and it commands a large field which is likely to give remunerative employment to a large population for many years. The following statement will show the profits and losses of working the different water-races constructed and maintained by Government for the last seventeen years, and also the collateral advantages derived by the utilisation of the water from these races:—

Statement showing the Profits and Losses on the Working of the Water-races for Seventeen Years.

Month. Sales of Water. Cash received for Sales of Water. Expenditure. Amount of Outstanding Moneys at end of each Month. Number of Men employed. Approximate Amount of Gold obtained. Value ot Gold obtained. 1894. April .. May June July .. August September October November December 1895. January February March .. £ s. a. 11 12 6 12 0 10 10 15 10 10 10 10 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12 12 6 12 12 6 £ s. d. 7 5 10 20 0 10 10 15 10 7 5 10 11 10 10 10 0 4 11 15 10 10 10 10 13 9 2 £ s. a. 0 11 6 0 11 6 0 11 6 0 11 6 0 11 6 0 11 6 0 11 6 0 12 0 0 11 6 £ s. a. 12 8 8 4 8 8 4 8 8 7 13 8 7 13 8 8 4 2 6 19 2 9 0 10 8 4 2 9 7 7 6 6 6 6 8 8 Oz. 27 24 21 18 18 18 17 24 24 £ a. d. 104 12 6 93 0 0 81 12 6 69 15 0 69 15 0 69 15 0 65 17 6 93 0 0 93 0 0 12 2 6 10 2 11 10 17 6 10 17 6 15 2 11 10 0 10 0 11 6 0 11 6 0 11 6 9 9 9 4 9 2 5 5 10 7 7 7 21 21 21 81 12 6 81 12 6 81 12 6 Totals 136 0 5 138 16 7 6 18 6 7 (average) 254 984 5 0

Name of Water-race. Value of Sales of Water, including Value of any i Gold obtained in Sludge-channel. Expenditure. Profit or Loss on Working. S >. a) a 155 *6 So ft as (SO Value of Goia obtainea. Duty received on Gold obfcainea. Total Profit or Loss, with Value of Gold Duty added. Total Cost of Construction. Waimea-Kumara Water-race and Sludge-channel. Sixteen years ended the 31st March, 1894 Year ended 31st March, 1895 £ 8. d. £ s. d. £ s. a. a CD Oz. £ s. a. £ s. £ s. a. £ s. a 132,820 6 1 5,635 0 4 80,545 9 4 3,038 6 11 52,274 16 9 2,596 13 5 349 176, 241,656 • 9,436 107,822 12 3 36,800 8 0 20,728 0 73,002 16 9 2,596 13 5 Totals 138,455 6 5 83,583 16 3 54,871 10 2 338 251,092 944,623 0 3 20,728 0 75,599 10 2 171,695 8 5 Nelson Creek. Thirteen years four months ended the 31st July, 1892.. 17,577 0 7 15,415 7 1 2,161 13 6 53 32,943 126,049 17 0 3,269 16 5,431 9 6 90,722 10 8 Argyle. Thirteen years ended the 31st March, 1895 5,530 16 10 5,455 7 7 75 9 3 37 8,040 30,738 12 0 804 0 879 9 3 15,151 15 3 Mount Ida. Sixteen years ended the 31st March, 1894 Year ended 31st March, 1895 21,604 1 0 1,067 7 6 24,790 3 8 1,052 3 7 *3,186 2 8 15 3 11 106 61 41,286 3,574 157,063 12 13,759 18 3,176 2 "10 0 8 15 3 11 Totals 22,671 8 6 25,842 7 3 *3,170 18 9 103 44,860 170,823 10 0 3,176 2 5 3 3 69,607 8 9 Blachstone Hill. Year ended 31st March, 1894 Year ended 31st March, 1895 103 17 8 136 0 5! 97 17 4 6 18 6 6 0 4 129 1 11 8 7 219 254 862 11 6 984 5 C 6 0 4 129 1 11 Totals 239 18 1 104 15 10 135 2 3 473 1,846 16 6 135 2 3 1,036 16 0 Grand totals 184,474 10 5 348,213 19 1 130,40114 0 54,172 16 5 517 337,408 1,274,081 15 27,977 18 82,050 14 5 * Loss on workin:

ERRATA. — Substitute these figures for figures in Table showing Profits and Losses of working Water-races for seventeen years (from "Mount Ida" downwards) — Page 32, C.-3.

Blackstone Hill. 'ear ended 31st March, 1894 'ear ended 31st March, 1895 103 17 8j 136 0 5 103 17 8 129 1 11 8 7 219! 254 862 11 6 984 5 0 103 17 8 129 1 11 618 6 1,036 16 Totals 239 18 1 6 18 6 232 19 7 473 1,846 16 6 232 19 7 Grand totals 184,474 10 5 130,30316 8; 54,170 13 9 517 337,408 1,274,081 15 9 27,977 18 82,148 11 9 348,213 19 * Loss on workini

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Oamabu Watch eace. Owing to sluicing operations on the Marewhenua Goldfield, and muddy water going into the river, this got into the Oamaru Town water-supply, and rendered it unfit for domestic use. The intake of the water-race had to be closed, and a long channel cut up the flat in order to procure a sufficient supply of water from percolation through the loose shingle through which the channel is being constructed. A subsidy of £1,250 was authorised towards this, and up to the end of March last £900 Bs. 7d. has been paid.

GOLD- AND SILVEE-MINING. The principal mining operations are carried on for gold alone, but in certain districts in the North Island, as, for instance, Karangahake, Waihi, and Waitekauri, there is a considerable percentage of silver in the bullion produced. Some of it has a value of under £1 per ounce. The returns from the mines have not come up to what they were for the year 1893-94. The Auckland District shows on the whole an increased yield of 5,6030z. of gold. This is calculated on the value of the bullion produced, and reducing the number of ounces so as to bring it to the quantity of gold that would be of equal value. All other mining districts with the exception of Auckland show a considerable decrease in the yield last year, as the following statement will show :—

The foregoing statement shows a decrease in the Marlborough District, 3510z.; in the Nelson District, 5460z.; on the West Coast, 13,9150z.; and in Otago, 8,512 oz.; making the total decrease in those districts of the yield of gold for the year of 23,3240z.; but there being an increase in the yield in the Auckland District of 5,6030z., this makes the actual decrease yield in the colony for the last year to be 17,7210z. The increase in the yield last year is from Coromandel County, 3,088oz.; Ohinemuri County, 8,9220z.; Marsden County, 6oz. ; Waimea, 340z.; Buller County, 2,8440z. ; Hokitika Borough, l,102oz.; Bruce County, 5160z.; Wallace, 183oz.; and Fiord County, 5440z. : while there has been a decrease in the yield in the Thames County of 6,1020z ; Thames Borough, 2290z.; and in the Piako County, 820z.; County of Marlborough, 3510z. ; Collingwood, 580oz. ; Inangahua County, 12,8030z.; Grey County, 2760z. ; Westland, 3,9490z.; Kumara Borough, 1360z.; Eoss Borough, 6970z.; Taieri County, 4630z.; Tuapeka County, 3,7200z.; Vincent County, l,048oz.; Maniototo County, 18oz.; Waihemo County, 4630z.; Waikouaiti County, 182oz.; Waitaki County, 5750z.; Lake County, 2,5490z.; Southland County, 4160z; CTutha County, 30z.; and Stewart's Island County, 18oz. The largest increase in the yield from any particular place is from the Ohinemuri County, of 8,9220z., and the greatest decrease is from the Inangahua district, of 12,8030z. The increase at the former place is due to the large output and production from the Waihi Company's mine, and the reduction at the latter is owing to the continued depression in mining in the Eeefton district during the greater part of the year. And although the mines in that district now have a healthier aspect, the increased yield from them does not come into last year's returns. The Coromandel district came well to the front last year, owing to the valuable discovery of extremely rich stone in the Hauraki Company's property, which will have the effect of more prospecting operations being carried on in the district than has been for years. The excitement about the silver-mines at Puhipuhi has died away. Very little prospecting is being carried on in that district, which is to be deplored, for, although the field did not turn out as was expected, the failure was in a great measure due to those who held the prospecting claim and introduced obsolete appliances for treating the class of ore there was to deal with. Their failure disheartened all those interested in the field, and caused all prospecting to come to a standstill. No one can with certainty say that good ore will be found here, but it is certainly a field worthy of being tested, and one where there is a fair chance of payable ore being discovered. The only other new field is in the Fiord County, where there has been an increase in the yield of gold last year of 5440z. From information supplied me from those who have been prospecting in this locality, there is a good probability of some good claims being found in this district. Very little is yet known respecting it, and it may be said there are many portions of it where the foot of man has never yet trod. Indeed, whatever gold that has been got on the mainland is owing to the construction of a track, which was commenced to be surveyed from Preservation Inlet towards Wilson's Eiver, in order that it might be continued along the coast-line to connect with the road leading from the Waiau Eiver to Orepuki. The miners following the surveyed track, at the time that the survey was proceeding, led to the discovery of gold at Wilson's Eiver and Sealer's Creek. Gold has also been got at Price's Inlet, which is a considerable distance from Wilson's Eiver, towards the Waiau Eiver, but as there is no track yet made along the coast to that place, men could only get there by boat, and be dependent entirely upon the large stock of supplies that they would have to take with them.

Name o( District. Year e; 31st Mar ided ih, 1895. Year 31st Mai inded !h, 1894. Increase for 1895. Decrease for 1895. Oz. 58,029 1,911 1,633 85,015 76,393 £ 228,059 7,626 6,059 339,731 308,070 Oz. 52,426 2,262 2,179 98,930 84,905 £ 215,012 9,037 8,141 395,728 342,302 Oz. 5,603 Oz. Luokland larlborough felson Vest Coast Itago .. 351 546 13,915 8,512 Totals 222,981 889,545 240,702 970,220 17,721

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CoEOMANDEL DISTRICT, Mining in this district fluctuates considerably in proportion to the quantity of gold that is being got. If rich stone be found it gives an impetus to mining in that locality. During the last year the discovery of rich ore in the Coromandel Mine, now belonging to the Hauraki Company, which is composed of shareholders residing in Great Britain, has aroused a feeling of activity amongst the miners, and made them turn their attention to a portion of the field which has for many years been neglected. Men, after working on a field for some years, get disheartened if they are not successful in finding sufficient gold to pay them for working, and when this is the case there is little prospect of fresh arrivals coming to prospect the district. Although a good deal of prospecting has been done during the last year in the Coromandel Peninsula, the general idea is to go some distance away from the old workings to find entirely new ground. No matter what disappointments the miners meet with, the moment that a rich patch of gold-bearing stone is found, their spirits revive, and they set to work with fresh ardour and renewed energy. The new discoveries last year in old ground, or, at least, in ground which has been held by different companies and parties of miners and has been abandoned time after time, has recently proved to contain extremely rich ore, and, no doubt, if other portions of the field were prospected, equally as rich stone would be found. There is a highly-auriferous belt of country from the Tokatea Hill to the ocean beach, going through the Kapanga, Blagrove's freehold, and the ground now held by the Hauraki Company. There is no part of the Coromandel district that is more worthy of being prospected than the Tokatea Hill, although burrowed in places like a rabbit-warren near the surface, The large lode passing through this hill, which has hardly been prospected, is likely, in places, to give good returns with a proper plant. It is true that the lodes about Coromandel are extremely patchy ; but when a patch is discovered it is generally very rich. Quartz containing 6oz of gold to the pound has repeatedly been found, and in the Success Claim sheets of solid gold have been obtained. The mere fact of it being patchy make it a good field for the individual miner. Wherever the ground is dry and above water-level he wants but a scanty outfit, and the small quantity of quartz that he requires to get crushed needs but little outlay to convert it into money. Kauri Block. Hauraki Company. —This company has only recently been formed. The ground they hold formerly belonged to the Union Beach Company, who sold it some years ago to the Coromandel Company, and that company expended a large sum of money in sinking a new shaft, and prospecting the lodes at different levels from the shaft without being successful in finding anything to remunerate it for the expenditure. Portions of the ground were afterwards let on tribute, but the tributers made very little so long as they were at work on the side facing the bay. Subsequently sections were let on tribute on the side of the hill facing Blagrove's freehold, and Legge and party were fortunate enough to find a very rich patch of stone in the section they worked. Another party of tributers —Boss and party—had a section further into the hill than Legge's party, and they commenced to drive an adit to get to their ground, and it was in driving this adit that Eoss and party cut the lode running through Legge and party's section; so that although Eoss and party were the real discoverers Legge and party reaped the reward, which, in seven months, is said to have been about £3,000 per man. About three years ago the Kapanga Company took over the ground from the Coromandel Company, and, as that company has been at considerable expense lately in sinking the shaft at the Kapanga Mine, additional capital was required, and a new company was formed in London, from principally amongst the shareholders of the Kapanga, to purchase the ground that formerly was held by the Coromandel Company, in order to get sufficient capital to carry on prospecting operations in the Kapanga Mine. The formation of the Hauraki Company and the purchase of the ground merely meant a rearrangement of capital and a means of giving the Kapanga Company additional capital to prosecute their works instead of reforming the company. The shareholders in both these companies are said, with one or two exceptions, to be the same. The nominal capital of the Hauraki Company is £40,000, divided into 320,000 shares of 2s. 6d. each. Of this capital, £15,000 in cash and £8,750 in shares passed to the Kapanga Company in payment for the property, leaving a balance of £16,250 as capital to erect machinery and develop the mine. It was then that the mine was cut up in sections, and Eoss was working his by an underlie shaft which was dangerous to work from. The Inspector of Mines (Mr. Wilson) therefore ordered the men to come out of it, and either get it repaired or work their section in another way. Eoss and party then drove the adit as previously stated, and cut the lode running through Legge and party's section. The latter party lost no time in opening out on the lode ; and on driving on the lode for about 40ft., and sinking to a depth of 25ft., they took out from the beginning of May, 1894, to the 2nd January of this year, when their tribute expired, 60 tons of ore and 1,0381b. of specimens, which yielded 3,9540z. 7dwt. gold, representing a value of £11,928 14s. The lode is about lft. in thickness, and runs in a northerly and southerly direction, having an underlie to the eastward of about 60°. There are several other veins running parallel with this lode which were cut'in Eoss and party's adit or cross-cut, all of which contain gold-bearing stone. Previous to Legge and party's tribute expiring, the company sunk a shaft to a depth of about 100 ft., and erected a winding-engine and pumping appliances, and from this shaft a cross cut was driven to intersect the lode Legge and party had been working. Since the company commenced to work the mine, up to the 31st March last 302 tons of quartz has been taken out, which yielded 9,7540z. 16dwt. gold, while twenty-six wages-men have been employed by the company, and thirty men on tribute. The total quantity of gold obtained by all thetributors for the year was 5,2070z. 15dwt.; this was obtained from 112 tons of quartz. Since writing the above, Captain Hodge, the new manager sent out from England, and who was formerly manager for the Kapanga, has kindly forwarded me further particulars in

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respect to the workings of this company's mine, in which he states that, since taking charge on the 4th April last, "We have disused the old portable winding-engine, and erected a pair of 9in. cylinders, horizontal ones, 16in. stroke, with winding-drums all new and complete. A new steel boiler is attached, with suitable iron chimney-Stack, and various other repairs have been made. We have on the mine a new crucible-steel wire-rope, and a pair of patent windingcages. In compliance with the Mining Regulations a new shaft-tackle, some 15ft. higher than the present one, to admit of a higher brace, is being got ready. A tunnel level has been driven from the shaft's brace to the company's stamps, which have been renovated and improved. The ground tramway from the, mouth of the tunnel at the west side of the hill will be completed and the whole line of tramway available in about nine days. The distance of tunnelling was about 600 ft., and nearly the whole of that distance was excavated, timbered throughout, and permanent steel rails laid in thirty-three days by twelve men at a cost of 6s. per foot. The construction of this tunnel will serve for three purposes —namely, reduce the cost of carriage of quartz to a minimum; the freight of coals for pumping; and to have the water pumped through it for the use of the battery, &c. We started our stamps on the 12th instant, and have now fifteen heads running, with three berdans. The depth of the engine-shaft is now 160 ft. At this depth a cross-cut has been driven at 27ft., cutting No. 2 reef, a cross-fissure, some 25ft. westerly, and, more westerly 20ft., No. 3 reef. As soon as the cross-cut is advanced sufficiently developments on both will be commenced. The 160 ft. level has been driven north-westerly about 30ft., the reef varying in size from 6in. to 15in., carrying rich auriferous quartz. The crossfissure yielded some rich specimens where it came into the cross-cut. No. 3 reef, where cut through, showed strong blotches of gold. Below the 100 ft. level in No. 2, north of the main cross-cut, two winzes are being sunk down to communicate to the 160 ft. in time for that level advancing under them for the purpose of communicating and laying the ground available. One winze is also being sunk southerly from the cross-cut. On No. 3 reef a winze is also being sunk below the 100 ft. north of cross-cut. Above this level a rise is also being put up. We have still a small section of rich ground being stoped out above the 100 ft. level, and under the late tributers' workings. The winzes, so far as developed, have not yet been worked much on the reefs, being only just initiated by cutting winze-plots, &c, except No. 1 winze: this has yielded rich specimenstone. There is every reason to believe that below the 100 ft. and above the 160 ft. levels a rich mine will be opened up. Now that the company's stamps are available and a tunnel for transit of quartz completed the mines can be worked more extensively, and all payable quartz dealt with. The gold value to the company has been, up to the 6th April last, £30,494 sterling; tributers' amount, £7,997. Since then, for month ending the 4th May and the Ist June, the returns have been, respectively, 70 tons quartz and 6551b. picked stone for 1,4170z. of retorted gold, and 32-J tons quartz and 7711b. picked stone for 2,3620z. 19dwt. retorted gold. In this month we stacked several tons, waiting the company's battery. Pitwork has been ordered, and preliminaries are in progress to sink below the 160 ft. level as soon as the winter months are past. The mine has a good future before it, and we have ninety-two persons employed." Kapanga. Kapanga Company. —This company has been of late years working under great difficulties. Very rich ore was found in the mine on the upper levels, but on getting down to the 450 ft. level the yield of gold decreased, and the ore became of too low grade to pay for the expense of working it. A large amount of prospecting work has been done, and the present company, which is the third that has held this ground, has expended something like about £70,000, and up to the end of March last the value of the gold produced has been only about, in round numbers, £46,600, showing that so far there has been a loss of £23,400. This, however, will not prove a direct loss to the company, inasmuch as that it has had the Blagrove Freehold, on which prospecting operations have at times been carried on. This portion of the company's property has lately been sold to a company formed in London, termed the-Blagrove's Freehold Gold-mining Company (Limited), for the sum of £37,500, payable by £6,125 in cash and £31,375 in either cash or shares at the option of the Blagrove's Company. The workings at the Kapanga Mine have been on two parallel lodes—namely, Scotty's and Kapanga, which are expected to intersect each other at a greater depth, as the Kapanga lode underlies at a much higher angle than the underlie of Scotty's lode. Both lodes dip in a southwesterly direction, and have a peculiarity which is seldom met with, in that the lodes were distinct and had no connection with one another. On the foot-wall of Scotty's lode, also on the hangingwall of the Kapanga lode, the country rock is hard and compact, with the walls well defined, but on the hanging-wall of Scotty's, and the foot-wall of the Kapanga, the rock is of a much softer character, and the walls have not the same defined character as the former walls referred to. This really gives a great indication that the space between the two lodes is merely a large "horse" of mullock, and that the two lodes which have been worked on the upper levels will come together at a greater depth, and also they may unite at a higher level by driving either in a northerly or southerly direction. The whole character of Scotty's lode shows that it has been crushed and broken up, as it is composed of a soft, puggy, tenacious material, with a little quartz mixed. In no place does the lode assume a solid and compact character. The Kapanga lode, on the contrary, is a hard, compact, solid body, highly mineralised, but contains very little gold below the 320 ft. level. The shaft was sunk to a depth of 420 ft. many years ago, before the present company purchased the property, and since the present owners have had possession, the shaft has been carried down to a depth of 800 ft. When the sinking reached a depth of 600 ft. Seotty's lode was cut close to the shaft; at this point the lode was greatly broken up; but it nevertheless contained a little gold, though not sufficient to pay for working. In continuing the sinking from the 600 ft. level a great

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number of small eaders, varying from lin. to 6in. in thickness, were met with. They occurred at 620 ft., 635 ft., 643 ft., 647 ft., 657 ft., 667 ft., 672 ft., 674 ft., 681 ft., and at 683 ft. a large lode was cut, about sft. in thickness, full of quartz, mullock, and calcite, containing a large percentage of iron-pyrites ; but there did not appear to be as much arsenical pyrites in the lode as was found in the Kapanga at the upper levels. Small leaders were also cut at 701 ft., 707 ft., 726 ft., 742 ft., and 775 ft. In some of the leaders there was a deal of calcite colouring, due to silicate of iron. A drive has been put in at the 800 ft. level to cut the lode, but at the time of my visit this was only in for about 240 ft. It was expected that 640 ft. would have to be driven. The work was being carried on by means of a rock-drill purchased from the May Queen Company, which enabled the driving to be done at the rate of 25ft. per week. The drive was going through rock of an andesitic character, having alternating bands of soft and hard rock. Still, none of the rock could be termed extremely hard. It has a greenish-blue and black appearance, the latter colour when the rock is hard in character. On the whole, the country-rock looks very promising for the occurrence of rich auriferous lodes. At the 600 ft. level a cross-cut or drive was put in to cut the Kapanga lode, and at present a winze is being sunk from this level to connect with the 800 ft. level when it is completed, so as to give the necessary ventilation, and it will also prove the character of the lode in going down. Scotty's lode was also opened out at the 600 ft. level, and gold was visible in some of the quartz got near the bottom of the drive. At the 420 ft. level this lode has been opened up for a distance of 600 ft., where the lode shows about 4in. of puggy mullock and 6in. of stone. A good deal of gold was formerly obtained in the foot-wall portion of the lode at higher levels, and, as there are about 40ft. of backs between this and the level above, it is intended to rise into the next level and crosscut into the hanging-wall branch, the lode here being split in two divisions, with a "horse" of mullock between them, forming, as it were, a loop in the lode. Blagrove's Freehold. —lt is understood that this property has recently been purchased from the Coromandel Company, and that active mining operations will soon be commenced. The property comprises 130 acres of freehold, and forms portion of the band of the auriferous belt between the Kapanga and the Hauraki Companies' properties. A good deal of prospecting work has been done on this property from time to time on the surface, with the result that several leaders and lodes have been cut containing a little gold. The prospects obtained on and near the surface were so encouraging, that the manager of the Kapanga Company sunk an engine-shaft to a depth of 100 ft., the shaft being 10ft. 6in. in the clear inside the timber. It is divided into three compartments—namely, two for winding with cages and one for a pump-column. The water became too heavy to sink to a greater depth without proper pumping appliances, consequently the sinking was discontinued. To all appearances this is likely to prove a valuable mining property; at the same time, it may require a considerable amount of money to properly prospect the ground. It is a mere delusion to think that if no gold is obtained on or near the surface it will not be obtained at a greater depth. The character of the country and the nature of the rock -in this locality is such that a highly-auriferous lode may be cut at a great depth. So far as is known of the character of the rock in the sinking of the Kapanga shaft it leads to this conclusion. Scotty's, Hauraki. —During the past year there has been no quartz crushed from this mine. Lately a company has been floated in the London market, and Captain Hodge has been instructed to take charge. Only three men were employed in prospecting last year. The new company propose to sink a shaft to a depth of 300 ft. The shaft is to be 12ft. by 4ft. The timbering is completed for the first 30ft., which takes it to Mayne's battery level; another 85ft. will take it to the Golden Point level, and at a depth of 209 ft. the Cody level will be reached, and 300 ft. will take it to the level on which very rich ore was obtained in the Kapanga Mine. This level has always been, in my opinion, the place where prospecting operations should have been carried on, and I many times told Mr. Witheford, the late proprietor, that endeavours should be made to follow the Scotty lode at this level. It may be broken up in places, but there is a great probability that rich ore will be found in this lode in the present company's ground. A commencement is made to sink the shaft below Mayne's battery level; the machinery for the work is delivered as far as possible, but in order that it can be taken on to the site for erection the road requires to be completed by the County Council. The Golden Point adit is cleared and timbered for 500 ft., and a level cross-cut is also in progress towards the new shaft, where sinking for that level is now going on. A level is also being constructed to intercept the hill water from getting around the brace of the shaft, which will soon be completed, when prospecting operations northwards on the course of the Kapanga Reef will be proceeded with. This reef has been discovered in virgin ground, and, judging from the highly congenial character of the rock, and the appearance of the quartz at so shallow a depth, the manager has great hopes of making rich discoveries of gold at an early date. The other points of development will be concentrated to the shaft as fast as communication can be effected. There are twenty-eight men employed on the work. Tohatea. This section of the field comprises the Tokatea, Great Tokatea, Eoyal Oak, Bismarck, Harbour View, Try Again, J. JBoswell's, Golden Spark, &c, Mines, in which there has been thirteen men employed on wages and seventeen men employed on tribute. There has been about 30 tons of quartz obtained by the wages-men, which yielded 2450z. ldwt. gold, and 16-| tons were obtained by the tributers for a return of 5050z. 19dwt. gold, making a total of 46J tons crushed for a yield of 7510z. gold, as against about 38 tons of quartz crushed for the previous year, which yielded 5570z, gold ; thus showing an increase in the yield of gold in this part of the field last year of 1940z. Eecently some of these mines have been purchased by English companies—as, for instance, the Eoyal Oak, which has been taken charge of by Captain Hodge on behalf of the new company,

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and has eleven men employed. Sufficient capital is, however, provided to develop the property thoroughly; and, as soon as the Tokatea of Hauraki Company's arrangements are all completed (which is also a company formed in London with, it is said, a capital of £150,000 in ss. shares, of which £87,500 is to be given the vendors in fully-paid-up shares), these two companies propose to ■work amicably, and develop these two adjacent properties in a practical and methodical manner. Waikoromiko. This section comprises the Florence, Halpins, and Lillis's, &c, Mines, in which there were nine men employed, who obtained during the year 3-J- tons of quartz for a return of 89oz. 12dwt. gold, as against a return of 8 tons of quartz crushed and 2550z. 6dwt. gold for the previous year, thus showing a decrease in the yield of gold last year of 1650z. 14dwt. Pukemaukuku. This is a new locality where gold was discovered last year. It is situated about two miles southward of the track where it crosses the Whangapoua Saddle, and is near the head of the Kuraka Creek. There are two claims in the locality—namely, Murphy's and Power's. In Murphy's claim two men were employed, who got 1 ton of quartz crushed for a yield of 18oz. lOdwt. gold. There were also two men employed in Power's claim who got 2 tons of stone crushed for a return of 4oz. 12dwt. gold. Previous to this discovery being made this locality was not deemed to be auriferous. The land upon which Murphy discovered the gold is private property belonging to Mr. W. Aitken, who would not come to any reasonable terms to allow Murphy and party to work, so that they had to give up possession. Tiki. This was in former years a locality where a large amount of work was carried on and some very good returns of gold were obtained. Of late years very little work has been done. During the past year only three men were employed who obtained from 211b. of stone, 3oz. 2dwt. gold. During the previous year only soz. gold was obtained. Opitonui. It was thought at one time that some good claims would be found here. When the discovery was first made, the lode near the surface was a good width, and blotches of gold could be seen freely in the stone. Some of the first crushings yielded about 2oz. of gold per ton, but of late years very little prospecting has been done in this locality. Mr. Lanigan, who discovered the reef here on the Kauri Syndicate's property, considered the find of sufficient magnitude to erect a crushing battery of ten heads of stamps, but after working his claim for some time he abandoned it; but others have taken up the ground and are getting a little gold. There are only two claims in this locality, in which two men are working, and during the year they had 43 tons of stone crushed for a yield of 430z. IBdwt. gold. Otunguru. There is only one claim in this locality, from which 31 tons of stone was crushed, which yielded lOoz. Bdwt. gold. Owera. This is on the Kauri Syndicate Company's property. It was at one time considered that some good claims would be opened here. Some years ago when the reef was first discovered it was of considerable size and gave a fair return. The company was so satisfied with the appearance and the quality of the stone that they erected a crushing battery on the flat and connected it with the mine by a ground-tramway. The mine is now worked by two tributers, who had 230 tons of stone crushed last year for a return of 670z. lOdwt. of gold. Mahakirau. Small parcels of gold have been found in this locality for a number of years, but no defined lode containing payable stone has yet been discovered. Some rich specimens have been obtained from small leaders of quartz, and on my last visit to this place some men were working in a clay formation and getting a little gold. Last year Goonan and party of three men obtained Bcwt. of stone, which yielded soz. 18dwt. of gold. This party contemplates putting in a low-level adit; but before incurring any large expenditure in speculative work it would be well to prospect near the surface to see if any indications of a lode exist. Matarangi. A considerable amount of work has been done here from time to time, and payable stone and fair yields of gold obtained About three years ago stone from this locality was taken to the Thames, and the results of the crushings gave the owners of the mine a fair profit. Since then a crushing battery has been erected on the field during the last year. Three men were employed in the mine and 30 tons of quartz was crushed for a yield of 9oz. Bdwt. gold, a result which would not pay for working, and the work in the mine has been suspended. Hopes are, however, entertained that by further prospecting bettor stone will be discovered. Kuaotunu. The returns from this field show a considerable falling-off from those of the previous year; still there are some of the mines doing fairly well. It is a field which has been comparatively little prospected yet, and yet a large quantity of gold has been obtained. There is no goldfield in the-

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colony where the gold is found in such a minutely-divided state in the quartz—the finest flour-dust cannot be compared to it; it has more the character of gold being precipitated from solutions containing that metal. Any one, pounding up the stone in a mortar and trying to wash it off in a tin dish, after manipulating the muddy water for two or three times, will find in the last washing nearly as much gold in the dish as in the first panning-off. Very rich ore was found near the surface, and the lodes were a considerable size ; but, strange to say, so far as yet known, the claim first discovered on this field—namely, the Try Fluke, was the best. The other claims on the same line of reef never had the same rich ore. The field, however, is of a large extent, and only the surface of it in small portions has been scratched, as far as gold-mining is concerned, and no doubt fresh discoveries will be found in this district. On the Kuaotunu field there were about fifteen mines being worked last year, although in some of them the operations have now been suspended. These comprised the Try Muke, Eed Mercury, Great Mercury, Just in Time, Irene, Otama, Waitaia, Aorere, Kapai, Vermont, Try Again, Three Stars, Victoria, Lucky Hit, &c, in which there were ninety men employed either as owners or wages-men, and fifteen tributers. The wages-men obtained 7,821 tons of quartz, which yielded 2,6500z. 19dwt. gold by amalgamation and 1,0730z. by the cyanide process; there was also 261 tons crushed for the tributers for a return of 5660z. 14dwt. gold ; in addition to this there was 6,588 tons of tailings treated for a return of 2,3000z. 6dwt. gold: thus making the total quantity of stone crushed last year to be 8,082 tons, for a yield of 4,2900z. 13dwt. gold, and 2,3000z. 6dwt. from tailings, whereas for the previous year there was 9,660 tons of quartz crushed for a yield of 4,6020z. lOdwfc. gold, and 2,240 tons of tailings were treated for a return of 21oz. 7dwt. of gold by amalgamation and 3,4280z. 4dwt. by the cyanide process, making the total quantity of gold to be 8,0440z. ldwt. as against 6,5900z. for last year, thus showing a decrease in the yield of gold of 1,4540z. for last year. Try Fluke Company. —This has been one of the most successful mining companies on the Kuaotunu Goldfield. When gold was first discovered on this company's ground the ore near the cap of the lode was very rich, but as the workings went down the. ore became of a much lower grade. Notwithstanding this, the returns from the year's operations ending the 31st of December last showed a fair margin of profit. In addition to expending £277 14s. 2d. in erecting an additional five head of stamps, and £50 for the purchase of the ground held by the Mariposa Company, a dividend of £1,250 was paid to the shareholders. The balance-sheet for the period referred to showed the value of the gold produced and expenditure to be as follows :— Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. From 6,420 tons of quartz crushed at the Mine expenses .. .. .. .. 3,316 11 3 battery: 1,9150z. 6dwt. gold.. .. 4,573 9 3 Battery expenditure .. .. .. 1,849 911 Cyanide plant : 6,074 tons of tailings Cyanide plant expenditure .. .. 2,464 12 3 yielded 2,0840z. gold .. .. 4,756 19 6 General expenses, offices, &c. .. .. 413 9 4 Cartage .. .. .. .. 37 5 7 Purchase Mariposa Claim .. .. 50 0 0 Erection of five head of stamps .. .. 277 14 2 £9,330 8 9 J £8,409 2 6 This leaves £841 6s. 3d. profit on the year's transactions; but, as there was a balance of £640 10s. 4d. in the bank at the commencement of the year, it enabled the directors to pay a dividend of £1,250 and carry forward a good balance to next year's account. To analyse the expenditure, the cost of mining 6,420 tons of quartz was £3,316 lls. 3d., which is equal to about 10s. 4d. per ton, and the cost of crushing at the battery was £1,849 9s. lid., which is about ss. 9d. per ton. Therefore the cost of mining and crushing was about 16s. Id. per ton for the last year, and the general expenses, including directors' fees, &c, was equal to Is. l'4d. per ton, while the cost of the cyanide treatment of 6,074 tons of tailings, including £356 lls. 6d. which was paid as royalty to the Cassel Company for the use of the cyanide process, was £2,464 12s. 3d., which is equal to about Bs. T4d. per ton. The royalty paid amounted to about Is. per ton, or 7-J- per cent. on the value of the gold extracted. The value of the gold extracted at the battery was equal to about 14s. 3d. per ton, and from the cyanide plant about 15s. Bd. per ton. It will be seen from this that it is entirely due to the use of the cyanide process that this company has been able to work at a profit last year. Had it not been for this, if the cost of mining, crushing, and general expenses be taken into consideration, there would have been a direct loss of about £1,006 lls. 3d. There is a good prospect of this mine continuing to yield fair returns to the shareholders. A winze is being put down from the No. 3 or lowest level, and the stone from this at 50ft. down was of better quality than what it was in the level. The object is to sink this winze as far as possible in order to prospect the lode, as the construction of another level means driving from 800 ft. bo 900 ft., which is estimated to cost about £1 per foot. There is, however, a great deal of virgin ground on the upper levels which has never yet been prospected, and the company expect to find parallel or cross lodes which will be as profitable for working as the lode that is at present being taken out. Kapai— Vermont Company. —During last year there was an amalgamation of the Kapai and Vermont Companies. The claim of the latter company runs through the Kapai ground, and arrangements for prospecting had been previously entered into by the two companies, but the chairman of the Vermont Company found, upon visiting the district, that the bad state of the roads and the distance from the mine to the batteries would entail a considerable amount of expenditure for the transit of ore to the battery, so amalgamation of the two companies was decided on and effected. This company's property adjoins the Try Fluke on its southern boundary, and the whole of the operations so far have been directed to opening up and developing the lodes. The main level has been driven into the range, and the lode intersected by a cross-cut 275 ft. in length and at a depth of over 250 ft. below the crown of the hill. Operations were, in the first instance, directed

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towards the Try Fluke ground, as they had some good ore near their southern boundary. The reef was followed from the point of intersection to a distance of 200 ft., the lode widening out in some places to 12ft. in thickness. The reef has been stoped above this level for a rise of about 70ft. and for a length of about 40ft. Another block has been taken out for a length of about 30ft. and a rise of about 70ft. A winze has been sunk on the lode, at a point 160 ft. north of the cross-cut, to a depth of about 50ft. Some ore which was sent to Ballarat for treatment was reported to have yielded bullion to the value of £11 per ton. Two tons were also sent to the Thames School of Mines for treatment by pan-amalgamation, and gave an assay-value of about £25 per ton. The lode has been followed in a southerly direction for about 200 ft., and through a good-looking class of country, having the walls well defined. The lode itself lies at an angle of about 65°, and carries gold in a greater or less extent for the whole length—one vein, of a brownish colour and running close to the hanging-wall, being particularly good. The first indication of the vein was small and irregular in size, but it gradually widened out in going southward. A rise was put up on the lode at a point 160 ft. south of the flat sheet in the cross-cut, when ore 2ft. in thickness, and of a rich quality was found, and showed gold freely. This seam is undoubtedly the richest portion of the lode; but, as a matter of fact, the whole of it carries payable ore from the foot-wall to the hanging-wall, although some portions near the centre are of a very low grade. The gold is similar to that found in the Try Fluke Claim, being of an extremely minutely-defined character, it being almost impossible to pan it off in a tin dish. .After pounding up the ore in a mortar to try a prospect by washing it in a dish, if the dirty water from the washing be poured into another dish, it will be found that the quantity of gold carried away in the muddy water will be equally as much as that found in the first prospect. Surface Arrangements. —A furnace has been constructed near the mouth of the cross-cut, and a 6-in. pipe leads from the furnace through the cross-cut and south drive up to the face. Thia exhausts the foul air; whilst another pipe, leading from the north drive, and giving a plentiful supply of air from the Try Fluke workings, is laid up the rise. A tramway from the drive is extended along a siding to a hopper into which the quartz is discharged. This hopper is capable of holding 200 tons- of • ore, and the latter is conveyed along a tramway, 12 chains in length, to two kilns, where the ore is dried ready for the crushing. Bach of the kilns is 16ft. in diameter at the top, has a depth of 27ft., and is capable of treating from 70 to 80 tons of ore. The dry ore is removed from the bottom of the kiln and conveyed by trucks along a tramway, 4 chains in length, across trestle-work, to the top of the battery-house, where it is discharged into feeding-hoppers. Reduction Works. —The reduction plant is what is known as the Austral-Otis Crusher or Grinder. The motive-power is supplied by a boiler and engine manufactured by the Austral-Otis Company, Melbourne. The boiler is constructed partly on the Cornish and partly on the multitubular principle, and is 12ft. in length and sft. 6in. in diameter. The engine is horizontal, and is of nominal ten-horse power. The Otis mill is 6ft. in diameter, 4ft. wide, and can be driven at a speed of twenty-five revolutions per minute. In addition to one coarse set of screens, it has two other sets, of forty-mesh wire-cloth, through which all ore has to find its way. Before reaching its discharge at the bottom, the pulverised ore is led into an iron cylinder, moving at the rate of twelve revolutions per minute. This revolving cylinder feeds the ore into an elevator at the rate of a ton per hour. The elevator is merely a belt with twenty buckets passing an enclosed box, and raises the pulverised ore to a height of 38ft., discharging it into a hopper, set diagonally, and capable of holding 30 tons of ore. This hopper has four discharging doors, from which the percolating cyanide-vats can be filled without either trucking or handling. There are four percolating-vats, each 16ft. 6in. in diameter and 4ft. in depth. The resorvoir containing the cyanide solution is placed at a higher level, and of lift. 6in. in diameter and 4ft. 6in. in depth. The sub-vat, which is on the lowest level, is about the same size as the percolating-vats. The discharge from the percolating-vats is at the bottom, near the centre, and not, as is usually the case, from the sides. They were made in this manner as it was thought it would afford greater facilities for sluicing out. The plant is guaranteed to be able to treat from 15 cwt. to one ton per hour, according to the nature of the ore ; whether it is capable of treating this quantity in the specified time can only be ascertained by future tests. Hitherto the Otis machine has not proved a great success, especially with hard ores, the wear-and-tear being very great, and the quantity which it has been found able to pulverise has failed to realise the anticipations of its inventor. It is considered that the engine-power in connection with the company's plant is more than sufficient to meet present requirements, and space has been left available for another plant of similar character, which can be erected if it is found necessary to do so. Bed Mercury. —The returns from this mine during the previous year were so disappointing that very little mining operations were carried on in the early part of the present year. The company being in financial difficulties had to sucumb, and the property was sold, the purchasers forming what is now termed the Venus Company to work the property. Previous to the sale, which was effected in October last, only 18 tons of stone from the mine was crushed, which yielded 7foz. of gold. Since the present company have commenced operations it has been working below the No. 2 level, and taking out a block of stone there, from which 180 tons gave a return of 3070z. 17dwt. of gold, making the total quantity of quartz crushed during the past year to be 198 tons, for a return of 3150z. 12dwt. of gold, while there has been on an average five men employed in connection with the mine. Great Mercury. —The returns from this mine for the past year fall short of those of the previous year. The company owning it, having got into financial difficulties, suspended mining operations for six months, during which time the company was re-formed and fresh capital obtained to develop the mine. Since this reorganization took place the workings have been vigorously carried on from both 7—C. 3.

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sides of the hill, the lode on the eastern side being worked from the Eed Mercury No. 2 level and on the western side from the low-level adit. During the past year there has been an average of twenty men employed, and 587 tons of quartz from the mine has been crushed, which yielded 5620z. ldwt. of gold. In addition to this, 523 tons of tailings was treated by the cyanide process, which yielded 313f0z. of gold, making the total gold obtained last year to be 8750z. l6dwt., representing a value of £1,995 11s. 2d. The owners have great expectations that the future returns from the mine will be such as to yieid them a handsome profit. Just in Time, Otama, Waitaia, and Aorere. — These mines have been worked entirely by tributers. Last year there were fifteen men employed in the whole of these mines ; while 260 tons of stone have been crushed for a yield of 5650z. 15dwt. of gold. The returns from the Waitaia being the best, which were 3290z. for six men. Great expectations have been from time to time formed that something handsome would be got, but so far only disappointments have been met with ; but there has been comparatively little prospecting in the Waitaia Block. Some very large lodes run through the country, but so far payable gold has not been discovered in them. The returns from the other claims on the field are very small, and cannot be said to have been remunerative for working during the past year. In concluding my remarks on the Coromandel district, there is at the present a great excitement in mining, and properties are taken up readily, no doubt with a view to the disposing of them in the London market; but those who have the welfare of the colony at heart would do well to pause before rushing mining properties on the English market when there is not a fair and reasonable prospect of the investors' money being returned with fair interest. If care is not taken in this direction now, when there is an inclination on the part of foreign people to put their capital in mining investments in the colony, a collapse will ensue, and the people of the colony generally will have to suffer for the grabbing propensities of a few others. Such finds as that got in the Hauraki Company's mine tends to lead outside people away with the belief that every property in the vicinity is likely to turn out equally as well, and it is only after their experience is dearly purchased that the delusion is done away with. There is a reasonable chance of some good mining properties being developed in the Coromandel district, and no doubt many new discoveries will yet be made, as the whole of the Hauraki Peninsula is auriferous, and extends for a long distance to the southward. Generally, however, there are certain narrow belts of country in which auriferous lodes exist—that is, the character of the country-rock in these belts indicate the probability of rich gold-bearing quartz-reefs being found. The whole of the belt of country between the ocean beach at the Coromandel shaft and the Tokatea Hill is likely to contain rich blocks of stone. A large quantity of gold was obtained by the Union Beach Company from the ground now held by the Hauraki Company. Eich finds have also been found in the Kapanga Mine, and the whole of the Tokatea Eange is a mass of lodes, leaders, and stringers of quartz, from which not only a very large quantity of gold has been obtained, but occasionally very rich Specimen stone is still being got by men having tributes in the different mines. This range has been one of the best quartz districts in the colony for the individual miner; but the upper portion of the hill is now become so riddled with adits and drives that one would hardly expect that many more large finds would be made. This bill has never been prospected at any great depth, and there is a large reef running through it containing gold where scarcely any prospecting has been done, which will, in my opinion, yet prove a considerable source of wealth ; but it requires a large capital to properly develop it. There is sufficient low grade in sight to keep a crushing-battery of forty, if not more, heads of stamps working for many years ; and no doubt rich blocks of stone will be found in it. Again, in the Just in Time and lona Mines, which have never been properly prospected, rich stone has been found ; from the ground in the Just in Time 1,9670z. gold is said to have been obtained at comparative shallow levels. The Blagrove, although a little to one side, is on the same belt of country, and if prospecting be systematically carried on there is a fair and reasonable prospect that success will attend development in these directions. On another belt of country very rich quartz leaders have been found in a claim formerly known as the Success, and now known as the Try Again. In the early working of this claim, gold was found in one of these narrow stringers in thin sheets, which could be rolled up, and from time to time since rich specimens have been found. In 1893 a specimen stone was obtained which yielded respectively 1920z., 730z., and 2770z. lldwt. gold, having an aggregate value of £1,422 9s. 10d.; and in the following year a small parcel of Bcwt. of stone and 141b. of specimens, which were treated at the School of Mines at the Thames, yielded gold to the value of £131 16s. sd. The present proprietor, Mr. G. James, is now said to have on hand 20 tons of fair stone, 2 tons of picked quartz, and 101b. of specimens ready to send to the mill. In the Waikoromiko, which is a continuation of the Tokatea Eauge, very rich specimen stone has been obtained from time to time out of small leaders and stringers of quartz, but no lodes of any size have been found as yet of a payable character. Where such rich stone is found, there is reasonable hopes that lodes will yet be discovered which will give good returns for working. For years past the men that have been prospecting here have not had the means of carrying on prospecting operations on any large scale. Again, at Kuaotunu, which is one of the most recently discovered fields in the Coromandel district, a large lode of stone was found in the Try Fluke Claim which yielded lOoz. of gold per ton, and during the last four years that the battery-returns have been supplied me there has been 14,7330z. 15dwt. of gold obtained from this mine, which is nearly one-half the total gold obtained from the Kuaotunu field for the same period, the total yield "being 29,7340z. 4dwt. The following statement will show the returns of quartz crushed and tailings treated, with the yield of gold therefrom, the area of ground held in mining claims, and the number of men employed either as owners, wages-men, or tributers in the Coromandel district for the year ending the 31st March last:—

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Note.—The areas shown do not include the whole o( the land occupied, but only that from which the returns are derived.

Avera of I empli ,ge No. Nlen oyed. For Owners. For Tril iters. Tai: [ings Locality and Name of Mine or Company. Area of Li held. Pi III i Ed O p Quartz crushed. Gold obtained by Amalgamation. Gold obtained by Cyanide. Quartz crushed. Gold obtained by Amalgamation. •3 31 Coromandel County. Tokatea District— Tokatea.. Great Tokatea Royal Oak Bismarck Harbour View Try Again J. Boswell's claim \ Golden Spark Sundries A. E. P. Tons cwt. lb. Oz. dwt. gr. Oz. dwt. gr. Tons cwt. lb. Oz. dwt. Tons. Oz. dwt. 14 2 0 14 2 0 10 2 27 11 1 38 3 0 0 5 3 30 7 1 6 3 11 5 37 0 5 0 2 8 9 2 15 0 99 16 11 8 340 0 54 15 i 3 f 2 5 0 0 12 0 0 18 3 5 51 1 1 18 26 14 33 5 2 0 68 4 0 64 11 0 43 4 0 64 0 0 20 0 0 80 0 15 18 17 30 11 20 245 1 0 505 19 Kapanga District— Kapanga Scotty's.. Sunnyside 16 13 46 99 3 27 29 1 20 3 0 0 35 3 0 0 30 16 0 2 *3 47*0 0 42 19 0 Kauri Block— Hauraki Iona Anderson's claim 132 1 7 37 50 0 0 73 15 0 41 2 26 5 2 0 15 0 0 30 2 10 20 302 0 80 9,754 16 0 111 13 0 5,207 15 i"o 0 0 12 0 62 0 26 42 20 303 0 80 9,755 8 0 111 13 0 5,207 15 Waikoromiko — Florence Claim .. \ Halpin's Lillis's ., .. r Sundries .. J 2 0 0 9 1 0 50 0 0 23 2 2 23 0 0 61 3 7 0 14 1 0 64 18 0 7 6 0 2 0 0 9 Pukemakuku — Murphy's Power's 3 3 45 89 12 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 2 2 10 0 2 0 0 18 10 0 4 12 0 Castle Book—TikiSundries 12 0 0 4 3 0 0 23 2 0 [ 23 0 0 J 3 0 0 21 3 2 0 Opitonui — Little's Wardin I 5 0 0 5 0 0 1 1 16 0 0 27 0 0 14 13 0 28 15 0 10 0 0 2 43 0 0 43 8 0 Otunguru—Murphy's 10 0 0 31 0 0 10 8 0 Owera —Ovvera 10 0 0 2 230 0 0 67 10 Mahakirau — Goonan and party Matarangi—Ocean View Extended Manaia—Buffins .. 6 0 0 29 1 35 30 0 0 0 8 0 5 18 0 9 8 0 3 0 0 5 10 0 13 0 Kuaotunu— Try Fluke Red Mercury Great Mercury Just in Time Irene Otama Waitaia.. Aorere .. Kapai-Vermont Try Again Three Stars .. \ Victoria Lucky Hit Sundries .. ) 43 2 23 19 0 28 28 0 12 8 2 24 7 2 0 11 1 18 25 2 0 10 0 0 31 3 19 3 0 0 34 5 20 'si ■ ■ ! 2 3 6 i 6,347 0 0 198 0 0 5S7 0 0 64 0 0 1,662 19 0 315 12 0 562 1 0 42 12 0 69 0 0 10 0 13 0 0 120 0 0 58 0 0 80 9 0 19 94 0 329 0 62 6 5,995 523 1,986 10 313 16 18 2 I 588 0 0 13 0 0 12 0 0 11 0 0 10 0 11 12 0 6 2 0 4 10 0 3 7 0 42 4 0 1,073 0 0 6 0 0 6 194 3 4 7,821 0 0 8,316 3 54 Total 90 '• i 15 2,650 19 0 1,073 0 0 261 0 0 566 14 6,518 2,300 6 574 3 7 208 _ 57 12,911 4 0 1,073 0 0 619 6 46 6,347 18 6,518 2,300 6

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Thames Distbict. There has been a considerable falling-off in the yield of gold in the Thames district during last year. This may be expected as year by year passes by, unless some new finds be made apart from the present workings. Eeally very little prospecting has been done in the back country, and from the character of the rock there is every probability of rich lodes being yet discovered. All the workings of the Thames proper have been confined to Grahamstown, or, at least, within a radius of three miles of that place. This portion of the field has been prospected, and, as far as at present known, the richest portions of the lodes occur above the water-level, or above the level to which the Big Pump can keep down the water. The present companies which hold claims on this field have not the means to test the ground below the depth of the present drainage level, either individually or collectively, and yet they place a considerable value upon the ground below the present water-level, which, so far as their own efforts are concerned, is really valueless to them. There is no doubt a feeling that possibly a mining boom will take place, and some capitalist will yet come forward and purchase their properties at a fictitious value, for it can only be termed this, even if it is actually known that gold exists in large quantities below the 500 ft. level, where the present proprietors of the claims cannot find the means to procure it. There is a considerable area of ground yet to work above the 500 ft. level in many of the claims, but this is gradually getting less as year after year passes by, and the time will most assuredly come when these claims will prove unremunerative for working, and when that time does come the present holders will have to throw up the ground, or it will become forfeited. It would therefore be far more prudent, and in the interest of the district, that steps should be at once taken to devise a reasonable scheme whereby the ground can be tested at the deep levels before the place is brought into a state of utter stagnation. The Thames is different from any other quartz-mining district in the colony, owing to the large quantity of water that is met with at the deep levels, and the probable increase as a greater depth is reached. This means the purchase and erection of more powerful pumping machinery, and also a very considerable annual expense in working. At Eeefton there are shafts far deeper than what they are at the Thames, but there is scarcely any water to contend with, and the expense of prospecting is therefore very small in comparison to prospecting the deep levels at the Thames. It may be confidently asserted that nothing less than a capital of £100,000 is of any use to undertake the erection of a pumping plant and the proper testing of the ground. It may be said by some that this work is of too speculative a character, but it must be borne in mind that all mining ventures are to a certain extent speculative; but so far as we have been able to ascertain from deep-mining operations in the Australian Colonies, and the recent discovery of a new lode in the Keep-it-Dark Mine at Eeefton, whenever a rich lode has been found on or near the upper levels there is a great probability of other " makes" of stone being found in the same channel of country. In regard to the Keep-it-Dark Mine, rich stone was found on the upper levels, but as the lode was traced down to the 700 ft. level it got broken up and not payable for working, and after a considerable amount of prospecting it was at one time thought that the mine would have to be abandoned, when an entirely new block of stone was discovered and sunk on to a depth of 800 ft., carrying good gold. There is a great probability that the same thing will take place at the Thames. There is a rich channel of country running from the Kuranui Hill to Shortland, and, although the lodes become broken up as they go down, there has never been any large amount of prospecting work done to see whether new lodes would be found at a greater depth. This could only be done in the past in the claims north of the Big Pump shaft, as the rich auriferous band of country, or, at least, where the rich auriferous stone was found, rises as it goes northwards, and dips considerably towards the Queen of Beauty shaft. The whole indications point out that the place to sink a deep shaft to test the ground is at the southern end of the field, as there are greater probabilities of finding the continuations of the lodes in the same band or channel of country going southward, and, by driving a level northwards, having cross-cuts at various places, new lodes or " makes " of stone are likely to be found below the level where the upper lodes get broken up. Mr. C. A. Harris is now in England trying to form a company with sufficient capital to prospect the deep levels ; but before this can be done a definite arrangement will have to be arrived at amongst the present claimholders as to what concessions they are prepared to offer to a company formed to develop their properties. It will be seen from the following table that there were 37,909 tons of stone and mullock crushed, and also 10,555 tons of tailings treated, for a yield of 22,8090z. 13dwt. of gold, against 62,444 tons of thus stone, mullock, and tailings crushed for the previous year, which yielded 34,6360z. 19dwt. of gold, showing a decrease in the last year's production of gold of 11,8270z. 6dwt. The number of wagesmen and tributers at work on the field last year were 598, as against 660 for the previous year. This shows conclusively that unless the present claimholders are prepared to offer advantageous terms to those who are willing to invest their capital to develop the field, the present dimensions of the town and also the mining population will dwindle down year by year; people will have to seek fresh fields and pastures new. The following table shows the comparative results of working the mines in the Thames district for the last financial year as against the previous one:—

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Tapu. Although a considerable amount of work has been done in this locality, yet, so far as actual crushing is concerned, very little has been effected. During the year fifteen men were employed, and these obtained 83 tons of stone, yielding 85oz. ldwt. of gold. The claims on the field are Sheridan's, Fluke, Young Colonial, and the Eoyal, the latter having recently been taken up. Sheridan's Claim. —The drive has been extended on the hanging-wall side of-the reef inthe direction of Jameson's working. The lode has been driven on for a distance of 280 ft., and so far it has proved to be of a very low grade, but better ore is expected on the hanging-wall side of the slide. A lower level has been constructed 135 ft. below the upper one, and it is now in 580 ft., and will have to be extended 250 ft. before it will get under the shot of gold which was obtained on the upper working. This would give 250 ft. of backs on the reef, which is about 2ft. in width. On the foot-wall side of the lode there is a leader, which is from 6in. to Bin. thick, from which specimen stones are sometimes obtained. During last year Mr. Pepper's battery was purchased, and, after being repaired, was recently used for crushing. During the year ending 31st March last only two men were employed in the claim on purely prospective work. No stone had been crushed ; but latterly 81 tons was put through, and yielded a return of 670z. sdwt. of gold. This quartz was merely the refuse from former crushings, the stone having been previously carted to the Thames ; but the yield was not considered good enough to pay expense of transit to that place. Sheridan's has been formed into a company, and it is intended shortly to put on a number of men in order to keep the battery steadily employed. Tapu Fluke. —Work has been steadily carried on in this mine during the year, six men being employed, obtaining 78 tons of quartz, which yielded 430z. 15dwt. of gold. In connection with this mine there is a battery of six stamps and three berdans, driven by water-power, the quartz being conveyed from the mine to the battery by tramways and shoots. The quantity of water is, however, not sufficient to keep the battery steadily employed, and it is only in wet weather that the crushing can be carried on. Boyal. —This mine adjoins the Fluke. The discovery of an outcrop of quartz having been recently made by MacMahon and party, an adit was put in to test the stone at some distance below the surface, with the result that three different leaders were cut, each containing gold. Two tons of ore taken from this mine was recently sent to the Thames School of Mines for treatment, and gave good returns, which induced the company to commence systematically working the mine. A trial crushing of 9 tons was made at the Sheridan's Company's battery, Tapu, and yielded a return of 14oz. retorted gold, which proves the value of the ore to be equal to about £4 10s. per ton. This ore is similar to that forwarded to the Thames School of Mines experimental plant for treatment by the cyanide process, a bulk assay of which gave a value of about £10 per ton. Waiomo. There was very little work done in this locality during the last year. The Monowai Golden Gem and Broken Hill Claims have been taken up and held for some time, but the ore being of a refractory nature it was for some time a question with the shareholders as to the class of plant they would select with which to treat the ore. There are 86 acres held in mining claims in this locality, on which twenty-three men have been employed last year. About 7 tons of stone has been crushed, which yielded 48Joz. gold.

1894-95. :89S-94. Gold Increase or Decrease. Locality, en n Hi ft ,§ ga la" , aa •a o p O T3 <v m I o Yield of Gold. a> a H Gold from Tailings. si a« § So f I 3 13 CD i 3 Yield of Gold. id o a on a I Gold ; from Tailings. Plus or Minus. 1894-95. s <y Tons cwt. I Tons cwt. Oz. dwt. 18 15 85 1 48 10 3 12 359 1 85 17 2,276 4 5,560 4 907 8 4,586 15 4,390 2 1,095 12 995 7 Tons cwt. Oz. dwt. Tons. Tons. Oz. dwt Tons. Oz. dwt. Oz. dwt. + 18 15 -116 17 -94 19 -33 17 + 93 13 + 52 13 -1,926 5 -7,064 15 -202 12 -1,053 7 -526 12 -648 18 -297 16 Mata 3 15 23 83 5 6 15; 10 0 446 0 126 0 4,885 0 9,479 9 613 1 5,157 10 3,080 0 625 0 769 0 150-5 04 137-9 3780 26-0 8,400-5 13,222-6 708-0 4,621-0 3,984-0 1,180-7 1,006-6 201 18 143 9 37 9 291 12 33 4 4,202 9 12,624 19 617 5 5,640 2 4,916 14 1,744 10 1,293 3 Tapu Waiomo Puru Tararu Shellback .. Kuranui Moanataiari Grahamstown Waiotahi Waiokaraka Karaka Una Hill and Te Papa Hape Creek .. Puriri Otanui Matatoke .. Tairua Ohui 24 3 65 151 41 107 64 40 35 •• '■ 450 0 10,588 0 350 0 300 0 100 0 26 4 13 1 5 17 5 62 200 36 103 107 43 41 3,'450 11,520 10,455 0 1,918 9 13,220 2,411 4 14 6 2 478 10 3 10 200 0 250 0 213 10 133 7 30 0 14 338-2 274 3 -60 13 + 133 7 +24 14 -2 8 -149 14 + 28 5 4 100 11-0 71-1 8-0 5 6 2 8 179 14 17 10 3 2 "6 0 2 0 30 0 45 15 *7 2 Totals .. "598 25,971 0 11,938 0 20,865 0 10,555 0 1,944 13 ! 660 34,254-5 14,970 32,225 15 13,220 2,411 4 -11,827 6

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Monowai Company. —About five years ago Messrs. Hansen and party took up a mining claim, and since then have formed a company to work the ground. The lode is cut near the surface. It is about 10ft. in thickness; but the ore is of a refractory character. In some portions of the lode there are patches of zinc-blende, galena, and copper-pyrites. The manager informed me that the assay-value of the ore was about £6 per ton. Five tons of it was treated at the School of Mines, Thames, which yielded from £3 3s. to £16 per ton, but he thought the lode would have an average value of about £4 per ton. A level has been put in about 90ft. below where the lode was cut near the surface, and the lode was found here to be nearly 30ft. wide, having about Bft. of good ore on the hanging-wall side. The mine-workings are about three-quarters of a mile back from the Waiomo Creek, where the reduction plant is placed. Gem Mine. —This mine belongs to the Monowai Company, and is situated about a mile distant from where the redaction plant is placed on the side of the Waiomo Creek; and at an elevation of about 700 ft. an adit has been driven for over 200 ft., which is termed No. 1 level, giving from 30ft. to 50ft. of backs. The lode varies considerably in width, but it may be set down as having an average of 2ft. The manager informed me the value of the ore was about £3 per ton, but very little gold could be seen in the stone. Another level was being constructed at the time of my visit about 45ft. lower than No. 1 level. Reduction Plant. —The reduction plant belonging to the Monowai Company consists of a rockbreaker by Baxter, of Leeds, ten heads of stamps, and a complete cyanide plant. The whole of the work was done by A. and G. Price, the well-known ironfounders and mining-machinery makers at the Thames, and all the workmanship in connection with it is first-class. It is erected at the foot of a main spur leading down from the range to the Waiomo Creek, on the site on which the Paroquet plant was formerly erected. The stamps and mortars are of the American pattern, the ore being fed by two automatic Challenge ore-feeders. The ore is first dried in a kiln similar to those used by the Waihi Company, and the pulverised ore, after passing through the screens, which have a thirty mesh, falls into boxes in front of the mortars, and thence it is lifted by elevators into dust-bins, which are placed at such an elevation that the ore can be drawn from them into the percolation-vats. These vats are 22ft. in diameter and 4ft. 6in. deep, and capable of treating about 25 tons of pulverised ore. The sumps are 14ft. 10in. in diameter and 4ft. 6in. deep. The mixingtank being 10ft. in diameter, having a depth of 4ft.; and the dissolving-tank is of iron, 4ft. diameter by 4ft. deep. The gangue, after leaving the percolation-vats, is run out with water and passes down a chute and over copper-plates coated with quicksilver. It is found that this latter system of the final treatment of the tailings is the means of saving a good deal of gold. It is well known that unless gold is in a very finely divided state, the cyanide solution will not dissolve the whole of it. The action of the cyanide will leave the surfaces of any coarse particles of the gold that are not dissolved in a clean, bright condition, so that when it comes in contact with mercury it is readily amalgamated. Broken Hill Mine. —This mine adjoins the north-west boundary of the Monowai holding. The lode is about 2ft. in thickness, and an open cutting has been made near the surface for the purpose of taking out some of the ore to have it treated, it being similar in character to that found in the Monowai ground. A parcel of 3,3001b. of ore was tested at the School of Mines, Thames. One ton of this was treated with a cyanide solution, the assay-value of the ore being £3 12s. per ton. A saving of 76 per cent, of this value was effected. The remaining -J- ton had an assay-value of £7 per ton, and was treated with chemicals and hot-amalgamation, which resulted in a saving of 593 per cent, of the assay-value. The refractory charactor of the ore on the Waiomo field is such that there has not been a large percentage of the bullion in the ore saved owing to the quantity of copper-pyrites. Mr. Arthur G. Wilson, of Waihi, has furnished the Monowai Company with a report which has an important bearing on the treatment of ores of this character with cyanide solutions. Mr. Wilson states :— " On looking over the returns it will be noticed that there is a large shortage in the actual recovery as compared with the assay extraction both with the Gem and Monowai ores. In the case of the Gem, it may be remembered that the interim clean-up was only a partial one. As a matter of fact, some £63, or 22 per cent, of the total value of the ore treated, was left in the extractors, less leakage. With the Monowai, the shortage in the actual recovery is much more pronounced, as only some 35 per cent, of the total value in this ore was cleaned up, and a few words of explanation are necessary. When the ore was being treated the zinc in the extractors was continually becoming covered with metallic copper, which, of course, prevented the complete precipitation of the gold. To overcome this difficulty the extractors were frequently emptied and the contents coated with lead. The zinc thus coated was found to work properly, but with all the handling thus entailed the zinc naturally became broken up very fine, and the gold became distributed throughout all the various cells in the extractors instead of being confined to a great extent to the top cells, as is the case under normal conditions. At clean-up time it was found that the zinc actually carried more bullion than the so-called slimes, and the greater part of the fine zinc in one extractor was melted up. We were compelled to leave the fine zinc in the other box quite intact owing to the tedious nature of the operation which would have been involved in its melting. Some £186, or 28 per cent, of the Monowai ore, was thus left in the extractors (unavoidably), less any loss due to leakage, so that but for the trouble with the fine zinc the percentage of the total value actually recovered would have risen to about 63 per cent. I append an approximate table, which shows clearly, both with the Gem and Monowai ores, the manner in which their original values have been distributed, and that the total of some £249 (less leakage) remains in the plant, to be carried forward in the next run. The assays show an extraction of 80 per cent, of the total value (gold and silver) of the Gem ore and 63 per cent, of the total value of the Monowai ore before treatment. With this latter ore silver makes 15 per cent, of the total value, and the loss in the tailings is principally in gold—thus : Total value in ore saved by assay, £63 25.; total value left in residue—gold £22 95., silver £13 Bs.: total, £98 19s,

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" The Gem ore is capable of giving good results, provided the stone be sufficiently rich and that a large amount could be put through, and even with the Monowai ore further work will doubtless result in many of the present difficulties being more completely overcome and more satisfactory results obtained. The consumption of cyanide has been heavy, especially in the case of the Monowai ore, the average cost per ton on the total tonnage treated (Gem and Monowai) being nearly 12s. lid. Both ores contain a certain amount of soluble acid salts which act injudiciously on the reagent, and I would recommend a systematic use of lime on the same lines as I have already tried at Waiomo. In this way the cost per ton for cyanide should be considerably reduced. "Approximate. —Gem : Total value in quantity treated—gold, £238 Os. 9d.; silver, £40 13s. : total, £278 13s. 9d. Left in tailings—gold, £40; silver, £18: total, £58. Left in plant, less leakage— gold, £61; silver, £2 : total, £63. Actually saved—gold, £138 ; silver, £20 : total, £158. " Monowai: Total value in quantity treated—gold, £571 Bs.; silver, £103 10s. : total, £674 18s. Left in tailings—gold, £155 165.; silver, £93 : total, £248 16s. Left in plant—gold, £181 12s. ; silver, £410s. : total, £186 2s. Actually recovered—gold, £235; silver, £6: total, £241, or 35 per cent, of the value." Although the Monowai ore was not treated successfully by the cyanide, it was not due to its being of low grade, as it gave an assay-value of £3 7s. 10d. per ton prior to its treatment with a cyanide solution ; but only about one-third of this value was recovered. This shows that this class of ore is not suitable for treatment by the cyanide process, and that it is an ore which should be subjected to concentration. The concentrates required to be roasted, the gold could then be recovered by chlorination, and the silver extracted afterwards by leaching. Where such large bodies of valuable ore exists as at the Monowai a large concentrating plant should be procured, and the ore treated in such a manner that a fair percentage of its assay-value can be extracted. Tararu. This includes Norfolk, City of Dunedin, Day-Dawn, Scandinavian, Chicago, Highland Chief, &c, Mines, where twenty-one men have been working on wages and three men as tributers in this locality'during'the year. The wages-men obtained 373 tons of stone, which yielded 3420z. 2dwt. of gold, and the tributers 73 tons of stone, which yielded 16oz. 19dwt. of gold. In addition to this, 100 tons of tailings was treated, yielding, by amalgamation, 16oz. 4dwt., and, by cyanide process, lOoz. of gold. The workings of the mines in this locality having already been individually referred to in the report of the Inspector of Mines, there is no need for further comment. The total crushings amounted to 446 tons, the total yield being 3590z. ldwt. of gold, whereas in the previous year only seventeen men were employed, the crushings being 378 tons of stone, which yielded 2910z. 12dwt., thus showing an increase in this section of the field for last year of 670z. 9dwt. of gold. Kuranui. A considerable amount of work was done in this locality last year, sixty-five men being employed, thirty of whom were working on tribute, resulting in 776 tons of stone and 450 tons of mullock being obtained by wages men, the yield for the same amounting to 9940z. 7dwt. of gold. The tributers obtained 4,109 tons of stone, which yielded 1,2810z. 17dwt. of gold, making a total of 4,885 tons of quartz, and 450 tons of mullock treated, for a yield of 2,2760z. 4dwt. of gold, whereas, for the former year, there were sixty-two men employed, and 8,400 tons of quartz crushed and 3,450 tons of mullock treated, which yielded 4,2020z. 9d.wt. of gold, thus showing a decrease in the yield of gold last year of 1,9260z. sdwt. The principal mines in this locality are Hansen's, Comer's, and Hazelbank. The first two mines are worked entirely on tribute, and the workings are confined to small stringers left in the walls of the old stopes, and also from other leaders running through the country-rock. Hazelbank. —The principal workings in this locality are confined to the Hazelbank Mine, where thirty-four men are employed, five of whom are tributers. During the year 2,665 tons of stone have been crushed, which yielded l,ooooz. 13dwt. gold. Steps have recently been taken to re-form this company with a larger capital. Moanataiari. In this locality is included the following mines: Junction, Alfred, Freedom, New Moanataiari, Orlando, Calliope, New Alburnia, Caliban, New Whau, &c. Altogether a hundred and fifty men have been employed in the mines, sixty-five of whom were working on tribute. The wages-men obtained 4,693 tons of stone and 10,588 tons of mullock, which yielded 3,7390z. 19dwt. of gold, the tributers getting 4,786 tons of stone, which yielded 1,8200z. odwt. of gold, making a total of 9,479 tons of quartz crushed during the year, and 10,588 "tons of mullock treated, the total yield being 5,5600z. 4dwt. of gold; whereas for the previous year there were two hundred men employed, 13,222 tons of quartz crushed, and 11,520 tons of mullock treated, which yielded 12,6240z. 19dwt. of gold, thus showing a decrease in the yield of gold last year of 7,0640z. 15dwt. Moanataiari. —This may be said to be the largest mine in the Thames District, there being ninety-eight men employed, forty-six of whom are working on tribute. During the year there was 3,407 tons of quartz crushed for the company, and 10,038 tons of mullock treated, which yielded 2,7380z. 9dwt. of gold; and for the tributers 2,775 tons of quartz were crushed, which yielded 1,1520z. Bdwt. of gold, making the total return from this mine 6,185 tons of quartz and 1,038 tons of mullock operated on for a yield of 3,8900z. 7dwt. of gold, thus showing that, if the total number of tons of material crushed be taken, the returns would give an average of 4dwt. 19gr. per ton. The principal workings during the year have been carried on from Jones's, Dawn of Hope, and the Golden Age foot-wall branch leaders. The latter comprises stringers of quartz from an inch to 10in. in thickness, the whole reef-formation being 6ft. wide between the walls.

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This company practically holds the outlet to the whole of the back country, owing to their having an adit-level running back into the range for about 3,100 ft. in length. For several years a considerable amount of money has been expended in prospecting the ground, but it is to be regretted that, up to the present, the company has not met with financial success. In former years a rich patch of gold was obtained underneath the floor of this level, which is known as the Point Russell adit. After going down for some distance the lodes get broken up, and are found to be unpayable. There is, however, still a great probability that, if a modern pumping plant was erected on the field with the object of testing the deep levels, auriferous lodes would be found below the depth at which this mine has hitherto been worked. Although the mine has not proved a success, it cannot be ascribed to any faults of management, as the manager, Mr. Clark, is one of the most energetic men in the Thames district, and is to be congratulated on the manner in which he conducts the workings of the mine, although the revenue derived from the gold is scarcely sufficient to meet the expenditure. It is to be hoped, however, that better times are in store for this company. New Alburnia. —This is the only other principal mine in the Moanataiari section. During last year twenty-two men were employed, six of whom were tributers. The latter obtained 1,441 tons of stone, which yielded 3280z. sdwt. of gold, whilst sixteen wages-men obtained only 1,100 tons of stone, which yielded 6570z. of gold. During last year, however, this company incurred considerable expenditure in sinking a shaft and opening out a level, also extending an aerial tramway in order to get their quartz taken to the crushing-battery in Tararu Creek. This has been one of the dividend-paying mines of the Thames, and, from what is known of the present working, it is likely to continue so in future. The mine is at a high elevation, and was formerly worked from adit-levels, but these became so long that it was considered more advantageous to sink a shaft and carry on operations from it. Formerly it cost a considerable amount for the transit of the quartz from the mine to the Saxon crushing-battery at Grahamstown; but the company purchased the Dixon's battery at Tararu Creek, and now sends down the ore from the mine by an aerial tramway. A shaft has been sunk on the top of the hill, from which the quartz is now hauled, and thence emptied into the hoppers to be sent down by the tramway to the battery. The last annual balance-sheet shows the company to be in a very prosperous condition. In addition to paying £4,966 10s. in dividends, the sum of £1,431 2s. lid. was expended in the purchase of plant. The liabilities of the company, after paying this money, were £365 18s. Id., but to meet this there was a sum of £250 in the bank. The former cost of crushing, when the quartz was taken to Grahamstown, was Bs. 6d. per ton, but the cost of crushing is now reduced to about 3s. per ton. The balance-sheet for the last year shows the receipts and expenditure to have been as follows :— Receipts. £. s. d. | Expenditure. & s. d. 900 loads of quartz and 5701b. specimen Mme — stone = 3,8660z. Bdwt. gold .. .. 9,735 3 8 Wages .. .. .. .. 2,019 12 0 Tributes ~ .. .. .. 189 3 3 Requisites .. .. .. .. 293 16 11 Tailings sold, 176 loads .. .. .. 189 9 3 Formation .. .. .. .. 231 17 7 Crushing and tramming .. .. 17 13 2 | Tramming and carting .. .. 156 18 3 Battery— Saxon battery-pipe .. .. .. 153 2 11 Requisites .. .. .. .. 185 7 5 Crushings .. .. .. .. 199 8 0 Company's battery wages .. .. 135 4 4 Requisites .. .. .. .. 24 18 2 OfficeSalaries .. .. .. .. 104 0 0 Pees and travelling-expenses .. .. 100 4 0 Stationery and advertising .. .. 37 3 7 Serving and legal expenses .. .. 21 15 0 Miscellaneous accounts .. .. 8 10 Plant Purchase of Dixon's battery .. .. 1,224 16 6 Purchase of steam-engine .. .. 184 14 6 Foundry works .. .. .. 21 11 11 Insurance .. .. .. .. 5 2 0 Dividends .. .. .. .. 4,966 6 0 £10,131 9 4 £10,074 0 1 The crushing-battery purchased froui Dixon's Company consists of twenty heads of stamps, seven berdans,and two Watson-Denny pans. Included in the purchase was an aeriel tramway connecting the mine with the battery. During the year ending 31st March last the returns were not so good as for the previous year. There was 1,100 tons of quartz obtained on behalf of the company for a yield of 6570z. of gold, and the tributers obtained 1,441 tons of stone, which yielded gold to the extent of 3280z. sdwt., making the total return of gold 1,1870z. ldwt., as compared with 5,9910z. 15dwt. for the previous year. This falling off in the returns has led to the reduction of the number of men employed. Last year only twenty-two men, including six tributers, were employed, whilst during the previous year thirty-three men were employed. Grahamstown. In this section of the workings is included the Victoria Claim, &c. During the year forty-one men were employed, eleven of whom were tributers. The latter obtained 568 tons of quartz, which yielded 7090z. 19dwt. of gold, whilst the wages-men obtained 45 tons of quartz and 350 tons of

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mullock, which yielded 1970z. 9dwt. of gold. In addition to this there was 10,455 tons of tailings, which, by amalgamation, yielded 1,9180z. 9dwt, of gold. Comparing the quantity of gold obtained last year with that of the previous year, it shows a decrease in last year's yield of 20oz. 122dwt. Waiotahi. This section includes the Waiotahi, Cambria, Fame and Fortune, West Coast, New Fearnought, Welcome, Little Lizzie, Golden Age, Digger's Friend, Hermit's Claim, Young Colonial, Little Martha Mines, &c. There were a hundred and seven men employed during last year, fifteen of whom were working on tribute, the latter obtaining 989-J- tons of quartz, which yielded 3890z. 14dwt. of gold, whilst the wages men-got 4,168 tons of quartz and 300 tons of mullock, which yielded 4,1970z. ldwt. of gold. Taking the total quantity of material treated, and the total quantity of gold obtained, it shows the yield to have been nearly 17dwt. of gold per ton. Waiotahi. —This has been for years a steady dividend-paying mine, the returns showing but little difference year after year. Last year 3,433 tons of stone was crushed for a yield of 2,8280z. 12dwt. of gold, whereas for the previous year 2,207 tons of quartz was crushed for a yield of 2,7180z. lldwt. of gold. It may be remarked that this is one of the mines in which there is very little traffic in shares, consequently the mine is worked entirely on a commercial basis, the shareholders depending for profit solely on dividends ; and, as a result, the directors never interfere in any way with the manager of the mine, so that when a rich patch of ore is found the latter takes care not to put on a number of men immediately the patch is discovered, and by so doing working out the rich ore too quickly, but, instead, keep men engaged in prospecting operations and dead-work in order to open out other bodies of ore. The mine, by these means, pays the shareholders good interest for the investment of their money, although the dividends never amount to a large sum per annum. The result, however, of this judicious management is that the whole of the ground in the. claim is thoroughly prospected as mining proceeds. Cambria. —This mine adjoins the Waiotahi, and is situated in a similar class of country, the largest quantity of gold being obtained from small stringers or leaders of quartz running through a. tufaceous-sandstone rock. The principal lodes which have been found payable for working have been pretty Well stoped out. Quoting from the company's balance-sheet for the year ending December last, the receipts and expenditure were as follows : — Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Gold from 424 loads of quartz = 781oz. Wages paid at mine .. .. .. 1,499 6 2 7dwt. .. .. .. .. 2,050 8 9 General charges, including mine requisites 809 17 8 Public crushing at battery ... .. 1,463 16 6 Battery charges .. .. .. 1,834 6 8 £3,514 5 3 i £4,143 10 3 During the year ending 31st March last 490 tons of stone was crushed, which yielded 788oz. 6dwt., whilst twenty-one wages-men were employed. Fame and Fortune. —This is the only other mine in the Waiotahi section where a large amount of work has been done during the year. Twenty wages-men and six tributers have been employed in the mine. The total stone crushed was 570 tons, which yielded 2390z. 3dwt. of gold, and, for the tributers, 67-J- tons of stone, yielding 109oz. 2dwt. of gold. Comparing the amount of stone crushed and the yield of gold with the returns for the previous year, it shows an increase for last year of 1,123 tons of quartz crushed, but a decrease in the yield of gold of 3290z. lOdwt. A great deal of prospecting work has been done in this mine, and much credit is due to Mr. Kersey Cooper, who, several years ago, took up this ground after it had for a considerable period been abandoned as valueless. After doing a considerable amount of work in the mine there were evidences that there was still a large quantity of gold-bearing stone left, and during the first two years in which Mr. Cooper worked the mine a good profit was derived from it, but latterly the company now working it have not met with the success they deserve. Waiokaraka. This section includes the May Queen, St. Hippo, Lucky Slip, Taylor's, &c, Mines, in which thirty wages-men and thirty-four tributers have been employed during the past year, the wagesmen obtaining 1,877 tons of quartz, which yielded 2,5800z. 16dwt. gold, and the tributers 1,203 tons for a yield of 1,8090z. 6dwt. gold making a total of 3,080 tons crushed for 4,3900z. 2dwt. gold, as against 3,984 tons of quartz crushed for the previous year, which yielded 4,9160z 14dwt. May Queen Company. —This is now an important mining company on the Thames Goldfield, inasmuch as it has to bear fully two-fifths of the cost of working of the Big Pump. It is working at a deeper level than any other company, and consequently is compelled to pay more for drainage. During last year the tunnel from the No. 6 level at the Saxon shaft to the May Queen shaft has been completed, the distance being about 40 chains, going through very hard ground, which, in the opinion of some of the mining men, could have been avoided and. the level constructed at considerably less cost. This, however, is a question which concerns only the shareholders of the company. This new level gives 102 ft. of backs in the May Queen ground, and the workings will be carried on from the May Queen shaft. According to the annual balance-sheet for the year ending 23rd February last, the receipts and expenditure in connection with the working of the mine were as follow :— Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Calls .. .. .. J .. .. 1,951 14 0 Wages paid at mine .. .. .. 5,694 0 2 Gold from 1,629 loads of quartz = 2,6110z. General charges, including mine requisites.. 3,770 611 lldwt. .. .. .. .. 7,669 17 10 Battery charges, &c. .. .. .. 642 16 5 Tailings sold .. .. .. 2 17 0 Public crushings .. ' ' .. ... 338 18 0 £9,963 6 10 £10,107 ' 3 6 B—C. 3. e===s

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Deducting from the receipts the amount paid in calls, it leaves the produce of the mine at £8,011125. lOd., thus showing a direct loss on the working for the year of £2,095 10s. Bd. ; but it must be borne in mind that until the new level was completed the workings could not be advantageously carried on. Taking the year ending 31st March last, there was 1,586 tons of quartz crushed, which yielded 2,2990z. 16dwt. of gold. This was obtained by wages-men, whilst the tributers obtained 1,128 tons of quartz, which yielded 1,7100z. gold. The only other mine in the locality of the Waiokaraka where much work has been done, is the St. Hippo, where twenty-three wages-men and four tributers have been employed, the former obtaining 157 tons of quartz, which yielded 1720z. 9dwt. of gold, and for the tributers 75 tons of quartz was crushed, yielding 990z. 6dwt. of gold. Ear aha. There have been twenty-two wages-men and eighteen tributers employed in this locality during the past year, with the result that 349 tons of quartz was obtained by wages-men, which yielded 5380z. 9dwt. of gold, whilst the tributers obtained 276J tons of quartz, yielding 5570z. 3dwt. of gold. This makes a total of 625| tons of stone crushed during the last year for a yield of 1,0950z. 12dwt., as compared with 3,984 tons for the previous year for a yield of 4,9160z. 14dwt., of gold. There is no mine in this locality in which more than ten men are employed. Una Hill and Te Papa. This section includes the Occidental, Pride of Karaka, Magnolia, Homeward Bound, North Star, Just in Time, &c, in which there were during last year nine wages-men and twenty-six tributers employed. There was 251 tons of stone crushed for the owners, which yielded 2820z. Bdwt. of gold, and for the tributers 518 tons of quartz was crushed, yielding 7120z. 19dwt. of gold, making a total of 769 tons of stone crushed, yielding 9950z. 7dwt. of gold; whereas for the previous year there were forty-one men employed in this locality, 1,006 tons of stone crushed, which yielded J,2930z. 3dwt. of gold, thus showing a decrease for last year of five men employed, 235 tons of stone operated on, and a deficiency in the yield of gold of 2970z. 16dwt. Hape Greek. Included in this section are the Consols, Waymouth, New Home Mines, &c, in which eight wages-men and six tributers are employed, who obtained 478-|- tons of stone and 250 tons of mullock, which yielded 2130z. lOdwt. of gold ; whereas for the previous year the same number of men were employed, 338 tons of stone was crushed, and the yield was 2740z. 3dwt. of gold, thus showing a decrease for last year of 60oz. 13dwt. of gold. Puriri. Although this field has been open for many years there has never been a large amount of work done, nor any great discoveries yet made. During last year six men were employed in the mine, and 3J tons of stone was crushed, the latter giving a return of 1330z. 7dwt. of gold. The whole of this may be termed an increase on previous year, as there were little or no mining operations carried on for that period. Tairua. Very little quartz-mining has ever been carried on in this locality, although gold has been found in the reefs for many years, and Mr. McLiver has had a small battery and claim here for a long time. The returns, however, are not great. The last year's operations resulted in three men being employed, and 6 tons of quartz being crushed for a return of 30oz. gold. Ohui. A licensed holding of 30 acres is taken-up in this locality, and during the last year two men were employed. Two tons of quartz was crushed, which yielded 240z. 13dwt. of gold by amalgamation and 21oz. 2dwt. by the cyanide process. Big Pump, Thames. This may be termed the mainstay of the Thames Goldfield, but the expense of working it is very considerable, and this has to be borne by only a few mine-owners now, in comparison to what there were when pumping operations were first commenced. Owing to the workings in the May Queen, the water has been kept down to the 500 ft.-level in the drainage shaft. The following statement will show the cost of working the pump:— Beceipts. £ s . d. Expenditure. £ B . d. May Queen Company .. ' .. .. 1,801 0 0 Coal .. .. .. .. .. 1,799 610 Waiotahi Company .. .. .. 564 711 Wages .. .. .. .. 1,132 19 0 Moanataiari Company .. .. .. 310 2 0 Foundry work, &c. .. .. .. 333 2 1 Hazelbank Company .. .. .. 305 19 0 Cartage .. .. .. .. 216 19 2 Victoria Company .. .. .. 309 12 9 Water-supply, timber, and gas .. .. 123 12 10 Cambria .. .. .. .. 267 15 0 Board's fees and travelling-expenses .. 193 4 0 St. Hippo .. .. .. .. 54 3 3 Salaries, insurance, &0... .. .. 134 19 11 Kuranui No. 2 .. .. .. .. 62 1 0 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. 42 2 11 Kuranui No. 3.. .. .. .. 46 0 10 Thames County Counoil .. .. 220 0 0 Thames Borough .. .. .. 215 0 0 Coal supplied to companies .. .. 174 3 10 £4,330 5 7 £3,976 6 9 This shows there is a balance to the good of £353 18s. 10d., which, together with the money the Board previously had in hand, leaves about £850 12s. 10d. to credit of the present year's

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account. This pump has in the past been the mainstay of the Thames, but for the future development of the field it is of very little service. A more modern pumping plant will have to be procured if the ground is to be prospected and worked at a greater depth. In concluding my remarks on this important quartz-mining district, it may be stated that, although it is in a greatly depressed state at the present time, there is every probability of rich stone being again discovered at the deeper levels, and the mine-owners ought not to stand in the way of allowing the ground below a certain level to be worked by others who are prepared to find the capital to do so, seeing that they are not in a position to work it themselves. There was not only a falling-off in the yield of gold last year, but there were sixty-two miners less employed on the field than there were for the previous year. It is gratifying, however, to find that at the present time there are many inquiries for mining properties, and that English capitalists show inclination to invest their money in mining ventures in New Zealand. This is what is required to assist in developing our mineral wealth. People investing their capital in mining ventures are naturally desirous of holding such a title to the ground as affords them good security, so that in the event of expending large amounts in opening out claims and erection of machinery they will be sufficiently protected. In places where extensive mining operations have to be undertaken, involving considerable expenditure of capital, large areas of ground are required in one holding. While strongly deprecating the granting of large areas of ground to persons to hold for speculative purposes, it is indispensable to grant these areas to those who will work the ground in a bond fide manner. The mere cry of monopoly in cases of this kind is a misnomer. The ground is of no use to the individual miner. He has not the necessary capital to open it up, and therefore it is perfectly valueless to a man depending on his own individual labour. Capital and labour must go hand in hand. Quartz-mining to be carried on systematically not only requires capital, but it also opens up employment for men depending on wages. Labour is quite as essential as capital, for without that, the capital invested in mining ventures becomes valueless and would be entirely lost. Some of the miners have viewed with alarm the large areas recently applied for, and they complain that the labour covenants have not been complied with in the mines in the Hauraki district, and further state that the granting of large areas of ground in special claims is detrimental to the best interests of the goldfield. This appears to be taking a selfish view of the question. The ground recently applied for has been lying waste for many years, without prospect of it ever being taken up in individual claims. The capital required to work it is beyond the means of the working miner. Then why prevent it being taken up, and capital expended, so as to afford employment to the working miner, and thereby assist in absorbing the surplus labour in the colony. Every encouragement should be given for the introduction of foreign capital, but not to men who merely take up ground with the purpose of holding it until some one comes along to offer them a profit on what had been expended in rent, preliminary expenses, &c. These are the class of men that are detrimental to the interest of the goldfields. They wish to hold the ground, but have no intention of spending money to prospect and open it up ; and in many instances they have little or no means, but hold it with the view of levying blackmail on the person or company who wants to hold it for bond, fide mining purposes. With respect to the complaints made by the Thames miners in reference to the labour covenants in the present holdings being violated, and the granting of large areas being detrimental to the best interests of the goldfields, Mr. George Wilson, the Inspector of Mines at the Thames, sensibly remarks on this subject, when he states "that he does not agree with the opinion expressed with respect to the granting of large areas of ground in special claims. Experience in the Hauraki district shows that in the past, instead of being detrimental, the granting of large areas has had the effect of causing capital to be expended and a large amount being paid in wages to the miners which otherwise could not have been done. The Sylvia, Fame and Fortune, and Crawford's special claim at the Thames, the Coromandel (now the Hauraki) and the Kapanga at Coromandel, the Waihi Gold-mining Company and Silverton Company at Waihi, the Crown and Woodstock Companies at Karangahape, and the Jubilee Special Claim at Waitekauri, were all granted with a view to induce legitimate investment in mining enterprises. The expenditure in most cases has been attended with most successful results, and has been the means of bringing about a condition in mining matters which has attracted the attention of those connected with mining in London and Glasgow, and brought the value of New Zealand mines into prominence as an outlet for the investment of capital. If large areas had not been granted, and the administration not been such as to give encouragement to bond fide mining enterprises by judicious concessions, the same confidence as now exists would not have been placed in making investments in mining. At the present time, persons with command of capital are seeking to occupy extended areas in old ground, or in ground formerly partially worked by parties with limited capital who had been in a measure unsuccessful for lack of funds. The best interest of the miner and the goldfields would be maintained if extensive operations in working deep levels, driving adits, and in the erection of suitable machinery for pumping water, and for the treatment of low-grade ores hitherto worked at a loss were introduced by wealthy companies." The policy hitherto pursued by the Warden is to deal with every special claim on its merits. The granting permission to work these claims for a time with fewer men than the regulations provide, and also granting short periods of protection when good reasons are shown, has in the past worked most satisfactorily. After a mining title is granted, in order that the labour conditions may be complied with, Mr. Wilson states that he sends a notice requiring either the full number of men to be employed or that permission be granted by the Warden to have a fewer number, or he will take steps to have the ground forfeited. The result is that, if the full complement is not employed as required by the regulations, concessions are asked for. When cases of this description come before the Warden each one is duly considered, and if the land is situate on known lines of reefs, and expensive adits or shafts are required, protection is granted in order to give time for the necessary capital to be

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subscribed to work the ground. In cases where the land has not been previously prospected, permission is given to hold the claim by the employment of such a number of men as the locality and nature of the ground may require. The demand to become possessed of large areas in mining claims has now become patent, and only in claims of large areas can foreign capitalists be induced to invest. It is therefore of more advantage to grant what they require, and secure at least the employment of labour on the land, than to let it remain idle and unoccupied in the hope that at some future time parties with limited means may prospect the ground. Throughout the goldfield, land may remain unoccupied for years, and be scarcely touched by the prospector, and no value is attached to it; but as soon as an area is taken up with a view to work being systematically carried on, the land obtains a value, and is coveted by those who desire to get possession and sell or dispose of it to parties similar to those dispossessed. The cry that the land is locked up, is raised chiefly by those who hope to benefit themselves individually by obtaining possession with a view not of doing any work on the ground, but of disposing of it to capitalists. The development of the mines and search for fresh discoveries has been languishing through want of means, and now that outside attention is directed to the field, money can be obtained for working both old and new ground, and for the erection of machinery, thus furnishing employment not only to the miners residing in the district, but also to those from other places who may be out of work. It is therefore desirable that the mining industry be, as it were, nursed, and security of tenure given to those who seek investment in that industry. By continuing a reasonable and judicious course of enforcing the law, the best interest not only of the Hauraki district, but of the whole colony and, last but not least, of the miners themselves, will be studied, and prosperity will ensue, while employment will be provided for all. With respect to the labour conditions being violated, the following list will show those who are under the impression that the licensed holdings and special claims are not properly worked, that there is very little to complain of.

List of Licensed Holdings and Special Claims in Thames District, with Number of Men employed during May, 1895.

Even if the labour conditions are not complied with to the letter of the law, it would be an extreme hardship to arbitrarily sompel any claim to be fully manned when the shareholders have spent large sums of money in trying to open up fresh ground, and have not the available funds at command to pay sufficient money in calls to keep up the labour covenants. In the state of depression the Thames is now passing through it would not be in the interest of the working miner if these covenants were too strictly enforced. Many claims would be abandoned, and men would be thrown out of employment without possessing the means of entering into mining enterprises requiring a large amount of capital. It may be said that there are very few people on the goldfields, and even in the colony, who are not depending on their labour in some form or other. There is no gainsaying the fact that every one wishes to see foreign capital introduced into the colony to assist in the development of its resources, and it will be for the benefit of all to work hand in hand with those who may invest their capital in mining enterprises, in order that they may get a fair percentage for their outlay, and that the workmen may be fairly remunerated for their labour.

Name of Owner. Area. Nature of Holdings. § . u z Remarks. City of Dunedin Gold-mining Company B. Whitley and party (Scandanavian).. P. C. Hansen and Company (Kuranui) Robert Comer (Kuranui) Hazelbank Gold-mining Company Moanataiari Gold-mining Company .. John Fogarty and party (Alfred) A. R. P. 26 2 0 5 2 30 12 3 6 14 3 10 13 1 37 16 1 23 94 3 26 11 3 39 Licensed holding 4 5 10 15 14 98 2 Permission granted. Protected. Steam crushing machinery on ground. Protection expired in January; plaint for forfeiture entered by William Simpson not dealt with. J. Thornton and others (Freedom) Orlando Gold-mining Company H. J. Greenslade (New Whau) New Alburnia Gold-mining Company.. E. Macloy (Coliban) Victoria Gold-mining Company Waiotahi Gold-mining Company Cambria Gold-mining Company Fame and Fortune Syndicate John North ey (West Coast) .. W. Henry George (Welcome) Golden Age Gold - mining Company (Pinafore) John Farrell (Digger's Friend) May Queen Gold-mining Company George W. Bull and others (Adelaide) George Bryant (Claremont) Lone Hand Gold-mining Company Occidental Gold-mining Company J. G. Vivian (Pride of Karaka) H. Rabe (Silver King) North Star Gold-mining Company Robert Worth (Hit or Miss) Norfolk Gold-mining Company 6 0 0 15 0 0 3 2 8 15 1 0 7 0 27 41 3 10 22 3 20 15 2 17 57 2 22 6 10 9 3 28 2 3 24 Special claim .. Licensed holding w 3 4 3 26 21 34 21 26 2 2 3 Permission granted. Protected. Proceedings in forfeiture. 12 3 13 73 1 18 ■ 12 0 30 10 0 27 3 35 21 0 9 19 3 33 5 0 0 30 0 0 30 0 0 37 17 0 Special claim .. Licensed holding 2 57 7 1 12 10 6 5 10 4 6 Proceedings in forfeiture to be issued. Permission granted. Protected. « u

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The following statement shows the areas of ground held in mining claims in the Thames district, with the number of wages-men, owners, and tributers, also the quantity of quartz crushed and tailings treated, with the yield of gold therefrom, for the year ending the 31st March, 1895:—

Average Number of Men employed. For Owners. For Tributers. Tailings. Locality ana Name of Mine. Area. II CO > O 09 hi CD Quartz crushed. o . Gold obtained. o l> o ce 3O Amalga- . Cyag mation. 1 uide. Quartz crushed. ■ Gold obtained by Amalgamation. 55 Gold obtained. Amalga- s« mation. Thames County. Mata— Kelly's Sluicing Claim A. B. P. Tons. cwt. lb. Tons. Oz. dwt. Oz. Tons cwt. lb. Oz. dwt. Tons. Oz. dwt. Oz. 10 0 0 18 15 3 Tapu— Sheridan's Fluke Young Colonial Prospecting Sundries 20 3 4 20 2 16 16 0 0 47 1 20 2 6 "{ 78 0 0 0 5 15 0 0 11 5 0 0 43 13 5-13 10 15 25 0 7 15 83 5 26 85 1 Waiomo — Monowai Golden Gem Broken Hill Sundries .... 37 3 39 20 0 0 28 0 15 18 2 1 2 4 5 0 37 110 0 10 0 '4 10 3 0 4 86 0 14 23 6 15 0 7 10 41 Puru —Eimu 10 0 0 3 12 Tararu— Norfolk City of Dunedin Day Dawn Scandinavian. Chicago Highland Chief Sundries 30 0 0 26 2 0 5 0 0 12 3 6 5 0 0 10 0 S 0 0 6 "3 5 1 Q q 73 0 0 64 0 0 175 0 0 59 0 0 2 0 0 70 13 47 8 128 5 23 13 19 18 52 5 73~ 0 0 16 19 100 16 4 10 85 1 6 21 g 373 0 0 342 2 73 0 0 16 19 100 16 4 Shellback —Sundries .. 10 10 0 0 o 126 0 0 85 17 Kuranui — Hansen's Comer's Hazelbank Sundries 14 3 10 13 1 37 16 1 23 29 6 10 15 J? 721 0 0 55 0 0 789 7 205 0 1,615 0 0 550 0 0 1,944 0 0 372 15 697 16 211 6 450 44 2 30 35 30 776 0 0 450 994 7 4,109 0 o! !l,281 17 Moanataiari — Moanataiari . Junction Alfred Freedom Orlando Calliope New Whau New Alburnia Caliban Fisher's Sundries 94 3 26 15 0 0 10 0 5 6 1 10 15 0 0 10 3 0 3 2 8 15 1 0 7 0 27 5 0 0 20 0 0 52 4 1 46 1 o 3 6 3,407 0 0 22 0 0 36 0 27 10,038 ! I 2,738 9 5 3 42 1 2,775 0 0 60 10 0 22 10 0 93 0 38 270 10 0 71 0 0 52 10 0 1,441 0 0 1,152 8 18 9 17 19 84 9 100 13 51 2 67 0 328 5 16 2 2 6 1,100 0 0 12 0 0 31 9 11 85 0 0 657 0 5 18 86 0 205 8 550 202 3 36 83 Grahamstown — Victoria Peel, Old Copper, &o. Sundries 68 4,693 9 38 10,588 3,739 19 4,786 0 38 1,820 5 34 1 30 10 11 45 0 0 0 2 72 55 8 52 1 90 0 568 0 709 19 '20 350 10[455 1,918 9 34 1 30 30 11 45 2 72 350 197 9 568 0 0 709 19 10,455 1,918 9 Waiotahi— Waiotahi Cambria Fame and Fortune.. West Coast New Fearnought Welcome Little Maggie Waiotahi — carried forward 23 0 10 15 2 17 55 0 11 6 10 11 1 13 9 3 28 3 0 0 32 21 20 2 2 1 1 Q 6 2,611 0 0 490 0 0 570 0 0 54 0 0 53 0 0 2,673 19 788 6 239 3 77 9 69 17 822 0 0 67 10 0 144 13 109 2 1 2 0 0 2 5 90 0 3 47 13 124 0 39 79 3,868 0 3 3,896 7 891 10 256 0

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Statement of Gold Return, Thames District — continued.

Note.—The areas shown do not include the whole of the land occupied, but only that from which the returns are derived.

Average Number of Men employed. For Owners. For Tributers. 'ailingi. Locality and Nam» ol Mine. Area. is 1 Quartz crushed. o . Gold obtained. I 9 Sj Amalga- CyaI £ mation. nide. Quartz ciushed. Gold obtained by Amalgamation. r<6 11 O"S Gold, obtained. Amalga- g,g mation. p 3 Vaiotahi — brought forward Golden Age Luvinu Digger's Friend Harme's Claim Acme Young Colonial Little Martha Sundries .. Tons. cwt. lb. 3,868 0 3 Tons. O«. dwt. 3,896 7 Oz.dt. Tons. cwt. lb. 891 10 0 27 0 11 Oz. dwt. 256 0 59 19 Tons. Oz. dwt. Oz. A. B. P. 124 0 39 2 3 34 3 0 0 79 1 2 3 57 0 0 11 0 0 23 0 32 56 2 17 13 87 7 6 0 0 19 3 10 3 0 0 10 0 10 0 0 "l 3 125 0 0 34 0 0 50 0 0 33 2 6 10 100 0 710 0 73 15 6 300 170 0 3 92 4,197 1 989 10 11 389 14 Vaiokaraka and Collarbone — May Queen St. Hippo Lucky Slip Taylor Sundries .. 15 4,168 0 35 300 73 1 18 5 1 23 2 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 23 4 32 2 1,586 0 0 157 0 0 4 0 0 60 0 0 70 0 0 2,299 li 172 ■ 9 1 14 1 85 1 1,128 0 75 0 0 8 1,710 0 99 6 "3 90 3 1 34 1,877 0 0 2,580 16 1,203 0 8 1,809 6 Laraka — Adelaide Claremont Lone Hand Onehunga.. Karaka Little Willie Victory Sundries .. 12 0 30 10 0 27 3 35 5 0 0 7 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 15 0 0 1 4 4 1 7 io 1 0 "l 0 36 10 18 224 0 0 0 0 20 8 0 11 80 0 0 69 9 184 10 113 3 24 18 12 6 134 3 102 0 0 0 0 30 155 10 84 19 0 0 106 10 23 11 387 8 3*9 14 'h Jna Hill and Te Papa— Occidental Pride of Karaka Magnolia Homeward Bound .. North Star Just in Time Sundries 73 0 25 22 18 348 11 49 538 9 276 11 2 557 3 21 0 9 19 3 33 5 0 0 3 0 22 30 0 0! 3 0 0 6 0 0 "l 3 6 4 75 0 0 72 0 0 40 11 142 2 80 1 92 162 0 0 35 0 0 24l"o 0 174 10 176 3 20 0 342 6 10 44 - 0 0 60 0 80 14 8 85 7 "l 4 88 0 24 2G 251 0 80 282 8 518 1 92 712 19 [ape Creek — Consols Waymouth Pogarty Near Home Hermit Souvenir Sundries .. 20 0 0 3 0 0 10 0 2 0 0 5 0 0 3 0 0 2 1 1 1 23 0 44 0 0 0 26 11 21 15 383 10 7 109 11 "l '250 50 0 28* 0 0 5 13 "2 • • 34 0 0 67 0 0 250 98 6 411 10 7 115 4 itanui—Alpine 30 0 0 200 0 0 30 0 'uriri— Hit or Miss Burdett Sundries .. 30 0 0 3 ] 2 3 10 0 0 0 53 0 0 10 114 0 18 10 0 17 30 0 0 3 10 63 113 7 'airua — Bonnie Scotland Sundries .. 5 0 0 5 0 0 1 2 6 0 0 5 0 25 0 10 0 0 6 0 30 0 )hui —Maori Dream .. 2 0 0 24 13 21 2 30 0 0 Totals 12,934 13 46 10,555 1,934 13 10 1,076 3 29 386 21 13,036 15 27 11,938 13,389 12 62 2 7,413 6

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Ohinbmuei Distbict. This promises to be one of the richest mining districts in the colony. For several years after the Counties Act came in force, this district was included in the Thames County, but at that time the revenue from it was so little that it was considered a drag on the Thames County to keep up the maintenance of the main road between Paeroa and the boundary of the Tauranga County. Mines had been opened at Karangahake for many years, and all the mining operations on that field for a long time proved a failure. At Waihi the Martha Eeef was worked by the Martha Company, the working of the mine barely paying expenses. The mine at Waitekauri was considered worked out; and all the mining ventures in the Ohinemuri had a gloomy aspect. Such being the case, the district was totally neglected in the matter of roads and tracks. Some of those interested in the district, seeing that the Thames County would expend no money to open it up, petitioned the Government to make it a county by itself. Since then the district has gradually been opened up, and it now contains some of the best mining properties in the colony. There is still a large area in this district where little or no prospecting has been done. Indeed, there are some parts of it between Waitekauri and the East Coast where very few persons, if any, have ever traversed. There are numerous outcrops of quartz lodes on the east side of the range where gold has been found, although they have never been properly prospected to see whether they contain payable ore or not. Some years ago rich discoveries of auriferous and argentiferous stone were reported to be found at Whangamata; but at that time the Cassel process was not in use, and by the ordinary battery process the ore did not give sufficient bullion to pay the cost of working the mine, transit, and crushing —the quartz having to be carted for some distance to the seacoast and thence shipped to the Thames —the result being that the mines were abandoned, or, at least, all mining operations were suspended. Between the Whangamata reefs and Waihi there is a large lode cropping out from which it is said gold has been got; but, as there are no roads or tracks into this part of the country, very few care to undergo the hardship of prospecting, having to carry their tents, tools, and provisions on their backs for some miles in a rough broken country heavily timbered, and with dense undergrowth. There is to all appearance a great future in store, as far as mining is concerned, for the Ohinemuri district; but it requires to be opened up by good tracks being formed, to enable provisions to be taken by horses to the places where mining operations are carried on. There are three large and important mining localities in the Ohinemuri district —namely, Karangahake, Waitekauri, and Waihi; and, although mining operations are not carried on to such an extent as at the places mentioned, Owharoa may be placed in the list of localities where mining has in the past, and is likely to be in the future, successfully carried on. During the year ending the 31st March last there were 543 men employed in the mines, only five of whom were working on tribute. This in itself indicates that the ground is sufficiently rich to pay more than the expense of working, as it is generally admitted that the mines are only let on tribute when they cannot be made to pay the expense of working by regular wages-men. There were 31,220 tons of ore crushed, which yielded 16,5710z. 15dwt. of bullion by amalgamation and 76,3590z. 19dwt. by the cyanide process. In addition to this, 19,837 tons of tailings were treated, which yielded 31oz. sdwt. of bullion by amalgamation and 17,6650z. 7dwt. by the cyanide process; making the total of the bullion obtained for the year to be 110,6280z. ldwt., representing a value of £137,699, as against 68,6030z. 3dwt. of bullion, representing a value of £107,000, for the former year, thus showing the increase in the yield for last year to be 42,0240z. 18dwt. In round numbers the increased value of the bullion produced from the mines last year was £30,700. The value of the bullion varies greatly in the different localities, and even on the same field; as, for instance, the bullion from the Crown Mine at Karangahake is worth more per ounce than the bullion from the Woodstock or Talisman Mines; and, again, the bullion from the Union and Eosamond Mines at Waihi is worth more than some of that produced from the Martha Mine, although the lodes are a very small distance apart. Karangahake. Although this field has been opened for over twenty years there has been comparatively little work yet done to develop its mineral resources. In March, 1875, it was proclaimed a goldfield, after which it was almost deserted for many years, until a revival in mining took place in 1882, when a large number of claims and licensed holdings were taken up ; but, unfortunately, there were but few of them that ever proved profitable investments to the holders. Assays of the ore from many parts of the field gave high results, but when it came to be treated by the methods formerly used very little of the assay-value was obtained. It may be said that before the introduction of dry-crushing, and leaching the ore with cyanide solutions a very small percentage of the value of the bullion the ore contained was saved. A reaction in mining has set in, and a large number of claims and mining rights are now taken up on this field; but mine-owners are still making the same mistakes as formerly by erecting small plants at each mine, instead of having one large and efficient plant for several mines for the reduction and treatment of the ores. When the Crown Company erected their plant it was thought that they would make their plant sufficiently large to be a custom plant, and that any other mine-owner would be able to get ore crushed and treated at a reasonable rate; but from the experience gained by the Talisman Company it is not likely that much ore will ever be treated at the Crown Company's plant other than that coming from its own mine. The Talisman Company got 280 tons of ora treated at the Crown plant, which yielded bullion to the value of £8 ss. per ton. The terms on which this ore was treated were said to be as follow: The actual expenses in connection with working the plant to be paid by the Talisman Company, as well as 20 per cent, of the value of the bullion extracted. This brought up the expense of the treatment to something like £3 15s. a ton, including cost of transit. It therefore would require rich ore to pay expenses. The Talisman and Woodstock Companies are now erecting two separate small plants close alongside

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each other, instead of combining together and having the plant under one roof and one management. Each of those companies will now require a battery-manager, and the same number of men as would be needed if their plants were double the size, or if they had combined and put up a larger plant between them. Indeed, the site chosen by the Crown Company is well suited for the construction of a large custom-mill, which could be made to treat the ore from the present claims on the field much more economically than by each separate company erecting a plant of its own. But the charge made for the ore of the Talisman Company was prohibitive, and forced that company to have a plant of its own. Crown Company. —Below the creek-level, where a winze has been sunk some distance, this company's mine is looking better than ever, and good gold-bearing stone found all the way down. Arrangements were being made at the time of my visit to sink a shaft on the north side of the Waitawheta Creek, and to erect pumping and winding machinery. There is a large lode, and, according to the value of the ore as shown in their balance-sheet of the 31st May, 1894, the company has a valuable property, which ought to be made to pay good returns on the capital invested. According to the balance-sheet referred to, the paid-up capital of the company at that date was £77,729, represented by— £ s. d. Purchase of property ... ... ... ...' ... 35,000 0 0 Patent rights to the Cassel Gold-extraction Company, paid in fully-paid-up shares ... ... ... ... ... 15,546 0 0 Expenditure on works and buildings ... ... ... 8,643 9 9 Expenditure on roads, tramways, and water-races ... ... 5,696 8 9 Machinery and plant, less depreciation ... ... ... 8,466 7 1 Expenditure in developing the mine ... ..'. ... 3,039 18 6 Eeconstruction expenses ... ... ... ... 227 10 8 Value of materials on hand ... ... ... ... 4,986 7 0 Cash in hand ... ... ... , ... ... ... 52 810 81,658 10 7 Deducting the paid-up capital ... ... ... 77,729 0 0 £3,929 10 7 The liabilities to sundry creditors, &c, being £4,086 18s., it shows that there was a debit balance at that date of £157 7s. sd. Taking the year ending the 31st May, 1894, the value of the bullion extracted was £24,257,-4s. lid. This is the value of the produce from 5,510 tons of ore, which gives an average of nearly £4 Bs. Id. per ton. There was also 380 tons of ore on hand, which is set down at a value of £570. & s. d. The cost of the mining and stores is set down at ... ... 8,433 9 1 Haulage, reduction, and treatment of ores, maintenance, and repairs ... ... ... ... ... ... 8,147 1 5 Freight and incidental expenses, &c. ... ... ... 572 2 4 Management, &c, in New Zealand ... ... ... ... 1,264 10 4 Management in London, less transfer fees, &c. ... ... 504 18 7 £18,922 1 9 Taking the value of the bullion, which was of 5,8700z. gold and 6,6580z. silver (namely, £24,257 4s. lid.), and the ore on hand, £570, it leaves a credit balance on the year's operations of £5,905 3s. 2d. Of this amount the sum of £1,965 11s. 3d is written off as depreciation of property, &c, leaving a balance of £3,939 11s. lid., out of which a dividend of Is. per share was paid, which amounted to £3,886 9s. It will be seen from this that the cost of mining, reduction, and treatment, including management and all expenses, was equal to £3 Bs. Bd. per ton, while the cost of reduction and treatment of ore alone was equal to about £1 2s. 3d. per ton. For the four months ending the 31st October last, 1,890 tons of ore were treated, which gave bullion to the value of £6.812, being an average value of £3 12s. Id. per ton. This shows a fallingoff from the year's operations ending the 31st May previous. Owing to the capital of the company being exhausted, and funds required to sink a shaft and erect pumping appliances, a scheme for reconstruction was proposed by the directors, and it is believed to have been adopted —namely : That a new company be formed with a nominal capital of £100,000, in 100,000 shares of £1 each, the new company to take over the assets and liabilities of old" company in consideration of an allotment to the liquidators of 77,729 shares of the new company for distribution among the members of the old company—namely, 67,836 shares paid up to 15s. per share to original shareholders, and 9,893 shares fully paid up to the Cassel Company, who hold the same number of shares in the old company. r The Crown Company was the means of introducing into the colony the cyanide process on a large scale for the extraction of gold from its ores. It made an arrangement with the Cassel Company to erect a cyanide plant and treat the ore for, it is said, a certain percentage of profits. A certain quantity of ore had to be produced weekly. The company, however, could not fulfil their part of the agreement, and it finally resulted in the Cassel Company receiving a consideration from the Crown Company, a portion of which consisted of 9,893 fully paid-up shares. The reconstruction of the company by the issue of additional shares made the Gassel Company's interest less; but, in order to meet this, an agreement was entered into whereby, in addition to the 9,893 shares

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the Cassel Company hold, it is to receive one-fifth of any additional capital beyond the first 77,729 shares— i.e., if 100,000 shares were issued and fully paid up, the Cassel Company would get one-fifth the value of £22,271, or £4,454 4s. The Crown Company is to have the right to use the cyanide process, and the exclusive right to grant licenses for the working of the said process within a radius of three miles from the Karangahake Trig. Station. At the present time the Crown Company pays a rental of £300 for the use of its plant; but, in the agreement referred to, the Crown Company is given the right to purchase the plant on satisfactory terms. The mine when first opened up from the creek-level gave very promising returns; and it was expected that, having about 700 ft. of backs, payable ore would be found from the creek or No. 6 level, where the richest ore was found, to the surface. This level is in a considerable distance, and payable ore got all the way; but the shoot of ore does not seem to go up in the stopes to a great height. Numerous breaks and heaves have been met with, but the lode has always been picked up again. When No. 6 level was constructed for something like 900 ft. in a south-westerly direction the lode was found to have heaved a considerable distance to the eastward, some 102 ft., and on following it again for 70ft. another heave was met with, which threw it 40ft. to the westward. A winze has been sunk for 60ft. from the No. 6 level, and rich ore met with all the way down, the lode being about 6ft. in width. A level has been driven from this winze, and stoping is now going on. This mode of working was necessitated in order to furnish a supply of ore to keep the mill constantly at work. Arrangements were completed at the time of my visit to sink a shaft about 450 ft. to the westward of the lode on the north bank of the Waitawheta Creek, where a large amount of rock-cutting will be required before sinking is commenced, in order to have room around the shaft. It is proposed to sink the shaft to a depth, in the first instance, of 230 ft., and open out at 200 ft., thus leaving 30ft. for a well. Taking the dip of the lode, which is westward, the 200 ft. level will give about 250 ft. of backs. During the year ending the 31st March last, 4,084 tons of stone has been crushed, which yielded 9,9260z. 16dwt. gold, while an average of ninety-five men have been employed in the mine. This shows that there is rich ore in this mine; but, from what has transpired recently, there is grave doubts if anything like a fair percentage of the gold is saved. A sluicing claim was taken up by Mr. Gordon for working the waste tailings which had been subjected to the cyanide process, and the returns that he got were quite surprising, showing that a large quantity of gold has been lost, notwithstanding the treatment with a cyanide solution. Mr. Napier, the metallurgist for the'company, is said to have accounted for the quantity of gold got by Mr. Gordon through it being in the tailings from the ore crushed for the Talisman Company, and not from the Crown ore. How this is ascertained is a problem not easily solved; if screens of the same mesh were used when crushing the ore from the Talisman Mine as were used for crushing that from the Crown Mine, the fineness of the particles of gold coming through the screens would be practically the same in both instances. However, the plea set up is that the gold in the Talisman ore was too coarse to treat by cyanide. The tailings being lodged on the edge of the river, the water would naturally carry off the lightest particles first, leaving the denser material behind, and consequently it is said that Mr. Gordon succeeded in obtaining the concentrates of the Talisman Company's tailings. In regard to the discovery of gold in the tailings from the Crown battery, the manager of the Talisman (Mr. Adams) throws a new light on the subject. He states that the tailings had to pass through a tail-race filled with loose stones, and that, when the crushing of the Talisman ore was completed, the Crown people would not allow him to clean it out, although he offered £50 for the right to do so, and also £5 per week for the right to work the Crown Company's tailings. This shows that the percentage of saving is not what it should be, and that in the case of public crushings each party owning ores should have them carefully sampled and assayed in order to ascertain what percentage of the gold or bullion is extracted. If the gold referred to came from the Talisman ore, as suggested by the Crown Company's officers, then they should have had no hesitation in allowing Mr. Adams to get whatever gold there was in the tailings ; and, if it belonged to the Crown Company, the tail-race should have been cleaned up before commencing to crush for the public. Woodstock Mine. —This mine has always been a valuable one, although part of the ground was originally held by the Maria Company, who gave it up as being worthless. For some years past it has been a steady bullion producer. Some of the ore from this mine was sold, and sent out of the country for treatment, while some was treated at the small battery belonging to the Woodstock Company; but all the mechanical appliances in connection with that battery were incapable of saving 50 per cent, of the value of the bullion in the ore. The returns from the working of this mine have been sufficient to pay for opening it up and prospecting, but have not been sufficient to pay dividends. The mine is, however, well opened up. About 420 ft. of driving on the lode has been done on the No. 3 level, which is known as the Welcome Eeef, being only one of three parallel lodes in the mine. The Welcome lode varies from 3ft. to 10ft. in thickness ; and the manager, Mr. McCombie, informed me that the ore averages about £4 per ton in value. A leading stope has been carried on for a distance of nearly 300 ft., and, again, one stope above this for a distance of about 120 ft., and in the whole of the workings there is a good percentage of gold and silver in the lode. The No. 2 level is connected with a winze from No. 3, which is 149 ft. in depth, and the whole of the lode is intact with the exception of the two stopes referred to, and it is also intact between No. 1 and No. 2 levels. The most promising feature in this mine is that the ore is increasing in value as it goes down. In the No. 3 level it is said to be worth £2 more per ton than in No. 2. A cross-cut is in progress from No. 3 level to intersect the lode known as Shepherd's, under the place from which ore was taken realising £40 per ton. By continuing the same cross - cut it will intersect what is known as the Big Eeef, varying from Bft. to 20ft. in width, from which a 9—C. 3.

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considerable quantity of gold has been obtained on the upper levels. The No. 3 level is connected with hoppers, which are placed a little above the level of the Waitawheta Creek. On the opposite or north side of the creek a drive is in course of construction in what is known as the Truro Section, which will come under the rich shoot of ore formerly worked by the Sir Walter Scott Company. Crushing Plant. —The plant consists of drying-kilns, similar in construction to those lately constructed by the Waihi Company, rock-breaker, ten-head stamp mill, and cyanide plant. This plant was purchased by Mr. H. Adams at Waiorongomai, being portion of the large battery erected by the Te Aroha Gold and Silver Company. The stamps are of the American pattern, Bcwt. each. It is intended to give these a drop of sin., and run them at a speed of about ninety-five blows per minute. Dry-crushing is to be resorted to, and the fine pulverised ore treated in a cyanide solution. The ore is brought from the hoppers on a ground tramway, leading from the Crown Company's mine and over a bridge across the Waitawheta Creek, near its junction with the Ohinemuri Eiver, where the loaded trucks are then raised on an inclined tramway by means of a water-balance to the level of the top of the drying-kiln, which is about 50ft. above the level where the ore has to be emptied for the rock-breaker. The kiln where the ore is dried is 40ft in depth and 17ft. in diameter on top, having an egg-shaped bottom, and is covered with a shed. The drying of the ore is continuous. When a certain quantity is taken out at the bottom, more raw ore and firewood is placed on the top, and by this means the kiln is always kept full and burning. The kiln being constructed on the side of a hill, a drive is put in from the face to its bottom, and by a tramway from this point the dried ore is delivered into two hoppers, which in turn deliver it automatically to the rock-breaker. The broken ore from the rock-breakers is delivered into automatic Challenge orefeeders, which feed the stamps, and the pulverised ore from the latter is conveyed into the perco-lation-vats. The ore is conducted by gravitation through the whole of the different processes from the time it leaves the hoppers which feed the rock-breaker until the gangue is landed on the waste heap. Cyanide Plant. —The cyanide plant consists of eight square percolation tanks, each capable of treating 7 tons of ore, a solution tank, and three sumps, 10ft. by 10ft. by 3ft. deep, made with brick walls and lined with concrete. Close alongside the cyanide plant is a laboratory fitted up with all necessary materials and appliances for testing and assaying ores; and adjoining this is the smelting room, with furnaces and all appliances. The whole of the plant, although small, is very complete; but if the quantity of payable ore in the mine justifies a larger plant being erected there is plenty of room for the erection of same. During the year ending the 31st March last there was 546 tons of stone crushed, which yielded 7960z. by amalgamation and 1,9720z. by the cyanide process; while forty-five men have been employed about the mine and works. Talisman Mine. —This mine adjoins the Woodstock and Crown Mines, being on the upper side of the range going towards the trig, station. This mine was put on the London market with the view of forming a company with sufficient capital to thoroughly develop it and to erect machinery; but the local shareholders, after waiting a considerable time without receiving any encouraging information that a company would likely be floated, formed a local company, and after prospecting for some time determined to have a trial of 280 tons of the lode tested, and made arrangements with the Crown Company to have this done at its reduction-works. The result of this crushing and treatment of the ore with cyanide solution gave bullion of a value of £2,348 12s. Although the cost of the crushing and treatment of this ore was very high, it nevertheless was the means of establishing confidence that the mine was a valuable property, and enabled the company to get a syndicate to construct a plant such as has been erected for the Woodstock Company already described, on the payment of £500 in cash, and giving the syndicate the reserved shares which had not been disposed of. Messrs. Price Brothers, of the Thames, have got the contract for the machinery and plant. This, in itself, is a sufficient guarantee that good plant will be put on the ground, as nothing but first-class work has ever been known to be done by this firm whether the contract price pays them or not. As soon as it is completed this company is likely to get good returns from its mine. The property comprises an area of thirty acres, through which the lodes found in the Crown and Woodstock Mines are likely to pass; but it was not known at the time of my visit whether the lode in the Talisman Mine from which the crushing was taken was one of the lodes in other mines or not. Sufficient work has not yet been done to determine this. A level has been continued along the lode in a northerly direction towards the Woodstock with the view of identifying it with one of the lodes in the Woodstock Mine. The lode averages in this level about 2ft. in thickness. Again, the same level has been continued for 270 ft. along the lode in a southerly direction, and it was from this place that the crushing already referred to was taken. A winze was in course of construction in the southern end of the level at the time of my visit to this district, and the lode continues to maintain its width, having the quantity of the ore quite equal to that found in the level. A large supply of ore is on hand, ready to send to the crushing plant as soon as it is completed; but the company will have yet to get an economical means of transit of the ore from the mine to their reduction plant, which is to be erected at nearly 1,500 ft. lower level than the mine-workings. An aerial tramway will probably be the most convenient means of accomplishing this ; but the steep character of the ground will necessitate a powerful brake being applied if a large quantity of ore has to be delivered. During last year there were fifteen men employed in the mine. Bonanza Mine. —This mine adjoins the Talisman on the top of the range and on the watershed falling towards, the Eotokohu Gorge. The lode being worked in the Talisman Mine should pass through the ground. The operations at the present time are purely of a prospecting character. Earl of Glasgoiv Mine. —This mine adjoins the Crown and Bonanza Companies' properties. Two small lodes are being worked, which are said to give a yield of from 4oz. to Boz. of gold to the

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ton by the ordinary battery process, the tailings being saved for future treatment. This company has a small battery of five heads of stamps, situated on the side of the Waitawheta Creek, and the intention is to erect a larger battery with cyanide plant if, after prospecting the various lodes which run through the ground, the value of the ore in them warrants the expenditure. During the last year there were eleven men employed in the mine, and 194 tons of stone was crushed, which yielded 2970z. 12dwt. of gold. Other Mines. —Owing to the rich discoveries in the Crown, Woodstock, and Talisman Mines, there have been a number of claims taken up on this field. There are a number of lodes which have never yet been prospected, and there is no reason why some of these should not be equally as rich as the lodes which have been opened up. It has only been by steady perseverance and persistency that the Karangahake field has been proved to contain ore of payable character. For many years after the field was opened, the ore in the lodes was considered of far too low grade for working, and even when patches of rich ore were found, after it was worked out very little prospecting was done to prove whether another shoot of gold would be found in the same lode. The greatest difficulty heretofore experienced was getting the ore tested at a battery. When the Adeline Company got a rich patch of ore a few years ago it had to be sent by drays to the Thames to be crushed; and the same difficulty has to be encountered at the present time. Although there will be three or four crushingbatteries on the field, these will all have cyanide plants attached to them, and the cost of treating a small parcel of ore at one of these plants would be considerable, owing to the time it takes to clean up. There is very little doubt, however, but that the Karangahake has a great future before it, and that valuable mining properties will yet be found all the way along the range to Waiorongomai. Owharoa. This is a circumscribed locality, where mining has been carried on for many years, and where a considerable quantity of gold ha.s been obtained, although no extensive mining operations have ever been carried on. During the last year the following mines were worked—namely, the Smile of Fortune, Cadman's, and Maddens Folly, in which there were nineteen wages-men and owners and five tributers employed. The wages-men obtained 647 tons of stone, which yielded 113oz. 17dwt. of gold, while 589 tons of stone was crushed for the tributers for a return of 1320z. 13dwt. gold, making a total of 1,236 tons of material crushed for a yield of 2460z. lOdwt. gold, as against 1,286 tons of stone crushed during the previous year for a yield of 2850z. lOdwt. gold. At the time of my visit to this locality last year the miners were crushing the material from the old mullock-tips, which was said to give them small wages for their labour. It is rumored that there is a scheme on foot to take up the most of the mines here and form them into a strong company, and that an English syndicate is getting reports and plans of operations from mining experts in the colony for the purpose of devising a tangible scheme to commence operations. A plan had been formerly proposed, which recommended a shaft to be sunk on the south side of the Ohinemuri Biver, which is on the opposite side to where the mines are situate. Since then another plan has been devised to sink a shaft on the north side of the river, near the present workings. In the Cadman ground the workings were commenced on the south side of the Ohinemuri Eiver, and trenches cut about 6ft. deeper than the previous workings. The lode where operations were commenced was merely a mass of sandstone full of small veins of quartz. A winze was sunk for 30ft., but sinking could not be continued on account of the influx of water. During the past year there were four men employed here, and 439 tons of material was crushed for a return of 82oz. 9dwt. gold. Some rich stone was formerly obtained from the Smile of Fortune, and it is anticipated that by extending the levels and testing the ground at a greater depth there is a likelihood of good returns being again obtained from this mine. Maddens Folly. —This mine adjoins the Owharoa Company's ground. A large lode about 7ft. wide has been found in this claim, and a trial crushing from same gave 6oz. of gold. As the block available for stoping above the level being opened up is about 80ft. in height, the proprietors should be well remunerated for their perseverance and outlay, especially as they will have about 200 ft. to work out on the course of the reef. During last year three men were employed, and 208 tons of material crushed for 31oz. Bdwt. gold. Waitekauri. This is a very old mining locality, and rich returns of gold were obtained in the early days; but for several years past very little work was done in the mines, but they are now beginning to receive more attention on account of the recent discoveries made in this locality. The recent development of this portion of the Ohinemuri Goldfield is due to the energy and perseverance of Mr. T. H. Eussell, who, about three years ago, purchased the crushing-battery and claim on the Waitekauri Eeef from Mr. John Brown, of Auckland. The alterations and changes made by Mr. Eussell show that men with capital and energy can overcome difficulties which would cause many to give up all hope of ever succeeding. No better instance of this can be given than the obstacles which Mr. Eussell had to encounter and overcome. His experience in mining previous to taking possession of the Waitekauri property was only obtained during the time he had charge of the Waihi Company's plant, and, in purchasing the mining property at Waitekauri, he was led to trust in the opinion of others that the large lode there would, if worked on a systematic and methodical principle, with a proper plant for the treatment of the ore, give similar returns to the Waihi ore. He consequently expended a large sum of money in altering the crushing-plant that was formerly used at Waitekauri, consisting of forty heads of stamps, and fitting it up with all the modern improvements. When this was completed, it was found that the ore that had beers left on the upper levels in the Waitekauri Mine, on which

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he had based his calculation, would not give the desired returns. At that time a discovery of rich ore had been made at Komata, but, being a considerable distance from any place where it could be tested, the owners were glad to sell the property to Mr. Eussell for, it is said, a sum of £3,000. After this purchase he constructed a tramway and brought the ore over the hill to the Waitekauri plant. Another discovery was made almost at the same time by Lowrie Brothers, up near the head of the Waitekauri Creek. This was about four miles and a half through the bush, in which there were neither roads or tracks. After trying to dispose of this new find for some time, it was finally sold to Mr. Eussell, and, judging from the present appearance of the mine, it is likely to prove as valuable a property as the Waihi, as will be shown later on. The principal mines at Waitekauri are the Golden Cross, Jubilee, Komata, St. Hippo, Alpha, and Grace Darling, in which seventy-five men have been employed, and during the year 2,284 tons of ore has been crushed, which yielded 14,1360z. 14dwt. bullion by amalgamation, and 6,3550z. 17dwt. by the cyanide process. In addition to this, 1,095 tons of tailings have been treated for a return of 3,1920z. 12dwt. bullion by the cyanide process, and 21oz. by amalgamation, as against 2,428 tons crushed for the previous year, which yielded 10,7580z. bullion, and 1,075 tons of tailings for a return of 5,6100z. : which shows an increase in the yield of bullion last year of about 7,3170z. Golden Cross. —This is the mine which Mr. T. H. Eussell purchased from Lowrie Brothers. It is situated at the head of the Waitekauri Creek, not far from the divide which separates the water from the Marototo and Waitekauri watersheds. The workings are on both sides of the Waitekauri Creek. On the east side the lode had been opened out in two levels at the time of my visit in January last, the creek level being in a distance of 250 ft., following the lode, which was in places about 23ft. in width, and another cross-cut was constructed to cut the lode at 180 ft. higher level. The lode at this latter place was about 16ft. in width. The manager, Mr. Moore, showed me the places from where samples for assay were taken, which was right across the face, which he states gave an assay-value of £6 per ton; and in confirmation of this information Mr. T. H. Eussell some time afterwards informed me that the whole of the ore, by treatment in bulk throughout, would average £4 per ton. The lode has a direction of about 50° to the east of north, and dips in a north-westerly direction. There is also on the opposite side of the creek what is termed the battery level, where the lode is about 15ft. wide, and in the stopes at the height where the ore had been taken out it is about 10ft. in width, which the manager told me averaged £6 per ton by treatment in cyanide solutions. Since my visit to this mine the following extract of the description of the workings has been given in the Auckland Weekly News : — "The low level referred to, and which was only in a short distance, intersected the reef at a distance of 780 ft. from the mouth. The drive was made 7ft. high, and sufficiently wide for a horse tramway; but up to the present horses have not been used. From the point of intersection in the cross-cut the reef has been driven on in a north-east direction generally for a length of 400 ft. The lode varies somewhat in its course. It is, however, in a very good class of country throughout, and for a length of 250 ft. it carried high-class ore, the lode varying in size from 6ft. to 23ft. In one portion, the roof has been stoped up to a height of 40ft. or within two stopes of the former main level; but this is only for a short distance, and a leading stope has now been started south-west of the winze. Most of the ore crushed since the erection of the new plant is from this level, and some idea of its value may be gathered from the fact that the return of bullion obtained since August last up to the end of December was £7,114, which, considering the limited quantity treated, gives a high average. The lode is wet—very wet indeed —and it is also difficult to work, owing to the number of clay-heads which intersect it, and close timbering is required in most of the workings ; but, unlike other reefs, the clay-heads have not the slightest effect on this lode in the way of disturbing its course or altering its value. But there are other portions of the mine which also show great mineral resources at the higher levels. The manager has been working on what is known as Corbett's drive, 100 ft. above the main level, and at the northern end of the mine. Here the reef has not only been intersected, but it has been opened up for a considerable distance. The drive was first carried along the foot-wall for a length of 120 ft., the prospects being excellent. It was then decided to cut through the roof to the hanging-wall, and this was done, showing the width of the beautifully-formed lode at this point to be 23ft. between the walls. The drive was then continued along the hanging-wall for a further length of 50ft. Mr. Moore informed me that while cutting through the reef from the foot-wall to the hanging-wall assays were taken very frequently so as to test the whole lode, and the average has been from £5 to £6 per ton, some portions being richer than others ; but none of them were lower than about £1 45., while some were as high as £15. There are now on hand outside these workings, in three heaps, about 250 tons of ore, which it is proposed eventually to deliver at the kilns when opportunity offers for crushing it. In a still higher level, 180 ft. above the main level, closer to the Taranaki boundary, the same reef has been opened and cut through. It is 16ft. thick, and the quality of the ore is about the same as that already described." When Mr. Eussell first purchased this mine there were no roads to it whereby he could get machinery brought on to the ground, and for about a mile and a half he had to clear a track through the bush to get from the end of a road which was constructed by the County Council for a distance of three miles from the Waitekauri Township, out of moneys granted by Government. He only erected five heads of stamps at first, to test the ore before going to further expense. The test proved so satisfactory that he very soon erected ten heads of stamps, with all appliances for dry-crushing and leaching with cyanide solutions. Plant. —There are two kilns, constructed on a similar principle to those used by the Waihi Company, capable of holding 60 tons of ore, and are covered over by a shed. The lower adit from the south-western workings is below the level of the top of the kilns, and the trucks are run on to a hydraulic lift, which raises them to the required level, so that the ore can be emptied

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into the kiln. This ore is conveyed from the bottom of the kilns to the battery-building on tram-way-trucks, and emptied into the hoppers, after which the whole process of treatment is carried on by gravitation until the ore is pulverised, when it is lifted by an elevator for delivery into the solution-tanks. There are three solution-vats, 22ft. in diameter and 4ft. deep, with mixing-tank, sump, and all the necessary appliances required for treating the ore by the cyanide process. After the ore is leached, the gangue is then sluiced out of the vats and carried away by a chute into a distributingbox, from which the material passes over a copper-plate coated with quicksilver. The cyanide solution cleans any particles of gold that are not dissolved, and it readily adheres to the quicksilver. The whole of the plant is very complete, but by far too small for the quantity of ore there is to deal with in this mine. This mine and the Komata have been recently purchased by an English company, now termed the Waitekauri Company. The following appears in reference to this new company in the Auckland Weekly News: — '■' The Golden Cross and the Komata Companies are now incorporated under the title of the Waitekauri Company. The whole of the details have now been fixed up, and the cash will be paid over in London in the course of a few days. The company is formed in 150,000 shares of £1 each, out of which 15,000 will be reserved for future issue. Of the cash, £25,000 is to be paid to the shareholders in the Golden Cross Mine, and £10,000 to those of the Komata Mine, whilst a sum of £35,000 is to be set aside as working capital. Since the amalgamation of the Golden Cross and Komata, and the floating of a company in England for the more efficient working of these splendid reefing properties, a great deal of outside interest is being taken in the development of the lodes. It will therefore be of interest to our readers to state that on Corbett's level the lode has been driven on 280 ft. to the rise into the upper workings, and 80ft. beyond it, making a total length of reef opened up of 360 ft., gold being carried from end to end. Our Paeroa correspondent telegraphs as follows: 'As a sequence to the recent amalgamation of the Komata and Golden Cross Mines, and the floating of the new company nvLondon to thoroughly develop the properties in question, a considerable amount of interest is now being centred in the mine, and there is no doubt that its success or otherwise will go far to determine the future of the Waitekauri field. There is, however, a splendid body of ore fully 23ft. wide in the Golden Cross section of the property, already exposed for a great length awaiting further development, while in the Komata section the main reef has been driven on for about 40ft. For that distance it has averaged fully sft. in thickness, and is producing a good payable ore, so that it will be seen the new company has excellent prospects in view. No time is to be lost in putting into execution the big scheme contemplated by the Golden Cross Company—namely, the driving of a new level from the junction of the roads, which will be about If miles in length when completed, and also the erection of a large and effective crushing-plant at Waitekauri. A contract has now been let to Mr. Sorrenson for the supply of 30,000 ft. of sawn timber at 9s. per 100 ft., and to Mr. J. Hartley for requisite slabs and props : the price being, slabs 15s. per 100, and props varying from £7 10s. to £10 per 100. Tenders are also being invited for driving the first section of the new tunnel, the distance being 500 ft. When this work is commenced, it will be watched with increasing interest; as it proceeds it will traverse virgin country for a couple of miles, and unearth perhaps gold-bearing lodes yet unknown.' " The construction of this new level will cut across the country-rock at nearly right-angles to the line of the lodes, and it will serve four purposes, namely— (1.) For laying down a tramway by which the quartz will be conveyed either by a horse or wire-rope haulage. (2.) In going across the country there is a fair prospect of cutting other lines of reefs which abound in this neighbourhood. (3.) Underneath the line of tramway a channel will be constructed to convey water for driving a Pelton wheel, which will be required to work pumping machinery to drain the mine at low level, and also to carry away the water from the pumps. (4.) It will also serve as a level to open up the mine. The scheme appears a large undertaking, but, when the cost of drainage is taken into consideration, there is abundance of water in the creek to effect this, as the depth of this level below the surface at the mine will give a head to produce sufficient power to do all the pumping that will be required. From the outlet end of this tunnel a ground-tramway will be laid down to the battery, where there is plenty of water-power to drive the forty heads of stamps that is erected. No doubt it will cost a considerable sum of money to complete the whole of the works, but it will be a good line of road to convey the quartz to the reduction-works at a cheap rate. It may also be stated that, although this company is entirely separate from the Waihi, the most of the shareholders in the one company are shareholders in the other, and as the Waihi Company contemplate the erection of a crushing plant with a hundred heads of stamps near the junction of the Waitekauri Creek with the Ohinemuri, where there is an abundant supply of water-power available to work all the machinery, the Golden Cross tramway can be connected with this plant if the present reduction plant at Waitekauri is found inadequate to deal with the quantity of ore that can be got. If the lodes in the Golden Cross ground continue to go down, carrying the same quantity of gold as they do at present—and, judging from their size and character, there is every likelihood of them doing so, although no man can say for certain what wealth lies beneath what is visible—the present indications are such as lead me to believe that this mining property is not surpassed in value to any yet opened in the colony, the Waihi mine not excepted. During the last year there were twenty-seven men employed in connection with the mine, and 1,569 tons of ore crushed, which yielded 5,3340z. gold; also 200 tons of tailings was treated for a return of 1,0840z. gold.

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Since writing the above the following notes have been forwarded me, showing the intended operations of the new company : "The Waitekauri Gold-mining Company (Limited), has recently been formed in London with a capital of 150,000 shares of £1 each. Of these shares, 15,000 are held in reserve by the company, and, as the shares since issue have gone to a premium of £3, the company have in their reserve shares alone a valuable asset. In addition, the company start operations with a working capital in hand of £35,000. With these resources at its command the company should be able to do full justice to the fine properties they have acquired in the Waitekauri district. These properties comprise those formerly owned by the Komata Gold-mining Company (Limited) and the Golden Cross Gold-mining Company (No Liability). The places in which these two latter companies have up to the present confined their operations are distant about one mile apart, and there is reason to believe that the Komata and Golden Cross Eeefs are the same, or at all events that the Komata will junction with the Cross in the latter property. Both mines are to have their ore treated at a central mill situated on the ground now occupied by the old Waitekauri Company's battery. This battery will form the nucleus of a new modern dry-crushing mill fitted with the latest appliances, and actuated by water-power obtained from the surrounding hills. The battery will be provided with forty head of the heaviest dry-crushing stamps. It is proposed to supplement the present rock-breaker by the addition of a Gates ore-crusher, which will reduce the stones from the breaker to a size smaller than walnuts, and so materially increase the output of the stamps. There is at present on trial at the Waihi Gold-mining Company's battery a separator which is intended to withdraw the ore from the stamps in a partly pulverised state, and, after extracting that portion of it which is sufficiently fine for leaching purposes, to return the residue to the stampers. In this way it is hoped that the undue pounding which at present occurs in dry-crushing batteries fitted with fort y -mesh sieves will be to a great extent avoided. If this separator proves a success, this class of machine will be utilised by the Waitekauri Gold-mining Company, so that the efficiency of the forty-stamp mill will be increased to equal to fifty stamps by the addition of the Gates ore-crusher, and possibly to equal to sixty stamps by the use of the separators. . "The Komata Mine is distant about two miles from the battery, and to avoid the transit of ore over the mountain ridge a tunnel of some 3,500 ft. in length will be driven in from the battery side of the range to pierce the hill, and come under the present run of gold some 500 ft. below the lowest level at present in use. The Golden Cross Mine is distant four miles from the battery. A tunnel of 7,000 ft. in length is in contemplation, which will give 300 ft. of backs below the present low level, and be connected at its mouth with the battery by a permanent horse-tram. In this mine two valuable shoots of gold are being worked. These shoots are some 700 ft. apart, and it is believed that in the lower levels they will be connected. The most northern of the two shoots has been driven on for over 400 ft., with a continuous run of gold, averaging quite £5 a ton, and a reef averaging 20ft. in width. Gold has again been found about 2,500 ft. more to the north on the company's property, so that the run of gold in this mine promises to be one of unusual magnitude. The neighbourhood offers every facility for mining in the supply of timber and water." The Jubilee. —This mine is the property of an English syndicate, represented in the colony by Mr. Kersey Cooper, who has taken up a large area of the southern end of the Waitekauri Eeef. The richest portion of the Waitekauri lodes on the upper levels, as far as my information goes, has been taken out, but good stone is said to be going down underfoot. Mr. Cooper was, at the time of my visit, working on the Golden Horn level. The old workings extend down to a depth of about 500 ft. below the crown of the hill, and it is said that gold to the value of about £100,000 has been obtained from these workings. Mr. Cooper intends to construct a low-level adit from Waitekauri Creek No. 2, where the lode cropping out at the edge of the creek is from Bft. to 10ft. in width, containing highly-mineralised stone. This adit-level is intended to be constructed for a distance of 3,000 ft., which will bring it under the place where rich ore was got on the upper levels, and will be, allowing for fall, about 350 ft. below the old workings. The richest auriferous stone on the upper levels was on a leader, sometimes on the foot-wall and sometimes on the hanging-wall; but when this leader came to cut into the main lode all the stone was good. Sometimes it is said that the good ore had a width of 28ft., and where rich ore in a large lode is found on or near the surface there is a great likelihood of rich ledges being found at a greater depth. The lode found at the surface may cut completely out, but the channel of country still exists where new lodes are likely to be again found underneath where the others break off. The venture is therefore one that will take a considerable amount of money to prospect, but nevertheless there is a reasonable chance of meeting with success. There was a ten-head stamp battery of the old type, with the ordinary tables erected, two McKay pans, two shaking-tables, two settlers, and five berdans. Mr. Cooper intends to resort to wet-crushing. There are two catch-pits for the tailings, two circular concrete vats, 20ft. in diameter and 4ft. deep, with sump 9ft. wide, 14ft. long, and 6ft. deep; a mixing-tank, Bft. in diameter and 4ft. deep ; and also a dissolving-tank, 4ft. square by 2ft. deep, with vacuum-pump and all appliances to use the cyanide process if it is found to be required. Grace Darling. —A considerable amount of work has been done in this mine, and prospecting carried on. During the past year sixteen men were employed in the mine. There are, however, no battery returns stating the number of tons crushed; but the returns show that 370z. 19dwt. of gold was obtained by amalgamation and 350z. by the cyanide process. So far, for the number of men employed, the venture has not proved a profitable one for the shareholders; but the reef on the intermediate level is said to have opened out to 18in. wide, and showing encouraging prospects; also, that a change for the better has taken place in the low level. This low level was driven in order to cut the lode under a winze which was put down on the upper level, but which had to be abandoned on account of the quantity of water there was to con-

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tend with. As soon as the low level cut the lode, some 40ft. south of the winze, it drained the water. According to the assays made from the ore in this winze and the low level by Mr. P. Callan, a late student of the Thames School of Mines, they show it to be ore of a high value. There has been calls paid into this company to the extent of £2,663 75., and from the sale of reserved shares the sum of £890 2s. 3d. was obtained, and the proceeds of the sale of gold produced was £71 13s. lid., making the total receipts from calls and gold to be £3,565 3s. 5d., and the expenditure has been as follows : — £ s. a. Wages, contracts, mine requisites, timber, &c, for mine .. 1,339 3 7 Wages and incidental expenses in working battery ... ... 353 5 9 On account of plant and miscellaneous items in connection with crushing plant ... ... ... ... ... 2,374 9 9 Office expenditure... ... ... ... ... ... 282 15 5 £4,349 14 6 From the report read by the secretary at the last annual meeting of the company it is intended to place this property, in conjunction with some others, on the London market. There were originally 58,500 shares allotted in this company, but 16,655 of these have since been forfeited for non-payment of calls. Komata. —This is now incorporated with the Golden Cross, and belongs to the Waitekauri Company, recently formed in London. Mining operations were steadily carried on for the past year. A winze has been sunk to a depth of 120 ft. below the adit-level, and a cross-cut driven from the bottom of same to intersect the different reefs, which proved that both lodes at this depth contain better stone than has recently been obtained, and that the gold is of a good quality. Six men have been employed in the mine during the past year, and for that period 705 tons of quartz have been crushed, which yielded by amalgamation 10,4070z. bullion, and by the cyanide process 9780z. Also, 895 tons of tailings were treated, which gave a return of 2,1080z. bullion by cyanide solutions and 21oz. by amalgamation. The value of the bullion obtained last year was £4,907 2s. Alpha. —A lode was found by some parties near the hopper of Komata Mine ; it only showed about lft. in thickness at first, but on driving on it for about 100 ft. it increased to a thickness of 3ft. and contained payable ore. It is said that there are several lodes in the locality, and it has been arranged to form a company to work this mine and We Three Mine under the no-liability clause of "The Companies Act, 1894," with a capital of £7,500 in 50,000 shares of 3s. each, 35,000 of which are to be allotted to the present shareholders and 15,000 reserved for the use of the company. The rules adopted for conducting the affairs of the company specify that no transfer fees are to be paid, and no call is to exceed 3d. per share. Waihi. At the present time this may be said to be the most important mining locality in the colony as far as results are concerned. Any one who visited this place eleven years ago, and seeing the bleak, barren "pakihi," and the Martha Company working the lode (from which the Waihi Company are now getting such good returns) and only managing to make ends meet, little dreamed of the prosperous place it was likely to become. At that time one store and a small publichouse constituted the township ; but recently a considerable township has sprung into existence, and during my visit in January last a large number of buildings were going up. The hotel and accommodation-houses were so full on the night of my arrival that even a shake-down could not be got. Mr. Corbett, of Waitekauri, who accompanied me to this field, at last found me comfortable quarters in Mr. Gilmour's —the manager of the Waihi Mme —private residence. But, if the whole aspect of the township is altered, so, much more, is the mine. Instead of about a dozen men being employed in the place, there is now 230 men employed in connection with the Waihi Mine and reduction-works. Waihi. —The main shaft had been sunk to a depth of 239 ft. at the time of my visit. A crosscut was opened out from the shaft at 136 ft. from the surface, and a level driven on the Martha lode for 481 ft. in one direction, and 194 ft. in the opposite direction from the cross-cut. The lode maintains about the same width as on the Smithy level—namely, about 26ft. Although there was a great width in one place on the upper levels, the manager informed me that there was never payable ore for more than about 26ft. wide at any place. In the construction of the cross-cut referred to, a lode was cut at a distance of 120 ft. from the shaft, which is now termed the Welcome Lode. The distance between the latter and the Martha is about 66ft. This lode, after being driven on for 180 ft. on the western end, split in two branches, one going towards the Martha and the other towards the south. About 100 ft. was driven in each of the branches, and in the southern branch there was a good deal of water coming out of the face. When this branch was driven ahead to the Martha lode it drained the water from that lode, which would make it appear that this lode will again effect a junction with the Martha lode some distance to the south. The following is an extract of an interesting description of this mine, as published in the Auckland Weekly Neivs, wherein the writer states that the last time he visited the Waihi Company's mine it was at its turning-point, and shareholders and others were looking forward with some anxiety for the completion of the works then in progress. Up to that time the mighty reef, varying in size from 16ft. to 20ft., had only been worked from the surface to the adit-level, and a shaft had been put down for opening out the levels beneath the surface. " Would the reef continue ? Would it carry gold downwards ? It was true that these questions were, to some extent, answered by the winzes which had been sunk for a depth of about 40ft. or so ; but the drive from the shaft, 80ft. below the adit-level, had not then reached the reef, and the supply of ore from the upper levels to the surface was all they had to rely upon to keep a plant

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of sixty head of stamps constantly employed. There was certainly a large quantity of ore in sight; but the end of this could be seen. Just at this time the cyanide process had been adopted, and a portion of the plant was in January last actually in operation, some three or four vats being then in position. Since that time large developments have taken place. Instead of one lode, with a limited supply of ore, the new level from the shaft has opened up three lodes, and the returns rom the same have exceeded anything previously obtained. "In February, quartz was struck in the main cross-cut from the shaft. It was a strong body of ore, 13ft. thick, and, although it was met with earlier than was expected, it was then considered to be the main Martha Eeef. The results, however, showed that this was not the case, for the cross-cut or level was continued, and met the main reef in its true position, holding its original underlie in every respect identical in its character on the upper level. The assay prospects of the ore were better in the new reef than in the Other, and has since proved a most valuable auxiliary, and during the last twelve months provided a considerable quantity of ore. It is split up into two different lodes, so that there are three reefs to operate on instead of one, and the output of the mine is only limited now by the capacity of the reduction plant. " Since March the main reef has been opened out. This level is now called the No. 1, and it has a total length of 700 ft., that is to say, 500 ft. to the west cross-cut and 200 ft. to the eastward, the course being north-east by south-west, and it gives an average thickness of 25ft. The smallest width at any place is 14ft. "It is really a pleasure for a miner to go into the stopes and see.the work in progress on this reef. The whole of the lode is somewhat less than it was in the adit-level; but, notwithstanding its great width, the stoping is carried on by six men in each face, and its consistency is so great that stoping operations are carried on without a single prop to support what is an almost horizontal roof of ore ; yet the latter conies easily away when required. It is, in fact, a model reef to work, but it must be understood that nothing is left to chance. Passes and winzes connect with the surface, and the stopes are filled in as quickly as the ore is taken out. The quartz passes are fixed at intervals of about 40ft. apart. Here the trucks are loaded, and are wheeled to the shaft, and hoisted by the winding-engine to the adit-level, where they are formed in rakes, and taken by a horse-tramway to the kilns'at the reduction plant. " The remarks made with regard to the Martha Eeef apply in a lesser degree to the Welcome Eeef, now divided into two branches, each of which is being worked separately. They are 9ft. to 10ft. and 6ft. to Bft. respectively, each largely opened out, and each turning out good ore. When it is stated that the quantity of ore sent from the Waihi Mine last year was over 22,000 tons, some idea of its operations may be conceived, and when, in addition to this, we are further informed that nearly double that quantity of ore is in sight, without the necessity of opening fresh levels, one can imagine the immense possibilities of the mine. " Having in view, therefore, the requirements of the future, the shaft is being sunk to a greater depth in order to open out fresh blocks 80ft. below the present level. It is hardly necessary to deal with the workings in detail, figures would only become confusing; but the above statements are sufficient to show that the Waihi Company's property has immense resources : and the even manner in which the ore is disseminated through the ore is, to say the least, remarkable. " In order to treat this ore a gigantic plant is, of course, requisite, and, although that belonging to the company is the largest in the colony, it is now being increased by thirty head of stamps; and a fresh cyanide plant and additional kilns have also been constructed, and others are in course of construction. Three large kilns are in use, and two new ones are just finished, and the construction of another is in progress. These kilns are said to be capable of roasting 200 tons of ore at each charge. "The cyanide plant was, in January last, only in course of construction. It now consists of thirteen large circular vats and two sumps ; and eight additional vats are being added in order to meet the requirements of the extra crushing-plant now being erected. The first contract let was for twenty heads of stamps ; the massive foundations, consisting of 4ft. of solid concrete, 6ft. wide, the bed-log being 28ft. long and 2ft. 6in. by 18in., and the upright logs, on which the stamper-boxes rest, are 4ft. Bin. by 2ft. 2in. " Since the completion of the above-mentioned contract ten additional heads of stamps have been erected, which makes a total of ninety head of stamps, weighing 9cwt. each, and the cyanide plant, consisting of twenty-one vats and two sumps. Although this extensive plant is erected, arrangements are now being made for the erection of another plant, either in conjunction with the present one or on a flat near the junction of the Waitekauri Creek and the Ohinemuri Eiver, where it will be connected with the mine by a ground-tramway." It is, however, really questionable, even after taking into consideration the large lode and the extensive quantity of payable auriferous ore in sight, whether it is a judicious undertaking to make so large an expenditure in the erection of additional plant, which would give a total of one hundred and ninety heads of stamps, capable of crushing, possibly, about 400 tons per day, or, say, 120,000 tons per annum. According to the market value, this mine now stands at about £1,000,000 sterling. Notwithstanding the large success which has attended the Waihi Company, the Board of directors has determined to issue 10,000 new shares. Each of such new issue will be offered to the shareholders at a premium of £4 upon par value. Each of the present shareholders will, upon application, be allotted one new-issue share for every fifteen old shares now held, and on the payment of such new-issue shares as follows : 4s. per share capital and 16s. per share premium upon application, and £1 on allotment, making the sum of £2 paid. The balance, or sum of £3, to be paid in instalments of £1 each when called up, such new-issue shares not to be transferred or transferable until the whole amount due be paid. Upon allotment the new-issue shares will rank, pari passu, in respect of dividends with old shares.

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The explanation of the object for which these new shares are to be issued is that it is being done in order to largely increase the number of stamps, and to enable the company to bring in more water for battery purposes, and for other work consequent upon the extended development of the company's undertaking. The mining operations of the Waihi Company for last year resulted in 22,080 tons of stone being crushed for a yield of 55,6760z. of gold bullion, while an average of 230 men have been employed in the mine and in connection with the works. The report of the directors of the Waihi Company show that during the year 1894 the value of the bullion produced for that year was £84,523 ss. lid, and the total expenditure in connection with the workings of the company £40,976 18s. 4d., thus leaving a net profit on their workings of £43,546 7s. 7d. Out of this dividends were paid to the extent of 4s. per share, equal to 20 per cent, on the capital of the company. During the year 24,864 tons of ore was milled and treated, which produced 55,437'50z. bullion, valued at £82,524 os. 10d. Of this quantity, 4,321 tons were treated by pan-amalgamation, yielding 5,015'50z. bullion, valued at £11,564 17s. 3d., and 20,543 tons were treated by the cyanide process, which gave a return of 50,4220z. bullion, representing a value of £70,959 3s. 7d. The difference between the total amount of the receipts for the year and the value of the bullion as last stated is due to the extra value realised in London, and the value of tailings on hand from the pan process. It will be interesting to show here the cost of the different processes in working this large mine for the last year : — £ s. d. £ s. d. Mining ... ... ... ...12,915 3 9 = 010 4-66 per ton on 24-864 tons. Transport of ore to kilns ... ... 346 8 1 = 0 0 3-34 Boasting ores ... ... ... 3,924 12 9 = 03 1-46 Crushing through rock-breakers ... ... 786 15 0 = 00 7-59 Stamping 2,664 2 4 = 02 1-71 Extraction of bullion (cyanide, and zinc) ... 4,651 6 0 = 04 6-36 per ton on 20-543 tons, Eoyalty ' .',. ... ... ... 3,547 19 1 = 0 3 5-48 Steam power and wages, &c. ... ... 2,130 18 0 = 0 1 8-56 per ton on 24-864 tons. Assaying and melting ... ... ... 524 16 2 = 0 0 5-06 „ Eenewals to plant, &c. ... ... ... 1,295 5 9 = 01 0-50 Salaries of superintendent and officers, rents, gold duty, freight on bullion, &c. ... 5,811 10 = 04 3'lB Office expenses, London ... ... 2,266 10 8 = 01 9-88 Interest ... ... ... ... 11l 19 9 £40,976 18 4 = £1 13 9-78 per ton. The following information regarding this mine, which is at the present time carrying on the largest mining operations in the colony, has been kindly forwarded to me: — The process (cyanide), as you know, is still continued. We have added during the period thirty more stamps, eleven percolating-vats, one sump, two sets precipitators, besides necessary further appliances for such. We have also erected one of Askham's separators, but it is premature to give an opinion upon it. In addition to this we have purchased a Gates' rock-breaker and petroleum oil engine, both of which are not erected. We also excavated four more roasting-kilns. At the mine, we have sunk No. 2 shaft a distance of about 160 ft. to date, and the No. 3 cross-cut to the reef is now being driven, and will probably touch the main reef in five weeks. A tramway about 85 chains long has been laid to the bush at the back of Martha Mine for the purpose of supplying the mine with fuel and mining timber. Water-races from Waitekauri and Ohinemuri Eivers, also from the Mangakara Creek, have been surveyed to the site at the foot of Thorpe's Hill, and during the year will be used for further crushing. Bullion Ebtdens from April, 1894, to 9th March, 1895. 1894. Oz. Bullion. Value. £ s. d. April 7th ... 2,691-5 ... ... ... ... 5,005 9 1 May sth ... 2,685 ... ... ... ... 4,493 11 1 June 2nd ... 4,003-5 ... ... ... ... 6,206 0 8 ~ 30th ... 4,009 ... ... ... ... 6,155 6 0 July 28th ... 4,163-5 ... ... ... ... 6,498 3 4 August 25th ... 4,391 ... ... ... ... 6,168 3 1 September 22nd ... 5,597 ... ... ... ... 7,716 12 6 October 20th ... 6,223 ... ... ... ... 7,835 5 7 Nobember 17th ... 6,724 ... ... ... ... 8,860 11 2 December 15th ... 7,687 ... ... ... ... 10,354 16 5 22nd ... 1,561 ... ... ... ... 2,033 10 9 1895. January 12th ... 2,113 ... ... ... ... 2,746 310 February 9th ... 6,520 8,607 2 3 March9th .... 5,631-5 ... ... ... ... 7,558 11 7 64,000 £80,239 7 5 10—C. 3.

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The average total cost per ton for the year ending 31st December, 1894, was £1 Bs. 2-62 d. which sum represented the cost from the mine to the bullion. The difference in the cost per ton from the former calculation is owing to freight-charges on bullion, &c, with gold duty and expenses of London office being included, whereas the £1 Bs. 2-62 d. is the total cost of producing the bullion in the colony. Since the company has commenced to treat the whole of the ore by cyanide solutions a fortymesh screen has been used instead of a sixty-mesh, as was necessary for pan-amalgamation ; in some instances only a thirty-mesh screen is used. By this means the quantity of ore crushed has risen about 30 per cent., the average duty per stamp being 1-14 tons per day for 1894 as against 0-93 tons for 1893. The average percentage of the bullion extracted from the ore by the cyanide process has been 91-07 per cent, of the gold, and 479 per cent, of the silver, whereas by the old process in 1890 only 64-1 per cent, of the gold and 30-9 per cent, of the silver was saved, which shows that by improved appliances a saving of 269 per cent, of the gold and 17 per cent, of the silver is now effected which formerly was run into the tailings-heap. In the directors' report it is stated that a new and separate company will shortly be organized for the purpose of developing two special claims lately granted to the company, and, after providing the necessary working capital for working the mine, the remainder of the shares will be the property of the Waihi Company, and that their shareholders will have a preferential claim to allotment. This company has a very valuable mining property ; the lodes contain better ore than was found on the upper levels, and from the present appearance of the mine the main lode is likely to go down to a very considerable depth, and there is a probability that a parallel lode will be found not yet discovered. Waihi-Silverton. —This was formerly known as the Silverton Mine, which has recently been floated as a company in Glasgow by Mr. Melville, the late representative of the Cassel Company in this colony. Some very rich ore was obtained from this mine in sinking a winze under the level; but the quantity of water became too great to carry on mining operations profitably. About three years ago a commencement was made to construct a new level, but this was abandoned after it was in for some distance. It would have opened the lode on the southern end, but it would not have been of much use to work the rich stone in the winze. The mine is now to be opened out from a shaft. A contract was let for sinking this to a depth of 150 f t; but only about 110 ft. was completed, as the water became too heavy for the appliances used by the contractors for contending with it. This shaft is lift, by 3ft. Bin., and is divided into three compartments—namely, two for winding and one for a pump column. The sinking is, for the most part, through a hard country; but near the bottom a kindlier country-rock is met with. It was the intention of the company to cross-cut to the lode at a depth of 140 ft., which would necessitate about 180 ft. of driving; thence continue a level on the lode following the rich shoot of gold-bearing stone under the winze. The Silverton Company had a crushing-battery at the side of the Ohinemuri Eiver, which formerly belonged to the Martha Company; but it is one of the very old type, and not suitable for dry-crushing. Mr. Adams, the manager, who was formerly at Waiorongomai, has now received instructions to prepare plans and specifications and call tenders for a reduction plant of twenty heads of stamps, together with a complete cyanide plant, and tables covered with copper-plates coated with quicksilver. An engine and pumping plant is also to be erected; but the present shaft is too small for winding and pumping, and a commencement will be made to enlarge it as soon as the water is pumped out. Eecently the company has purchased the engine and boiler which formerly belonged to the Eed Mercury Company at Kuaotunu, and intend to use it for pumping. Mr. Adams, after taking charge of this mine, is stated to have reported to the directors that a pumping plant was required capable of going down to a depth of 2,000 ft., and suggested the Cornish system of plungers and draw-lift, to be worked with a horizontal steam-engine, the pumps to have a stroke of 3ft. up to 7ft. For the winding plant he recommends a double-cylinder engine of the latest type; also two multitubular boilers sufficiently large so that either of them will furnish steam for both engines. From this it is presumed that when he mentions pumping and winding to 2,000 ft., he does not mean the plant he recommends at present to go to that depth, but only to serve for the present time, as he estimates the whole cost of this at only £4,150, erected at the mine, which would be wholly inadequate for a pumping and winding plant, and especially where large quantities of water are to be contended with, at a depth of 2,000 ft. Grand Junction. —This mine is situate between the Waihi and Silverton Mines, it being in the valley on the eastern boundary of the Waihi Mine. This valley is filled up with rhyolitic material, and the question which had to be determined was the depth of this deposit. Mr. Walker, the manager, went to London and floated a company to work this mine, and brought out a diamond-drill plant capable of boring to a depth of 2,000 ft. On the 6th of April last he had got the bore down to a distance of 206 ft. For the first 21ft. the bore was in alluvial soil, which was resting on about Ift. of rhyolitic rock, under which there was 71ft. of whitish clay, resting on coarse sandy material; but Mr. Walker states that for the last 19ft. the bore is in a similar sandstone country to that which encloses the Martha Eeef. If this is the case, Mr. Walker is likely to meet with success. The strike of the Martha is to the south-east, and if the lode has not been denuded in a very deep gut in the valley referred to, which now seems improbable, it is bound to go through the Grand Junction ground. But, although the lode may do so, the question of the shot of gold-bearing stone will remain a problem until it is cut in this company's holding.

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The following statement shows the results of mining operations in the Ohinemuri District for the year ended 31st March, 1895.

Notk.—The areas shown do not include the whole of the land occupied, but only that from which the returns are derived. Te Aroha. Notwithstanding the failure of many mining companies on this goldfield, the day will come when the lodes will be opened out and rich returns obtained from them. The oftener one examines this country the more he becomes impressed with the certainty that rich auriferous lodes exist in this locality. The character of the tufaceous sandstone rock, and the number of lodes containing gold and other minerals which are found running through it in all directions, together with the main reef which goes right through the range for over three miles, cropping out at different places, and all containing gold in more or less quantity, are signs which tend to strengthen the abovementioned impression. The chief difficulty hitherto has been with respect to the treatment of the ores found in this district. The ores are in many instances very complex, as they contain not only gold and silver but copper, zinc-blende and galena, which composition makes them difficult ores to treat by the ordinary battery process, or even by the cyanide process, as it is well known that cyanide has nearly as much affinity for copper as it has for the precious metals. Eich deposits of gold have been found in the main lode, and in many places where the latter has been cut it showed that it contained gold, though not in sufficient quantity to pay—that is, when the cost of transit and the present mode of treatment is taken into consideration. A large amount of money has, no doubt, been expended on this field; but the greatest proportion of expenditure has been made, not in prospecting the lodes, but rather in the erection of a large plant for

Averi Numbi Mei emplo ige sr of For Owners. For Tril iuters. Tailii iga. Locality and Name of Mine. Area. S3 it iyed. red. i i ■§ I 13 Q H O N Gold o itained. •a a> c> Gold obtained. I ■a ED u p>) a Gold c ibtained. Amalgamation. Amalgamation. Cyanide. Amalgamation. Cyanido. Ohinemuri County. Marototo, Marototo Sundries A. R. P. 18 0 0 3 3 Tons. cwt. 508 0 1 13 Oz. dwt. 1,042 0 1 0 Oz. dwt. "2 15 Tons. lb. Oz. dwt. Tons. Oz.awt. Oz. dwt. 1,043 0 2 15 18 0 0 509 13 Karangahake— Woodstock Crown Talisman Earl of Glasgow Sundries 72 1 18 108 0 0 30 0 0 27 0 26 45 95 15 11 19 546 0 4,084 0 280 0 194 0 9 0 796 0 1,972 0 9,926 16 2,421 15 "20 io"s 297 12 30 19 o'30 4'lO 2 14 1,124 11 14,323 15 4 10 9.0 10 5 237 2 4 185 5,113 0 0 30 Owharoa— Smile of Fortune Oadman Madden's Folly 12 3 2 29 2 20 14 3 25 12 4 3 5 489 0 208 0 82 9 31 8 589 0 132 13 57 1 7 19 5 647 0 113 17 589 0 132 13 Waitekauri — Jubilee Grace Darling Sundries 15 0 0 6 16 16 3 10 '■87 19 17 1 35 0 1 0 21 6 15 0 0 38 3 10 55 0 35 0 1 0 21 Waitekauri N'th— Golden Cross .. 98 0 0 27 1,569 0 5,334 0 200 1,084 0 Komata— Komata St. Hippo Alpha 27 0 16 15 1 25 14 2 32 6 2 2 705 0 0 8 2 0 14,047 0 13 8 978 0 3 2 5 15 895 21 0 2,108 12 57 0 33 10 707 8 14,060 8 986 17 895 21 0 2,108 12 Waihi— Waihi Company Silverton Grand Junction Cassell's Sundries 127 0 20 10 1 10 230 3 3 11 6 22,080 0 55,676 0 18,722 14,472 10 "l 6 16 10 "2 2 137 1 30 253 22,081 6 16 10 55,678 2 18,722 14,472 10 Totals .. 620 1 34 16,413 6 76,359 19 590 30 158 9 19,837 31 5 17,665 2 538 5 30,630 17

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treatment of the ore before it was known whether a sufficient quantity of it existed to keep the plant fully employed. The company who erected this plant seemed perfectly satisfied by seeing the large body of stone in the main reef; and they depended upon the opinions of other people as to the amount of payable ore there was in several mines for treatment by this plant. When this field was first opened, rich ore was found in the Premier, Canadian, New Find, and other mines. Almost any one would have been led astray, after seeing the percentage of gold that appeared in the ore when the reefs were first discovered, cropping out above the surface. Gold could be seen almost everywhere dotting over the stone, indicating that large fortunes would be made when once proper crushing machinery was in the field to treat the ores. These discoveries induced Messrs. Firth and McCosh Clarke, two of the most enterprising men at that time in the Auckland District, to erect a large public crushing-plant on the field in order to be able to treat the whole of the ore. This plant consisted of forty head of stamps, driven by waterpower, the battery being fitted up with the ordinary copper-plated and blanket tables ; and afterwards they erected a large plant of berdans. In connection with this plant, a tramway was constructed by the County Council, but considerably over half the cost of the same was paid by the Government. The length of the tramway, including self-acting grades, was about three miles, and the cost amounted to about £18,000. It connected all the mines that were at that time opened to the crushing-battery. A scale of charges regulating the cost of transit from the different mines to the battery was fixed by the County Council, and the cost of crushing at the plant was agreed between the mine-owners and Messrs. Firth and Clarke at 10s. per ton. After the plant was completed and crushing commenced, the first lot of ore from the New Find Mine yielded over 2oz. of gold to the ton, and it was afterwards found that a similar quantity, if not more, was left in the' tailings; but, strange to say, after the first crushing from the Premier Mine, although the stone looked remarkably rich on the surface, the gold did not seem to go down in the lode, and being also of such a minutely-divided character throughout the ore, only a small percentage of it was saved. The high opinion entertained by people with regard to the prospects of this field before crushing operations commenced, was of such a nature that when the results of the crushings from the different mines was known they became disheartened and did not carry on the prospecting operations for any distance below the outcrop of the lodes as they should have done, in order to test the ground which they had taken up. Some years after the field had been opened, Mr. Fergusson, of Waiorongomai, took up some ground on the northern end of the main lode, and, finding the ore of a payable character, went to Glasgow and floated a large company to work the mine; but he made the same mistake as has been made by others in mining ventures of this description—by the introduction of reduction machinery, which had been very little used for the reduction of quartz-ores, and which, it may be said, proved an entire failure so far as the first reduction process was concerned. The only really good portion of Mr. Fergusson's plant was the McKay pans, and these were only suitable for treating ore by amalgamation ; but the character of the ore is such, having gold in a finely-divided state, that it ought to have been treated by the cyanide process. This was, indeed, Mr. Fergusson's intention when he first came out; but through some disagreement amongst the shareholders at Home, owing to the disappointing returns of the extraction by amalgamation, operations in connection with this plant were soon suspended. The company also constructed a tramway for about half a mile in length up the side of the range to connect the mine with the battery, the Government giving £1,500 towards the cost of its construction. This line is still in good order, and remains there for any one to use who chooses to open up any mines in this neighbourhood. Mr. Firth, of Firth and Clarke, to whom the original crushing plant belonged, being satisfied that a different mode of treatment was required for the ores of the Waiorongomai district, went with his manager, Mr. Adams, to see the principle adopted on the Pacific Slope, with a view of making such alteration in his plant as he might afterwards deem necessary in order to render it suitable for dealing with the ores found in this locality. In returning from San Francisco he was a fellow-passenger with Mr. W. E. Wilson, of Broken Hill. The latter was so impressed by the description given by Mr. Firth, but more especially by the statements of Mr. Adams, with reference to the payable ore existing on the Te ArohaEange, that upon Mr. Wilson's arrival at the latter place, and viewing the immense lode running through the range for such a distance, he concluded that it would well repay the trouble of working if a proper method of treatment was adopted, and at once made arrangements for purchasing Mr. Firth's plant and mines. A few weeks afterwards he formed a large company to erect a suitable plant. An experienced metallurgist and mining engineer was sent for from America to take charge of the works, who erected a large plant, consisting of sixty head of stamps, also smelting and roasting furnaces for treating the ore ; after spending some £60,000 in this direction a commencement was made to work the plant; but when smelting and reducing operations had been carried on for some time it was found that the principle adopted was too expensive for the value of the ore to be treated. Prior to the erection of this plant the company had not expended any money in prospecting the mines which they had purchased, and now that their capital was so diminished, and the returns were so disappointing, they suspended operations, and eventually sold the whole of their mines, together with part of the plant, to a syndicate represented by Mr. Adams, the former manager to Messrs. Firth and Clarke, for about £3,000. These gentlemen commenced operations in the mine; but the want of capital deterred them from carrying on prospecting operations. Such is the state of Te Aroha Goldfield at the present time. Mr. Adams has sold the greater part of the plant, and it has been removed to other portions of the district, and there are only about ten heads of stamps left on the field, and the population now engaged in mining is very limited.

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During last year mining operations were confined to the New Find, Loyalty Palace, and New Premier, and other mines, in which there were altogether fourteen wages-men or owners employed, and two tributers. The quantity of quartz from mines crushed for wages-men and owners last year was 840 tons, which yielded 5520z. lldwt. of gold, while 31 tons of stone was crushed for the tributers for a return of 19oz. 15dwt. of gold, and 250 tons of tailings was treated for a yield of 550z. Bdwt. of gold, making a total of 871 tons of quartz crushed and 250 tons of tailings treated for a return of 6270z. Mdwt. of gold, as against 1,929 tons of stone crushed and 592 tons of tailings treated for the previous year, which yielded 2,5150z. of gold. There were also fifteen miners less employed in the field last year than there were the previous year. Although the returns from this field seem to be lessening every year, this is no doubt due to the want of capital, which is required to enable the lodes to be tested at a greater depth. The deepest workings on the field are at the New Find Mine, which are some 320 ft. below the outcrop. The country-rock on each side of the lode, for some distance above this level, was extremely hard, resembling blue indurated sandstone in appearance, but at the far end of the cross-cut, which was constructed to cut this lode, a different class of country was found, showing that underneath this hard strata there is a soft tufaceous sandstone, similar in character to that enclosing the lode in the Crown Mine, Karangahake, at a deep level. There are indications to show that by going down to a greater depth a better class of country for the existence of auriferous lodes will be found ; but in order to do this capital is required, and until such time as attention is especially directed to this field it is likely to dwindle to a condition in which only a few men will be employed. The following statement shows the results of mining operations in the Te Aroha district for the year ended 31st March, 1895 : —

Note.—The areas shown do not include the whole of the land occupied, but only that from which the returns are derived.

Average Number of Men employed. For Owners. For T: :ibuters. jlings. Locality and Name of Mine. Area. E ■ 3 2 a> US !H ■i Gold obtained. Amalgama- r ., tion. Cyanide. V3 o d o .2 u 3 a Gold obtained. o> Gold obtained. Amalgamation. Amalgamation. Piako County. 'aiorongomai and Te Aroha— New Find Werahiko Loyalty Palace .. New Premier Sundries A. R. P. 31 0 36 5 0 0 10 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 2 4 2 2 4 1 1 Tons. Oz. dwt. 23 16 17 321 342 8 9 29 0 460 156 11 27 7 15 840 552 11 Oz. dwt. Tons. 15 16 Oz. dwt. 9 17 9 18 Tons. 250 Oz. dwt. 55 8 Totals 56 0 36 14 2 31 19 15 250 55 8

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£ s. d. Estimated value, 1895 .. .. .. 261, 746 0 0 1894 .. .. .. 219,650 15 0 Increase for 1895 .. .. .. £42,095 5 0

Comparative Statement of Return for Hauraki District for the Years ended 31st March, 1895 and 1894, respectively. 1895.

Average Number of Men Employed. For Owners. For Tributers. Tailings. Kame of County. Area. CO o . Gold obtained. O . Gold obtained. Gold obtained. Estimated Value of Gold or Bullion. IQuartz Crushes. o£ l 1 Quartz Crushed.! Amalgamation. Treated. Cyanide. Amalgamation. Cyanide. Amalgamation. Cyanide. Coromandel Thames .. Ohinemuri Piako A. B. P. 574 3 7 1,076 3 29 620 1 34 56 0 36 208 390 538 14 57 208 5 2 Tons cwt. lb. 8,316 3 54 13,036 15 27 30,630 17 0 840 0 0 Tons. 11!938 Oz. dwt.i 12,911 4 13,389 12 16,413 6 552 11 Oz. dwt. 1,073 0 62 2 76,359 19 Tons cwt. lb. 619 6 46 12,934 13 46 590 0 30 31 0 0 Tons. Oz. dwt. 6,347 18 7,413 6 158 9 19 15 Oz. dwt. Tons cwt. 6,518 0 10,555 0 19,837 0 250 0 Oz. dwt. I 1,934 13 31 5 55 8 Oz. dwt. 2,300 6 I 10 0 17,665 2 £ b. d. 62,996 0 0 59,340 0 0 137,699 0 0 1,711 0 0 •■ Total 2,328 1 26 1,150 I 272 14,175 0 10 J 37,160 0 2,021 6 52,823 15 81 11,938 43,266 13 77,495 1 13,939 8 19,975 8 261,746 0 1894. Kame of County. Area. Average Num- ] ber ol Men employed. Sag J si 1 a S o>? a * Quarts. Gold obtained. Mullock. Amalgamation. For Owners. Bullion obtained. Quartz. For Tributers. Gold obtained. , Amalgama- i tion. Tailings treated. Gold obtained. Estimated Value of Goia and Am tifn ma " Cyanide. Quantity. lion. Amalgama- rt ■-. tion. Cyanide. Coromandel .. Thames Ohinemuri Piako A. B. P. 532 3 5 1,287 0 21 781 0 32 46 0 36 157 407 440 24 42 253 14 5 Tons cwt. lb. 9,861 10 29 18,694 19 23 28,283 0 0 1,833 0 0 Tons. 14 1970 Oz. dwt. gr. ! 5,347 7 12 J 23,684 7 0 Oz. dwt. 46,615 5 Oz. 14,774 Tons cwt. lb. 380 5 4 15,559 10 87 289 0 0 45 0 0 Oz. dwt. 1,197 10 8,541 8 156 10 31 1 Tons. 2,388 13,220 2,700 592 Oz. dwt. 54 4 2,411 4 Oz. dwt. 3,420 4 7,057 8 2,001 2 12,478 14 £ s. d. 17,500 0 0 92,650 0 0 107,000 15 0 2,500 0 0 219,650 15 0 482 17 0 •■ Total 2,647 1 14 1,028 314 29,514 11 12 j 46,615 5 14,774 16,273 15 91 9,926 9 18,900 2,465 8 58,672 9 52 14,970

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The following table shows the number of tons of stone and mullock crushed, and the yield of gold, from the northern goldfields since the returns have been supplied to the Mines Department. The Thames returns include the Ohinemuri District up to 1886-87 : —

Return of Stone, etc., crushed —Thames District.

Note. —Bullion from Ohinemuri equal to 68,4460z. 13dwt., valued at £107,000: this is reduced in the table to the value of gold. Bullion from Te Aroha equal to 2,5150z.; value, £2,500 ; this is reduced in the table to the value of gold,

District. Quartz and Mullock crushed or sold. Yield of Gold. Average Yield of Gold per Ton. Coromandel — 1st April, 1880, to 31st March, 1881 1881, „ 1882 1882, „ 1883 1883, „ 1884 1884, „ 1885 1885, „ 1886 1886, „ 1887 1887, „ 1888 1888, „ 1889 1889, „ 1890 1890, „ 1891 1891, „ 1892 1892, „ 1893 1893, „ 1894 1894, „ 1895 Tons. 720 3,358 2,907 1,043 456 550 305 1,923 2,149 1,690 5,650 13,029 15,163 12,629 15,451 Oz. 4,960 7,352 7,577 4,018 3,201 3,382 4,170 6,774 8,090 6,708 9,838 12,191 12,954 9,969 22,632 Oz. dwt. gr. 6 18 0 2 4 0 2 12 0 3 17 0 7 0 0 6 3 0 13 13 0 3 10 5 3 15 7 3 19 9 1 14 19 0 18 17 0 17 2 0 15 18 1 9 18 Totals 77,023 123,816 1 12 4 Thames — 1st April, 1878, to 31st March, 1879 "„ ' 1879, „ 1880 1880, „ 1881 1881, „ 1882 1882, „ 1883 1883, „ 1884 1884, „ 1885 1885, „ 1886 1886, „ 1887 1887, „ 1888 1888, „ 1889 1889, „ 1890 1890, „ 1891* 1891, „ 1892 1892, „ 1893 1893, „ 1894 1894, „ 1895 41,917 33,017 32,405 30,698 25,867 34,228 31,496 35,998 34,827 32,819 47,363 60,753 61,756 86,150 78,547 62,444 48,464 57,207 59,576 53,154 45,803 43,311 54,878 37,705 61,540 38,142 35,949 35,796 33,817 38,113 45,735 31,336 34,637 22,810 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 16 12 9 13 12 4 14 1 1 15 11 12 30 7 11 9 7 2 19 20 12 2 4 4 22 11 3 14 8 15 23 2 10 Totals 778,749 729,509 0 18 18 Ohinemuri — 1st April, 1887, to 31st March, 1888 1888, „ 1889 1889, „ 1890 1890, „ 1891 1891, „ 1892 1892, „ 1893 1893, „ 1894 1894, „ 1895 2,388 3,795 4,773 9,902 13,865 22,771 31,281 51,058 3,406 3,679 8,564 112,914 1 23,659 §43,405 35,666 110,628 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 8 19 15 6 14 18 2 3 13 9 21 2 2 3 18 8 Totals 139,833 241,921 1 14 14 Te Aroha — 1st April, 1883, to 31st March, 1884 1884, „ 1885 1885, „ 1886 1886, „ 1887 1887, „ 1888 1888, „ 1889 1889, „ 1890 1890, „ 1891 1891, „ 1892 1892, „ 1893 1893, „ 1894 1894, „ 1895 4,262 11,042 6,552 4,743 7,166 1,381 4,894 280 2,722 3,169 2,270 1,121 4,629 9,506 4,489 3,658 2,918 1,113 [|20,416 557 979 1,178 833 628 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 17 13 15 8 16 3 19 7 7 7 11 17 5 17 10 3 3 10 18 5 2 8 5 Totals ... 49,602 50,904 1 0 13 Grand totals from North Island ... 1,045,207 1,125,514 * This includes 50,856 tons of mullock crushed the li bullion. \ Includes bullion, 22,737oz. § Includes bulli ist two years, ion, 41,683oz. t The gold obtained includes 42,331oz. Bullion worth only 11s. 6d. per ounce.

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MIDDLE ISLAND. Mablbobough District. The return from quartz-mining in this district has so far proved very disappointing where operations have as yet been carried on. The only place where really rich stone has been got was in a lode at Jackson's Head, worked many years ago by the Bavenscliff Company, and later on some few hundredweights of good stone was obtained in the old workings by some men connected with the antimony-mine at Endeavour Inlet. This mine, however, did not yield a sufficient quantity of good ore to pay for working; and, although a considerable amount of money has been expended in the Waikakaho and Wakamarina Beefs, no lode payable for working has as yet been discovered. Waikakaho. Bavenscliff. —This mine is situate on the opposite side of the range from Mahakipawa Diggings, but the holdings come over the saddle between the watershed of the Waikakaho and Mahakipawa Creeks. A large sum was expended by this company in erecting a crushing-plant, and an aerial tramway some three miles in length to connect the battery and the mine, which is situate about 640 ft. above the flat where the battery is erected. The returns from the battery when it commenced crushing the ore were so small that the system adopted for saving the gold by amalgamation was considered not suitable for the character of the stone that had to be treated. During the last year a cyanide plant was constructed, and Mr. Wilson, one of the Cassel Company's men, was employed to conduct the operations. According to the Inspector of Mines' report for this district, Mr. Turner, the New Zealand representative of the Bavenscliff Company, informed him that 175 tons either of stone crushed or tailings were treated by the cyanide process for a return of only 16oz. gold ; but the battery returns furnished only show 25 tons of stone crushed, which yielded 14oz. gold. If the latter returns are correct, it would show that the stone yielded lldwt. of gold per ton, which would be a payable return if the lode continued to be of a fair thickness; but, judging from the character of the lode when making an inspection of this mine along with Mr. B. A. F. Murray, the chief of the geological staff in Victoria, and Mr. A. McKay, the Mining Geologist, about eighteen months ago, my impression then was that working this property would prove a failure. It is to be deplored that an enterprising English company has not met with better success. All the work is suspended at the mine, and it is very questionable if it will be again resumed unless the mine be let to tributers. Wakamarina. Golden Bar. —This mine is situate near the head of Dead-horse Creek, at Wakamarina. The lode has been opened out at two levels. It is enclosed between two very well-defined walls, the lode being from 4ft. to sft. in thickness in the low level, and a character of stone that indicates that payable auriferous quartz will yet be discovered in this lode. However, no stone payable for working has yet been met with. Empire City. —This mine is on the side of the range, nearer Deep Creek than the Golden Bar. It was opened by Mr. James Wilkie, one of the owners. There is a large body of stone, containing very finely-divided particles of gold and a small proportion of scheelite in the lode. An Otis crusher was erected to crush the ore, but the returns of gold did not show the lode to be payable for working. Some tests of the ore were made at the Thames, but this did not give payable results. The best assay-value of the samples sent gave 17s. 4d. per ton, while others gave 14s. 2d. per ton. Very little work has, however, been done in the mine ; and, before any crushing can be commenced, a water-race, which is partially constructed, will have to be completed. Mining operations have in the meantime been suspended. Nelson District. Collingwood. The only quartz-workings carried on in this district is by the Johnson's United Company at Bedstead Gully. This mine has been working for many years, and a considerable number of wagesmen have been employed by this company. Indeed, before the Parapara Sluicing Company commenced its operations, the Johnson's United Company was looked on as the mainstay of the distric, as it was the only mining company about Collingwood who employed a large number of wagesmen. The quartz lode in this company's mine lies very flat. It is more like the formation of a coal seam than a lode of quartz. Occasionally some good ore was got, but in general the lode contained low-grade ore. Wherever the lode was found to take a plunge from its fiat position generally good payable ore was found, but after resuming its slight inclination from the horizon the ore became poor in quality. During the last year comparatively little mining operations were carried on, there being only a few men employed in the mine. It is stated that this company has expended about £20,000, and has only had a few small dividends. The mine has now been worked, for such a distance on the lode that either a shaft or another adit-level will have to be constructed to work at a greater depth. During the year ending 31st March last, 3,354 tons of quartz was crushed, which yielded 6570z. gold. Blackball. Minerva. —This is the only quartz-mine opened in this locality. The lode was first discovered at the side of the Blackball Creek, and some stone was taken from the west side which showed a little gold, and seemed to those who discovered it payable for working if a crushing-battery was erected in this vicinity. Mr. G. Perrotti, of Greymouth, having a ten-head crushing-battery at Cedar Creek, in the Totara district, which formerly belonged to the William Tell Company, shifted this battery, and had it erected at the side of the Blackball Creek, a short distance below where the lode is situate. The workings were opened out on the east side of the creek, and some fairly good stone

[To face -page 71. Errata. Page 69 : Bead "Auckland District" in lieu of "Thames District," on the heading of Table. Page 71: Substitute the following, at the end of table showing gold quartz crushed and dividends, after " Private Companies " : —

Page 94 : Bead, in totals of column "Gold extracted by Cyanide Solutions, instead of "99,7301."

,7: 16, 9,812 .lluvial — Alexandra Dredge ... Buller Dredge Cooksparrow Dredge Sought by Banks •ther sources... Oz. 145 44 586 4,309 1,000 Total gold from alluvial 6,084 6,084 Totals 19,816 Totals, 1872 to 1894 ... 587,501 643,930 553,163

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was obtained. The lode lies very flat. It has been worked for a considerable distance from the mouth of the opening on the lode, and there is a large body of quartz, although of low grade. The battery returns from the operations of this mine last year show that 1,610 tons of stone has been crushed, which yielded 5060z. of gold. The company owning the mine, being in financial difficulties, have suspended operations for a time to get calls in to pay off their present liabilities, when mining operations will be again commenced, and prospecting works undertaken. Beefton Disteict. This district is looking better than it has done for some years. On my visit during the previous year things looked so bad, and every one was getting so disheartened, that the general impression was that the place was done. This, however, is an experience common to every quartz-mining district; and it is found, as a rule, that when the period of depression has passed a much healthier aspect prevails, as witnessed in the case of such mines as the Welcome, Keep It Dark, Wealth of Nations, Fiery Cross, Ac. Operations in these mines were for a time either wholly or partially suspended, the consequence being that many of those who were dependent on the mines were thrown out of employment, and, as no new mines were in the meantime being opened up, there was nothing to absorb the surplus labour. This state of affairs caused a temporary stagnation in mining matters in the districts affected; but the recent discoveries in the Keep It Dark, Hercules, Progress, Big River, &c, have caused a reaction in mining, and the new discoveries in the Keep it Dark Mine will tend to bring about a development of other mines at a greater depth than hitherto attained, and, judging by the present appearances of the field, the returns are likely to be considerably increased during next year. There has been very little foreign capital coming into this district for some years past, consequently the carrying-on of the mines has been almost solely dependent on the people of the locality; but the new developments which have taken place will, no doubt, be the means of the introduction of fresh capital into the district, and many other mines will be opened up. The full value of these discoveries have not yet been fully felt, as it takes a considerable time after new lodes are discovered to prove them of sufficient value to give confidence to investors residing at a distance from the scene of operations and induce them to embark their capital in mining shares. It may therefore take some time before all the surplus labour in the Eeefton district can be fully employed. The following gold returns for the year ending the 31st December last were supplied to me by Mr. Hindmarsh, the manager of several of the principal claims in the locality : —

Total value of gold yield since 1872, £2,301,296.

11—C. 3.

Company. Gold. Quartz. Dividends. 'rogress 3ig Eiver Yealth of Nations lumberland ... llobe Oz. 3,296 2,816 1,300 1,200 1,030 873 588 242 150 132 43 Tons. 6,533 2,236 4,806 1,421 3,835 1,647 2,177 370 609 392 50 £ 3,000 4,800 812 600 lercules Sir Francis Drake Sir Charles Eusseil xolden Lead ... [eep It Dark... To. 2 Dark ... "600 Mbutes — Al Golden Fleece Hercules ... Eoyal Victoria ... Inglewood Golden Treasure ... 'rivate Companies — Fiery Cross Energy ... Boatman's Tailings Caledonian 374 358 165 136 127 62 40 42 1,014 517 226 265 155 223 438 8 313 41 1,270 30 20 alluvial — Alexandra Dredging Buller Dredging (fortnight) Cocksparrow Dredging Bought by Banks )ther sources 13,732 145 44 586 4,309 1,000 27,838 9,812 Totals 19,816 27,838 9,812 Totals, 1872 to 1894 ... 587,501 643,930 553,163

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It will be seen from the above returns that 27,835 , tons of quartz was crushed, yielding 13,7320z. of gold, as compared with 37,207 tons of quartz crushed for the previous year for a yield of 18,6830z. of gold, thus showing a decrease in the quantity of stone crushed of 9,369 tons, and of 4,9510z. of gold yielded. The amount of dividends declared last year was £9,812, as compared with £16,500 for the previous year, showing a decrease of £6,688. In addition to the gold procured from quartz, 7750z. were obtained by three dredges—namely, the Alexandra, Matakitaki, and Cocksparrow ; also, 5,3090z. from other sources. Taking the returns as compiled by Mr. Hindmarsh, the total quantity of quartz crushed on the Eeefton field since it was first opened is 643,930 tons, which yielded 587,5010z. of gold, representing a value of £2,301,296, whilst the amount paid in dividends was £553,163. Taking the year ending 31st March last, the returns furnished to the Warden show that 26,603 tons have been crushed, which yielded 13,426J0z. of gold, representing a value of £53,509 ss. Id., whilst the amount of alluvial gold procured was 4,5500z., representing a value of £17,742. The amount of dividends paid was £11,012 10s., and the calls made during the year £10,153 6s. Bd. It may be as well to state that there is a considerable discrepancy between the figures given in the Warden's report and the returns made by managers from the several crushing-batteries, both with regard to the quantity of stone crushed and the amount of gold produced. According to subsection (10), section 307, of " The Mining Act, 1891," every machine-owner is required to furnish the Inspector of Mines with a true and correct return in the form prescribed in the Seventh Schedule of that Act or be held subject to a penalty not exceeding £5 for each omission. It has been represented by the Inspector that he has experienced considerable difficulty in getting these returns from many of those who are responsible for the furnishing of the same; consequently, in sending in his report of the progress of mining in any district, if the returns mentioned above have not been furnished, the district is unavoidably represented as being in a worse condition than is actually the case ; and, if the statements regarding the district show that the returns have been less than they have in reality been, those people interested in mining have only themselves to blame for not supplying the correct returns required by law. There was an expression of dissatisfaction last year amongst the people of Eeefton regarding some of my remarks referring to the district, especially with respect to the Welcome Mine, of which it was stated that the winze was sunk on the lode in the lower levels of the workings and quartz taken out therefrom which yielded 3Joz. of gold to the ton. It may be here stated, for the information of the people of Eeefton, that the above particulars were supplied to myself and Mr. E. A. F. Murray, Government Geologist, of Victoria, by the manager of the mine at the time we made an examination of the workings, and, by referring to the published remarks of Mr. Murray, the following statements will be found : — " In the Welcome Mine an inclined adit of I,Booft. and a level of 800 ft. reaches the No. 9 level of the old workings, where there is visible a strong and well-defined track, about 2ft. thick, going downwards, and composed of black mullocky material and quartz, from which a crushing of 60 or 70 tons is said to have yielded 3oz. of gold per ton." The report furnished by the manager of the Welcome Mine was accepted by Mr. Murray and myself in good faith, and if the figures supplied were false, the blame was certainly on the part of those who supplied them. At that time the inspection was made specially with the view of making a recommendation in regard to the prospects in connection with the future development of the property to enable the Government to determine whether the company should receive an advance of money, under the Mining Act Amendment Act No. 2 of 1893, for which it made application. As it was asserted that the statements contained in my last report of these returns was untrue, it is to be hoped that the above, explanation will satisfy the minds of those who took exception to the same. According to the return supplied by the Warden, the total quantity of quartz crushed since this district was first opened up to the end of March last was 640,933 tons, which yielded 459,4230z. of gold, representing a value of £1,794,175, out of which dividends to the extent of £562,593 were paid. The total yield of alluvial gold is estimated at 122,1210z., representing a value of £450,740 ; making the total gold production of the district to be 581,5440z., representing a value of £2,244,915. The following statement will show the comparative returns from the mines in this district for the last thirteen years, ending the 31st March in each year:—

Year. Calls made. Dividends declared. Quartz crushed. Yield of Gold. Value of Gold. Yield per Ton. 1882-83 ... 1883-84 ... 1884-85 ... 1885-86 ... 1886-87 ... 1887-88 ... 1888-89 ... 1889-90 ... 1890-91 ... 1891-92 ... 1892-93 ... 1893-94 ... 1894-95 .. £ 61,345 49,456 29,333 24,565 21,596 30,432 38,919 27,531 20,404 25,956 18,800 14,350 10,153 £ 32,600 16,500 34,100 14,500 33,450 17,550 16,688 18,250 27,325 30,743 16,900 18,832 11,012 Tons. 18,928 23,433 34,349 27,198 23,930 24,403 28,564 32,394 39,643 35,562 37,693 34,518 26,603 Oz. 19,194 16,547 23,997 14,591 21,143 16,775 18,663 17,780 23,347 23,390 20,171 18,413 13,426 J £ s. a. 74,856 12 0 64,533 6 0 93,588 6 0 56,904 18 0 83,171 15 5 66,030 11 5 72,720 18 0 69,676 12 1 91,998 8 10 93,885 5 1 80,894 5 1 73,752 14 11 53,509 5 1 Oz. dwt. gr. 10 7 0 14 3 0 13 23 0 10 18 0 17 14 0 13 18 0 13 4 0 10 16 0 10 19 0 13 3 0 10 16 0 10 13 0 10 2

0.—3.

The following is a statement showing the different companies that have been engaged in mining in the Beefton District since it was opened, showing the amount paid in calls; dividends received; the number of tons of stone crushed ; the yield of gold therefrom; and the value of the gold produced up to the 31st of March, 1895 : —

Quartz-mining Companies engaged in the Reefton District.

Name of Company. Galls made. Dividends declared. Stone crushed. Yield. Value. \1 ... Ajax Alexandra ill Nations Alston Anderson's Creek ... £ s. 350 0 600 0 400 0 100 0 d. 0 0 0 0 £ s. 9 0 2,504 0 d. 0 0 Tons. 215 6,890 394 Oz. 408 6,441 168 £ s. d. 1,632 8 6 24,-958 17 6 651 0 0 1,687 10 500 0 0 0 475 0 0 6,791 5,363 20,780 12 6 Argosy ... Argus Band of Hope Big Eiver Big Eiver Extended Bannoekburn Blue Sky Boatman's Creek ... Boatman's Tailings Britannia Extended Britannia Quartz Company ... Caledonian Caledonian Extended Chicago ... Cumberland Dauntless Extended Durham ... Dillon . r . Eclipse ... Edinburgh Eldorado 3,500 0 2,400 0 450 0 300 0 0 0 0 0 26,900 0 0 82 390 6,564 2,497 105 25 9,411 4,792 407 6 4 96 5 0 37,644 14 7 18,075 7 0 "l38 122 617 472 15 0 1,068 19 0 104 3 416 13 4 4 2,250 0 0 "560 2,072! 8,065 10 0 651 0 600 0 4,200 0 550 0 800 0 1,200 0 100 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13,800 0 0 12',272 10,585 42,340 3 1 478 653 2,530 7 6 Empress... Energetic Energy ... Eureka ... Eureka Extended ... Exchange B'iery Cross Fiery Cross Extended Prampton and another Fraternal Frying-pan 3-allant ... jleneral Gordon ... 31obe ... Golden Treasure ... jolden Point jolconda jolden Arch α-olden Bar jolden Fleece Glolden Fleece Extended 3-oldenHill 3-olden Lead j-olden Ledge Grreat Eastern j-uide Happy Valley Hard to Find Heather Bell Hercules Homeward Bound... Hopeful Extended... Hudson ... [mperial... [nangahua Low-level Tunnel Independent 1,850 0 0 21,900 0 0 59,080 4,790 30,811 2,357J 119,322 7 8 9,358 11 9 5,666 13 10,195 0 2,900 0 4 0 0 4,824 10 0 9,243 0 0 1,072 8,372 119 516 7,894 17 2,065 0 0 31,436 3 4 68 0 0 300 0 687 10 4,250 0 1,500 0 15,675 0 19,600 0 7,350 0 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 600" 0 40,000 0 4,300 0 0 0 0 2,036 71,808 9,227 1,160$ 659 34,321 5,860| 376 2,623 7 8 136,174 12 0 22,815 14 1 1,468 3 5 149 139 538 12 6 400 0 0 1,460 25,087 39 10,786 1,831 564 31,753 9 2,216 552 2,256 0 0 123,070 12 0 36 7 1 8,885 0 7 2,039 0 0 6,773 0 1,900 0 7,300 0 0 0 0 55,OOo" 0 0 1,103 0 100 0 3,150 0 1,650 0 0 0 0 0 127 60 60 5,090 62 12,898 29 17 10 3,244 213 21,129 110 19 1 67 0 0 40 0 0 12,873 8 2 859 13 7 81,693 0 7 5,300 0 8,775 0 2,103 2 100 0 0 0 6 0 4,400 0 0 40,425 0 0 5,456 0 0 "811 468 1,813 10 0 2,345 1,179 4,568 12 6

a—3

Quartz-mining Companies engaged in the Reefton District— continued.

Name of Company. Calls made. Dividends declared. Stone crushed. Yield. Value. Inglewood Extended Inkerman Invincible Italian GullyJust in Time Kapai Keep-it-Dark Keep-it-Dark No. 2 Lady of the Lake ... Lankey's Creek London ... Londonderry Lone Hand Lone Star Lord Edward Mammon Maori Chief Merrijigs... Mount Morgan Multum in Parvo ... Murray Creek National New Britannia New Era New Golden Point New Low-level Tunnel Nil Desperandum ... North Venus No. 2 South Larry O.K Oi Polloi... Oriental ... Pactolus ... Pandora ... Perseverance Phoenix Extended... Prima Donna Prince of Wales ... £ s. a. 3,450 0 0 18,105 6 8 £ s. 2,700 0 4,000 0 1,050 0 d. 0 0 0 Tons. 9,353 28,492 564 879 12,459 Oz. 5,763 11,968 657 512 15,384 £ s. d. 22,327 0 0 46,272 10 7 2,545 17 6 1,984 0 0 59,832 2 10 11,667 13 4 800 0 0 6,208 6 8 5,800 0 0 15,666" 0 0 105,000 0 9,200 0 0 0 113,580 9,138 10 680 60,060 6,187 3 73 233,866 6 5 24,620 19 6 11 2 6 277 19 3 250 0 0 200 0 0 850 0 0 5,200 0 0 2,296 0 0 220 30 15 75 34 15 291 12 0 133 12 2 60 0 0 100 0 0 2,100 0 0 150 0 0 150 0 0 753 0 0 1,200 0 0 437 0 0 250 0 0 1,000 0 0 70 0 0 11,112 3 4 200 0 0 287 10 0 6,858 3,393 13,165 7 7 10b" 0 0 100 0 0 7',514 4,129 13,999 17 6 2,400" 0 0 1,006" 0 0 3,360 108 699 57 2,190 1,190 498 664 19 2,918 4,603 2 6 1,929 15 0 2,611 3 2 73 12 6 11,272 11 10 700 0 0 600 0 0 150 0 0 3,900 0 0 50 0 0 6,739 0 0 500 0 0 3,090 0 0 250 0 0 150 0 0 1,850 0 0 4,443 10 10 4,300 0 0 13,350 0 0 4,533" 6 0 Progress ... Queen Eainy Creek Extended Eesolution Eeform ... Eeward ... Eise and Shine Eoyal Scotia Sir Charles Eussell Sir Francis Drake... Sir Erancis Drake Syndicate Southern Cross South Hopeful South Wealth of Nations ... Specimen Hill Stanley ... St. George Success ... Supreme ... Triumph ... Union United Band of Hope United Devonshire United Inglewood and North Star 17,400" 0 0 51,100 24,'271 97,310 15 9 1,782 "209 809 0 0 "704 "445 1,780 15 6 232 0 3,000 0 0 0 918 594 498 7,262 350 21 48 775J 1,284 339| 1,693 35 43 52 3,123 18 10 5,062 17 6 1,333 3 7 6,513 19 0 140 0 0 166 12 6 217 1 9 4,315 0 0 1,750 0 0 9,270 0 0 100 0 0 600 0 0 400 0 0 4,882 13 4 1,150 0 0 2,265 15 1,205 "'35 4,222 14 4 140 14 1 "417 "51 170 10 0 "600 160 "64 49 248 0 0 187 17 6 1,778 7 8 1,591 "821 3,181 7 6 Venus Venus Extended ... Victoria ... 700 0 0 4,000 0 0 600 0 3,300 0 0 0 2,466 8,247 1,943 1,419 5,495 929 5,524 2 6 21,318 11 9 3,626 17 6

C.—3.

Quartz-mining Companies engaged in the Reefton District— continued.

It will be seen from the foregoing table that calls have been made to the extent of £315,532 Is., and dividends paid amounting to £537,408 65.; and that 621,064 tons of stone have been crushed, which yielded 462,912'50z. gold, representing a value of £1,700,403 os. 10d. It is difficult to get at the correct returns from the individual mines in the early days of the field. The above table is compiled from a statement published by a committee of the Eailway League at Eeefton, some ten or eleven years ago, with the returns sent in by the Warden added on, year by year, since the statement referred to was made. Old Caledonian. —This mine is situate at Larry's Creek. Some very rich stone was found here about eighteen years ago, and it was looked on at that time as one of the dividend-paying mines in the district; but after working down some distance the lode cut out. In addition to this, there was more water to contend with than the machinery the company had on the ground was able to lift, so that the claim was given up. It lay for many years without any work being done, until Messrs. Duffy Brothers took up the ground, and are now carrying on prospecting operations with the view of picking up another shoot of gold on the lode. Some of the quartz crushed by the original company yielded as much as 4oz. of gold to the ton, and a great deal of quartz which was then considered of too low grade to pay for working was thrown away in the mullock-tip. Messrs. Duffy Brothers have erected a five-head stamp battery, and find that some of the material from the mullock-tip pays to put through, but the present battery is far too small to treat low-grade ore. During last year 20 tons of stone was crushed, which yielded, according to the battery returns forwarded, 28oz. gold, while three men have been employed. Italian Gully. —Some prospecting operations are being carried on in this locality, but nothing of any note has yet been found. Many years ago a lode was found here, and a battery of five heads of stamps and one berdan was erected. The machinery is still on the ground, enclosed in a building, so that if any likely stone be found in the neighbourhood there would be little difficulty in getting it tested. Welcome United. —Prospecting operations have been carried on in this mine for the last two years without as yet meeting with any success. The operations are being carried on from the inclined adit formerly belonging to the Eureka Company. At about 800 ft. from the lower end of this adit a monkey-shaft has been sunk in the side of the level to a depth of 240 ft., and from the bottom of this shaft a drive has been constructed for a distance of 542 ft. Two cross-cuts have been constructed from this drive to the westward; and now the directors propose to extend the main drive for another 50ft., and put in a cross-cut for 100 ft. to the eastward. If they do not meet with success, then it is proposed to open out some of the blocks of stone left in the upper levels of the Welcome, which at the time they were left was considered of too low grade to pay for working. For some time the ventilation in the lower workings has been very bad, but at the time of my visit a small fan was being erected to exhaust the bad air. The men had not been able to get into the lower workings from Christmas up to the date of my visit in April. This company deserves to meet with success. It has expended a large amount in prospecting, and will have yet to expend a considerable amount to open up the mine systematically if a payable lode be found at their deepest workings. Five men were employed at the time of my visit. Fiery Gross. —This mine is now worked by a private company. At first the workings were carried on so as to leave a fair margin of profit, but latterly the stone has been of very low grade, and it is stated that the crushing prior to my visit was very disappointing. During the year ending the 31st March last 688 tons of quartz has been crushed, which have yielded 3250z. of gold, valued at £1,300. Sir Oharles Russell. —This mine is situate on the south side of the Waitahu Eiver, on the top of a bare ridge about 40 chains back from the river. Good stone was got on the outcrop. A cross-cut was put in from the south side of the ridge, and the lode followed for about 200 ft. Another level was driven from the north side of the ridge at 170 ft. lower level. A winze has been sunk down on the lode for a depth of 96ft. from the upper level, and an intermediate level constructed having a pass down to the lower level, which is over I,oooft. in length. The lode is now being stoped out between the intermediate and upper levels. It averages about 18in. in width, and runs in a northwest and south-east direction, underlying to the south-west and striking northerly. Near the mouth of the lower level the quartz is emptied into a large hopper, and an aerial tramway 36 chains in length carries the quartz from this point to the crushing-battery, which is erected on the side of the Waitahu Eiver. The crushing-battery, consisting of ten heads of stamps and four berdans, is driven by a horizontal steam-engine, having a cylinder 14in. in diameter, the ordinary copper-plates and

Name of Company. Calls made. Dividends declared. Stone crushed. Yield. Value. £ s. d. £ s. d. Tons. 1,155 919 238 26,886 Oz. 905 586 354 63,465 £ s. 3,506 17 2,077 0 1,396 5 247,817 3 a. 6 0 3 1 Victory ... Vulcan ... Walhalla Extended Welcome Welcome United ... Wealth of Nations Wealth of Nations Extended 1,437 0 0 11,100 0 0 3,600 0 0 13,975 10 0 6,500 0 0 400 0 110,250 0 0 0 35,912 10 0 55,054 4,077 30,866 2,007 119,851 18 7,883 2 7 0 Totals ... 315,532 1 0 537,408 6 0 621,064 462.912J 1,700,403 0 10

a—3

blanket-tables being attached to the battery. The battery-superintendent informed me that the tailings assay about 16dwt. per ton. On my informing him that it would pay the company to erect a small cyanide plant, he met me with the objection that a cyanide plant had been tried with the Welcome Company's tailings and proved a failure. Be that as it may, there is no antimony in the quartz from this company's mine the same as found in the Welcome, and there is nothing to prevent at least 85 per cent, of the gold in the tailings being extracted, first by leaching with a solution containing cyanide of potassium, and after leaching, to run the wash-material over copperplates coated with quicksilver. The gold that the cyanide solution would not dissolve would be made thoroughly clean and bright, so that it would adhere to the silvered plates and be recovered in this manner. If the information supplied me is correct, the battery process is not extracting at the present time 50 per cent, of the assay-value of the gold in the ore. During the last year 470 tons of quartz was crushed, which yielded 2940z. of gold, representing a value of £1,168 125.; while calls were made to the extent of £600. Dillon. —This mine adjoins the Sir Charles Russell. At the southern end an adit was driven for a distance of 74ft. into the face of the hill from the opposite side of the gully, where the upper level is constructed into the Eussell Mine. The lode in this adit was broken up to some extent, and the company left it and sunk a winze about 7ft. from its northern boundary, and found at this place gold showing freely in the lode. This winze is down to a depth of 106 ft., but no steps had at the time of my visit been taken to test the length of the block of stone in this company's ground that will be payable for working. The value of the discovery will depend on the length of the block of stone southwards, as there is only 7ft. to drive in a northerly direction until the ground of the Sir Charles Eussell is reached. This is entirely a new district, and great anticipations were formed respecting it when the discovery was first made in the Sir Charles Eussell Mine. These anticipations have to a certain extent been realised from the value of the ore sent to the Eussell battery, which has averaged by the ordinary battery process about of gold per ton ; and if the tailings has an assay-value of 16dwt. per ton, as the battery-superintendent represented, then the ore is of excellent character, and a fair percentage of the gold it contains ought to be recovered. Golden Fleece. —This mine is still worked by tributers. They have the whole of the mine on tribute, but there is a clause in the agreement that the proprietor can, on payment of £1,000, resume the mine at any time. Very rich stone was got in this mine in the early days, both in the Ajax and Golden Fleece ground. The Ajax Company paid a good many thousand pounds in dividends, and it is said that none of the shareholders were ever called upon to pay any calls. This rich block of stone was stoped out to the 600 ft. level before the tributers got the mine ; but there is a large block of stone left on the south end which was in the early days considered of too low grade to pay for working. The tributers have been working on this block of stone, and have stoped a portion of this for 120 ft. above the 600 ft. level. As far as the tributers know, this block of stone goes to the surface, and, if so, they have a good many years' work before them. The lode varies in width, but it might be put down at an average thickness of 2ft., and it yields from 6dwt. to over Bdwt. of gold per ton. The men are well satisfied with their tribute, and consider they have a good many years' work which will give them fair wages. They pay 10 per cent, tribute on the gross yield of gold, and they get the use of the crushing-battery on the payment of 6d. per ton to the proprietor, in addition to the actual cost of wear and tear and working-expenses. The lode in this mine is between extremely well-defined walls. The underlie in very uniform, being about 67° from the horizontal at the 600 ft. level. This lode became broken up, but no doubt it will be found again at a deeper level. Although the workings are at a considerable depth below the surface, when the length of the range is taken into consideration the deepest workings are fully 1,400 ft. above the level of where the new shoot of auriferous stone has been found in the Keep It Dark Mine. During the year ending the 31st March last 1,054 tons was crushed, which yielded 3970z. gold, representing a value of £1,588 ; while eight men have been employed in connection with the mining operations. BoyoA. —This mine is let on tribute to four tributers, who have to pay the company who owns the ground about 7f per cent, of the gross yield of gold. This mine adjoins the southern end of the Golden Fleece. An adit-level has been constructed from the Murray Creek side of the range for a distance of 1,500 ft., but a more serpentine adit can scarcely be found; it is like the coils of a snake. Unless the man who constructed it, or was engaged in so doing, understood surveying it was impossible to say in what direction he was going. The present tributers are working on a small lode at the far end of the adit-level, and sloping a block of stone about 25ft. in length, and have taken this out for about 70ft. in height. The lode varies from 6in. to a foot in width ; but at the floor of the level it is broken up, and at the far end of the adit it appears to have been thrown to one side, possibly to the eastward. Judging from the appearance of the lode in the level it is likely to be got again further ahead. During the year ending the 31st March last 108 tons of stone were crushed, which yielded 530z. gold, representing a value of £213. Murray Greek. —Mining operations in the locality of Murray Creek have been for some time suspended; but.now that other mines in the district are looking better than they have done for a long time, prospecting operations are again to be proceeded with. A party of six tributers resumed work in the Golden Treasure with the view of stoping out a block of quartz from No. 2 level. In the Victoria there are some men working on leaders from the Nos. 1 and 2 levels; but these leaders are very small, and it is questionable, unless something else be found, whether the working will be of long duration. The mines are not prospected to any great depth, and there is a great probability that were prospecting operations carried on energetically, success would attend the efforts made. The ore in the Golden Treasure contains a large percentage of antimony, which makes it difficult to treat so as to get a fair percentage of the gold the ore contains. During the year 18 tons of stone were crushed from the Golden Treasure, which yielded 10-Joz. gold; and 326 tons from the Victoria, which yielded 98oz. retorted gold.

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Wealth of Nations. —The workings have been carried on in this mine for many years, it may be said, in the " hand-to-mouth" style. The gold until recently would not pay for the expense of carrying on operations; and had it not been for the large quantity of tailings which was stacked and operated on by a plant of berdans, which yielded a considerable quantity of gold, the company would, in all probability, have abandoned the mine long ago. It is astonishing the amount of prospecting that has been clone in this mine, and so little return been got from it. The main shaft is at the end of the main adit-level, which is 800 ft. in length from the face of the range. This shaft; is 200 ft. in depth. A level is constructed in a northerly direction from the bottom of this shaft for 700 ft., where a monkey- or auxiliary-shaft is sunk to a depth of 300 ft. A level was constructed from this shaft at 150 ft., and this cut a block of stone containing a little gold. A winze was sunk down on this block to a depth of 115 ft., and on crushing the stone from the first 30ft. it only yielded sdwt. of gold per ton. From the next 30ft. the stone yielded 6clwt. of gold per ton, and what has been taken from the bottom of the winze has averaged over half an ounce of gold per ton, where the lode is about 7ft. in thickness. Mr. Watson, the manager, states that on the upper workings the strike of the lode was northerly, and the stone here averaged about lOdwt. per ton ; but on following the lode down in recent years the strike has been in a southerly direction. On the present block of stone that he has found, the strike is again northerly, and the stone is of much better quality than he has got for many years. A new level from the bottom of the monkey-shaft was in course of construction at the time of my visit, and was in some 30ft. During the year ending 31st March last the annual returns show that 3,379 tons of quartz has been crushed, which yielded 9540z. gold, representing a value of £3,816. Keep It Dark. —Prospecting operations have been energetically carried on in this mine during last] year. The subsidiary- or monkey-shaft in No. 3 level has been sunk to a depth of 375 ft., which makes it about 850 ft. below the top of the main shaft, or about I,looft. below the surface of the ground at that place. After prospecting for some time on No. 5 level no payable stone was found, but on following down a small leader from No. 5 level, a new make of stone was discovered. The leader that was followed down cut out, and in putting in a cross-cut for a short distance northwards the new lode was found. A winze was then sunk on the new lode, and it was found to contain payable ore all the way down. At the same time this winze was being put down, the No. 6 level from near the bottom of the monkey-shaft was being constructed, and recently it has cut the new lode, which is about 12ft. in thickness, and said to yield from 12dwt. to 15dwt. per ton. The new level will give about 100 ft. of backs up to the place where the new lode was cut; but it is not known what height of scone there is above this point, neither is there any idea as to what the length of the new block will be. This is now the deepest mine in relation to sea-level there is in the Eeefton district, or, it may be said, in the Middle Island, it being about 200 ft. below high-water mark on the ocean-beach. It is highly gratifying to find that, although the lodes occurring near the surface cut out and get broken up, there are other lodes found again at a greater depth. It points to the same circumstances noted in connection with auriferous quartz-lodes in the Australian Colonies. The gold in the reefs or lodes is found everywhere in shoots or ledges —that is, at certain levels the ore will prove far richer than at others, and there are certain blanks to go through, in which there is no payable ors The discovery of a new payable lode at the deep levels, after the surface lodes had cut out, has given great hopes to the people in the Eeefton district that they may again see as prosperous times as when the place was first opened. This has been the means at least of putting a new life into the place, and, instead of the gloomy aspect which prevailed in the district on my former visits, the people appear to be more contented, and look forward to brighter days in store for the place. According to the last balance of the Keep It Dark Company for the year ending December last, it shows that 114,847 tons of quartz has been crushed from this mine since operations commenced, which yielded 60,8010z. 17dwt. 6gr., representing a value of £235,882 17s. 9d., and that the amount received for public crushings was £9,218 6s. 3d., making a total of £245,101 4s. ; while the expenditure in connection with working the mine and battery amounted to £134,967 3s. lid., exclusive of the cost of the plant and property at date of registration, which is set down at £21,767 ss. lid. Taking the battery returns for the year ending the 31st March last, there was 936 tons of quartz crushed, which yielded 3340z. gold, representing a value of £1,336, and for the same period calls to the amount of £1,083 6s. Bd. have been made. Keep It Dark (No. 2). —The operations carried on in this mine during the last year have been principally of a prospecting character. The level which was being driven from the end of the cross-cut leading from the bottom of the shaft is now in a distance of 400 ft, but no payable stone was found, although some small blocks of quartz were met with. It is considered by many of the mining men here thac the run or lode formerly giving payable returns in this mine is the same as that now being worked in the Hercules, and, judging from the character of the stone and apparent displacement that has taken place, there is good reasons to suppose this to be the case. The work in the mine has been suspended for a time, but it is intended to continue prospecting operations as soon as the finances of the company will admit. During the year 50 tons of quartz were crushed, which yielded 12oz. gold, having a value of £47. Hercules. —This mine adjoins the Keep It Dark. It was formerly known as the Nil Desperandmn, and for many years the workings were carried on at a loss. Eecently, however, they have found a new make of stone that promises to give good returns. The main shaft has been sunk to a depth of 560 ft. below the winding or No. 3 level. From the bottom of the shaft a cross-cut has been driven for about 50ft., and the course of the lode followed for 600 ft. In this distance two blocks or shoots of gold-bearing stone was found, one about 70ft. in length and another 120 ft. in length. This is now stoped up for about 70ft. in height, leaving about 68ft. still to stope to the next level. A winze was at the time of my visit being put down from the lower level, and the lode

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seemed to improve in depth, its average thickness being about 4ft. The whole of the stone is stoped out above the 420 ft. level. The prospects of this company look very promising at the present time. The company are having the quartz taken out by contract for 11s. 10d. per ton, the contractors finding all material. During the year ending the 31st of March last the battery returns show that 2,625 tons of stone has been crushed, which yielded 1,2280z. retorted gold, representing a value of £4,831 18s. 6d., out of which £1,200 has been paid in dividends. Grlobe. —The returns from this mine have not been so good as in former years; still, the mine at the present may be classed as a likely gold-producer in the future. The shaft is sunk to a depth of 850 ft., and a cross-cut is put in from the shaft at a depth of 825 ft. This crosscuius 400 ft. in length to where it cuts the lode. There are three blocks of stone at the lower level. The western lode is about 180 ft. in length, having an average width of about 15ft. It runs generally in an easterly and westerly direction, having an underlie of about 45° to south. At the eastern end of this block there is a break, and mullock comes in, but in close proximity to the end of this block of stone another lode commences. This lode has been worked on the No. 5 level, which is 200 ft. above No. 6or the lowest level. The length of the block on this lode at No. sis 170 ft., but in going down narrows in considerably in its length. An intermediate level has been constructed between No. 5 and No. 6, and this lode has been almost stoped out from the intermediate level. On the lower or No. 6 level it has been taken out for six stopes high and for about 80ft. in length; but on this level the stone is very poor, and the lode broken up considerably. Further to the eastward there is another distinct lode, running about north-east and south-west, having an underlie of about 45° to the south-east. This lode has been driven on for about 40ft., and no sign of the north-eastern end has yet been got, its average width being about 12ft. On the No. 5 level a completely new block of stone has been discovered. At the end of the main level, about 150 ft. to the east of the cross-cut, this block measures, in the face of the level, fully 6ft. wide, and shows tolerably coarse specks of gold in some of the stone. This block has only recently been discovered, and it is not yet known what extent the block is. The underlie of all the blocks are something similar, about an inclination of 1 in 1. The company are only commencing to stope out the western block from No. 6 level, and, from what the manager informed me, the stone is of very low grade; but, with the appliances the company have for treating the ore, very low-grade quartz should be made to give remunerative returns. The water-wheel, which was formerly used for winding, has been abandoned for some time, and the winding is done by one of Hornsby and Sons' undertype horizontal high-pressure engines, having two cylinders llin. in diameter. There are two winding-drums, so connected with the engine that one of them can be worked independent of the other. The whole of the work in connection with this mine is done in a substantial manner. The underground roads are kept in capital repair, and the timbering and everything is connection with the workings reflects credit on the manager. The crushing-battery, consisting of twenty heads of stamps and two berdans, is situate on the side of the Inangahua Biver, about one mile and a quarter from the mine, with which it is connected by an aerial tramway, the first ever erected in the Eeefton district. The battery is driven by a turbine water-wheel of the Whitlaw type, under a head of 40ft. Alongside the crushing-battery is a building in which six Triumph concentrators are placed ; but the working of these concentrators has been discontinued long ago. The battery-superintendent informed me that there is only 1 per cent. of pyrites in the ore, and that it cost £10 a week to work these concentrators, which manipulated about 180 tons of tailings per week—that is, they concentrated the whole of the tailings from the crushing-battery, and the concentrates gave, on assay, 4oz. of gold per ton. When these concentrators were first used—the way in which they were erected on my visit to this company's works—it was impossible for them to save pyrites. However, it is possible that the men had got into the way of working the concentrators before they stopped using them. During the year ending the 31st March last 4,445 tons of quartz have been crushed, which yielded 1,3720z. gold, representing a value of £5,556 12s. The returns were not sufficient to meet the expenditure for the year, as there was a considerable amount of dead-work done, with the result that calls were made to the extent of £900. This company has a large asset in the tailings stacked near the battery. Although no steps have been taken to manipulate this residue from the stamp battery, it will yet be found that there will be a considerable profit in treating the tailings, which amounts to at least 50,000 tons, since 71,808 tons of quartz has been crushed at the battery and the whole of the tailings saved. No doubt a considerable percentage of the crushed ore would go away in slimes in muddy water, since nothing has been done to save this in settling-pits, and in all probability the expense of making pits for this purpose, and cleaning them out, would not have been recouped had the quantity of gold carried away in the slimes been saved. The total quantity of gold produced from this mine since it was first opened is 34,3210z., representing a value of £136,175, out of which £40,000 has been paid in dividends. The great body of stone both in' this mine and the Progress, with the rich shoots of gold that have been found, indicates that by further prospecting, both on the upper and lower levels, other blocks of equally as good ore as that yet operated on will be found, and, even should the present lodes cut out, by sinking to lower levels entirely new lodes are likely to be met with. Progress. —-The lode on upper levels in this mine has been stoped out as far as it has been considered payable for working. An adit-level is constructed into the face of the range for 1,650 ft., and at the end. of this adit a shaft has been sunk to a depth of 450 ft., from which the whole of the workings are now carried on. Prom the bottom of this shaft a cross-cut has been constructed for 380 ft., when it cut the lode. The latter runs in an easterly and westerly direction, having an underlie to the south of about 50°. The lode occurs in blocks. The one where mining operations were being carried on at the time of my visit was about 80ft. in length, varying from 4ft. to nearly 40ft. in thickness, and payable throughout. This block was worked from the bottom or No. 5 level

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for six stopes, and from the information supplied me by the manager the stone underfoot in the level is even better than what it is in the stopes, and likely to average 15dwt. of gold per ton. Formerly the winding from this underground shaft was done by compressed air, but this method has been done away with and steam substituted in lieu thereof. The manager stated that he can do more work with steam at 201b. pressure to the square inch than he could do formerly with compressed air at 401b. pressure. The reason of this is not well understood, and possibly if the whole thing were properly investigated, it would be found that there was some defect in the engine using the compressed air which required to be remedied. The steam is supplied from a Tangye boiler placed in the building in which the crushing-battery is erected, and the steam conveyed to a receiver by the pipe which was used for conveying the compressed air. The engine, which is placed in the chamber beside the top of the shaft, receives the steam from the receiver, and any condensation of water that takes place in the pipes is drawn off at the bottom of the receiver, which is an egg-ended boiler, formerly used as an air-receiver. Battery. —The crushing-battery consists of twenty-five heads of stamps, with the ordinary quicksilver and blanket tables, having eight berdans for treating the concentrates from the blankets. The whole of the machinery is driven by one of Hornsby and Sons' undertype compound steamengines, having cylinders of 14in. and 22-Jin. diameter respectively. These engines are very compact, well adapted for work of this description, and take up comparatively little room ; but, were fuel a great consideration, no doubt a multitubular boiler built in brick-work would generate the same quantity of steam with less fuel. The latter is, however, of little consequence to this company, since it has a coal-mine connected with the battery by an aerial tramway. During the year ending the 31st March last 7,150 tons of quartz was crushed, which yielded 3,6200z. gold, representing a value of £14,663, out of which dividends were paid to the extent of £4,200. The total quantity of quartz crushed from this mine is 51,595 tons, which yielded 24,2710z. gold, representing a value of £97,315, out of which £17,400 has been paid in dividends. The site where this company's battery is fixed is in such a position that it is difficult to stack the tailings, consequently the tailings are carried away down the creek, and, although there is an accumulation. in the bed of the creek in places, it will be difficult to operate on them at a future time, even if a cheap process is found for treating them. Sir Francis Drake. —This mine has recently changed hands ; the Sir Francis Drake Company went into liquidation, and the plant and mine were sold to a private company consisting of twelve working-men. An adit-level has been driven into the hill on the same level as the top of the shaft, and the whole of the lode stoped out above this adit. The shaft is 195 ft. in depth. A cross-cut is driven from the bottom of the shaft for 400 ft. The lode varies considerably in width, from 6in. to 3ft., having an underlie of about 80°. The block of stone on which mining operations have been confined is very short. It has been stoped up above the bottom level for about 100 ft. The crushingbattery consists of fifteen heads of stamps and one berdan, fitted with the ordinary quicksilver and blanket tables. The battery, which is connected to the mine by a ground-tramway and chute, is driven by a horizontal steam-engine having a cylinder of llin. in diameter. During the last year the battery returns show that 2,083 tons of quartz had been crushed for a yield of 5240z. retorted gold ; while calls to the extent of £600 were made. The new syndicate which purchased this property is said to have got 350z. gold during the time they carried on operations up to the 31st of March last. Cumberland. —-A low-level adit was constructed some years ago; and at 500 ft. in from the mouth of the adit a shaft has been sunk to a depth of 200 ft. The stone found at the bottom level in the shaft is of very low grade, but it gets better on the intermediate level, which is over 100 ft. above the bottom level. The block of stone the company are working is 80ft. in length, having an underlie of about 65°. The lode averages about 2ft. in width, and the quartz contains about 25dwt. of gold per ton. The crushing-battery is erected at Deep Creek, consisting of fifteen heads of stamps and three berdans, which are driven by a steam-engine. The quartz from the mine is conveyed for about one mile by an aerial tramway. During the year ending the 31st March last 722 tons of quartz was crushed, which yielded 7850z. gold, representing a value of £3,183 Is. Id.; while calls to the extent of £1,800 have been made, and a dividend of £600 paid. The latter seems a peculiar method of financing, seeing that so large a sum was required to be made in calls. Golden Lead. —A low adit-level was commenced about three years ago, but the want of sufficient funds has prevented this work from being proceeded with. It is now in about 650 ft., and in going this distance a good-looking lode was cut through, but no gold was found in it. On the upper workings the adit-level has been extended for another 100 ft., which makes the total length of the level now 700 ft. The leaders on which the company were formerly working are pretty well stoped out to the surface, but unfortunately the stone was of too low grade to pay expenses. There has been nothing but a continual drain on the shareholders for years to keep this mine going. About Christmas last some prospecting was done on the top of the hill, ahead of all the present workings, and a leader containing a fair amount of gold was found on the surface. A trench was opened out for 250 ft. in length, and the leader continued for the whole of the distance, varying from lin. to 6in. in thickness, and 21 tons of stone was taken out, which gave an average yield of about loz. gold per ton. Notwithstanding the smallness of the leader, the manager informed me that this stone was taken out and carried for some distance on men's backs to the aerial tramway, and crushed at a total cost of £23. An uprise is now being constructed to stope out this stone from the adit-level, which is about 160 ft. below the surface at this place. A great deal of work has been done in this mine, and when taking the thickness of the lode into consideration, very low-grade stone has been made to pay the expenses of working—something like 4dwt. per ton—but the company has every facility for getting the stone crushed at a cheap rate. There is an aerial tramway, about a mile in length, connecting the mine with the crushingbattery, which, consisting of ten stampers and two berdans, is driven by a Pelton water12—C. 3.

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wheel, under a head of 208 ft., the water-race being about one mile and a half in length. During the year 341 tons of stone was crushed, which yielded 114oz. gold, representing a value of £459 2s. 10d. Calls have been made during the same period to the extent of £1,800. Merrijigs. —The Merrijigs and Al Mines, as well as the Golden Lead, are in a sandstone formation which has small strings, veins, and leaders of quartz through it, many of which contain gold. In such a formation one would expect to find the auriferous leaders run for a much longer distance than large lodes, and generally these small leaders are far richer than the larger bodies of stone. The Merrijigs Hill may be said to be of such a formation, at least, near the surface, that it is not likely that large lodes of payable auriferous quartz will be found, but there is likely to be a considerable quantity of gold got from the leaders and veins of quartz traversing the sandstone. In the Al, during the past year, there was 20 tons of stone crushed, which yielded 1960z. of gold, from No. 1 party of tributers, and, from No. 2 party, 22 tons of stone was crushed, which gave a return of 181oz. gold. It was said that good returns were being got from leaders in the Merrijigs Mine, but no battery returns have been forwarded to prove this to be the case. Big Biver. —This is likely to be a large quartz-reefing district. There is an auriferous belt of great width at this place, and in all probability rich gold-bearing stone will be found for a longway further on than the present workings. The peculiar feature about this place is that the country-rock is greatly crushed up and contorted, showing that it has been subjected at some period to great pressure, while, as far as can be seen in the Big Biver Mine, the only one in this district which has yet been opened to any depth, the lodes or blocks of auriferous stone come in and cut out against a clean face of slate, leaving but little indication where to pick it up again. There are, however, heads and joints in the rocks showing the direction of displacement, which, no doubt, will in the future be better studied when prospecting for a new make of stone. The Big Biver is about nineteen miles south of Eeefton, and about six miles south of any quartz-workings on the same belt of country. The Cumberland and Golden Lead may be said to be nearest to the Big Eiver Mine. There is a long stretch of country here where very little prospecting has ever been done, but assuredly payable lodes will yet be found, as well as to the south of the Big Eiver. The widest belt of- the Eeefton slates, where the auriferous lodes are found in the district, is from the Alexander Eiver, which is a branch of the main Grey, to the mouth of Eainy Creek, on the Inangahua liiver ; and almost in the centre of the belt is the coal formation, from which fuel can be obtained for the generation of steam-power to work mining machinery. There is a great field in this direction for prospecting, but it requires to be opened up by roads beyond the Big Eiver to afford facilities for men to get into the country. The country here is not only densely timbered, but intersected by deep precipitous gorges, difficult to cross, and altogether too rough and broken for the transport of provisions, tools, and materials, to enable men to carry on mining operations. At the Big Eiver Mine, workings were carried on for two or three years before a pack-track was constructed, but the work done was more of a shepherding character than anything else. On the completion of the pack-track, crushing machinery was conveyed out from Eeefton and erected ; and although the yield from the first block of stone, from which a great deal of gold was expected, was very disappointing, nevertheless of late years this mine has proved the existence of rich lodes in the district; the mine was looked on by many of the early shareholders as a worthless property. The present workings in the mine are confined to the No. 3 and No. 5 or bottom level. The latter is 750 ft. below the surface. An adit-level was put in from the face of the hill for a distance of 670 ft. to the shaft, which comes from the surface and cuts this level at 200 ft. deep. On No. 3 level the workings are on a block of stone which was found in the No. 2 level. It is about 100 ft. in length, and varies in thickness from 2ft. to 12ft. in the length of the block. It is broken with large junks of mullock or country-rock. The stopes, at the time of my visit, were up for about 21ft. above the level. On the bottom level the block of stone is about 45ft. in length, being Bft. at one end and 12ft. at the other in thickness. The course of the block is in an easterly and westerly direction, having an underlie of about 55° and striking easterly. The lode is stoped for about 50ft. on this block. The block on the upper level has a north-easterly and south-westerly direction, with an underlie of about 45°, and does not appear to have any connection with the block on the bottom level. Gold is seen freely in the face of the stopes. It is generally considered that whenever blocks of stone are struck in this mine they will yield close on 2oz. gold to the ton. The difficulty has heretofore been the finding of the blocks, as they cut out as quickly as they make, leaving very little trace of where to look for another, and a good deal of time and labour is bestowed in prospecting for new blocks of stone as the others are worked out. The crushing-battery is situated about 45 chains from the mine, and connected with the latter by an aerial tramway. The battery, consisting of ten heads and six berdans, is driven by a Pelton water-wheel. The water-race for supplying the motive-power is only about half a mile in length. The winding at the mine is done by an overshot reversible water-wheel 40ft. in diameter; but the supply of water is very limited. It has to be stored up at night to enable winding to be done during the day. Then the manager informed me that the winding is too slow, and that the company intended to get a steam winding-engine. During the year ending the 31st March last there was 2,073 tons of quartz crushed from this mine, which yielded 3,0430z. gold. St. George. —The only other mine where any operations are carried on in the Big Eiver district is at the St. George, about two miles and a half further southward from the Big Eiver Mine. At the time of my visit to this locality some trenching was done on the surface. A leader carrying gold was found here during the last year, from 3in. to Bin. in thickness, and from 16 tons of stone that had been crushed prior to my visit, yielded, on an average, 2oz. 7dwt. of gold per ton. There are only two men employed in this mine, and very little can be said respecting it until more work is done. Burkes Creek. —There is one tailings plant erected here by John Dawson and party to Work the tailings that came down the creek from the Ajax and Golden Fleece Mines m the early

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(lays. The plant consists of nine berdans driven by an overshot water-wheel 30ft. in diameter. There is considerable labour in collecting the tailings, as they have been in the creek-bed for the last twenty years, and get carried down a short distance every flood; consequently there is not a large quantity to be found in one place, the bed of the creek being merely cleaned up for the tailings it contains. During the last year there was not a large quantity of tailings treated, but the party was satisfied with the yield of gold. A party is erecting another tailings plant lower down the creek than Dawson and party to work the same tailings. Whether these plants will be payable ventures it yet remains to be seen. Had these tailings been all stacked in the early days, and been in one place, instead of being washed for a couple of miles or so down the bed of the creek, it would have been a lucrative undertaking to treat these tailings, as some very rich quartz was crushed from those mines at the first of the field, and the methods of saving gold were much more defective then than what they are at the present time. Boatman's. —A tailings plant was erected here by Mr. Levi and others to treat the Welcome tailings by the cyanide process. This method is represented as having proved a failure on account of the quantity of slimes, and also the antimony there was in the ore originally. The latter metal has, no doubt, a considerable influence on the successful treatment of ore by cyanide solutions ; but the principal cause appears to me to be that the ore in the first place was crushed too coarse, and therefore the particles of gold are too large to be rapidly dissolved in cyanide solutions. The waste material, after leaching, should have been run over copper-plates coated with mercury, and these would have recovered the most of the gold, as the cyanide solution would have left it in a state readily amalgamable. The mine-owners are now adopting this principle on the northern goldfields, 'where the gold occurs in the ore in a much more finely-divided state than the gold in the quartz in the Eeefton district, and they find they recover a sufficient quantity to pay them for the labour and expense of fitting up tables for this purpose. During the last year 1770z. bullion was extracted at the Boatman's tailings plant, representing a value of £238 19s. Lyell. This is a district where there has been a considerable quantity of work done in the quartzworking, and where occasional good patches of auriferous stone is obtained in small leaders running through the country-rock, as, for instance, in the United Italy and lyrconnel Mines; but the principal mainstay of the place has been the Alpine Mine, in which there has always been a large number of wages-men employed. At one time there was a considerable number of men employed in working and prospecting for quartz lodes, and it was thought by many that the Lyell reefs would be traced to Mokihinui; but, so far as prospecting operations have been carried on, the reefs yielding payable returns have not yet been traced for any great distance. A considerable amount of work was done on some lodes in the locality of the New Creek, but on testing the stone at the crushing-batteries it did not prove payable for working. There was good stone on the side of the range opposite the Alpine Mine, facing a branch of New Creek, but since erecting a battery of ten heads of stamps, and commencing to crush the stone, the returns fell off, as payable ore could not be found, the lode being enclosed between very hard rock walls, similar in character to that found in the lower levels of the Eed Queen Mine at Mokihinui. Consequently all mining operations were suspended in this mine, and, as far as my remembrance goes, no prospecting in this mine has been carried on since. The quartz-workings in this district last year have been confined to the Dnited Alpine, United Italy, Lyell Creek Extended, Croesus, and Tyrconnel Mines. Alpine. —This mine is being worked from the No. 7 adit-level, which is about 852 ft. below the place where the lode was first discovered, and now the whole of the payable ore, as far as ascertained, has been very nearly taken out down to this level. The principal workings are now carried on from an inclined shaft at the end of No. 7 level, having a vertical depth of about 111 ft., a level being opened out from the bottom of this shaft. For the first 70ft. of this level, good ore was met with, but a blank then occurred in the lode for about 60ft., when a large body of ore was found to come in, but of poor quality. In the first half of the year —that is, from the Ist of May to the end of October last —fair returns were obtained, but since then the ore that has been taken out is of less value. Taking the year ending the 31st of October last, there was 8,107 tons of stone crushed, which yielded 4,3000z. gold, having a value of £16,801 11s. 4d. During this period £7,891 4s. was paid in wages in the mine, £1,167 3s. 9d. in wages in connection with working the crushing-battery, and £3,474 12s. 5d., upon new plant and repairs to battery, which amounted to £99 Is. 4d., making the total expenses in connection with the mine and office £10,374 12s. 5d., and £2,154 7s. 9d. as the expenses in connection with the crushing-battery. The balance of £1,758 155., which was carried forward from the previous year's balance-sheet, enabled dividends to be paid to the extent of £5,200. This company procured a Mudie crusher to operate on the tailings; but, so far, this machine has not come up to the expectations formed as to its capabilities, or to what it was said to be capable of doing by the patentee. Mr. Wellman, whose name is well known in connection with the Wellman dredges, has, however, undertaken to put this machine in satisfactory working-order. As this is the first machine of this description on the West Coast its performance will be looked forward to with some interest. It certainly appears to be a crushing-machine in which there will not be a large amount of wear-and-tear, and ought to be a good quartz-crusher, although it does notr seem to be a machine that will be successful in grinding tailings to a fine pulp. The erection of this Mudie crusher, including labour, cost the Alpine Company £72 16s. 3d., and during the time it was working upon the tailings the wages in connection with it was £30 6s. Bd., while the repairs were £8. There is, however, no information as to the quantity of tailings operated on; but, judging from the amount expended in repairs to a new machine, some of the details of its construction have not been properly worked out. There is reason to believe that Mr. Wellman will be able

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to effect such alterations as will make it a useful machine, and if this is done, and its crushingcapacity proved to be such as the patentee claims, it will be one of the cheapest crushers yet invented—its price being £250. The cost of erection is, however, considerably more than what the patentee gave last year when he waited on me to show his model, and quoted the cost of erection at £5, which appeared to me at the time to be a sum totally inadequate for constructing foundations for any crusher. [A full description of this machine was given by me last year in my annual report, page 126.] During the year ending 31st of March last the battery returns show that 8,650 tons of quartz were crushed, which yielded 3,7830z. gold. Lyell Greek Extended. —This mine adjoins the boundary of the United Alpine Mine, and the adit-level from which the workings are carried on is about 200 ft. under the lowest level of the Alpine Company's workings. The company owning this property has been thirteen years engaged in constructing an adit-level, which is 3,700 ft. in length, and has expended about £11,800 in construction and in prospecting operations. During the past year the lode was cut, which proved to be about 10ft. in thickness, showing fair prospects of gold, such that leaves little doubt but that the lode will give good returns for working. Some alterations are being made in the adit-level, and, when these are completed, men will be employed in breaking out this ore to send to the crushing-battery. This company has adopted a wise precaution. Instead of erecting crushing machinery at once, it has arranged with the Croesus Company to get the quartz crushed at their crushing-battery at 7s. per ton; but should there be 1,000 tons crushed the price is to be 6s. per ton. The cost of carting from the mine will be about 2s. 6d. per ton, so that the whole cost of treatment will be from Bs. 6d. to 9s. 6d. per ton according to the quantity of stone crushed. From the present appearance of the mine it is likely to prove a valuable property if the crushing turns out satisfactorily ; and there is a great probability that the time is not far distant when arrangements will be made to amalgamate the United Alpine and this company's property, as the adit-level commands the whole of the workings of the Alpine Mine, and do away with incline haulage in the latter mine. United Italy. —This is a mine in which the gold-bearing stone is got in leaders and veins of quartz, and consequently rich specimens are sometimes obtained. During the past year six tributers have been employed in the mine, and they have had 110 tons of quartz crushed, which yielded 4650z. gold. The operations are now principally confined to the construction of a lower level, which is expected to cut the leader of quartz on which they have been working on the upper levels in about 600 ft. Tyrconnel. —There has been no stone crushed from this mine during the past year, the operations being confined to the construction of a new adit-level, which is now completed, the distance being about I,oooft. A branch drive was constructed from this adit for 240 ft. to the south, and it is believed that they have struck the same leader of quartz which was remarkably rich on the fifth level, giving 13oz. of gold per ton, or 7500z. gold was obtained. So far, a thin leader has been cut, showing gold in the face, and the stone is similar to that on No. 5 level. Six men have been employed last year in this mine. Grcesus. —The gold found in this mine is also in leaders and veins of quartz. Formerly some rich specimen stone was found in some of these leaders, but the operations last year were disappointing, as 175 tons of quartz only yielded 620z. gold. There are only two tributers working in this mine. The following statement shows the quantity of quartz crushed, and the yield of gold therefrom in the several quartz-mining localities on the West Coast and Marlborough for the year ending the 31st March, 1895 :—

Name of Locality and Company. Quartz crushed. Quantity of Amalgam. Quantity of Gold obtained. Marlhorough District. "Waikakaho—Ravenscliff Tons. 25 Oz. 50 Oz. 14 Nelson District. Collingwood—Johnson's United 3,554 1,526 657 Beefton District. Boatman's — Fiery Cross Fiery Cross, for Harold and party ... Fiery Cross, for McCaffrey and party 688 10 18 982 16 75 325 4 17 716 346 Painkiller —Sir Charles Russell 470 1,020 298 Murray Creek— Inglewood Golden Fleece Tributers Golden Treasure Tributers Golden Treasure, for Victoria Venus Extended, for Energy 200 1,054 48 326 30 1,059 38 155 30 73 397 10-5 98 8 1,658 586-5

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Statement of Quartz cruseed and yield of Gold — continued.

Geey Distbict. Langdon's. Gold has for many years been obtained here at various times from the creeks leading from the Paparoa Eange to the Grey Eiver, and a certain quantity of highly-auriferous specimen-stone has been found in the alluvial drifts in these creek-beds. Towards the latter end of last year considerable excitement was aroused in this locality by the discovery made by Messrs. Curtis Brothers of an auriferous lode situated at the head of Langdon's Creek. The result of this discovery was that several claims were pegged out. It appears that Curtis and party, while excavating along the sideling for the purpose of fixing some machinery for working the Julian Claim, which they held in tribute, accidentally came across a large piece of quartz showing good gold, and from the angular appearance of the boulder they were convinced that it had not travelled a great distance, and on making a search for stone further up the hill they were speedily rewarded by finding a lode. The lode was discovered outside the Julian Claim boundary, so Curtis Brothers pegged, out a new claim, which is now known as the Victory. The claim consists of an oblong block of ground, comprising an area of 16 acres, running from the bed of the creek up one of the spurs. The reef enters at the south-eastern corner, and runs about east and west across the lower portion of the claim. The reef was followed along the

Name of Locality and Company. Quartz crushed. Quantity of Amalgam. Quantity of Gold obtained. Crushington— Keep It Dark Keep It Dark, for Hercules Keep It Dark, for Hercules (tributers) Keep It Dark, for Keep It Dark No. 2 Wealth of Nations Tons. 936 2,252 373 50 3,379 Oz. 964 3,662 334 43 3,102 Oz. 334 1,122 106 12 954 6,990 2,528 Devil's Creek — Globe ... Progress Golden Point 4,445 7,345 155 4,394 10,117 94 1,372 3,579 44 11,945 4,995 Merrijigs— Sir Francis Drake Sir Francis Drake, for Al (No. 1 party) Sir Francis Drake, for Al (No. 2 party) Sir Francis Drake, for Frampton and Harris ... Golden Lead Cumberland 2,083 20 22 119 341 782 1,673 438 423 61 292 Not given. 524 196 181 18 114 495 3,367 1,528 Big Eiver—Big River 2,073 8,224 3,043 Larry's—Old Caledonian, Duffy Brothers 444 Not given. 86 Lyell District. United Alpine United Italy Croesus Tributers ... ... 8,650 110 175 10,117 Not given. 172 3,783 465 62 8,935 4,310 Grey District. Blackball—Minerva... Langdon's—Victory ... ... ... 1,610 3 1,283 81 506 44 1,613 550 To tar a District. D. Yarworths and party 157 243 90 Totals 41,947 19,031-5

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outcrop for some distance, after which an adit was commenced a little lower down the hill, and, at the time of my visit, was constructed for a distance of about 100 ft., 30ft. of which was following the lode, The size of the lode varies considerably, being from 18in. to 3ft. in width; and a number of leaders are found running through the country-rock, most of them showing gold. At the point where rich stone was found, two leaders had junctioned with the lode, and gave it a width of nearly 4ft. The stone near the junction is fissured, and contains dabs of sulphide of antimony and darkcoloured bands of carbonate of lime, about -Jin. in width. Free gold shows in the white quartz in the sulphide of antimony, and, upon close inspection, it may be seen in the pyrites also. At the present face the leaders are about 2ft. in the hanging-wall; the reef is about 2ft. in width, and is free from the above-mentioned minerals, with a little gold in the pug at the footwall. The lode is enclosed with fairly-defined walls, and has an underlie to the north. The mine is situated at about 800 ft. above the sea-level, and gives good facilities for working, as a straight line for an aerial tramway can easily be got to connect the workings with the crushingbattery lower down the creek. Only 3 tons of stone from this reef have, so far, been tested, which, according to the battery returns forwarded—as required by the Act—yielded 440z. of gold. This 3 tons was crushed by a one-stamp battery, which had been erected a little below the Julian Mine for the purpose of crushing any quartz which might be found in that mine while Curtis Brothers held it on tribute. The party now consider their discovery to be of sufficient importance to justify the erection of a ten-stamp battery lower down the creek in order to work the mine. They have purchased the battery belonging to the Specimen-hill Company at Boatman's, and, at the time of my visit, were removing part of the plant for erection at Langdon's. Notwithstanding the rich stone that has been found, there is still, in my opinion, a doubt as to whether the lode is not a portion of a large slip from higher up the range, and it would in all probability have been far more advantageous to the mine-owners had they prospected the ground further, and tested the lode for a greater distance, before incurring a large expenditure in the erection of a battery. The rich stone which has been found would, no doubt, tend to lead not only Curtis and party but many others to believe that this lode would be likely to continue some distance-into- the range; but having only tested it a short distance below the outcrop, and only driven about 30ft. in the lode, there is no saying to what depth the lode may be found to continue down, or if, as previously referred to, it proves to be a portion of a large slip it may cut out in driving along at the present level. It is to be hoped, however, that the reef will be found going into solid country, and if this should be the case the property is likely to be a valuable one. The ground to the south and east of the Victory Claim is taken up, but no work has yet been done to prove the reef on this property. The Julian Claim, comprising an area of 32 acres, was formerly known as the Langdon Extended. A considerable sum of money has been expended on this property in the past, and some rich specimens have been taken out of leaders, but so far no permanent lode has been found. Further up the hill than the point where the present adit is being constructed by the Julian Company is an antimony lode, some 18in. wide, and containing gold, which is said to have an assay-value of £9 per ton. The Julian Company are constructing an adit along Curtis's western boundary with a view of cutting the lode discovered by the latter, and taking the direction of the adit on the lode in Curtis's ground. It is, however, questionable whether they will meet with it in the direction they are driving. Curtis Brothers offered to let the Julian Company drive along the course of their reef to the boundary, but the latter thought this would be only prospecting Curtis's ground, and constructing a level to which Curtis Brothers contributed nothing. This would, however, have been far more advantageous to the Julian Company, as it would have proved whether the lode found on Curtis's ground continued to the Julian boundary or not, and the information thus obtained would probably save a needless expenditure of both time and money in looking for a lode in a direction in which they may not find it. The Julian Company's adit-level is, however, now in for a considerable distance, and it will be very soon known whether the reef will be met with on their ground or not. TOTAEA DISTEICT. Cedar Greek. A few years ago there was a considerable stir amongst the miners here on account of rich stone having been discovered in the bed of Cedar Creek, which resulted in the whole locality being taken up in mining leases. None of the claims here, however, proved on working to contain payable ore. The only work now being carried on here is by Manera and party, who are prospecting in the ground formerly held by the William Tell Company. Donnelly's Creek. Donnelly's Creek. —There has been a considerable amount of prospecting work done here from time to time for over twenty-five years, but no rich discovery has ever been made, or a lode of any great dimensions ever yet discovered containing gold. There are small quartz leaders found running through the slate rock in which gold is found.. According to the battery returns, 157 tons of quartz has been crushed, which yielded 90oz. of gold. It may be stated that in connection with this mine there is a small crushing-battery erected, consisting of five heads of stamps, which is quite sufficient to crush all the auriferous quartz that has been found yet in this locality. C. Porter's Claim. —This claim is situated near the junction of the two branches of Donnelly's Creek. He found a quartz leader on the surface, from 6in. to lOin. wide, and worked this down for some distance, the quartz yielding about loz. gold per ton ; but for a long time he has been engaged in driving a low adit-level to cut the leader he found at the surface at a lower level. He sunk a shaft for some 50ft. before commencing this low level, and found the quartz leader widened out to about lft.

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Constitution Hill. Antonio Zala s Claim. —This indefatigable miner has been working here all alone for some years, and has done a considerable amount of work ; but whether he has found any lodes payable for working is a question which cannot be answered, as there is no machinery to test the stone. Before leaving the West Coast in June last it was stated that he had succeeded in purchasing a small crushing-battery from Mr. G. Perotti, of Greymouth, and if the information supplied me is correct he will no doubt soon have it erected on the ground, and will be able to ascertain the value of his discovery at an early date. Otago Distbict. This is a district in which a very large quantity of gold has been obtained from the auriferous drifts, but up to the present time very little has been got from quartz-workings. The principal quartz reefs of the district are those situated at New Bendigo, Skipper's, and Macetown, as these are the only localities from which any considerable quantity of gold has been obtained from quartz-workings. Taking into consideration the quantity of gold that has been obtained from alluvial drifts, one would necessarily think that some very rich reefs exist in the localities from which the gold of the alluvial drifts was originally derived. The inability to do so, however, is accounted for in another way. The country-rock in Otago is of a very old quartzose-schist formation, much older than the formation in Auckland or Eeefton districts. The rock is of a finelylaminated schistoze structure, interlaced with quartz veins. Indeed, some of this quartzose-schist in the Achilles Mine at Skipper's shows gold through it, which strongly indicates that the gold found in the valleys and river-beds has come from a denudation of this quartzose-schist formation, and the gold is therefore not so much due to the occurrence of quartz lodes. There are numerous quartz reefs in different parts of Otago, but, with a few exceptions, very rich stone has never been obtained. The Cromwell Mine at Bendigo is one of these exceptions, for some very rich stone was got here in an extremely well-defined lode running across the countryrock. This lode was found payable for working to a depth of about 400 ft. Some rich stone was also obtained, .especially in the early days, on the outcrop of the lodes at Macetown and at Skipper's, but there was never any specimen stone found such as has been got in the North Island districts. The gold in the Otago District was more distributed through the quartz, and the lodes therefore, were not of so payable a nature. In recent years great expectations were formed when the Nenthorn reefs were discovered; but, as far as the workings have yet shown, these are not of any very large extent. These lodes are more suitable for working in claims by individual miners rather than for large companies, as a large capital is not required for the erection of extensive reduction plants for crushing the ore, the reefs in general being very small. Dunback. —Some licensed holdings have recently been taken up near Dunback for the purpose of working the quartz reefs in this locality. There has been a good deal of prospecting done here in the shape of trenching on the reefs, and several of them have been cut through, varying from 2ft. to 7ft. in thickness, and, in some instances, show fair prospects of gold. Four tons of stone was recently sent from these reefs to be tested at the Thames School of Mines, and gave the following results. The ore was crushed dry, and gave the following assay-value : — Oz. dwt. gr. Bullion ... ... ... ... ... ...051 per ton Gold 0 4 10 Silver 0 0 15 Value, £1 os. 3d. per ton. The 4 tons was subjected to hot pan-amalgamation in charges which recovered 19dwt. of gold bullion, 0-7921 in gold, and 01976, fine in silver, valued at £3 4s. per oz., representing a saving of — Gold ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 74-5 percent. Silver ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 733 Value ... ... .. ... ... ... ... 74-0 A number of cyanide experiments were made with the ore, and it was found that an o'4 per cent, solution of potassium-cyanide extracted 99 per cent, of gold and 97 per cent, of silver. The gold in the ore was extremely line, and well adapted for extraction by the cyanide process. It contained a small proportion of pyrites, and experiments were made to determine the value of the concentrates. A parcel of 1001b. was subjected to careful hand concentration, and yielded 0-2 per cent, of concentrates, which showed that this contained 490z. 15gr. of gold per ton, and soz. 3dwt. sgr. of silver, having a value of £196 2s. 6d. per ton; but, notwithstanding this high value, these pyrites would not pay to concentrate, as it would take 500 tons of ore to yield 1 ton of concentrates. Although this test shows the quartz to be of too low a grade to pay for treatment by any method yet known, it also shows that there is gold in the lode, and possibly by driving on it for some distance a shot of gold-bearing stone may be found. There is no auriferous lode in the colony that contains payable ore for any great distance in a continuous length. In some instances the quartz cuts out altogether, and mullock takes its place between the defined walls which formerly enclosed the lode. In other instances a mere fracture or slatey vein through the lode would sever the shot of gold from very low-grade ore. As this district is a new one, so far as the discovery of quartz in it is concerned, it is well worthy of being further prospected in order to determine whether it contains payable ore in other parts of the lode.

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Milton. The Canada Beefs. —A large amount of work has been done on these reefs, which are situated on a spur leading up from the Woolshed Eiver. There are several lodes in this locality, but the two principal ones are what are termed the Canada and the Ocean View lodes, which are about 300 ft. apart, running parallel to each other, having an easterly and westerly course, and dipping to the northward. The Canada lode has been worked from an adit-level which gave about 100 ft. of backs; and the Ocean View lode from a shaft which has been sunk to a depth of 160 ft., the average thickness of the latter for a considerable distance being Bft. The Canada lodes had not such a great width as this, but, on a recent examination of these lodes by Mr. James Coutts, he saw gold in the stone in the face. During the last twenty-seven years several parties have at different times worked these mines. Three crushing-batteries have been erected, two of which consisted of ten head of stampers and the other of fifteen heads; but two of the batteries were eventually removed from the field, and the other was burned down. The Bruce Quartz-crushing Company took up the ground and worked it continuously from 1874 to 1877. The returns were not particularly large, but still they showed that such a large-sized lode should, with proper appliances for working, have been made payable. During the time that mining operations were carried on by this company 9,110 tons of quartz was crushed, which yielded 2,0970z. 12dwt. of gold, giving an average of 4'32dwt. per ton. During the last year in which the company was at work 4,579 tons of stone was crushed, which yielded 8540z. of gold. This gives an average of a little over 3-J-dwt. of gold per ton, or a value of about 145., whereas, taking the average value of the whole of the quartz-crushing, it would be about 17s. per ton. It is to be borne in mind that the company suspended their operations about eighteen years ago, when the improvements for quartz reduction and gold-saving appliances were not so perfected as at the present time ; therefore, in view of the large body of stone which is in these lodes, with the recent improvements in gold-saving methods, there is a fair probability of these lodes being yet worked'at a'profit. To open this mine up again and work it in a systematic manner a low-level adit would have to be constructed. Mr. Coutts states that one has been constructed from the face of the hill, about 40ft. above the level of the Woolshed Creek, and is now in for a distance of about 400 ft. This has been driven on nearly the same course as the lodes, and to any one unacquainted with the same it would appear that it would have been more advisable to pick up one of the lodes and drive on it to the desired point; but the lodes did not show in the face of the hill above the level of the adit on account of what appears to be a hard belt of country, which has pinched them out. Mr. Coutts is of opinion that it would be better to extend this adit 300 ft. farther, to a point where the lodes have been worked on the upper levels, before putting in a cross-drive to intersect it. There is plenty of water here, and every facility for working this lode, and there is a good site for the erection of a crushing-battery, which can be driven by water-power. If after the lodes are prospected at a greater depth, and similar ore found to that which was crushed in the early days, there is a fair possibility of making these lodes remumerative for working, if a reduction plant is erected with all the modern appliances for saving the fine gold. Waipori. There are a large number of quartz lodes in the Waipori district, but for some years past the returns from these have been very disappointing, and at the present quartz-mining operations may be said to be in abeyance. My other duties prevented me from visiting this district last year, and. no reliable information has been afforded me with reference to quartz-mining in this locality. However, the battery returns do not show that any gold has been obtained from the quartz-work-ings in this locality last year. If any work is being done it is of a prospecting character. The Bella Quartz-mine, including crushing-battery, with water-race and all appliances, was sold last year to Mr. i\ W. Knight for £85. The battery and plant originally cost the company, it is said, about £200, and the water-race about £300 to construct, while about £1,600 was expended in the construction of adits and opening up the mine. It is stated that Mr. Knight intends to further prospect this mine, as he believes that good stone will be found to remunerate him amply for his outlay. Old Man Bange. This is a locality where there are a considerable number of quartz lodes, and leaders, and occasionally some fair stone is obtained. No doubt in future years more discoveries of auriferous lodes will be found here, not only on the side of the range facing the Clutha Valley, but also on the top of the plateau near the head of Campbell Creek and its tributaries, and also about the head of the tributaries of the Waikaia Eiver. The gold found in the alluvial drifts about Campbell's and the Waikaia has a great deal of quartz adhering to it, and it does not show that waterworn appearance that gold generally has that has been carried away some distance by streams. A considerable quantity of the gold found here in the alluvial drifts is derived, no doubt, from the concentration of a large quantity of material resulting from the denudation of the quartzose-schist formation in this locality; at the same time there is reason to believe that quartz lodes will yet be found here that will prove payable for working. The high elevation of this locality, being about 5,000 ft. above sea-level, is greatly against prospecting being carried on here, for it is only during the summer months when any work near the surface could be done. White Beef. —This is now worked by E. T. Symes, who purchased it some years ago from the White's Company. The mine is situated on the face of the Old Man Eange above the Bald Hill Flat. The first adit-level constructed here went through a very broken, disjointed rock ( showing

[To face page 86. Explanation. Mb. Coutts, referred to in second paragraph under the head of "Milton," is a mine-manager at the Thames, holding a first-class certificate, who made an examination of the Canada Eeefs at the request of the Hon. the Minister of Mines.

that a great disturbance had at one time taken place, or that there had been an immense slip, car ing a portion of the range with it. The quartz lode here indicates the same thing; it is grea crushed and broken up, it being more like a stratum of quartz drift than a lode. However, ■ ore was of a payable character for working. The upper level was constructed on such a serpent course that it seemed to any one acquainted with mining that those who had charge of the w< at that time had no idea where the lode was to be found. A new adit-level, about 130 ft. below 1 present workings, is now being constructed, and gold-bearing quartz has been cut. On driving this for some distance it shows gold freely. The leader is from 6in to lft. in thickness, of the sa: crushed sugary appearance it had on the upper levels; but in this level it lies at a much 1 inclination from the horizon than it did near the surface. During the last year 105 tons of qua was crushed for a return of 630z. gold. Excelsior Beef.— -This was formerly worked by Messrs. Grossan and Gray, but during the li year Mr. Crossan sold his interest to his partner for, it is said, £250, and has now left the d trict. The lode is still being worked near the surface, but the yield of gold obtained last ye has not been so rich as formerly. An adit-level has been constructed from the face of the range : a distance of 280 ft. along the track of the lode, and will come under the old workings, so as to give fair height of backs. The country-rock where this adit goes through is very broken, somewt similar to that in which White's reef is found, and to all appearance is a part of a large slip from t range. Sluicing operations are sometimes carried on here, washing away an old slip on the east si of the lode, where the range is very steep, which consists of clay and loose blocks of schistose ro mixed with quartz which contains gold. During the last year 58 tons of stone was crushed, whi yielded 118oz. gold. Garrick Bange. Eich auriferous lodes were worked here in the early days, and a number of claims were taken v One of the companies who owned the Eoyal Oak Mine is said to have paid £14,000 in dividend but after going down some 70ft. on the lode the shot of gold in the stone seemed to cut out, or, least, the" quaTtz became of too low grade to pay for working at that time, and the ground Is abandoned for several years. Another company was formed about twelve years ago, who took \ this ground and constructed a low-level adit from the face of the hill near the head of Smith's Gul for a distance of about 1,100 ft., but were not successful in finding any lode of a payable charact for working, and they suspended operations. At the same time this low-level adit was being co structed, the Star of the Bast Company also drove an adit-level for a distance of 500 ft. on anoth line of reef, but this company did not meet with success. Several other parties of miners have do a considerable amount of prospecting here with the view of picking up the rich shot of gold-bearii stone found in the Eoyal Oak Mine, without being remunerated for their labours. For many yea these mines have been abandoned, or, at least, all mining operations have been suspended. Day Dawn. —This is a mine taken up on the Carrick Range by Lawrance Brothers, who a: working on a lode about 14in. in thickness, on what is known as the middle level. The lode w; average the width stated for about a distance of 280 ft. along the adit-level, and is enclosed betwee well-defined solid walls. In connection with this mine they have a small crushing-battery coj sisting of four heads of stamps, which is driven by a Pelton water-wheel, 4ft. diameter, under a hes of 250 ft., and about half a sluice-head is available at this elevation, which is equal to about IOJ-hors power. They have therefore plenty of power to drive the crushing-battery. With this small plai they will be able to crush between 20 and 30 tons of ore a week if working continuously, ar. from the battery returns forwarded from this plant it shows the average yield to be 13'31dwt. i gold per ton, as during the past year 350 tons of quartz were crushed, which yielded 2300z. goli while only three men are employed. It will be of interest to watch the result of working this mini as it may be the means of other claims being taken up and prospecting operations carried on. New Bendigo. The only mine at work here is the Cromwell Company. This was one of the richest quarts mines in Otago, and from which more gold has been obtained than any other. It is the onl quartz-mine from which a large sum has been paid in dividends to the shareholders, some of whoi are said to have received as much as £40,000 for the interest they held, while the total amour of dividends paid is said to have been over £400,000. The first company who were successful i paying dividends from the mining operations worked the lode down to a distance of about 420 ft the lode varying greatly in size, but enclosed between two highly-defined walls, and cutting throug the country-rock. It is a true fissure-lode, and likely to run for a considerable distance along th range. No doubt breaks and dislocations will occur, but there is a great possibility of it bein picked up again. The course of the lode is west by north, having a steep underlie to the north wards. On the easterly end of the workings, a large dislocation has taken place, and apparentl thrown the lode down the range for some distance. It has never been picked up here, but on th western end of the lode the defined walls continue, but the quartz at this point is said to be of grade. The workings have been continued for about I,oooft. along the lode, which in some of the uppe levels was, in places, 6ft. in width. There is a considerable body of ore here and there in the lod> above the 420 ft. level, which was, in the early days, considered of too low grade to take out During my visit to this mine the upper levels were being worked from the 150 ft. level by a party o ten tributers, who pay the company 15 per cent, of the gross yield of the gold they obtain, but thei have the use of the crushing-battery, and it was said that these men were making about £18 a montl after paying all expenses. The battery returns from this mine last year show that 542 tons o quartz was crushed, which yielded 4510z. gold. This would represent a value of about £1,759 Deducting the 15 percent, tribute, it would leave an average of about £148 10s. per man per annum 13—C. 3.

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which is considerably less than the amount previously given me. At the same time it is poss that the men have not been fully employed for the whole of the year. This mine is the property of an English syndicate, who have expended a considerable amc of money in sinking a new shaft at the western end of the workings. This shaft is down to a de of 520 ft. At this level a cross-cut was constructed, which cut the lode at about 185 ft. from shaft; thence the lode was driven about 250 ft. on each side of the cross-cut. The lode at this L is not more than 2ft. 6in. in the widest place, and it narrows to about 2in. on the eastern end, pinches oat to a mere track on the western end. The stone in the lode is auriferous in charac but of low grade. Notwithstanding all the work this syndicate has done, they have not devoted much of t funds to prospecting the ground. The low levels require to be driven for a much greater dista in both directions on the lode, and the shaft should be sunk to a greater depth. It is possible 1 the lode may have only pinched at the low level, and will widen out again lower down, or it mai that it will cut out; should the latter take place another lode is most likely to be found at side to take the present one's place, and, if so, good ore is likely to be found in any new mak stone that takes the place of the present lode. There has not been any work done in the shaft for over eighteen months, but the pumps occasionally worked in order to keep down the water. It is expected that the proprietors resume work here at an early date, either to sink the shaft to a greater depth or carry on prosp ing operations on the lode. Bough Bidge. A party of miners has been prospecting the quartz lodes in the vicinity of the Eough E: during the last year, but without meeting with the success they deserve. Messrs. Perry andps own a small crushing-battery here, and it is said that during the last year they have crushed betw 200 and 300 tons of quartz, but they have forwarded no battery returns. It is, however, sts that the stone crushed was of very low grade, the richest only yielding about Bdwt. of gold per This party was formerly working the Great Eastern and Progress Mines. Latterly they have ta up the old Otago Central Mine, extending the adit-level and stoping out the stone as t proceed. The adit-level in this mine is now in for a distance of about 750 ft. The leader of a ferous quartz that they are working is only about 4in. in thickness, but the quartz yields about 15c of gold per ton. This party deserves better success than they have heretofore met with, for energy and perseverance they have displayed in trying to develop the quartz-mines in this distri Nenthorn. This is now a place of small dimensions; still there are a few people here working in the qua mines. The quartz lodes on this field have have not yielded gold according to expectations. M business-men residing in Dunedin and the up-country towns put considerable capital into mil companies to work the reefs here, and, although not actually ruined, many became crip] in their finances for a time. Not one of the original companies that commenced mining operati on this field are now in existence. One went into liquidation after another. Their properties v either sold for a mere pittance or else they were abandoned. Since then, however, work has b resumed at a number of the mines, and some of these give fair returns for the quantity of st crushed. The lodes, however, are generally small, and, up to the present, it seems that the dee down they have been prospected the less gold do they contain ; but it is possible that this is to the mineral in the stone, which is not oxidized the same as at the surface, where the gold more in a free state. Bonanza. —This mine has changed ownership. The new proprietors have removed the crush: battery to a short distance below the new adit-level, where water is available to work a Pel wheel to drive the machinery. This battery was formerly driven by a portable steam-engine, this engine is left standing at the old site, and a Pelton wheel erected to drive the machiner future, which will effect a great saving, as the cost of bringing fuel to this place is very considera It is, however, questionable if there will be a sufficient supply of water at certain seasons of the y The crushing-battery is now fixed at about 100 ft. below the level of the mouth of the adit, and : proposed to connect the mine with the crushing plant by an aerial tramway. The workings in mine are confined to stoping at about 140 ft. above the level of the adit. During the past year tons of stone has been crushed, which yielded 4510z. of gold. Golden Point. —This mine is situate in Deepdell Creek, and has been working for a consii able time. The stone is of low grade, only going at best about 4dwt. of gold per ton. A lod being opened on the top of the ridge, or, properly speaking, mound. During the last year 2, tons of stone have been crushed, which yielded 2500z. of gold. This only gives an average of 2c Bgr. of gold to the ton, and, notwithstanding this small yield, it is said to have paid the men sr wages for working. At all events, they are so satisfied with their property that, in addition i crushing-battery of ten heads of stamps, they have purchased a second-hand sft. Hunting crusher, and have erected it alongside the battery, with a rock-breaker and two of Wheeler's p< At Nenthorn proper there is only one crushing-battery left on the field, which is one of best crushing plants in the Middle Island, consisting of ten head of the improved American stan formerly fitted up for the Croesus Company, with a Gates rock-breaker and Erue vanners, in addii to the quicksilver and blanket tables. This battery is, however, dependent upon wet weather f< supply of water to work it, and it is said there is a considerable quantity of quartz raised f] some of the claims awaiting crushing at this battery when water is available. Several parcel stone have been crushed at this battery during the year from different claims, amounting in al 330 tons, which have yielded 3210z. of gold, which shows the quartz to have yielded about 19Jd of gold per ton.

Q ,

Notwithstanding that this field proved a failure in the first instance, there is still reason believe that a number of individual miners will find a competent livelihood by working the rei so long as there is a crushing-battery on the field to treat parcels of stone. Were this to removed it would mean entirely shutting down all the small claims, and no prospecting operatic would be carried on. Mount Highlay. : A commencement is again being made to prospect the quartz lodes at Mount Highlay. It said by some of the men working in this locality that there is a fair possibility of getting payal stone from the quartz lodes, which are very large, and low-grade ore could be made to pay : working. The gold in the quartz being in a very finely-divided state, the proprietors of the mi and plant intend to have all the modern appliances for saving the gold, and when a proper tri crushing from the mine is made, and the assay-value of the ore correctly ascertained, to see wr. percentage is recovered, it will then be known if such value will admit of the cyanide process bei used, and if so, it is intended to erect a plant to carry this into effect. Lake District. This is the first district in Otago where quartz-workings were commenced. The reefs w< discovered about the year 1863. Some rich stone was obtained on the outcrop of what was th called the Skipper Eeef, but which has been more recently known as the Phoenix. This was : some time worked by a small party of miners, who eventually sold it to Messrs. G. and F. Bulk and the latter have been carrying on quartz-mining operations here ever since. Some years after t discovery of the above reefs, others were found in the Macetown district, and a considerable gut tity of gold obtained therefrom. Beefs on the Upper Shotover have also been worked, and ha given payable returns. There is no doubt that, had the mines which were worked in the early days been possessed the improved appliances which are now used in connection with quartz-mining and gold-saving, i more gold would have been obtained than has been done. There were a considerable number lodes opened out in the Macetown district, but, with the exception of being worked near t surface, very little work has been done in any of them with the exception of the Tipperary and t Premier Mines. Some three or four years ago the work of quartz-mining in this district came almost tc standstill, and an endeavour was made to get foreign capital invested in the mines in this localr Mr. W. J. Farrell, of Dunedin, proceeded to England for this purpose, and was the means floating companies there to take up the Premier and Tipperary Mines. Since his return he t applied for and taken up several other claims which had been worked in former years, Mr. Farrel object being to place these properties on the English market later on. In the meantime, he r. let one of the claims on tribute to a party of four tributers in order to prospect and develop t property. This claim is known as— The Victor Emmanuel Claim. —lt is now being worked on tribute by Messrs. Grinstead, Fo: Elliott, and Pitt, who took over the mine from Mr. Farrell early in November last. This party hi at the time of my visit, constructed an adit-level for a distance of 180 ft. A leader showing go stone was met with at 135 ft. from the mouth of the adit, and upon driving on this leader widened out to a well-defined lode of quartz in the face, showing all the characteristics of permanent and of a paying quality. The course of the lode is easterly and westerly, and dips only afi degrees from the vertical, having well-defined walls, with the foot-wall casing carrying gold. T quartz is of that mottled appearance which characterizes the gold-bearing stone at Macetow This lode is entirely a new discovery, and is about 100 ft. away from the old workings, and in different line of country. During the early workings of this mine a small crushing-battery was erected alongside t stream, in Bush Creek, consisting of four heads of stamps. It had, however, not been used i many years, as it was covered up by debris from a slip which had taken place from the side of t range. At the time of my visit to this mine the tributers were busily engaged in clearing away t debris from the battery, and had got it pretty well in working-order. It is to be hoped that t new discovery of the lode will repay these men for the energy and perseverance they have d played in opening out a mine which had for so many years lain idle, and which was generally cc sidered to be valueless. The Tipperary. —This mine for many years gave the proprietors good returns for working; It after the lode in the upper levels was stoped out the expense of working it became considerat greater, and it did not prove so remunerative as formerly. An incline shaft was sunk for a cc siderable distance following the lode; but the quartz became of a very low grade, and the quanti of water to contend with was such as to add considerably to the expense of working; as consequence operations in the mine were suspended for a considerable period pending a re-organis tion of the company. After being closed for two or three years the mine was purchased by an English company, ar early in 1894, mining operations were again commenced. A great deal of stone which in the ea] days was considered not payable was left in the upper levels, so the company made arrangemei to work this in the meantime. After having their battery repaired, a tramway was laid down connect the battery with the mine, and a commencement made to take out the stone referred to. After putting 600 tons of quartz through the battery, it was found that it only returned a yi< of 360z. of gold. In consequence of this small return, mining operations on the upper levels we suspended, and a commencement made to construct a low-level adit in order to test the mine deeper levels. This adit will require to be driven for about 1,900 ft. in length; and at the date of i recent visit to the district it was already constructed for a distance of 1,204 ft. The adit is i wide and 7ft. high in the clear inside. It is perfectly straight, and to all appearances it has uniform grade. Indeed, it is one of the best-constructed adit-levels that one will see in inspect!

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the whole of the mines in the colony, and Mr. Stanford, the manager, deserves credit for capable manner in which the work of construction has been carried out. The first question to be decided was whether a shaft or an adit would be the most econon method of working the mine. Of the two, the method adopted seems to me to be the r preferable. It must be borne in mind that this mine is considerably over 2,000 ft. above the lev< the sea, and, at that height, is subject to a great deal of frost and snow in the winter mon which renders it almost impassable for any wheel-traffic on surface roads to be carried on for at two months in the year, and consequently blocks all means of transit of quartz or material betw the crushing-battery and. the mine. By the method at present adopted the mouth of the low-level adit is no great distance f the crushing-battery, but it will not give many feet of backs on the lode to the old workings, shaft will have to be sunk inside this adit-level; but this can be done equally as well as sinkir from the surface, while winding and pumping machinery can be erected in a chamber alongside shaft, and men can work here in all weathers. The contract price for the construction of this adit is £1 6s. 6d. per foot. Already several yi and two leaders have been cut, one of which is said to have an assay-value of 7dwt. per ton. U such time as this adit is completed, and a lode cut at a greater depth, nothing can be said \ regard to the future paying possibilities of this mine. The Premier Mine. —This mine has been worked continuously for many years, but the reti from the same left no margin for profit. Indeed, it may be said that it barely paid expenses; 1 considering the system formerly adopted for working it, this result was not to be wondered at. ' company was in financial difficulties, and had to resort to many makeshifts in order to be ( to continue mining operations. Some three years ago the Premier Company put this mine in the hands of Mr. Farrell to f on the English market, who arranged with the Glenrock Company to take up both the Premier Tipperary Mines, giving them four-sevenths of the whole properties for the sum of £12,000. ' Glenrock Company afterwards advanced £5,000 on mortgage to complete necessary works open up the- mines in a proper manner. This, however, proved insufficient, and they got into furl financial difficulties with their creditors, and were also owing a considerable amount to the i working in the mine. The creditors brought an action against the company, and, judgment being obtained, a ba was put into possession of the property, and on the 12th of February of the present year a sal the mines took place. The Premier Mine was the first offered, and was knocked down to Farrell for £1,550; but as the purchaser tendered a cheque which was not marked by the ban was declined, and finally Mr. W. Turton, solicitor for the Glenrock Company, became the purchs for the sum of £1,100. The remaining properties of the company were also purchased by the G rock Company, who are now the sole owners. For some time previous to the sale, operations in mines had been suspended, and have not yet been resumed. An expert has been employed by Glenrock Company to examine and report on their properties. The following are extracts from the reports on these mines, supplied to the directors by '. G. F. Hoskings, who was employed to examine the same. In regard to the Premier: — " The No. 1 reef runs easterly and westerly, and underlies towards the south at an angle of fi 55° to 85°. Nos. 2, 3, and 4 reefs are more irregular in their bearing and underlies, sometimes lj over almost fiat, when they fall into or drop out of the No. 1 reef, but, withal, maintaining tl parallelism with No. 1 reef. The reefs are similar in construction, and are chiefly composed c bluish-grey to nearly white hard to a friable quartz, of a heavy, laminated character, with pate in the deeper levels freely interspersed with arsenical and iron pyrites, changing to red oxide of i near the outcrop. " As this system of reefs divides the country-rock at a large angle, it is the highest presump evidence that the reefs are of a permanent character, and that they will live at a very great de] This principle, which is admitted by most mining engineers, is strengthened by the fact that No. 1 reef has been opened on and worked from the outcrop to the bottom of the No. 3 shaf distance of about 1,550 ft., throughout the whole of this distance maintaining its individuality getting stronger and wider in depth, and is now visible in the back of the stopes at the bottom of level of No. 3 shaft, Bft. wide, and carrying a gold value of £30 per fathom. This stope be excavated for £2 per fathom, and, with good facilities for removing the ore to the batti should pay well. " Stoping was being done in the bottom of the lower-level adit, east of No. 3 shaft, to a de of about Bft. below the level; and there the reef varies from 2ft. to Bft. wide, about 2ft. of whicl carrying gold, and at present milling 1-Joz. to the ton. ... A drive at the bottom of the Ni shaft is driven east about 22ft. The lode in the end is about 2ft. wide, and is not of a pror ing appearance, only carrying traces of gold. ... So far as is now known, all the payable above the low-level adit has been taken out and milled ; but, with a better system of mining tha: at present carried on here, quartz of a low grade could be made to pay dividends, whilst to win quartz from here is, under the present system, to lose money. " In order to do this [open out the mine] with speed and economy it would be neeessar begin with a new mode of development, instead of operations in sinking winzes in the bottom of level, and from these winzes driving and stoping where all the debris and ore have to be taken and hauled by hand or whip out of the winzes. An incline-shaft should be sunk at the pre angle, and far enough below to insure safety to the shaft, and of sufficient dimensions to admit < double line of tramway, and for a footway. The reef could then be pierced by drifts and rises, i stoped away in the cheapest manner. "For this purpose winding machinery must be provided and erected in position. As fue expensive, it will be necessary to consider the erection of an electric plant, with an auxiliary pi able steam-engine, to be used when the water-power is frozen up, which is for about twelve we

in each year. Without going into details, the approximate cost of this machinery would be £1,5 A further sum of £1,500 is required to sink an incline-shaft below the bottom of the low-level a> Previous to work in the mine being suspended, an opening was being made, on the line where shaft should be, by rising from the stopes east of No. 3 shaft to the bottom of the low-level a This opening is too small to become the substitute for a machine-shaft if it is intended to deve the mine to any considerable depth; and the strength, size, and value of the reef indicates the desi bility of laying out the work sufficiently large to have a working-shaft 2,000 ft. beyond the poini commencement. " An incline-shaft as above, sunk a distance of 2,000 ft., would open up 27,000 tons of auriferi ore, if the shoot of ore now visible should continue to live and maintain its size of, say, 55ft. long £ 4ft. wide. At the present time it is much larger, and the chances are in favour of its increasing length and size as it goes down, judging from its behaviour whilst it was exploited from the outc: to its intersection in the low-level adit, a distance of over 1,550 ft. This 27,000 tons, reckoning yield so small as 15dwt. to the ton, and gold value £3 10s. per ounce, would total to £60,00 C gold, out of which a large sum would be available for dividends. " In the high-level adit, which has been driven a distance of 1,559 ft. from its mouth, the reef the face of the drift is about a foot wide, and unproductive ; but the country-rock is here of a s< kindly nature, which indicates close proximity to another shoot of auriferous ore, and as it is kno that other quartz formations are ahead of this drive it is advisable to push the drive forward as f as possible. " In this drive the possibilities are very great, as, should another shoot of stone be found will be in virgin ground from where it is discovered to the surface. It can be operated on from 1 high-level adit, low-level adit, and from the bottom of the incline-shaft simultaneously, thereby suring a very large output of auriferous ore. Should a parallel shoot of auriferous ore be met only equal value to No. 1 the property would be immensely increased in value, as all dead-wo such as drives and shafts, will have been already constructed to work the No. 1 shoot. " To prosecute this drive a sum of £1,000 should be available, although little of it may be sp< before the expected shoots of ore are met with. It is, however, highly important that this d] should be extended to the boundary of the lease, so as to ascertain the number of shoots of gold t\ are existing in the property at this level, besides driving the high-level adit, and prospecting t western part of the property, where, if payable gold be found, the dividends would be largi increased." There are sometimes statements in reports that are misleading, and distances and quantit somewhat exaggerated. Mr. Hoskings may be correct in what he says in reference to the lode this mine being worked for 1,550 ft. from the outcrop; but this is entirely a new feature to n It is possible that he refers to the length of the lode on the strike; and even then the distar mentioned appears to be great, and does not coincide with the plans of the workings shown me the manager, Mr. Stanford, from which my notes were taken. In regard to the cost of breaking out the quartz, the price seems extremely low. Taking t average size of the lode at his own figures —namely, 4ft., then in every fathom of length and dep there would be 11 tons of quartz, which, at £2 per fathom, would be equal to about 3s. 7-Jd. a tc It is questionable whether the stone will ever be taken out at this figure. The report shows that the company has a valuable property, and only requires £5,000 to op it up so as to insure regular dividends, and that only nine months are required to complete all t works. In my last report reference was made to the manner in which the mine had been work in the early days, and the sinuous course of the low level, but this did not refer to the works laid o by the present manager, Mr. Stanford. The system on which the early workings were executed w due more to the financial position of the company in not making calls to do the necessary worl always relying on the mine paying sufficiently by working it in a makeshift manner to do ever thing necessary to put it in working-order. It is to be hoped, however, that the report given this property will be fully borne out when the necessary works as enumerated are completed, ai that in the near future it will become a dividend-paying concern. Skipper's and Shotover. The whole of the quartz-mining operations at Skipper's have, for a considerable number of yeai been carried on by the Phoenix Company, which, in reality, meant Mr. Bullen. About two yea ago the late manager of the Phosnix" went Home with the intention of floating a company London to take over Mr. Bullen's property at Skipper's, and about twelve months ago word w, sent out that a company with a capital of £100,000 had been floated ; but up to the time of n visit to the mine towards the end of March last no money had been sent out from Home to develc the mine or to pay off the company's liabilities. All the information which the present manager could give me was to the effect that a compan termed the Achilles, had been registered, with a capital of £100,000 in 800,000 shares of 2s. 6 each, of which £80,000 was to be given for the property in paid-up shares ; and, so far as tl manager knew, 642,960 shares were allotted, which means a value of £80,370, or a working capit of only £370. With the property changing hands and no funds forthcoming, the manager ha for some time past, to do the best he could to provide money for the payment of the workme: Mr. Bullen has had to advance money to the extent of about £700 during the last two years towan the payment of wages, &c. At the date of my visit about £3,600 was said to be due for wagi alone. According to a statement of affairs published in the Gazette No. 23, of March last, the actu liabilities of the company amount to £11,837 12s. 10d. During the year ending the 31st March la: there has been an average of eighty men employed in the mine, and 3,943 tons of quartz wi

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crushed for a yield of 1,6520z. of gold. There are at present two distinct lodes being worked i this mine. There were formerly four lodes, but it is- considered that the whole of them wi eventually come together. The main and north, lodes, which are at present the ones being worked, were 86ft. distant froi each other at No. 3 level, while at No. 4 level they were only 58ft. distant, the perpendiculs distance being about 65ft. This shows that in this short distance they approached each other 28ft and were they to continue at the same angle they would come together at about 135 ft. below th No. 4 level. Mr. Evans, the manager, is desirous of sinking the main shaft with the view of testin this, as it is expected that rich gold-bearing stone will be struck at the junction of these lodes; bul having no funds to work upon, he has been obliged to confine his operations to where the golc bearing stone occurs on the upper levels. The lodes are from 4ft. to 6ft. in thickness, and should, with convenient appliances, be mad to give remunerative returns. It would in many mining localities be hard to convince men tha a body of stone yielding 9dwt. of gold per ton cannot be made to pay for working; but it must b borne in mind that the price of mining timber is very high at Skipper's, the cost of laths being £ per hundred, and caps and props are equally expensive. In lieu of the dynamos at present used for transmitting the driving-power of the crushing battery, it is proposed, as a substitute, to bring the water from the left branch of Skipper's, first b a flume two miles in length, and a tunnel through the range about 600 ft. in length, letting the wate then drop for a certain distance, and lifting it again at about 400 ft. above the level of the crushing battery. This will necessitate the use of a considerable length of wrought-iron pipes 15in. i: diameter. The total quantity of gold obtained from the mine since it was first opened in 1863 is, as far a can be ascertained, 28,0690z., which, at £4 per ounce, represents £112,296. Very near this amoun was paid in dividends from the Welcome, and also from the Keep-It-Dark Mine in the Eeefto: district, in about one-third of the time that the Phoenix Mine has been worked. There have bee; about sixty to eighty men employed about the mine and works during the past year. Eecentl information has come to hand that Mr. Fred. Evans, the former manager of this mine, is on th way out from England to resume the management for the new company. Gallant Tippcrary. —The main adit-level in this mine is being extended for a further distanc of 125 ft., its present length being 1,300 ft. The object of the extension is to get under the shot c gold-bearing stone which is found at the intermediate level, at about 115 ft. above the adit. Eigh men are employed in the mine. During last year 855 tons of stone were crushed, which yieldei 2030z. of gold. A new block of stone was found in this mine at a distance of about 500 ft. in fron the mouth of the adit-level. A cross-cut was put in to the eastward at the point, and cut this ne% lode, which is carrying gold; but until more work has been done, and it is properly opened out its value cannot be ascertained. ■ Leviathan. —This is a claim which has been taken up during the past year. It is situate v] Sawyer's Creek, about one and a half miles from Johnston's Hotel, at Skipper's Point. There hai not been any defined lode discovered at the time of my visit in the end of March last. There is i good-sized leader of quartz which has been cut in several places along the face of the range, am some stone has been taken out near the surface, a parcel of which was tested at the Gallant Tip perary battery, which was said to give payable returns; but, judging from the appearance of th. leader and the character of the quartz there does not appear to be a great prospect of it makin* into a lode which will prove remunerative for working. The discovery was made by W. MePhersoi and J. Filippini. There are numerous small lodes and leaders of quartz running through the country-rock in th locality of Skipper's and the Shotover, but it cannot be said that ever there has been any larg amount of work done to prospect any of them ; the most of the miners here prefer to prospect th alluvial drifts. There is no place in Otago where there is more quaitz in the country-rock than a Skipper's and the Shotover. The whole of the schist-rock is highly impregnated with quartz seam and veins, being of a finely laminated character, having schist and quartz alternating ; but ii respect to large lodes there has never been any very rich deposits of auriferous quartz found as ye in any of them. Wilson's Eivee. Since my last visit to this district the Golden Site Company have erected a crushing-batter of ten heads of stamps, which is driven by a Peiton water-wheel 6ft. in diameter, and also ligh pumping and winding-gear, which is worked by another Peiton water-wheel sft. in diameter. 1 water-race is constructed round the sideling for 45 chains to the river, and at the battery it gives i head of 53ft. The battery is erected close alongside the river, about 20ft. above the level of th water, and the tailings, on leaving the blanket-tables, are discharged into the river. There is no pro vision for stacking the tailings, nor could any be made other than by lifting them and stackinj them in a paddock cut out of the rock on the side of the steep range. The gold is recovere< in the ordinary way, by quicksilvered copper-plates and blanket-tables. The stamps are abou 7001b. each when new, and are said to crush about 90 tons a week. At the time of my visi the company were erecting two berdans to treat the concentrates from the blanket-tables. Thes , concentrates have to be lifted about 10ft. into the berdans. The crushing-battery started workin: on the 14th of August last, and up to the middle of October 640 tons of quartz was crushed, whici yielded 6660z. of gold, being an average of loz. 19gr. of gold per ton. The total cost of the crushing battery and building was stated to me as £758, which is extremely little considering the place wheri it is erected, and the difficulties which had to be encountered in transit of the machinery fron Kisbee Bay to the site.

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The whole of the quartz that had been crushed up to the date of my visit in November last came from the south side of Wilson's Eiver, where the lode averaged about Bft. in thickness; but, after driving in about 80ft. from the side of the river southwards, the lode cut out into mullock. There are still about one and a half stopes to work on this side of the river, near the surface ; but about two days previous to my visit a large slip came down and covered up all the workings, so that the lode could not be seen. On the north side of the river an inclined shaft, Bft. by 3ft. Bin. in the clear, has been sunk to a depth of 45ft., and timbered with planking 2in. in thickness; but this thickness of timber is not sufficient to resist the pressure, consequently the whole of the shaft has to be retimbered before any workings can be commenced from it. The lode is about sft. thick at the bottom of the shaft, and said to contain very good stone ; but it could not be seen at the time of my visit owing to the state of the shaft. This is the side of the river where the best stone was found when the lode was first discovered, and there is a great probability of some very good crushings being obtained when the lode is opened up. An adit was driven into the side of the range on the north side of the river, a little above the level of the top of the shaft; but the lode was broken up and not found payable for working. Judging from my former examinations, and the work which has since been done, the rich shot of stone in the lode is striking northwards at something like an inclination of 1 in 6. At the time that this lode was discovered the stone was by far the richest on the northern side of the river, and there is a great probability that some good stone will be found underneath the bed of the river; but a large portion of this will have to be left, or else, if the workings approach too close to the bed, the influx of water would become too great to open out the mine; indeed, the stone underneath the river should be left to the very last before any attempt is made to take it out. The southern end of the shot of gold in the lode had been reached prior to my visit, and it is very questionable whether another rich shot will be found for some distance southwards. Since writing the above, information has come to hand that this company is not getting the rich stone to the northwards that it expected. Some low-grade ore has recently been operated on at the battery, and the returns from same have brought about a desponding state of things ; however, the company is continuing a drive in a northward direction with the hope of cutting rich ore. During the past year the battery returns show that 1,155 tons of stone have been crushed, which yielded 8750z. gold. Hesperides Company. —This company hold the ground adjoining the Golden Site Holding on the southern end. An adit was first commenced in this company's ground from the side of the river, but a slip came down from the side of the range and covered it up. A shaft was then sunk on the face of the terrace to a depth of about 70ft., and, from this shaft, driving was done on the lode on each side of the shaft. Subsequently another adit was constructed from the face of the terrace to cut the lode, and at the time of my visit some stone was being obtained with the view of having a trial crushing at the Golden Site battery; but, judging from its appearance, the yield would not be great, and no information has since reached me as to the result of the trial crushing. Triangle Extended Company. —This company's ground is to the southward of the Hesperides, and it was said that fair prospects had been obtained from quartz found in the prospecting trenches. The lode, where it is cut near the surface, was said to be 18in. in thickness, and on the same line of reef as the Golden Site Holding. Very little has been done in prospecting the quartz lodes in this district. The company to the northward of the Golden Site Holding have suspended operations for some time past, they having not yet cut any lode going through their ground. There is at the place where they were sinking a considerable depth of sandy mud overlying the rock, so that it entails considerable expense to continue prospecting on this claim. Sufficient has, however, been proved in the Golden Site Holding to show that there are quartz lodes in the locality which will give payable returns for working. At the same time, my opinion is that, although some rich stone may be found, it cannot be depended on to run any great distance carrying rich ore. The lodes here are in entirely a different formation from where they are found in other portions of Otago, and are of a more recent origin. Morning Star Company. —This is a company recently formed with a capital of £12,000, of which £8,000 is paid to the promoters in paid-up shares. This company's claim is on the mainland, facing Longbeach. Some very rich stone has been found on the ground. It is said that from one of the claims now held by this company a ton of stone was forwarded to Messrs. Wylie and Scott's battery, at Invercargill, which yielded 9oz. 14dwt. of gold. On Crayfish Island a rich auriferous lode is said to be found in the Nugget Claim, where 950z. of gold was broken out by hand. This claim has now been purchased by a company with 24,000 shares of £1 each, of which 12,000 is given to the owners of the claim fully paid up for the property. At Cuttle Cove some quartz claims have been taken up. A syndicate has been formed to place machinery on the ground. A trial-crushing from the St. George and Crown Claims at Cuttle Cove is said to have yielded loz. 7dwt. per ton. The whole of the alluvial gold found in the district indicates that it has come from quartz reefs, and this is greatly amplified from the character of the gold got in the wash-drift in the vicinity of Sealer's. Many of the particles of gold have quartz attached, and the gold itself is quite sharp on the edges and angular, indicating that it could never have been carried far by the action of water. No doubt a rich quartz lode will yet be discovered in this locality ; but the quantity of soft peaty material which covers the surface makes prospecting for lodes a difficult undertaking.

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The following statement will show the quantity of quartz crushed and the yield of gold from the several quartz-mining localities in Otago for the year ending the 31st March, 1895: —

In concluding my remarks on the quartz-mines in the colony, it may be interesting to show at a glance the progress that is being made in this branch of the gold-mining industry, as the quartz-mines are the most permanent of gold-workings. The following table will show the total quantity of quartz crushed in the colony for the year ending the 31st March, with the amount of gold and bullion extracted therefrom either by amalgamation or by the cyanide process : —

This table shows that about 40 per cent, of the value of gold obtained was from quartzworkings, and that over 52 per cent, of the gold obtained in the North Island was extracted by the cyanide process. This also shows that the quartz-mines are gradually getting developed more and more every year, which is very gratifying, seeing that it is to this class of mining where the principal yield of gold is likely to be obtained.

Locality and Name of Company. Quartz crushed for Year ending Slst March, 1895. Quantity of Amalgam. Quantity of Gold obtained. Cromwell— Cromwell Company—New Bendigo Lawrence Brothers—Carrick Eange Old Man Eange— E. T. Symes T. W. Gray... Nenthorn— Bonanza Company H. A. Weeks Golden Point Company—Deepdell Macetown— Premier Company Tipperary Company ... Shotover—Gallant Tipperary Skipper's—Achilles Company Preservation Inlet—Golden Site—Wilson's Eiver Tons. 542 350 Oz. Oz. 1,228 1,020 451 230 105 58 141 Not given. 63 118 32 330 2,125 Not given. Not given. 1,000 321 250 3,232 663 855 3,943 1,155 Not given. Not given. Not given. 3,598 1,432 1,489 36 203 1,652 876 Totals ■ ... 5,7134 13,390

Name of District. Quartz crushed and Tailings treated. Gold extracted by Amalgamation. Solutions. ing B > uUion _ I Approximate Value. Coromandel ... Thames Ohinemuri Piako... Marlborough ... Nelson West Coast ... Otago ... ... Tons. 15,451 48,464 51,058 1,121 25 3,554 38,370 13,390 Oz. 19,259 22,737 16,603 628 14 657 18,360 464 Oz. 3,373 73 94,025 Oz. 22,632 22,810 110,628 628 14 657 18,360 6.713J £ 62,996 59,340 137,699 1,711 54-6 2,562-3 71,604 22,282-6 '2491 Total 171,43*3 83,722 99,730J 181,4421 358,249-5

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Statement of Affairs of Mining Companies, as published in accordance with the Mining Companies Acts, 1891 and 1894.

14—C. 3.

Name of Company. Date of Registration. Subscribed 3al *K££ Effg Arrears tt Call*. *]~ capitaI - 3£t 'itr.r sssa? peT s iaL Ariear3ofCa113 - Number of Shareholders at .present. Number of Men Quantity and Value of Gold produced since Registration. Total Expendi- Total ture since Amount of Registration. Dividends paid. Employed Quantity. Value. AUC 5KLAND : DISTBICT. £ 37,500 16,250 24,000 25,000 44,700 15,850 13,425 12,500 29,250 10,000 6,250 24,998 20,000 21,250 9,000 30,000 11,250 24,000 20,000 27,500 18,000 24,955 10,500 150,000 3,751 1,121 5,425 - £ 121 £ 50,000 I 57,503 ! 24,000 50,000 44,700 ! 31,700 i 53,700 \ 50,000 58,500 40,000 J 24,200 49,995 40,000 I 100,000 40,150 59,663 45,000 117,183 39,912 55,000 6,000 49,910 42,000 150,000 3,751 20,700 155 & s. d. 0 0 2 i £ s. a., I 295 13 7 ! oz. dwt. gr.j £ s. d. £ s. a. £ s. a. Owharoa New Bonanza Golden Cross ». New Fearnought Cambria Lone Hand Occidental Try Fluke Grace Darling Orlando Golden Age Norfolk Silverton Kapai-Vermont North Star New Albumia .. Portsea Victoria Otama Woodstock United Waiotahi New Moanataiari Hazelbank Waihi Tapu Fluke Great Mercury Thames Lead and Silver-mining Syndicate New Zealand Crown Mines May Queen Komata Talisman .. . * 20 Nov., 28 Nov., 1 Feb., 22 July, 4 Jan., 22 Mar., 2 Oct., 3 Dec, 30 Jan., 2 April, 10 Sept., 24 April, 4 Feb., 9 Oct., 21 Feb., 10 Sept., 14 Mar., 2 Sept., 25 Mar., 17 Feb., 1 Aug., 16 Nov., 30 Sept., 7 Dec, 4 Aug., 23 July, 22 Dec, 1894 1894 1894 1886 ! 1884! 1889 1890 1889 1894 1890 1890 1889 1886 1893 1891 1885 1894 1890 1890 1890 1871 1888 1890 1887 1894 1894 1892 2,006 1,181 1,425 224 1,250 2,925 4,167 151 5,206 5,000 3,350 1,402 4,375 188 10,094 516 2,750 15,000 9,905 3,146 96,667 876 1,121 2,495 3,250 24,000 36 500 12'500 17 1900 1,950 0 11 0 5 9 0 10 0 0 1 0 0 6 j 0 6 0 0 2 1 0 0 1J 0 7 2 0 2 6 0 4 3 0 16 0 2 0 0 2 1 0 2 2 0 0 3 0 5 0 2 10 0 0 5 0 0 2 6 10 0 20/&10/* 0 11 25 0 0 105 7 6 24 10 10 •• 798 1 3 284 3 4 52 1 8 84 17 10 52 18 4 154 15 10 229 10 6 47 10 3 308 15 10 690 7 1391 730 7,575 37,150 38 28 26 20 8 185 14 34 41 15 23 133 62 60 28 153 58 62 8 346 33 7 86 35 32 35 32 4,099 17 0 19,101* 8 0 * * 4,304 14 10 47,687' 8 9 6,140° 8 2 33,533*10 5 80,462 4 6 11,23717 6 600 0 0 7,949' 9 0 74,110 14,843 144 10'514 1,375 0 0 2,670 2,100 53,333 2,000 0 10 0 3 15 0 30,74710 0 3,150* 0 0 52,500 0 O 23 19 2 5 0 0 25 109' 16 0 243*12 5 1,043*13 10 1,079 11 9 1*925 19 May, 4 Mar., 23 April, 5 Nov., 1891 1889 1892 1894 77,729 39,500 20,000 16,250 27,728 6,583 15,000 3,250 77,729 79,000 15,056 56,500 10 0 0 18 2311 0 7 100 1,505 12 0 211 0 11 3014 2 Totals 1,532,007 I i 3,900 16 1 789,954 1210,063 150,928 .. I 142,633 1,642 99 23,311 1 0 52,235 16 0 41,797 4 2 188,152 13 0 * On 2,000 and 1,751 shares, respectively. Julian Globe.. Keep it Dark Al Golden Treasure Extended .. 17 June, .. 8 Aug., 2 Mar., .. 12 May, .. 4 Dec, 1893 1882 18,000 15,675 1874 20,000 6,208 1891 6,000 350 1888 1,200 4,828 n: 1LSON DISTEIOT (including West Coast). 24,000 .. [ 100 0 0 36,000 0 8 8J .. 5,450 17,956 "0 16 2J .. 2,044 24,000 0 0 3| 10 5 2J 24,000 0 5 4 .j 900 24 - 20 15 21 iot 12 40,050 0 0 105,166 13 4 451 0 0 1,857 6 0 520 8 0 935 1 18 .. 8,349 17 9 900 0 0 * Including 10f« at registration. t Tributers.

Statement of Affairs of Mining Companies, as published in accordance with the Mining Companies Acts, 1891 and 1894— continued.

d.-3.

Name of Company. Date of Eegistration. Subscribed Capital. Amount of Capital actually paid up. Value of Scrip given to Shareholders on which no cash paid. Number of Shares allotted. Amount paid up Arrears of Calls. per Share. Number of Shares forfeited. Number of Shareholders at present. Number of Men Quantity and Value of Gold produced since Eegistration. Total Bxpendi- Total ture since Amount of Eegistration. Dividends x^aid.* I Quantity. Value. NEL! £ .ON DISTE 1ICT (inch :ding West Coi £ s. d. 18 0 0 61 6 3 .st) — cotit: i inued. £ £ 4,381 2,589 600 2,921 1,838 5,300 21,125 938 4,500 3,322 4,188 24,933 11,702 7,433 4,800 4,241 1,633 242 2,703 4,150 8,550 612 184 3,958 16,909 3,313 45,351 3,328 18,820 12,409 10,800 8,700 6,300 48,000 24,000 24,000 24,000 24,000 24,000 32,500 30,000 24,000 24,000 24,000 32,000 48,000 16,000 24,000 11,850 14,000 1,385 7,000 24,000 24,000 8,177 2,200 26,050 38,290 10,000 150,000 24,000 194 20,000 12,000 24,000 24,000 £ s. d. 0 2 0 0 12 21 0 0 6" 0 2 7 0 11 6% 0 4 5 0 13 0 10 0 0 5 9 0 3 0 0 3 6 0 15 7 0 4 10 0 9 3J 0 4 0 16/ & 8/» 0 4 4 0 17 0 0 11 6 0 3 5J 0 7 1J 0 2 6 Various 0 18 0 10 0 0 9 6 0 19 6 6/3 & 1/3^ 0 15 11J 0 18 0 0 7 3 0 5 3 i 5,188 ■ 137 9 74 48 17 75 106 14 44 90 80 115 93 14 16 178 22 24 40 31 38 78 23 12 282 10 7 10 40 16 25 32 46 Oz. dwt. gr. £ s. d. B-β. d. 4,556 6 11 2,710 9 4 23,481 11 2 2,926 17 9 £ s. d. Welcome United Lord Edward Big River Exchange Quartz-mining Eoyal Hercules Wealth of Nations Empire City .. Progress Cumberland Sir Charles Eussell United Alpine .. Lyell Creek Extended .. Kumara Long Tunnel .. Minerva Shamrock Lead Southern Cross Davis and Carr's Terrace Greenstone Sluicing United Italy Inglewood Extended Deep Creek Addison's Gold Sluicing.. Nelson Creek .. Ravenscli3 Star Antimony Ross United Duffer's Creek Parapara Hydraulic-sluicing Johnston's United Mont D'Or Keep-it-Dark South, No. 2 Golden Lead 4 Mar., 1893 13 Nov., 1883 11 April, 1891 23 May, 1890 2 June, 1888 22 Nov., 1889 21 Aug., 1889 13 Mar., 1894 26 Nov., 1886 10 July, 1890 16 Oct., 1890 31 Oct., 1874 2 Aug., 1881 10 May, 1882 24 Feb., 1890 29 Sept., 1892 22 Mar., 1889 13 Mar., 1890 8 Dec, 1888 24 Mar., 1882 25 Aug., 1882 12 Sept., 1893 11 Sept., 1894 7 Aug., 1892 23 June, 1890 16 May., 1892 — May, 1883 1 Sept., 1891 18 June, 1892 27 June, 1881 25 July, 1882 i 13 June, 1887 30 Oct., 1890 12,000 12,000 6,000 13,850 24,000 21,125 30,000 9,600 24,000 12,000 32,000 12,000 8,000 12,000 11,850 14,000 865 7,000 24,000 24,000 2,085 2,200 26,050 38,290 10,000 46,500 9,000 38,000 18,585 12,000 12,000 12,000 12,000 12 ', 000 27,000 2,400 16 ', 000 12,000 400 5,200 1,400 500 2,300 12,000 12,000 1,000 179"3 0 278"2 6 12 2 6 97 14 6 5318 4 80 13 0 46 0 0 5,341 1,750 3,440 4,045 120 2,484 460 8 30 16 46 20 32 70 4 21 33 0 0 11,887 10 0 0 16 0 1,900 6 4 22,331 11 8 10,648 0 0 i 275 0 6 4,317 15 8§ •• 914 12 5 133 12 2 47,635 1 0 3 4 0 7,603 6 9 89,588 11 3 i 43,260 2 9 1,076 10 8 16,882 15 6 •• •• 3,613 2 5 12,593 6 7 81,424 13 11 47,942 2 8 5,594 15 10 13,360 11 5 11,690 11 4 9,082 18 4 26,106' 0 0 231 15 5 1,800 0 0 812 10 0 15,000 0 0 13,800 0 0 73,466 13 4 4,427 5 10 575 0 0 1,750 0 0 300 0 0 1,500 0 0 6t 1,026 0 0 5,300 0 0 4,104' 0 0 22,564 0 0 124 8 6 91 5 0 446 0 2 63 0 0 3,453 181' 7 0 21,000 21,318 185 4 103,500 4,000 19,200 1,668 2,900 701 83 14 9 780 0 0 37} 16,854 0 0 8,209 ) 64,95516 10 1,916 0 9 20,400 0 0 8,000 0 0 126 7 11 77 14 2 24 16,859' 7 20 I 56,087 1 7 3,500 7 2,113 1 20 8,495' 7 4 15,562' 2 6 Totals 969,602 353 78,993 2 17 311,772 16 8 312,919 2 1 316,795 18 8 582,200 |279,834 286,886 ! .. 2,630 0 9£ 50,170 1,926 * Preceding year. t On tri ibuteI In con; itruction works; nor a On 4,i e raining. § 87 shares, £200; 2 shares, £175; 3 shares, £150; BO and 2,270 shares. b On 8,000 and 16,000 shares 2 shares, £145; 2 shares, £100; 1 share, £80; 1 share, £50. Undaunted Phcenix Water-race Gallant Tipperary .. 1 Mar., .. 12 Oct., .. — April, 1878 1867 1883 12,000 1,500 12,000 12,000 1,500 2,800 1,500 OTAGO DISTRICT. 120 1100 0 0 .. .. 9 1,000 1 10 0 .. .. 22 24,000 0 2 4 7 10 0 650 43 £4 6s 8d -\ on 3,740 5,348 shares, [ £5 on 300 J 4s. 6d. ' on 15,000 12,000, • 5 0. 0 100 7 5s. on I 5,000 I 5,650 0 0 1,500 0 0 13 4,265 0 0 17,336' 8 2 2O,952'lO 4 Bound Hill .. 30 July, 1892 24,047 17,507 20,007 25 2,488 6 0 I 10,473 5 5 I 18,244 18 8 Bed Hill Tin Mining .. 30 Nov.,. 1892 3,250 4,250 2,925 100

Statement of Affairs of Mining Companies, as published in accordance with the Mining Companies Acts, 1891 and 1894— continued.

a—3

Name of Company. Date of Registration. paid up. n0 oasn pald - Number Number Number Arrears of Call,. 8h °J eg gfluSZi Em "? V ed forfeited, present. Employed Quantity and Value of G-old produced since Registration. Total Bxpendi- Total ture since Amount of Eegistration. Dividends paid. Quantity Value. OTA( rO DISTI JOT — continued, Sandhills 2 Aug., 1889 12,500 7,142 £ 4,000 25,000 £ s. d. 0 10 0 18s. on 14,563, ' £1 on 15,000 10 0 10 0 0 0 15 0 1 10 0 I 8s. on ' J 10,000 115s. on ( 5,000 10 0 10 0 0 0 2 0 13 0 0 2 10 0 0 0 2 10 0 10 0 10 0 0 2 6 £ s. d. 80 0 0 200 I 70 11 oz. dwt. gr. 2,506 7 0 £ s. d. 9,519 17 9 £ s. 9,999 19 3 £ s. d. Roxburgh Amalgamated Sluicing 2 Mar., 1889 29,153 12,737 15,000 29,152 825 167 30 6,608 5 0 26,966 18 0 33,210 0 0 5,466 1 10 Island Block Longwood Sluicing Moonlight Sew Hoy, Big Beach 28 Nov., 15 Oct., 14 May, 9 Dec, 1888 1888 1894 1889 21,917 3,580 2,000 87,750 21,917 3,113 1,038 8,775 35,000 3,143 450 72,000 56,917 358 2,000 54,000 84 0 0 125 0 0 - 150 •25 173 4 34 16 15 0 16,254 4 0 68 4 10 62,641 12 0 1,508 18 7 46,491 2 1 225 14,793*15 0 Jutland Plat (Waipori) 2 July, 1890 15,000 4,000 3,750 15,000 1,875 0 0 Premier Consolidated Amalgamated Waipori Deep Lead Break of Day .. Hesperides Triangle Extended Blue Spur and Gabriel's Gully .. Golden Site Tipperary New El Dorado Sluicing United Hercules Achilles Goldfields (Limited) 8 Nov., 20 Dec, 24 Mar., 11 Oct., 31 July, 1 Feb., 21 Nov., 10 Mar., 17 April, 13 Aug., 15 Mar., 1890 1889 1894 1893 1894 1888 1893 1891 1893 1888 1893 30,000 12,050 10,000 9,000 7,030 90,000 30,000 35,000 1,911 12,000 307 30,000 5,824 166 510 62 30,000 3,783 13,500 341 4,841 307 40,000 6,150 7,500 3,750 3,515 30,000 16,900 21,493 1,570 6,500 80,000 70,000 12,050 20,000 9,000 7,030 90,000 30,000 35,000 1,911 12,000 642,456 76"9 0 0 12 6 '200 23 115 53 40 10 7 96 7 I l>911 7 9 4 8 8 1,840 0 0 1 17 0 2 2 0 7,082 12 10 7,316 0 1 137 16 8 480 0 0 42 9 9 2,000 0 0 12 0 0 108 14 0 •• 20 799 14 0 6,818 9 5 756" 0 0 500 378 0 0 84 2,117 18 0 8,153 19 10 20,017 6 0 8,400 0 0 Totals .. . 461,995 184,818 376,478 1,157,342 2,499 5 6 2,700 2,942 250 165,597 10 0 38,434 16 10 36,900 8 0 1142,242 18 10 DR JEDGINC COMPANIES. Dunedin Edina 1 Sept., 1881 10 July, 1893 8,700 2,500 7,540 1,658 600 8,700 5,000 0 17 4 0 9 0 (15s. on' 1 1,455 112s. on I 545 0 10 0 8 6 10 0 0 19 0 120s. on 350 4s. 6d. on 2,650 0 17 0 10 0 0 16 0 0 15 6 0 10 52 0 0 67 18 13 8 13,608 0 0 270 10 0 52,392 8 8 1,039 16 0 38,096 2 10 1,094 12 9 14,400 0 0 1,158 9 1 Matakitaki 7 July, 1892 2,000 1,418 2,000 3 10 4 42 10 1,045 0 0 4,035 7 10 4,655 6 9 Cock Sparrow Upper Waipori Alluvial.. Enterprise Golden Run 28 April, 1894 3 Sept., 1889 24 Aug., 1891 29 June, 1891 1,575 12,000 2,000 3,000 1,050 5,950 2,000 2,218 8,925 5,000 21,000 24,000 2,000 5,000 18 5 0 700 30 84 10 42 7 586 15 0 5,273 0 0 284 2 0 2,043 13 3 20,120 0 0 1,093 15 11 3,053 18 11 17,533 0 0 1,852 15 9 3,000 0 0 2,000 1,085 8 3,62l' 7 6 Golden Bay 17 Oct., 1894 3,000 596 350 3,000 14 5 575 12 6 Miller's Creek Golden Treasure Roxburgh Gold Ettrick Gold .. Buller 11 June, 1890 19 July, 1893 20 Aug., 1891 29 Aug., 1890 14 Nov., 1894 10,000 1,500 2,500 2,500 1,500 5,100 1,384 2,000 1,902 600 4,000 1,500 2,500 2,000 10,000 3,000 5,000 4,500 12,000 20 0 0 100 124 48 40 55 10 1,775 0 0 6,760 16 11 ■■ 12,375 2 7 2,125 0 0 317 6 * •• 18 12 43 3 0 168' 4 10 892* 4 10 Totals 52,775 33,416 105,200 97 12 10 87,654 2 5 80,128 16 11 1 , 24,304 16 7 26,875 2,097 380 73 22,885 10 0

a—3

ALLUVIAL MINING. The greatest portion of gold produced in the colony up to the present date has been obtained from the alluvial drifts; and it may be interesting to know that according to the statement showing the quantity of gold entered for exportation up to the year ending the 31st March last, the gold, obtained from the alluvial workings was equal to 60 per cent, of the total gold-production of the colony. The total value of the gold entered for exportation last year was £889,545, of which gold to the value of £373,676 was obtained from quartz-mining, thus showing that more attention is now being given to this branch of the mining industry, which may be said to be our only permanent gold-mines. The principal portion of the gold yet obtained has come from Otago and the West Coast, where the largest portion of the workings are in alluvial drifts. Notwithstanding the fact that during the last thirty-four years many shafts have been sunk, and large areas of ground sluiced away, it has made but little impression as yet upon the features of the country. It is said by some that alluvial gold-workings partially destroys the land; but the accuracy of this statement is questionable, as in many places where alluvial workings are now carried on, the land would in any case have been of little or no value to the agriculturalist, and, so far as pastoral pursuits are concerned, the shallow ground where the alluvial drifts were worked in the early days is now covered with a sward of grass almost equal to that which existed before the surface was broken. Alluvial workings were first discovered in the Collingwood district, about thirty-eight years ago, but comparatively very little work has been done on this goldfield. The reason of this is, perhaps, that the outbreak of the Otago Goldfields attracted people from all other parts of the colony, and the richness of the discoveries, especially in Gabriel's Gully, Wetherstone's, Waitahuna, and in the Shotover and Skipper's, led men away with the idea that those parts of the colony contained such fabulous and easily-procured riches, that would enable them to accumulate vast fortunes in a short period. The diggings were at first confined to shallow workings, from sft. to 10ft. in depth, the ground being stripped and turned over in large paddocks, the bottom layer of the auriferous wash-drift being merely run through narrow sluice-boxes, or a cradle, and then what would not pay a very high rate of wages was thrown away as valueless. Since that time, however, improvements have from year to year been made in the appliances for working the ground on a far more extensive scale, and also for saving the gold which the drift contains. There are at the present time very few places where men are earning a livelihood by driving and paddocking as in the early days. The most of the alluvial workings are now carried on by hydraulic sluicing and dredging operations. The latter has of late years become an extensive branch of the mining industry, and a very large amount of capital is invested in it. Dredges are now placed on every river and stream which contains auriferous wash, and they are also working shallow flats where in former years the water to contend with was too heavy, which prevented the miners working the ground economically either by driving or paddocking. Hydraulic elevating is also an innovation in the system of mining. It is only some seven or eight years ago since this method was first introduced on anything like an extensive scale, when Mr. J. R. Perry, a very enterprising gentleman, introduced this system for the purpose of working the tailings in the bed of Gabriel's Gully; but a great many alterations had, from time to time, to be made in the plant in order to get it to work successfully. The size of the supply-pipes, the position of the jet, the size of the throat, and the height of the material to be lifted were all items to be taken into consideration, and as each difficulty arose it had to be combated with and overcome. Mr. Perry succeeded, after considerable expense, in constructing a very efficient plant. Since then, however, elevator plants have been greatly improved. There are immense areas of auriferous drift in Otago which would pay for working either by hydraulic sluicing, or hydraulic elevating, and, in shallow flats where there is much water to contend against, dredging operations are being carried on successfully in many places. The recent explorations of Mr. McKay, Mining Geologist, show that there are very large areas of quartz drift extending from the Maerewhenua Goldfield across Central Otago to Switzer's. In many places where these drifts are being worked some of the claims are yielding a large amount of gold, as, for instance, Mr. John Ewing's claim at Kildare Hill, St. Bathan's, may be cited. The line of these drifts extends over Mount Buster, across the Maniototo Plains, to the Manuherikia Valley, following down the side of the Dunstan Eange to Clyde. The same formation again appears in different places in Otago—at Switzer's, Mount Criffel, on the side of Lake Wakatipu, and in many places in the Tuapeka County. These quartz-drifts are some of the oldest alluvial deposits that are to be found in the colony. On the West Coast the gravel drifts are of considerable extent, but differ materially in character from those found in Otago. The oldest drifts here are what is termed " Old man," or " Maori bottom," where, notwithstanding the opinions held by many miners that this " Maori bottom" does not contain gold, the denudation of the material has been the means of supplying a large portion of the gold found in the valleys and river-beds of the West Coast. On the top of Mount Greenland, at Ross, and also Napoleon Hill, these drifts are at the present time being worked, and in some places giving good returns; this being especially the case with regard to some layers on Napoleon Hill, which have paid remarkably well to drive out and wash in the ordinary manner, whilst the Mont dOr Company, at Ross, has been working in these drifts for many years, and have also obtained good returns. There is a large extent of ground on the top of Mount Greenland which would pay for working if a good supply of water was available. Mr. Antonio Zala opened a claim here about twelve years ago in similar ground to that worked by the Mont dOr Company, at Ross, but the claim was worked under great disadvantages, as it was at a high elevation, and there were no possible means of obtaining a proper supply of water. In fact,

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the only water obtainable was that which was collected in small dams after every shower. This, however, was found to be insufficient, and the ground was eventually abandoned. The assertion that a large proportion of the gold of the colony has been supplied by " Maori" or " Old man " bottom, may provoke considerable discussion. But when the matter is inquired into, and comparisons made between the character of the ground now being worked at Napoleon Hill and at Eoss with the false bottom on which more recent drifts are being worked elsewhere, it will be found that no difference in the character of the material can be distinguished, except in some places where the ground is denuded. Every creek and gully crossing this belt, flowing into the Grey River, contains gold, and rich deposits have been found in some of these creek-beds. In the creeks above the belt where the "Maori" or " Old man" bottom is found, the gold appears to be less in quantity, and different in character. More attention will in the future have to be given to this subject in order to prove the reliability or otherwise of these bottoms with respect to their gold-bearing qualities, as this opens up a very large question as to the extent of auriferous drifts on the West Coast. Another class of material to which attention should be directed is that of the quartz-conglome-rates, which cover an immense area in the watersheds of the Maruia, Glenroy, and Matakitaki Rivers. This quartz conglomerate resembles in appearance and seems to be of a similar character to that now being worked at Johannesberg, in South Africa, and which is giving such rich returns. Some parcels of quartz-conglomerate found here have been tested, and gave yields of from 2dwt. to sdwt. of gold per ton; but the area of ground covered with this material is great, and, as it is not to be expected that the whole of it would prove payable for working, a considerable amount of prospecting may have to be done before layers containing gold of a payable character are found. Sufficient is known, however, of its auriferous nature to justify its being prospected in a thorough and systematic manner, for, should a belt of this quartz-conglomerate be found of a character payable for working, it would prove one of the largest fields in the Australasian Colonies where quartzcrushing machinery can be profitably employed. Although the operations of dredging the rivers have, in Otago and the West Coast, been attended with success, .very few of the machines have been successful in dealing with the gold found on the ocean-beach. The large quantities of gold found on the different beaches would lead one to believe that dredging operations in connection with this class of material could be very successfully carried on. So far, however, experience has shown that such is not the case. Dredge after dredge has been placed on the sea-beaches of the West Coast, but, up to the present time, in none of the claims where they have been employed have dividends been paid. On many of these beaches there are still large quantities of gold to be obtained, and some of them contain very rich auriferous sands. Each of the different systems in present use for working alluvial drifts will be dealt with under separate headings when describing the various districts. Suffice it to say that the population which can be profitably employed in alluvial gold-mining is only limited by the quantity of water that can be brought to command the ground. If there were an abundant water-supply, thousands of men could find profitable employment in sluicing the terraces and the sides of the ranges, while the valleys could be worked by means of hydraulic elevating. Storage reservoirs, water supplies, and tracks, are questions affecting the expansion of the mining industry to which more consideration in the future will have to be given. Maelboeough Disteict. The principal workings in alluvial drifts in this district have been confined to Wakamarina and Mahakipawa. The former place was opened in 1863, and large quantities of gold was obtained from the drift found in the river-bed. However, very little gold has yet been found on the terraces alongside the river. Some rich deposits of gold were found in the different bars of the Wakamarina Eiver, and especially at Deep Creek, near its junction with that river. During recent years the only workings of any great extent have been confined to the gorge at the mouth of Deep Creek. Several mining companies have, one after the other, taken up this gorge, but so far have been unable to work it. One company managed, about three years ago, to get a paddock out on the upper end, but the amount of gold they obtained did not compensate them for their labour, and a flood came down and covered up all their workings, so that they were compelled to abandon it for the season. These operations were carried on in one of those deep guts or waterholes, where gold was found on a bar at the upper end, and also on a bar at the lower end. This fact leads many to believe that an immense quantity of gold will be found in the pot-hole. The impression formed about gold being obtained in the bottom of a deep gut has only been realised in a few instances, the general rule being that in the bottom of the pot-holes in river-beds nothing but a fine sediment or loose gravel is found, with but very little gold ; and this is likely to be the case with regard to the bed of the gorge of the Wakamarina River. Although this work has been attempted by several companies, none of them have commenced operations in such a manner as to insure success. The river is subject to heavy floods, and, when these come down, the paddocks that have been taken out are filled up, and all operations have to be again commenced de novo. If any company is determined to expend money in working this gorge, they must, in the first place, be prepared to build a substantial dam at the head, and when this preliminary step has been effected, as many men as can be placed at work should be employed to remove the gravel in the shortest possible time. The failure of the company's operations here may be attributed to the small number of men employed after the completion of what is termed the head-works. The only other field where mining operations on anything like a large scale have been carried on is at the Mahakipawa. The drift in the bed of this creek was found in many places to be very rich; but the upper part of this creek has now been worked out, and the workings at the present time are confined to the foot of the gorge and in Mr. Cullens's freehold. Some of the claims here have yielded good returns for the time they have been working ; but they are subject to being swamped out by floods in the creek. The Wairarapa, the Hibernian, and the King Solomon Mines have been the best claims on this field.

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100

The workings in King Solomon's Mine are between 80ft. and 90ft. in depth, and, being situated in the valley near the creek, are subjected to a considerable influx of water. The largest body of the water comes in through a stratum of loose drift, about 40ft. from the surface. The volume that came in at this level became so great that the pumps and water-wheels which the company used for working the mine were unable to successfully cope with it. An impervious stratum was found below where the water came in, and about two years ago an experiment was made to dam back the water in the shaft, which for a certain time perfectly succeeded, and mining operations were continued. Eecently, however, the puddling gave way, but this has been repaired, and at the present time the company are getting good returns. Sufficient work has been done in this mine to prove that the run of gold is going more under the township than the people in this district originally thought was the case when the Golden Gate and Alice Pell Companies sunk their shafts. These companies always thought that the lead would run much nearer the present bed of the creek than it is actually proving to do. Davies and Carr's claim, which is the only sluicing claim here, is said to be still giving fair returns. These workings are apparently in an old slip which has come down from a higher level, and probably, if the side of this range was prospected, terraces of similar auriferous wash-drift would, be found. A prospecting association has been formed at Mahakipawa which took up some ground on Mr. Cullen's freehold with the view of prospecting by boring; and recently Mr. Oliver, the secretary, wrote to me inquiring as to the best appliances to use for this purpose. Water-augers have been successfully used in Victoria and New South Wales in boring through clay-beds and drifts, and they are suitable machines for testing such ground as the association has taken up. Depths of over 400 ft. below the surface have been reached with this auger. In boring through sand and clay, Mr. Lucas, manager for J. Kitchen and Sons, Melbourne, stated, in reference to boring a well, that, on commencing to bore, a bed of coarse sand 19ft. thick, with water in the ground for 16ft. of this depth, afterwards a bed of hard clay, was met with for 45ft. A depth of 64ft. was reached in seventeen hours. A second layer of fine drift-sand was pierced below the clay-bed, and on getting through this layer for about lift, in thickness a further clay-bed was gone through for about 10ft., when 2ft. 6in. of coarse gravel and pebbles was met with. This shows that these machines are capable of boring through alluvial drifts. These machines are manufactured by Wright and Edmonds, engineers, Melbourne, and the cost of one of the machines complete, with all tools and appliances, with tubes to bore to a depth of 200 ft., was £327, at the time of the last exhibition held in Melbourne in 1889. Several parties have been prospecting between Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds, but no discovery of any importance has yet been made. It is said that some rough pieces of gold have been got in White-pine Gully, and gold has also been obtained in Duncan's Creek; but, owing to the sinking being of a considerable depth, the large quantity of water to contend with, and not having pumping machinery of sufficient capacity to lift the water, mining operations in this locality have been for a considerable time suspended. Nelson District. Collingivood. —Although this was the first gold-mining district opened in the colony it has never maintained a large mining population. Latterly, however, it has begun to attract more attention, as it has been found that there are extensive areas here covered with auriferous gravel, which can be made to give good returns if a systematic method of working is adopted. Some very rich ground was found in the early days at Golden Gully, where there is a large deposit of quartzdrift similar to that which is found at St. Bathan's, Otago. No doubt there are still considerable areas of this drift in the Collingwood district which would pay for working if an ample supply of water was brought on to the ground. There is an extensive area of quartz-drift in what is known as the Quartz Eanges, where some miners have been for a number of years making a good livelihood by the use of water conserved in small dams, and sluicing the ground on a very limited scale. All the water from the Parapara Eiver is already taken up by the Parapara Hydraulic Sluicing and Mining Company; but at the Boulder Lake there is one of the finest sites in the colony for the construction of a large reservoir at a minimum cost, and the water, passing through a high, narrow, rocky gorge, would command all the auriferous terraces on the side of the range in the Collingwood district. Parapara Hydraulic Sluicing and Mining Company. —This company has just completed the whole of the works, and commenced sluicing operations in the Maori section of the property, and also in a special claim on McCartney's Hill. Nothing can at present be said as to the payable nature or otherwise of the ground, as it will take some weeks to open up and thoroughly test it, but judging from the yield of gold obtained from a few days' work in opening out the ground it is likely to become a very valuable mining property. The whole oE the works have cost about £25,000, and one of the shareholders informed me that £5,000 has been expended in other mining properties. A syndicate of Wellington gentlemen first commenced operations here, and entered into an arrangement with Mr. Travers to work ground on his freehold, which is situated on Parapara Plat. The syndicate at first contemplated getting water from the Onekaka and Puriwhakaho Creeks; but upon a survey being made it was found that those streams would not give a sufficient quantity of water to work the ground on the elevator principle in a satisfactory manner. The only other water which could be obtained was from the Parapara Eiver; but the Eed Hill Company and a party of miners in Glengyle Gully held rights for all available water in this river, except in extremely wet weather, when there was plenty of surplus water to be obtained, but not sufficient to insure a constant supply for carrying on hydraulic operations on Mr. Travers's property.

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The field was visited by Sir James Hector, the Director, and Mr. A. McKay (now Mining Geologist), of the Geological Survey; the report of the former as to the richness of the ground was of so favourable a nature that the attention of other parties was directed to this locality; The following is an extract from Sir James Hector's Progress Report, pages xix. to xxii., "Geological Explorations," 1890-91 : — " In the Parapara Sluicing Company's ground there are several secondary leads, as distinguished on Plan 11. No. lis parallel with the present river where it enters on the mud-flats, and occupies a groove or channel along the west side of the long spur that projects into the valley, and which is crossed by the telegraph-line and inland track. This lead has been opened in two places 10 chains apart. Firstly, what are called the " Maori workings," about 60ft. by 60ft. and 20ft. deep, gave 150z., which is at the rate of about ldwt. per load. The bottom of the gutter was not reached in this excavation, which is irregular in form, and was evidently very imperfectly worked. " A special trial was made by slipping down lft. from the eastern face, or 50ft. by 20ft. by Ift., or 120 loads, and this gave 40z., or -fdwt. per load; but, owing to the very rough bottom and the absence of proper fluming the washing-up was very imperfect. Higher up the gutter a tunnel was put 70ft. by 4ft. by 3ft., and gave 18oz., or about 3-Jdwt. per load. This is probably the fairest test that has been made. The width of the gutter is about 2 chains, and the length for which it has been traced is about 20 chains. The sides of the gutter dip at about one in three, and its cubic contents is about 150,000 loads, and, taking the yield at 2dwt. per load, it should yield about £60,000 value. " Following the water-race round the large bend of the river we find it cut into fine-grained mica-schist, succeeded on the west side by carbon-schists, and then by crystalline limestone. " The east side of the valley now cuts through the old rocks and into heavy beds of white and red quartz-gravels, dipping 70° west to north-west, and constituting the No. 2, or Washbourne's Lead. In the gravels are heavy beds of black soft sandstone, consisting chiefly of mica-sand, pyrites, and graphite. This stratum often resembles coal. The wash at this place is evidently a rewash to the present river valley prior to its complete excavation to the present depth, and it is probably the source of the No. 1 lead. "This No. 2 lead has been worked in a very irregular manner, and is now difficult of definition; but it may be estimated as 8 chains in length, with a cross-section of 120 ft. by 24ft. This will give a cubic contents of nearly 50,000 loads. Five tests were made with the pan, and gave, at per ton, from the white wash, 4dwt.; from the black wash, ldwt. 6gr.; from the haematite, 3gr.; from close to the west side of the lead, ldwt. 17gr.; and close to the east side, 2dwt. 20gr. Taking for the average 2dwt. per load, this will give, with the above, an estimated value for the No. 2 of £20,000. " No. 3 lead, 10 chains east of No. 2 lead, is in Peaty Gully, where there is a patch of very rich diggings, up to foz. per pan having been taken from the surface-wash. The bottom was on a very tough cement. Where this bottom changes, a black pyritous layer appears like that in the saddle diggings above described. All the old workings average only 2ft. depth of sinking, but, in the line of the main slide or No. 4 level, the bottom is on a brown layer of " pug," covering a hard gravel cement. In this material, some fifty years ago, at 20ft. above the level of the sea, two shafts were sunk—3oft. and 40ft. respectively—into solid wash without reaching any bottom, and the stuff put out yielded on the average 16dwt. per load. Close to these shafts, in a paddock worked by Messrs. Washbourne and Marshall under the surface-gravels and below the brown pug or false bottom, the yield was 2oz. per man per diem. This paddock was bottomed on gravel cement, underlying and older than the black pyritous deposit. So far as seen, with these exceptions, all the old workings in this place have hitherto been in a surface rewash, with seldom more than 2ft. to 3ft. stripping. " The gravel of No. 3 lead seems therefore to have been dispersed in a thin layer over an area of about 40 acres, and a rough estimate of the contents gave 2,000,000 loads, which, at 2dwt. per ton, would give a value of £800,000. " No. 4 lead is the ground formerly worked by the Parapara Hydraulic Company. The colour of the gravel is red, and it is evidently a rewash from the main slide accumulated on a steep slope. Fourteen samples from this deposit were tested, with results varying from 2gr. to 9dwt. per ton. The richer samples were taken from the deeper and undisturbed ground, as most of the gold has been removed from the gravel formerly passed through the sluice-boxes, and which now forms the top layer. " The lead is fan-shaped, and rises at a moderate angle to about 200 ft. above the flat, with a width of 350 ft. and total length of 600 ft. Its cubic contents has been estimated at 1,500,000 loads, which, at 2dwt., would give a value of £600,000. " The Main Slide Lead, as already explained, is a deposit of auriferous gravel that is contained between more or less vertical walls. Within the new Parapara Company's ground it rises to 300 ft. above the river, with a width of about 260 ft., as measured in the old Glenmutchkin Workings. On the north or seaward slope no ground has been opened in this lead, but the gravel is seen to be continuous along the surface. " The easiest way to prove the nature and value of this deposit would be to tunnel through the narrow wall of crystalline limestone from Caldwell's Flat at the lowest possible level. Such a tunnel would prove if the lead really plunges between vertical walls in the manner in which it appears to do in the Glenmutchkin Claim. Assuming that it really does so, then the cubic contents above the water-level would be about five million loads. " The average richness of this old cement is very difficult to estimate. In the Glenmutchkin Claim two men working with a feeble water-supply are reported to have taken 40oz. with one week's work. The only fair test which I was able to make was by gathering rolled fragments of the cemented conglomerate from the No. 4 lead; and on crushing them they were found to yield very

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uniformly at the rate of 2dwt. 20gr. per ton. Taking the average as ldwt., the value of the gold in the portion of the Main Slide Lead in the company's ground would be about £1,000,000, If the lead extends in depth, and is continuous under the mud-flat to the sea-coast, it would present a most favourable field for dredging and working by hydraulic excavation, and probably an additional amount co the value of £500,000 could thus be extracted. " These figures appear to be large, but from the tests made and the past experience in the district the estimates appear reasonable. They may be summarised as follow :—

A second syndicate was formed in Wellington to take up ground on this field, with a view of getting portions of the leads running through the Parapara Company's grounds; and to enable them to do this they purchased a claim and water-race held by a private company in Glengyle Gully. This purchase gave the syndicate the second rights of water from the Parapara Biver, and they also took up some other ground at Appo's Gully. Both the syndicates referred to made arrangements to amalgamate their interests, and, as the only other right to water from the Parapara Eiver was that held by the Eed Hill Company, which was at that time going into liquidation, the whole of the property belonging to the latter company was purchased for about £600. The price originally given by an English company for the Eed Hill property was £100,000 in paid-up shares. After the Parapara Company had completed the purchase of the Eed Hill property, arrangements were made to bring the water from the Parapara Eiver, and the necessary works were commenced over two years ago. Head Works. —A concrete weir has been constructed in the bed of the Parapara Eiver, just at the upper end of the first gorge, where good facilities offered for the construction of a dam, as the water at this point flows through a narrow rocky passage. The weir is constructed, approximately, about 25ft. in height above the bed of the gorge of the river, and is about a chain in length across the top. This weir delivers the water into an open cutting about 4 chains in length, at the end of which there is a tunnel leading through the range to the head of Appo's Gully. Tunnel. —This tunnel is about 24 chains in length, and constructed about 4ft. wide and sft. in height, close-timbered throughout. At one time during the construction some difficulty was experienced owing to its passing through slightly-swelling ground, but, with the exception of having to double timber about 2 chains of the tunnel, the rest of the driving was very good, and presented comparatively little difficulty. At the end of the tunnel there is about 20 chains of boxing laid on the ground; thence the water falls into a concrete penstock of from 6ft. to Bft. in depth, having a division in the centre which forms two chambers. In the second chamber is an outlet-pipe set in the concrete wall, and any gravel or sediment that may come from the tunnel or boxing falls into the first division, and can by this arrangement be cleaned out without allowing it to pass through the pipes. Pipes. —The water is conveyed from this penstock to the claim, a distance of about two miles, in wrought-steel riveted pipes, which are about 30in. in diameter at the penstock, and gradually narrow down to 24in., having branches of 14in. diameter at the claim. These pipes are laid along the sideling at Appo's Gully, and cross the saddle between Appo's and Glengyle Gully, following down the side of the latter, and crossing the Parapara on a suspension-bridge erected at a considerable angle to the stream. Some difficulty was experienced when the water was first conveyed into the pipes through their not having been properly secured to the foundations laid to receive them, the consequence of which was that some joints gave way ; but accidents of this kind generally arise upon the completion of new works, as every little detail is not worked out so minutely as, perhaps, it ought to be. Until such time as the pipes have been properly secured, the total head of water, which is something like 500 ft., cannot be utilised. It is said that at the present time a pressure of not more than 401b. to the square inch can be used on to the pipes at the claim. This is equal to nearly 100 ft. head, which is not nearly sufficient to do the quantity of work which would be done if the full pressure was utilised. The branch lines of pipes are 14in.. in diameter, and these supply water to Giant nozzles in each claim. These nozzles are said to be only 4in. in diameter. If the information supplied to me with respect to the size of the nozzle and the pressure of water is correct, then it would seem to show that, at the present time, with a 100 ft,

* Evidently either the totals or some of the figures in the columns printed in the report quoted are Wrong, aa they do not add cprrectly. The corrected totals are given below them.

Lead. Cubic Yards. At Pi Per Load or Cubic Yard. At ldwt. At 2dwt. No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 Main Slide ... Deep Workings 150,000 50,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 5,000,000 2,600,000 £ 3,000 250 40,000 10,000 100,000 52,000 £ 30,000 2,500 400,000 300,000 1,000,000 520,000 £ 60,000 5,000 800,000 600,000 2,000,000 1,040,000 * 14,800,000 295,250 2,952,500 5,905,000" Corrected totals] [11,300,000] [205,250] [2,252,500] [4,505,000]

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head and a pressure of 431b. to the square inch, a 4in. nozzle would only discharge about 6f sluiceheads of water, which seems a very small amount to use, considering the large works being constructed to work the ground in a wholesale and systematic manner. A nozzle of even 6in. diameter would only discharge about 15J heads with the above pressure. If the full pressure, deducting for friction, could be utilised, equal, say, to 400 ft. hydraulic head, a 4in. nozzle would discharge about 13J sluice-heads, and a 6in. nozzle about 29-J- heads. The latter quantity of water would seem to be small enough to work one of these claims in a systematic manner; provided, of course, that sluice-boxes of a proper size to utilise a large supply of water were made. It said that the size of the sluices in present use by the company is only 2ft. Bin., which is not of sufficient width to allow them to use a large quantity of water. Until sluicing operations have been carried on for some time longer it will be impossible to tell what this ground will average, and, as such a high opinion of its richness has been held, the result of the washing may be disappointing; but, with a good supply of water, even if the average yield is from 2gr. to 3gr. to the cubic yard, it should be made to pay good interest on the capital invested. It may interest those who are engaged in hydraulic-sluicing operations to state that, on my recent visit to the West Coast, the manager of a hydraulic-sluicing company who is carrying on large sluicing operations informed me, on putting the question to him as to the quantity of gold in the gravel-drifts required to pay the expense of working the ground, that half a grain of gold to the cubic yard was sufficent to cover everything. It will be seen from this that a very small quantity of gold, if uniform through the drift, with plenty of water and dump for tailings, is sufficient to prove remunerative for working. Following up the side of the range from the Parapara Company's ground, Golden Gully is reached, where there is a large deposit of the old quartz-drifts, from which a considerable quantity of gold was obtained in the early days, and every creek- and river-bed going towards the Aorere Eiver contains good auriferous wash-drift. There is a very extensive area of these auriferous drifts in the Quartz Eanges, which will some day be worked, and good returns of gold will be obtained by a proper system of working. Westpoet Distbict. There are a considerable number of miners employed on the ocean-beach between Westport and the Mokihinui. Although these beaches are worked time after time, sometimes the same portion several times in one year, yet there is still a livelihood left for men at what is known as " beach-comb-ing." The yield of gold from these beaches depends on the shore currents and the weather. Sometimes portions of the beach is stripped of all the*light sand, shingle, and other material by the action of the sea, leaving a coating of black sand with which gold is intermixed in a very finely-divided state, requiring considerable experience to separate it from the iron-sand. There are very few new-comers that commence gold-workings on the beaches; the most of those who are at work are old men, assisted by their families. Between Westport and the Waimangaroa a large flat extends back from the ocean-beach to the foot of the Mount Bochfort Eange. A great portion of this is an open " pakihi," which in former years was a complete swamp, but, since the construction of the railway, channels and ditches have been constructed which have drained it to that extent that cattle can now pass over the whole of it. On the eastern side of this " pakihi" rich patches of gold-bearing sand have been got close to the foot of the Mount Eochfort Eange, and even for some distance up the sideling, the whole of the formation being a sea-washed shingle and sand, and has at one time been the shore of the ocean. There is, however, a considerable quantity of water to contend with in sinking in the flat near the foot of the range, which has deterred prospecting operations from being carried on. About eighteen months ago a prospecting association was formed in Westport by the merchants and others, and they have been constructing a cutting and tunnel through this " pakihi" with the view of draining the ground, and of cutting other leads of gold which may have been formed as the ocean receded, and to work the ground at the foot of the range referred to. The question, however, of cutting fresh leads is a problem which has yet to be determined, as it is probable that this low flat was merely a shallow bay, which has been filled up by slips and denuded material from the mountain range, and not due so much to the elevation of the land as shown at Charleston and elsewhere; at all events, be this as it may, this association is doing good work, and, although they have had men working at the tunnel for a long time, they have not yet reached the point where they expect to find gold. They have now driven nearly 1,500 ft., and are getting colours of gold in the drift. There are also a number of miners employed in working the bed of the Waimangaroa, in which some fair-sized nuggets of gold were obtained last year. During my recent visit to this place there were forty-eight men working at gold-mining in the vicinity of Waimangaroa, thirty-two men were employed at a similar occupation on the North Terrace, and forty-eight men are getting their livelihood at mining on the North Beach. Bradshaw's Terrace. This terrace is situate about four miles to the south of the Buller Eiver, and about 40 chains in a straight line back from the ocean-beach, where there is a low terrace of auriferous gravel-drifts to the eastward side of Bradshaw's Creek. This creek runs parallel with the ocean-beach, and empties into the head of the lagoon going back from near the mouth of the Buller Eiver. The creekbed for its whole length along the foot of the terrace is full of fallen timber and logs, and consequently the tailings from the four sluicing claims that are opened from the face of this terrace are going into the creek, and, owing to it being full of timber and with very little fall, the tailings cannot be carried away. There are about twenty men employed in these claims, and their sluicing operations are threatened to be stopped by the men holding the land on the seaward side of Bradshaw's Creek. During my recent visit to this locality the miners informed me that all theii* claims give payable results for working. 15—0. 3.

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Addison's Flat. There is a large extent of auriferous ground on Addison's Flat, and the most of the claims which have been opened out here are giving good returns. The number of claims that can be profitably worked is limited entirely by the supply of water, and all the available water in the locality is utilised. During my visit to the district in December last, in accordance with previous instructions received from the Hon. the Minister of Mines to inquire as to the extent of gold-bearing drifts in this locality, and facilities for working the same, my attention was specially given to the source from whence a supply of water could be brought; and Mr. A. McKay, the Mining Geologist, being in this locality, it was an opportune time to examine the field in conjunction with him as to the extent of the auriferous gravels in that neighbourhood. At my suggestion Mr. McKay instructed his assistant, Mr. Linck, to take barometer levels up the Ohika-nui Biver with the view of determining whether water could be brought on to this field from that stream. The result of the explorations in regard to a supply of water from the Ohika-nui was as follows : Addison's Flat being about 200 ft. above the level of the sea, my instructions to Mr. Linck were to go up the bed of the Ohika-nui until the barometer showed an elevation of 500 ft., and to carefully estimate the distance he travelled along the bed of the river. He found this elevation at about eight miles up the river from the Westport-Eeefton Eoad, where there was a wide valley, and about half a mile above this point the river branches, at an elevation of 550 ft. The country along the face of the range facing the Ohika-nui Eiver on the seaward side, where a water-race would have to be constructed, is very broken, and a good deal of granite rock on the sidelings. Any water-race from this source would have to come down the sideling of the broken spurs to near the mouth of the river before it could be taken along the face of the range facing the Buller to get towards Addison's. The whole of the race would have to come through a very broken country, cut up with deep gullies, and along the face of the range, which is in many places liable to slips. Its total length would not be less than about thirty miles. The Ohika-nui Eiver, at the point where the water would have to be lifted, carries about fifty sluice-heads of water in dry weather, therefore a good supply could be got; and, indeed, this is the only stream from which water could be taken to be of any great service in working this field, but the expense of construction would be very great. It would be useless to give even an approximate estimate of this work, as before this could be done the ime of race would have to be gone over ; but from my experience of the construction of other large water-races it would not be less than £80,000, and it is very doubtful if this amount would be sufficient. And revenue derived from any supply which would absorb such a sum for providing water to work Addison's Flat would not be recouped by the sales of water, as it is not a place where hydraulic-sluicing operations can be carried on with dump for tailings. All the large stones and shingle would have to be separated from the fine sand before even a tunnel tail-race could be constructed on a grade to carry away the latter material, and the head of water from such a supply would not be sufficient to work the richest of the ground on the hydraulic-elevating principle. It is not to be supposed that the whole of the ground in this flat would pay to work even if a large supply of water were brought in. There are several leads through the flat running almost parallel with the ocean-beach; but there is a large extent in width between these leads which would not be likely to prove remunerative for working even were there sufficient dump for tailings, and the gold is of that character which could not be saved in the ordinary sluice-boxes. With respect to the value of some of the claims, it is very seldom that any shares are sold. On making inquiries in regard to this, one of the shareholders in Carmody and party's claim kindly informed me that a share in Douglass and party's claim was sold about three years ago for £450, and that £500 had been offered for a share in Carmody and party's claim, but none of the eight shareholders in this claim would sell for this sum. In what is termed Addison's, which is the lead nearest the foot of the range, there are seven claims being worked—namely, Carmody and party of eight men, Douglass and party of six men, O'Toole and party of seven men, Milligan and party of five men, Moran and party of six men, Scanlon and party of six men, Shamrock Company of eighteen; and on Wilson's lead, which is about a mile nearer the ocean-beach, there are two claims being worked —namely, Gerald and party of four men, and Sullivan and party of five men. The latter party is now working what was formerly known as Mace and Bassett's Claim. All the claims on Addison's with the exception of the Shamrock Company are worked on the same principle, and a description of one will be sufficient. Carmody's Claim. —This claim has been worked by the same party for the last twentythree years, and during that time they have had to construct three long tunnel tail-races. They have recently constructed one of these 2,200 ft. in length on a gradient of 1 in 99, or Bin. to the chain, and boxed throughout, the boxes being 2ft. in width. The depth of the ground they are working is about 55ft., and the auriferous wash-drift varies in depth from 12ft. to 18ft. There are sluice-boxes laid in the open cutting on a gradient of about 1 in 30, and these sluices are about 300 ft. in length. The large stones are thrown out, but all stones of ordinary size are allowed to go down the upper sluices, at the end of which there is a box with perforated plates. The fine sand passes through the perforations, while the coarse shingle and stones fall over the end of the perforated plate into a box or square tank, underneath which there is room for a truck to pass. When this box or tank is full of stone there are folding-doors in the bottom which are opened by means of a lever, and the stones fall into the truck. The doors are closed again, and the truck full of stones is hauled up an inclined tramway by means of a water-balance, while the water and fine sand passes down a box and is distributed over a system of wide tables covered with cocoanut-inatting, and the water and material then passes down the tunnel tail-race already described. This system of working is very complete, and extremely suitable for claims where a large quantity of material has not to be sent through the sluices. It requires two men at the end of the first sluices to rake the shingle and stones into the bos with folding-doors in the bottom, and empty*

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the same into the truck underneath : and one man is required on the top to attend to the winding and emptying the trucks into the stone heap. It would, however, be too slow a process where there was a large supply of water and many stones in the ground. Shamrock Company. — This company is working the ground by hydraulic elevators. There is a water-race constructed from the Totara Biver and brought to the claim, where the head of water is about 300 ft., and the elevating-pipe has a vertical height of about 58ft. At the time of my recent visio to this claim the working was being carried on along the lead, which is about three chains in width. The whole of the ground has been previously driven out, and the timber, in many instances, is standing the same as when it was put in nearly twenty years ago. Mr. Archibald Kennedy, who was for many years assistant to the manager of the Waimea-Kumara Water-race, is now the manager of this company, and, judging from the manner he is conducting the operations, this ought to be a venture which will return a fair interest to the shareholders for the capital they have invested. During my visit to this place there were ninety-six men employed, either as owners or wagesmen, in the mining claims ; this includes all the men engaged in the workings between the Buller and Totara Eivers, but exclusive of the men working at Bradshaw's Terrace. . Groninville. There was a considerable number of men employed in claims in this locality a few years ago, and the returns from some of them were of a highly-payable character; but the ground is getting poorer, and requires a good supply of water and constant working to make it give returns which pay small wages. During the last year there were sixteen men employed in the claims in this locality. Charleston. The township at this place is now of very small dimensions to what it was in the early days, and the number of miners on the field shows a corresponding falling-off. There seems, however, to have been a,bout the same number of miners in the district last year as there was for the previous one. A number of men have now small crushing-batteries for crushing the cement. They find that this method of dealing with the cemented sand pays them better than attempting to sluice it and break it up by a series of traps in a tail-race. The County Council has completed the extension of the Argyle Bace to the Four-mile Creek, and ought now to have a good supply to meet all the demands there are for water to work the claims. From information gathered from the people residing here the returns from the sales of water does little more than meet the expense of maintenance, but it is expected in the future, now that a good supply of water can be relied on, that the revenue will be sufficient to meet the payment of interest on the loan the local body raised to complete this work. The most prosperous place to all appearances in this locality is where the Shetlanders are situate, on the ocean-beach, about three-quarters of a mile from Charleston. Here sea-beach combing is carried on for six hours a day—that is, three hours after high water and about three hours after low wa,ter —all having claims abutting on to one another, with a certain frontage to the ocean. The same beach has been steadily worked—that is, when not covered with a large quantity of soft loose sand—for the last eighteen years, and still many of these claims give very good returns for working. As much as £350 was paid not long ago for some of these beach claims. The earnings of these men vary considerably; during some years very little loose sand is found on the beach, and then nothing but the compact black-sand layer is left when the tide recedes. Each man has the whole of his washing appliances on wheels so that it can be taken down and up the ocean-beach as the tide rises or recedes. In former years these appliances consisted of a wide box with hopper at the head. The box was covered with either baize, plush, or blanketing. All these are, however, now discarded, and a table or box with hopper at the upper end is now made on a frame, to which an axle is attached with two wheels. There being short handles projecting at the lower end of the box, and the axle and wheels being attached underneath the head of the same, the whole is taken up in wheelbarrow fashion after every tide and placed beyond the reach of the waves. The tables are about 9ft. in length, and covered with copper-plate coated with quicksilver. The hopper at the head of the box has a number of small apertures for distributing the water and sand over the box, the latter being about 2ft. 6in. in width. A flume is constructed above high-water mark along the beach for over a mile in length, and each party has a short branch from this flume, and from the end of same each party has a long coil of canvas hose coated with tar to lead the water from the branch flume to the hopper where the sand is shovelled in. The hose is fixed so as to deliver the necessary quantity of water required to carry the sand over the copper-plated table. One of these machines treats as much sand as ever one man can shovel in. They take up the surface of the beach for above 9in. in depth, and shovel it into the hopper as fast as they can. No attention is required beyond occasionally lifting any quicksilver out of the ripples at the end of each copper-plate, and keeping the plates properly coated with quicksilver. These are certainly the best appliances that have come under my observation for working the sand on the ocean-beaches. Cement Workings. The cement workings are confined to Charleston and Addison's Flats. This is not hard cement in the proper sense of the term, but merely sand held firmly together by the oxidation of the iron and moisture it contains. Some of the sand is hard to break down with a pick, but when once down it is easily broken up. It occurs in bands, the same as the layers of black sand on the beaches; but some of these bands are a considerable thickness, and show that in former times the ancient seabeaches contained thick layers of black sand similar to that now operated on by the beach-combers. The gold is distributed through this cemented sand, which requires to be pulverised in order to'

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liberate the fine particles of gold. A stamp battery is used for this purpose, having very light stamps, as the cement requires very little to pulverise it to the consistency of fine sand, when it is run over tables covered with copper-plates coated with quicksilver, the same as the ordinary quartz-crushing battery tables. The size of the crushing-batteries varies, the largest being twelve heads of stamps, which belongs to the Venture Company, at Addison's Flat, which, it is said, contemplates erecting some additional heads. Most of the other crushing-batteries—with the exception of the Piper's Flat Company and the one erected at the Dublin City Claim at Charleston, which have ten heads and eight heads of stamps respectively—have from four-head to five-head stamp batteries. The following statement shows the quantity of cement operated on by the crushing-batteries during the past year, with the quantity of gold obtained from the same ; also the total quantity crushed and gold therefrom during the last three years the returns have been furnished : —

During the previous year there was 22,716 tons of cement crushed, which yielded 1,2290z. of gold, having a value of £4,890, which showed the value of the cement to be equal to 4s. 3fd. per ton, whereas the value of the cement crushed last year was only 3s. lfd.per ton, thus showing a decrease in the value of the cement treated last year to that of the former one of Is. 2Jd. per ton. Still, even at this low value, it will give fair wages for working. In the early days of the Charleston field there were several crushing-machines, and it was then stated that any cement averaging -|dwt. of gold per ton would pay wages and expenses. The Piper's Flat Company have let the claim on tribute, and have made a great many alterations in the plant; but it was stated that this venture so far had not proved a financial success, and, judging from the quantity of gold obtained, which gives an average of nearly llgr. to the ton of cement treated, the tributers could not afford to pay to the owners a large percentage of the gold. But no doubt a better class of cement will be found in this locality. The most of that yet treated has been out of the old workings. Butter Rimer. There is a considerable number of men working on the terraces and banks of the Buller Eiver all the way up, at different places, from below the junction of the Blackwater with the Buller Eiver to above its junction with the Owen, and some are making very fair wages. Any one passing up and down the road through this valley would hardly credit that there are over a hundred Europeans and nine Chinese obtaining their livelihood from mining in this valley, including the men who are employed on two dredges. There is not a large deposit of gravel drifts in this valley; the river has cut out its bed in the rock, and it may be said to be rock-bound, with the exception of a few flats, for the whole of its course from the lakes to the punt-crossing, seven miles from Westport. Matakitaki. There has been a limited number of miners in this locality for many years, and, judging from the returns of gold, men are averaging better wages on this field than they are doing in many other places in the colony. The ground is not rich, but a little gold is through a large quantity of the gravel drifts. There are a few miners working all the way up the river, but the place where most of the mining operations are now carried on is between Mr. Lynch's farm and Mr. Hunter's station. The place is very little known, and when one speaks of it as a gold-mining district many treat it with derision, as they are under the impression that there is scarcely sufficient gold to be obtained to give food and clothing for those who are actually employed, and such being the case, until the place was opened up by the recent construction of roads, very little was known respecting this part of the country, and the most of the miners who were here two years ago had been working on this field for many years previously.

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For Yea: ending 31i it March, 1895. For Three Years ending 31st March, 1895. Locality and Company. Tons crushed. Gold. Value. Tons crushed. Gold. Value. Addison's Flat— Venture Company Piper's Flat Company... Tons. 10,008 6,465 Oz. 523 136 & s. d. Tons. 18,613 6,465 Oz. 1,302 136 £ s. a. Charleston— Dwyer and party Dublin City ... J. Birch • ... Lander's P. Higgins's ... Walshe and party Parsons and party Thomson and party Bond and party W. Fox Mullins and party 1,100 2,400 2,000 3,500 1,878 1,680 2,000 1,920 63 113 60 138 64 100 99 35 2,179 5,170 3,500 3,500 5,165 1,680 3,640 1,920 100 2,812 3,240 174 318 115 138 129 100 250 35 15 52J 58| Total 32,951 1,331 5,190 18 0 57,932 2,823 11,009 14 0

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Eecently, owing to the construction of a dray-road up the valley and works constructed by the Mammoth Sluicing Company, a great many men have come into the district, and during my recent visit there were about ninety-seven Europeans and forty-one Chinese following the occupation of miners on the Matakitaki and Glenroy Eivers. Mammoth Sluicing Company. —This company has a special claim of 100 acres, and have gone to considerable expense in constructing a water-race and putting a hydraulic plant on the ground. The works have only been undertaken about twelve months ago, and at the time of my visit the water was brought in from one of the creeks on the line of the race, which will give a supply of water in ordinarily wet weather to properly test the value of the ground. The manager, Mr. Bene Proust, surveyed a line of race to the Matakitaki Eiver, and let the first contract of the work in October last year; but after the line had been laid out it was found to encroach on some land belonging to Mr. Hunter. The land is still in its original state, no clearing or anything done to it; still Mr. Hunter fixed the price for which he would allow the water-race to be constructed through it at such a figure as seemed to the company out of all proportion to the damage done to the land, and, moreover, the company felt doubly aggrieved at Mr. Hunter's action in trying to impose heavy dues in this manner, they being the means of bringing a large population into the place, which Mr. Hunter was supplying with meat off the station. There has now been seven miles of the water-race constructed, the open conduit being 6ft. wide by 2ft. 6in. deep, having a fall for the greatest portion of the distance of Bft. to the mile or 1 in 660. In this distance there are 52 chains of fluming, the flume being sft. 10in. wide and 2ft. 9in. deep. At every piece of fluming there is a check-gate, by-wash, and overflow, to carry away any surplus water which may come into the race during wet weather. The race taps a good-sized creek which, during wet weather, gives a fair supply of water; and it is the intention of the company, if moderately wet weather continues, to test the value of the ground by sluicing in the ordinary manner. There are still about four miles of the race to construct, but an arrangement will have to be made with Mr. Hunter before proceeding further with the work, or else the land will have to be taken under the provisions of " The Public Works Act, 1894." This company has had to combat with many difficulties. A large quantity of sawn timber was required for the construction of the work, and to get this by hand-sawyers meant paying from 16s. to £1 per 100 ft. superficial at the pits; so in order to get timber at a reasonable rate the company purchased a portable engine and erected a saw-mill on the grounds. To get this engine up on the claim was a work of considerable magnitude. It had to be taken across the Matakitaki Eiver twice, the Glenroy once, and a large cutting had to be made down a steep sideling from the Horse Terrace to get it on the flat before crossing the Matakitaki Eiver a second time. The manager, however, informed me that, even with all the expense of getting the engine on the ground, it has paid for itself by the reduced rate at which the timber was supplied. The water is brought from the water-race to the claim in wrought-iron pipes, which at the present time are only 15in. in diameter; but it is intended, as soon as the road which is now in course of construction from Glenroy to the second crossing of the Matakitaki Eiver is completed, to replace these pipes with others of larger diameter. The manager states that when the plant is complete the main line of pipes will be of No. 12 8.W.G., made of steel and riveted, having angle-iron flanges, with two branch mains of 15in. in diameter, and, from the end of these, pipes of llin. in diameter will be taken to supply water to the nozzles. The 18in. main, however, has not the same capacity as two mains of 15in. diameter; it would require at least the principal main to be 21in. in diameter to meet this. The sluice-boxes are 4ft. wide and 2ft. deep, fitted with angle ripples for the head boxes, and for the lower run wooden blocks are used for a false bottom. Cocoanut-matting is laid under the iron ripples, and every precaution made to save the gold when a sufficient run of sluices can be put on. The water is used in the face from two Giant nozzles with 10in. water-way and fitted with jets from 3-Jin. to sin. in diameter. At the time of my visit to this work, on the Ist June last, a commencement had been made to open a cutting back from the face of the terrace from the river where the ground is about 70ft. in depth. About 1,000 cubic yards had been sluiced away, but the run of sluices at that time was too short to be capable of saving a fair percentage of the gold, and this cannot be remedied until the cutting is carried some distance into the terrace. There is a good deal of large stones in the washdrift, and, from what the manager informed me, the gold is pretty well distributed through the gravel. Judging, however, from the character of the gold he was getting, it did not come from any run or lead, but appears to be generally distributed through the drift material, as it is of a fine flaky nature, and has been rolled and broken up by the action of stones and boulders being carried down by a stream. The whole of the work is well executed, and from the appearance of the face that was being opened there is little doubt but that the venture will prove a payable one for working, and induce others to work ground in this locality in a similar manner. The greatest difficulty the company will have is the getting clear of the tailings and large stones, as they will undoubtedly very soon raise the river-bed at the point where sluicing operations have commenced. White s Claim. —On the opposite side of the river, and about 20 chains further down the stream than the place where the Mammoth Company has commenced operations, Mr. White has a sluicing claim in similar wash-drift, although not so many large stones as there were in the cutting being opened out by the company. On making inquiries as to the paying nature of his claim, he assured me that it gave him very fair returns, and he was fully satisfied with his property. The character of the gold in the wash-drift is the same on both sides of the river, and Mr. White states that there is very little difference in the yield of gold whether he is sluicing the top drift or the bottom. He believes that there is a very large area and depth of auriferous drifts in this neighbourhood which will give employment to a considerable number of men, and will induce men with capital to go hand in hand with the individual miner to bring water on to the ground.

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Already other claims on the same side of the Matakitaki Biver as White's have been taken up with the view of bringing in a supply of w#ter to work them. The great depth of gravel-drifts there is here, having a little gold all through it, will make very poor ground pay; but, judging from my knowledge of the gold that has been obtained, and the quantity of drift sluiced away, unless some runs or leads of gold be found further back in the terraces, the value of the ground will be something like lgr. of gold per cubic yard, which ought to give fair returns for working with a good head of water and. fall for tailings. This may seem a low value to many, but when it is known that a sluice-head of water in ordinary gravel-drift, where there is plenty of dump for tailings, will carry away about from 4 to 6 cubic yards per hour, or, say, an average of 5 cubic yards, then twenty-five sluice-heads, which is a comparatively small supply to work this class of ground, will give, even with a grain to the cubic yard, over 2oz. gold per shift of eight hours, and only about three men are required for the work. Maruia. The difficulty in getting into this country is so great that it is astonishing that even the small number of men engaged in mining here will stay in the place. The cost of provisions must necessarily be high, on account of the dreadful state of the bush-tracks, for there are no other means of transit. It is true that a horse can be taken down from the junction of the Alfred River'to the mouth of the Maruia, but in doing so, the course of the river cannot be followed for a considerable distance. The miners are scattered here and there, and, from the information afforded me by many of them, a good livelihood can be obtained here by mining, there being plenty of ground, if only a road or Dack-track were made up the valley from the mouth to the junction of the Teviot River. Above this there is a large, stretch of shingle-flats and open river-beds, where horses can be easily taken up as far as the Alfred River, where there are some miners at work. The alluvial-drift terraces where mining is carried on are only small, in comparison with the immense area of country which is covered with quartz conglomerate, similar in character to that which is being worked at Johannesberg in South Africa, and yielding such large returns of gold. That .the quartz conglomerate in the Maruia district is auriferous there is no doubt. Some of this was packed out on horses and tested at Reefton, giving from 2dwt. to sdwt. to the ton. This return is not sufficient to pay for working ; but it is not to be expected that gold will be found in payable quantities for working over the whole area of this class of material, which runs through the country from Station Creek, above Mr. Walker's homestead, to the Matakitaki River, across the Glenroy, being a distance of not less than sixteen miles in a straight line, and the width of these conglomerate beds having not yet been ascertained. They lie in some parts on a pyritiferous slate and schist, and in places on granitiferous rocks, and in other places rest on the coal formation, which forms an extensive field in this district. A seam of brown coal on the opposite side of the river, and a little further up than Mr. Walker's homestead, was taken by Mr. Walker for a seam of jet, and he was quite surprised when Mr. McKay and myself told him it was a good sample of brown coal. A sample of this was analysed at the Colonial Laboratory, with the following result :— Fixed carbon ... ... ... ... ... ... 50-11 Hydro-carbon ... ... ... ... ... ... 29-76 Water ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 15-12 Ash ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5-01 100-00 Evaporative power, 6'slb. The coal here at the present time is of little or no value, as it is too far in the interior, with no road or means of transit to bring it to a market; but if the quartz conglomerates were to prove payable for working it would be the largest field in any of the Australasian Colonies for the employment of pulverising-and reduction-machinery, and also for appliances for saving the gold. Judging from the appearance of the material, the gold it contains is not in the quartz pebbles, but in the sand forming the cement, and it will be of a very fine character, entirely suitable for the cyanide process of extraction. In such materials as these conglomerates there will be little or no base minerals in the ore, therefore a large percentage of the gold could be easily obtained. At no place in the colony is there a field more worthy of being prospected than the country between the Maruia River and the main branch of the Matakitaki River. As far as could be seen of this deposit, the area that is covered with hV is scarcely suitable for any other purpose than mining, as the hard conglomerate comes close to the surface. Also, to all appearances, it is from these conglomerates that most of the gold in the valleys of the Glenroy and Matakitaki Rivers is derived. Inangahua Valley. There are a few miners working on the bed and on the beaches of the Inangahua River; but the first alluvial diggings that are met with coming up from the Buller is in the valley of Coal Creek, where a few Europeans are still at work. The gold in the drifts in this valley and flat is partly derived from the " Old man bottom," partly from the quartz conglomerate, and partly from a more recent formation. The quartz-drift conglomerates extend from the Buller River to the Inangahua River, except in some places where this material is denuded, as, for instance, at Larry's Creek. The alluvial workings at the Landing Creek are on a false bottom, consisting of quartz pebbles and schist, which has the appearance of being auriferous. Although this false bottom has been taken as the stratum on which the concentrated drifts lie, it is very questionable if gold will not be found in it; and possibly another layer of auriferous material will be found underlying it. Between Goal Creek and the main Landing Creek there is a low ridge containing auriferous gravel-drift, a portion of which has been worked, and there is also a low ridge between the Landing

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Creek and Larry's Creek containing similar auriferous drifts. All the creek-beds coming out of the low ranges into Landing Creek—namely, Eyan's, Hut, Chinaman's, Beker's, Little Landing, Black Sand, Fox's, St. Helena, and Eip-and-Tear Creeks—contain auriferous drifts, which have in the past proved payable for working even by some of the most primitive methods, and, if a good supply of water were brought on these ridges, there is a large area of ground in this locality which would give remunerative employment to a considerable number of men. At the present time the most of the men working here are Chinese. On the southern side of Larry's Creek almost every creek-bed contains gold, and some fairly rich deposits of auriferous wash-drift have been worked. A considerable amount of work has been done in Italian Creek and its tributaries. Mr. John Howell has been for the last twelve years sluicing in a high terrace in this locality, and for many years the ground yielded good wages for working, although the supply of water was very limited. Some of the auriferous drift here is nearly 100 ft. in depth, having a little line gold all through it; but the main layer of wash-drift lies nearest the bottom. On the terraces above Capleston a few parties are driving out the ground, and at this place the quartz pebble conglomerates, show out on the face of the range, which is said to contain gold-bearing bands. At a little lower down the valley from Capleston, abutting on the coalmeasures, is the "Maori" or " Old man " bottom, or, at least, the gravels appear to be of the same age. Some men in the valley informed me that the range on the south side of Boatman's Creek would prove highly payable for working if a supply of water could be brought from the Waitahu Eiver to command this ground. Some eighteen months ago the question of surveying a line of water-race from this river to command the whole of the terraces was brought before the Hon. the Minister of Mines when he last visited this locality; but no steps have yet been taken to form either a company or syndicate to undertake the work. Passing over the range previously referred to, the watershed of Pryingpan Creek is reached. Some very fair deposits of auriferous drifts have been worked in the bed of this creek. At the lower end this creek-bed passed through a valley of a considerable width, in which the gold-bearing drifts have been traced and partially worked. The depth of the drift here became much greater, and there is a considerable quantity of water to contend with, which prevents the lower end of this valley from being worked. About four years ago a company was formed to construct a tail-race from the edge of the terrace near the Westport-Eeefton Eoad to drain this ground ; but after having constructed it for nearly I,oooft. the company got into financial difficulties, and the ground and tail-race was sold to a private party, who considered that the level of this tail-race was much lower than what was required to drain the ground where the claim was taken up. The result was that the level was altered, and a new tail-race commenced; but after constructing it for some distance the tunnel broke in to the surface, which showed that the tail-race would be of no service, consequently the whole thing was abandoned. It is said there is a considerable area of ground that would pay fair wages for working if the original tail-race had been completed. Soldier's Greek. This is the vicinity where the alluvial drifts were first worked in the Inangahua district. Some of the claims in the bed of this creek contained rich deposits of auriferous wash-drift, and on the side of the range next to the Inangahua Eiver sluicing-claims were opened up. Those were the days before Giant nozzles, or carrying on sluicing operations on a large scale, were introduced. On the West Coast two or three sluice-heads of water were considered a good supply to carry on hydraulic operations. There are still a few alluvial claims being worked now. Amongst the principal is Mr. A. Black's. Devil's Greek. On passing over the saddle from the head of Soldier's Creek the watershed of Devil's Creek is reached, and here a considerable amount of work has been done in the alluvial workings. The ground-sluicing operations carried on here some seventeen years ago were considered of such magnitude that a photograph of them finds a place on the front page of Lock's large book on " Gold and its Extraction." During my last visit to this district there were about thirty men employed in alluvial workings in Devil's and Soldier's Creeks. It may be stated that all these alluvial workings are on line of the "Old man" or "Maori" bottom, and a great deal of the gold found here has been derived either from this class of material or from gravels of a similar age, of which there is little or no distinction. Gkby Valley. Slab Hut Greek. The upper gold-workings in the Grey Valley are situate in the watershed of Slab Hut Creek. The bed of the creek has been worked from about its junction with the Little Grey Eiver to above the road-crossing of the new road from Devil's Creek to Merrijigs, a distance of about eight miles, and good returns of gold has been taken from some of the claims. There are still a few Europeans engaged in alluvial workings in Maori Gully, which is one of the tributaries of Slab Hut Creek, but in Main Creek the mining population are principally Chinese. However, some of the men working in Maori Gully were well satisfied with the returns they were getting. Merrijigs. The alluvial ground here is at a high elevation, and contains in some places a great depth of auriferous wash-drift. Several claims are opened out here; but the supply of water being entirely dependent on wet weather, there is consequently very little work done in any of them. The ground, however, contains a considerable quantity of gold, and, even with the very small supply of water there is, some of the men do very well. During my last visit here there were seventeen men engaged in the alluvial workings in this locality.

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Antonio's Flat. This flat was opened in the early days of the West Coast, and some of the men yet working in this locality have been here for the last twenty-six years. The whole of the alluvial deposit on the terraces, and on each side of this flat, and also the flat itself, is auriferous. The alluvial workings have been carried on over a considerable area, and, from what could be learned from the men working in this neighbourhood, it has still a large field for hydraulic sluicing if a good supply of water could be obtained; but, unfortunately, there is very little water in the creeks in this locality, still there are many places where storage reservoirs could be made, and the water conserved. There is plenty of fall to be got for constructing water-races from the Big Eiver so as to bring a large supply on to the terraces at a high elevation ; but to furnish a supply would be a very costly undertaking. The principal locality where the gold-workings are carried on is about five miles up from the Main Grey Valley Eoad; but, in coming up this flat, gold is found in all the gullies on both sides of the ranges. During my recent visit here Mr. Bergen, who has been working in this locality for the last twenty-six years, showed me places where he had worked in the early days which paid him more than £20 a week. The workings extend for a long distance up the different branches of the creek, and the heaps of tailings and mullock turned over show that at one time there must have been a large population employed here ; and even now a considerable number of miners still cling to the old place, and are making a comfortable livelihood, whilst those who have a small supply of water do very well indeed. Adam's Town. This is the term given to a locality where a few diggers are working in a narrow valley running up between the range at the back of Batira's Hotel on the Grey mouth-Beef ton Eoad, near the crossing of the Little Grey Eiver. The workings are situated about two miles from the main road, and during my recent visit there were thirteen Europeans and from sixteen to eighteen Chinese at work in the claims. Some very good ground has recently been opened out in what is known as Wesley's Claim, in which the sinking is from 12ft. to 15ft., and the depth of the wash-drift about 4ft. Wesley and party are driving out the ground and hauling the wash-drift up by means of a horse and whip, when the material is box-sluiced on the surface. A little lower down the valley than Wesley's claim a party of Chinese were stripping the ground with barrows and working it in a long face across the bed of the valley. This party was said to be doing extremely well. Blackwater. A very large number of people, especially Chinese, are engaged in mining operations in this locality. It may be said that the Chinese have taken possession of this flat, and are working the ground in paddocks, taking everything before them. They strip a certain portion from the surface downwards, with barrows, and wash about sft. of the bottom of the drift in a small sluice. The amount of work which has been done here is very considerable. It is questionable if an European would ever perform the same amount of labour to work the ground, as the surface material has to be wheeled back for a long distance in opening out each of the claims in order to get the first paddock out; but after this is done the surface material and tailings are all put into the worked-out ground. Into each of these paddocks a tail-race is constructed, not only to drain the ground, but also to carry away the sluicing-water. The amount of trouble and labour which the Chinese have taken in working this ground is really extraordinary, and the quantity of water which they use in their sluice-boxes is extremely small. Eour or five men are engaged in stripping the ground, while four men are engaged in taking up the bottom and sluicing it. The sluice-boxes are from 12ft. to 16ft. in length, having false bottoms made of planks 2in. in thickness, having a system of holes bored LJin. in diameter. These bottoms are used for saving the gold. The material is all sluiced into a paddock, where one man is constantly employed in shovelling away the tailings while the water passes into the tail-races. Judging by the comfortable houses which the Chinese bave 4 erected, and the large stocks of firewood provided, the owners must be doing well. Indeed, one person showed me a party of Chinese who were making about as much as £15 per week per man. There are about ninety Chinese employed in claims in this valley, the majority of the European miners being at work on the terraces. The valley of Blackwater, like Antonio's Flat, will probably be worked for a greater distance downwards towards the Grey Eiver; but if the workings are continued in this direction a long tail-race will be required to drain the ground. There are about thirty-three Europeans and ninety-four Chinamen employed in mining in this locality. Snowy Biver. The valley of the Snowy Eiver is taken up for settlement for about three miles above the railWay. At about one mile up from the railway the valley is about 30 chains wide; at this point Mossy Creek makes a junction with the main stream at an inclined angle of about 30°, running back for four or five miles towards the Grey and Alexander Eivers to a point nearly opposite Mackley's station. This creek at its junction with the Snowy Eiver is about 20 chains wide, and keeps this width for fully a mile up. The whole of this valley has been worked for gold for fully three miles up from the main Greymouth-Eeefton Eoad; also two small creeks have been worked on the south side of Mossy Creek, showing that wherever the terrace-land has been cut into with water, and the material washed away, it has concentrated the heavy particles, and consequently left the gold in payable quantities in the flats on the southern side. The ground here is very shallow, being from sft. to 7ft. deep. The extent of the gold-workings show that a large population had at one time been employed in this locality, and this place was in the early days considered of equal importance to the Blackwater Diggings. As regards the formation, the gravel seems to be of river-terrace origin, as there is yet another higher terrace of the Grey Eiver between Mossy Creek and Snowy. Mossy Creek runs along the

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foot of this last and highest terrace of the Grey Eiver. Again, there is a small gully about 15 chains south from the bridge over Snowy on the main Grey Valley Road, running in an easterly direction, where gold-workings have been carried on, the gold here being derived from river gravels, due to the action of the Grey Eiver. The front and lower terraces of the Grey Eiver are goldbearing, and are at present being worked on the opposite side of the river from Mackley's station, and they are known to be gold-bearing as far as the bridge crossing the river on the main Grey Valley Boad. These lands are partially freehold, which prevents their being worked at present. In the valley of the Snowy Eiver, for about two miles above the junction of Mossy Greek, there have not been any gold-workings ; but at about one mile and a quarter above Mossy Creek there have been considerable workings in a tributary coming in from the south. Shortly above this point the valley of the Snowy has been worked for a distance of about nine miles from the Grey Valley Eoad, and many small tributary streams coming from the south have been worked. The most extensive workings are near the junction of the " Old man bottom " with the " Matai" slates. For the last mile or so the gold is of a rugged description, evidently derived directly from quartz reefs which are known to exist in this locality. A trial crushing was taken from one of these quartz lodes, which yielded sdwt. of gold to the ton. Near the junction of the " Old man bottom " with the slates the river divides into two branches, the principal one coming from the northwards from a point east of the source of the Blackwater or Big Eiver. The hills on the north side of Snowy, opposite the goldworkings and west of slate junction, are exclusively " Old man bottom." Noble's. Under this head are included the gold-workings on the immediate banks of Waipuna Creek. The lower part of this stream flows through a deep gorge with precipitous sides. Consequently the gold is confined to the bed of the stream, and therefore difficult to reach. About a mile below the junction of Noble's Creek the Waipuna Gold-mining Company drove a tunnel through the terrace from the Waipuna to the bed of the Grey Eiver with the object of lowering the bed of the Waipuna Creek and reaching the gold which is supposed to exist; but the work was a failure, inasmuch as the tunnel was not constructed at a sufficiently low level. Gold-workings extend up the Waipuna Creek for fully a mile above the junction with Noble's, and along Mosquito and Carriboo Creeks to their source. Mosquito Creek takes its rise on the eastern side of Napoleon Hill, and flows in a semicircular course to Waipuna Creek. The upper part of this creek contained rich auriferous deposits, evidently derived from the old gravel-beds on Napoleon Hill, and also from a convergent lead on the ridge between Mosquito and the upper part of Orwell Creek, the present workings being situate near the junction of Carriboo Creek, which comes in from the south side. There are considerable workings in Noble's Creek, near its junction with the Waipuna. These workings rise on the spur between Noble's and Mosquito to a height of fully 100 ft. above the level of the creek. The wash-drift is composed of ordinary creek shingle and the older gravels from the " Old man bottom " mixed with many large boulders, apparently derived from a different source. The creek divides into two branches about 20 chains above its junction with the Waipuna, the main branch going towards Napoleon Hill and the other branch towards the head of Duffers' Creek; The principal workings in the main branch lie along its eastern side, on the terrace and the foot of the hills. This part was remarkably rich, and continued so up to the foot of Napoleon Hill. The creek-channel itself is a narrow, deep gut, with precipitous sides, and, as there is a considerable quantity of water flowing in it, the ground could never be bottomed. In all probability there are rich deposits of gold in this creek-bed which some day may, with the aid of machinery, be obtained. There are at least three points where the workings are carried on at present. These are situate at a considerable level above the creek, with a great depth of wash-drift. At the foot of Napoleon Hill the creek divides into two branches, one of which comes from the south and the other from the southwest, the northern part of Napoleon Hill lying between. At the foot of this hill lies Wellington Terrace, the workings of which run parallel with the course of the south-west stream and extend from the forks about 8 chains. The richest auriferous deposits were found adhering to the " Old man bottom," sloping northwards at a considerable angle. This terrace is popularly supposed to be a break or slide from the Napoleon lead, but such does not seem to have been the case. It is more probably a continuation of the rich terrace previously referred to, and which has been cut through by the eastern branch of the creek. In Delagana and party's claim at Napoleon the depth of wash-drift is fully 100 ft. This claim is situated on the so-called lead. The workings extend in a semicircular form for a distance of about 240 ft., and into the hill for about 100 ft. The wash-drift here in every way resembles the "Old man bottom," with the exception that it is not quite so solid and compact; the wash is stratified in a synclinal form, and dipping towards Orwell Creek. It may be remarked that Napoleon Hill is the greatest elevation in the immediate locality, and is covered with a great depth of auriferous gravels; and every creek or gully which cut through this deposit was found to contain rich auriferous wash-drift, while those small creeks which did not cut through the old auriferous, gravel did not contain much gold. It seems that there is a large area covered with these old gravels on the high lands. It cannot be termed one lead, but more a series of auriferous leads extending for a great width. On the lower terraces the gravels are from a more modern formation, and are more a rewash of river-gravels. A great many adits have been driven from the creek-bed below the junction of Duffer's with Halfounce Creek, and many claims were formerly worked which gave payable results. If water could be brought on to the high land in this locality a large quantity of gold would be obtained, as it is very well suited for sluicing; but there would be a difficulty as regards dump for tailings from the low terrace lands. The more one examines this line of gold-bearing gravels the more it becomes evident that the line of auriferous country runs almost parallel with the Little Grey and main Grey Eiver on the south-east side, and consequently parallel with the main Grey Valley Eoad from Stillwater to Eeefton. 16—C. 3.

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At the time of my recent visit here there were about twenty-seven Europeans and fourteen Chinese employed in the alluvial-gold workings in this locality. Duffers' and Half-ounce Greeks. There is a considerable population working in the vicinity of Duffers', Half-ounce, Sullivan's, and Brandy Jack's Creeks. The richer auriferous grounds in the locality are all of a very old deposit, and entirely different from the more recent drifts which cover the ranges back towards the mountains. The bottom on which the wash-drift rests is either " Old man" or sandstone, and in all the gullies and tributaries of Duffers', wherever the water has cut gulches back into the range, which is principally of " Old man" or " Maori" bottom, the wash-drift has been very good; but on getting through the line of the " Old man bottom" very little gold has been found. The whole of this evidence goes to prove that a great portion of the gold found in the beds of the gullies and creek, and also on the sides of the gulches, is derived from the cutting away of the " Old man bottom," and a concentration of the material by water. It is not to be expected that the hard compact layers of this bottom, of which there is a great depth on the ranges, would prove payable; but the material in which the gold is now found is only a very fine concentration of the immense quantity which has at some former period been submitted to the action of a rapid stream, which carried off the lighter portion, now forming the Totara Flat, while the metallic and denser particles were left behind in the beds of the streams. There is still a considerable area of ground to be worked here; but it can only be worked on a small scale, as there is no water available to command the ground on the ranges in this locality. The principal claim here is worked by the Duffers' Creek Company, who have recently constructed a reservoir in the bed of Duffers' Creek, and a water-race for some distance down the sideling to the claim the company took up. The creek-bed here is filled up with a great depth of tailings, so that no fall could be got to work the ground by sluicing in the ordinary manner. The company therefore sank a paddock and erected a set of bucket-elevators which lifts the tailings to a vertical height of about 70ft., and, being emptied into a sluice-box at this height, it is carried down the bed of the creek for some distance, the sluice-boxes being fitted with false bottoms to save the gold. An'underground tail-race was constructed from the well where the bottom tumbler of the elevators is placed, and the water used for driving the Pelton wheel which works the elevators is used again for sluicing in the bottom of the paddock, where a short line of sluice-boxes is placed to convey the sluiced material into the well, where the bottom end of the elevators is placed. The most of the gold is obtained from the boxes in the bottom of the paddock. It was thought by a considerable number of miners that this would prove a very profitable mining venture, but it has now been working about three years and the expectations formed respecting the great results from the claim have not yet been realised. Indeed, the quantity of water available is not nearly sufficient to admit of the works being carried on continuously. During my recent visit here sixty-two Europeans were employed in mining in this locality. Orwell Creek. There are still a considerable number of Europeans engaged in mining in the vicinity of Orwell Creek and Napoleon Hill. Some very rich deposits of auriferous wash-drift have been found here, both in the flat and on both sides of the range, also at Napoleon Hill. At the latter place there is a great depth of alluvial wash-drift, some places as much as 250 ft. The drift here resembles that found on the top of Mount Greenland, at the Mont dOr Claim, and of the same character as that found at the deep levels at Boss Flat, about 200 ft. under sea-level. There appears to be a synclinical basin or trough in the centre of the hill. Numerous adits have been constructed at different levels from both sides, and a considerable quantity of gold has already been obtained from this place. The cutting-away of this run of wash-drift by the scooping out of the valley of Orwell Creek By the action of water has left the concentrated material in the bed of this valley, and hence the rich layers of auriferous ground that have been found in many of the claims. The length of the deposit of auriferous wash-drift on Napoleon Hill, from the side of the range facing Orwell Creek to Delagana's claim on the opposite side, is fully a mile, while its width is quite 40 chains. Notwithstanding that this hill has been in a measure riddled with adits and drives, and rich layers of wash-drift taken out, it is. a place where a very large quantity of gold will yet be got if it were possible to get water to work it by hydraulic sluicing. All the beds of the gullies, creeks, and gulches cut out of this hill have been very rich, and, indeed, wherever there is wash-gravel drift on the ranges in the vicinity of Napoleon Hill, Orwell Creek, and the range going between Duffers', Noble's, and Half-ounce it will give good returns for working it with a fair supply of water. Very little sluicing can be done here, and even what little is done is only on a very small scale ; yet men make a fair livelihood by working the ground in a primitive manner. Indeed, if a good supply of water cculd be brought to command the terraces about Orwell Creek, it is a portion of the West Coast that would maintain a very large mining population. At the present time a co-operative company has been formed to construct a water-race from Eandell Creek, and are arranging to have a survey made to see whether a sufficient quantity of water can be got from that stream; but from my intimate knowledge of this locality there is little hope of a large supply being obtained from this source, but it is likely a large supply could be got from the Clarke Eiver, which is a considerable distance beyond Eandell Creek. As soon as a survey is made and the levels taken, this question of getting a supply of water at a high elevation will be set at rest. During my recent visit to this locality forty-five Europeans were engaged in mining. Eich leads of gold-bearing wash-drift were traced down Orwell Creek Flat, but the water, when the ground became deep, could not be overcome, more especially in time of floods, as it percolates through the surface. A tunnel tail-race was taken up through this flat, which allowed the upper portion to be worked; but nothing is known as regards the lower portion where it merges into the head of the Ahaura Plains. Several attempts have been made to form a large company to bring up

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a tail-race from the front of the terrace facing the Ahaura Eiver. A special claim of 200 acres in extent was granted some years ago as an inducement to test this portion of the field; but all arrangements in this direction have fallen through. There are many men in this neighbourhood who think that capital will yet be forthcoming to undertake this work. Ahaura. During the last year several sluicing-claims have been taken up on the terraces on the Orwell Creek side of the Ahaura Eiver. Opposite Eiverview some of the layers of wash-drift are said to give Jdwt. of gold to the tin dish. There is a great depth of gravel with a little gold all through it. Three claims were opened out here at the time of my visit, and a commencement was made to open out another. Two other parties of miners were working on the same side of the Ahaura Eiver, about two miles and a half lower down, and were said to be doing fairly well. One of them is constructing a water-race from Orwell Creek, which will be a distance of about five miles when completed, which shows that there is sufficient prospect to lay out a considerable amount of either money or labour to work the ground. In regard to the claims on the terrace alongside the Ahaura Eiver, from the appearance of the bedding of the gravels, the Ahaura Eiver has at one time run at a higher level and concentrated the material which it brought down by the stream and formed the rich gold-bearing layers there are in the wash-drift. Indeed, the action of the river has cut away an immense quantity of auriferous drift on both sides, and in all probability this river-bed will pay to work below the upper line where the old gravels of either the Miocene or Lower Pliocene age joins the slate formation and the more recent deposits. Seeing the large depth of auriferous drifts on both sides of the river, there must be a considerable quantity of gold among the wash in the present bed of the river. Taking the Eiverview side of the river, all the creek-beds—lrishman, Black Sand, and Sullivan's—coming out of the range between this and Callaghan's Creek have been worked, and there is a large area covered with the old gravels on the terraces which would pay well for working with water. Some years ago Mr. J. Gow, then manager of the Nelson Creek Water-race, made a survey of a water-race from Lake Hochstetter to command this ground. The cost of same, with a carryingcapacity of about fifty sluice-heads, would be about £21,000. A line was selected in which very little timber would be required, as most of the channel would be in tunnels through soft sandstone and " Old man " reef. The only place where there is any doubt about the cost of this supply is at the head, where there would be a tunnel about one mile in length. At the time of my visit there were about twelve Europeans engaged in mining opeiations in the Eiverview side of the Ahaura Eiver. Gallag han's. This is the next diggings from the Ahaura, going down the Grey Valley, where gold-working has been constantly carried on. Since it was first opened a considerable quantity of gold has been obtained from the bed of Callaghan's Creek, which has been worked from about 40 chains up from the Grey Valley Eoad to its head; also the most of the beds of its tributaries, wherever washdrift was found. The whole of the wash-drifts consist of old gravels, which lie on either a sandstone or "Maori " bottom ; but there is a large area of country here where there is little or no wash-drift on the top of the sandstone, especially on the steep slopes of the ranges. The water which cut out the valley of Callaghan's Creek has laid bare this sandstone, and washed away in many places any gravel deposit there may have been. Still, at the same time, there are considerable areas of ground in this locality covered with auriferous wash-drift. The present workings are about two miles and a half up the creek from the Grey Valley Eoad, on low flat terraces alongside the creek. Some of the parties have a very good way of working, seeing that there is very little water to be got to carry on sluicing operations. Craig and party work the ground in an open face about 30ft. in depth. They first sank a shaft and brought in a small stream of water to work what is termed a water-lift. There is an underground tail-race from the bottom of the shaft which conveys away any drainage-water, and also water from the lift. The shaft is divided in two divisions, one in which a tank is placed, having a valve at the bottom, and in the other division is a cage and truck. When the loaded truck is placed on the cage, the tank being filled with water at the top of the shaft holds sufficient water to be capable of hauling up the loaded truck, and when the tank gets to the bottom of the shaft and the truck up to the surface, the valve at the bottom of the tank is opened automatically, and is emptied of its water. The weight of the empty cage and truck is sufficient to counterbalance the weight of the empty tank, hence it comes up to the surface again while the truck goes down the shaft. The winding is therefore done by this means. There are about twenty-two Europeans and eight Chinese working in this locality. Nelson Creek. There is still a considerable number of miners working in this locality ; but the principal place where mining operations are carried on is the flat alongside Nelson Creek, below the Township of Hatter's Terrace, and on the lower end of Try Again Terrace. The gold-workings here extend up the tributaries of Nelson Creek, and also up the left branch, for a long distance; but most of the ground that has as yet been discovered payable for working has been sluiced away with water from the Nelson Creek Water-race, before the bridges and flumes collapsed. As a general rule there is very little wash-drift on the side of the ranges; the sandstone-rock and " Old man bottom" is found close underneath the mossy vegetation on the surface, but wherever there is a gravel deposit it is generally found to be auriferous. The largest deposit of alluvial drift on the ranges in this locality is found at Owen's Lookout, where there is a gut containing a great depth of alluvial drift going back into the range, and apparently partly going through the range into the left branch of Nelson Creek. The gravel in this hill is similar in character to that found on Napoleon Hill, and also at Boss, and it is evidently part of the same run or gold-bearing lead which has not been entirely denuded. The same line of country

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crosses the left branch of Nelson Greek, and in its bed below ; and also where this run of ground crosses very rich deposits of auriferous wash-drift have been obtained. This creek has cut through the belt, and the concentrated material was left in the creek-bed. The range at Owen's Look-out is at too great an elevation to get any water to command it, or else there would be a considerable quantity of gold obtained from this range. In the flat at the foot of the terrace below the Township of Hatter's Terrace, the Nelson Creek Company have held a mining claim for some years, and opened it up close alongside Potts's Hotel. A tail-race was brought in to drain this ground some six or seven years ago, and a paddock was taken out in which the layer of wash-drift near the bottom was very rich, as much as ldwt. to the tin dish could be obtained; but the ground dipped away into the flat, and this party had not the means to erect machinery to lift the water. A company was then formed, and the tail-race extended to drain the flat at the back of Hatter's Terrace Township, where every one in the place considered that rich auriferous wash-drift would be found; but on the construction of this tail-race nothing of a payable character for working was found. There is, however, a great probability of a good run of auriferous gravel drift being found if this tail-race is extended under the bed of Nelson Creek to the junction of Gow's and Claughesy Creeks, known locally as Nos. 1 and 3 Creeks. Work was suspended in the construction of the tail-race, and the company purchased the Band of Hope Water-race, which is constructed from the main branch of Nelson Creek, and capable of conveying about twelve sluice-heads of water. A Pelton wheel was erected in the bottom of the paddock on a level with the tail-race to work bucket-elevators to lift the tailings to the surface, and a hydraulic elevator is used to pump the drainage-water out of the deep ground below the level of the tail-race. The whole of the machinery has now been working for some time, and, from the information afforded me, this claim is likely to become a payable venture. There is a considerable area of ground in this flat, and the company has, in addition to their claim on Crown lands, purchased the right to work a small section of freehold land, about 7 acres in extent, which belonged to Mr. Claughesy. There is a very good claim at the foot of Dry Gully which has now been worked for some years, and giving good returns. The party brought in a tail-race to drain the ground, and are winding the wash-drift up a shaft to the surface. There also are some fair sluicing-claims at the lower end of Try Again Terrace, which, although not rich ground, are payable for working. Larkin and party have a good supply of water from Callaghan's Creek, from a water-race which they constructed over twenty years ago, and have been working on Try Again ever since. There is a considerable area here that will give fair wages for working; the greatest difficulty is an outlet for tailings. Mr. M. Drennan holds some freehold land on the front of the terrace, and also on the flat below, which will eventually be covered with tailings—if not directly from the claim, from the shingle coming down Nelson Creek. Indeed, at the present time a portion of this flat is covered with tailings brought down the creek by floods. The area of the flat is not large, but it is the place where all his homestead buildings are erected, and Nelson Creek being now proclaimed a channel into which tailings from mining claims can be discharged, the buildings on this small portion of his land will soon be uninhabitable. The total number of men employed in mining about Nelson Creek, Kangaroo Creek, Brian Boru, and German Gully, at the time of my recent visit to this place, was about ninety-nine Europeans and eight Chinamen. Bed Jack's. This is a very old diggings, and a considerable area of shallow ground has been worked. The workings extend up this creek and its branches for a long distance, and in the early days there were some very rich claims. At present the miners here can only be said to be making small wages. There are not any extensive mining operations being carried on. In Sunday Creek, which is a branch of Bed Jack's, there are some fair claims, but, as at many other places elsewhere, there is a scarcity of water. Had the Nelson Creek Water-race been constructed so as to command the ground lying between Nelson Creek, Bed Jack's, and No Town Creek, instead of where it was constructed, it would have opened up large areas of valuable ground and been the means of maintaining a large population in this portion of the Grey Valley. There is a considerable depth of wash-drift on some of the terraces here, which would pay well to work by hydraulic sluicing with a modern plant. A few men are making a livelihood at mining in Deadman Creek, and during the last year some new discoveries of auriferous ground was made in Connor's Gully, but, so far, it has not proved to be of any large extent. In March last the total number of men employed in Bed Jack's, with its branches, and in Deadman's Creek and Connor's Gully, was about forty-nine Europeans and thirty-seven Chinese. No Town. Although this is a locality where the alluvial gold-workings have been carried on since the Grey Valley Diggings were first opened, there is still a considerable population engaged in working alluvial claims, some working from adit-levels, driving out the wash-drift, and some by hydraulic sluicing. The area covered with auriferous drifts is very large, and the workings extend up the beds and sides of the No Town Creek to nearly its head. Indeed, the whole of the country here may be termed auriferous in every direction, for several miles from the township, while they are on the belt of the Miocene or Lower Pliocene gravels which traverse the whole of the terraces on the south side of the main and Little Grey Bivers, and run about parallel with these streams. The width of this belt is very considerable in places; nowhere can it be said to be less than about four miles. Some portions of the original deposits have been denuded, and the rewash of this denuded material has left the deposits of auriferous wash-drifts in the beds of the creeks. The same belt of country crosses the Arnold Biver, Maori Gully, and goes into Maori Creek, and to the south of Marsden. There

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were about eighty-one Europeans and twenty-six Chinese engaged in gold-workings at the time of my recent visit to this locality. Maori Creek and Maori Gully. Under this head is included the country between the Arnold and the New River, with the goldworkings in the vicinity of Dunganville. The whole of the country here is more or less auriferous, and a considerable mining population is still making a fair livelihood. The workings at Maori Gully include those in the Stillwater Creek Valley, where a large amount of work has been done, and where a considerable quantity of gold has been obtained. The ground becomes poorer as it gets back from the terraces alongside the creek ; but wherever a fair supply of water is available and can be got to command the ground, the claims yield sufficient gold to pay fair wages for working them. At Maori Creek there was a large population for many years, and there is still a considerable number of men who are making a fair livelihood carrying on mining operations. Taking the whole of the mines in the district—that is, at Komata, Maori Gully, Stillwater, Cockabuller, Mosquito, Woods', Connor's, Liverpool and Maori Creeks, Riley's, Italian and German Gullies, and Meehan's Flat—there were about 160 Europeans and 82 Chinese engaged in gold-workings at the time of my last visit to this place. Marsden and Paroa. There is a considerable number of miners obtaining a livelihood in the different localities and gullies between the Grey River and the Teremakau. This includes the gold-workings at Paroa, Limestone, Irishman's, Cockeye, Nemona, Rutherglen, Cameron's, Welshman's, Marsden, and Manuka. The gold-workings near Paroa are on the old sea-beach leads, while on the terrace at Eutherglen the gold has been derived from the denudation of the high-level ocean-beach lead, and gold brought down by the New River, which has flowed here at some remote period, leaving concentrated gold-bearing material in the old channel. At some of the places mentioned the workings are carried on from adit-levels, and the bottom layer of the wash-drift driven out; but, in every place where there is water to be got, sluicing .is the method adopted for working the ground. There is a large area of country covered with auriferous drifts which will yet be worked and found to give those engaged in this avocation a means of earning a fair livelihood. It may truly be said that the land on the West Coast is valueless except for mining, and those depending on the mining population for their livelihood. There is comparatively little good agricultural land, and what good land there is in the valleys of streams and rivers, if it were alienated, would entirely shut up mining, as the low ground in the vicinity of all gold-workings is required for the deposit of tailings. Hydraulic sluicing is the most economical method of working the ground, and therefore all the land, if alienated in any manner, should be subject to mining. There are about 176 Europeans and 110 Chinese getting their livelihood at mining in this locality. Blackball and Moonlight. The gold-workings on the north side of the Grey Valley are very considerable. They extend from Slatey River to Brunnerton. The workings here are on quite a different formation to those on the south side of the Grey River, where there is a belt of this country running from Slatey to Barry town and Canoe Creek, and from the Blackball to the Ten-mile. In the bed of Moonlight Creek the conglomerate is of the same character as that at the Ten-mile Bluff. Between Slatey and Brunnerton every creek-bed coming out of this belt of country contains auriferous wash-drift; and there is a large mining population in this neighbourhod, the two principal places being Moonlight and Blackball. The Moonlight Diggings are situate about seven miles up the Moonlight Creek from the Grey River. Some of the men now working on this field have been steadily at work on it since it was opened. The gold here is principally of a coarse, nuggety character, with very little fine gold. Some of the miners showed me the gold they were getting, and, in mentioning the prospects they were getting in their claims, referred to every piece of gold they obtained as a speck, whether it was large or small. They work sometimes a considerable time without getting the colour of gold, and a few nuggety pieces reward them for the time they have been working. There is very little wash-drift in the creek-bed in some of the claims, the nuggets being under big boulders, which they turn over with crowbars. From the information supplied me by the miners, this is one of the best fields for mining in the Grey Valley. The men are doing better here than in any other place in the Grey district. The workings are not confined to the creek alone. Some of the terraces and hills are worked from adit-levels, while hydraulic sluicing is carried on in some parts. From the formation of the country in this vicinity, and the character of the gold obtained,, there will be some valuable quartz lodes yet discovered in this locality, and most probably on the range to the northward and westward of the present workings. In many of the gullies in this direction rich specimens of gold-bearing stone have been found, and some prospecting has been done with the view of discovering the source; but, so far, success has not attended their efforts. The character of the road, which is only a very bad horse-track, is a great drawback to this place. It has been constructed up hill and down dale, without any attention paid to grading; some of the sideling cuttings are constructed on grades of about 1 in 4, and the track not properly formed at that; consequently provisions are dear, and men have to make good wages. The whole of the country about Moonlight, Slatey, Shellback Gully, Caledonian Gully, Baxter's Creek, Garden Gully, B. A. Creek, the Meg, and Healy's Creeks is auriferous, and men are working in each of those places. Between Slatey and the watershed of the Blackball Creek there were about eighty Europeans and seventy-five Chinese, the larger portion of the Chinese being in Shells back and Caledonian Gullies. At the Blackball and Ford's Creeks there is also a good deal of mining being carried on. , The terrace going up from Kinsella's to the Blackball Township is being worked from adit-levels,: and,

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judging from the character of the work done in connection with opening out and working the ground, the men must be at least making small wages, as the work done is of a permanent character. At the Upper Blackball, the workings are principally hydraulic sluicing, but, from what could be learned from those working here, the ground is not as good as formerly. The upper working in this creek is carried on by the Minerva Sluicing Company, who constructed a waterrace from the Meg Creek, and can get from fifteen to twenty sluice-heads of water from an elevation of about 600 ft. above the level of their workings; but the full head of water is, however, not used. The water is allowed to flow some distance down the side of the range before it is conveyed in pipes to use in the face. The ground that this company is working is in the side of the range, where there is an alluvial deposit containing a little gold all through it for about 100 ft. in depth. There is a very large quantity of boulders amongst the drift, many of which require blasting before they can be shifted. The quantity of large stones here is so great that shifting them by manual labour seems a waste of money. There should be a high derrick erected, having a long boom or jib, with a small Pelton wheel to work a winch, which should be attached to the bottom end of the derrick. The smaller stones could then be lifted in skips and stacked on the stone heap, while a derrick of this description should be sufficiently strong to lift boulders of 4 tons in weight. The stones by this means could be removed from the wash-drift at one-third of the present cost. There are splendid prospects to be got in some parts in the face ; but, the stones forming nearly one-half of the material, the expense of removing them by manual labour absorbs all the profit. At the present time the claim is let on tribute. At Ford's and Soldier's Creek the most of the miners are Chinese. A great deal of work has been done here in the past, and at the present some of the claims worked by the Chinese must yield a fair quantity of gold to pay for the labour and expense they have gone to. Taking the Blackball and the Ford's Creeks, with the beds of their tributaries where the miners are working, there were at the time of my recent visit to the locality about forty-nine Europeans and forty-four Chinese engaged in working alluvial claims. In the different terraces and creek-beds between Ford's Creek and Brunnerton there are about twenty men employed in alluvial gold-workings. On some of the terraces there is a considerable depth "of Wash-drift, having a little gold through it; but to get water to command some of these terraces would cost a considerable amount of money or labour to construct a water-race, and, judging from the primitive method of working the ground in this locality, the men at present here have not sufficient means at their command to enter into such an undertaking as the construction of a long water-race. The terraces are greatly broken by the numerous creeks coming out of the Paparoa Eanges, and, while water might be easily brought on to some of the spurs, to get a good supply several of the principal creeks would have to be tapped to get sufficient water at such an elevation as would command the different terraces facing the Grey Valley. No large amount of work has been done in opening out mining claims in this locality. All the gold-workings as yet have been carried on by small parties of miners. Barrytown. This is a far more important diggings than many are aware of. A large number of miners are employed in sluicing-claims on the different terraces, and the returns from some of these claims are truly surprising. Some of the miners informed me that their claims are paying £10 a week per man for working. No doubt these are exceptionally good claims, but where auriferous drifts of this richness are met with on the terraces there is no reason that ground of similar character will not be got elsewhere along them. These terraces run along almost parallel with the coast-line, and about one mile back from the ocean-beach, for a distance of seven miles, and are known by the following names : — Between Deadman's and Canoe Creek there are, commencing at the north end—Blue Jacket, Albion, Scotchman's, Parnell, Tipperary, Black Sand, Yon Moltke, Buckley's, Wilson, Geordie's, and Canoe Creek Terraces, on which forty-one miners are employed; and from Canoe Creek to Baker's Creek there is the South, Loughnan's, Granite Creek, and Barrytown Terraces, on which nineteen men are getting their livelihood at mining; and on the ocean-beach, within the limits as before described, there are eighteen men working, making the total number of miners in the vicinity of Barrytown to be seventy-eight, and these, for an outlying place, support a considerable population. The greatest drawback the miners complain of here, is the state of the road along the seacoast from Greymouth, and the difficulty they have of getting iron piping of a sufficient diameter brought from Greymouth on pack-horses to work their claims in an efficient manner. Between the foot of the range and the ocean-beach a low swampy flat runs parallel with the ocean-beach for a long distance. My attention was directed to this, and the miners stated that they had at one time formed themselves into an association to construct a tail-race through this flat from the beach to cut any inland beach-leads that may exist and to sluice the ground near the foot of the range, water being taken from Canoe Creek to effect this object. However, they stated that a Mr. Nelson wished to take the whole work in hand, and had made application for a subsidy to the Government to construct the tail-race referred to, and they had given up the idea of having anything further to do with it. As an application had been made for such a subsidy by Mr. Nelson, this led me to inquire into the scheme he proposed. The flat referred to has at one time been a lagoon, formed by the banking-up of the gravel and sand on the ocean-beach, and has afterwards been filled in from the denudation of the terraces on the side of the range and the numerous creeks which flow into this flat. The only prospect of getting gold would be near the foot of the range, and a tail-race could not be brought up with sufficient fall to work the ground by hydraulic sluicing. The scheme proposed by Mr. Nelson would cost a considerable sum to carry out, and its speculative nature leaves grave doubts on my mind whether success would attend the efforts made.

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Some idea may be had of the extraordinary statements of some of the miners in regard to the fabulous quantity of gold that lies buried between the foot of the terraces and the ocean from the following extract which appeared in the Grey River Argus: — " The twenty-five spurs here, which we call terraces, would, if placed in a line, measure 10,300 ft. They are all that is left of what must have been an unbroken terrace ten miles long and I,oooft. wide, with 30ft. deep of sea-gravel. This 62,500,000 cubic yards must have held gold to the value of £1,500,000, for we have extracted from the terraces 75,0000z. of gold since 1866; but as the water from the twenty-five creeks carried away eight miles of the lead and 50,000,000 cubic yards of golden drift, it is clear that 25,0001b. weight of gold is gone with it, and is now resting, we may be sure, on the first level that is clear of the slope of the back range." It is hard to credit that even Mr. Edward Meagher, who wrote this statement, believed onehalf of what he was writing ; but possibly he wished, to induce some capitalist to visit the Barrytown field to bring it prominently before the public. Such ideas of the richness of Barry town Plat are not likely to be realised; at the same time the ground on the terraces in this locality deserves more attention from the mining community, as it is likely to afford at least small wages to a much larger population than is found here at present. Between Barrytown and the Grey Eiver there are parties here and there working along the beaches, all of which may be said to have claims on ocean-beach leads. Many of the men have been here for over twenty years, and are still making a small livelihood in this locality, but none of them appear to be making large wages. About thirty-seven Europeans are working claims in this locality. Greenstone. This is the place where gold was first discovered on the West Coast. In the early days the Maoris used to visit here to collect quantities of greenstone, and it was on one of these excursions that gold was first found in the bed of the Greenstone Creek. A considerable area of ground in this locality is covered with auriferous drift, amongst which is a considerable quantity of large rounded boulders, showing that they have been subjected to river action at some remote period. Mr. McKay, the Mining Geologist, who made recent explorations in Westland, is of opinion that the Teremakau Eiver once flowed across the country on the high-level terraces above the Greenstone, and afterwards crossed over again to its present valley and came down the Kumara Flat. It is evident, however, that, wherever the gold originally came from, that now found at Greenstone certainly did not come from the Teremakau Valley, as, after passing Jackson's for some distance, the rocks occurring there are not of the character to lead any one to expect much gold to be found in that formation. It is quite evident that the terraces in the vicinity of Greenstone, Westbrooke, and also Kumara, in which the gold is found, consist of nothing but a mass of concentrated material which, to all appearance, is the result of glacier denudation. A considerable amount of gold, however, was found at Greenstone, and the place maintained a large population for a long time; but of late years this has dwindled down to a very small number. The workings are principally confined to Duke's Terrace, the terraces on the south side of the creek, near the junction of the Hokitika-Greymouth Eoad with the Greenstone Eoad, also in the bed of the Greenstone Creek, where some Chinese are still working by wing-damming the creek, and working one side of the bed at a time. Most of the water used in this field belongs to the Greenstone Sluicing Company. In former years this race was constructed, and money borrowed from Government to complete it; but after carrying on mining operations for many years the water-race fell into disrepair, the company that owned it went into liquidation, the fluming became decayed, and for a long period the water-race lay abandoned until within a few years ago, when the present company acquired it and reconstructed it, and brought the water on to Duke's Terrace to work the ground taken up by the company previously. The ground where the company is at present working is from 50ft. to 70ft. in depth, and Mr. Briggs, the manager, informed me that he can by the system which he has adopted make half a grain of gold to the cubic yard pay all expenses of working. In ordinary weather this company has a supply of about sixty sluice-heads, and the only trouble they experience is that, as the ground gets back into the terrace, the fall is so slight that in the case of very poor ground there is not much profit in working it, on account of being unable to run away a sufficient quantity of material through the sluices on a low gradient. With the exception of the men employed by the company there are not many Europeans now working in this locality. The reason given by Mr. McKay to account for the gold found at Greenstone is that at the time of the glacial period the Arahura Glacier and the Teremakau Glacier came forward to that point where the two met, but the Arahura, being larger in volume, kept, as it were, the Teremakau in check, and compelled it to take a more northerly course. This could not be effected at once; but on taking the western slopes of Mount Smart, and being relieved on the northern side, the Teremakau spread over the country in a northerly direction as far as the Upper Greenstone, and on the western side of the valley opposite the Greenstone Township, where it was again held in check by another great body of ice passing from the mountains by way of Lake Brunner and stretching over the country north of the Blackwater junction. There is abundant evidence of this as far down the valley from the township as the Threemile Creek. The main glacier, however, continued to run parallel with the northern margin of the Arahura Glacier on the southern side of the present valley of the Teremakau, and both brought material towards the accumulation of the vast moraines that mark the limits of each glacier, and now extending as a range of hills from the western foot of Turiwhate to Dillmanstown. About forty-two Europeans and eight Chinese were working claims about the Greenstone at the time of my last visit. Westbrooke. A considerable quantity of gold has been obtained from the auriferous drift on the terrace below the Greenstone Township, between the Greenstone Creek and the Teremakau Biver, and for

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a time this terrace maintained a considerable mining population. A fair supply of water was brought in to command this ground, and several claims gave very good returns for working. There are still a good many claims which give fair wages for working. The ground varies considerably in depth; but the whole of the parties working in this locality have a splendid fall for their tailings, and by this means are able to run away large quantities of material. it was thought by many of the miners in this locality that, as rich auriferous deposits of washdrift were found on the terrace, there would be better ground found at the foot of the terrace, where the material might be expected to lie in a concentrated form. A shaft was therefore sunk, but the quantity of water was too much to contend with by the appliances that were used to drain the ground. On my recent visit all work was suspended here, and from what could be learnt respecting any work that had been done, there was not sufficient gold in the ground to work by driving it out. At Cape Terrace, on the northern side of the Greenstone Creek and Teremakau Eiver, there are a considerable number of claims, some of which are worked with good results. There is a fair supply of water here, and the ground is being worked in a very satisfactory manner. Judging from the high ridge of reef which is found at the edge of this terrace in Pansey and party's claim, with a great depth of alluvial wash-drift on the inside, the Teremakau Eiver has at one time flowed over in different channels on this terrace. At the time of my recent visit to this place and Westbrooke there were about sixty-eight Europeans and thirty-five Chinese engaged working alluvial claims. Kumaka. This is by far the most compact hydraulic-sluicing field there is in the colony. Although the workings have been carried on for the last eighteen years, only a comparatively small portion of ground has yet been worked ; but there are, notwithstanding, about two hundred men employed at the present time in carrying on hydraulic and sluicing operations on the field, which have been confined to an area of about 600 acres in extent. The ground is not nearly so good as it was when the claims were first opened, as there is not the same facility for sending away so large a quantity of material. The ground is also getting farther back into the flat, and the fall for the tail-races is yearly lessening, which all tells on the profits derived from the working of the ground. When what is known as the No. 1 Sludge-channel was constructed it was thought at first by the miners that it would be incapable of carrying away the material from the claims, on account of having only about sin. of fall to every 12ft. box. Since then, however, their ideas on the subject have changed, and now they are constructing tail-races with as little as 4in. fall to the 12ft. box. The portion of the ground first opened was what is known as the Dunedin Flat; but the workings have now been carried back from this point to Larrikin's Flat, and are getting very near to the foot of the Kapitea Hill. As the different claims became worked out at this portion of the field, fresh ground was taken up nearer the Kumara Township, and it is gradually being worked down in that direction; still none of the ground in this locality can be worked except by the construction of very long and extensive tail-races to carry away the tailings into the valley and bed of the Teremakau Eiver. The first of the tail-races constructed was found not to be of sufficient capacity to allow the whole of the claims to be worked. A second channel was constructed, and this has been working for many years, and is still the means of a number of the claims being occupied, which will yet take a few years before they are worked out. Entirely new ground, lying still lower down the flat, has been taken up and prospected. This ground is close to the Hokitika-Greenstone Eoad, where two tail-races are at the present time being constructed with a view of carrying on hydraulic and sluicing operations on this part of the field. So far as is at present known of the Kumara field, seven distinct runs of gold have been found going down the flat. These widen out in the shape of a fan at the lower end of the present workings, and it is not yet known how far these leads may continue. All the gold from this field has been obtained on a false bottom, which has been gone through near the terrace facing to the Teremakau Eiver, and in a shaft sunk in Larrikin's Flat, also a short distance in the Kapitea Hill. A low-level adit is now being constructed to test the ground on the main bottom, and is now in for a distance of 1,200 ft. This adit has been for a considerable distance constructed partially in the blue reef and partially in gravel. The bottom does not appear to be anything like uniform, and contains a number of crevices and pot-holes, and to all appearance will dip yet, going farther into the flat, which is the original bed of the river, and the deep ground will yet be found nearer the Kapitea Hill. Gold of a payable kind has not so far been struck in this adit; but the character of the gold, which is of a rough shotty nature, shows that there must be some good auriferous deposits in the vicinity. Where this bottom was struck in the shaft near to Kapitea Hill the wash-drift yielded about 2dwt. to the load, and of a similar character of gold to that found amongst the gravel in the low-level adit. Several shafts have been sunk to the west of the Hokitika-Greenstone Eoad, close at the back of the township, and some of these contain layers of wash-drift which would pay for working by hydraulic sluicing if tail-races were brought in so that the tailings could be conveyed to the bed of the Teremakau Eiver. For some time past sluicing operations in this district have not looked so well as in former years, and, seeing that all the ground which the present tail-races commanded was either getting worked out or was held by people in claims, those whose claims had been worked out were getting disheartened, as there was no chance of getting any ground that the present tail-races command. Eecently, however, the Government has granted a subsidy for the construction of what is termed the No. 5 Tail-race, which will be, when completed, about 70 chains in length, and will open up a large area of entirely new ground which has been taken up, and is now held in about thirteen mining claims.

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Previous to the construction of this channel about twenty-nine shafts were sunk on these claims in different places, and, from all information that can be gleaned or obtained from the miners, also from the manager of the Kumara Water-race, who was instructed to prospect the material taken from these shafts, there is a great probability that the majority of these claims will prove payable for working. How far the leads will go clown the flat towards the ocean-beach no one can at the present tell, but in several places where shafts have been sunk a certain quantity of gold, more or less, has been found in the gravels. There is also a probability of a rich lead of gold being found between Kumara Township and the beach. If the line of the Hau-Hau leads be taken, this lead should cross this flat nearly a mile higher up than the railway, and, should it be found intact, without having been denuded by river action since the elevation of the land, very rich auriferous deposits may be expected in this locality. Little or no prospecting has ever been done in this portion of the field, or, at least, none of any great extent, the reason being that, although the ground may contain a certain amount of gold, very little of it is sufficiently rich to pay for working by any other means than by hydraulic sluicing, and there is no water in this locality to work it in this manner. Sufficient is, however, now known of the Kumara Goldfield, as regards the fact that it is of considerable extent, and that the future of the field depends upon the construction of channels so as to insure a fall for the tailings, and also that a large quantity of water is required to systematically work the ground. The following is a list of the number of claims at Kumara, with number of men and quantity of water used :—

Kapitea. —There have been considerable gold-workings on the terraces alongside the Kapitea Creek, between the Hokitika-Greenstone Eoad and the beach, and, although there are not a large number of men now working on these terraces, the workings themselves prove, by the large amount of labour done, that a considerable quantity of gold has been obtained from this place. The same trouble arises here that is to be found in most of the other places on the West Coast, which is, that the drifts are of too poor a character for driving out, and there is not a sufficient quantity of water available to work by hydraulic sluicing. Judging by the amount of work already done on these terraces, and the large area covered by gravel-drifts, it only needs a plentiful supply of water to enable this place to be capable of maintaining a considerable population. About a mile above the railway we find the Lamplough. Lead, which is in the same run or line of country in which the Hau-Hau Lead from the Blue Spur ought to come, and in all probability this is only a continuation of that lead, or line of a lead, which has at some remote period been the line of the ocean-beach. The gold found at Acre Creek Diggings, on the north side of the Kapitea Creek, may be accounted for partly by a denudation of the high-level ocean-beach lead, and partly from another lead formed at a lower level by the action of the sea. Callag han's. On the range of hills above Callaghan's is an accumulation of " Old man "or " Maori" bottom, which belongs either to the Miocene or Lower Pliocene period. This forms portion of a line of drifts, not denuded, which is found below the Mikonui Eiver, Mount Greenland, and Eoss ( and again at Maori Creek; and from there it follows almost in a continuous direction to the Eiver. Some very rich deposits of auriferous wash-drift were found on the face of Callaghan's Eange, and even on the top of it. At the head of Italian Gully, some men who have been working there since the field was first opened are still making a good livelihood, although they are dependent on the limited supply of water which they are able to collect in small dams, 17—C. 3.

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a o> as« '3 EH p l> •him O o u w sis [5 a o> 43 0> O 6l M o o a w ■ x Name of Party. Name of Party. No. 2 Channel. — Water from Kumara Race. Fahey and party Ireland „ Palmer „ Devescon „ Pasooe „ Watson „ 3 4 6 3 1 4 4 5 9 7 8 9 10 12 10 10 10 9 Private Tail-races. — Water from Kumara Race, Cullen and party Amerioh „ Lee „ Shrives „ Turnbull „ Connor „ Evans „ 6 3 10 5 5 5 3 6 8 7 13 12 7 8 12 8 11 10 10 10 10 No. 3 Channel. — Water from Kumara Race. O'Sullivan and party Dennett „ Light Thomas O'Gonnell Moynihan „ Rochford „ Harris „ Neville „ Connaghan „ 4 4 5 5 4 4 4 6 4 A 8 5 6 8 8 8 8 7 8 8 8 . 8 10 10 8 8 8 8 8 10 Private Tail-races. — Water from Holmes's Races. Eeid and party Pa-yn „ Ames „ Bawden „ Dinan „ 6 3 5 1 i 7 8 9 10 7 10 10 10 12 12 Water from Private Waterraces. 4 8 10 7 Pearn's lease Long Tunnel Company 25 to 30 15 to 20

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The ground between this range and what is known as Sandy's Hill, which now forms the valley of the Kapitea Creek, has at one time, to all appearances, been either the outlet of the Arahura River, or some other river carrying a large body of water, as the " Old man " drifts have been partially denuded for a great width in this valley, and a large body of more recent drift containing auriferous deposits now covers the valley to a considerable depth. The gravels in these recent drifts show by their rounded boulders and stones that their deposition in that place was due to the action of a running stream, and the large quantity of granite boulders amongst the drift shows that it came from the mountain range. The gold found here has in all probability come rather from a concentration of the morainic material, and partly from a concentration of the " Old man " or " Maori" bottom, which has been scooped out and carried away. This is further exemplified at the upper end of the Little Kapitea Creek, where the water has cut through the range there and flowed down the Waimea Creek, the gold found in that creek being principally derived from the denudation of the "Old man" or "Maori" bottom and the different high-level leads of gold running parallel that were formed at some remote period by the action of the sea. Lower down this valley the remains of the same material as found in the Hau-Hau lead have been partially denuded, and a valley near where this was deposited contained very rich auriferous wash. On the face of the range between the saddle leading into the valley of the Waimea and the end of the range of the Kapitea Creek, also in every little gully which has been cut out of this range, a considerable quantity of gold has been found. A few years ago a shaft to a depth of about 200 ft. was sunk in the flat at Callaghan's by Hindman and party, and payable wash-drift was obtained. The owners were so satisfied with the prospect that they constructed a tail-race some 3,000 ft. in length from Kapitea Creek in order to work this ground. Since then other parties have constructed branch races from this tail-race; but no further discoveries of ground of a payable character has been found in this neighbourhood. There is, however, a large area on the flat covered with recent gravels, where some men are now at work sluicing on the edge of the terrace facing Little Kapitea Creek, but the water-supply being very limited they are unable to carry on mining operations on anything like an extensive scale. During last year the Government extension of a branch from the Waimea Water-race to near Callaghan's was continued, and at the present time all the ditching is completed, and a siphon which leads the water from one range to the other, across the saddle at the Hokitika-Greenstone Eoad, is expected to be finished in about three months. As soon as this work is completed it is said that all the water available will be utilised to work the claims in this valley. Waimea and Stafford. The ground in the vicinity of Goldsborough and Stafford, especially on the south side, which the water from the Government race commands, has been worked for such a distance back into the range that, owing to the large quantity of tailings which has been deposited in the bed of the Waimea Creek, there is now very little fall to be got for sluice-boxes, and men have to be employed at the tail-boxes to keep them clear. This of itself adds considerably to the expense of working these small claims, and when it is combined with the inadequate fall in the boxes and the method adopted for working the claims, considering also the antiquated method of working the face by using the water from a canvas hose, adopted in many of the claims, the quantity of material sent away is not sufficient to prove remunerative. It is questionable whether there is not equally as much gold in the bottom layer of washdrift as formerly worked; but there is a much greater depth of material on the top with comparatively little gold in it to be run away, with much less fall than they had in former years, consequently the yield of gold from the claims would necessarily be correspondingly less, and in proportion to the area of the bottom laid bare. Very little working has yet been done in the upper end of this valley leading towards the saddle, where the water from the Arahura River had cut through the range and flowed down this valley. One party here has for the last two or three years been driving out the ground from a shaft, and has found it payable for working by this means. Eecently the miners have combined to construct a tail-race through the range into the other branch of the Waimea Creek, where there will be a sufficient fall to carry away the tailings, and to work the upper portion of this flat by hydraulic sluicing. A subsidy has been granted by the Government towards the construction of this tail-race, and when the latter is completed a large area of ground will be opened up which will afford employment for a considerable number of men. This flat would, no doubt, have been worked years ago had there been water available to sluice it; but it is only recently, however, that the Callaghan's branch of the Waimea Race has been constructed from the pipe-line to the end of the terrace on the south side of the Waimea Valley. A branch race from here will have to be extended for a distance of about a mile down the side of the range towards Goldsborough, to command this ground, while the siphon for the other branch to Callaghan's is now in course of construction. Taking into consideration the amount of money which has been expended in procuring a water-supply for this part of the district, it is almost imperative, in order to maintain the mining population, that branches should, from time to time, be extended from this supply so as to command new ground and thus get a sale for the water. The capital invested in the construction of these branches will be recouped with interest from revenue derived by the sale of water from the race. There is also a considerable amount of auriferous drift on the terraces on the north side of Waimea Creek, between Goldsborough and Stafford, but here the supply of water is so limited that very little of the ground can be worked in a satisfactory manner. The only mining operation of any extent at present carried on in this locality is that of Batchelor and party, who are working a claim on the terraces to the south of Stafford, using bucket-elevators, driven by an overshot water-wheel, to lift the tailings. During last year they worked a considerable area of ground by sluicing the materials into a well in a paddock, from which

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bucket-elevators lift the tailings into a sluice on the surface, while the water passes away through a tunnel tail-race. Mr. Batchelor informed me that he is now constructing a reservoir which, when completed, will give him not only a larger supply of water, but an additional pressure for sluicing purposes. This pressure is required, as a portion of the ground consists of hard cemented gravel, difficult to disintegrate by the action of water from a sluicing-nozzle. Mr. Batchelor is, however, well satisfied with the returns he is getting, and contemplates making considerable improvements to his plant. Gillam's Gully. This gully leads down into Flowery Creek, and is about a mile and a half distant from the Stafford. About eighteen months ago the Stafford Prospecting Association sunk a shaft here close to the foot of the range which runs above Ballarat Terrace ; but, owing to some disagreement between the prospecting association and the men they had employed to work the ground, operations in the shaft have been suspended, and the latter is now full of water. The sample of gold obtained from the ground worked from the shaft indicates, however, that there must be some fairly good auriferous drifts in the neighbourhood, but to what extent it is difficult to state. In all probability the gold found here is derived from the denudation of the old high-level oceanbeach or Hau-Hau lead. The same marine sands can yet be seen on the top of the terraces between this and Stafford; but even at this place they are partially denuded. The ground in the vicinity of Gillam's Gully contains a good deal of water, and, as the difficulty of contending with this prevents prospecting operations being carried on, the miners now contemplate the construction of a tunnel draimng-race from the Waimea Creek to Gillam's Gully, a distance of something like 7,000 ft. This tunnel would, no doubt, be the means of opening up some fresh ground ; but it is very questionable if the cost of construction would ever be recouped by the advantages gained. There is not sufficient known about the ground here yet to justify any large expenditure. Aeahuea. Humphrey's Gully Company. This company holds mining leases comprising an area of over 200 acres on the Hokitika Harbour Board Eeserve at Humphrey's Gully. The present company is a reconstruction of the original company who first took up the ground; but, after expending about £10,000, the present company was formed with a capital of £150,000, of which £77,000 was declared paid up. This left £73,000 for the construction of works and opening out the ground. The original scheme included a water-supply from the Arahura Eiver ; but the directors employed men to report on the supply of water from other sources, with the result that they were advised that a sufficient supply could be obtained from other creeks at a much cheaper cost than by continuing the water-race to the Arahura Eiver. Had the company employed an experienced man to gauge the quantity of water flowing in the creek-beds, instead of getting men who had no knowledge of hydraulics but who merely looked at the stream and estimated the quantity of water by rule of thumb, they would have been in a prosperous condition, as they own one of the most valuable hydraulic-sluicing properties there is in the colony. Not only is the area a large one, but in very few places, if any, is the depth of auriferous gravel less than 60ft., and in a large portion of the ground it is between 200 ft. and 300 ft. and over in depth, containing gold-bearing layers all through it. Present Water-supply. —The present water-supply is obtained from creeks on the line of race between the mining property and the Arahura Eiver. A dam has been constructed in Granite Creek by forming an earthwork embankment about 3 chains long on the top, with a maximum height in the centre of 35ft. There is a puddle-wall in the centre of the embankment 14ft. wide at the bottom and 6ft. on the top, while the total width of the top of the embankment is 12ft. It has a slope of 3 to 1 on the breast or inner side, which is pitched with broken metal, the outside slope being 2to 1. The dam is strongly constructed, and is capable of holding 5,300,000 cubic feet of water, equal to a supply of about thirty sluice-heads for two days. Water-race. —There is a supply-race from the creeks previously referred to, leading the water into the dam, and from that point the main conduit commences. The water-race leading from the dam has a large amount of fall. Indeed, for the first 40 chains the fall is such that the conduit is scoured to such an extent that one would now think it was a channel excavated by flood-water by the course of nature. The water passes into a flume about 60 chains in length, and has a maximum height of about 45ft. The flume is said to have a fall of 33ft. per mile. At the lower end of this flume there is an open conduit 6ft. wide at the bottom and sft. deep, having a batter of \tol on sides, and constructed on a gradient of 1 in 660, or Bft. per mile. There are several tunnels on the line of race; but when coming on to the lease there is a tunnel over 60 chains in length, which took about three years to complete, owing to the difficulties met with in its construction. In going through the range a blue reef was intersected, which, if properly timbered at once, is very easy to contend with ; but where once material of this description is met with in tunnels the work must be carried on continuously, and as fast as it can be constructed. The reef is of a tough substance when first broken into, and had the tunnel been close-timbered, bottom, top, and sides, with extra-strong sets, and the work carried on continuously, no difficulty would have been met with in its construction; but if allowed to stand for a night, the air has such an effect upon ground of this character that it very soon becomes a soft puddle, and will run to such an extent that it will very soon fill up chains of the constructed portion. Such was the case with the tunnel in question, which is said to have cost about £11,000 to put through. After getting the tunnel completed, the size was reduced to such dimensions that only about one-third of the water that the flume and open conduit was capable of conveying could flow through. The tunnel, however, has been sufficiently large to take the whole of the water available, except in time of floods, and very seldom was there sufficient water to fill this tunnel.

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Such is the history of the Humphrey's Gully Company. They expended all their capital without procuring a supply of water sufficient to make their mining venture a profitable investment. The company at first opened out a face in a portion of the lease by employing wages-men, but since November, 1889, the claim has been let on tribute, the tributers paying the company 66 per cent, of the gross yield of gold; and in return for this the company maintained the water-race, and found pipes and sluice-boxes for the working of the ground. During the present year the ground is let to tributers, who are paying the company 70 per cent, of the gross yield of gold. During the year ending the 10th February last the quantity of gold obtained was about 8120z., representing a value of £3,164 11s. 6d. Of this amount, £1,054 17s. 2d. went to the tributers, and £2,109 14s. 4d. to the company, while the expenditure by the company on maintenance of the race and general repairs was about £1,284 ss. 9d., thus leaving a profit on the working of £825 Bs. 7d. When the small supply of water there has been to carry on sluicing operations, and that only intermittently, is taken into consideration, it will be seen that this will become a valuable mining property if a constant supply is obtained from the Arahura Eiver, where there is practically an unlimited quantity of water to be got at all seasons of the year —at least, a continuous supply of 400 sluice-heads of water can be got from this source. Since the company commenced operations gold to the value of about £30,000 has been obtained, and only a very small area of the ground yet worked. In order to make this property valuable an expenditure of about £50,000 is required. This will be ample to bring in a large supply of water from the Arahura Eiver and to find additional plant, and open up the ground in a thoroughly systematic manner. The company has had a survey made for a water-race to the Arahura Eiver, which is about 4 miles 63 chains further than the commencing-point of the present water-race, and their engineer estimated the cost of construction at £23,000. This, however, is not the only cost. The new portion of the race should have a carrying-capacity of 100 sluice-heads, and the portion of the race that is constructed, which is eleven miles in length, will have to be enlarged so as to have a carrying-capacity of about 120 sluice-heads, so as to utilise the whole of the water from the creeks from which the present supply is taken. And in enlarging this portion of the waterrace a siphon would have to be substituted for the present flume, of 60 chains in length, which is now decayed to such an extent that to attempt to repair this would cost more than a new siphon, and the latter will be a far more permanent work. The company has had a line lately surveyed for the purpose of getting a siphon constructed in lieu of the flume referred to. Eecently Mr. D. Ziman has been making an examination of this company's property, and, it is said, has arranged for its purchase, and is to find the necessary capital to bring a large supply of water from the Arahura Eiver and open up the ground in a systematic manner. When this is done it will be one of the best mining properties in the colony. The ground is not rich, but it is easily run away, and contains a little gold all through it. There is a large area for the deposit of tailings which goes down to the Arahura Eiver, and, as that river has been proclaimed a channel into which tailings, mining debris, and wash-water of every description from mining claims can be deposited or flow, there will be little or no trouble in the future in getting clear of all the tailings from the sluicing operations. To take the average return of the gold obtained by the tributers, it shows that they got about 2oz. per shift of eight hours, which is equal in value to £8 for the labour of three men. This property has been highly spoken of by all the geological experts who have visited it, and, although their calculations as regards its richness far exceeds my estimate, both as regards the quantity of ground that can be run away with a sluice-head of water and the average yield per cubic yard, it shows that there is an immense quantity of auriferous deposits here, and a valuable property. Mr. A. McKay, the Mining Geologist, who examined this place two years ago, agrees with me that there is a very large field, which will give good returns if worked in a systematic manner, and in his report on the same, published in 1892-93, pages 161, 162 of the Mines Eeport, he quotes previous reports of Mr. S. H. Cox, formerly Assistant Geologist, and Sir James Hector, the Director of the Geological Survey of New Zealand, to bear out some of the points in regard to its auriferous character, of which the following are extracts :— " Humphrey's Gully Beds. —These, underlain by the blue clays of the Miocene marine series, form the greater part of Humphrey's Gully Eange. The gravels are 300 ft. to 400 ft. or more in thickness, and cover a considerable area between the Arahura and Kanieri Eivers. The same gravels appear at Fox's, in Stony Hill, underlying the auriferous surface deposits at that place, and they may be present in other parts of the district. They chiefly deserve mention on account of their auriferous character in the Humphrey's Gully Eange. The Humphrey's Gully Sluicing Company have opened a heavy face in these gravels, and since the commencement of operations have passed a vast amount of material through their tail-race, with results that should have satisfied and paid the company had not the initiatory costs been very great. The vast quantity of auriferous gravel that is present here and in other parts of the range might very well maintain many more enterprises such as the Humphrey's Gully Sluicing Company, and it seems that the only reason why such other companies have not been started is the costly nature of the water-supply, which would have to be brought on to the ground at a high level ; but in spite of this I have no doubt that all available water will eventually be utilised on one or other part of the auriferous gravels of this age, and the overlying deposits in this part of the district. The gravels extend east to the sources of Caledonian Creek, and the area covered by them may be estimated as from four to five miles in length, and from one mile to one mile and a half in width. Morainic matter, or fragments of moraines undisturbed, overlie the gravels forming the mass of the range, but these are reckoned auriferous also and sluiced with the gravels that underlie. Three to four miles above Humphrey's a sluicing-claim has been opened out in the partly reassorted glacier drift on the lower slope of the range, while a mile lower down the river there are workings in the Humphrey's Gully beds themselves.

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"Various reports describe the character of the deposits at Humphrey's Gully, and indicate the prospects there before the company. That the prognostications made have not been fulfilled is true ; but these on the whole might have been of too sanguine a character, for though the facts of one day or a short period may be perfectly true, if they are taken to indicate the results of several years' work the chance has to be considered that the material may not be equal throughout in richness, and also that usually there is a falling-off in the value of the results, seeing that work is usually commenced where the ground is known to be good. Of these reports, the last, by Mr. Cox and Sir James Hector, may be here given. In a report dated March, 1884, Mr. Cox says :— " ' Since I last visited this claim the company has been greatly increased. The original company was wound up with the view of amalgamating with two other companies, known as the Miners' Amalgamated and Clarke's, the whole property now comprising 200 acres of ground, in which the thickness of wash-dirt varies from 150 ft. to 500 ft., the quality being alluded to in a former report.* " ' The principal operations of the company have consisted in bringing in a water-race, which is sft. square in section, constructed to carry 100 heads of water; and this work has progressed very favourably, with the exception of a tunnel near the outlet end of the race, in which the occurrence of a drift containing a great deal of water has for a time completely suspended all work. This difficulty is now, however, overcome, and the work of driving is now being carried forward at the rate of a chain a week; and, as there yet remain 20 chains to drive, it is probable that five months will elapse before water can be brought to bear on the face. The head-works from the tunnel upwards are now completed as far as the site of the dam, this including a flume of nearly three-quarters of a mile in length ; and the contract for the formation of the dam, which is estimated to take five months to complete, is to be let shortly. This dam has an area of 11 acres and 25 perches, from careful surveys, and is estimated to hold fifty-five heads of water for a twenty-four hours' supply, and by continuing the head-race over 100 heads is estimated to be available. As soon as this work is completed a constant supply of about twenty heads of water will be available, and this is to be directed on to the face which has been opened up from Macdonald's Gully, where a tail-race is being brought up by means of storm-water whenever this is available. A few trial sluicings have been made from time to time, the results of which have been very satisfactory; but, of course, no reliable information yet exists from which to estimate the yield per cubic yard of the field. " ' In view, however, of the large expenditure which is being incurred by the company, it will be well to mention some of the results which have been obtained in similar claims in America, in order to show the profitable nature of this form of mining when efficiently managed. Companies have sluiced wash from 40ft. to 260 ft. in thickness, with a yield from lfd. to 9fd. per cubic yard; and the amount of gravel moved per day varies from 2-73 to 20-36 yards per miner's inch, which, calculated at the rate of 6d. on the highest quantity of gravel treated, gives £20 sterling per head per day. The character of the gravel at Humphrey's Gully is such as to place it most favourably in the scale, and probably as much as 20 yards per miner's inch can be moved, which will give a total quantity of 16,000 yards per day, or 4,800,000 yards per year of 300 days, for twenty heads of water; or, when the total supply of 100 heads are in, the total quantity moved would be 24,000,000 cubic yards per year if full work could be obtained; and guarantees at least a very large quantity of gravel will be treated in which even a very small return would pay. " ' The works throughout are of a most substantial character, and have all been well and carefully constructed, and in the course of about six months should be so far completed as to allow of mining operations being commenced with about twenty heads of water available.'+ "In the preface to the same volume of reports, the Director, Sir James Hector, dealing with the same subject under head of ' Hydraulic Mining in Westland,' makes the following remarks : — "' This will be the great industry of the future in Westland. In former reports I have pointed out the distribution of the gold-drifts, and the manner in which the enormous discharge of water from the alpine sources had rearranged and concentrated the auriferous drifts that had given the enormous yield of gold in proportion to the number of miners which has so characterized the Westland Goldfield.J "■■' But this very violent action has, by cutting deep river-channels through the first-formed golddrifts, left undisturbed large areas of these drifts at a level inaccessible to the ordinary drainage systems. By the construction of water-races, and by the system of hydraulic mining, the re-sorting can be effected artificially and with profit. I had an opportunity of inspecting one of the most promising of these adventures about twelve miles from Hokitika, where at Humphrey's Gully all the small claims are now being amalgamated, so that about 200 acres is held by a company in one block. It forms a triangle in the junction of two tributary valleys to the Arahura Eiver, so that it lies favourably for getting rid of the tailings, which is the most important element in the success of a sluicing claim. The thickness of the gravel is from 150 ft. to 500 ft., as the bottom on which it rests dips into the hill, which also rises rapidly on the surface. The gravel is of two kinds, b and c, which rest on a, a silt clay with lignite seams, which passea downwards into the blue reef§ or marine

" * With reference to the quality of the wash-dirt in the report alluded to (Geological Reports, 1882, p. 54), Mr. Cox says no more than that the gold is of a coarse description, and that gold was present in every prospect taken from the face, no matter from what part of it. I have since been informed that many such prospects may be washed without finding a colour of gold. The gold is generally fine." " f Geological Reports, 1883-84, pp. 90, 91." " J I have quoted Sir James fully on this subject in the preceding and succeeding parts of this report, and the reader is referred to these extracts from his writings for the fuller descriptions above indicated." " § This is more exact information than I could obtain, probably on account of the present condition of the claim. Some time since a large fall from the face took place, and when I last visited the claim the fallen material had not been removed. I saw angular glacier or sub-glacier matter in beds and scattered through the laminated clays on which the auriferous gravels rest, but no beds of lignite were noticed by me."

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fossiliferous clay-mark of Miocene-tertiary age that are so largely developed in the flat country on the West Coast. This silt deposit marks the transition from marine to fluviatile deposits in the district, or, in other words, the passage from Miocene to Pliocene formations. The gravels (b) which belong to these passage-beds were the first-formed river-beds on the coast, and are generally the richest, though the gold is hardly, if at all, sorted out in these gravels in the form of defined leads. This gravel is easily sluiced away, as the pebbles are of moderate and about equal size, and are, moreover, rotten and decomposed, so that their surface washes away and all the gold is set free. In ordinary gravels, as miners are well aware, the pebbles are hard, and the gold is set in a dense ferruginous cement that adheres with great strength to the surface of the stones. On the top of the terrace is (c) the newer gravel, of very heterogenous materials, being, in fact, a morainic deposit formed by glaciers that in late Pleistocene times descended from the Alps and spread over the plains and river-beds of the earlier period. This deposit (c) contains huge blocks of stone mixed with sand and fine gravel. The two deposits, b and c, are the chief repositories of gold on the West Coast, but c is not so uniformly auriferous as b ; d is the ordinary flanking deposits of the existing valleys, and is auriferous or not just according to whether the river is traversing the older gravels in the upper part of its course. " ' Now, as to the richness of these gravels, b and c. They have been tested in various ways— (1) by surface-workings at various points ; (2) by tunnels driven through the hill in various directions ; and (3) by sluicing the faces of the terraces. I made about twenty trials in the first way from various points, and never failed to get a few specks of gold to each dish. The average from the middle of the deposit b gave ten specks to the dish of stuff, or about 151b. weight. These specks averaged 0-095 of a grain each ; and, as the stuff averages a specific gravity of 2-7, this would give the value per load (equal to 1 cubic yard) of ldwt. 4gr. for each speck present, or for my trials, lldwt. 20gr., equal to £2 6s. per load. The layer near the junction of the deposits b and c in like manner gave £1 Is. 6d. per load on the average, and the deposit c gave an average of £2 14s. per load. These results are very remarkable, but Ido not see how they can be erroneous ; but, still, experience shows that when sluicing on a large scale is commenced, while much coarser gold is obtained 'than by prospecting, the total average falls short of what was anticipated. The tunnel works were purposely so put in as to follow the richest layers, so that there is no wonder that they make the stuff appear even richer than the pan-prospecting. " ' The third source of information is the best, and I understand that sluicing 500 loads of the gravel b gave about of gold, or about 10s. per load, which is probably about the real value of the stuff. Reducing the area to 100 acres, and the thickness to 100 yards on the average, the claim will contain 60,000,000 loads of stuff, and it is only the question of the cost of getting that remains to be considered. On this point Ido not think that any hitch is likely to occur. When the dam is finished it will have an area of 11 acres, and afford 55 heads for 24 hours, with a possible inflow in dry weather of 100 heads. A short tunnel (the undertaking of which was a mistake, as it caused delay) has only to be completed now, when 20 heads will be at once available for sluicing. Under the circumstances, 20 heads should sluice 16,000 loads per day; when, taking one speck of the smallest size (viz., 002 of a grain, valued at one-fifth of a farthing) to each load would give £12 10s. per day, or £3,750 per year of 300 working-days, which would be about half the interest at 10 per cent, on the capital already invested ; so that two specks would pay the interest, and, if it were an average-sized speck to the dish, which is a very moderate estimate from the trials I have seen and described above, the yield would be £800 to £1,500 per day, and taking the lowest of these figures the claim will contain at present £3,000,000, and at the above rate will be worked out in twelve years.' (Geological Eeports, 1883-84, pp. xxviii.-xxx.) "If the results obtained from the working of these gravels in Humphre3 7 's Gully Claim have not equalled what are indicated above, they have yet been of such a character as to show that with prudent expenditure and careful management the undertakings of the company should at least pay, even as things stand. No doubt there is this drawback, that out of the present earnings heavy interest has to be provided for what is, perhaps, a rather large amount of capital expended on preparatory works, &c, and a considerable sum also for keeping the works in repair and good order." These extracts all go to show that there is a large field in Westland containing auriferous drifts which, if worked systematically, could be made to give remunerative returns for capital invested. It must, however, be borne in mind that the ground is not rich, and certainly will not give the returns indicated in the extracts quoted. Neither could the quantity of ground be sluiced away with the number of sluice-heads as stated. In ordinary gravel-drifts of similar character to that of Humphrey's Gully, for every sluice-head of water used about 6 cubic yards per hour should be washed away, if a proper system of working is adopted. On this basis, if there were a constant supply of even 100 heads of water, it would mean that 600 cubic yards per hour could be dealt with; and by using the water continuously, which ought to be done, it would be 14,400 cubic yards per day, which, taking the value of the material at Igr. of gold per cubic yard, is equal to 30oz. gold, representing a value of £120 per day. The quantity of auriferous drifts in this locality is very great, and were there 200 sluice-heads of water brought on to the ground to command the whole range to Blue Spur, two generations would not see the ground worked out. It is, however, not a venture for a poor man to go into, as it requires considerable capital to bring water and open out the claims, and unless a large supply of water is insured, any undertaking will prove a failure, as it is nothing but the large quantity of material operated on that will make ventures of the character profitable investments. There is a large field on the west coast of the Middle Island for mining enterprises, and every encouragement should be afforded those who are prepared to embark a large capital in works of the description indicated.

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Blue Spur. A new discovery has been made here recently by A. Boys which is likely to prove that rich auriferous deposits will extend for a considerable distance. Mr. Boys has been residing at the Blue Spur since the early days of that field, where a very rich lead of gold was found, and was traced into deep ground, which could not in the early days be tested owing to the quantity of water there was to contend with. The lead appeared to be lost, and could not be picked up again, but Mr. Boys was always certain that it would be found if the ground could be drained, and he commenced and constructed a tunnel drainage-race from the Arahura Eiver with the view of draining this ground, and also cutting any other leads of gold-bearing drift he might meet before getting to this place. This tunnel is nearly one mile in length, and it took him about seven years to complete it; after which he sunk a shaft where he got a small quantity of gold off the bottom. A rush to the place was the result, and a number of claims were marked out ; but, not getting satisfactory results, many of them were given up. It was only recently, when driving from the bottom of his shaft for a considerable distance toward the ridge which separates the Arahura watershed from the Hau-Hau Creek, that he struck a remarkably rich deposit of auriferous drift, which proves to be the lost Hau-Hau lead. Out of about forty loads of wash-drift he got about 90oz. of gold. Adjoining Mr. Boys's claim on one side is a section of land, 40 acres in extent, occupied by Mr. Dwyer, and on the other side by Mr. E. Harcourt's claim, where a shaft is also sunk, but at the time of my visit no work was being done, as it had not been connected with the drainage-tunnel; however, the shaft was bottomed, and good prospects obtained. As soon as it became known that Mr. Boys had struck the rich wash-drift, Mr. Harcourt applied to work a residence area held by Mr. Dwyer, and, having obtained permission from the Warden, he sunk a shaft on Mr. Boys's claim, close to the boundary, and on bottoming this shaft he was rewarded with about 3oz. of gold to the load. It seems from what is now known of the direction that this lead is going that it runs through the section of land occupied by Mr. Dwyer, and this was quickly taken up in mining claims, as it was considered by the miners that Mr. Dwyer had no title to the land, he having merely made application for the section and paid the costs of survey, but that it was not actually granted. Steps are now being taken to resume possession of this land, and there is a great probability of a considerable number of good claims being got in this locality on both sides of that of Mr. Boys. The lead is now likely to be traced to near the Arahura Flat, where it will necessarily be denuded by the action of the river ; but before it gets this length there is fully a mile of the flat which, in all probability, it will pass through without being cut by any stream. This is certainly the richest discovery of gold-bearing wash which has been found on the West Coast since the early days of the goldfields. How far it will be traced remains to be seen. Kanieei. The alluvial workings in the vicinity of Kanieri are getting pretty well exhausted. There is still some solid ground about Commissioner's Flat, and small blocks here and there over the field, which are from time to time taken up, but few of them are rich enough to pay the ordinary wages for working. At the time when this flat was first worked the blocks mentioned were left as being valueless, but now many are glad to take them up even to make very small wages. Marks and party took up a claim at Commissioner's Flat, and went to considerable expense in laying down iron pipes from the water-race on the top of the terrace in order to work the ground with a hydraulic elevator. They constructed a tail-race from the Kanieri Eiver, at as low a level as possible, so as to drain the water. Afterwards, on sinking down, they lifted the water into the tail-race, a hydraulic elevator being used, and it was found to answer the purpose remarkably well. The ground was in the early days too wet to be properly worked, or even to be sufficiently prospected. From all the information that I could gather, Marks's claim has not proved a great success. There are a few miners working here and there about the gullies in the vicinity of Kanieri. About two or three years ago a race was brought in to command the terraces at the forks at Kanieri, where several claims have been opened, and some of them have given good returns. Some of these terraces contain a great depth of alluvial wash, a large proportion of which is morainic drift, containing a little gold through it, but the latter has not been sufficiently concentrated to leave any rich auriferous deposits in any particular band or layer. Sluicing operations on a large scale have for some time been carried on here, and the water is now taken across the bridge, over the main branch of the Kanieri Eiver, by means of iron pipes, where the company have taken up ground on the south side, which is said to give good returns for working. A considerable amount of gold was obtained in the early days about Butcher's and Gentle Annie Terraces, and during last year a rush took place at the far end of Gentle Annie Terrace, at what is now known as Cadman's Terrace. This ground did not, however, prove remunerative for , working, and there are only a few people now engaged in mining in this locality. Woodstock and Bimu. There is a considerable number of men engaged in mining in the locality of Woodstock, Eight-mile, Eimu, Back Creek, and Seddon's Terrace. A great many of the men are e>nly making small wages; but, on the other hand, some claims are paying remarkably well for working, especially those in front of the terrace at Back Creek. Woodstock is one of the places where very rich auriferous wash was discovered in the early days, and traced into deep ground, which, however, could not be worked without the aid of pumping machinery. The latter was supplied by a company, and a commencement was made to work what is known as the Maori Eeserve, but the lead which had been previously worked on the upper

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levels seemed to have almost got out of this reserve; at any rate, it was never found of so rich a character as in the early days of the field. This lead, or, at least, a similar one, was, within recent years, discovered in Mr. Craig's freehold, from which gold to the value of £18,000 has heen obtained by men working on tribute, about one-third of the amount going to Mr. Craig. Home time aftei , Woodstock was opened, gold was found at the Eight-mile, and, although this place has been very greatly turned over, it still maintains a small population. A large number of adit-levels have been driven in from the face of the terrace, and the ground worked by this means. The flat in front of the terrace has also been worked, by paddocking and hydraulic sluicing. Higher up the Hokitika River, in Back Creek Terrace, a considerable number of sluicing claims have been opened, some of which have paid remarkably well for working; but the quantity of water available in this locality is far from being sufficient to even work the claims in the front of the terrace in a thorough and systematic manner. About eight years ago a new discovery was made at Rimu Flat. The ground here had all to be worked from shafts, some of them being from 30ft. to 60ft. deep. This flat comprises a considerable area, and for a few years maintained a large population, but during the last year only a very limited number of men have found employment at this place. The principal part of the belt of land forming the lead which ran down the flat has all been driven out, as far as water would permit, and it is only on the outside of this where any work is being done ; but even here the wash-drift is very poor. A few claims are still working near the Hokitika-Ross Eoad, at the upper end of the Rimu Township ; but, although these claims are paying small wages for working, there were never any rich discoveries in any of them. Towards the end of the year 1890 a new rush took place on the top of the terraces, about a mile and a half back from the Hokitika River, at what is now known as Seddon's Terrace. The ground, which has a depth of from 40ft. to nearly 100 ft. was at first all worked by shafts. The auriferous layer was found to be resting on a false bottom of drift of the same age as that of the wash-drift. This terrace is formed by a concentration of morainic material, of a great depth, and contains several gold-bearing layers. The only difference that can be seen between the wash-drift and the false bottom on which it lies is that the former is of a looser description, and is not of such dense, concentrated character as the layer where the gold was found. At the head of Frosty Creek, in a prospecting shaft which had been sunk there to a depth of 192 ft. 6in., a layer about 18in. thick, and containing colours of gold, was passed through at 132 ft., and again at 171 ft. another stratum of gold-bearing drift was found, which gave five or six colours to the tin dish, while gold was also obtained in the last 2ft. 6in. No water was struck in this shaft, and the reason why the prospectors left it was because they never anticipated that the depth of ground was so great, consequently, the shaft which they carried down was too small to continue sinking. This is one of the places where a prospecting shaft ought to be sunk in order to test the depth of this material and ascertain whether any rich gold-bearing layer lies on top of the " Old-man" or "Brighton " bottom which is certain to be found in this locality ; or it is possible that, after passing through these recent morainic gravels, older gravels may be found before the "Old man bottom " is reached, and, should this be so, there is a strong probability of an entirely different class of gold being found. Many of the workings on Seddon's Terrace are now carried on from adit-levels driven in from the face of the terrace, where all wash-dirt is run out in trucks, and washed in paddocks. This is a field suitable for sluicing operations to be carried out on a large scale ; and, at the same time, it would very likely be a field where the bottom layers of material would have to be lifted by hydraulic or bucket elevators, as the fall, after going back into the terrace, would very soon become too little to run away the large quantity of stuff. The terrace itself is situated in such a manner that to bring water on it at a high level would necessitate a very large expenditure, and it becomes a question from whence the water could be taken. The Hokitika River has been mentioned as one of the sources from which water could be obtained, but the distance that a supply would have to be brought, and the several miles' length of siphon which would be required to bring the water across the low ground, would render the water-supply from this source beyond the means of private individuals. The Kanieri Lake has likewise been mentioned as a source, but from my knowledge of the levels of the Kanieri Lake it would scarcely be possible that the water from this source could be brought on to the field at a sufficiently high elevation; but it may probably be possible that water could be obtained from the Browning or from the Styx River, although to do this would also require a great length of siphon to carry it across the valley of the Hokitika on to the top of the terrace. Information has recently reached me, to the effect that a reconnaissance survey is to be made at once to ascertain whether or not it is possible to bring the water from the Kanieri Lake. At the date of my last visit to Rimu there were 245 Europeans engaged in the gold-workings in the vicinity of Kanieri, Woodstock, Eight-mile, Rimu, Back Creek, and Seddon's Terrace, but the generality of the miners are only making small wages. Ross. There is still a considerable mining population about Ross and its vicinity, though very few people are now engaged in working mining claims on the flat. The principal workings here are confined to the Elevator Claim, belonging to the Ross United Company. There are, however, a good number scattered all over the district up the Totara River, Donnelly Creek, Donoghue's, and Redman's; but with the exception of the Mont dOr Company very few of the miners are making the ordinary rate of wages. The dry season last year has been greatly against them, as the supply of water has been very short. Some of the sluicing claims up the Totara River are giving fair returns when a plentiful supply of water can be got; but some of those, as, for instance, Ford's claim, is at a considerable elevation, and dependent to a great extent on catch-water races. There is very nice-

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looking wash-drift in Ford's claim, and were there plenty of water to be had, this claim ought to yield good returns. In some of the other claims there is a great depth of wash-drift, but unless it can be run away in a wholesale manner the ground is not rich enough to give decent wages by washing it. Boss United Company. —This company's operations are confined to the Elevator Claim, on Ross Flat; but the greater part of the shallow ground has been taken out, and the bottom on which the gold-bearing layers are found that have been supplying the most of the gold, are now dipping below the level that they can be sluiced into the well where the elevators are placed. There is also a great depth of tailings and stones lying on the original surface in which there is very little gold ; but the whole of this has to be taken in a face and sent through the sluices. During last year this company put through 72,283 cubic yards of material for a yield of 590J0z. of gold, representing a value of £2,303 lis. 6d., of which £1,497 19s. was paid to the tributers, leaving £805 12s. 6d. to the credit of the company. The value of the ground worked was equal to about 7'64d. per cubic yard. The yield of gold last year was nearly 1250z. less than for the previous year, and there was 3,553 cubic yards more material treated last year, which shows that the ground cannot be worked remuneratively for a great distance further into the flat. The place where the workings were first commenced was at the side of a terrace where the " Old man " came up very near the surface, and where the whole of the different gold-bearing layers joined into one; but as the ground got towards the flat they branched off in different layers, the richest following the " Old man bottom." The upper gold-bearing layer in the flat is only some 16ft. below the surface, but this was never rich enough to pay for sluicing away the large deposit of tailings and stones which are now lying on the original surface. The second bottom was a little over 100 ft. below the surface, and it is principally on this layer that the greater portion of the gold from this claim has of recent years been obtained. The tail-race which carries away the sluicing water was constructed at as deep a level as could be got from near the ocean-beach, but the ground is now dipping so much that any solid blocks of ground on this bottom cannot be worked. The company are in hopes of being able to raise sufficient capital to again commence working the deep levels in the flat, which at the place where mining operations was last carried on is about 200 ft.' under sea-level. The difficulty in working this ground is the great body of water there is to contend with, which their present pumping appliances are totally inadequate to overcome. Very rich auriferous wash-drift was obtained on the gold-bearing layer lying on the " Old man bottom " in the flat, and even in some of the claims that were worked here a considerable number of solid blocks were left which could not then be taken out owing to the method adopted in working the ground. At the time that the claims were flooded out it was always thought that sufficient capital would be got to place powerful pumping machinery on the ground, but after some time elapsed the claims were abandoned. Any scheme for working this flat must include a method of conveying the water from Jones's Creek into Donnelly's, either by fluming it over the worked ground or by taking it through a tunnel at the back of Cemetery Hill. The greater portion of the water found in the deep workings comes through the surface and from the creek referred to, and unless this is to a Large extent prevented any attempt at draining the ground with pumping machinery will be futile, and some of the very rich ground can never be worked. How far the leads of gold will go into the flat no one can say, but probably it will be found that they will follow the foot of the range to a great extent round towards Donoghue's. Rich washdrift was found in Sailor's Gully, and it was followed as far as it could be into the flat in the early days of the field, and in all likelihood a rich deposit of auriferous material will be found in the deep ground where this junctions with the other leads in the flat. Mont dOr Company. —This company are working what appears to be the same material as the " Old man" or " Maori" bottom.. Scarcely any distinction can be made between the ground being worked and the material in the bottom left behind them, and in even what the manager (Mr. C. Davie) pointed out as the " Old man bottom." There was a gold-bearing layer of material in it lying on a slightly-inclined bed. The present face of the drift-wash this company is working is about 200 ft. high in one place. The more recent drift overlies the older gravels, which belong to the Miocene or Lower Pliocene period. Some distance above this company's workings, near the top of the spur, these older gravels junction with the sandstone, and it is at this point where prospecting should be done, as it will be of great interest to know whether, at the time that these older grounds were deposited, a system of concentration by a large flow of water had at that time been effected. The whole of the boulders in this character of gravel are highly rounded, showing that they had at some period been subjected to the action of water in a flowing stream. During the time of my connection with the mining companies at Ross, in constructing some of the tunnels in the " Old man bottom," an auriferous layer of wash-drift, about Ift. in depth, was met with containing shotty pieces of gold, thus proving that gold existed in this class of material; and it matters very little whether the face which the Mont dOr Company is working is the original deposit of the " Old man bottom " or a rewash of that material in a more concentrated form, it is all of the same age. And wherever these gravels are met with on the West Coast they indicate the place where auriferous drift will be found of a payable character for working. A large quantity of gold has been obtained from the ground held by the Mont dOr Company, and it is still likely to give good returns for working during many years. Prince of Wales Elevators. —This is portion of the property belonging to the Ross United Company, who are working the ground on the same principle as they are doing on the Ross Flat. During the last year 4290z. 2dwt. gold was obtained, representing a value of £1,673 75., of which £1,343 12s. 6d. was paid to the men who are working it on tribute, and £329 14s. 6d. went to the company. In order to get drainage a tail-race was brought up from, the ocean-beach at as deep a level as possible; but the most of the ground has now been worked above that level that can be carried with sluices into the well where the bottom of the elevators to lift the tailings are placed. 18—C. 3.

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During the last year the tributers have been lifting the wash-drift by hand as deep as the ground is drained, and they hope to be able to continue to do this for another year. The balance-sheet for the year shows that the total receipts for tributes were £1,167 195., and £76 6s. 6d. for sales of water, making a total of £1,244 ss. 6d., while the working expenses, management, and office expenses amounted to £1,283 6s. 9d., thus showing a loss on the year's transactions of £39 Is. 3d. At Redman's there are still a few parties at work. Chamberlain Brothers are constructing a prospecting tunnel to drain the Kohinoor ground from the face of the terrace. This tunnel was not completed at the time of my visit. The same formation as that found at Boss and Mount Greenland extends beyond the Mikonui Eiver and crosses that river opposite Bedman's, and follows a line or belt of country to the Waitaha Bluffs. Mr. John McLeod, who accompanied me, showed me where he had been prospecting the upper drifts on the " Old man bottom " formation, where there is likely to be equally as good ground found for hydraulic-sluicing as in the Mont dOr Company's claim at Boss, if water can be got on to the ground, and from the appearance of the topographical features of the country it would not be a costly undertaking to construct a water-race from some of the large creeks in this neighbourhood. Good sluicing-ground is likely to be yet found further to the southward. Prospecting operations have been carried on last year near Lake lolanthe, where it is said that some very good sluicing-ground has been opened out, and the owner is trying to make arrangements to float a company, so as to get sufficient capital to bring in a good supply of water to work it. Otago Distbict. Maerewhenua. There is a large extent of auriferous ground in the Maerewhenua district, but very little of it would pay for the expense of working by sinking and driving. It is a field specially adapted for hydraulic sluicing; but the quantity of water that is on this field is very limited, and the further supply that can be obtained at anything like a moderate cost is very small. A great deal of the ground is over 1,200 ft. above sea-level, and the auriferous drifts in some places reach to nearly the top of the mountain range, over 3,000 ft. above sea-level, so that the difficulty in getting a large watersupply to command the ground at a high elevation is considerable. No doubt if the whole of the water in the Maerewhenua Biver and its tributaries was conserved it would give a fair supply; but this could not be easily done, as the river channel is of too gorgy a nature for large reservoirs to be constructed. There are at present water-races commanding portions of the East Maerewhenua field capable of conveying about twenty-two sluice-heads of water; but from what could be learned, the average quantity of water available for nine months of the year is only from ten to eleven sluice-heads, and on the West Maerewhenua about eleven and a half heads, so that the population on the field is limited by the quantity of water available for working the ground. As far as could be ascertained, there are about thirty-three miners working on the East Maerewhenua and about forty men on the West Maerewhenua. On the East Maerewhenua the most of the shallow ground that is known to be payable for working is exhausted, and, although there is every indication of the auriferous layers being equally as rich in the deep ground, in consequence of the large quantity of top stuff there is to remove before the auriferous layer is reached, with the small supply of water available, very little of the deep ground can be profitably worked. There is also a large extent of freehold land alongside the Awamoko Creek where a considerable quantity of the ground could be worked from ; but the extent of auriferous ground there is to work in this locality would hardly justify the amount of compensation that would have to be given the owners of this land to allow tailings and muddy water to be sent down the creek. On the West Maerewhenua there is a much larger field for sluicing operations, and the river and the tributaries being proclaimed water-courses into which tailings and debris from mining claims can be deposited, allows mining to be carried on without any restrictions. The ground also in this locality contains more gold than on the east side, or, at least, this appears evident from the rates at which water for sluicing is disposed of. On the east side of the river the price of water is £1 10s. per sluice-head per week of eight hours per day, while on the west side of the river the price for the same period is £2 10s. per sluice-head. Many of the miners have small dams, wherever they can be constructed on the terrace, in which they store the water ; but there are not many sits where a large reservoir could be constructed for storage purposes. In some places on this field gold is found in the more recent drifts, but in general the workings are principally in the older drifts, the overlying material being of a cemented sandy character, which requires a considerable head of water on the hydraulic nozzle to break it up. On one of the claims, belonging to Messrs. Adams and Campbell, the ground is very hard to break up, and, strange to say, although they could get about 400 ft. of head on their nozzle, which would be sufficient to break up the ground, they are allowing the water to flow down the side of the range in an open channel, and only using a slight head, having men breaking up the ground with picks before allowing it to get into the tail-race. It is the same on this field as elsewhere —a difficult matter to introduce any improvement in working ground. The miners that have claims on this field are old residents, who adhere to the old system, and as long as the ground will pay them for working it by this method very little change in the system can be expected. It will only be when the ground becomes non-payable for working that new methods will be adopted to get larger quantities of ground washed away with less manual labour. The Mountain Hut Company is bringing in a water-race from a branch of the Maerewhenua Biver. When constructed it will be taken on to the ground at a higher level than any of the

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present water-races, but the quantity of water available in dry weather will be comparatively small. The upper portion of the race is constructed for about seven miles from the head, but a considerable portion of it will have to be widened, and in all likelihood there are places where a flume will have to be substituted in place of ditching, especially where the ditch is constructed in loose ground formerly brought down by slips from the range. On the upper portion of the race there has been a great deal of rock-cutting, and where on the side of the range, or more especially in the gorge, a rough stonewall has been built up on the lower side and the bottom of the ditch tamped with clay. The outside of the ditch has a double stonewall with a bank of tamped clay between. From the appearance of these walls a considerable amount of work will require to be done before the water-race will retain its carrying capacity at the lower end of the seven miles that are constructed. The water is lifted out of the river at the head of the race by having a stone weir built in the bed of the river to raise the level of the water about 25ft. This weir is constructed of large stones and rocks, which are easily got at this place; but there does not appear to have been a sufficient quantity of small stones and shingle put in front of the wall, as the whole of the water in the river was coming through the bottom of the wall forming the weir. The river is, however, bringing down large quantities of shingle and sand, and this is filling up the dam in the river which was formed by this weir when it was first constructed, and the day is not far distant when, once the stone embankment is again made watertight, the dam will be completely filled up with shingle, and the only danger then will be in heavy floods, should the wall not be of sufficient strength to resist the force of the water flowing over it. The outside of the wall has not sufficient slope to form an apron for the water to rush over it, and it is not sufficiently vertical to allow the water to fall over without striking on the bottom of the wall. It will take the company some trouble before the embankment is made sufficiently watertight to allow the whole of the water in dry weather to be lifted out of the bed of the river. After the first seven miles of the race is completed, which was partially constructed at the time of my visit, there still remained six miles to construct to get the water to the point where the gold-washing operations will commence. In this distance there are three valleys to cross, requiring siphons of 13 chains, 29 chains, and 63 chains in length respectively. The last siphon will have to cross a giilly where there will be pressure on the pipe at the bottom of this gully equal to 3251b. to the square inch. When the water-race is completed the proprietors estimate it will convey ten sluice-heads of water. There is, however, a doubt in my mind whether the race will have this carrying-capacity. This will, however, depend on the fall and the uniformity at which the grade has been carried. The race averages about 2ft. 6in. wide and lft. 6in. in depth, with very rough sides. To convey ten sluice-heads it would require a uniform fall equal to about 20ft. per mile, or a gradient of 1 in 264. Tuapeha. This was at one time a busy place, when men could be counted by the thousand trying their fortune at gold-digging; but now very little survives to mark sites of the large townships that sprung up within a period of a few weeks, but the remains of the old workings, and even these in many places are so overgrown that one could hardly credit that the place was capable for a length of time of supporting a large population. The original workings in Gabriel's Gully, where very rich deposits of gold were found, have now entirely disappeared. The contents of the gully have been turned over again and again, and now presents a mass of tailings; but even yet some men are making a livelihood at rewashing the tailings and taking up a foot or so of the rock forming the bottom. There is little doubt but the whole of the gold found in Gabriel's Gully came from similar material to that now forming the Blue Spur. Considerable discussion has from time to time taken place as to the source of the material forming the cemented conglomerate of the Blue Spur. Some incline to the belief that the deposit came from the direction of the Tapanui Mountains; whereas Mr. A. McKay, the Mining Geologist, who examined this country, states clearly that the material could not come from this direction, but that, judging from the vast quantity of purple jasperoid boulders there are among the conglomerate, they are more likely to belong to the deep-seated rocks of the crystalline axis running from Lake Wanaka to the Lower Waipori, as these jasperoids have a crystalline structure and abound in magnetite; but, be that as it may, this conglomerate is an extremely old deposit, and has been the result of concentration, and furnished not only Gabriel's Gully with its gold, but also Weatherstone, Waitahuna, and the valley of the Tuapeka, and contributed to the deposits of gold in the valley of the Clutha. Blue Spur Consolidated Company. —The workings of this company are now entirely confined to the cemented conglomerate, and the returns from this claim for the year ended the 25th February last are very encouraging. The manager of this company deserves the highest praise for the manner in which the operations have been carried on, and the methodical manner in which he keeps a record of his work. It is not only of the greatest service to himself, but it affords valuable information to others who may have to work similar material. Mr. Howard Jackson, the manager, has supplied me with a plan of his workings, showing where the different elevators are placed. Not having visited this locality last year, my remarks are based on information received from the manager of the company. In his memorandum to me he states as follows : — " For convenience I have divided the mine into three divisions —namely, 1, 2, and 2b. The two latter are worked alternately, and are both served by the highest elevator. The plan shows the position of the mining plant in dealing with the water used. I have taken the total quantities sent in from the reservoirs, which represents the quantity actually used in the works and a small quantity of unavoidable waste. The quantity of cement treated is an estimate, based on the experience of past work, when an actual measurement of the cement was possible. There is no method by which this could be measured with precision under existing conditions. The estimate has been made after careful consideration of all the circumstances connected with the workings.

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The following is a statement of the work done, and the average value of the cement per cubic yard, in each division of the mine: —

The average number of wages-men employed was forty-one, and the wages varies from 7s. to 12s. 6d. per day. The following statement will show the expenditure for wages and explosives in the different divisions of the mine for the work done as set forth in the first statement: —

The total amount of wages paid for the year, exclusive of management, was £4,175 3s. 10d., and the total cost of explosives used, which is Boburite, detonators, and fuse, was £624. Taking the actual cost of producing the gold previously referred to, it shows that in— £ s. d. £ s. d. No. 1 division, 1,536-420z., cost 1 0 8-112 per ounce = 1,588 6 11 No. 2 „ 720-8250z., „ 1 7 1-944 „ = 978 19 4 No. 2b „ 1,532-250z., „ 019 1-03 „ =1,462 4 3 3,789-495 4,029 10 8 It will be seen, therefore, the return for the past year has been 3,7890z. 9dwt. 21gr. gold, representing a value of £14,873 15s. 4d., which will leave a handsome profit on the workings. There were considerable drawbacks last year owing to the dry season causing a scarcity of water. This company has almost all the available water in the place, and yet there was not sufficient to carry on the sluicing operations continuously. To work this claim a large supply of water is required ; there was 18J sluice-heads used for working the No. 1 elevator and sluicing-nozzle, 23-f heads for No. 2 plant, and 27i sluice-heads for the No. 2b plant. Therefore, to keep two of these plants at work, it requires a constant supply of about forty-five sluice-heads. It is gratifying to find that this English company is likely to give the shareholders some returns for the capital they have invested. No doubt they paid a large price for the different mining properties, and it is to be hoped they will yet be well recouped for the outlay. Local Industry Company. —This company are working the tailings in the bed of Gabriel's Gully, about a little more than half-way up the gully between Lawrence and the Blue Spur, and are said to be getting payable returns. They are leasing the Pioneer Water-race, and depending on it for a supply of water, which does not admit of the workings being carried on continuously. However, the company are well satisfied with their property, and they have many years' work before them, if the side of the gully next the range between Gabriel's prove payable for working up to abreast of the Blue Spur. The other side of the gully, some distance above this company's workings, was worked some years ago by Mr. J. E. Perry when he first introduced elevating plants into this district. Gluiha Valley. This is a valley containing a very large deposit of auriferous wash-drift. The beds of all the rivers, creeks, and streams from the Pomahaka Eiver to the Cardrona Eiver, on both sides of the valley, contain auriferous wash-drifts which have proved payable for working, while in some of them extremely rich gold-bearing drifts have been found. The Clutha Valley has been gradually cut down from the high level at which the river was at one time flowing, and during successive periods has been sluicing away the material from the ranges on both sides, carrying the lighter gravels and sand down by the streams, leaving in the bed of the present valley an immense quantity of concentrated material containing in places rich deposits of gold. The scouring action of such a volume of water as that carried by the Clutha Eiver has reduced a great deal of the gold into infinitesimal atoms, and carried a certain quantity of it oat to the ocean ; but the great density of gold tends to deposit it near the bottom of other concentrates, and consequently has left immense riches amongst the drifts present in this valley to be unearthed and collected by the succeding generations. The course of the Clutha Eiver, except in the gorges cut through the solid rock, has periodically shifted about from side to side of the valley, and it is only of late years that this fact has been

Division of Mine. Number of Hours sluicing. Number of Cubic Yards of Cement sluiced. Quantity of Gold obtained. I Average per Cubic Yard. o. 1 o. 2 o. 2b 3,534-5 1,526-0 2,289-5 94,320 50,866-6 76,316-6 Oz. 1,536-42 720-825 1,532-25 Gr. 7-824 6-706 9-637 a. 13-69 11-736 16-85 7,350-0 221,503-2 3,789-495 8-056 14-093

No. 1 Division. No. 2 Division. No. 2b Division. £ s. d. 1,496 6 11 92 0 0 & s. d. 763 11 6 215 7 10 £ s. 1,145 12 316 12 d. 3 2 v ages ixplosives... 1,588 6 11 978 19 4 1,462 4 5

Blue Spur Consolidated Gold Company's Works. Gabriels' Gully.

Looking South down Gabriel's Gully.

No. 1 Elevator.

No. 2 Paddock.

Nos. 2 and 1 Elevators, looking East.

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fairly established. There have been no large finds obtained in some portions of the present bed of the river, especially between the Dumbarton Eock and the Bengerburn; but below this, and likewise between Eoxburgh and the lower end of the gorge above Coal Creek, a large quantity of gold lies, and is now being got by dredging operations. Eddie and Kilpatriek's Claim. —This is a claim which has been worked for the last six years, formerly by hydraulic sluicing, and gave good returns for working; but the bottom could not be reached by working it on this method. It had, however, the advantage of running away all the top material into the river, and left the denser concentrated material to be worked by an elevating plant, which has now been placed on the ground, and the bottom gravels are now being lifted by its means. During the last year a large slip took place and carried away the water-race, which was constructed on the opposite side of the river from the claim, which necessitated a tunnel being constructed for about 400 ft. through a spur, during which time all sluicing operations of the company had to be suspended. The consequence of this was that the claim has not yielded so much as in former years. Island Block Company. —-This is a company which has done a large amount of work, at times getting large returns, and at other times working on poor ground, on either one side of the main lead of gold-bearing drift, or on bars where the gold has been carried further down. At the time this company commenced operations very rich ground was found near the edge of the river, but on carrying a cutting up into the flat in the direction of the main Clutha Valley Eoad the lead was lost, in all probability due to the rapid current in the river which has carried the gold down into the place where the rich deposit was first obtained; but, be that as it may, the ground became so poor that a fresh paddock was opened a little nearer the road, but no better prospects were got. A fresh start was again made near the bend of the valley, at the end of what had at some previous remote period been an island rock, at this point better ground was discovered, and after working for some time a splendid lead of auriferous drift was met with, which continued to give good returns for a long time; however, the large amount of money which was borrowed on mortgage has not nearly been paid up yet, as stated at the last year's meeting of the company in London, in the annual report, but it showed that the yield of gold had increased 20 per cent, over the 'former year, leaving a net profit of 50 per cent, more than for the previous year. The chairman, however, stated that the company were yet greatly in debt to its bankers, who held a mortgage over the property under very stringent conditions, and he urged the shareholders to take up the 8-per-cent. mortgage debentures which were offered to them to release the security the bankers held over the property. The company hold valuable mining property, but during the last year a disagreement occurred with the County Council about either working or depositing tailings on a reserve set apart for a road, which only leads to the company's buildings. The manager states that he offered to lodge sufficient security to make good any damage; but no arrangement could be come to, and this has resulted in only about one-half of the elevating plant being utilised, and the yield of gold was therefore considerably less than for the former year, which was about 2,0000z., whereas for the last year it was only about 1,6000z. Eecently, however, it is reported that a very rich deposit of gold-bearing washdrift has been struck in going up the flat, which is giving a large yield of gold. The leads of gold-bearing drift in the flat going up between the main road and the Island Block are branching towards the road, showing that the river had at one time been flowing nearly close to the foot of the range ; and, as the side of the range forms a segment of a large circle, the result would be that the water would more readily keep its course on the inner side of the circle than in any other, and, when it came to the point where the range took a bend in an opposite direction, the water would go off for some distance at a tangent to the circle it had been following. This is now proved to be the case. In my last report this was pointed out by me, after a close examination of the topographical features of the country and the place where the river has cut its present channel. It is highly probable that the richest portion of this valley will be found in many places under the present main road. The great success attending dredging operations since the tailings elevator has been applied to dredges, which admits of the tailings being stacked a considerable height behind the dredges, enables ground to be worked on the banks of a river and flats which formerly could not be done. The Golden Eun Company's dredge has been working on the banks of the river at the upper end of the flat that belongs to the Island Block Company, and has been getting large returns of gold. Mr. Eawlins, the manager, now contemplates getting a powerful dredge constructed and working a portion of the flat by this means, and if he finds it successful a number of dredges can be placed on the property. He is also to utilise a fall of some 200 ft. of his water-supply to generate electricity to work the dredges. When the cost of supply-pipes and other incidental expenses are taken in connection with carrying on hydraulic elevating for a long distance up this flat, dredging will, in all likelihood, be a more economical method of working the upper end of the ground. Island Block Extended. —Ever since this company has commenced operations it has been in financial difficulties, and has not got sufficient gold to enable it to discharge them. The run of gold-bearing wash-drift they were working went under the road, and thence into freehold land, the owner of which is said to be residing out cf the colony, i The company has been trying to make arrangements to work in the freehold by offering 10 per cent, on the yield of gold, or £300 for the property, but up to the present no arrangement has been come to. The statement of profit and loss submitted to the last annual meeting of shareholders showed that at the end of the previous year there was a debit balance of £4,376 4s. 6d., and that during the last year gold was obtained to the value of £1,305 14s. 4d.; while the expenditure on wages alone was £1,412 lis. 7d.; and other expenses in connection with renewals of plant, office expenses, and interest was £782 2s. lid., making the total expenditure for the year £2,194 14s. 6d.; thus leaving a direct loss on the working last year of £889 os. 2d. It seems, from the statements made at the annual meeting, that the freehold

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in question comprises an area of 135 acres, for which the owner wants £800, and that the directors wish to wind up the company. There is a good plant-on the ground, with a fair supply of water, having a head of about 800 ft. There is little doubt but this plant will yet be utilised to better advantage than it has heretofore been. Hercules Company. —This company worked some very good ground when it first commenced sluicing operations, but of recent years the yield of gold has not been large, and last year the results of the working did not cover the expenditure. A cut has been taken back into the flat for the purpose of testing where another good run of auriferous drift would be found, but without success. It is said that, from the experience now gained regarding the lead of gold on this flat, the original course of the river came for only a short distance into the flat, and then swept off again to the other side of the valley, about 10 chains below where the best of the gold was found. It is a great pity that success has not attended this company's operations, as it holds the first rights of water from the Teviot Eiver, from which there is a constant supply. This portion of the property will be valuable, as by extending the water-race it will command any ground on either side of the river in this valley with a head that can be utilised for either motive-power to work dredges or for carrying on hydraulic sluicing and elevating operations. It has been mooted that there is a probability of this water-supply being purchased, if the company abandon the present ground, and to extend the race along the side of the range, carrying a siphon across the Clutha Eiver to work ground near the Dumbarton Eock, which is supposed to be the place where the river had at one time left the present bed and flowed close along the foot of the range, coming into its present course again near the mouth of the Bengerburn Creek. At all events, be this as it may, there is comparatively little gold in the bed of the present course of the river between these points. Dredging operations have not proved such a success as elsewhere on the river. Enterprise Company. —This company has recently acquired the mining claim and water-race known as Milne and party, Dismal Swamp, who have enlarged the race so as to give it a carryingcapacity of twenty heads of water, it being 3ft. 6in. wide in bottom by 18in. deep, with good fall. The water for this race is taken out of the left branch of the Teviot Eiver, and the distance the race is constructed is about six miles. This company has a special claim of 50 acres, portion of which has been proved payable for working by the ordinary method of ground sluicing. The ground where the operations are commenced is about 15ft. deep, but the surface rises as it goes back, while the bottom is slightly dipping. It is intended to work it on the hydraulic elevating system, and a main line of pipes has been laid down from the end of the water-race for a distance of about 40 chains. The pipes are 22in. at the intake end, and are reduced to 18in. and 13in. respectively; the total head that these give at the workings is about 100 ft. The sluices are 3ft. in width and about 130 ft. in length, fitted up partly with angle-iron ripples and partly with perforated plates having cocoanut-matting laid under these. Roxburgh Amalgamated Company. —This company has met with success in carrying on sluicing operations during the past year. The ground that has been worked, although not rich, has yielded a sufficient quantity of gold to return good interest on the capital invested. The value of the gold obtained during the last year, as taken from the company's balance, was £8,848 16s. 2d., as against £5,420 Is. 7d. for the previous year. The expenditure for the year, being £4,058 6s. 2d., shows a profit on the year's transactions of £4,790 10s., as against a profit of £1,772 18s. 6d. for the previous year. This means that gold to the value of £3,428 14s. 7d. was obtained last year in excess of what was got for the previous one, while the increased expenditure was only about £410. During the year the sum of £167 3s. 9d. was expended in providing new plant, and £250 had been placed to a reserve fund, while five dividends of 6d. per share had been paid, being equal to 12J per cent, on the capital of the company. This shows that mining investments, when properly managed, are equal to any commercial venture. This company attributes the success attending their operations last year to the improved value of the ground, and the uninterrupted supply of water it had, owing to having raised the wall of the weir placed at the upper end of the gorge of the Teviot Eiver about 6ft., and thus conserving the water in the Dismal Swamp. This site for a large reservoir has been referred to in my previous reports as one of the best sites for the conservation of a large body of water there is in the colony, at a minimum expense— the Dismal Swamp being a large flat at the head of a deep narrow rocky gorge. Were it not for the additional conservation of water which was in this dam last year, owing to it being raised, this company would have been short of water at a time when the dry weather gives greater facilities for working. The capacity of this dam can yet be increased more than twice what it is at present, and this would give a supply of water for other companies or parties of miners to work new ground. The great trouble is, however, in arranging with the different persons who have water-rights from the same stream to allow any of the water from the dam to pass to others than those who have at the present acquired water-rights from the Teviot Eiver. Bald Rill Flat. A number of claims have been taken up on this flat in recent years, and some very good returns have been obtained. The Last Chance Company have had two partial washings-up from their paddock, which gave a return of 109oz. gold, and they expect, when the whole of it is washed up, they will have about 2500z. for the season's work. The Bald Hill Sluicing Company have also, it is said, done very well this season, and are now repairing their races for a fresh start in the spring. Wilkinson and Corrall's season's work is also said to have given very satisfactory results. Not only is there good sluicing ground on this flat, but the whole of the slopes of the Old Man Eange directly above this flat, and for a considerable distance up towards Clyde, or wherever there are alluvial drifts, contain gold. The gold found in Bald Hill Mat, Butcher's, and Conroy's Gullies is derived from a concentration of the material from this range, and some very rich claims were worked in the beds of those gullies in the early days, and on the face of the range directly above Bald Hill Plat. Mr.

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White had a sluicing-claim here for years, which gave him good returns, with only a very small supply of water. It was after laying bare the reef by carrying on his sluicing operations that the reef which now bears his name was discovered. On another spur of this range, Messrs. Crossan and Gray discovered the Excelsior Eeef by sluicing away the alluvial drift lying on the schistose rocks. Indeed, there is scarcely a place to be found on the face of this range where the rock is overlain by alluvial drift but that would pay for working if water was available. Every gully that has been cut for any distance back into the range has paid for working ; while on the opposite side, Campbell's and Potter's Gullies contained remarkably rich deposits of auriferous wash-drifts. Between Bald Hill Flat and the Clutha there is some table-land on which a considerable depth of auriferous gravel has been deposited by the Clutha Eiver, when it was flowing at its high level out of the inland lake, which was at that time covering a large area in valleys of the Clutha and Manuherikia Eivers, covering all the low terraces for a long distance up towards Chatto Creek. The action of the river in cutting its present bed through the gorge has left a large area of dry land, which at some very remote period was all covered with water. On the table-land referred to, the gravels would pay well for working if water could be got to command the ground, which could probably be obtained from Coal Creek; but the whole of the water from this creek is at the present time utilised at Bald Hill Flat. The only drawback in working ground at such high elevations is the difficulty in getting a sufficient quantity of water for any great length of time, especially in Central Otago, which possesses the driest climate in New Zealand. The only time when a good supply can be expected is when there is a heavy fall of snow on the ranges during the winter months, and this insures a fair supply from the time that the snow melts to about the month of January. After this, if the summer is dry, very little sluicing operations can be carried on. The severe weather in the south this winter will likely give a good supply of water for the next season. Manuherikia Valley. At Alexandra the Hydraulic Sluicing and Elevating Company are said to have a good property. Ac a meeting of this company in January last, the chairman stated that the claim was opened out on a splendid seam of wash-drift, several feet in thickness, that would give a prospect as high as half a pennyweight of gold to the shovel, but he stated that on account of the dry weather the water was not sufficient to carry on sluicing operations. This company propose to sluice off the top portion of the ground, and lift the bottom with a dredge, which is considered the most economical method of working the ground. There was some very rich ground found on the bank of the Manuherikia Eiver in the early days of the field, and that which this company now holds is apparently a continuation of the same run of gold, indicating that the Clutha Eiver at one time had crossed over the point and functioned with the Manuherikia Eiver above the township, and probably this company may get a rich auriferous run of gold-bearing wash-drift going across the flat, which may run for some distance up before joining the present bed of the river again. During last year a rush took place at the Manorburn, which is a tributary of the Manuherikia Eiver, rising back in the Bough Eidge. The lead is composed of a semi-water-worn quartz-gravel wash-drift; the sinking being from 3ft. to, it is said, 60ft. in depth. There is a little gold in several thin layers of this description of wash-drift met with in sinking, but the richest is near the bottom, which in most places is from 18in. to 2ft. in depth, intermixed with pieces of soft rock and hard crystalline quartz of a bluish colour. Wherever this character of quartz is found it is said to indicate the presence of good auriferous drift. The following are extracts taken from the Dunstan Times : — " Most of the parties working on the granite wash-drift are making fair wages. Jackson and Campbell are working on the granite wash, which is payable for working, but they were not on the bottom except on the outside edge. The next claim is Mr. W. Fawcett's, who is working on the same class of material and doing fairly well, as he is working on the main bottom and getcing a nice sample of gold, which gives him about £3 per week as wages. The next claim is held by Jackson Brothers, who are engaged in constructing a low-level tunnel to strike the wash. Mr. J. E. Thompson comes on next, and is said to be driving on fairly good ground from a shaft. " Pacey and Fuller are working shallow ground on the outer edge ; they have not yet tested the deep ground on their claim. Bruce and Appleton are about a mile and a half further up the Manorburn, and are said to be making good wages, their ground being about 10ft. deep, with about 18in. of wash-drift. On the other side of the Manorburn Messrs. Jones and McLaren are said to have a good claim. Several parties are prospecting, but there is a good deal of water to contend with in the deep ground." Ophir, Ida Valley, and German Gully. Work at all these places is carried on intermittently by the old hands. In only a few cases can the style of work be described as other than fossicking. At Ophir, Gallagher and party have made several attempts to dredge the Manuherikia immediately below the bridge. First they tried to work the ground on the Wellman principle, but found the gravel too coarse and tight. Then they put on the ordinary type of bucket-ladder, but their power was insufficient, and, after a series of smaller mishaps and intermittent work, during which very little gold was got, the dredge was sunk at her moorings, and now lies in a dangerous position, and will be difficult to raise if not recovered before the spring freshes set in. More snow has already fallen during this winter (to middle of July) than has ever been known since the district was settled. The weather had been dry since Christmas, when the first fall took place on the 27th May. Since then repeated falls have taken place. Even on the low ground one fall had hardly disappeared when another occurred. It is computed by Mr. Ewing that, from the rain and snowfalls gauged by him, Bft. of snow must now lay on the higher ground. The ground

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this spring will receive such a soaking from the melting snow as it has not received for many years, and there can be no scarcity of water for even the most inferior rights before Christmas. It has been a terrible winter for stock, as over all the country 2,000 ft. above the level the snow has lain unmelted for weeks, and many of the runs have hardly any country under that level. It is a pity that what helps the one industry so much should injure the other to such a degree. A small rush took place during the year to German Gully, a small gully running up into the Eaggedy Eidge, opposite Chatto Creek. The ground was shallow, and the best of it has already been worked out. The bed of the gully had been worked in places years ago. The present rush was to the low terraces on either side. This ground has afforded work at more or less remunerative rates for from thirty to sixty men for several months. As high as £10 per week was made, but the average would not be more than £1 10s. A great deal of ground in the vicinity has been proved poorly auriferous, and would pay with water for sluicing purposes. At Springvale, about six miles from Alexandra on the Naseby Eoad, Nicolson and party have prospected an extensive area of payable ground above the level of that worked for many years past with good results by Mr. John Allen. They have leased the Golden Gate Water-race and cut channels to carry its water to the new ground, which would have been proved during the summer had the water-supply —usually constant and large—not become too small to travel so far by newly-cut races in dry shingly ground. There is no doubt but this venture will prove remunerative, notwithstanding the bad start. The party employed a large number of men last spring and summer, and had plant fixed and everything in order by Christmas, but were able to do nothing until after the heavy fall of snow in the end of May. Mount Ida. The principal mining population in this locality is in the vicinity of Naseby. In the Main Hogburn Gully there is somewhere about fifty men employed in claims in the bed and on the sloping terraces. There are two elevating plants here, one of which belongs to Messrs. Guffie and party, and the other to the Extended Company, both of which are said to be getting good returns. The ground on the terraces in many places is very shallow, and a large area is quickly washed away, but as a rule the ground is very poor. At Enterprise Terrace there is 50ft. in depth of alluvial drift, and a number of men at work here; but the most of the gold is got in the wash-drift near the bottom, and as this terrace is a considerable distance from the Mount Ida Water-race, the men have to go to a good deal of expense in bringing the water on to their claims. Many of the miners in this locality are getting better plants to work the ground, and this is the only way to make it remunerative. The old method of leading the water in a small cut or ditch, and let it fall over the face with perhaps a few yards of canvas hose, which a few years ago was generally adopted in the Mount Ida district, is not a system to make poor ground pay for working. At Spec Gully a good number of men are at work, and in some of the claims there is a fair depth of wash-drift, but there are very few who are working them with a modern hydraulic plant. One of the best plants there belongs to Messrs. Mason and Donnelly, who manage to get over a considerable area during the season. This party a few years ago erected an elevating-plant in the bed of the Spec Gully, where they said there is ground to pay for working by this method, but not having visited this locality last year my remarks are from information received from other sources. There is a large number of Chinese working on this field, especially in the vicinity of Home and Wet Gullies, some of them have purchased claims from the owners of the freehold land about Home Gully, and are said to be doing fairly well. The most of the ground worked in the Mount Ida district is on a " Maori " or false bottom. The schistose-rock appears some distance from the township of Naseby up the bed of the Hogburn, but it dips suddenly, and the " Maori " bottom takes its place. This bottom was gone through in a prospecting-shaft which was sunk some years ago in the bed of the gully, and at 200 ft. from the surface quartz drift was found. Very good ground was found on the schistose bottom, and it is said that below where the " Maori " bottom makes its appearance the gold was not of the same character. There was very little water met with in sinking the prospecting-shaft, and a trial should be made in this vicinity to test whether an auriferous bed of wash-drift would not be found below the quartz drift which underlies this "Maori" bottom. The shaft should be a little higher up the gully than the place where the last one was sunk, in order to get as near the junction of the schist and " Maori" bottom as possible. Were gold found here of a payable nature it would give a new life to the field, and open up a very large area for deep alluvial mining. At the place where the bore was put down between the Eweburn and the Hogburn at the side of the main road leading to Dunedin, gold was found in a quartz-drift formation underlying the "Maori " bottom at a depth of over 500 ft. The ground above the township could be tested by a large bore, a similar plant to that used for boring for petroleum, where the upper portion of the bore is generally over a foot in diameter. If such a plant was in the district a number of bores could be put down cheaply, as they work at a very quick rate. Either boring appliances of this description or a water auger would test the value of ground cheaper than by any other method. The quartz drifts underlying the " Maori " bottom in many places contain very rich deposits of gold, as, for instance, at St. Bathan's, and but very little is yet known of whether or not there ia another stratum of older gold-bearing material lying between the quartz drifts and the schistose rock. These quartz drifts are of a very great extent, and their accumulation must have been the work of many ages. The immense areas this drift covers in Otago point out that the denudation of the quartzose schist rocks, from which this material is derived, has been enormous, and that climatic conditions have undergone great changes, and the topographical features of the country considerably altered since this took place. At that time the mountains had a much greater elevation, and the rivers flowed in different directions to those of the present time, while numerous lakes abounded all through Central Otago. Abundant proof of lakes having existed can be seen at Vinegar Hill, in Mr.

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Ewing's claim, where there is a lacustrine formation about 70ft. in thickness, containing an immense quantity of vertebrae of fishes ; and the great thickness of beds, which can be seen at Muddy Creek, and also at St. Bathan's, containing nothing but the leaves of trees, point out that the climate of that age, which belongs to the older Miocene period, must have been a mild one, in which luxuriant vegetation existed, while intermixed with the quartz-drift are numbers of trees now altered to a semi-lignite condition. The "Old man" bottom overlying this quartz-drift formation to a great depth is itself of a great age, and seems to belong to a more recent period than the quartz drift. While on the subject of the "Maori" or "Old man" bottom: Some of it about Naseby contains a little gold. A place was pointed out to me where a cutting had been made in the " Old man " bottom, and a little gold was obtained therefrom, which bears out my remarks that on the West Coast goldfields this class of material contains gold, and, wherever large streams have denuded a portion of this material, the concentrating action of the stream left the contained gold in these beds. The same thing can be said of some places in the vicinity of Mount Ida, but in a far lesser degree than of the West Coast. The greater portion of the gold found in the alluvial drifts in Otago was derived from a denudation of the quartzose schist rocks, which decomposes very rapidly under atmospheric influences and the action of water. At Kyeburn the same formation is found as at Naseby, and some of the miners are said to be doing fairly well. Messrs. Brown Brothers are constructing a large dam on the land reserved by the Government some years ago from Mr. McCready, and also constructing branch water-races to their main race to supply water to the pipes for the elevating plant. There is a considerable area of auriferous ground in the vicinity of the land reserved by the Government, but it is too deep to work by the ordinary method of sluicing, and Messrs. Brown Brothers are going to work it on the hydraulic elevating system, and in order to do this about 1,400 ft. of rivetted iron pipes have been added to their plant. There is a large stretch of ground between Kyeburn and Naseby on the same line or belt of country as the gold-workings at these two places, and payable gold has been obtained at certain points oh the slope of terraces, but, considering its extent, scarcely any prospecting has been done. None of the ground would pay for working without a supply of water, and the whole of the streams coming out of the main range have long since been taken up, and the water conveyed to work ground at Naseby and other places. There is plenty of ground where men could make fair wages for working here if water was available. Hyde and Hamilton. There has been very little mining carried on at these places for some years ; lately, however, some good prospects have been, got in ground in the vicinity of the Four-mile, at what is known as the Deep Sinking from 120 ft. to 150 ft. in depth. It is said that some of the claims are on a good run of wash-dirt that will give good returns for working; but the cost of sinking will be considerable, as all the timber for the shaft and mining will have to come probably from Southland ; however, sawn timber will not be so expensive, as that can be delivered at Hyde for less than 10s. per 100 ft. It is gratifying to know that the construction of the railway to Hyde has been the means of opening up some ground in the gullies along the line coming from Middlemarch. The workmen in their spare time have been doing some prospecting work, and found ground that will pay them for working, and several claims have been taken up. This shows that, although an old diggings may be left as a place that is worked out, instead of men leaving the district, rushing about on other known fields looking for a new claim, if the same amount of money—and perhaps much less than it cost to move about looking for claims on fresh goldfields—had been spent in prospecting country adjacent to that previously worked, they would have been better off. At Hamilton there is a large area of auriferous ground that would pay very well for working with a good supply of water. Mr. A. McKay, the mining geologist, who was digging on this field in the early days, and who recently made an examination of this part of the colony, states that there are very rich deposits of auriferous quartz-drifts here that could be worked. Hamilton lies in a sort of basin, with the ranges rising to a considerable elevation above it, which are capped in places between Hamilton and Hyde with basaltic rocks, lying sometimes on the schist rocks, sometimes on a white clay, which has quartz wash-drift underlying, which have in places been worked and payable returns of gold obtained. In some places where these have been worked, the wash-drift was followed down until there was too much water to contend with, and consequently the workings were abandoned. There is, however, ample opportunity here for these quartz-drift deposits to be tested under the volcanic sheet, as the water can easily be drained by an adit-level. Mr. McKay, in his report on the geology of Central Otago, states that " on the north side the basin is bounded by a low ridge of slate, to the north of which there is another line of quartz drift. . . . From the lip of the basin to some distance below the schoolhouse the bed of the creek and its banks have been worked for gold. These workings in ordinary mountain creekwash showed the presence of the quartz drifts as a false bottom, and in this rich gold was found and traced to the eastward beyond the immediate banks of the creek. The same line of drift was followed between the outcrop of the slate rock and the cap of volcanic rocks, which to the northwest overlies and obscures these sands. Open workings along this line have been carried to a depth of 40ft. from the surface over a distance of some 300 yards, and from what could be gathered it was the difficulty of contending and dealing with water, not the lack of gold, that prevented the continuance of mining along this line." Mr. McKay states that at the time he was making his recent explorations a miner who had been at Hamilton for many years said that, in the deepest workings referred to, Jdwt. of gold to the tin dish could be obtained at the time that it was abandoned on account of water. 19—C. 3.

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It is, however, sometimes found that prospects are very delusive in the bottom of a cut or hole where there is water, as the gold gets washed down from the sides, and the drift on the bottom is obtained in a concentrated form. Many a one has found this to be the case, and after going to considerable expense in working the ground has met with disappointment. Rich deposits of goldbearing drift have been found in this neighbourhood, and similar quartz drift is found over many places in Otago, and also in Golden Gully, Collingwood, which has proved to be very remunerative for working. The elevation at Hamilton, which stands about I,Booft. above sea-level, makes it a difficult matter to get a good water-supply. The only place that it could be obtained from is the strath in the upper portion of the Taieri River, but this would necessitate the construction of a very long and costly water-race. The Perseverance Company, which was formerly carrying on sluicing operations, has been trying to work the ground by tunnelling, but there being a large quantity of water to contend with, the work has not been progressing satisfactorily. Some other parties of miners are also working the ground by tunnels, but it is not known what success is attending their efforts. Very few of the miners here are making good wages. The Biting Company are said to stop mining operations as a company after the washing-up. It may be said that there is auriferous drift over large areas of land on the Rock and Pillar Ranges, but the scarcity of water and their high elevation precludes the ground being worked for a good many months in winter, and except some exceptionally rich discovery is made this is not a place where prospectors are likely to look for payable claims. It can, however, be safely asserted that the quantity of auriferous drifts in Otago is very large, and that the next century will not see the alluvial gold-workings exhausted ; and in the prosecution of these alluvial workings, on the laying bare of the rock-bottom, there is a probability of payable quartz lodes being discovered, which will eventually become the permanent gold-mines in the colony. Blackstone Hill. The small parties of miners who have been working in this quarter for so many years still continue to do so, few of them making more than a living, most of them having small agricultural or pastoral holdings that afford them employment when water for mining is scarce. Mr. R. Johnstone has not yet struck anything good in his prospecting cut, but is making fair wages. The Blackstone Hill Company have had temporarily to cease operations. They brought up their tail-race in Johnstone's Gully to the area they had prospected and thought payable, but it proved not so, notwithstanding the splendid stream of constant water they had at command. The company have got into debt, and have arranged a series of calls which will liquidate their indebtedness in less than a year, after which they hope to be able to find funds to carry on their water-race to ground some four miles further on along the slope of Blackstone Hill. Their race is not high enough to command the most likely ground in the locality of its present termination. Ground known as Halpin's Claim (on the west side of the Manuherikia, where the country opens out above Hawkdun Gorge), which has been worked for a number of years, and of which great hopes were sometimes entertained, has ceased to be worked, bat there is every likelihood that good deposits may notwithstanding still be found in its vicinity. The deposits are extensive, and belong to the white-drift formation. A small party are engaged in trying the same formation about a mile distant from Halpin's Claim, in the direction of Hawkdun Station, having constructed a waterrace eight miles in length from the Manuherikia River to do so. They are confident the ground will pay, and would have had it proved had they not been so unfortunate as to have a dry season to begin with. At the place where they take their water from the river it runs over a shingle-bed, and in .dry weather the water disappears. The party working in the eastern branch of the Idaburn, above the Government race, are said to have done very well, though the exact amount of their earnings has not transpired. No further prospecting has been done along the base of the Hawkdun Range during the year. St. Balkan's. This may be said to be the locality where the richest deposits of auriferous quartz drift exist, so far as yet known, in Otago, and the bottoms of these deposits have never yet been reached, but still continue to contain a large quantity of gold. The drifts here have been tilted up from their original bedding, which must have been, at the time they were laid down, in a horizontal position, but now they are tilted up at a high angle corresponding to the face of the schist rocks on the side of the range on which they now abut. The stratification of the different beds of this deposit can be clearly seen, with a bad of leaves fully sft. in thickness about the centre of these drifts. This deposit has now been worked down to a depth of something like 300 ft. Some idea of the richness of this ground can be formed from the account of Mr. John Ewing's claim at this place which appeared in the Otago Witness in the end of November last, of which the following is an extract: — " The Kildare Hill was opened in January, 1864, by a party of gold-seekers hailing from the town in Ireland that the hill takes its name from. The hill, as Nature had formed it, was of a conical shape, the summit of the cone being something like 400 ft. from the present level of the workings. Not a vestige of the hill is left, every particle of it having been demolished and sent seaward. The various layers of pipeclay, sand, and quartz gravel that formed the hill were to be seen cropping out on the surface, and the celebrated layer now known as ' Kildare layer,' from which Mr. Ewing is obtaining capital results, carried the gold from the surface down; the prospectors making from £10 to £12 a week sinking on the layer and hauling the dirt to the surface by hand, then carting it to water. After short operations the miners found that the stratum dipped at an angle of 45°. The claims were exceptionally small in those days, 12 by 24 for one man or 48 by 48 for four men—at that period no larger area could be held in one claim. Thus it will be understood that those who had taken up claims on the slope of the hill had to sink to a considerable depth to strike the gold-bearing layer. Ground-sluicing was not known by the miners at the first of the rush,

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or, if known, the means were not at hand to put such work into operation. One claim on the hill was distinguished from the others by having a whim erected on it, and was known as the Whim Claim, and was owned by Mr. Alexander McLean and three others. This claim had been sunk upon to the depth of something like 140 ft., but, through the continuous and rapid flow of water in the mine below, the party were compelled to cease operations for the time being, Mr. McLean at this time taking from the layer of washdirt a prospect which, after being panned off, gave the very handsome return of 2-Jdwt. to tha tin dish. This layer of washdirt in its richness would be about 50 yards in length, and running north and south, the dip lying east and west. Beyond the described length the wash became poorer each way, until it ran out altogether. All who worked out claims at a shallow grade on this now celebrated layer made a fair thing out of them. After Mr. McLean ceased working this rich ground lay idle for some time, until larger areas were granted, and miners putting in an appearance from the Ovens (Victoria) and California, these men, with their groundsluicing experience, commenced to operate on the alluvial drifts in the neighbourhood ; then the Whim Claim was again taken in hand and worked by Messrs. Stewart (now deceased) and Eeilly to the level of the St. Bathan's Channel. '•' Upon this change of operations Mr. John Bwing became interested in Kildare Hill by purchasing a one-fourth share in the ground known as Hart's claim. Mr. Ewing afterwards purchased at an auction-sale the other three shares at something like £700. After becoming sole proprietor Mr. Ewing continued to work this claim for some years. The speculation did not give adequate returns for the outlay. Ultimately he purchased all that was left of the Whim Claim (the amount of purchase-money has escaped my memory), which adjoined his previous purchase. Several other interests were bought out by him, while he acquired various other holdings that he deemed to be abandoned. He then applied for 20 acres as a special claim, and obtained it. What a contrast in a few years in the area that one man could hold. From this time forth fortune seems to have favoured Mr. Ewing, His perseverance and skill have brought this Kildare layer into celebrity." " After levelling the country in close proximity to the celebrated layer, he commenced to elevate, and continued to do so until he had reached a depth of 110 ft. below the level of his tailrace, this depth being obtained in three lifts of 46ft., 40ft., and 34ft. respectively. At this depth there was no diminution in the richness of the layer, a fact which is borne out by the very handsome returns of last season's operations, exceeding £8,000. There must have been over a ton weight of gold extracted from the layer alone from the time the Kildare men first tapped it up to date, " Mr. Ewing not being pleased with the system of three lifts for attaining 110 ft. in depth, he worked the matter out, and came to the conclusion that the same depth could be obtained through one lift. His conjectures have been demonstrated without a doubt, his ideas being brought to a successful issue on the 15th instant. Mr. Ewing commenced the work of erecting the new elevating plant in the beginning of October, and with five miners and a blacksmith, under the superintendence of Mr. H. Brown, and two carpenters under that of Mr. T. Wilkinson, the work was brought to a close on the date mentioned. The alteration that has really been made consists in one lift of 92ft., this being done with about 400 ft. of pressure, the operator having another 200 ft. at his command. "Many were the prophecies whilst the works were in construction that they would be a failure, the prophets basing their ideas on the theory of 10ft. lift for 100 ft. pressure ; but the prophets were doomed to disappointment. At mid-day on the 15th, the manager, Mr. H. Brown, had everything in readiness for the turning-oil of the water. A good number of miners, business people, and others had congregated about the exit end of the elevator, and when the water was heard rushing through the pressure pipes the cry arose, " Here it comes ! " Mr. Brown kept an eye to his work, standing by the shut-off valve, waiting and watching the pressure pipes until they were well filled. Then the command was given by him to open the valve, when a roaring and hissing was heard as the air was being forced out of the elevating pipes by the water. Eager did the eyes of the onlookers watch the discharge end of the elevator, and when the water and gravel were driven out of the elevator into the tail-race a spontaneous cheer burst forth from the numerous gathering, when it was seen that science, combined with practice, had prevailed over theory. As considerable skill had been shown by Mr. Wilkinson in the erection of the scaffolding three cheers were called for him, and this was heartily responded to. A hearty cheer was also given to Mr. Brown, who superintended and carried out the work of intricacy to a successful finish. Two days after the opening the whole construction was in danger of being wrecked by an enormous slip of pipeclay, but it pleases me to relate that all anxiety for the safety of the work has been removed." Ewing's Claim (Hydraulic Elevating). —During the year the two upper lifts have been taken out and replaced by one, to lift 92ft. vertical. This, with a pressure of 440 ft., has been found to work exceedingly well. The elevator used is of the bell-mouthed kind, the jet is 3-J-in., and the throat 7in., the uptake pipes 14in., and the down-pipe 15in., the latter continued that diameter to lower flange of jet casting. Mr. Ewing finds this class of elevator does much better work than the suction elevators commonly used in this class of mining. It lifts more water and material in proportion to the stream used in the elevating jet, and the castings last much longer. The difference, too, between the maximum and minimum power of this elevator —that is, during the time the rapidly wearing parts last —is not nearly so great. In suction elevators, with the material dealt with here, the intake nozzle and throat castings would not stand a fortnight's wear, and during half that time the power of the elevator would be reduced an average of 50 per cent. With the bellmouthed elevator there is no intake casting used, and the jet casting lasts two to three months. The throats last three weeks, and the difference in power is not 25 per cent, at the end of that period, and that only for a few days before it is advisable to put in a fresh nozzle or a fresh throat casting. This elevator is erected on very sandy ground, with thick seams of aluminous clay running through it. This ground is liable to slip or fret away if the least moisture gets to it. To prevent leakage getting to the ground on which the trestle-work carrying the plant is built, the uptake pipes are ,set nearly vertical, and

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their top covered by a heavy hard iron bend, turning the stream at right angles through 18in. delivery-pipes 100 ft. in length. These are carried on the trestle-work, and discharge into the groundsluice. The down-pipes are carried along on the trestle-work, side by side with the delivery and uptake pipes, and underneath the platform carrying them a galvanised iron "roof" catches any drippings, and carries them to the front of trestle-work, where they are collected and carried below in a canvas hose. Great difficulty was experienced in opening out from this elevator. A high bank of unpayable ground, chiefly clay, close by where the elevator had been erected, began to slip almost as soon as work was started, threatening to carry away the trestle-work, which was only saved by filling in with gravel to a depth of 30ft., and putting in a suction elevator at the 60ft. level to remove the " slip," which was 70ft. in depth, and contained 17,000 cubic yards. This occurred twice, one of the legs of the lower trestle being twice snapped, the down-pipes torn asunder, and some of the eastings fractured. It was only by the exercise of considerable ingenuity that the structure was saved, the slips got rid of, and an opening-out effected. The w T ash is now being stripped through this elevator. When that is done to a sufficient extent another elevator to lift 50ft. will be put down ; this will lift to the other one. Notwithstanding the delays consequent upon the ereotion of and opening out from the new elevator, the yield of gold has been 7800z., and, when the frost stopped the work, washing-up had not been completed. About 200oz. more was expected to be taken out within a few days. From six to nine men are employed. Scandinavian Water-race Company. —This company has not washed up during the year. Most of its water has been sold. It has made a start elevating the deep ground stripped in former years, but had not during the summer and autumn enough water to work constantly and supply its customers. Its elevator is after the pattern of Mr. Ewing's ; the present lift is 30ft., but much deeper elevating will yet have to be resorted to. This company should give excellent returns for a number of years from the ground now being operated upon. The Scandinavian Company now supply Mr. Bwing with most of the water he uses on his Kildare Hill mine, the United M. and E. Company having been unable during the dry weather of last summer to do so. Prom four to eight men are employed. United M. and E. Company. —This company has been unfortunate. It began last spring to elevate some very good ground in its Surface Hill property. This ground adjoins that spoken of above as now being elevated by the Scandinavian Company. It had been stripped in former years, and, from its known richness, it was expected that a few months' work would yield 300oz. to 400oz.; but the plant set up was too paltry, and it was set up in the wrong place. The best of the season was let pass, and the dry weather found them but little advanced. Just as it set in, an extensive slip began to move from the hillside upon their elevator, and, no water being available to wash the slipping material away as it came, the elevator got broken up and covered, and the taking-out of the ground will be but little farther forward this spring than last. Prom the Blue Gully Claim the year's result was close upon 300oz. From six to ten men employed. Muddy Creek Tailings Channel. —This is owned by the last-mentioned company. Another portion—about a mile and a half—of this channel was washed up this year; result, 2820z. This gave a profit of £750 over cost of taking out. The cleaning-out has also assisted the deepening of the channel. It has more fall than the tail-races of the company using it, and when the water is confined, and stones removed, the grinding action of the tailings cuts away the clay formation through which it runs. This channel could be brought at a working level over 30ft. deeper at its head than it now is, but considerable trouble arises, as it cuts down from extensive slips of clay coming in from the sides, and the deepening process is necessarily very slow. St. Bathan's Water-race Company. —The new ground to which this company shifted, as mentioned in last report, has turned out very poorly—worse than that left. It has given but very small wages. Five men employed. Eagle and Gray, and P. Tiernan and Company. —Both these parties have had a bad year—■ deficient water-supply, and ground worked poor. The number of miners buying water, and working in a small way, is year by year diminishing, and their profits getting less. Garty and Gallagher. —This party have very good ground at what is known as the " Lagoon," near Surface Hill, but their stripping is entirely pipeclay, and their plant not such as enables them to get rid of it sufficiently fast. St. Bathan's Channel Company. —The dry season has greatly retarded work. During the year 187oz. have been got, about sufficient to pay current expenses. The company had previously got considerably behind, but it is expected when washing-up is completed that its debts will be considerably reduced. All the ground that could contain any gold, the getting of which would lighten cost of construction, has now been got rid of, and future work must be provided for by an increase in the capital of the company, which was long ago all called up. An effort is to be made to obtain a Government subsidy on future expenditure. Vinegar Hill. The new ground mentioned in the last report has been worked into and well tested. The seams of white drift run in the direction of St. Bathan's Basin, three miles distant; but, within 50 yards of where first struck, where every yard they were making was stronger and richer, they were cut off by a fault, which had thrown the deposit upward and forward. The upward movement had exposed the deposit to denuding agencies that had removed all trace of the deposit on the other side of the fault, while the forward movement had pushed it in a north-westerly direction, where it is overlaid by a great depth of the banded clays of more recent formation that overlie the white drift almost everywhere in this locality. A cutting has been made about 500 yards distant, on the other side of the fault, and the white drift found. It contains a little gold, but hardly—so far—enough to pay; but the prospecting cut has hardly got far enough across the formation to cut all the seams. In this formation the best gold seldom lays on the bottom—often in seams 50 yards from it. Mr. Ewing

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obtained 2600z. for seven weeks' work last spring, and lOOoz. for the next two months' work, working with a very poor stream. Work in the deep ground was stopped altogether during most of the summer, and carried on with a very insufficient stream until nearly the end of May. When the frost stopped work, in the beginning of July, the paddock was just ready to wash up ; 2500z. were expected, the result of about eight weeks' steady work. The above is all the gold got from the new ground during the year, and shows it to be very good, could work be prosecuted continue ously. A large stream of water is required. The elevator is now lifting 50ft., and a new one is being put in to lift 60ft. Ten men employed. Morgan and Htcghes. —This party had a very successful season, despite the dry weather. They washed up 4000z., and left over lOOoz. under a slip that came in as they were washing down. Their ground looks well for many seasons of profitable work. Hughes and Owen. —This party have taken the place of that formerly reported upon as Watson, Thomas, and party, of Vinegar Mat. Their returns have been poor—only good wages—about £3 per week. This ground gave excellent returns for many years, and there is still some very good left. Coulson and Excell, working by shafts and drives in a portion of Hughes and Morgan's claim purchased from them, are making very good wages, and have a lot of work before them. Morgan and Thomas, sluicing on Vinegar Flat, are only making wages. Cambrian's. Mr. Ewing's new venture here has turned out fairly well. The ground was considered very poor, and most of the old miners prophesied failure. For the first six months' work. 2300z. were obtained. This gave a profit over working-expenses of £400. The other six months' washing is not completed, but from present appearances will be equally as good. The capital invested is £2,000. None of the other European or Chinese miners in the locality are doing much. They compose about twenty persons, and have made from very small to ordinary wages—few the latter. Tinker's (Matakanui). The. construction of a dam in the creek that gives the chief supply of water for this place has again been mooted, consequent upon the visit of the Hon. the Minister of Mines and the member for the district in April last. It has been calculated that as much water goes to waste at various times during the year as, if stored, would double the quantity available for mining. It is unlikely, though, that anything will be done so long as so many parties are interested in such varying degrees in the water of the creek. It would be extremely difficult to settle the ratio of contributions to cost, and the distribution of the stored water. The Undaunted Company obtained 800oz., which, although not so much as usual, is considered an excellent return, when the nature of the ground and the dryness of the season are taken into account. The ground that made the returns of this company and the Mountain Water-race Company so phenomenally good for many years was a flat terrace between Morrison's Creek and Smoker's Creek—a small stream about a mile and a half south of Thompson's Creek. This terrace skirted the foot of the mountain. The runs of gold began shallow next the foot of the mountain, and ran in a north-easterly direction, inclining towards Thompson's Creek—deepening as they went. All, at certain points, dipped off suddenly into deep ground. As they did so they got poorer, and the general impression was that this deep ground would not pay. The wash in it was very much rougher than in the runs from the hill. The Undaunted Company has been working this deep ground for several years, and this year has been working it exclusively. Their return has established conclusively a certainty that it will pay. Work during the year has revealed a fact that has astonished every miner in the place. It has always been understood that the deep ground ran from south to north, towards Thompson's Creek. It is now known that it forms part of the bed of a fairly large river that ran from north to south. Its bed would be 80 yards across, and it ran with very little fall, not so much as the Manuherikia of to-day. It came from the direction of Thompson's Creek. It will take some years of work to find where it goes to in the other direction. This discovery accounts for many things in connection with the returns of the Undaunted Company, and Matakanui Company, which has also for a number of years been at work on this deep ground. The last-named company's ground is north and east of the Undaunted's, and close to the northern boundary the Undaunted Company had very good gold —got 3,0000z. of gold from one acre. The Matakanui Company, after toiling for years to get to this ground, found it barely worth expenses, not a fifth as good as their neighbours'. The fact that the stream ran from the north'instead of from the south, and that a rich vein from the hill dropped into it just about the boundary, accounts for the richness on one side and poorness on the other. In the working of this deep ground the points where some of the richest veins from the hill fell into it have not yet been reached. Some phenomenally rich ground may be expected just past such points. This discovery has made things look much better for the future of the leading companies at Tinker's. Eecently a proposal was made by the Mountain Eace Company to amalgamate with the Undaunted Company. There is no doubt such an amalgamation would have benefited both companies, but a majority of the Undaunted Company's shareholders did not appear to think so, as the proposal was scouted. Eight men employed. The Mountain - race Company are still working on the granite. The hill behind them is cracked to an elevation of 500 ft. above them, and they have had to carry the Undaunted Company's race along the face in pipes. The wonder is how the hillside, which is very, steep—cracked and fissured as it is—stands. This company has not washed up its main paddock during the year, but has obtained enough gold from some shallow ground to pay expenses —about 120oz. Its watersupply was short, and work for a long time discontinued. Four men employed. The Matakanui Company obtained 3000z., a yield which did little more than, pay expenses. They are working in the above-mentioned deep ground, but on the further side of the. stream ta

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the one the veins from the hill came in upon. In the place they are now working—east of the Undaunted Company—they have had fair returns when working in the bed of the stream, but the ground is very rough, and not regular. Seven men employed. The Sugar-pot Company's return was 2200z. The quantity of ground got away was small. Water was scarce, and work irregular. This company has probably the best ground on Tinker's, but its water-supply at no time is sufficient, and its water-race gives insufficient pressure. The above return paid all expenses, and gave a small profit. Six men employed. Simes and Morgan have had excellent returns from the shallow ground on terrace south of Scotchman's Gully; they were spoken of in last report as shifting. Notwithstanding the poor water-supply they have got over 3000z., and have another large paddock ready to wash up, from which 2500z. is expected. Three to four men employed. Ewing and McConochie, in the early part of the year, finished the shallow ground south of Smokers' Gully, and are now working a run of known good ground, known locally as Plen's Claim, having purchased a half-interest from the Mountain-race Company in a tail-race which commands it. They have obtained 4610z. during the year, only a fortnight's work having been done from Christmas to end of May, through scarcity of water. Only one small party —Shannon and Barron—works now at Tinker's, making about wages ; but a considerable amount of fossicking is done in dry weather by men out of work, and those who know the run of the ground sometimes do fairly well. Devonshire. —A number of small parties work here, and one or two of them have done fairly well during this year, particularly Clare and party, who are driving, and pulling the stuff up an incline with a horse. Drybread. —The Matakanui Company are still trying the granite here. They have not been able to spare enough water from their Tinker's claim this dry season to advance their work verymuch, or to arrive at any conclusion as to the value of the deposit they are working. A number of small parties here are doing fairly well when water is plentiful—most of them on the granite-wash ; but with them, as others, the dry season has made the year a poor one. Cromwell. There is a number of men engaged in alluvial mining on the banks and terraces of the Clutha Biver between Clyde and Cromwell, and also for a considerable distance up the river above the latter place. Some of the claims are said to be giving fair returns, but the largest population in this locality is situate at Bannockburn, where some of the present residents have been engaged in mining since the field was first opened in 1862. Both Smith's Gully and Pipe-clay Gully have yielded large quantities of gold. Of late years, the principal workings have been in the vicinity of the latter place, in which there is a tailings channel constructed to the Kawarau Eiver. Had it not been for this channel, towards the construction of which the Government gave a subsidy, this part of the field would have been abandoned many years ago. There has been some very good ground here, but the best of it has now been worked out, and it cannot be said that miners who are at present carrying on sluicing operations in the locality are making more than small wages. There is a considerable amount of ground which can be worked from Smith's Gully if a channel was constructed up the bed of it, as was originally intended by the company, towards which a subsidy was authorised by the Government some eleven years ago for that purpose. This company, however, met with so much hard rock, and had such a quantity of loose tailings to go through, that the work seemed, at that time, too formidable for them to complete with the limited means at their command. The tail-race was only constructed for a short distance and then abandoned, nothing having been done in the matter since. Recently, however, some attention has been given to the construction of a channel up this gully, and, although no doubt the best of the ground here is worked out, there is still a considerable area of auriferous drifts on the terraces that could be sluiced into the gully if there was a get-away for the tailings, which would pay small wages. The men who have been working for years in the same place, and acquired comfortable homes, are loth to leave if they can make a livelihood. At Lowburn there is still a number of miners at work, but the ground here is remarkably poor, and very few of the men can be said to be making more than wages, some only getting a mere living. It may be stated that the day is past when men make large competencies by alluvial mining, unless they have a good water-supply to carry on hydraulic-sluicing operations on an extensive scale. Cardrona and Griff el. There is still a considerable population about the Cardrona scattered over the different gullies and places. The lead referred to in my last report on the face of the range, at a height of about 1,200 ft. above the level of the valley, is still being worked in a few claims, but in none of them have very rich deposits of wash-drift been found, although the ground has proved payable for working. There is a good prospect of the same lead being traced along the face of the range for a long distance down towards Mount Barker; but from the manner in which it is lying against the face of the rock slips from the range take place before the auriferous portion of the material can be washed away by hydraulic sluicing, and, these having to be washed away with the gold-bearing drift, it reduces the earnings of these claimholders considerably. Messrs. Fryer and Scott, who have been sluicing the ground in this lead, were at the time of my visit sinking a paddock and lifting the wash-drift in the bottom of their previous workings, as their tail-race was not deep enough to run it away by sluicing. This party stated they had obtained 140oz. gold out of their claim, and Fleming and party, who hold the next claim to Fryer, got 170oz. gold out of theirs. There are a few months in winter when sluicing operations cannot be carried on at this elevation, and during that time the miners contemplate driving an adit-level from the face of the hill to test the depth of this material, and to see whether they could get to the place where the quartz wash-

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drift is lying on the schist formation, as they expect, if they can get this, that there is a good probability of finding a rich layer of this material. This work can be done in winter when the frost will not admit of mining operations being undertaken on the surface; but unless the ground is rich enough to drive out, or work in by paddocking, there is no chance of getting a large supply of water at this elevation to work a number of claims. Similar material to that where the gold is found in the face of the range was obtained in Eobertson Brothers' claim on the flat, and from which a considerable quantity of gold was obtained. It is said by the miners here that the value of the gold that was produced from the claims on the same run of ground as Eobertson Brothers were working amounted to £40,000. Very rich ground was found in Cardrona Mat in the early days, and it was traced down into deep ground some distance below the township, where there was a considerable quantity of water to contend with, and here the lead was lost. No one has been able to find it since, but many of the old residents are still in hopes of being able to pick it up again. The value of the gold got in the Cardrona Valley and on the side of the range out of the lead of auriferous quartz gravel-wash referred to is much higher than the value of the gold got out of the branch creek about four miles below the township, and also on the top of the range at Mount Criffel. At the Mount Criffel Diggings there are only a few men at work. All the water is held by Halliday and party, who may be said to hold the key to the whole of the ground, and are therefore able to get good returns for the short season they are able to work. Notwithstanding that Cardrona is one of the oldest fields in this locality, having been opened at the time of the rush to the Arrow and Shotover Eivers, there are still about ninety-five Europeans and fifteen Chinese earning their livelihood in this district, although they cannot be said to be earning large wages. The approximate quantity of gold obtained last season is said to be about l,ooooz. Arrowtown. The alluvial workings in the vicinity of the Arrow are greatly scattered about. There are still a few parties of men working in the face of the range leading up to the Crown Terrace, on the agricultural lease which was resumed from Mr. Baker, and a party is working in the bed of the Arrow Eiver underneath this terrace. Very little gold was ever found in the present bed of the Arrow Eiver underneath the place where the gold is being got in the face of the terrace. Judging from the surface features of the ground in this locality, the Arrow Eiver has at one time flowed much nearer the foot of the Crown Terrace than it now does, and that a large slip from the front of the terrace, which is nearly I,oooft. higher than the level of the bed of the river, has taken place, and filled up the original channel, turning the river into the place where it now flows. This is the opinion also of some of the miners in this neighbourhood, and, should it prove to be the case, there is a probability of a rich lead of gold being found in the old river-bed; but it will require considerable capital to prove this theory, on account of the ground being wet, as it would require to be either driven out or else a tail-race constructed for a distance of about two miles to bring up fall to ground-sluice the whole of the material. The latter scheme was submitted to the Hon. the Minister of Mines when last in the district, as one for which Government aid was required. The scheme, however, is more for the benefit of the party who undertakes it, as only one party could work it at the same time, and no public benefit would result from the undertaking beyond that which a few interested individuals would receive. Eich gold-bearing deposits were found in the bed of the Arrow Eiver at the back of the township in the early days. It was at this place where the gold was first found. The gold was traced into deep ground going towards the mouth of Bush Creek, which is the opposite direction to that which the river now flows on leaving the mouth of the gorge. Several attempts have been made to sink shafts here, but, so far, the water has been too much to contend with. The deep ground indicates that the Arrow Eiver flowed in an entirely different direction to what it now does, and probably an ancient river-bed will yet be found going through the flat into Hayes' Lake. It is from this point where levels should be taken to get a drainage tail-race if ever any scheme is got up to work the flat at the upper end of the township, and, if the course of the river could be traced into this flat, there would be a great probability of a good deal of rich ground being opened up. Alluvial drifts are found almost anywhere on the terraces of the Arrow Eiver all the way up to Macetown; they would pay for working were there water to be got. Several parties here are making their livelihood in working the ground on these high terraces with small quantities of water conserved in dams until there is a sufficient quantity to use for a few hours now and again in sluicing these drifts. At Bracken's Gully some are yet doing well, and the claim opened up by Eeid and McDougall, on the terrace between Canoe Creek and Macetown, shows that there is a good deal of gold to be got in this locality. Eeid and McDougall's claim has a depth of from 60ft. to 80ft. of gravel containing a little gold through it, but the best layer is near the bottom. They have been working here for the last four years, and have been averaging between £3 and £4 per week wages since they commenced working. They have a water-race on the range on the opposite side of the Arrow Eiver, and bring the water across the valley in a wrought-iron siphon, the pipes being 7in. in diameter ; this delivers the water into a dam on the terrace where they are at work, and gives them about 80ft. of head on the sluicing-nozzle. The sluicing operations are only carried on when the dam is full of water, when they use about ten or twelve sluice-heads until the dam is empty, and then allow it to fill before commencing to use the water again. There are similar terraces to that on which Eeid and McDougall are working between this and Arrowtown, on the same side of the river. At the Arrow Falls, Miller Brothers are working in the bed of the Arrow Eiver, and sluicing the whole of the material in the river-bed through the tunnel which was constructed by the MoodyDavis Syndicate and purchased by the present owners to work this property. The ground has not yet yielded the return that was anticipated; however, it may be said that only a fair commence-

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ment has yet been made. One can hardly see how this part of the river-bed, which could never be worked before, and very rich deposits of gold both above and below, can fail to have a sufficient quantity of auriferous wash-drifts to recoup the owners for the expenditure they have gone to. Since Miller Brothers have purchased this property they have gone to considerable expense in constructing shafts with gates at the intake end of the tunnel to regulate the flow of the river in time of floods. In ordinary times, and even when there is a considerable quantity of flood-water in the river, it all passes through this tunnel, which is paved with stone-pitching to act as a gold-saving box. The energy and perseverance that these gentlemen have displayed in combating with the numerous obstacles they met with until they got the first paddock opened are deserving of every success, and it is to be hoped that they will be well rewarded for their enterprise. Shotover. There are a considerable number of men working claims on the terraces and banks of the Shotover Biver; but it is very questionable if many of them are making good wages. Davis Brothers are still working their claim on Stony Creek Terrace, where there is a face of gravel-drift nearly 200 ft. high. This claim was said to give good returns a few years ago, but, judging from the character of the drift in the face, there must be a considerable depth of it which contains very little gold, and my impression is that it requires to be very economically worked with a good supply of water to make it yield a fair livelihood. No doubt the Shotover Eiver has flowed through this ground at one time, and rich patches of gold-bearing gravels will be occasionally got, but the great depth of gravel which now overlies the original bed of the river was not deposited by a rapidflowing stream, and very little concentration of the upper gravels has taken place. It appears from the formation of the country that a large slip has taken place at one time and filled up the river-bed in the gorge below Maori Point, and that a great quantity of the gravel on Stony Creek, Pleasant Greek, and Londonderry Terraces was deposited in comparatively still water, the whole of this valley at that time being a lake, until it cut a new channel again through the slip at the gorge, and with the large accumulation of gravel in its original bed the river shifted its course and cut down the present channel. Holding this opinion, it leads me to believe that wherever there is a great depth of alluvial drifts overlying any of the former river-beds the bottom layer of wash-drift will require to be extremely rich to pay for the expense of removing the top material, which can have but a small quantity of light scaly gold, intermixed with it. Higher up than Stony Creek Terrace Mr. E. Johnston holds a claim on Pleasant Creek Terrace. During the last year he commenced sluicing operations in a new place facing Pleasant Creek, where there is a great depth of gravel overlying the bottom. He has been for many years working on this terrace, and well satisfied with the gold returns he has been getting in the past, but last year, having to open out in a fresh place, with a great depth of gravel in which there is very little gold, the returns have not been so satisfactory as formerly. Some rich deposits of auriferous wash-drift have been worked in this terrace from adit-levels and driving out the ground, and it is considered that the whole of this will yet give remunerative employment by hydraulic sluicing. Mr. Johnston has a good water-supply, as well as a dam for the storage of water, and, should he put an efficient hydraulic plant on his claim so as to fully utilise the water to the best advantage, he is likely to have a property that will yield sufficient gold to amply remunerate him for any outlay in this direction, and a claim which will not be worked out in his life-time. On the Londonderry Terrace, which adjoins the Pleasant Creek Terrace, Mr. D. Miller has opened out a large cutting, and operated on an immense quantity of material during the last year. The wash-drift in the face of his workings has all the appearance of containing a fair quantity of gold ; but from what could be learned with respect to this venture it has so far been very disappointing. There is not nearly the amount of gold in the drift that any one would expect to find by running it away in the wholesale manner Mr. Miller is doing. He has also been carrying on sluicing operations at Burkes Terrace, but the best of his ground here is under the roadway. This is the property that formerly belonged to the Moody-Davis Syndicate, and was sold by the mortgagee, together with the Arrow Falls property, to Miller Brothers for £3,000, which was at the time considered remarkably cheap. The water-race, pipes, and plant belonging to the claim cost over £10,000. There is a good supply of water at all seasons of the year, and, although belts of ground may be met with containing very little gold, there is good reason to believe that Mr. Miller has a valuable mining property, and the quantity of ground he holds will never be worked, even with a good supply of water, in his life-time. At Skipper's Point, Aspinal Brothers are still working in the same claim which was worked by their father for nearly thirty years, and still get a fair quantity of gold when water is available. They have a small water-race from Sawyers' Creek, but this stream is dry in fine weather. The only supply of water which commands the ground is that of Mr. Miller's, and he offered at one time to work out this claim on getting a certain percentage of the gold; but no satisfactory arrangement could be come to in reference to this. With the small supply of water Aspinal Brothers have it may take them some years yet to work out their claim. There are still a good number of men working on the terraces and the banks of the river above the sandhills on the Upper Shotover and its branches, some of whom are doing very well. There is a very nice sample of gold got here, it being all of a coarse shotty character, containing but little of the scaly gold that is found lower down the river. On every terrace where there is alluvial wash-drift it will pay to work with a sufficient supply of water to carry on hydraulicsluicing operations. These terraces are nothing but the old beds of the river where it had flowed at some very remote period ; but many thousands of years have passed since then, as can be seen from the great depth of solid rock that has been cut away to admit of it flowing at its present level. The cutting and scouring action of rivers is scarcely noticeable in a life-time, and when one sees the river now flowing in a depression fully 700 ft. below its original bed, and a hard

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schistose rock finely laminated with quartz veins cut away to this depth, it is certain the time required to do this work must have been very great. The whole of the country from the Shotover to the Arrow is highly auriferous, wherever alluvial drifts are found overlying the rock. It is nothing but the scouring action of these rivers cutting away the quartzose schist rock, causing large land-slips to take place from time to time on each side of the streams, and by the continual action of the water carrying quartz gravel down their beds wearing away and disintegrating the rocks, carrying the fine muddy material and sand out to the ocean and setting free the gold these rocks contained, that has left the concentrated washdrift now found in the present and old water-channels, of which the Shotover, Arrow, Cardrona, and all the tributaries of the Kawarau and Clutha Eivers show abundant illustrations. Bound Hill. This has been in past years a very rich field, and there is yet a large amount of gold in the bed of the Ourawera Valley; but the sluicing here has raised the bed several feet and made the valley now a great width. It would be a hard matter for any one now to define the place where the water in the creek used to flow. In former years this place was principally worked by Chinese, but now they number very few in comparison to what they did six years ago. The principal workings are carried on by the Bound Hill Gold-mining Company, who, during the last three years, have done a great deal of work without having got any remuneration for its outlay. According to information received from the manager, Mr. Lee, the company have expended £13,000 in the purchase and construction of water-races, £3,000 in trying to bring up a tail-race channel from the ocean-beach, but which proved a failure, and £4,000 in iron pipes and plant to work the ground ; and during the time the company has been carrying on sluicing operations—about three years—it has got gold to the value of about £12,000, out of which £9,200 has been paid in wages. The shareholders have not yet received a dividend, but Mr. Lee stated that it was likely that a small one would soon be declared. Mr. Evans, the general manager of the company, at the time of my visit, had gone to England to either get the capital of the. company increased or raise £15,000 to bring in water from Pourapourakino Creek, which is estimated to cost £7,000, the balance being to get larger pipes and to construct an iron-pipe channel down the bed of the Ourawera Valley to send the tailings from the workings to the ocean-beach. Considerable dissatisfaction, and not without cause, prevailed amongst the miners on this field with the manner in which this company were constructing dams across the bed of the valley and raising its level. However, on the Warden being appealed to, he ordered the dam to be cut away, and scrub and trees which the company had placed in the bed of the creek to be cleared for a width of 50ft., and the construction of a channel for a width of 20ft. in the. bottom through the part of the creek-bed where this obstruction had been placed. This will tend to prevent the bed raising so fast, but the more ground that is sluiced away above the company's claim the higher the bed of the creek will be raised, as there is not sufficient fall to carry away■ the tailings. The company first commenced hydraulic sluicing in November, 1891, and up to end of July, 1894, sluicing operations had been carried on for about 18,000 hours. This is equal to working continuously (exclusive of Sundays) two years, twenty weeks, four days, during which period about 1,300,000 tons of material was lifted by the elevator to a height of 45ft., and the average quantity of gold got was equal to about l-35gr. per ton. These statistics, however, may be open to question, as the quantity of water used for lifting was said to be five sluice-heads, with three sluiceheads for breaking-down the drift, having a hydrostatic head of 208 ft., which would show that the elevator was giving about 39 per cent, of the power used. This is considerably above the average done by elevating plants. . : Since the company had commenced operations the manager stated that he had worked about 23 acres of ground, having an average depth of 26ft. This would be equal to 964,781 cubic yards, and, taking the value of the gold obtained at £12,000, it would show the value of the ground worked to be about 2'9Bd. per cubic yard. The whole of the ground worked is on a false bottom, the main bottom being some Bft. or 10ft. below this, and it seems probable that there will be a good layer of wash-drift in places on the main bottom. The present supply of water, however, is not sufficient to elevate the material higher than at present, about 45ft., and the manager does not think there is sufficient gold in the ground to work it to a greater depth than at present, and he intends to fill up the present worked ground with tailings. Some of the men employed by the company, who had been discharged, pegged out a claim in the worked ground, and after working about three weeks took out gold to the value of about £100. The company, finding that it had left better ground than it anticipated, stopped the men from working, and brought a case against them in the Warden's Court, which was decided in the company's favour.. The men considered they had a grievance, and brought their case before the Hon. the Minister of Mines when in the district, and stated that the whole of the worked-out ground which the company proposed to cover with tailings would pay men £1 a day for working, while the manager of the company denied this, and considered he had a perfect right to work and dispose of the ground as he pleased. The conflicting statements in regard to the value of the worked-out ground which were made to the Hon. the Minister of Mines leaves a doubt on the subject; but, if the statementsof the men are ! correct, it would seem an extraordinary proceeding for any company to leave ground that would pay £1 a day per man for working, and to cover it up again with tailings. It should be tested before again being covered up. Land leased for mining, which is the property of the Crown, is given purposely to extract the mineral or metals it contains. If it is not worked in a proper manner, and the mineral wealth wasted, the Government has a right to see this remedied, either by legislation or otherwise. A piece of Crown land may prove to contain a rich deposit of gold; but-the fortunate holder of a lease, license, or right to work that ground properly,, should be made to 20—C. 3.

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carry on mining operations in such a manner that the gold is taken out, the object being to extract the mineral wealth, and. by doing so to find profitable employment for the greatest number of people on our goldfields. Mr. Evans, the general manager, deserves credit for the way he has erected the plant on the ground. Although a young man, with very little mechanical or mining knowledge when he took charge of the company, he has studied closely since, and made himself fully conversant with the whole of the details. There is scarcely any one but will make some mistakes, but, on the whole, Mr. Evans has carried on the operations of the company economically. The following is an extract from the Otago Witness of the 27th December last in regard to the buildings and plant:— "The buildings and plant are of a very complete nature. First, there is a store-room, containing all the materials required, including duplicate parts of all machinery likely to be worn or destroyed ; a blacksmith's shop fitted up with a water-blast, which is not at all common in this part of the world ; a workshop containing two iron-boring machines, vice, &c. ; also a small electric turning-lathe, and a very elaborate set of tools and mechanical appliances, the private property of the manager. There is also a saw-mill with two circular saws. Another building contains a Pelton water-wheel of 40-horse power, the water being supplied by a branch from the main pipe, which drives a dynamo close to the wheel, the saw-mill, grindstone, turning-lathe, &c. The dynamo, which is only used for producing light, is capable of generating 7,000-candle power ; but not more than 3,000-candle power is required to light up the claim, workshops, and huts. At first an arc lamp was used to light up the claim, but Mr. Evans has discontinued its use, substituting a couple of incandescent lamps, fitted up with a tin milk-dish as reflector, which he finds gives a more efficient light at less cost. Mr. Evans has displayed considerable mechanical ingenuity in fitting up various appliances to facilitate carrying on the work. At the foot of the elevator he has fixed an indicator which gives instant notice if the elevator gets choked in any way, by ringing a bell and, in the daytime, raising a disc, while at night an electric lamp is lighted. He has connected his cottage, half a mile distant, with a telephone and microphone fixed near the elevator, thus keeping himself in constant touch with the work going on, the slightest hitch in the working of the elevator or nozzle being easily distinguished-. The gold-saving appliances appear to be very efficient. The elevator discharges into a double line of sluice-boxes, fitted with angle-iron ripples laid on the top of matting. These boxes are each 65ft. in length by 3ft. in width, having perforated plates at the lower end to screen the wash-drift. The finer material is discharged on tables covered with matting, having an area of 400 square feet, the matting being washed every two hours, the black sand and gold from the washings of the matting being run over a box covered with plush and copper plates. The efficiency of this process is fairly proved by the fact that the whole of the stuff finally passes over a table fitted with angle-iron ripples laid on matting, which only gives a pound's worth of gold for every £1,000 recovered by the upper washing appliances." There is an appliance used here at the intake of the elevator which is not in use at any other that has come under my notice —that is, a small triangular piece of wood with an angle-iron bar on the outer edge. The flat surface is placed in front of the opening, a few inches back; the water rushing against this triangular piece of wood mixes up the water with air, and the elevator is said to do more work. It is well known that the introduction of air into the elevators when the intake is covered with water is a great improvement; but when not covered it has no beneficial effect. The manager, however, assured me that he can send up far more material with this triangular piece of wood in front of the elevator than he can do without it. Let this be as it may, its use when the intake is not submerged is not well understood ; however, it is an ingenious and simple contrivance, and acts with the same result as Eobinson's patent nozzles, while its cheapness and simplicity has everything in its favour. This company employs from twenty-two to twenty-five men. Other Claims. —There are about nineteen Europeans and 140 Chinese on this field in addition to the men employed by the Bound Hill Company. The most of these are working higher up the Ourawera Valley and Terraces than the company referred to, but none of them have a sufficient supply of water to carry on extensive sluicing operations. A party of miners have taken up a special claim in the bed of the valley, adjoining the upper end of the Bound Hill Company's claim, and intend working it on the hydraulic-elevating principle; but it is very questionable if they have sufficient water to work the ground systematically on this principle, and if so it will take the water away from the individual miners now working ground on the terraces. Some of the Europeans here have been on the field for many years, and although many of them have not made much they still have confidence that the ground will eventually pay them for their labours. An instance of this may be quoted in the case of Mr. J. H. Chester, who holds one acre of ground, where he has been working for the last six years. Originally he had three mates, but they have left, and now Mr. Chester holds the claim himself. He has expended about £1,000 in cash, and all the gold he has yet got amounts to only about £250. The layer of auriferous drift is a considerable depth below the surface, and is composed largely of heavy boulders, which he has no room to dispose of without lifting and stacking them clear of his workings. A tramway had to be constructed for this purpose, to run them out on the end of a spur on which his claim is situate. After constructing a tail-race and getting the claim fairly opened out, the ground forming the spur began to slip down towards the creek, carrying a crane, which was erected to hoist the stones out of the tailrace, fully 20ft. below its original position, and crushed the sides of the tail-race together time after time._ .He has constructed three dams and. laid down about 500 ft. of steel pipes, which gives him about 100 ft. of head. Before getting the steel pipes he tried wooden boxes made of 2in. planks; but these proved a failure, they would not stand the pressure. He is now in a fair way of working, and hopes to be ultimately rewarded for his outlay. Some of the claims in the immediate neighbourhood of Mr. Chester have been remarkably rich, Mr. Joseph Clark is said to have made several thousand pounds, and after giving up the ground some Chinamen took it up, and are said to have averaged for five years £5 a week per man, and

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likely to do so for a long time. From another claim, known as No. 1, about 100 ft. square, four Chinamen took about £3,000 each. After leaving it others went in, and for two pr three years made from £3 to £4 per week per man. Some of the claims on Bound Hill paid the holders as much as £20 a week per man, and in some cases, where claims were worked on a false bottom, other parties took up the ground again and worked, down to the main bottom with very good results. From what is known of the ground in the valley of the Ourawera, there is little doubt but there is a large area here that will prove remunerative for working on the hydraulic-elevating principle, but the scarcity of water will limit this method of working to a few claims. It is said that a fair supply can be obtained from the Pourapourakino Stream, but it will yet take some time before this supply can be brought in, and if the Bound Hill Company succeed in finding capital to extend its head-race to that creek, the whole of the water will be required by that company to work the ground systematically and economically. The Bound Hill is therefore a field that will support a limited mining population for many years, but it can never be a field where a large number of men can make a competent livelihood, as very little of the ground will pay ordinary wages to work from shafts or tunnels. What is wanted is a large supply of water, and that cannot be obtained unless at such a cost that private individuals could not undertake it, and the prospects of being recouped for the outlay is not sufficient to justify a costly water-supply to be taken in hand. Orepuki. There seems to be no diminution in the number of miners on the field from that on my last visit. The most of those engaged in mining have made themselves comfortable homes, having gardens around them, and some have got fair-sized paddocks, which allows them to keep a few head of cattle. At one time there was a considerable area of a mining reserve here which was used as a commonage, and as the land is a rich alluvial deposit it grows excellent grass and pastures a large quantity of stock. The most of this reserve is now taken up in occupation licenses. Some of the miners objected strongly to this, and held such strong views on the subject of maintaining the commonage that they stood aloof from making application for any portion of it as an occupation license, and are liow regretting that they did not make application the same as their neighbours. On most of the goldfields the land is of very little value except for the gold it contains, but at Orepuki the great depth of rich alluvial soil all over the field makes one feel sorry that such land should be washed away in extracting the gold. The miners, however, on this field all appear well-to-do. The neat painted cottages and villas they have erected for themselves show that they are making a good livelihood. There is still a large amount of auriferous ground to work, but the quantity of water that can be brought on to the field at anything like a moderate expense is very limited, and very often, especially in fine weather, the supply is not sufficient to allow them to work in their claims. This, however, is compensated by having a few acres fenced in for cattle, and, all having good gardens, they can grow their own vegetables; this, together with having a milch cow, allows them to keep their families at a minimum cost, as they can find employment in cultivating the soil when they have not work in their claims. The most of the mines on this field have water-races of their own, or, at least, interests in water-races —that is, two or three parties may hold a water-race conjointly, and, by having dams to conserve the water at night, they manage by this means to command a medium supply for a few hours per day, but none of the parties have a large supply. There is a great depth of ground in which there is very little gold, if any, that has to be run away before the regular auriferous wash-drift on the bottom is reached, which in some places is from 4ft. to 6ft. in depth, but the depth of the auriferous layer varies considerably in the different claims. Sometimes it will not be much more than lft. thick. The deepest ground is about 70ft. : this is in Weston and party's claim. In the claims of Turnbull and party, Boulston and party, Barry and Donovan, and King and Instone, the ground is from 40ft. to 50ft. in depth. All these men seem satisfied with the returns, although they complain that the ground is poor; but had they a large supply of water, to run away the top stuff in a wholesale manner, there is no doubt but the whole of the claims would yield handsome returns. The bottom the miners are working on is a sandstone grit, in places full of fossil marine shells, showing that the whole of this field has been under the sea at one time, and the auriferous washdrift and the character of the gold also bears this out. Very rich deposits of gold were got on the sea-beach and in the low terraces in the early days with very little labour, but the shallow ground being worked out, men have now to go further back and remove a great deal of dead material before they can get at the auriferous layer of wash-drift. It is worthy of note that Mr. Hennessy is said to have beep working his claim ever since he gained his law-case with Weston and party about his water-right, although the miners in the district at the time of my last visit assured me that the ground would not pay to work. On making inquiries of one of Weston's party as to how the sluicing into the creek affected their head-race, he said that they did not suffer a great deal of inconvenience. One of their party had to do about half a day's work each week at the head of their race to clean it out. There never can be a large number of miners employed on this field owing to the scarcity of water, but those who have claims will have many years' work. The school is now removed from the reserve on which it was first erected to a site nearer the township, and Barry and Donovan are working the lead which runs through this reserve. From what could be gathered from the man working in this claim at the time of my visit, the lead is very narrow, and this is borne out by the narrow gut they are taking up, the bottom of which does not average above 30ft. in width. King and Instone are working a gut on the opposite side of the school reserve to where Barry and Donovan are at work, but they are outside the reserve. There is yet a large area of auriferous ground in the vicinity of Orepuki, but it is very little use for any newcomers to try to make a livelihood here unless they purchase some of the water-rights, for all the available water that can be brought on to the ground at a moderate outlay has been long ago secured.

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Pebseevation Inlet. This is the port to which all the vessels come when bringing stores and mining requisites to the mining population situate on Coal and Crayfish Islands and on the mainland. In this locality some fairly rich finds have been made at different times, and the character of the gold found in the alluvial drifts indicate that there will be rich quartz lodes yet discovered in the vicinity. A great deal of the gold found in the bed of Wilson's Eiver came from the quartz lode that the stream has denuded to a great extent at the Golden Site Company's claim, and the gold found in Sealers' Creek came from the denudation of quartz lodes, inasmuch that the gold found here in the alluvial drifts on the terraces is all of such a character as it would be when newly liberated from quartz. It is not water-worn to any extent, and has small pieces of quartz attached to it. No doubt the day will come when a good lode will yet be discovered in this locality. At Wilson's Eiver there are only a few parties working in the alluvial drift on the bank and bed of the river. In very few places is there any wash-drift on the sides of the river for a considerable distance below where the Golden Site quartz-lode crosses the river-bed; any workings here are merely turning over rocks and boulders, while all the loose material can almost be washed off in a tin dish. The terraces begin to come in a little above where the track from the mouth of Preservation Inlet towards the Waiau crosses Wilson's Eiver, and some workings are carried on here ; but it is said that with the exception of a few claims that are giving fair returns the men are only making very small wages. At Coal Island there are still a few claims being worked, but it is said with poor results, and those at work on Crayfish Island are not any better off. Gold has been found both in the alluvial drifts and in a quartz-lode on the mainland between Preservation and Chalky Inlet, which, it is said, will give payable returns for working; but at the present time too little is known about this part of the country to induce people to go to this place with the intention of getting a claim which will pay wages for working. There are fairly rich patches of ground sometimes, but so far they have not proved to be of any large extent. A very gloomy letter relating to this goldfield appears in the Qtago. Weekly Neios, from the correspondent to that paper, which is dated the 12th April last, of which the following is an extract: — " Mining matters on this goldfield are at the present duller and more hopeless than ever they have been since its opening some five years ago. There are scarcely three claims in the whole district paying £1 10s. a week per man, and even these are all but worked out, and the number of 'tucker' claims are few and far between." He refers to glowing accounts of a rush to Tarawai (probably Te Whara) Beach given in the Southland Times, and of an extraordinarily rich reef being found on Crayfish Island. In regard to the rush at Tarawai Beach, he says it was a very insignificant little patch, not worth more than passing notice, as from the formation of the ground it could only be of very limited extent. As for the Crayfish Island Eeef, he could never find one, and does not believe that ever a paying reef will be found there. As for a company being formed, that is nothing. Several companies have been formed here whose shareholders will not get gold enough out of them to pay for the paper the prospectus is printed on. He goes on to state that another correspondent advises miners intending to come here to bring boats with them, which had the effect of inducing from eighty to one hundred miners to come round with tools, boats, &c, fully equipped to pass the winter here. Some even brought their wives, and the result was disappointment and loss to all, and a great hardship to many. It cannot be too widely known to miners that the ground here is very patchy, the patches very small, very far between, and, at the best, very poor, while the work is of the very hardest. The only good thing about this quarter is the healthiness of the district. One never hears of colds, influenza, or even rheumatism. With such a glowing account, one has to think well before leaving any ground elsewhere to seek their livelihood at these diggings. At the same time, it is in a portion of the colony which a few years ago was terra incognita, and even yet very little is known respecting it. Any one going here must make up their mind to thoroughly undergo the hardship of a digger's life, and be prepared to do a considerable amount of prospecting. No doubt a boat is a great convenience to the miners in taking them from one part of the inlet to another; but before this country is opened up and prospected there will have to be a considerable amount of swagging done, and men will have to put up with the discomforts of a tent-life in a part of the colony where there is a considerable rainfall. But with all this, if a good field be discovered, either alluvial or quartz workings, all the discomforts will quickly disappear, small townships will be formed, and good communication established. Several prospectors have been out in the back-country, and, although they have not yet been successful in finding payable gold, the country that they have passed through is said to be encouraging to carry on prospecting operations. Chalky Inlet. Whatever the result of the prospecting party that went out in the end of last year has been, they certainly have given a deal more information in respect to this part of the colony than ever was known before. Mr. Carrick, who went out with the party, has forwarded a deal of useful information in regard to the character of the country which was heretofore a terra incognita. Mr. Carrick has been on the goldfields for a large number of years. His object on the present occasion was not so much the prospecting for gold as exploring the country. He is connected with the Press, and, as a Pressman, he has written an interesting description of the country for the Waimea Plains Review, besides furnishing a map showing the places where he had been, and where gold was obtained. Mr. Carrick was commissioned by the proprietor of the newspaper referred to, to proceed to this part of the colony in the early part of November last, and he returned about the middle of February, after having been away sixteen weeks in practically an unknown land. In his description he divides his subjects into the following heads: (1) Cuttle Cove, Te Whara Beach, and Chalky; (2) Te Whara Beach as Gold-bearing Country; (3) The Cunaris ; (4) The Subalpine ; (5) Timber Belts, &c.

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In regard to subject (1), Mr. Carrick calls it " Auriferous Belt No. 1," and he states : — " Geologically speaking, there is a marked difference between the eastern and western shores of Preservation. The former, including Wilson's Eiver and Long Beach, by which names these diggings have hitherto been identified, is of broken irregular formation. It is, so to speak, jumbled up, the most convenient theory being that this state of things was brought by volcanic or other organic upheaval. In country like that, no guarantee exists of permanency of leads and reefs. Eich in places—excessively rich—patches found to-day may pinch out and be lost to-morrow. The famed Golden Site already shows indications of this uncertainty, and the same contingency may be expected throughout the neighbourhood as a whole. The western side of the inlet is quite of a different formation. In no part is the indication of the same broken irregular strata met with. On this side of the country only the one reef has been partially opened—namely, the Crown and St. George at Cuttle Cove. That reefs do exist in the neighbourhood may be taken for granted, as the gold found on the beaches leaves little room for doubt, as it is all heavy reef-gold, and shows that it could not have travelled far. " The solidity of the western shore justifies the opinion that it wiil turn out more permanent and reliable in its gold finds. By referring to the map, it will be seen that the western district is exposed to the full fetch of the ocean-swell, south-south-east to south-west. That exposure extends from Gulches Head at the entrance to the headland south of Cuttle Cove. Indeed, the last named is the only obstacle that exists along the entire coast as a buffer or barrier to these seas. In that way the cove is the only place at which a landing can be effected with any degree of safety during southerly weather. Te Whara Beach and the neck through to Chalky are terribly exposed to these winds. During my stay in the inlet we had to endure eight days partial starvation in consequence of the inability of the purvey boats to face these beaches in southerly weather. Cattle Cove, on the other hand, is a capital harbour, accessible and safe for landing in all weather. " At the head of Cuttle Covo there are, say, 30 or 40 acres of level land with a fine stream through the centre. It is well protected by an amphitheatre of rising ground, which on two sides is not by any means abrupt or precipitous, so that if the level land came to be too limited for township purposes buildings may, without inconvenience, be erected up the side of the hill. There must be a township at Cuttle Cove of more or less importance, as it is the key to the surrounding country, and during the prevalance of bad weather this is the only point at which ingress can be had. Behind what must eventually be the township there is a fairly well-defined track leading through a strath of timber-country between Cavern Head and the Mainland Eange to Te Whara Bea.ch. About midway there is a creek, carrying from five to six sluice-heads of water, running into the sea on boulderbank on the Cuttle Cove side of Cavern Head. If that beach be not taken up it is a likely place for gold. It comes down the same range as the Te Whara Creek, and what makes it more promising is, that whereas Te Whara Creek tumbles pell-mell to the sea this particular creek reaches it after flowing through some miles of level country. " Te Whara Beach. " On reaching Cuttle Cove on the 18th November, en route to the interior, gales detained me here for eight or ten days. At this time there was not a soul at work, or even permanently located, on the western side, with the exception of one individual, who was employed shepherding a quartzreef claim at the cove, preparatory to arrangements being made for a syndicate taking it up. Before the gale subsided a start was made to join the boating section of the exploration party who were storm-staid at South Port. My travelling mates consisted of two men who were with me. Beaching the beach, we called the midday halt, and while the billy was boiling a cursory examination was made of the bed of the stream. Comparing notes, we unanimously concluded both the beach and the creek carried good specimens. These researches were prosecuted to the other creeks, and kept up on their beaches as long as the limited time at our disposal would permit. The results all through were confirmatory of the first impressions. To avoid headland we made our way through the bush and kept well inland so as to make out of the bush at the head of the bay opening in from Preservation to the Neck. Just as we calculated on descending to the latter we found ourselves meshed in a deep creek —so deep and precipitous we saw at a glance that we would with our goodly-sized swags on our backs have some difficulty in climbing the opposite bank. We halted to rest and prepare for the emergency. It was a short spell, but it gave time to discover further auriferous indications, as also layers of gravel-wash, which time would not permit to examine closely. When these beaches were again visited in January they had all been taken up. The one at the mouth of Deep Creek is now known as Glennie's Workings. The debris was stripped off the beach and the metal—a rough sample of reef gold—picked out of the crevices. The admitted rate of remuneration was then 4dwt. of gold a man per day, the gold being worth 3s. 9d. a pennyweight. Since then they have worked up into the wash at the mouth of the creek, and the other beach parties are said to be doing similarly well. " One of my travelling party from Cuttle Cove went back to work the beach at the mouth of the creek where we first got specimens, and the results of his working has turned out most satisfactorily. By again referring to the map it will be seen that the range fronting the inlet from Cuttle Cove falls away in a face to the Neck, which, it may be explained, is a strath or level track leading through to South Port. This range or face skirts South Port on the north bank, having a tract of magnificent bush-land from the waters' edge to the base of the hill, about one mile in breadth. At the mouth of South Port the range sheers away up Chalky, and forms the continuation of the range skirting Cunaris on its southern bank. One river comes down the face and flows over the level bush-land, falling in South Port on the north side, near its head. At the entrance to South Port, on the north side, there is a semicircular bay of no great depth of water. A large river flowing down apparently along Chalky side of the range falls in at the head of the bay. Between that and the river at the upper end of South Port the beach bears evidence of subterranean streams, the beds of which will probably be found at the foot of the ranges. All these streams rise out of one

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belt of country, and it is my belief that Deep Creek and the South Port streams intersect each other on the range. If one be auriferous, the others must be also, or else all given theories about the occurrence of gold are sadly at fault. " Between South Port and Camp No. 2, a distance of four or five miles, the beach is a succession of highly-mineralised stone, quartz blows, leaders, boulders, &c, with a back-country of made ground or terrace formation to the base of the hill. These terraces extend back for a mile or a mile and a half. It was on evidence of this kind that my belief was based when designating the track of country from the cove round to Cunaris, Auriferous Belt No. 1, and so far the developments have fully justified this designation. My opinion, with no pretentions to expert knowledge or special training, is that this country, which is many miles in extent, is full of quartz reefs, and that the gold found in the mouths of the creeks have simply, by erosion and action of water, got washed down the creeks, the heavier particles lodging in the crevices, and the lighter washed out to the sea. " Cunaris. " This is designated ' Auriferous Belt No. 2.' Cunaris delta focussing with Edwardson's Sound presents another stretch of country worthy of the attention of the diggers. Coasting along either Sound, the land presents steep irregular foreground of no great height, unless in the immediate neighbourhood of the Apex, where the hills, set down as lumps, rise to considerable heights. My first sight of the interior was from a 3,000 ft. altitude on the eastern side of the lakes. It forms an extensive tract of open cussocky land, the upper end lost to view amidst the mountains forming the east branch of the lakes system. At an interview with Messrs. T. Mackenzie and W. S. Pillans, regarding their exploration of the neighbouring country from Manapouri, they pointed out that they had seen the top of a valley running in this direction, situated east of Mount Eileen, previously named Mount Solitary. The probabilities are that this is the top of the valley running out at Cunaris, in which case the tract of open land referred to must be of great extent, and much larger than the view led me to suppose. For grazing and agriculture this tract of country is worthy of attention. Its drainage is in the direction of Edwardscn's and Cunaris, chiefly the latter. Inside the Lamps, at the Cunaris, the rise from the beach is from 500 ft. to 700 ft. At first it is precipitous, but as one proceeds upwards the high lands recede, leaving flats broaching on to the foreshore. " After spending three weeks on the lakes to no purpose, so far as auriferous indications are concerned, we went to the Cunaris. The beaches at the lower end of Edwardson's Sound gave slight indications of auriferous tendencies, but not very great. Coasting up the northern bank the beaches, together with their indications, improved. Reference to the map will show an indentation in the coast-line a few miles beyond the headland. At or about this point the high range in the foreground disappeared, giving place to the aforesaid 500 ft. to 700 ft. elevation. Here we met in with the first well-defined creek. It issued from what appears to be a gorge of considerable depth at the elevation, and came tumbling down the face, discharging itself on to a beach or boulder-bank. At the outset of the gorge we could see a heavy landslip had recently taken place. The face of the hill was covered with scrubby bush, a large area of which had been cleared away by the slip. Considerable quantities of loose gravel and debris had been hurled down to the beach, and on examination w.e were more than pleased to find the material was richly auriferous. We would have camped here, but the situation was too exposed to risk the boats. However ready a man may be to expose himself in these regions, he will hesitate before exposing his boat, the loss or destruction of which means cutting off all possibility of escape to the outer world. This creek should be explored. The landslip makes it conspicuous from miles around, and it cannot very well be mistaken. Two miles further up, the high lands recede, leaving level tracts to the foreshore. About the centre of the bank, standing out prominently from its shore-line, the bed of a river will be found, at the mouth of which similarly good indications were got. The chances are this flat has been the receptacle of the gold brought down from the higher levels from time immemorial. At and about this river-flat there is, most probably, a promising field for the prospector. Three miles further up, the head of the westerly arm of Cunaris is reached. It terminates in a large boulder-bank, over which the main river makes its way in dubious shoots, merging from a rocky recess amongst the north-west mountains. Very good prospects were found up the river. Seen from the neighbouring peaks, it is a forked river of great extent, rising from the watershed of the mountains situated to the east of the lake chain. On this river alone there should be a vast amount of work for the miner. The indications all through, to my mind at least, are that the back-country comprising the aforesaid valley is rich in mineral wealth. My theory is formed on the facts given, and any one who considers the evidence not strong enough to justify this assumption should not attempt to solve the problem. This is what has been designated Auriferous Belt No. 2. It is surrounded by difficulties not met with on Belt No. 1. In the first place, it is more unfavourably situated, and outside communication is solely dependent on boating. The prevailing winds are north-west and south-east, the one drawing up the Sound and the other drawing down. Thus far they are accommodating, but, unfortunately, they have a perverse way of turning themselves to suit any one's whim and convenience. " The Sub-alpine. "This is named 'Auriferous Belt No. 3.' It formed the limits of my observations in a northwest direction, and brought us to the verge of Dusky Sound. To reach it one must go in a boat to the head of Edwardson's Sound, which terminates in a snug cove, with a through channel to the Sound a few chains in length and not more than a dozen yards wide. The cove itself covers a considerable area, with anchorage on the lower side suitable for vessels the size of the ' Hinemoa.' The Lefthand Eiver, so named from its position to the cove, is a stream of considerable dimensions. It is navigable for boats for a mile and a half inland. There, at the mouth of a creek, will be found a futter and other necessaries to camping. " Gold was found up the creek referred to, and from the camp at the foot there is an excellent blazed track for four or five miles, following the line of the river. It rises up the shoulder of a hill,

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600 ft., from which one or two good shots of observation can be got in the direction of the Sound. There are a number of likely creeks along the track, carrying quartz boulders, but no gold was found. The blazed track terminates at the forks of the river in a basin, where the remains of a camp will be found. Fairly good gold was got at the forks, but it was not enough, considering the remote isolated position of the place. Prospects were obtained all up the river as far as the gorge, a distance of six or seven miles. Following the creek from the right-hand branch, we reached a height of about 2,000 ft., through which was an extremely tough belt of timber. The climbing was awful, a great portion of the belt being sheer precipice. The level opened out in a vast plateau, backed up by the superior range, which soared up from I,oooft. to 1,500 ft. higher. Here we could see the main branch of the river, which rose with a rapid grade towards the northwest, while the plateau fell in that direction by a gradual slope until it reached the river-bank. On the opposite side the country again rose with a uniform grade until it reached the level of what has been named Glen Alpine Pass—a most remarkable wedged-shaped saddle leading down to, and bordering on, Dusky. The plateau, as well as the side of the superior range, is a vast succession of quartz-blows cropping out upon the surface, in many instances acres in extent. This formation continues as far as the eye can reach, and probably the same description of country will be found all the way through to Dusky Sound. A more dreary desolate region could not be found, and, in the present condition of things, it would be madness for any man to attempt to work it, at least until tracks are made to open this part of the country up. This is what is designated " Auriferous Belt No. 3." It would only be the boldest class of digger, well equipped, and supplied with, say, six months' provisions, who would dare to face it at present. " Timber-belts. " With the exception of a few thousand acres open tussocky land at Cunaris, and mountain tops situated above the 2,000 ft. level, the country is densely timbered. Even the naked granite in many places carries a family of pines. The magical faculty displayed by vegetation in relieving the then naked deformity of some vast geological tragedy by which these fearful chasms were rent and riven, behind draperies of fresh and verdant green, is one of the marvels of the scene. It is, indeed, astonishing how all that terrible smash and smithereen is rendered fair, if not lovely, by climbing files of pines, which thread every gorge and camp in armies on giddy precipices and aerial crags. The prevailing timber is red-pine with clusters of totara. The former, as a rule, of gigantic growth, 60ft. and 70ft. high, clean built, and regular in every outline. The most accessible at present is that growing on what has already been distinguished as Auriferous Belt No. 1. It is intersected by two of the best ports for shipment in the place—namely, Cuttle Cove on the one side, and South Port on the other. Although less convenient there are a number of bights and coves further up Chalky Inlet which might be utilised to some purpose for timber in that locality. The south bank of Cunaris, also densely timbered, supplies conveniences, so that the belt, on the whole, commands ample scope for transitu. The head of the Sound, on both the east and west sides, also commands vast tracts of good available timber, at each of which direct shipment could easily be provided for. The cove at the head of Bdwardson's Sound is also surrounded by timber tracts, with rivers penetrating into the interior, down which rafts could be brought from a great distance. The waterfalls might be obstacles, but they would not prove absolute barriers. The timber will, without doubt, be a flourishing trade in these fiords in the near future. "Lakes. " These are, so to speak, gems in New Zealand scenery conterminous to two of the grand tourists' tracks in the colony, but, as things stand, inaccessible to both the Manapouri Lake on the one side, and Dusky Sound and the Fiords on the other. If grandly diversified scenerymountain, wood, and flood in new aspects and fresh combinations—be material to the fortunes of New Zealand, in these lakes she has a fund to draw upon which ought to be of some account in the wealth of nations. Five or six miles of made track would place them in direct communication with Dusky Sound on the one hand, and Chalky Inlet on the other. In a word, it would provide a through route far and away superior to anything New Zealand produced in scenic effect. Then, again, a branch from the Dusky Track could be carried up the valley of the Seaforth, as delineated in the explorations of Messrs. Mackenzie and Pillans, and on to Manapouri, thereby bringing the lakes, the fiords, and the Manapouri into the combination of a through route. There are beaches and belts of country alongside these lakes which, for sanatorium purposes, would yield large groundrentals, sufficient to defray the preliminary cost of opening out. It would be an incentive to mining operations on the more remote hills especially, if the digger knew there was a chance of casual employment being obtained at these outlandish spots. In that way reproductive works and auriferous research would be made to go hand in hand and become mutually beneficial. " The approach to the lakes from Chalky requires a few directions. Nestling amongst bush at the upper end of the cove, on the right-hand side, nearly opposite the entrance from the Sound, there is a river. Looking up from its mouth a miniature waterfall will be seen. On the right-hand, almost alongside the fall, there is a ledge of rocks which serves the purpose of a natural wharf, close at hand to the landing there is an old camp; beyond the camp a well-defined track has been cut and blazed, which leads over the shoulder of a head post —the head of Cora Lynn-—to the banks of the first lake. En route the bush has been hewn so as to afford a view of Cora Lynn. On the banks of the lake, at the end of the track, a large hut has been erected with eight bunks. The lakes' boat, provided out of Government subsidy, is, or at all events was, safely stowed away in the ing cove. It is a good handy craft for the lakes navigation. Fish at the head of the Sound are abundant; a superior class of eels is plentiful in the lakes, especially about the mouths of the creeks and rivers. Everywhere towards the head waters kakapos are abundant; there are also kakas, ducks, teal, and pigeons, but the latter are by no means numerous, at all events they did not seem so during my stay in this neighbourhood Wild pigs, cattle, and rabbits are unknown.

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Eats, especially about the old whaling settlements, are numerous and destructive. They do not appear to have gone inland as far as the lakes. The lower part of Chalky is a land of coves, so that a boating party overtaken by the stress of weather can run in for it, and find available campingground. Still the navigation of these sounds is ticklish, and unless a man is accustomed to boating he should content himself with the oars, and not trust to canvas." The above is a digest of Mr. Carrick's description of the south-western portion of the Middle Island. Whether the vivid picture he has drawn will be realised is a question which time alone can tell. So far, no one has ever been in this part of the colony; thus there is no information to the contrary of what Mr. Carrick has told us. It is possible that he may have taken rather a sanguine view of things, so far as the payable auriferous character of the whole of the country through which he passed is concerned, but there is little doubt but some of it will prove remunerative for working. There is proof positive that there is gold, and, from what some of the proprietors of the St. George Quartz Claim at Cuttle Cove informed me, there is a prospect of very rich stone being got in some of the quartz lodes in this locality. The place is said to be a network of quartz lodes, leaders, and veins, and nearly the whole of them carrying gold. The stone is of a blueishwhite appearance, carrying blue streaks ; it has everything to commend it as far as appearances go. On the opposite side of the inlet, on the main land at Long-beach, the Morning Star Company is said to have got some very good stone, a ton of which was sent to Invercargill and crushed, which yielded about 9oz. of gold. The company is constructing an adit-level at about 150 ft. lower down the hill to test the stone. An adit was put in, and the reef cut at 31ft. below the outcrop where the rich stone was first got, and the lode was cut at 41ft. It was found to be nearly 3ft. in width, and carrying gold equal to the stone on the outcrop. Annexed is a sketch-map of the country, with the track followed by Mr. Carrick, and showing where gold was obtained.

DEEDGING. The number of dredges employed in alluvial mining is increasing every year, and it may be said, generally, thai the majority of the dredges now employed are proving to be paying ventures. Large fortunes are not to be made by the employment of these machines any more than by other appliances used for working the alluvial drifts. Still many of the mining claims by this system of working make the ground yield sufficient gold to pay good interest on the capital invested; they are opening up a new era in mining, as the large river-beds which formerly could not be worked are now, by the use of dredging-machines, made to yield up a portion of the treasure which has been the accumulation of ages. Not only is there a large quantity of concentrated material in the beds of the large rivers, but considerable valleys and flats have been formed by the action of the rivers changing their courses from time to time. Deposits of auriferous drifts are found on terraces along the sidelings of some of the ranges facing the rivers, which, in some instances, are now 700 ft. above their present water-level, showing the immense time that has transpired since the water flowed at this level. As for instance, the Shotover Eiver-bed is now cut down in the solid rock some hundreds of feet below the level at which it had at one time been. The rivers have also been the means of forming large valleys, and immense areas of comparatively flat land, as for instance, the Canterbury Plains, which have been wholly formed by the denudation of the mountains, and the different rivers and streams continually shifting their course, carrying always a certain quantity of solid material along with the stream, and depositing it upon the low-lying ground. The Clutha Eiver bed is now for many miles taken up in dredging claims, and a large number of these machines are at present carrying on dredging operations. Since the first dredges were used for working these river-beds, considerable improvements have been made in them, and improved methods for saving the gold introduced. These appliances, however, are by no means anything like perfect yet, and there is a great difficulty in contriving any really good gold-saving appliances for use on board these dredges; this has yet to be overcome. The pontoons or barges which carry the dredging machinery are not sufficiently steady for fine-gold-saving tables to be used. The vibration caused by the working of the machinery, together with the oscillation in the stream, does not permit of the dredged material, after it has been separated from the stones and gravel, running uniformly and evenly distributed over the whole surface of the gold-saving tables, which is one of the most essential elements in connection with gold-saving. A great deal of the gold in the river-beds, and more especially on the ocean-beaches, is in a very minutely divided state, being rolled about by the action of the current, and, ground into fine dust and minute flakes, it requires the greatest care, and tables nicely adjusted, with a uniform supply of water and material, before one can expect to save anything like a fair percentage of this class of gold. The hulls of the barges, on which the gold-saving appliances are placed, require to have considerably more beam than they usually possess, so that their oscillating movement may be minimised. The tendency of dredging operations is for the materials to come up much faster at one time than another—that is, sometimes there is a large quantity of sand on the tables, while at others there is scarcely any. The tables therefore do not work so clean and steadily as they do when used for dealing with the fine material from hydraulic-sluicing operations; by this is meant that the sand passes through perforated plates in the bottom of the sluices where it is distributed over a very wide surface of tables. The dredges lift about 50 cubic yards of material per hour, or about the same quantity as the Shamrock Company, at Addison's, send up through the hydraulic elevator; and the width of table used by that company is 100 ft., whereas on a dredge the greatest width used, is only about 25ft. The fine gold has not, therefore, the same chance of being saved as it would be on stationary tables of a sufficient width. Although the dredge has proved a useful machine in working the river-beds none of them have yet proved a success in working the auriferous sand on the sea-beaches, simply because the quantity of material they are capable of lifting cannot be treated in a proper manner by the washing

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MAP OF THE SOUTH-WESTERN PORTION OF Fiord County SHOWING THE Newly Explored Country.

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appliances. If such a company as the Shamrock, at Addison's, requires tables having a width of 100 ft., and even this width is fully little enough to deal with the quantity of material that is lifted, it can easily be understood that to put the same quantity over tables of one-quarter of the width the greater portion of the gold would be carried away. The width of the tables has more to do with gold-saving than their length, as the whole of the sand requires to be evenly distributed in a very thin film over the surface, or, at least, it ought to pass over the tables in a fine coating along with a small stream of water, so that every particle can roll down on the surface of the blanketing or cocoanut-matting with which the tables are covered. On the introduction of any new machine, it can hardly be expected that all the working details will be so nicely arranged that every part of it will give entire satisfaction ; neither can it be expected that the same description of washing appliance which is used for saving gold in the alluvial drifts will answer for working the material found on the ocean-beach. If a miner were to use a long sluice-box and ripples for washing the sand found on the ocean-beach, similar to that used for hydraulic sluicing, little or no gold would be saved, and the result would necessarily cause the ground to be abandoned as valueless. From my personal knowledge of the quantity of gold in the material on the Five-mile Beach below Okarito and Gillespie's Beach, were a dredge constructed with tables of capacity sufficient for washing the sand fairly, not only would it be a payable venture, but if, say, 75 per cent, of the gold could be saved, the returns of gold obtained would be so great as to cause a new era in many places on the West Coast. The maiority of the dredges yet used for gold-working are in Otago, and a large number is on the Clutha Eiver. As my other duties did not permit me to visit many places on the Otago goldfields during the past year, a description of the working of the dredges in this part of the colony has been taken from the report by Mr. J. Gow, the Inspector of Mines for that district, and from information received from other sources. Otago. Waipori. The 'two -dredges that were formerly at work here have suspended operations for a considerable time, owing to the settlers in the vicinity of Berwick obtaining an injunction from the Supreme Court stopping all dredging operations ; but it is understood that an arrangement has now been come to with the farmers whereby dredging operations can be continued on the construction of dams to hold all the dredged material, and prevent the muddy water from getting into the river. Both these dredging companies—the Waipori and the Jutland Flat—were formerly working on ground that will give a fair return for dredging operations. During last year, however, no gold has been obtained from these dredging claims, and the expenses in litigation will absorb the profits for some time to come. Glenore. J. Nelson and Company's Dredge. —This dredge is situated at Glenore, and commenced work nearly twelve months ago, during which time it has dredged from the Glenore Bridge about 6 chains up the stream by about 3 chains in width. The depth worked runs from 20ft. to 35ft., but no solid bottom has yet been touched. The lowest depth reached consists of very stiff yellow clay, in which it is thought a small quantity of gold exists, and, of course, is at present being left behind. It is, however, intended at an early date to sink a prospecting shaft to the rock-bottom a short distance below the bridge, in order to arrive at the value of the subsoil and yellow clay to the rock, and with a view also of opening another claim in that locality. The system of working this claim, should the prospects be favourable, have not yet been decided on. The present dredge is supposed to be lifting about 12 yards per hour, but, in consequence of some very large stones being met with from time to time, and the stiff tenacious clay to be gouged up, it is difficult to estimate the average quantity put through. The sluicing-water is lifted about Bft. by a centrifugal pump, having an Ilia, dischargepipe and 18in. vanes ; it is worked at a speed so as to discharge about 2,000 gallons per minute. There are three sluice-boxes side by side, each 3ft. wide, and having a gradient of 18in. to 12ft. The centre-box receives all the water and the debris from the buckets, The debris first passes over 6ft. of ripples and then alternately over perforated plates and ripples to the end of the boxes. From the perforated plates the fine material is allowed to flow through gauged side apertures into the boxes on each side, which are lined with matting only. Most of the gold, though very fine, is found in the first 12ft. in the centre-box. Mr. J. Nelson, the manager, is of opinion that a less fall to the box would probably suit better were it not for the many large stones which have to be assisted down the box from the drop to where they can be lifted out by hand and rolled overboard. Of course more water could be put through to carry the stones to the end of the sluice, but this might result in a loss of some fine gold now being saved. There is a considerable quantity of clay all through the stuff now being dredged up, and much of it passes out in lumps at the tail of the sluice-box, and, no doubt, these carry gold with them. The steel nose-plates on the buckets last about twelve months, and the bucket-pins have to be renewed every three months. The dredge is floating in a pool of still water, 10 chains long by 1 to 2 chains wide, dammed off from the creek water, on the same level, with fascines and fine gravel filled in between, so that any water passing through to the creek is more or less filtered. It is estimated to take six years to work the flat to the top boundary. The claim extends 40 chains down the stream from the present working, all of which has been previously worked to a depth of about 16ft. over thirty years ago. There are in all eight men employed on and about the dredge, which is kept going the twenty-four hours from month's end to month's end, and consumes 16cwt. of coal during every eight-hour shift. My impression is, from information obtained from the manager, that the shareholders have been making fair wages after paying all expenses. The creek-bed immediately adjoining the top end of Nelson's ground has lately been applied for as a claim, and the application is to be dealt with in about ten days; it is said a dredge is to ba put on it. 21—C. 3.

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Glutha Biver. Golden Gate Company. —This company was formed recently for the purpose of building a large and powerful dredge immediately adjoining and just below the Island Block Company's Claim. The dredge, which will be fitted with all the newest appliances, is expected to commence working about the end of September; and it is intended to make an endeavour to pick up the run of gold on the Government reserve, about 10 chains, on the bank of the river, at the north-west end of the Island Block Company's Claim, which was at one time worked by the latter company. The Golden Hun Dredge. —This is the first dredge to be seen on the Clutha above the Island Block Sluicing Claim. At the time of my previous visit the dredge was working close to the high bank on the west side of the river, where it was said to be remarkably rich, but dangerous to work in consequence of the dredging causing large landslips, one of which, at about that time, had nearly buried the dredge. In order to continue operations with safety under the river-bank on this side, a head-race was constructed from a small stream, distant a mile and a half, at a cost of about £150, and a Giant nozzle and pipes were procured at a cost of another £150. When there was sufficient water available the bank of the river, 27ft. high, was sluiced off to the water-level to the extent of about an acre and a half, and this is now ready for the dredge to operate on. When the acre and a half is dredged the value of the ground will be known, and, if payable, another strip of 75 links wide—to the Clutha Eoad —by about 10 chains or more in length can be sluiced off. This strip would probably be the outside limit of payable ground. The dredge is, at the present time, working on ground in the stream previously worked by another small dredge, and it is paying very well; in fact, it is said to be paying this dredge much better than it did the one that went over the ground first. The first dredge did not reach the bottom of the gold-bearing wash, and consequently left some of the best ground undisturbed. The present dredge reaches the fine white quartz-wash which forms the bottom in many places—no gold has yet been found in paying quantity below it— it forms a floor on the same level as the " pipeclay " bottom. The depth now being dredged is from 21ft. to 25ft., from which level the white wash is brought up. It is a splendid bottom to dredge on., and there should be no gold left behind if proper care be taken by those in charge of the shift. The .claim is said to extend upward for a distance of 15 chains above the block now stripped, all of which is supposed to be very good ground; in fact, some of it is known to be very rich. The sluice-boxes have a fall of 1 in 8, and are fitted with perforated plates above the bottom, with Jin. holes lin. apart; under the plates is plush, covered with fine wire netting of mesh, for a length of 20ft. Following the plates there are Bft. of angle-iron ripples, under these is plush. Following this there are 12ft. of perforated plates having cocoanut-matting underneath, and below this is calico lying on the bottom of the box. Notwithstanding all this care to save the gold some fine gold is still found at the tail-end of the sluice-boxes. It is said the eye can easily detect a difference in three samples of gold, when kept apart, from each separate kind of ripple or saving appliance in use here. The quantity dredged per shift of eight hours is estimated roughly at 250 tons. The quantity of coal consumed each twenty-four hours is about a ton, or a little over 300 tons per annum, and costs 16s. 6d. per ton at the dredge. The engine is 14-horse power nominal, was made by Anderson and Son, of Christchurch, and is considered by the manager in charge to be first class. The sluicing-water is lifted by a centrifugal pump, and about two heads are used. A tailings-elevator, capable of stacking the tailings 15ft. above the level of the water, is now on the ground, and will be fixed on the dredge at an early date. When the dredge was working near the high bank she could not reach the bottom in consequence of the tailings coining back on her ; the elevator will obviate this. The elevator is a new thing as applied to dredges, and was first designed by Cutten Brothers, civil engineers, of Dunedin. The only one yet working is on a dredge at Alexandra, where it is admitted by all dredge-owners to be a great success. The elevator for the Golden Eun was designed by Mr. Eoberts, civil engineer, Dunedin. The Golden Eun Company was formed about three years ago with a capital of £3,000, of which £1,000 was given to the promoters in paid-up shares, and 19s. per share has been paid up on the remaining 2,000 shares. The company, since the commencement of dredging operations, have paid off their liabilities, and declared £1 6s. 6d. per share in dividends. Bennett and Party's Excelsior Dredge. —This is the second above the Golden Eun, and is working opposite Mr. Steele's farm. It was at one time a current-wheeler, but is now being worked by a compound engine of 6-horse power nominal, and is capable of doing much more work than at present. It dredges from 24ft. to 26ft.; the bottom is clay, sand, and rock, and very patchy. The depth across the river varies very much, from 12ft. to 26ft.; but the value of the ground is much alike from side to side of the stream. The dredge is said to lift about 30 tons of gravel per hour, or 240 tons each eight-hours' shift. It is kept going continuously by having three eight-hour shifts. The sluicing-water is lifted by a number of 5-gallon buckets fixed to the rim of a wheel at the side of the dredge, and is capable of lifting more than is required. The sluice-boxes have a fall of 2ft. 6in. to the 12ft., and are 2ft. 6in. wide. They are provided with perforated plates, having Jin. tapered holes, under which plush is laid for a length of 7ft. The top 3ft. of the plush is said to catch nearly all the gold. Under the top sluice-box, and running parallel with it, is a second box of the same width, and at probably 40in. lower level, to catch the droppings from the buckets, generally called a " catch all." In this box is placed cocoanut-matting, but the gold here saved forms a very small proportion of the total obtained. The claim is likely to last for many years, and the men are pleased with their earnings. The consumption of coal is estimated at 80 tons per annum. The dredge at the present time is working close to the perpendicular bank, 23ft. high, on the west side of the river. Pringle and Party's Dredge is on the adjoining claim to the Golden Eun, and is working a little above it on the opposite side of the stream. This dredge is very similar in size, &c, to the Excelsior ; the engine is by the same maker, and is of equal horse-power ; it is capable of lifting the same quantity of gravel, and dredges to the same depth, and is worked for twenty-four hours by two men on each shift, and it is said to consume about 80 tons per annum. On the western boundary

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of this claim, for a chain in width, the bottom is the white quartz wash, and from that to the eastern side of the stream it is said to be soft pipeclay. There is a strip of shingle-beach a chain or more in width on the eastern side of the stream, but which ground, although proved to be fairly good, cannot be worked by this dredge in consequence of the extra quantity of tailings to be disposed of if working this shingle-beach. This dredge is too small to carry a tailings-elevator, which would enable it to dredge close up to the bank of the river. Pringle and party have been working a dredge on the river for nearly thirty years, and have been getting large returns, as high, it is stated, as £20 a man per month. This party now intends to have a hew dredge fitted with all the modern appliances. This is at present in course of construction, and it will cost when completed about £2,500. The pontoons are made, and it is expected that the dredge will be ready for working about September next. Brazil and Party's Dredge. —This little dredge is situated at Miller's Flat, a short distance below the ferry punt, and is now working in the east side of the stream about 2 chains from the river-bank, and only a chain from the ordinary water edge. It is evident the disposal of the tailings is a trouble to this party, as well as to others in this locality, and it is feared this dredge is also too small to carry a tailings-elevator, by which the tailings could be carried away some distance behind. The engine is a compound one of 7-horse power nominal, made by J. Anderson and Son, Christchurch. The consumption of coal is about 200 tons per annum. It is capable of dredging 30ft. deep, and the river-bottom is pipeclay. The sluicing-water is lifted by small 5-gallon buckets fixed in a wheel on the main shaft. Richardson and Party's Claim. —This property is considered to be one of the most valuable on the river, and, when a newer and more efficient dredge than the one now in use is provided, it is expected that the returns will be considerable, as the run of gold has been traced into the bank, and showed indications of being one of the richest leads on the Clutha. The shares in this dredge have changed hands lately, and are now taken by more practical and speculative men, who intend to put on a dredge fitted up with more modern appliances. The claim adjoining this, and close to the punt, is a small one, being only a few chains in length, and immediately adjoining the punt at Miller's Flat. • Some idea may be formed of the value placed upon a small section of the river when it is known that a dredge was especially purchased to work this small claim. The Golden Treasure Dredge is working a short distance above the Miller's Flat ferry, on the east side of the river, on fairly good ground. The total cost of the dredge and plant was £3,000, and gold of that value was won during the first eight months' work. The present weekly gold returns are said to be 400z., and the total cost per week is about 9oz. The dredge is 90ft. long, having a ladder of 62ft. in length, and forty-two buckets of 2-f cubic feet capacity; it is capable of dredging to a depth of about 40ft., and the deepest parts yet reached have proved to be the richest. The quantity dredged when working steadily is about a cubic yard per minute. There are two men employed on each shift, and the quantity of lignite coal used is about a ton each shift. There are 32ft. of sluice-boxes 3ft. wide, and a "catch all" 12ft. long , by 2Jft. wide. The dredge is worked by a compound engine of 16-horse power nominal, made by Marshall and Sons, of Gainsborough, England. Miller's Greek Dredge. —The length of this dredge is 108 ft., built of two pontoons of 6ft. wide each, and draws 2ft. of water. This dredge has a revolving cylinder, and 240 ft. of surface on sidetables. The main box to carry away the tailings is 50ft. long by 2-Jft. wide, and stacks up the tailings about 7ft. above the water-level. The dredge is now working at the junction of the Benger Creek and the Clutha Eiver. The claim extends from the river to the Roxburgh Road. All the flat to be worked is consequently above the level of the river. The quantity of material hoisted and put through the cylinders is estimated at 60 tons per hour. The depth dredged from the water-level is about 30ft. In some places the bed-rock is not reached, but the extra deep places are generally filled with a very old quartz wash and silt, which do not carry gold. The yield of gold at the time of my visit was not sufficient to pay working-expenses. The intention is to work a cut across the Benger Flat from the south to the north terrace, in order to ascertain if there be any run of payable ground down the old Benger bed. The engine is 18-horse power nominal, and the centrifugal pump-engine is 10-horse power nominal. The capacity of the dredge-buckets is 3J cubic feet, and the consumption of coal is 3f tons per twenty-four hours. This dredge lifts the material too high. The top gear requires to be somewhat lowered. The Roxburgh Dredge is working in mid-stream, opposite the Hercules Sluicing Company's Claim, and is said to be on fairly good ground. It is supposed to be lifting 20 cubic feet per minute, and is capable of dredging to a depth of 37ft. The depth now being dredged is from 20ft. to 35ft., in a " pipeclay " bottom, the full width of the river. The engine is a compound one of 25-horse power nominal, and the quantity of coal consumed is about 2 tons in the twenty-four hours, which are divided into three shifts of two men each. The total length of sluice-box is 30ft. by 2-J-ft wide, carrying perforated plates all their length, and in the first Bft. plush is used under the plates ; from this down to the end matting is used. There is another box, 2ft. wide, running parallel with it, but below the first. In this second box the fine stuff is passed from the top box over matting covered with wire netting. There is a " save-all" box with perforated plates and matting, but the gold saved in this box bears a very small proportion to the total obtained. Very fine colours are at all times found at the tailend of the sluice. The centrifugal pump throws about 1,500 gallons per minute. Dunedin Dredge No. 2. —This is a small dredge compared to some lower down the river ; it is 60ft. long, with a ladder 45ft. long. The quantity of stuff put through the boxes is estimated at half a ton per minute, and the quantity of coal consumed in the twenty-four hours is about 23cwt. The sluice-box is 18ft. by 2-J-ft., having perforated plates and coooanut-matting all through similar to that in other dredges already described. The twenty-four hours are divided into three shifts, with one man only in each shift. Dunedin Dredge No. I. —This dredge had not got so much gold last year as formerly, owing to the river being unusually high, and also to the tailings from some claims on Commissioner's Flat which

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interfered considerably with working the bed of the river. The dredge was taken further down the river, when, after the first week's dredging, 30oz. of gold was obtained, and the second week the returns gave 82oz. gold. During the past year the company made a profit of about 11-J- per cent, on the capital invested. The Ettrich Dredge. —This dredge is 90ft. long, and is working in the Clutha, a little above Miller's Creek dredge. A soft schist rock and "pipeclay bottom is found at from 25ft. to 30ft. from one side of the river to the other. The schist rock stands above ordinary water-level on both sides of the river, the west side being sluiced bare for several chains back by the miners many years ago. This dredge is supposed to lift 20 cubic feet per minute, and the yield of gold is said to be about lOoz. per week. The coal consumed for the same time is about 11 tons. It will take several years to work out the length of river-bed held by this company. The sluice-boxes are 2Jft. wide and 40ft. long. At 28ft. from the top end of the box there is an opening_ in the bottom through which all the fine stuff falls into a similar box 12ft. long, which has a fall in the opposite direction, and empties into the centre-well of the dredge. In this last 12ft. box, cocoanut-matting is placed, and a fair proportion of the gold is said to be saved here. Perforated plates are used in the top boxes, which have Bft. of plush at the top end, and matting from this downward. A " save-all " box is also successfully used to catch the gold in the drippings from the buckets when dredging sticky sandy stuff. When clean wash is being dredged very little gold is found in the "save-all " box. Dumbarton Bock Dredge. —This dredge was moored in mid-stream; not working. The manager stated that after a long struggle he found he could not cope with the great body of loose tailings constantly coming down the river. He said that, after making a low depression in the bed of the river, the inflow of tailings was equal to her full dredging-powers—viz., 30 tons per hour. Some months ago the dredging operations reached the white quartz wash bottom at 28ft., which gave good returns ; but in a very short time the dredge failed to keep on the bottom. The dredge is 75ft. long, and required a ton of coal every twenty-four hours, during which time four men were employed. The sluicing-water was lifted, by a wheel with buckets. The engine is a compound one of 10-horse power nominal. The Edina Dredge Company. —This dredge is a short distance above the Dumbarton Eock, where there is a bar crossing the river, and on the inside of the bar, on the western side, the dredge has been getting fairly large returns during the time it has been at work. The operations of this dredge, and the gold that it was the means of obtaining, leads to prove the existence of a deep channel which crosses the river at this point from the eastern to the western side, and shows apparently that the river must at one time have flowed along the foot of the range on the western side, going up to some extent the valley at the Bengerburn, and again joining the present channel a little below that stream. This dredge is the most powerful on the river; it is 105 ft. long, with a 60ft. ladder capable of dredging to a depth of 30ft. The average depth dredged is about 30ft. The bottom inmost places is pipeclay. At the time of my visit the bottom on the west side of the stream was hard rock. When the work is going on steadily the quantity dredged is estimated at 1,500 tons in the twenty-four hours. There are eight men employed besides the manager—viz., four men and the manager on the day-shift, and two on each of the other shifts. The coal consumed is about 4 tons in the twentyfour hours. There are two engines, one drives the centrifugal pump. The sluice-boxes are 40ft. long by 2-|ft. wide. Iron ripples are used, and under the ripples is placed calico on the wood, and cocoanut-matting on top. A side box is placed parallel with the first, and at a lower level, in order to receive the fine sand which flows from off the matting in the top box. The lower box is paved with fine bagging, over which is matting covered with wire netting. This plan saves some fine gold. The dredge-buckets are said to hold 3 cubic feet, and the pump is said to throw from two to three sluice-heads of water. Manuherikia Dredge. —This dredge is situated a little below the Alexandra Bridge; it is a current-wheel dredge 60ft. long and 22ft. beam. The ladder is 48ft. 6in in length, and will dredge to a depth of 31ft., but the operations at present are only carried on to a depth of 21ft. The bottom at present is a soft schist rock, off which the buckets can in most places scrape up a little. The estimated quantity of stuff lifted is about 30 tons per hour, and the labour employed is one man each shift. The material is put through a revolving screen 9ft. long and 3-J-ft. in diameter. The fine material from the screen then passes over tables, 6ft. wide, covered with eocoanut-matting, and from this into a box 14ft. long by 3ft. wide, covered with matting and wire netting from end to end. A '.' save-all" box is fixed under the buckets, immediately under the tumbler as in other dredges. The sluicing-water is lifted in small buckets attached to the rim of the current-wheels. There are seventeen buckets, 15in. by 12in. by Bin. on each wheel—thirty-four buckets. In this part of the river the stream is very rapid from side to side, which enables the dredges to do all that a steamdredge could do, and at much less cost per week. The sample of gold obtained is coarser than in other places a short distance higher up the stream. Eureka Dredge, Alexandra (0. Leigon and party), is situated a short distance above the Alexandra Bridge and close to Mr. Noble's orchard. The dredge is 75ft. long, made of two pontoons, each 7ft. wide, and 4ft. well. The length of ladder is 45ft., and the buckets hold 1-| cubic feet each. The dredge is supposed to lift 50 tons per hour, and the consumption of coal is about a ton in the twenty-four hours. It is a similar dredge to the " Ponui" or No. 2 Dunedin dredge. The depth dredged is from 15ft. to 25ft., but capable of dredging 28ft. The bottom of the river is sandy clay in places, and coal in others. The sluicing-water is lifted by buckets fixed to a wheel on the main shaft. The size of bucket is 14in. by 12in. by Bin. The wash is passed through a revolving screen 6ft. long and 3ft. 3in. in diameter. The first box under the cylinder stands at a right angle with it, and is 6ft. long by 3ft. wide; there is a drop of 6in. into the next box, which is Bft. long by 3ft. wide ; this again has a 3in. drop into another box Bft. long by 3ft. wide. This last box carries perforated plates and matting covered with wire netting. The floor of all the boxes have cocoanut-matting. The " save-all" box is ingeniously slung on chains in order to shift it fore-and-aft to suit the angle of the ladder. This box saves a fair proportion of the gold obtained when

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working in sticky clay and sandy bottoms. The engine is a compound one, and works up to 16-horse power. Some of the gold in this claim is inclined to be of a shotty character. The owners, who are working-men, are well pleased with their returns. L. Gard's Steam Dredge is the next above the Eureka, and is 90ft. long, 19ft. beam, and is capable of dredging 28ft. from the water-level; but the average depth dredged is about 20ft. The bottom in places is pipeclay, and in others white wash and yellow sandy wash. The dredge lifts on an average about 50 tons per hour, with two men on each shift. The sluicing-water is supplied by a centrifugal pump. The consumption of coal is about 3 tons in the twenty-four hours. It is working on the west side of the river. Mr. Gard says his expenditure last year on his two dredges (including a new boiler in one) was £4,000, and that his coal-bill alone was £600. L. Gard's No. 2 Dredge is a current-wheeler, working in mid-stream a little higher up the river. The dredge is 78ft. long, 20ft. wide, and sft. deep. It is dredging to a depth of 27ft., lifts from 35 to 40 tons per hour, and employs generally one man on each shift. The sluicing-water is lifted by buckets fixed to the current-wheels. The average cost of working is £14 per week. The Enterprise Dredge is the next above Gard's steam-dredge, and on the east of it and the stream, in the centre of a very large shingle-beach, where she has made a fair-sized pool to float and do her work in. This shingle-beach is covered with water when the river rises a little above the ordinary level. The part being worked is confined to a strip of probably 2 chains wide. The dredge is 80ft. long, 21ft. wide, and is capable of dredging to a depth of 30ft. At present the depth varies from 18ft. to 25ft., according to the river-level. It lifts 1 cubic yard per minute, consumes 3 tons of coal in the twenty-four hours, and employs two men in each shift, in addition to the manager, who assists on the day-shift. The engine is a compound one of 35-horse power nominal. The wash is put through a revolving screen 12ft. long by 3-J-ft. in diameter. In the sluice-boxes there are a few perforated plates, under which there is matting. The sluice is 30ft. long by 3ft. wide, all lined with calico, which is then covered with matting. Longitudinal iron ripples are then placed on the matting. Some of the " white wash " bottom was being scooped up at the time of my visit, and the heavy surging of the dredge at the time was a sure and favourable indication of a coarse and compact-layer of stones lying on it. On this dredge is erected the first tailings-elevator, which is going to do so much for the dredges that have to work deep ground, or ground where there is a large body of loose tailings to contend with. Cutten Brothers, civil engineers, Dunedin, designed and erected the plant in this dredge, where it is now working and doing all that was claimed for it; in fact, it is claimed by the dredge managers to be a great success, and that much valuable ground could not be worked but for it. Several of the elevators have lately been ordered by the owners of other dredges on the river. The tailings-elevator consists of a ladder 34ft. long, constructed of wood 12in. in depth and 6in. in width, having a tumbler at each end. This ladder is secured to two beams of wood, lOin. deep and 6in. wide, bolted to the deck. The ends of the beams project over the stern of the dredge and carry the bottom tumbler. There are also two upright beams, 18ft. long, Bin. by 6in., bolted to the deck-beams. The ladder has two stays, of 2fin. by -Jin. iron, from the top to the top of the uprights, and thence to the top of the main tumbler shaft-frame. There are also two stays of fin. round iron from the top of the ladder to the deck. There are forty-one boxes or trays, which are carried over the tumblers at each end of the ladder. These boxes or trays are made of steel plate of Jin. thick, being coupled together with steel links rivetted to the bottom, and steel pins and bushes. This forms a belt, the same as for a conveyor. The trays are carried on four rollers, running in hard cast-iron bushes, bolted to the ladder. The lower tumbler is fitted with screws, so that it can be lowered when required to take up any slack, as the joints of the tray-belt wear. Mr. Cutten, of Dunedin, is the inventor of this elevator, which gives the greatest satisfaction, and lifts the tailings completely clear of the dredge. It is driven by shafts, with bevel-wheels and pinions from the main engine-shaft; and it is said to cost close on £300 to attach this elevator to a dredge with all appliances complete. The Chicago Dredge is the next going up the river, and is working on the west side of it on a shingle beach close to the stream. The Clyde Dredge is very similar to the " Enterprise " already referred to, with the difference that it has a separate engine to drive the centrifugal pump. It is capable of dredging to a depth of 20ft., but was latterly dredging 18ft. only, on a stiff clay bottom, on the north side of the stream, when some very rich ground was met with. It is said the bottom rises very quickly towards the terrace, on which rise very little gold has yet been found. The bottom dips slightly to the centre of the stream, and carries payable gold as far as tested. The owners of this dredge, after having experienced some difficulty in disposing of their tailings in the ordinary way, were so favourably impressed with the tailings-elevator, that they have ordered one of Cutten Brothers, to be made in every particular similar to the one now in use on the Enterprise dredge. This addition to their dredge will enable them to work easily the most difficult ground in their claim. The dredge manager said, " If the river was much below its present level, we could not dredge where we are now working without an elevator." The quantity dredged is about 40 cubic yards per hour, and the quantity of coal consumed in the twenty-four hours is about 3 tons. The revolving screen is 12ft. long by 3-Jft. in diameter. The gold-saving tables are 10ft. wide by 12ft. long, covered with matting and netting. There are 36ft. of sluice-boxes, 2-Jft. wide, with perforated plates and matting, but nearly all the gold is saved in the wide tables. There are two men employed on each shift. There are many other dredges at work on the Clutha Eiver, and Messrs. McGregor and party have a large dredge constructed ready for launching into the Kawarau River, about two miles from the Bannockburn Bridge. This is said to be a dredge capable of dredging to a depth of 40ft. below the surface of the water. The same party has the most of the material on the ground to construct a powerful dredge to work on the Kawarau Eiver between the Bannockburn Bridge and Cromwell. Sew Hoy Company. —This company has three dredges working on the bed of the Shotover Biver, between the Gorge at Arthur's Point and the head of the Gorge at the lower end of the

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Big Beach. In addition to these dredges the company constructed a water-race from the different creeks coming out of the range running from Arthur's Point to Arrowtown. This water-race was constructed to bring in a sufficient quantity of water to work a hydraulic elevator at the lower end of the Gorge leading into Arthur's Point. This part of the bed of the Shotover Eiver contained an extensively rich deposit of auriferous wash-drift in the early days, and the place where the company proposes to work by a hydraulic elevator is close into the side of the range on the Miller's Plat side where a long slip has come down at some period previous to gold being discovered in this river-bed, and covered up a considerable portion of what had originally been the bed of the Shotover Eiver, and, no doubt, if this can be worked there is a great possibility of large returns of gold being obtained from this ground. The present supply of water, however, is not sufficient to work the ground on the hydraulic elevating-system. This company has been for many years carrying on dredging operations, and, although some of the ground has been operated on more than once with the dredges, there still appears to be about as good returns from them as formerly. According to the last annual balance-sheet of this company the value of the gold obtained was £15,717 3s. 3d. In reference to the elevating plant the chairman stated that 10,666 cubic yards of material had been moved, from which 2910z. 2dwt. 21gr. gold had been obtained, being equal to 13 - lgr. gold to the cubic yard. Since commencing dredging operations this company has got gold to the value of £62,641 12s. 7d., out of which dividends have been paid to the shareholders amounting to £14,793 155., being about 25 per cent, of the gross yield of gold ; in addition to this about £7,000 had been paid for plant. The value of the coal consumed was £9,155 13s. 9cL, while £22,319 10s. 2d. had been expended in wages. This shows that some of the dredging companies pay extremely well, and are the means of giving a large amount of employment to men dependent on gold-mining operations for a livelihood. Sandhills Company. —This company is now working about two miles and a half further up the river than the place where the dynamo is placed. Por a long time the dredge was working in very poor ground, and had to be got up above a rocky boulder-bar in the river-bed to a place where the valley and bed of the river widens out. At the time of my visit, in the end of April last, this dredge was working on very good ground, but a good deal of breakage had taken place during the time of shifting it up 'over the rocky shallow bar referred to, which will take a good deal of the profits of working to put again in good repair. Judging from the sample of gold being obtained, which was of a coarse shotty character —and for three days' dredging about 15oz. gold was obtained—there should be a good future before this company. Owing to the high elevation at which these works are carried on, all dredging operations have to be suspended during the winter months on account of the frost, water-power being required to generate the electricity for working the plant. In regard to the dredging operations on the Otago goldfields there are a large number of dredges at work in different places of which there is no information available; and at the present time there are several new dredges being constructed to work on the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers. Every place where there is a deposit of auriferous wash with water to contend with, and not sufficient fall to admit of the ground being worked in the ordinary manner by hydraulic sluicing, is now being taken up in dredging claims. All that is wanted is plenty of water in the ground to keep the dredge afloat. West Coast. Dredging has not proved so great a success on the West Coast as it has done in Otago. Most of the dredges now at work are not well fitted with appliances, and some of the early dredges were not constructed on a principle to break the material there was to deal with. The Ball dredge first introduced was only a toy, and the Wellman dredges, which were put on to the Saltwater Beach and the Saltwater Creek, both proved failures to deal with the character of gold found on the sea-beach ; and the same can be said in reference to the Yon Schmidt dredge, which was constructed to work Gillespie's Beach. The latter dredge is being fitted up with the ordinary buckets, and from the experience previously gained it is to be hoped that the washing appliances will be such as will deal satisfactorily with the fine gold found at this place. The dredging appliances at Taylor Company's Claim on the North Beach, near Greymouth, is merely a Priestman grab, which lifts the material. The top portion is removed and stacked in the worked-out paddock, and the bottom layer is lifted and washed on tables erected on the surface, while the water is lifted by a centrifugal cataract of American manufacture, which was formerly fitted up on a pontoon to dredge the sand, but proved an utter failure both here and in the Saltwater Creek near Paroa. The time will come, no doubt, when dredges will be constructed to treat the auriferous sand on the ocean-beaches of the West Coast satisfactorily, and open up a very large field for mining enterprise. Gollingwood Dredge. —A dredge has been placed on the Aorere Eiver,* and is said to be getting very good returns of gold. There are a large quantity of boulders in this river-bed, which it was considered would greatly militate against it being worked by dredges, but so far these boulders have been successfully lifted. There is a considerable quantity of gold contained in the gravels in the bed of this river, and the success attending this dredge has resulted in the whole of the bed being taken up in dredging claims from the river-moutb to the Quartz Eanges. Cocksparrow Dredge. —This dredge is working in the Bulier River about a mile above the junction with the Dee. This dredge has been paying very well during the last six months. Por the half-year ending the 24th May last dredging was carried on for 2,278 hours, for a return of 514-J-oz. gold and 220z. amalgam. This means that, out of 156 working-days, the dredge had worked equal to 95 days continuously, which would be equal to soz. Bdwt. of gold for every twenty-four hours' dredging. The dredging operations have been mostly carried on at the north side of the river, where the depth of the wash-drift varied from 12ft. to 30ft. carrying fine gold ; but after working for a considerable time the fine gold gave out, and a run of ground-wash with shotty gold came in as

* This dredge is 64ft. long, with a beam of 24ft., and can dredge to a depth of 18ft., but owing to the number of large boulders there are in the river-bed its lifting capacity is limited to about ten tons per hour; but even with this small capacity about 20oz. of gold is obtained for a week's work.

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soon as the pug bottom was struck. After working for a few weeks on this run of wash they got off it, but succeeded in finding another run of good ground on the south side of the river, at the head of a beach above where they had been formerly working. According to the balance-sheet the value of the gold obtained for the six months was £2,202 os. 7d., and the expenditure, including wages, new plant, and the office expenses, was £1,549 Is. Bd.; and £525 was paid in dividends, being 6d. per share on 21,000 shares. Alexandra Dredge. —This dredge is working in the Buller River opposite Fern Flat. The first company who owned this dredge had it constructed too small, and in placing additional weight on the hull it became submerged to such an extent that it was not safe to be aboard in anything like a strong cuiTent. The hull was raised over the part where the boiler and engines were placed, but nevertheless the dredge was twice sunk in the river, and, as on the last occasion the company who owned it went into liquidation, a party bought the whole of the appliances, together with the submerged dredge, for a very trifling amount. They succeeded in raising it at very little expense, and since the dredging operations have been again resumed regular dividends have been paid. At the present time this dredge gives the largest return of gold of any yet on the West Coast, and the dredging operations, at the time of my recent visit, were being carried on very near the same place where she was dredging two years ago, thus showing that there must be a considerable quantity of gold in the bed of the Buller Eiver at Fern Flat. Matahitaki Dredge. —This dredge was not working at the time of my last visit to this locality. It was formerly working in the bed of the Matakitaki Eiver about five miles above Murchison. The ground it was formerly working has now been all dredged, and the company has shifted the dredge to another part of the river. No information, however, could be obtained as to the yield of gold when dredging operations were carried on further than that it was a payable venture. A large number of dredges have been construe bed at different times on the West Coast, principally on the ocean-beaches, where the gold is of an exceedingly fine scaly character ; but none of these machines have so far been successful in saving sufficient gold to pay the expenses of working. This was not due to the lifting-capacity of the dredges, but to the appliances with which they were fitted for gold-saving. When dredging first commenced, many persons, without any knowledge of gold-saving, became dredging experts; but it very soon became patent that even those who had a great deal of experience in beach-workings were at fault. The appliances for lifting the material was all that could be desired, but the quantity lifted could not be successfully treated. In concluding my remarks on dredging : This is a branch of the mining industry which is only yet in its infancy. When these machines were first applied to mining there was many difficulties met with, not only had they to lift the material, but special contrivances had to be made to save the gold, and also to deposit the tailings and stones behind them, so that they could always be kept afloat. The latter has during the past year been successfully arranged, and appliances have been fitted to the sterns of some dredges which enables the banks of the rivers to be worked and the dredged material stacked behind them ; but the gold-saving appliances are yet far from being as perfect as they ought to be. In dealing with gold in the ocean-beaches, it would be well for those having dredges employed in working this class of material to pay a visit to the ocean-beach north of Charleston, and examine the appliances in use there. Instead of baize and blanketing being used on the tables, nothing is now required but copper plates coated with quicksilver. The use of these on dredges would necessitate very complete machinery or appliances for separating the stones, shingle, and fine gravel from the sand, and if this were done the silvered plates ought to act as well for saving the gold on dredges as on the smaller tables used by the beach-combers at this place. The hull of the dredge would necessarily have to be large to admit of a sufficient number of tables to be used to treat the material in an efficient manner. Not less than 50ft. in width of these tables would be required to treat successfully the material lifted by one of these dredges. Wherever there is fairly coarse gold there is very little trouble in saving it, but none of this class is found on the ocean-beaches.

EXPLORATIONS IN THE UREWERA COUNTRY. For many years it has been reported that gold existed, and rich auriferous specimens of quartz were said to be obtained, in some portions of the Urewera country. At a meeting of the Natives, held in January last at Ruatoke, some of the chiefs brought this question of gold discovery before the Hon. the Minister of Mines, who attended the meeting at the invitation of the Natives, and Tutakanahau, the principal chief of Maungapohatu, wished the Hon. Mr. Cadman to go into the country and personally verify their statements, and to have the stone analysed to get a definite estimate as to its value for the information of the Natives. The Hon. Mr. Cadman stated that the time at his disposal would not admit of his going into the interior of the country, but he arranged with the Natives to allow Mr. A. McKay, the Mining Geologist, and myself to go and examine the country and bring away some stone to have analysed, the reports of such analyses to be forwarded to the Natives interested in the land from whence the stone came; and all arrangements were concluded with Tutakanahau that we should visit that portion of the country at once, and his son was to accompany us as guide; he was also to go with us, but was afterwards prevented from doing so by a sudden illness which laid him prostrate for over a week, during which time we were at Maungapohatu. The following is a description of the country we passed through, and a report on its geological formation : — In accordance with the instructions to visit and examine certain localities in the Urewera country to which the Natives would take us, to ascertain the existence of gold or other minerals, and to bring back specimens of the stones and ore so as to have them analysed, and the results of such analyses forwarded to the Natives, we have the honour to report as follows : —

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It was previously arranged with the Hon. the Minister of Mines that Tutakanahau Tukua te Eangi, a son of Tutakanahau, the principal chief about Maungapohatu, should accompany us as guide, and Mr. John McAlister, an old settler of Whakatane, as interpreter, the guide and another European, Mr. William Biddle, undertaking the packing of the provisions. Our party left Whakatane on the 26th January last, and everything went on satisfactorily until we reached the confiscated boundary up the Waimana River. As soon as we were into the Urewera country proper we were met by a party of Natives and told we must stop until a meeting of the people could be held, but that this would take place at once ; and as it was past mid-day a halt was made for lunch. We were taken to one of the Native's houses, and food was prepared for us, after which a meeting of the Natives was held. Te Whiu was the principal spokesman; he was represented as the principal chief at Waimana, Eakuraku being absent at Opotiki on the day we arrived. After considerable discussion Te Whiu agreed to our proceeding on the journey on condition that we were not to come off our horses and examine any of the rocks or stones in the creeks and river-beds, or search for minerals, until such time as we got through seven blocks in which he and his hapu were interested, and also that he should receive a guarantee in writing that the Government would not give permission to any European to enter on the land to prospect for minerals without the consent of the Natives. These conditions were agreed to, and the following memorandum was handed to him :— " To Te Whiu. " Whakatane, 26th January, 1895. The Natives are in the same position as Europeans; they have the freehold of the land, and no person can prospect or dig for gold unless the Natives give their consent; neither can the Government give permission to any one to prospect on Native land without the consent of every one interested in the land. " Heney A. Goedon, Inspecting Engineer." These preliminaries being settled, we invited Te Whiu to accompany us, which after some consideration he agreed to do, and we found him exceedingly useful, and finally favourable, to the object we had in view. The arrangements occupied all the afternoon, and we stayed at the settlement all night; one of Tamaikoha's sons, who is settled at this place gave us a weatherboarded house to stop the night in, and was exceedingly kind to us. Next morning an early start was made, but we had not proceeded more than a mile when a messenger came with a demand that we should pass Eakuraku's pa on the right bank of the Waimana Eiver. On getting there we were met by Eakuraku's eldest son, who was in charge, and his two bi others. After the usual welcome, according to Maori customs, the eldest of the three brothers requested us to go back, as our presence in the Urewera country would only cause discord amongst the Natives, and he drew a vivid picture of the woes that would result if we persisted in our expedition. The second and also the youngest son spoke in the same strain, and when they found we were determined to go on, the eldest son said he would not stop us, but he warned us that if anything happened to us we must not throw any blame on his hapu. He said he did not sanction any arrangement that we had made with Te Whiu, neither had he any permission from Eakuraku to make arrangements for us to proceed. After partaking of the food provided for us, and having drunk Eakuraku's health, we parted from his sons in the most friendly manner, and proceeded on our way, a messenger being despatched ahead of us to clear the way, as it was apprehended that obstructions might occur at the very outset. Indeed, when we got up near the mouth of the gorge, we found the gate through which we had to pass nailed up ; the messenger opened it, and we proceeded all that day unmolested. At Tamaikoha's pa we halted for lunch, and the old chief gave us the highest welcome, making us partake of his food. After this, the track left the lower valley of the Waimana, following a tributary of the river for a short distance, thence the track went over a low but very steep range into the upper gorge of the main river, and followed its bed for some distance, when the valley opened with level terrace lands on its left bank. We reached Tau-whero-manuka's pa that night, where no opposition was offered to our progress. Next morning we made an early start, and after passing through about five miles of the gorge along the river-bed, we came into the upper valley of the Waimana and to a settlement known as Tawhanga. After a discussion with the Natives as to the best place to camp so as to get food for our horses, we proceeded on our way, the track being the valley of the Waimana. At a point where the river finally divides into two small streams, the track went up the left branch of the Tawhanga Creek for a distance of about two miles, and here we made a halt for our mid-day meal, as this was the furthest point where food could be got for the horses until we crossed the Pawairoto Hill and got near Maungapohatu. Up to this point no further obstruction was offered. Unfortunately for us, however, after having given the horses a short time to feed, we started off, but had not proceeded any distance when a thunderstorm, accompanied with very heavy rain, overtook us. The rain came down in torrents, making it impossible for us to get our pack-horses up the hill, besides all our provisions were liable to be damaged, as we had not provided coverings for the packs against rain. We were therefore compelled to return to the halting-place, camping there for the night. Indeed, this returning proved most wise, as it rained very heavily for the rest of the afternoon, and the streams everywhere were shortly in high flood. It may be remarked here that the Natives accompanying us (and by this time there were large numbers making their way to Maungapohatu to see what we were going to do) expressed themselves that the atuas, or guardian deities of Maungapohatu, signified their displeasure at our approach, and, in seeming confirmation, a fresh series of obstructions now began. Eakuraku, who was at Opotiki at the time we passed his pa, on his return came after us with his eldest son at the settlement, and got up to within a mile of our camp, but the creek was so Hooded by the heavy rain that he could not proceed any further, and had to return to the settlement about a mile further down. Towards evening the heavy rain ceased and the flood-waters lowered considerably. A messenger came from Eakuraku with a demand that we should go down

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to the settlement and see him. This we declined to do, and sent him a message that we would wait for him until 8 o'clock next morning, and if he did not arrive we would proceed on our journey, but as we were saddling up our horses a second messenger came requesting us not to proceed before visiting Eakuraku at the settlement. After a consultation with Te Whiu and another chief, Kewene, it was deemed desirable for Mr Gordon to go and see what Eakuraku wanted, as in the event of our not complying with his request we might be stopped in our progress further on. On meeting with Eakuraku he remonstrated against our proceeding any further, and requested us to return, but he was informed that we were Government officers instructed to go to a certain place, that further opposition was useless as our determination was to proceed, and he, being in receipt of a pension from the Government, was called on to afford us assistance in carrying out the wishes of the Government. After some further remonstrance on his part he said he would stop the party from proceeding any further, but on conferring with Mr McAlister, the interpreter, he agreed to allow us to proceed to Maungapohatu on condition that the photographic apparatus belonging to Mr McKay, and Mr Gordon's compass and plans, were left behind. His wishes respecting the photographic apparatus were agreed to, and he sent his son to bring this down to the settlement from our camp. He also sent two men—namely, Paul King and another —with us to Maungapohatu to watch his hapu's interests, as he claimed certain rights in the land in the vicinity of the sacred mountain—Maungapohatu. He also stipulated that we should wait until next morning to give him an opportunity of sending the men with us. We started early the next morning and found that we had lost nothing by putting in one dry day at the camp, as the track over the Pawairoto Hill is almost impassable in wet weather, owing to the steep and slippery character of the ground. On reaching the pa at the other side of the Pawairoto Hill, which is situated on the right bank of the Waikari Stream, the Natives protested against our proceeding, but they agreed to come on to Maungapohatu to a meeting which was arranged to be held to discuss our mission. We then crossed the northern branch of the Waikari stream, and travelled over a series of hills and rugged mountainous country to where another pa is situated about three miles from Maungapohatu. Here a meeting was held, and, after considerable discussion, it was arranged for us to go on to Maungapohatu and wait there until the wishes of the whole of the Natives were ascertained. It may be stated here that at every place we stopped we were treated in a kind and friendly way by the Natives, their objection not being to us personally, but to the character of the mission on which we were engaged. On arriving at Maungapohatu we were quartered in a small weatherboarded cottage belonging to our guide, and here we anticipated that all our troubles would cease as we were at Tutakanahau's stronghold, where his wishes were supposed to be paramount; but as this chief was laid up with sickness at Euatoki he was unable to be present, and was represented by his son. Our guide requested us next morning not to leave the house until the meeting decided what was to be done ; indeed, at one time we considered ourselves as prisoners. The meeting occupied all that day and all night; and next morning we were informed that the meeting had decided that we could not be allowed to proceed any further, and wished us to return. Mr. Gordon told the spokesman that, as Government officers, we had a right to travel in any portion of the Queen's dominions, and in this all Native lands were included. We had been invited to come to Maungapohatu by the chief Tutakanahau, and on the strength of that invitation we requested to be shown the mineral lode referred to by him at the Euatoki meeting of Natives with the Hon. the Minister of Mines. After considerable discussion and delay they met in council again, and it was arranged to send men to bring in the stone from the lode for us to take to Wellington to be analysed, and we were to wait a reasonable time for the men to return. As there were two opposing parties, two men were selected from each, and these left the same afternoon to obtain the stone. After waiting five days for the men to return we proposed to leave, but agreed to stay for another two days if a second party were sent out. Our guide, Te Waka, and another started, one of whom was to return the same night if they did not find the first party, but none of them returned ; so, after waiting for two days as arranged, we left Maungapohatu on the 9th February, and arrived at Whakatane the next day. Before leaving Maungapohatu Mr. Gordon wrote a letter which was translated into Maori and left at the settlement to be handed to our guide, Tutakanahau Tukua te Bangi, requesting him to bring the specimens to Whakatane on or before noon of Tuesday, the 12th February, and on production of the stone he would receive recompense as previously arranged. Should he fail to reach Whakatane by the time mentioned, he would find Mr. Gordon at Eotorua up to Friday, the 15th of same month. He did not come to either place within the time mentioned. It might be well to remark that on our way down from Maungapohatu we met the old chief, Tutakanahau, in the gorge of the Waimana Eiver, and he informed us that the lode of stone he wished examined was on his own ground, and urged us to get a fresh supply of provisions from Whakatane and return, and he would take us to the place; but we declined to do this, and arranged with him to procure the stone and deliver it to the Postmistress at Whakatane, who would forward it on to the Hon. the Minister of Mines, and the Government would pay the cost of transit from Whakatane to Wellington. This he agreed to do. During our stay at Maungapohatu we were treated by the Natives in the most friendly way ; indeed, the manly way in which Te Whiu, Te Waka, Hekeke, and others spoke on our behalf, and acted toward us, proved that there is many a noble quality in the Native race. That they are suspicious may be well accounted for, as it is probable that in many dealings with Europeans they have not met with the frankness they expected, and naturally had to use a certain amount of duplicity to gain their ends. Our experience of the Ureweras has led us to form a high opinion of these Maoris. At every settlement passed through we parted from them as the best of friends, and were urgently requested, to again visit them. The parting with Te Whiu was that of old friends, and regret must be expressed that a want of knowledge of the Maori language prevented us from expressing in a proper manner our appreciation of the services he had rendered us, 22—C. 3.

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Descbiption of the Countey. Although a description of the district was not the principal object of the expedition it may be of interest to embody such in this report, as very little is generally known regarding the part of the Urewera country which we traversed. The watershed of the Whakatane Eiver includes the valley of the Whakatane and Waikeri Eivers, along which the principal route of our travel lay. The Whakatane itself rises in a group of mountains north of the Napier—Taupo Boad, between Tarawera and the eastern margin of the Kaingaroa Plains. Its course is nearly due north from its source to the sea, and from the Maimai at the upper end of the Euatahuna Plain, thence to the sea, the valley is remarkably straight. For the first twelve miles of this distance the Euatahuna Plain has a breadth of from three to four miles, and an average elevation of 650 ft. above sea-level. Below this the mountains approach and enclose the river in a deep gorge, near the upper end of which is the junction of the Waikari Stream, draining rugged mountainous country from its source in the Maungapohatu Eange. About twentytwo miles from the sea the gorge terminates, and the river passes through the Euatoki Plain. The plain on the east side of the river has a breadth of about one mile to a point where it is intersected by the Waimana. On the western side the breadth of the low-lying land is not so great, and is less continuous, the low hills approaching close to the river-bank opposite the Pararu Station. The low-lying fiat land has the greatest breadth on the eastern side, but, taking the low undulating hills into consideration, the western side may be termed the widest portion of the valley. From the upper end of the Euatoki Plain the ranges slope at moderately steep angles to the west. North of the Waimana Gorge these slopes become more abrupt, although the height of the hills is less. Five miles before reaching the coast-line, the hill-slopes become precipitous, and form a line of escarpment which is a remarkable feature on this side of the valley to the sea. The low hills on the west side of the valley terminate about six miles from the sea, leaving an immense tract of low flat land between the Whakatane and Eangitaiki Eivers, a great portion of which is very swampy. Along the shore line of the Bay of Plenty there is a ridge of low sand-dunes, on the inland side of which the ground for some distance forms a dry alluvial belt. A deltaic branch of the Bangitaiki flows through the low swampy flat and joins the Whakatane Eiver at about one mile above the township. On the east side of the W T hakatane Eiver, as well as on portions of the bank on the western side, there is a great depth of rich alluvial soil, resulting from the denudation of the sandstone and slate rocks—often highly calcareous —of the upper valley, mixed with finely comminuted pumice and other volcanic ingredients. During the late eruption of Tarawera, the lower valley and part of the Waimana was covered with from lin. to 2in. of fine volcanic ash, which has been wholly beneficial to vegetation. Great apprehension was entertained by the settlers that this deposit would have an injurious effect on the land, but the whole of them now testify to the contrary. Above the escarpment already referred to there are a series of rolling hills, the highest portions of which are for a considerable depth composed of pumice; these hills slope east and north, and disappear in a depression which connects the lower valley of the Waimana with the low grounds surrounding the inlet, about half-way between Whakatane and Opotiki. It may be remarked here that there is some appearance that, before the gorge of the Waimana was cut, the river followed this course to the sea. From the junction of the Waimana with the Whakatane, after passing through the low flat on the eastern side already mentioned, it has cut a deep gorge through a ridge of hills for a distance of about five miles, above which a large valley opens out, having a width of about two miles and a half, and a length of about six miles, containing an area of nearly 10,000 acres of level land. These level lands along the banks of the river grow luxuriant crops of maize and potatoes; some of the maize plants in the cultivations were 10ft. in height. Some of the Natives have considerable areas under cultivation, and they use the latest improved agricultural implements for tilling the ground. Towards the upper end of this part of the valley the low grounds become considerably less in width, and terminate on the bank of the river about a mile and a half above Eakuraku's pa. Further on, the mountains on each side so confine the valley as to leave but a narrow strip of flat land on either side of the river. These strips are usually fertile, and either are, or have been, under cultivation. This is a characteristic of the valley as far as Tamaikoha's pa. About this point the valley assumes more the character of a deep strath or mountain-glen, and the areas of flat land are considerably less and not so frequent in occurrence. The most notable in extent is that at Tau-whero-manuka's pa. At the furthest extremity where cultivations have been, the higher terraces and hillslopes have been used for this purpose ; this is seen at the foot of Pawairoto Hill, The tar sources of the river on each side of Pawairoto seem always to have been hunting-ground, there being no indications of cultivation. The many branch tributaries coming from the eastward flow along narrow mountain gullies in which no settlement seems ever to .have been. The Waikari from Maungapohatu has nearly a straight course to its junction with the Whakatane. Its valley is narrow and deep, and the areas favourable for cultivation are of small extent, The lower part of the valley was not explored, but from the foot of Pawairoto Hill to Maungapohatu there is settlement and cultivation at various places. At the foot of the Pawairoto Hill, on the banks of the Waikari, was the last place we saw the cultivation of maize. Above this point the usual food-crop is potatoes, which with a variety of English grasses flourish with great luxuriance at Maungapohatu Settlement. The rugged features of the Upper Waikari Valley present many points favourable for the construction of Native strongholds, one remarkable instance of which lies along the line of travel which we followed on our way to Maungapohatu. This stronghold occupied the crest of an isolated conical hill, convenient approach being had thereto by a narrow path. The natural features have been strengthened by art to such a degree that the place might be said, under ordinary circumstances, to be impregnable, Although unoccupied at the time of our visit the outer palisading and internal

Geological Sketch Map of the UREWERA COUNTRY (PORTION OF)

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arrangements were comparatively intact and showed the strength of the position. This fortified place or pa—Toriata—is situated on a conical hill a little to the south of the ridge of hills between the two branches of the Waikari Eiver, where the stream divides at the southern end of the Pawairoto Hill. The reading of the barometer showed this pa to be about 1,700 ft. above sea-level. The ridge of hills already referred to constituted the main line of travel to the eastward. On the top and sides of this ridge large cultivations have formerly existed, and the groves of English fruittrees, notably apples, which still bear great loads of fruit, show that a large population had at no distant time been settled at this place. At the Maungapohatu Settlement the north branch of the Waikari divides for the last time, one stream coming from the south-south-east parallel to the range of hills which separates this valley from the Euatahuna Plain, the other stream drains the country more to the eastward and collects the waters of Maungapohatu and the main range to the south. The Maungapohatu Settlement is situated on the northern bank of the latter stream, and occupies a comparatively small area of level land about 150 ft. above the level of the stream. The slopes of the ranges around the settlement are cleared to a large extent for cultivation, and the greater part is now under grass. This large clearing shows that a considerable population had at no distant time been settled here. The area under cultivation is of considerable extent, sufficient for the present number of Natives residing in the settlement, but it forms only a small portion of the cleared land. The soil is a mixture of pumice and calcareous and argillaceous material brought down from the high range to the eastward. Between the settlement and the foot of the mountain there is a strip of broken country about a mile and a half in breadth, intersected with numerous small streams. At the eastern verge of this, the great vertical precipices rise that form the western face of Maungapohatu Mountain. The mountain itself attains a height* approximately of 4,500 ft., and constitutes the culminating point of this part of the North Island. It forms part of the main range, which in this part is characterized by the great precipice facing the west already referred to, and is distinguished from the other parts of the main range only by its greater height. The eastern slopes are gradual to a much lower level than the top of the mountain. This is the character of the whole of the main range in this part of the country. On the top of the mountain there are several depressions, one of which retains water and constitutes a small lake. It may be remarked that the Urewera Natives regard the Maungapohatu Mountain as a sacred place, and have a great objection to its being seen or approached by any Europeans. On its summit is the assigned receptacle of the bones of all the leading men in the different tribes, as in the past it has been of their forefathers. It is also considered the chief residence of their atuas or gods. The frequent changes of temperature and degrees of moisture in this part of the country induces a frequency of fogs on the high part of the mountain-range, and hence the Natives aver that by the will of the gods the top of the mountain is shrouded and hidden from the gaze of the intruding pakeha. The whole of the country, with the exception of the Euatahuna and Euatoki Plains, the lower Waimana Valley, and the Native clearings already mentioned, is covered with dense bush, certain areas of which may yet become valuable for sawmilling. A great deal of the bush consists of rimu, black-pine, totara, birch, and other forest-trees of lesser note. Notwithstanding the strict injunctions we received from the Natives at Waimana before we were allowed to proceed, that we were not to examine any stones in the river-bed, these did not prevent us from having a good view of the country, and of observing the different formations passed through, none of which presented a promising aspect for the discovery of gold. They are formations where gold might be found in small quantities, but we do not anticipate that either alluvial diggings or auriferous lodes will be discovered in the localities we passed through that will give remunerative wages for working. From what we could learn after returning to Whakatane from Maungapohatu, and also from our conversation with the Natives while in the country, the gold-bearing belt lies to the south-west of Maungapohatu, and it is said that near Hapuruahine rich specimens of auriferous quartz were found in the early days, and gold was also obtained in the Okahu Stream near the track between Ahikereru and Te-Mimi, the Native settlements. The circumstance which gave rise to the report as to the existence of gold in this locality is as follows: It is said that, when the troops went into this country during the time of the war, on leaving Waikare Moana, they followed for a distance of about eight miles what is indicated on the map as the mail-track, to where it crosses a small gully, and on following this gully up for about three miles they came to a place where the rocks had been laid bare by a slip; some of the men brought away a remarkably rich auriferous quartz specimen from this place ; but, upon going back some years afterwards to try and find the spot from which the specimen had been taken, it was found that a large slip had since occurred and had deposited an immense quantity of material over the locality where the stone was supposed to have originally been discovered. Some Natives assert that alluvial gold and also quartz specimens have been found in the bed of the Okahu Stream, about seven miles from the Ahikereru, on the track towards Euatahuna and also to Te-Mimi; whether there is any truth in this assertion we cannot say, but should there be any gold found in the country, it is in this direction that the discovery is most likely to be made, as to the east of Maungapohatu the formation is entirely Cretaceous, or Cretaceo-tertiary, in which no auriferous quartz lodes are to be expected. Geology and Minekal Eesouboes. The district to the east and the southern part of the Whakatane watershed was examined and reported on during the year 1887 (see "Geological Eeports" 1886-87), and, as described by Mr. McKay, the geology of the contiguous country to the east and south illustrates and explains the mode of the occurrence of the different formations found within the limits presently to be described.

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Something must therefore be said as to the physical features and geology of the eastern slope of the main range between the Napier-Taupo Boad and that leading from Gisborne to Opotiki. Omitting Mahia Peninsula and a limited area on the mainland opposite, the younger rocks are invariably found along the coast-line, and those of greater age successively outcrop as the section is followed to the westward, till finally the Older Secondary or Younger Palseozoic rocks of the district make their appearance, which in the extreme south is to the east of the main water-divide, but in the middle and north-east parts is on the northern slopes of the main range. Older Tertiary and Cretaceous rocks form the higher part of the main range from the southeast sources of the Whakatane Eiver to a point in the Middle Motu Valley, a mile above the bridge over that river on the road from Gisborne to Opotiki. The average height of the water-divide is between 3,000 ft. and 4,000 ft. above sea-level, and, as before said, from this height the fall of the country to the east is gradual, though at a lesser angle than the dip of the strata generally. West of the main range the Cretaceous and Tertiary rocks, where present, terminate suddenly, and in the part of the district including and immediately north-east and south-west of Maungapohatu, erosion by the tributary streams within the Whakatane watershed has proceeded so rapidly and in such a manner that the whole of the Cretaceous rocks once present have been removed, and the present features of the country sculptured out of the underlying older rocks. The character of the Cretaceous rocks, and the positions which they occupy, nearly horizontal, on the main range favour the formation of the great line of cliffs which has already been noticed in a preceding part of this report. North-east of Maungapohatu, by the evidence brought down to the main stream by the different tributaries of the Waimana, it is clear that not only do the lesser streams reach back to the edge of the Cretaceous formation in the general line of its trend, but that, along the spurs separating the different deep valleys, narrow strips of Cretaceous rocks are continued to the westward. Large subangular blocks of Cretaceous sandstone are found in the bed of the Waimana where no such rocks are in sight on the surrounding hills, and it may fairly be assumed that at one time the Cretaceous sheet extended west to the main valley of the Whakatane Eiver. In the south-west and north-west parts of the district a younger series of rocks cover the tops of the mountains in a like manner. At the south-west sources of the Whakatane, Trachytes or Bhyolitic volcanic rocks are seen disposed as horizontal sheets on the top of the mountains, but do not appear anywhere in the low grounds till passing westward of Ahikereru. In the north-western part of the district, rocks of a similar character are to be met with on the range forming the water-parting between the middle Whakatane and the Eangitaiki Eivers. These Tertiary volcanic rocks may have been deposited after the erosion of the Cretaceous rocks if these latter ever extended thus far to the westward, or the plateau-like character of the region may have been preserved, while the presence of the Cretaceous rocks tell of the period of the volcanic outburst, which, however, would seem to be unlikely. More modern volcanic rocks of a fragmental character fill the lower valley of the Whakatane, and cover the downs of the coastal region between the mouth of the Whakatane and Opotiki. The formation present in the district may be classified as under: —■ Table of Formations. 1. Recent ... ... ... (a.) Littoral, fluviatile, and turbary. „ ... ... ... (b.) Volcanicejectamentadue to Eruption of Tarawera, 1886. „ ... ... ... (c.) Pumiceous deposits of older date. 2. Pliocene ... ... ... (a.) Gravel hills of the lower part of the Euatoki Plain. 3. Upper Miocene ... ... ... (a.) Trachytic volcanic rocks. 4. Cretaceous ... ... ... (a.) Limestones, &c, of the main range on the eastern border of the district. „ .. ... ... (b.) Shales, &c, underlying (a). 5. Old Secondary and Palceozoic Rocks (a.) Sandstones and shales intermingled with slate. „ „ (6.) Breccias and diabasic or calcareous volcanic tufas. „ „ (c.) Hornstones and flinty jasperoid rocks. 1. Recent. (a.) Littoral. —These deposits form a series of sand dunes along the coast-line between the Whakatane and Eangitaiki Eivers, and from them drift-sands are carried inland by winds from the Bay of Plenty, and to some extent they have encroached on the swampy lands to the south, filling up and rendering solid what would otherwise be an impassable swamp. The material of these sandhills is in part pumiceous, but not nearly so much so as the similar deposits on the shore of the Bay of Plenty, more to the north. The reason of this is, that both the Eangitaiki and Whakatane Eivers bring down a large amount of detritus derived from the sandstone mountains of the interior part of the Urewera country, and part of this also is supplied by the erosion and wear of the seacliffs to the east of the mouth of the Whakatane Eiver. Fluviatile.— The modern fluviatile deposits of the district constitute the alluvial lowlands on each bank of the Whakatane Eiver from five miles above its mouth to the sea. In this part there is a mixture of comminuted material derived from all the rocks of the district, but the prevailing ingredients of the soil are fine sand and mud from the older rocks, mixed with partly decomposed pumice grains derived from a covering of pumice spread all over the district. The result of this mixture of rock ingredients is an exceedingly rich soil, which yields large crops of maize without the application of any artificial means; the returns showing scarcely any diminution in amount after twelve years' successive cropping of the same piece of land. The Euatoki Plain has over its surface

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a fine loamy soil in most parts, but along the more swampy lands, towards the base of the eastern range, the soil is of a more clayey description. On the west side of the valley the lower flat lands have more the character of a river-flat, covered with a vegetable soil mixed with pumice sand from the neighbouring downs and hills. Under the immediate surface of the greater part of the plain there is a thick stratum of sandstone gravel derived from the older rocks of the district. In the lower Waimana Valley there is a fine soil, composed of the materials of the various rocks present in this part of the watershed, underlain by a stratum of river-shingle derived from the older rocks. Towards the northern end of the low grounds, and on the adjoining lower downs, the soil has in it a greater proportion of pumice sand than at the upper end of the plain. The Buatahuna Plain has the Whakatane River at its western side flowing in a deep channel between the plain itself and the mountains opposite to the westward. As seen in the terraces on the east bank of the river there is a great depth of sandstone gravel overlain by soils of a varied character, at places stony, at other places dry loamy deposits, or clay lands of a heavier description. The greater part of this area has, however, not been explored, nor the exact character of its soils determined. Intelligent Maoris describe the soils in the lower and eastern part as being of high quality. The smaller river-flats along the middle and upper parts of the Waimana and Waikari Rivers show a considerably greater percentage of pumice than is to be found on the lower alluvial lands further to the north, probably due to the fact that during freshets and floods there was a lesser area for the deposits of pumice. Turbary Deposits. —These, such as merit notice here, are confined to the area of swampy land between the lower courses of the Whakatane and Rangitaiki Rivers. They have already been sufficiently described in a previous part of the report. (b.) Volcanic Ejectamenta due to Eruption of Tarawera, 1886. —This covered the northern and central parts of the district with a fine deposit of grey sand to an average depth of 2in. As a geological formation it is of little consequence, but since it, to a considerable degree, stimulated vegetation wherever it fell, some mention should be made of it. Due, probably, to its greater specific gravity it has sunk through the lighter partly-pumiceous soils of the surface, and at many places can be traced as a layer of darker tint 2in. to 4in. below the surface. It does not reach further south than the middle part of the Waimana Valley, its southern boundary following a nearly straight line between Tolago Bay and Fort Galatea. (c.) Ptimiceous Deposits of Older Date. —To the east of the lower Whakatane, the hills and downs have their higher parts formed of a deposit of pumice-breccia, and sands that of variable depth reach a measure, in places, of 150 ft. The same deposit is to be found over all the high lands of the district away from the immediate action of the larger streams. On the broken hilly country it is of inconsiderable thickness, but where there is any approach to table-lands or flat-topped hills the thickness, even in the far south, may be considerable. On the top of Maungapohatu this deposit in places appears to be about 100 ft. thick. Where the erosion of the country has reduced any particular range or ridge of hills to a narrow crest the pumiceous deposit has been carried to lesser elevations, and now lies on the lower slopes of the range, or has been swept into the valleys, or in large part carried away altogether, and, mingling with the other proceeds of denudation, now forms with these the rich soils of the low ground of the coastward region. The higher terraces, downs, and lower hills of the western part of the Whakatane Valley, opposite the Ruatoki Plain, are covered to a considerable depth with pumiceous deposits of this description. A vast thickness of the like and coarser deposits of pumiceous fragments is seen in the sea-cliffs along the shore of the Bay of Plenty between the mouth of the Rangitaiki River and Maketu, and the deposit extends inland in the direction of Mount Edgecombe, apparently without any diminution in its thickness, which, on the sea-coast, is seen at many places to be not less than 500 ft. Although readily yielding to the action of rain and running water as denuding agents, from the manner in which these pumice deposits have been sculptured into hills it may be assumed that they are the oldest deposits in the district that can safely be referred to the recent period. 2. Pliocene. (a.) Gravel Hills forming Downs on the Loiver Part of the Suatoki Plain. —These occur only, so far as is known, in the lower part of the Ruatoki Plain, between the Waimana River and the part where the valley becomes narrowed, and the Whakatane washes the foot of the hills on its eastern bank. They form a series of low hills that stand above the general level of the plain, the upper beds in which show a considerable percentage of pumice gravels, but the lower beds are seen to be sandstone gravels of a rusty-brown colour, resembling similar gravels referable to the same period that are found abundantly over the goldfields of the west coast of the South Island and Otago. Though of limited extent their distinctiveness from the other formations, older or younger than themselves, requires their being separately described. As a formation they appear at one time to have filled the valley, from the point where they are found to the upper end of the Ruatoki Plain, and subsequently to have been removed before the gravels and pumiceous deposits of older date were laid down. Near Ruatoki Settlement some gravels are exposed on the east bank of the Whakatane that with propriety might be referred to this period, but they are exposed in section only. 3. Upper Miocene. (a.) Trachytic Volcanic Bocks. —lt has been mentioned that such rocks occur on the tops of the mountains surrounding the western sources of the Whakatane River. These, however, have not been actually examined. Rocks of similar appearance and of probably the same age form the higher part of the outer range overlooking the Kaingaroa Plain and the Rangitaiki Valley. At the upper end of the first gorge of the Waimana River rocks of this description are met with striking in a north-east and south-west direction, and dipping at moderate angles to the south-east. They con-

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tinue for a short distance only, and appear to be contained in a trough-like depression of the other rocks that show in the banks of the river further down the gorge. 4. Cretaceous or Gretaceo-tertiary Bocks. (a.) Limestones, do., of the Main Mange bounding the District on its Eastern Side. —These rocks have not actually been observed in situ. They occupy the higher part of Maungapohatu Mountain, and evidently extend along the crest of the main range to the north and south some considerable distance from Maungapohatu. The knowledge of their existence in the position indicated, is the presence in the principal source-stream of the Waikari of a great abundance of large blocks of coral limestone that have been washed down from the great slips at the foot of Maungapohatu, and originally from the solid part of that mountain itself. This limestone is composed mainly of a branching madrepore coral, but occasionally specimens of Flabellum are present. Many of these limestone blocks, large and small, showed a mixture of earthy material of a more or less calcareous character, but a large percentage was composed of comparatively pure coralline limestone, many of the blocks being pure, and fit to form ornamental marbles. Massive beds of this material could be seen along the great line of cliffs that form the western face of Maungapohatu, and apparently the beds of limestone alternated in thick beds with the strata of a less calcareous or marly character. Not being allowed to approach within two miles of the sacred mountain, this description of the strata forming it is necessarily an inference from what could be learned of the detrital matter at its base and constituting the great slips and rock avalanches that lie round the Maungapohatu Settlement. On the northern end of the mountain huge masses of limestone rock have weathered into fantastic shapes, one of which, of stupendous size, resembles the head and face of a man, and simulates the face of a Maori to a remarkable degree. This can be well observed from the top of Pawairoto Hill, eight miles distant, and is in reality a very striking feature of the outlines of the mountain. Nearer to Maungapohatu Settlement, and apparently forming an underlying bed, is a great thickness of apparently brecciated rock from which enormous slips have broken away, leaving square towers and obelisks standing in clear and bold relief against the sky. Large masses of light-coloured rock compose.part of.this brecciated stratum, but whether this is to be regarded as a cornstone limestone of huge proportions or a true breccia'cannot at the present time be determined. Bents in the limestone forming the higher part of the mountain, due to eating away of the more marly strata underlying, are numerous, and on the plateau-like tops there are numerous small depressions, more or less circular, which the Natives consider to be volcanic craters. These latter are, however, to be regarded as due to the solvent action of water containing carbonic acid in solution. The great burying-place of the Maoris is situated on the higher part of the mountain, and appears to be a fissure formed by wreckage near the face of the great cliff. The precise spot where the remains of all the notable dead of the Urewera country are deposited is described as being covered by a large slab of rock which, when required, is lifted so far as to admit of the sacred relics being thrust into the chasm underneath, down which they descend to unknown depths in the bowels of the mountain. (b.) Shales and Sandstone underlying (a). —These are of very considerable thickness, possibly exceeding I,OOOft. The upper beds appear to be evenly stratified shales, and the lower beds are shales and sandstones, with which are associated concretionary boulders resembling the saurian boulder concretions of the Waipara and Amuri Bluffs, belonging to the same series of rocks which have a considerable development along the east coast of the South Island. These rocks are identical with the rocks yielding petroleum in the Poverty Bay district, and which extend northward along the coast to the mouth of the Waiapu River. These rocks in the neighbourhood of Maungapohatu have the same physical characteristics and the same fossil contents that are , to be met with on the East Coast. The fossil forms consisting of different species of Inoceramus, which are regarded as being conclusive proof that their age is at least not younger than the Cretaceous period. 5. Old Secondary and Palaozoic Bocks. (a.) Sandstones and Shales. —These form the greater area of the country examined, and, in conjunction with (b) and (c), form the whole of the fundamental rocks west of the main range to the ranges forming the western limits of the district. Along the course of the Waimana Eiver they have generally a westerly dip at moderate or high angles. The rocks themselves are of the ordinary type of sandstones and shales that are to be met with in the Tararua and Pvuahine Mountains of the Wellington and Hawke's Bay Districts. They are much jointed and shattered, but show nowhere much evidence of alteration, nor are lode-fissures or mineral veins to be met with in them. Even sulphides and arsenates of iron are rarely to be detected in these rocks, and altogether they do not impress one favourably as being the repositories of gold-bearing lodes. At many places, both the sandstones and shales are to a considerable extent charged with nodules of compact blue or greyish limestone, and at places the rocks themselves are, to a limited extent, of a calcareous character. As a result they are factors towards the production of the excellent soils that distinguish the low lands towards the seaboard in the lower valleys of the larger streams. At one place, west of the Upper Whakatane, compact white limestone is found, which may be regarded as a kind of marble, but it has not been ascertained whether this rock occurs in sufficient mass to enable it being quarried in blocks of any considerable size, and it is situate in such an out-of-the-way part of the country that, even if it did so occur, it could not be regarded as of any commercial value. (b.) Breccias and Diabasic Volcano Tufas. —These rocks are seen to be well developed in the Waimana Gorge above the Euatoki Plain, and form a massive development of solid and indistinctly stratified rocks that are remarkably free from joints and dislocations which so much characterize the sandstone and shale division of the same formation. About the middle of the lower Waimana Gorge they are highly calcareous, and form a dark compact limestone that is in

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places highly fossiliferous. The true character of these fossils could not be determined on account of the close adherence of the matrix to the shell tests. In the middle part of the Waimana Valley brecciated calcareous tufas have at places a considerable development; these rocks are often veined with calcspar, and, although never calcareous enough to be regarded as limestone, are yet at places highly calcareous, hence the soil where formed mainly of these rocks is excellent. (c.) Hornstones and Flinty Jasperoid Bocks. —These, though they have at places a considerable development, in reality form but an unimportant division of the series to which they belong. The strike being parallel to the direction of the Whakatane and Waimana; this rock appears in the banks of these rivers at many places, yet there does not appear to be more than three narrow belts of these rocks in the district. One appears to occur on the western slopes of the range east of Euatoki Settlement. This stratum or series of strata strikes more to the south-west than is the direction of the Whakatane or the Waimana Eiver, and, as a consequence, it crosses not only the Whakatane about the middle of the gorge, but the gorge also of the Waimana at its upper end. The second line runs in near contact with the calcareous ash-bed of the middle part of the Waimana Valley, and, judging from the detritus in the upper course of the Waikari, near Maungapohatu, there is yet a third outcrop more to the eastward. These rocks are often of a highly siliceous character, and may be light or dark grey, though often of a highly ferruginous colour, and often, in the same sample, white and brick-red tints are mixed together. There is little doubt that it is owing to the outcrop of these rocks being mistaken for true reefs that so many and persistent reports have been circulated respecting discoveries of the existence of auriferous quartz in the Urewera country, nor is this to be wondered at, seeing that in the Eimutaka and Tararua Ranges the same rocks have all along, since traces of gold were first discovered, been regarded as quartz reefs. It so happens that stray traces of gold are found in these rocks, which have tended to confirm prospectors in the belief that they had to do with bodies of true vein-quartz. Although these rocks occur widely throughout both Islands of New Zealand, and although gold has been discovered in them at many places, they have always proved too poor to pay for working, and in the Urewera country the prospects are not better than elsewhere.

COAL-MINING. NORTH ISLAND. The coal-mining industry is gradually increasing year by year, and new mines are always being opened, but so far the quantity of coal that can be disposed of depends chiefly on what is used for house consumption, local industries, and the coasting steamers. There is an extensive area of coalfields in the colony, but so far the class on which we have to depend for supplying foreign markets is confined to the West Coast mines, which contain the only bituminous coal in the colony. At Kawakawa, Hikurangi, Ngunguru, there are semi-bituminous coals which the steamers use, but the coal is not equal to that from the West Coast. Of the different classes of coal found in the North Island that from Ngunguru may be said to be'the best. Kawakawa. The mine at this place now belongs to a company of local men, who have improved the work-ing-roads considerably, and were, at the time of my visit, endeavouring to maintain a fair output, considering the area of the field and the state of the mine. The mine was opened out over twenty years ago, and was lately given up as valueless, as it was considered that there were only some small pillars of coal left. The Bay of Islands Coal Company, before- giving up the mine, let this portion to Mathews and party for what they could make out of it. After they had been working for some time they found that the bords had not been carried on the bottom of the coal, and that in some places about sft. of coal was left underfoot when the Bay of Islands Company ceased work. The ground was applied for by two different parties—namely, Mathews and party, who had been previously working it for the company, and another party of local gentlemen. As no satisfactory arrangement could be come to between these parties to work the mine, the local company purchased Mathews and party's interest and their plant, and have been working it since August last, and up to the end of December last year the output was given me as 1,969 tons. With the mine standing idle for some time the most of the trade in shipping had gone, and the new company had to find a market for the coal, and were, at the time of my visit, landing the coal in Auckland at 12s. 9d. per ton. This allows 6s. 3d. for hewing the coal and putting it in the railway trucks, 2s. railage to Opua Wharf, 6d. royalty, and 4s. freight to Auckland. With regard to the output from this mine it will never be large, but it will be the means of employing a few of the miners, who were residing here with their families, who did not wish to leave the place if they could earn small wages for a few years. At the time of my visit in February last, there were eleven men in the mine, and three men and two youths in connection with the haulage-roads and surface. Hikurangi Mine.— -This property is owned by the Hikurangi Coal Company, and contains a considerable area of workable coal, at the same time there are numerous faults met with; but from the recent bores put down by Mr. Moody, the manager, on the eastward side of the railway, the coal does not appear to be greatly disturbed. The whole of the work in connection with the opening-out of this mine was done in a very short time, and, judging by the amount of paid-up capital and the liabilities of the company, as taken from the balance-sheet for the year ending the 31st December last, none of the money has been wasted. The total capital invested, including the liabilities of the company, in which there is one item for the purchase of land amounting to £1,842 4s. 6d., is only £11,868 Is, Id,, which is a very small sum to expend in opening out a

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coal-mine so as to have a large output whenever required. The output of coal from this mine commenced in May last, and at the end of December last 11,800 tons were sold and delivered to consumers. Boring operations have been carried on in both the eastern and western sections of the company's property, and these proved the coal area to be considerably greater than was at first anticipated. To my mind, the area adjoining the West Bryan Mine is the section that will prove the most profitable to the company for working. Taking the cost of mining coal, railway haulage, salaries, office expenses, and all other expenses in connection with the mine, it amounted to £4,425 2s. 6d., and the sale of coal came to £4,697 17s. 6d., thus leaving a balance to the credit of the company of £272 15s. on the working of the mine during the first eight months. Adjoining the Hikurangi Mine is what is termed the West Bryan, which is leased from the person owning the freehold. A considerable area of coal has been cut up into pillars, but the very small depth of cover will make it difficult to get the whole of the coal in these pillars now on the end of the ground next the swamp; the lessee is stripping the surface in order to get the whole of the coal, but this stripping will cost a considerable amount. In some of the places the coal is soft, but on the northern boundary there seems to be a very good class of coal. Another new mine was opened out here last year by Mathews and party, but at the time of my visit no coal had been taken out of the mine ; they were then laying down a light iron tramway from the mine to the railway ; this mine is leased from Mr. Carter. Ngunguku. This field contains a good quality of coal, the best that has yet been found in the North Island, at the same time it is inferior to the bituminous coal on the West Coast, and the coal-bear-ing area is greatly circumscribed. A large output can never be expected, as the harbour is only suitable for light-draught vessels. Another coal-lease has been taken up on the opposite side of the river from the other mine, and a considerable amount of prospecting has been done, but only in certain places was a workable seam found. Waikato. There has been a considerable output from these mines last year, but the class of coal in this district is only suitable for local consumption. The mines in this district are the Waikato, Taupiri Extended, and Taupiri Eeserve, whose output was 11,278 tons, 30,426 tons, and 13,877 tons respectively, making the total output for this locality for the last year 55,581 tons. There is a great thickness of coal in some of these mines, and, no doubt, when once there is direct communication with the Thames Valley by railway the output from the mines in this locality will be greatly increased, for, although the coal is inferior to that in the mines further north, it will be landed at such a price that mining companies can afford to use a larger quantity of this class of coal, which probably will make it more economical than using a better class at a higher rate.

MIDDLE ISLAND. COLLINGWOOD. One coal-mine has been worked here for many years, but owing to the thinness of the seams, the faults and breaks met with at different times, and also that only very small vessels can get to Ferntown, where the coal is shipped, the mine has not, therefore, proved a payable venture. There are other areas of coal in this neighbourhood and in the same range, but no large output could ever be expected from any mine on this field. In the event of the Parapara iron deposit being utilised, then the coal here would be a valuable adjunct to any company erecting large works for the manufacture of iron, but even then a railway would have to be constructed from the mine to Parapara, which would be a distance of at least four miles. Eecently, Mr. N. D. Cochrane, the Inspector of Mines for the West Coast, made a special examination of the Collingwood Mine, and reported on the proposals of Mr. Walker, the manager, for the further development of the mine, of which the following is an extract : — " The mine is worked from one adit running west, which pierces the hill at a height of some 860 ft. above the flat, and crosscuts the strata which djps to the west and north-west. The angle of the dip is at first, say, 1 in 3, but when followed in the mine flattens out to 1 in 8, and this general inclination to the west or north-west is continued for a considerable distance, probably right through the range to the coast. Five seams of coal have been worked, some of which are at places parted by a band of stone ; but these seams are all very thin. When the mine was inspected, on the sth June last, three men were working in the top or No. 1 seam to west of the jig, and the section was 4in. coal, 6in. stone, 12in. coal, then mudstone floor. Three men were also working in the same seam to the north of the main tunnel, where the upper part had pinched out, but the lower division was 18in. in thickness. In No. 2 seam three men were working near the outcrop on coal 2ft. 6in. thick. All these thicknesses are considered fair and workable, indeed, rather better than usual, but the areas will not last any time. " The reasons for the workings being discontinued in the various seams are given by Mr. Walker as under :— " No. 1 seam, to the farthest north, was thin and steep. " No. 2 seam was stony in the northern workings, and to the south ran into shale. " No. 3 was only worked as a makeshift when the coal in the others had given out. " Nos. 4 and 5 were met by a fault and shaly coal. " All the seams are limited to the east by the outcrop, and to the west or dip by the water,

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" The place where Mr. Walker desires to prospect is in the No. 1 seam, 150 ft. to the south of a point in the adit 900 ft. in from the mine mouth. The bottom part of the seam is there about a foot in thickness, though further back it was thinner, so it is tending to increase, while the upper part for some distance has been thinning, and I measured it as 6in. in thickness. To determine whether it was desirable to prospect further it was necessary that examinations of the coalfield should be made beyond the boundaries of the leasehold, and such I accordingly carried out. " Geology. " The dividing-range between Golden Bay and the West Coast runs in a north-east and southwest direction, rising somewhat abruptly from the flat land of the Aorere Eiver to a height of 2,000 ft. The first 800 ft. or 900 ft. of the ascent is composed of slates, older limestone, and schist; then there is the usual breccia and heavy conglomerates of the coal-formation of New Zealand, passing upward into finer conglomerate and sandy shales, immediately succeeded by numerous coalseams, with which are interbedded mudstones and shales. Similar rocks, with occasional beds of sandstone, are met in following the sequence upward in Mine Creek to the top of the watershed, 1,940 ft. in height. Possibly twenty outcrops of coal-seams were passed, ranging from a few inches to 15in. in thickness. These dip gently to north-west, and appear to pass conformably under the pitchcoal measures of West Wanganui. Hence it is clear the best way of working these seams would be to tap them from the base of the western scarps, with the drainage free and the dip in favour of the haulage, but transport from the West Coast precludes this at present. " To the immediate north of the mine coal-seams are known to exist, but not being favourably spoken of, and the northern mine-workings not having been found profitable, it was not necessary to make any examination in that direction. Further north the coal-seams are again worked at Pakawau, and there the measures dip to the south. Still further north the general geological structure is an anticline from sea to sea, in place of the abrupt rise and general north-west dip of Ferntown. " Crossing from Pakawau to West Wanganui the upper strata are passed through, including beds of greensand, which, in my opinion, mark the transition conformably to the upper or pitchcoal series. At the northern end of the Inlet, conglomerates, sandstones, and shales, showing local unconformity and strong-current bedding, are exposed. Across the neck of the headland the rocks are obscured by surface-deposits, but reappear on the coast-line, where cliffs of conglomerate, with interstratified soft sandstones hundreds of feet in height, face the Tasman Sea. The Westport coal-measures are said to occur from here northwards, but of these there did not appear to me to be any evidence, and as that position would place them higher in the sequence, it will be preferable for the present to regard them as the time-equivalents of the bituminous coals of Ferntown. " To the south of the mine, where it is proposed to drive, it was desirable to observe the outcrops at as near a point ahead of the workings as possible. With that object in view an ascent of the first large creek on Mr Curtis's land was made, but inaccessible cliffs of the blue older limestone prevented the rocks of the coal-formation being reached. An ascent of a spur some three miles up the valley shows conglomerates outcropping at a height of 1,600 ft. Descending from this to the creek beyond, in what is known as Kerr's Mathoura Lease, a fine but thin coal-seam occurs at a height of 1,185 ft. This measured 2ft. 4in. thick, with a parting a foot above the floor. A second exposure of it showed 2ft. Bin. of coal. The dip varied both in direction and amount, but may be taken as west-north-west, at 1 in 6 to 1 in 9. " About Bft. below this seam an inferior one about lft. in thickness occurs; beneath this there is about 14ft. of shales and mudstones, with an included band of breccia, to the second good seam. This measures 2ft. 6in. thick, but is tending to be shaly near the roof, and there is a band of stone lin. in thickness in the centre of the seam. The floor is sandy shale, underlaid by the heavy bottom conglomerate. Further up the creek than the first seam, and therefore higher in the sequence, several other coal-seams were seen, at least one of which is a workable one. " Owing to the rough nature of the surface no maps have been made showing the positions of the creeks, but the broad aspect of the case is this: that perhaps, two miles to the south of the mine payable coal-seams exist, if anything, rather better than those worked. " Deductions. "The observations made during my brief examination of the Collingwood coalfield point to relatively transient, but frequently recurring, periods of extensive coal-formation, with shallowwater conditions of deposit,—the seas being fed by sluggish streams, excepting immediately after the first submergence of the ancient land-surface, and again towards the close of the coal period. Hence it may reasonably be inferred that, although troughs and inequalities should be expected, the coal-seams, if driven on after thinning, will again be found to thicken and vice versd. " Eegardingthe direction to drive in, my opinion is that towards the south holds out more hope than to the north. Towards the west or dip, the normal direction in which to expect the seams to thicken, no such occurrence has been noticed in the mine-workings. This, however, should only be looked for towards the centre of the syncline or coalfield, and, as it is shown that the dip is fairly persistent and the measures continuous, if such improvement exists it should be found in the deep ground at West Wanganui. As to the particular seam in which to drive, as things are at present, No. 1 appears to be the most suitable, but one of the bottom seams would have been more convenient although not essential for drainage." West Coast. There is a large field containing bituminous coal on the West Coast, and also considerable areas containing both brown and pitch coah There are, at the present time, three bituminous mines 23-C. 3.

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opened out in the Westport district, and works are in progress for opening out a fourth one at Granity Creek ; there are also two mines now being worked in the Grey Valley, and an English company have recently commenced to construct a railway and open up another mine at Coal Creek. It is only in bituminous mines that we may ever expect a large coal trade to be developed ; the brown coal that is found in this part of the country is only used for local consumption in the immediate vicinity in which it is raised ; and, although there is a very large extent of this class of coal in the district, it will not be of any very great value so long as our bituminous mines are supplying the demand. The class of coal on the West Coast is equal to that found in any part of the world, and there are few places, if any, where superior coal can be obtained. The difficulty which is now experienced by some of the ccal companies is in getting a market for the coal, and very little has yet been done towards the construction of a class of vessels capable of entering West Coast harbours, and carrying large cargoes of coal from there to the foreign markets. The class of vessels at the present time employed in this trade are utterly unsuitable for this purpose. They are only fitted for coastal trade, and until such time as we have vessels having a moderate draught and large carrying-capacity we need not expect any considerable development in the coal industry. Mokihinui. —Some years ago a company was formed to construct a railway and open out a mine at Coal Creek in the Mokihinui district, and when a commencement to open out the mine was made coal to the extent of 30ft. in height was found, with only a few feet of cover upon it. The latter was stripped and the coal quarried, as it were, for some distance into the cutting. On opening out a mam level to work the mine, the coal was found to be of a soft character, and several faults were met with at different points, so that by the time the company had got their railway constructed, failing to find coal of a sufficent quality to open up a profitable trade, they got into financial difficulties, and eventually suspended operations. Previous to the suspension of operations, however, a fire broke out in this mine, but prompt action was taken, stopmgs were put in, and. the Westport Fire-brigade, which turned out, pumped water into this section of the mine,, and succeeded in extinguishing the flames. The output for the Mokihinui for the year ending December last was 10,742 tons. Eecently this mine, known as the Mokihinui, has been taken on tribute by a co-operative company, which has extended the main level, and is said to have found hard coal of excellent quality, so that the undertaking is likely to prove a profitable venture for the tributers. Numerous faults and rolls will be found in this vicinity, but as the workings are extended under the centre of the range, going through into Chasm Creek, they are likely to open up a good field, without so many breaks and faults as there are at Coal Creek. A new mine has recently been opened out at Mokihinui by the Westport-Cardiff Company, who were very successful at first in finding an unbroken area of good coal. During last year, however, two or three faults were met with, but did not prove very serious obstacles to the method laid out for working the field. It is by no means to be expected that an unbroken seam of coal will be found in this locality, dislocations and faults will have, more or less, to be contended with as the workings extend. The incline-tramway leading from the mine to the bins, being only 46 chains in length, is on very good grade, and the coal, so far, easily obtained. Should the company be successful in finding a market for its output, the property ought to prove a valuable one, inasmuch as it has cost a comparatively small expenditure of money to open up the mine, including the erection of storagebins, tramways, sidings, and plant, the total expenditure not exceeding £12,000; the whole of the works being laid off by Mr. Brown, the present manager of the mine. The faults met with last year, however, have been the means of considerably curtailing the output, which amounted to only 4,500 tons. Westport Colliery Company. —This company carries on the most extensive coal-mining operations there are in the colony, and during last year were employing about 356 men. The mine is at an elevation of about I,Booft. above the level of the sea, and the workings are connected with the railway by an incline-tramway, 85 chains in length, made in two divisions, the upper being 35 chains, having a maximum grade of 1 in and the lower incline 50 chains, having an average grade of 1 in 2J. These grades are worked with hydraulic brakes, the railway-wagons holding 6 and 7 tons of coal, and running up and down this incline at a speed which would enable 1,000 tons of coal to be sent down per day. On the top of the plateau where this incline-tramway stops, the storage-bins, screens, and haulage machinery are placed, and to this point all the coal from Coalbrookdale, which is from three to three and a half miles distant, is brought by means of an endless-rope haulage, nearly a mile and a half of the latter being conveyed through a tunnel carried on the same floor from which the coal was taken, following the dips and rises met with in the'strata above and below the coal. This end-less-rope haulage is worked by a steam-engine, having a cylinder 20in. in diameter, 4ft. stroke, and thirty-three strokes per minute, which with the pressure of steam used, gives 83 indicated horse-power. The method adopted for loading the railway-trucks from the bins is as follows : Underneath the bins there are two different lines of rails, and plenty of head-room between the bottom and the rail, to admit of the railway-wagons going right under the bins from one end to the other. In the bottom of these bins there is a line of doors directly above the centre of the railway, and when coal is required to be delivered into the wagons a bar of iron is placed in a slit in the door, and by means of a small lever connected with a hydraulic press, worked by hand, the door which lies horizontal at the bottom of the bins slides along and opens an aperture sufficiently large to fill one of these wagons in about half a minute. As soon as the required quantity of coal is in the wagon, the same hydraulic press closes the door, the wagon is removed, an empty one takes its place, and the same process is repeated,

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The storage-bins, into which the tubs are emptied, are capable of holding about 1,000 tons of coal. The company is using about 1,200 steel tubs, with half-round bottoms, having steel wheels and axles, and each capable of holding half a ton, and, at the time of my visit, 120 more were being made. Since that date the company has erected two shaking screens, which are of English construction, and are being used exclusively to screen coal for household purposes. The following description of these screens is taken from the Otago Witness : " The screens divide the small and large coal, and consist of three different sections. The upper is an iron box, 4ft. wide and Bft. long, with inclined bars at the bottom running parallel with the length thereof, the highest end of the shelving being immediately under the tumbler, so that no damage results to the coal when leaving the tub. As the coal slides down, the small falls through to a receiving-bin below, leaving the larger coal to travel on to the second section, which is what is called a rocker. It is of similar dimensions to that of the grating-box described, but is not stationary—as, indeed, its name might signify. The bottom is composed of strongly-netted steel-wire ropes, interlaced after the manner of a riddle, which it really is on a large scale. The motions are caused by a Tangye engine, having weighted eccentrics, the latter being needed to steady the cradle, which would otherwise have uneven jerky movements. The coal is now on the rocker, and is still moving downwards, but before it leaves, the riddled bottom has relieved all the lumps of every particle of coaldust, so that it is shining, clean, pure, and certainly worth looking after. We do not want to see these refined diamond blocks chipped or broken, and so we have an endless belt of broad sheetiron plates moving ever downwards. These carefully take the now screened coals when the rocker is fairly done with them, and carry them on to the point where they turn over a roller, finally depositing them gently on to the Government railway-wagons waiting to receive their successive loads. Mark you, there has been no smashing nor grinding of the mineral during the whole screening process, for the lumps, only wiped clean of the coal-dust, now lie inside the railway-wagons as intact as when they were first tumbled from the mine-tub above. The time occupied, too, in screening and loading a 6-ton wagon—that being the holding capacity of the railway-wagons—is only a few minutes." The cost of these screens, including their erection, is said to be about £4,000. At the end of the main haulage through the tunnel, a separate system of haulage commences at what is called the Iron Bridge, where there is an engine having double cylinders, Bin. in diameter and 9in. stroke, hauling by their endless-rope system for a distance of 44 chains. A similar engine is used at the Coalbrookdale section, and the same system of haulage is adopted for a distance of 104 chains. There are also a pair of engines at Cascade, having cylinders 6in. in diameter, and effecting a haulage of 42 chains. At Munsey's another pair of engines are erected, having cylinders of Bin. in diameter, which are hauling a distance of 12 chains ; and there were, at the time of my visit, a pair of engines ready to be erected at Coalbrookdale, the cylinders of which are 12in. in diameter, with a 9ft. surgingdrum ; and there was also in course of erection a compound engine, having cylinders of 10in. and 24in. respectively, this engine being intended for working the Iron Bridge section. In addition to all these there is a large quantity of machinery in use, and lying about the company's works, which has cost a considerable sum of money. The Granity Greek Mine Lease belongs to the same company, and a great amount of work has been done in connection with this mine by the construction of an incline-tramway from the foot of the hill, where the railway passes along to Mokihinui, to the top of the plateau above Granity Creek. From the head of this incline-tramway to the place where the company proposes to open up the mine is about half a mile. The incline-tramway is not nearly so expensively constructed as the one now in use at Denniston Hill, for, in place of using the railway-wagons on the incline, storage-bins are being constructed at the foot of the hill close alongside the railway, and the company intend to run the tubs from the mine to the bins. The original intention, when this work was first commenced, was to construct a line of railway from the top of the plateau to the mine, and run the tubs with a light locomotive, but this idea has now been abandoned, and a stationary haulage will be substituted. As soon as all appliances are complete, and the whole of the storagebins constructed in accordance with original plan, that is, to have a storage-capacity of about 10,000 tons, the working in this mine can be so regulated that, should a number of vessels arrive in port on the same day, there will always be a large supply of coals in stock ready for shipment. The area which the company holds in the Granity Creek lease will not be nearly so broken or disturbed as the field they are now working about Coalbrookdale. This has, to a certain extent, been proved by the number of bores put down in the different parts of the lease ; and, when once the mine is opened out, there is no doubt the coal can be delivered on the railway-trucks at a much cheaper rate than is at present done from the Denniston Mine, and even from that mine last year the returns of the output of coal, and the number of men employed in all the different haulage systems, show that the average output for every man in the company's employ was 642 tons last year, which was about 140 tons per man more than from any other mine in the colony. This shows what can be done by having machinery properly applied in connection with working a mine. Any one unacquainted with the working of a coal-mine on seeing the quantity of machinery employed and the intricate system of haulage would naturally conclude that the system would be an expensive one. Greymouth Point Elizabeth Company. —This company has held a coal-lease, comprising an area of 4,700 acres, for a considerable time, and, previous to the company's formation, a portion of the same ground has been held on lease for the last twenty years, the lessees always anticipating to be able to form a company to find the necessary capital to open up the mine and construct either a tramway or railroad from the mine to Greymouth. Mr. McDougall, the managing director of the present company, after getting a proper title to the property, went home to England and got a company formed to work this property, which is situate about five miles in a north-easterly direction from the Port of Greymouth. A good deal of prospecting operations have, from

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time to time been carried on, and several workable seams of bituminous coal found within the boundaries of this company's property, the analysis of. which shows the coal to be of excellent quality, being especially low in ash, and of a high evaporative-power. Samples from a 7ft. seam, and also from a 10ft. seam, were analysed at the Colonial Laboratory, with the following results : — 7ft. Seam. 10ft. Seam. Fixed carbon ... ... ... ... ... 62-27 55-36 Hydrocarbon ... ... ... ... ... 28-68 37-12 Water ... ... ... ... ... ... 7-54 5-74 Ash 1-51 1-78 100-00 10000 The evaporative-power of the coal in 7ft. seam is 8-llb. ; 10ft. seam, 7'2lb. Both of these samples were hard, coherent, massive, caking coal, yielding but little ash. About two years ago a commencement was made to construct a railway, and at the present time about three miles of formation have been completed. The delay in the construction of the railway has been caused by unforeseen difficulties which at several stages came in the way; and, as the ground had not been sufficiently examined with the view of opening-up the mine to the best advantage, the railway could not be gone on with until this was settled. After Mr. McDougall returned from England he arranged with Mr. James Bishop, the manager of the Brunner mines, to take charge of the property, and since it has been under Mr. Bishop's management men have been employed in carrying on prospecting operations, and a definite system of opening-up the mines and working has now been agreed on. The railway when completed will be five miles in length, including a large bridge which will have to be constructed over the Grey Eiver above the present traffic-bridge to get the coal to the wharves on the south side. The total estimate of the cost of the railway, opening-out the mine, with the erection of coke ovens, coal-bins, screens, and all necessary machinery and appliances for working the coal in a systematic manner, is £60,000. Of this amount about £15,000 has already been expended. The company proposes to work the mine by means of adit-levels constructed from the face of the range at a point where the largest quantity of coal can be taken out in rise-workings, so as to do away with any pumping appliances being required for a long time. There is an abundant supply of timber for mining purposes on the property ; and, underlying the coal, there is a seam of excellent fireclay, which can be used for the manufacture of different articles should the company deem it expedient and find it to be an important element in increasing its revenue. The company proposes to erect a sufficient number of coke-ovens for the purpose of producing a trial shipment of coke for the smelting works at Broken Hill and Port Pirie in Australia, where they are assured of trade on condition of being able to be produce a suitable character of coke for smelting purposes. This requires a clean hard compact coke, so as to be able to bear a heavy burden without getting broken up in fine pieces. The company intends to try and cultivate this trade, as it will be the means of providing a profitable market for the disposal of all the small coal manufactured into coke, and which if not used in this manner will become a waste product. Taking the advantages possessed by this company of having its own line of railway and working level free, with cheap timber, and an excellent quantity of coal, their operations bids fair to be a commercial success if it can find a market for all the coal it can raise from the mine. This last element is applicable to every coal-mine on the West Coast. The output can be doubled or even trebled in some of the mines, but the difficulty has hitherto been in finding a market in which to dispose of the produce. The consumption in the colony is limited to the quantity used at the different individual works, and is dependent on their development for any increase. Until such time as a foreign market be opened up the coal trade can only expand very gradually. Blackball. —The coal from the Blackball Mine is of excellent quality where it is of a hard compact character; but there are many places in this mine where the coal is of a very soft nature. In some of the faces this class of coal is left. To look at this seam from the different outcrops, before the workings were opened, one would necessarily expect to find a good seam of coal undisturbed by any break for a long distance, and as far as breaks are concerned there has no large fault yet been met with; but the character of the coal varies greatly in different parts of the workings, not far from where a hard compact bright coal is found the seam will suddenly change, and the coal assume a brownish dirty colour and quite soft, really only suitable for the manufacture of coke; at the same time, notwithstanding its appearance, it makes a fair steaming coal. In some places in this mine the roof is very bad, and in general where the roof is of a loose disjointed nature, requiring a large quantity of timber to keep it up, the coal is of a crushed character ; so bad is the roof in some places that the main levels have to be timbered with sets and almost close lathed on the top. At the time of my visit to this mine there were two shifts of men employed, commencing work at six o'clock in the morning and coming off at ten o'clock at night; the output being about from 1,000 tons to 1,200 tons per week. The aerial-tramway will always limit the supply, although it could convey a much larger quantity than it is doing at present were there a larger number of skips. Each skip holds about Bcwt. of coal, and the capacity of the line was said to be about 3,000 skips per week with the present number the company had in use. Screens have now been erected at the bins for screening the coal for household purposes. The output from this mine for the last year was 27,060 tons. It is not a mine where a large output can be expected, even if a market were found for the coal, which is the present drawback with any colliery. A market can only be got in the colony, and it is entirely limited to the quantity of coal consumed. Brunner. —The whole of the coal-workings are confined to the Brunner Mine, which is owned by the Westport Colliery Company, Mr. M. Kennedy, and the Union Steam Shipping Company.

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The mine was at orie time the principal one in the colony containing bituminous coal. In carrying on the workings numerous faults have been met with, and after getting past the largest of the dislocations it was expected that a better field would be found under the range going in the direction of the Seven-mile Creek, but in prosecuting the work in this direction the sandstone overlying the coal became broken and disjointed, showing that some disturbance has taken place, and on continuing some of the levels, the coal, which had for several chains before this been very irregular in thickness, wedges out to a narrow band. In all the different levels from the dip-incline the same disturbance shows itself, and this was also found in the dip-workings. About two years ago when examining this mine my impression then was that the thinning-out of the coal in the dipworkings was only a heavy roll, and that the seam would be found to resume its original thickness at some distance further on. This opinion was shared by Messrs. McKay and Cochrane, the Mining Geologist and the Inspector of Mines, who were with me at the time. Since then the dip-incline has been carried on for a distance of about 900 ft., and no improvement in the coal met with, but, on the contrary, it varied considerably in thickness and in some places cut out altogether, and at the end of the present dip there is only a small band of coal. It is evident, from the amount of prospecting-work which has now been done, that there is little hope of the present seam being worked for any great length of time. Prospecting operations require to be carried on from some of the gullies further to the north than the present workings; if a workable seam of coal be found, then it might pay to connect the workings with the present levels by a stone drive. If, after prospecting, it is found that there is not a field of coal of any extent beyond that already known, then the position of this mine is, that its output in the future is limited to pillar-workings and the new section which was opened up some time ago. There is still a considerable area of coal in this section ; but, from what is now known of the old workings, there is a great possibility of the coal-deposit lying around the segment of a circle (crescent-shaped) wedging out, as it is known to do to the eastward of the new mine mouth at the face of the range, and curving round to where the thinning-out takes place in the dip-workings in the old mine. The coal from the new mine is of good quality but of rather a soft nature. The output from this mine last, year was 121,185 tons, and the average number of men employed in connection with the works was 308. Bast Coast, Middle Island. There is still a large quantity of coal consumed, the produce of the mines on the East Coast, the principal ones being in the Otago and Southland Districts, where the total output last year was 185,032 tons, or an increase of 10,796 tons over that of the former year. There are no less than one hundred and thirfcy-two mines in this district on the list, but the majority of them are lignite pits, in which from one to four men are employed ; and some of these pits are merely opened by the owner to supply fuel for his own use. The principal mines are : Shag Point, Allandale, Walton Park, Kaitangata, Castlehill, Hokonui, and Nightcaps. None of the coal from any of these mines is suitable for ocean-going steamers, it being too light, and does not possess sufficient body to resist a high draught. It is, however, a splendid, clean, household coal, and, where the transit does not add considerably to the original cost at the mine, it is used in preference to either the bituminous coal from the West Coast or imported coal from New South Wales. A shaft has been sunk to a depth of 450 ft. at the Shag Point Mine, from which a main level has been carried to the seaward for a distance of 727 ft., where it cut No. 2 seam of coal, which had a thickness at this point of 2ft. 6in. The next seam below No. 2 was intersected in the main level at about 430 ft. from the shaft; and, again, No. 4 seam was cut at about 170 ft., from the shaft. The coal is of good quality for the class to which it belongs—brown coal—and the company have recently erected a pumping plant to drain the workings at the 450 ft. level. The output from this mine last year was 15,082 tons, while eighty-nine men were employed. The Allandale Mine adjoins the Shag Point Mine, having a similar description of coal. The coal from this mine is highly spoken of for household purposes ; and considering the economical manner in which it has been opened out, it is a property which should give fair returns for the capital invested. It would also seem from the returns that it worked more economically than any of the other large mines previously referred to in this district, as the output shows 474 tons of coal for every man employed in connection with the works, as will be seen on table annexed. The output last year was 19,442 tons, while forty-one men were employed. At Walton Park the workings are confined to the new extension to the eastward from the shaft in a direct line of about 16 chains, where the coal is about 15ft. in thickness, and of a hard compact character. The output from this mine last year was 19,282 tons, and there were fiftythree men employed in connection with the works. At the Kaitangata Mine the output is more than three times as much as from any other coalmine in Otago, it being 67,091 tons for the last year, and there were 173 men employed in connection with the works. These workings are carried on from the dip-incline and from the shaft at the 600 ft. level. There is a great thickness of coal in this mine, in some places as much as 40ft., but in the present workings it is about 25ft. thick, and of good quality. There were a number of faults met with, which threw down the coal going from the dip-incline towards the shaft. Eecently the mine-manager, Mr. Shore, informed me that some of. those faults show that there has been a large block of the strata gone bodily down on both sides, and that the No. 1 fault, which had a downthrow of about 200 ft., has entirely disappeared, and that the seam of coal was again met with on the line of its original inclination. This is the first dislocation of this character that has come under my notice in any of the coal-mines on the East Coast that has yet been proved. There is a similar dislocation in the Wallsend Mine on the West Coast; but whether the coal will be found there by following the same inclination of its bed in the workings from the first

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shaft that was put down at Brunner, will strike the Dobson Bluff seam again, where there is an apparent upthrow, remains yet to be proved. The whole of the coal from the Kaitangata Mine is of a bright black appearance, and makes a splendid household coal, burning away to a fine ash and keeps alight as long as any particles remain unconsumed. The Castle Hill Colliery adjoins the Kaitangata Mine and belongs to an English company. The works have been several years in progress, but are now nearing completion. A shaft was sunk to a depth of 430 ft., when a stratum of fine sand full of water was met with, which increased the cost and difficulty of sinking so much that all works were suspended in this direction, as it looked at that time that the coal was dipping at such a high inclination that the shaft would have had to be sunk to a great depth before reaching the coal. A dip-incline heading was then constructed, going back under the hill for a length of 2,100 ft., on an inclination of 1 in 4J, where it struck the coal at a vertical depth of 460 ft. below the level of the top of the shaft, and the mine is now being opened out from this both to the rise and to the dip towards the shaft, where it is expected to get a better quality of coal than was first cut at the end of the dip bending from the surface. A chamber with brick lining has been constructed below, in which is erected a large three-throw pump, which is worked with a flexible-wire-rope belt. The haulage, which is on the endless-rope system, is completed, and the air-shaft and ventilating-furnace have been constructed on the most modern system, and in a thorough substantial manner. The whole of the machinery and plant are of the best description, and well-erected and fitted up with all the most modern appliances in use at collieries. Shaking-screens have been erected to separate the coal into four different classes. A branch railway has been constructed to the Kaitangata line, and arrangement made with the Kaitangata Company to carry the coal on its railway to Stirling, where it joins on to the main line of railway from Dunedin to Invercargill. At the mine a large siding has been constructed for the storage of empty and full railway-wagons, with trappers and everything complete. When once the whole of the works are completed and the mine properly opened out a large output may be expected if the company can find a ready-market for the coal, which is of similar quality to that in the Kaitangata Mine, although it has not quite so bright an appearance. During the last year 9,275 tons o_f coal were raised, and sixty men were employed about the mine and works. Southland. The Hokonui Mine is in the locality of Winton. The mine is worked from a dip-incline plane, but recently a bore has been put down with the view of testing the depth that will have to be sunk. The strata gone through in the bore is said to be a compact laminated mudstone, and fine layer of sand. The depth to the coal at this place is about 350 ft. During the last year 12,690 tons of coal was raised, which is brown coal of a good quality, and finds a ready market in Southland for household and industrial purposes. The only other mine in the district is the Nightcaps, where the output has been over 10,000 tons for the year. It has been worked now for a considerable number of years, with a fair output. The coal is of fair quality and of a good thickness for working. During the past year 10,738 tons were raised, and there were twenty-eight men employed. The following statement will show the mines in the colony where the output has exceeded 9,000 tons for the past year, with the number of men employed in and about the mines, and the average output for every man employed : —

It is evident from the output and the number of men employed at the Shag Point and Mokihinui Mines that a large amount of dead work has been done, either in the construction of new works or in the development of the mine.

Name of Mine. Output for Year 1894. Number of Men employed. Average Output per Man for the Year. Westport Colliery Grey Valley Brunner ... Kaitangata ... Taupiri Extended Blackball ... Allandale Walton Park Shag Point ... Taupiri Eeserve Kiripaka Hokanui Hikurangi Waikato Nightcaps Mokihinui Tons. 215,770 121,185 67,091 30,426 27,060 19,442 19,282 15,082 13,877 13.655 12,690 11,801 11,278 10,738 10,742 336 308 173 61 96 41 53 89 42 32 32 24 29 28 59 Tons. 642 393 388 498 282 474 364 169 330 427 397 491 388 383 182

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THE OEIGIN AND THE MODE OP THE FOEMATION OP COAL. The origin and mode of the formation of our coal-deposits is a subject which has been discussed by many scientists, and different ideas and conclusions arrived at as to the formation of coal. All agree that coal is of a vegetable origin, but the question is, What was the peculiar vegetation, and why do we find the coal in such thick seams ? On the sth November and the 10th December last an interesting paper was read by Adolph Firket, Professor of the University of Liege, at the meetings of the Association of Engineers, of which he is president, from which the following extracts are taken. He states, in reference to the origin of coal, that the question is certainly not new, and for a long time it has even ceased to be agitated ; when it was drawn from its retirement and once again restored to the order of the day by very interesting works, of which the earliest go back fifty years, and the series would appear far from being exhausted. These works have imparted to the subject a fresh reality. Generalities and Ancient Theories. That coal is of vegetable origin is indisputable, and, indeed, is hardly ever contested. It is generally conceded that it is the result of vegetable accumulation, or of the accumulation of vegetable debris, terrestrial, aerial, or marshy. Nevertheless it is possible that in certain exceptional cases marine Algae have contributed to its formation ; besides, in certain bog-heads and cannel-coals, the origin of which is hardly to be distinguished from that of coal, there exists, by the side of the vegetable matter which forms the principal mass, accessory portions of animal origin. There is an old hypothesis according to which coal should have been emitted by volcanoes in the state of viscous mineral bitumen. Although this theory has been reproduced quite recently by M. Judycki, who has supposed that this bitumen is liberated in a semi-fluid condition by the faults, in order to be next deposited in the existing depressions, while the schist coals proceed from volcanic sediment, yet this hypothesis is so out of harmony with the results of an attentive study of the coal-seams and of the rocks in which they are imbedded, that it is not feasible. The hypothesis of a physician, who conjectured that during the coal period there fell frequently from the atmosphere showers of hydric-carburets, gaining the low grounds, and there forming coal, still less merits discussion. Nevertheless, if the savants and the engineers who are seriously engaged in the geogony of coal are unanimous in ascribing to it an essentially vegetable origin, they are far from being of one mind as regards the mode of accumulation of the vegetables and of the debris of vegetables of which it is formed. The more exclusive either suppose that the coal was formed on place, or they there see only one depot of transport; but there are other authors who, as they consider that either one or other of these two modes of formation preponderate, accord to the other a slight influence. According to M. G. de Saporta it is in a memoir of the botanist, Antoine de Jussieu, relative to the coaly-vegetable impressions of Saint Chaumont, in the neighbourhood of Lyons, presented in 1718 to the Paris Academy of Sciences, that we find the first notions tending to establish the vegetable origin of coal. In these impressions De Jussieu especially noticed ferns differing from those with which he was acquainted, and which he supposed either no longer existed or came from distant countries, the flora of which were then unknown. He noticed that they were laid down flatly between schistous leaves, as between the pages of a herbal, and he supposes their transport by waters from their place of origin. The existence of fossil vegetables at the roof and at the side of the coal-seams next sufficed for a long time to cause the majority of naturalists to admit that this combustible was the result of vegetable accumulation, for the discovery of evident traces of vegetable organization in the coal is relatively recent. Coal lends itself but little in general to microscopic examination by transparency in thin leaves. Not to speak of the difficulty with a substance so friable of obtaining good preparations it would seem that usually the walls of the vegetable cells and the vessels disappeared at the time of its transformation into coal, only to leave an amorphous mass. However, either by this mode of observation, or by microscopical examination of the superfices by means of reflected light, often after treatment of the substance with concentrated nitric acid, or with a mixture of this acid with chlorate of potassium, Witham, J. W. Dawson, Bailey, and J. Quekett, in England and America; Go'ppert, C. W. Gumbel, and P. E. Eeinsch, in Germany; B. Eenault and C. Eug. Bertrand, in France ; and also other competent observers, by the employment of magnifying powers reaching, in the greater number of cases, to between 100 and 300 diameters, have found evidence of the existence of spores, of -portions of vessels, or even of more complete vegetable organisms in various specimens of bog-head, cannel-coal, coal, and anthracite. As far as coal is concerned, the evidence is especially thin sections in the external coalified portions of trunks of Calamite, Calamodendron, Lepidodendron, &c, of the coal-beds, trunks usually filled internally with a gritty or psamitic matter, in which we see a well-preserved organized structure. The vegetable origin of this species of coalified bark being certainly beyond question, its physical and chemical resemblance to coal, properly so called, commits us, moreover, to extend to coal itself the inference of vegetable organization more complete than the microscope has revealed. By aid of a powerful magnifying-glass, or even with the naked eye, several observers, amongst whom MM. C. Grand-Eury and H. Fayol, have found evident traces of vegetable structure at the surface of coal-lamellse. There are in my possession two different varieties, which, owing to an extremely thin schistous interposition, vegetable structure of the coal is very evident. One is an impure coal, taken from a small seam of the lower part of the Liege basin. It consists of thin lamellae of coal, the thickness of which is not greater than a millimetre, separated by thin schistous leaves, having preserved the imprint of the vegetables which contributed to the formation of these lamellse, among which a trunk of the Lepidodeudron can be easily recognised.

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My other specimen comes from a seam of excellent quality exploited in our basin. It presents on one of its surfaces, parallel to the small strata of the fragment, a beautiful imprint of Sigillaria, which belongs to the coal itself, for the schistous layer, which has allowed of its preservation, is so thin as to be hardly apparent. Moreover, the variety of coal that Haiiy has nominated daloid coal, and that MM. G. Grand-Bury, appropriately to its aspect, designates under the name of " fusain" (spindle-tree) is abundant in certain coal-seams, and its vegetable origin cannot fail to be recognised. More than this is not necessary for the vegetable origin of coal to be admitted without reserve, and we can betake ourselves to the examination of the theories which take this origin as a point of departure. Half a century after the publication of A. de Tussieu, Baron Holbach, in the article " Charbon Mineral," of the " Encyclopedia "of Diderot; and Valmont de Bomare in 1769, in his " Dictionaire Raisonne universel d'histoire Naturel," explains the formation of mineral coal, in which he comprises lignites, by the burying in the ground of forests of resinous trees. In 1778 the great naturalist, Buffon, in his "Epogues de la Nature," attributes the formation of coal to terrestrial vegetables transported by waters. According to him it was due to the first vegetables that the earth bore. The greater part of the earth's surface at that time, with the exception of certain isles, bearing an extremely abundant vegetation of trees and plants, would be covered with water, still lue warm. It would be the debris of this luxuriant vegetation, which, brought to the sea by rivers, would there produce the deposits of vegetable matter, which would be transformed into coal. Buffon instanced, in support of his opinion, the trees brought down by the Amazon to its mouth, and the great vegetable floats of the Mississippi, although the existence of such important rivers was not compatible with the insular constitution of the surface of the globe which he supposes. It has been objected to this theory that from such floats of wood and trees, containing, as they would do, in their interstices much sand and ooze, there would result only a very impure combustible. It has also been said that their total height, reasoning from that of the immersed portion, and the depth of the watercourses in which they circulated, if we take into account the considerable reduction brought about by the transformation of these floats into coal, would require for the formation of thick coal-seams to be enormous. Nevertheless, this last objection has not all the force that has been given to it, because thick seams are in general formed of successive layers of coal, each of which would have been formed from one particular float, of no exaggerated height. A very much more serious objection results from the regularity of the seams of the great coalbasins, such as that, for example, which extends, almost without interruption, from Westphalia to South Wales, passing through Belgium and the north of Erance, a regularity which cannot be conceived on the hypothesis of Buffon. Strongly combated, the theory of transport, such as it had been conceived at first, was not able long to subsist, and it suffered in the minds of men a complete reversal. Whilst Blumenbach and Schlotheim, at the commencement of the century, Sternberg and Adolphe Brongniart in 1820, gave, a remarkable impetus to the science of the ancient origin of coal, the theory of transport was completely abandoned in favour of that which saw only in coal the product of vegetables decomposed in the place where they had grown. Adoiphe Brongniart in 1837, in his " Considerations on the Nature of the Vegetables which have covered the Surface of the Earth at Different Epochs in its Formation," attributed the origin of coal to masses of accumulated vegetables, afterwards altered and modified, as beds of turf in our marshes would be if they were covered over afresh and compressed by beds of mineral substances. Since then, and although at the session of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, held in Manchester in June, 1842, Williamson read a paper, tending to prove that coal was formed by the drifting of vegetable matter into the sea, and not by the accumulation of these vegetables on the ground that the coal-deposits covered, although in the same session De la Bechee supported this view, whilst it is true that Sedgewick, Phillips, and Bonney admittted it in certain exceptional cases and within certain limits, yet the theory of the formation of coal on place reigned with undivided sway for nearly forty years. It was only when M. C. G-rand-Eury affirmed, in 1877, that the coal of the Loire basin contained vegetable remains placed flatly, and when M. H. Eayol advanced, in 1881, that all the materials constituting the coal-formation of Commentary had been brought by waters and deposited in a deep lake during a tranquil geological period, that this theory became once again a subject for discussion. Formation of Goal on Place. The formation of coal on place—that is, the theory which refers its origin to successive growths of forests in the positions and over the areas now occupied by the seams of coal themselves—has still its partisans, and, before speaking of the remarkable works of MM. C. Grand-Eury and H. Fayol, as well as of an ingenious hypothesis developed in 1885 by M. L. Breton, it would be well to point out the modern form in which, in M. Alph. Briart's disquisition, delivered on the 17th June, 1889, at the public seance of the science section of the Eoyal Academy of Belgium, this theory appears. First, let us remark, that the mode of formation supposed by M. Briart is often designated under the name of " tourbage " —peat, turf—because certain writers have believed that the plant-life analgous to that which now forms peat, and in which mosses of the genus Sphagnum (bogmoss) predominates, have played a part in the formation of coal; and that, for the other part, the name peat is to-day constantly extended to those vegetable accumulations formed of semi-aquatic plants of trunks and other debris of trees, although such accumulations, proper to woody marshes and boggy forests, cannot be assimilated with turf properly so called. In addition, M. Briart declares with reason that the tourbage, taken in an absolute sense, cannot be admitted to be coal. He says, " The peat bogs of the coal period ought to have an appearance quite different from ours of the present day. It is no longer a question of our analgous plants being changed into turf in proportion to their growth, but of a vegetation almost entirely arbores--

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cent, the trunks of which were sometimes very lofty, though, in consequence of their rapid growth, very fragile. The leaves, the branches, and the trunks themselves, brought down by early decay or by the winds, fell into the swamp where they had lived, but they were not further removed from their place of origin than are the leaves of our forest-trees when dispersed by the autumn winds. This immense quantity of debris soon covered the whole extent of the marshes themselves, being preserved there in the same manner as the vegetation of our peat moors. So far as these last are concerned, there was transport, but only for a very short distance, which may be called interior transport, in opposition to the transports of other theories, which it always has been supposed were of an exterior character." The following is a picture which M. Briart presents of the coalfield of our country in course of formation: "Let us picture to ourselves this immense low plain, like some Indian jungle, or a steppe of the Caspian Sea, extending, until lost to view, both east and west, but arrested towards the south by blue mountains, which limit the horizon on this side, and are the first upliftings of the Ardennes. Since the already remote period of these elevations the country has continued to subside, and the sea commenced to cover the immense depression. The Secondary basins were filled as early as the Devonian formation. Then came the Carboniferous formation, which completed the process of making these deposits horizontal. The first sedimentary strata of the coal period are deposited in their turn, and the sea retires towards the north. There it forms a coast-line, and slight dunes are raised, which, like a protecting-belt, stopped the way to the plain. Through the action of the tides, continued through a long period, the watercourses, which carry along their muddy deposits, are made to flow back. The level is raised higher and higher, and everything is in admirable preparation for the coming formation. The marine period is succeeded by a period of brackish waters, and soon this is replaced by a period entirely of fresh water. The muddy waters are gradually diverted, the vast plain covered with shallow water, and no longer receiving sedimentary deposits. With but little delay an abundant vegetation springs up, and the plain is transformed into an immense forest. The watercourses being now above the fluctuations of the waves, they meander peaceably and quietly, and a few open glades lend variety to the scene. All the rest is boundless forest. If we penetrate therein we can, through the limpid waters, easily see the turfy bottom, in which there are implanted a multitude of trunks of every kind, and which, as they rise into the air, display their most varied and wonderful foliage." The author then gives a concise description of the coal flora, and continues as follows : " We see this vegetation, so strange, and which fresh research tends to render stranger still, according to the conditions of existence, the nature of the ground, and the depth of the water, grow and mingle in very diverse proportions. As far as our eye can see the landscape is the same, and over all there rests an atmosphere peaceful and humid, and the sun pours upon this luxuriant vegetation a light which hardly sifts through the opaline haze of hot countries. The uniform temperature which reigns over the entire globe prevents the violent atmospheric disturbances which vegetation of such rapid growth would be unable to withstand. On the contrary, we see the vegetation maintain its position, and by the effort of old age simply shed its leaves in proportion as it rises to a height. The fronds of the ferns drop off successively into the marsh, and the leaves of Sigillaria and of Lepidodendrons follow. The branches and the trunks give way, and pile themselves up one on top of another. Soon the ligneous disappear, and all that remains of this vast accumulation of debris are the leaves and bark. A few dead branches preserve the ligneous; they detach themselves in small fragments, and again reunite in small layers that later on will form daloid coal. Every form of vegetation finds in the water the same elements of preservation, and each fallen vegetable generation gives place to the new, which takes root in the debris already accumulated." At last, after having made a rapid sketch of the exceedingly limited fauna of the coal period, M. Briart finishes by describing in the following terms the method which he has conceived of the formation of coal on place : " But the coal-plain should not indefinitely preserve the forest-like aspect just described. The general subsidence of the country continues, at a given moment it is accentuated, and the state of the waters is sharply modified. The streams, which are more and more rapid, make deeper and deeper grooves in the emerged earth, and, spreading into the midst of the coal forest, there transform the limpid waters into muddy and sedimentary waters. The sea returns, at first up the mouths of the rivers, afterwards leaping over the but feeble barriers of the sinking dunes, and drives back the debris into the plain. The sand and the clay are deposited sometimes in fresh water, sometimes in salt, presenting the type of a Polderienne formation. Vegetation disappears ; trees, either isolated or in more or less crowded groups, still rear their heads above the waters, strewing with their debris the layers of sediment which accumulate at their feet. This state of things continues until these sediments, after a period more or less prolonged, cover up in their turn the polder. Then, again, the streamlets become less rapid, and fresh dunes restrain once more the empire of the ocean. The shallower water regains its limpidness, vegetation again takes possession of the domain, of which for a time it had been dispossessed, and a second bed of coal is in process of formation." We will confine ourselves for the moment to remarking that this theory of the formation of coal on place supposes the successive sinkings of the ground, of which the sum of the amplitudes is at least equal to the present total thickness of the coal-bed; for since the formation of this bed its surface has undergone denudations which are probably of considerable importance, though it is impossible for us to say exactly how much. We can only estimate the thickness measured perpendicularly to the strata that this bed has maintained, remarking that it is only the minimum expression of the subsidences required by this theory which admits of formations primitively horizontal, or at least nearly so. According to the maps and service sections of the Belgian mining-chart, published for the Liege, Charleroi, and Mons basins, it has been determined that, for the basins, part of these three basins, the maximum thickness of the coal-bed taken from the surface or the base of the dead earth, should it 24—0. 3.

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so happen to the Carboniferous limestone, is respectively 4,974 ft., 5,325 ft., and 8,181 ft., taking into account a modification which it is advisable to make in.the chart of the Charleroi basin. Nevertheless, the aluminiferous ampelite of the Liege Province, the layer of phtanites flinty slates in Hainault, are marine sediments which it is necessary to deduct, and which bring down the preceding figures to about 4,926 ft., 5,160 ft., and 7,854 ft. In addition, let us notice, that if in the sections of the Liege basin the last small vein of coal disclosed is shown at 48ft. only of ampelite, yet in those of the Charleroi and Mons basins the Leopold seam on the one hand, and the Eenard below the Grand Bouillon or the Grand Eenom on the other, are respectively from 1,242 ft. to 1,962 ft. from the layer of phtanites. It is probable that upon the thick coal-rocks there exist beds, or at least small veins of coal, that may be discovered later on. Yet, deducting from the thickness of the coalformation also that of the strata comprised between the ampelites or phtanites and the recognised lower seam on either side, we arrive at 4,875 ft. for the Liege basin, 3,861 ft. for Charleroi, and 5,892 ft. for Mons. Such would be the minimum depressions since the formation of the oldest-known coalseam that permits of the application to the Belgian coalfield of the theory set forth by M. Briart. The importance of these subsidences is one of the difficulties stated in 1892 by M. A. de Lapparent as against this theory. Although only estimating at 3,927 ft. approximately the thickness of the Mons coal-formation, this geologist does not suppose such a depression to have been possible, because it would have caused the greater part of Europe to disappear under the waters of the sea. The same objection may, moreover, be made to all the theories of the formation on place ; for example, the ancient hypothesis of d'Elie de Beaumont, which supposes the existence of islands covered with rich vegetation sinking into the sea and being covered with sand, next emerging therefrom in order to produce afresh a rapid vegetation, and so on. This difficulty also applies, up to a certain point, to the recent theory of M. Grand-Eury, though this must not be placed in this category of hypotheses, transport there playing a preponderant part. Besides, we shall see further on how this objection can be met. Theory of M. L. Breton. Before examining the theory of M. C. Grand-Eury and that of M. H. Fayol, where the aid of transport only is called in, it is desirable to say a few words on the theory set forth in 1885 by M. L. Breton, a distinguished engineer, and well-known by his publications on the coal-formation of the Straits of Dover. Though subsequent to those of M. Grand-Eury and M. Fayol, the theory of M. L. Breton grants toturfage, taken in the wide sense that we have indicated, an important role. M. Breton's theory is characterized, as is that of M. Eayol, by not requiring successive depressions of the ground, and, in addition, by the Eolian origin of the earthy matters which enter into the constitution of the shaliy intercalations of the coal'seams, and which were the result of dusts, composed of sand and earth, brought by the winds. M. Breton specially had in view the formation of the great Franco-Belgian coal-basin. He supposes that after the Carboniferous limestone, which is a marine formation, had been deposited, there was produced in this a deep elongated basin, surpassing in length the distance from the Straits of Dover to Ehenish Prussia, and in breadth that of the Franco-Belgian coal-basin to-day. At the north and at the south of this immense basin chere rose arid slopes and denuded hills, formed in great part of Silurian and Devonian rocks. No vegetation afforded protection to these slopes, and, in consequence, they were easily turned with ravines by torrents, which brought with them debris, usually in the form of clayey or sandy mud, and fell into the lake following its periphery. At first the bottom of this deep depression contained salt water, in which the marine animals of the ampelite and of the flinty slates were for some time able to exist; but they were soon imbedded in the first sediments arising from the denudation of the hills. The marine salt was enclosed, partly in these rocks in process of formation, and partly in those which followed them ; as for the waters of the lake, in their deeper parts they were brackish, but, owing to the fresh water flowing into the lake down the sides of the declivities, they eventually filled up the vast depression completely, and became suitable for the development of a floating vegetation of Stigmaria. Stigmaria are rhizomes or root-stalks, and are very abundant in the wall of a great number of coal-seams. Many palaeontologists have supposed them to be the roots of Sigillaria or Lepidodendron, but, in spite of the laborious anatomical studies of M. B. Eenault, their functions are still little known. The labours of this scholar, which belong to the Natural History Museum of Paris, show them to be like floating rhizomes, having leaves and roots either together or separately, and in the form of tubulous appendages. M. Breton considers they were aquatic plants, complete and independent, of a very rapid growth, whose branches, bearing thin and radicle leaves, extended in all directions, forming under the surface of the water an inextricable network, occupying almost the whole extent of the lake. Then, in the interval of the heavy intermittent rains which denuded the hills, occurred the terrestrial dusts forced by the winds from the slopes of the valley. The dusts which fell on to the lake were in great measure arrested by the network of Stigmaria; they lodged in the interstices, increased the weight of the floating isle, which slightly sank, and ended by covering it with a veritable bed of mud—a suitable basis for the aerial vegetation, which, as in the theory of formation on place, would, by the intermediary transformation known by the generic name of turfage, form coal properly so called. With respect to the slates intercalated in the coal-seams, M. Breton's explanation is that there was a time when the floating peat-moss was encumbered with vegetation thrown down and in process of decomposition, and consequently the terrestrial dust could no longer pass through it. Wind and early decay also overthrew the greater number of the trunks on the upper part of the floating isle. A fresh supply of dusts, or rather the maceration and the compression of the mass, increased its average density; and, when this became greater than the density of the water, the turf-moss, which until then had only experienced slight downward tendencies, sank completely, and descended slowly to the bottom of the lake, over which it spread itself and partook of its form.

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On the way it lost certain portions of its vegetation, which, rising to the surface, carried with them spores giving birth to a fresh vegetation for the formation of a second bed of coal; or rather, after maceration, these vegetables partly redescended, in order to spread themselves out in the roof of the seam already formed. Moreover, when sinking through the muddy water of the lake during its descent, the Stigmaria of the first seam had drawn with them the solid particles in suspension, causing them to contribute to the formation of the bed of the seam. On the other hand, whilst the next seam was in preparation at the surface of the lake, the rocks at the roof of the first seam would be formed by the muddy or sandy deposits brought from the sides of the hills by the denuding action of the rains, as has been already stated. As it is not necessary to follow M. Breton through all the developments of his ingenuous theory, a few will now be pointed out. He assigns, for example, as the origin of the repetition of a seam by overlapping a local fault, a rent or tear in the descending seam, with superposition through lateral movement, and slight delay of one part on the other. He explains how nips are connected with swellings by detachment. During the downward movement a portion of the upper part of the seam was prolonged ; this portion, when detached, experienced a delay and a deviation, in consequence of which it was deposited, not in the corresponding cavity, which became filled with sediment, constituting a nip, but at the side, and gave a swell to the coal-seam. With respect to tree-trunks that are found upright in the rocks that separate the coal-seams, M. Breton supposes that, after the disorganization of their interior, and the replacement of this by the mud from the dusts which fell on the floating island, they penetrated through and fell vertically to the bottom of the lake, where they were surrounded with the sediments which were helping to form the sterile rocks between the lower seam already formed and the upper in process of formation. In support of this theory, M. Breton mentions the numerous floating islands described by ancient writers of the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries in the marshes in the neighbourhood of Saint Omer, whose writings were rather historical than scientific. Nevertheless it seems to me that M. C. Grand-Bury has shown, as we shall see further on, that the materials constituting the coal have been the subject of a certain lateral transport, the effects of which would not have been produced by the vertical transport supposed by M. Breton. Besides, this theory gives no explanation of the separation, which is always so clean, and is habitually present in the Franco-Belgian basin, between the bed of coal and its roof. Neither does it explain sufficiently the separation there is between the seam and the wall, and this latter objection may also be urged against all the theories which suppose the formation of coal on place. Theory of M. G. Grand-Eury. M. C. Grand-Eury's study of the Carboniferous flora of the Loire Department, and of the centre of France, published in 1877 by this Institute, under the auspices of Admiral Brongniart, is the result of long and judicious research continued for more than ten years in underground workings, and the numerous plates and great extent of the work testify to the immense toil expended upon it. The eminent botanist, M. G. de Saporta, pronounced a eulogium upon it. Specially he called attention to the incontestable discoveries made by M. Grand-Eury on the reproductive organ of an important family of coal ferns, the Pecopteris, and on the gymnospermous nature and the affinities of the Cordaites —gigantic trees which played, especially in the upper coal, an important role almost unknown before the researches of M. C. Grand-Eury. In the publication in question this engineer also treats of the geogony of coal and the formation of the coal-basins. M. Grand-Eury has, above all, powers of observation of the highest order; he is an indefatigable worker, who, until now, has shown a sufficient reserve in making public the theoretical ideas with which his researches have inspired him. Since his last publication he has made numerous journeys into Eussia, Austria-Hungary, in Spain, &c, and has collected fresh documents, which he has not yet had leisure to make use of; but from 1887 he commenced to strike out the line which will probably conduct to the best theory possible of the formation of coal; and, if this object is attained, it will be due, above all, to the facts which he has brought to light, and to the continuance of his efforts in the same direction. We will indicate briefly the principal of these facts, and the conclusions that M. Grand-Eury has up till now deduced from them. The coal-beds exploited often present schistous intercalations, the sedimentary origin of which is without dispute. There are also impure coals formed of alternate layers of schist and coal. Prom this we may conclude that coal is a sedimentary rock, of the same class as the schist that accompanies it. Coal is formed, on the one hand, of thin parallel lammas, with a brilliant fracture, and which are generally composed of empty flattened bark and leaves ; and on the other, of a coaly substance, amorphous, more dull, the result of a very advanced decomposition of portions of vegetables, which yielded ulmic substances, still containing recognisable vegetable detritus, such as spores. The relative proportion of the organized and of the amorphous coal varies with the origin of the specimen. One or the other preponderates, but in the greater nuriiber of coals the last prevails. It even follows that the amorphous coal forms the greater part of the mass, which then is stratified only by the epidermic membranes, few leaves and scanty barks. This is what M. Grand-Eury designates " tegumentary coal." When the amorphous coal encloses abundant fragmentary detritus he names it " particle coal," and "vegetable pulp.' . All the vegetables of the coal-formation are invariably found in isolated and dispersed condition, the broken stems are often separated from the roots, and the appendicular organs are detached. Trees, more or less complete, such as are found in the actual marshes, or like those transported to the mouths of rivers, are not met with. With the exception of the fronds and spores of the ferns,

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the barks are the parts best preserved, owing to their greater density and powers of resistance, yet most frequently their beds are disjointed, and deposited at a distance one from another. The spores only have hardly kept their cases. The trunks, filled with pith, or really ligneous, like those of the Cordaites, experienced habitually an internal disorganization almost complete, which reduced them to a thin cortical envelope, converted in the last place to coal. The products of this internal disorganization of the stems have united to form coal in two different ways : the one, mingled with those of the disaggregation of other tissues, produced a pulp—a kind of thick vegetable soup —which formed amorphous coal; the other, especially owing to the ligneous tissues, which a powerful desiccation before their burial in the ground would have broken to pieces, and rendered unfit to undergo the transformation into coal of the vegetable debris, have furnished fusain (spindle-tree) or daloid coal, which is met with in seams, and which also contributed to their formation. From the facts shown up to this point, M. Grand-Eury concludes that coal is a sedimentary formation, the result of a slow and tranquil deposit by waters of barks, leaves, and teguments, with the ulmic semi-liquid products of vegetable decomposition, these last being accompanied with particles of vegetable debris. Now and then there are found large portions of trunks furnished with roots in an upright position—that is to say, perpendicular to the strata. More frequently there are rooted stumps of trees, whose stem has been broken off more or less near to the bottom, but whose roots and radicles have remained complete. These rooted stumps form a mass, which broadens towards the base, and are now and again superposed to the coal-seams in exploitation, from which they are only separated by thin schistous layers. They have received from the miner the characteristic name of cZocte-bells, Somersetshire bell-mouth, and their accidental fall is well known to occasion accidents. Although M. H. Eayol considers that all the vegetables and vegetable debris of the coal-formation have been transported, M. Grand-Bury is of opinion, and we think with reason, that the upright trunks with roots, and also the rooted stumps, usually have lived in the place where they are found. He gives a strong proof-of this in the description of a remarkable ligneous trunk, presenting large roots in several stages, which are explained by a progressive widening of the plant during its development. It is rare that an upright trunk traverses a coal-seam ; M. Grand-Eury, in his memoire of 1882, declares that he only knows of one or two examples of trunks of Calamodendron traversing a small schistous coal-seam. Evidently this is not favourable to the theory of formation on place. As to the Stigmaria which, independently of their abundance at the wall of certain coal-seams, have played an important part in the constitution of the coal of Upper Silesia, M. Grand-Eury considers them to be aquatic plants, and incapable of living in the air. Whilst they are an important element in the formation of coal itself, they could have lived floating in the sufficiently deep waters, simply tracing by their extremities the mud of the bottom ; and they would have undergone ulterior displacements, not being the only plants that contributed to the formation of the coal-seam. On the other hand, he supposes that in the spots where the water was shallower the Stigmaria were able to root themselves more deeply, and were able to complete their growth by sending out stems of Sigillaria. Notwithstanding the quality of the functions of these two still enigmatical plants, the Stigmaria of the wall, as well as the stumps and the roots of other vegetables which are met with, are in general cut clean by the coal-seam, and the interior of one and the other been filled with argillaceous mud before the deposit of vegetable matters which constituted the seam. It is possible, then, to suppose that these matters were deposited in a basin, the bottom of which had been completely levelled before their deposition, apart from a few extremely rare trunks, which, as constituting exceptions, were only broken at a little distance above the wall of the seam of combustible material which was afterwards deposited. After these preliminaries, I am able to give a sketch of the geogonic theory of M. C. GrandEury, In the coal period there existed vast basins of deposit filled with fresh water of no great depth—at least, in certain places and at certain times—so that the vegetation with aerial stems might root themselves at the bottom. This vegetation was, moreover, adapted to humid situations, and could flourish even with its stems soaked in water several metres in depth. M. Grand-Eury thinks even that Calamites would go through their whole process of development under water. We find to-day, in place, trunks or fragments of trunks of trees upright, and of rooted stumps. The Stigmaria of the walls are also in place. The other organs of these vegetables in situ, as also the floating Stigmaria of certain regions, have only famished an insignificant portion of the vegetable matter which has produced coal. This vegetable matter was produced especially from marshy forests situated beyond the areas of deposit. Under the influence of a high temperature, comparable to that of the torrid zone, and nearly constant, under the action of excessive humidity and intense light, although tempered by an atmosphere permeated by steam, the growth of the coal-plants was extremely rapid, as is shown by the loose texture of the great majority of trunks and stems, whose whole force of resistance resides in the bark. Many of these plants were propagated by rhizomes, which also would spread themselves with prodigious rapidity. But if the coal-plants grew with vigour, of which real nature scarcely offers an example, the decrepitude and death of the vegetable arrived rapidly also, and the circumstances which helped its growth favoured also its decomposition. The appendicular organs of the trunks and the trunks themselves fell on to the ground more or less covered with water. With the exception of the ligneous of certain vegetable species, partially transformed into fusain (spindletree), as it has been called, the interior of the stems broken up underwent a profound alteration, which the barks and certain leaves resisted up to a certain point. If the emerged parts of these debris were exposed for a long time to the action of warm and humid air a slow oxidation would

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have tended to their destruction; but the rain-waters swept these debris into the marshes preceding the basins of deposit; and before they arrived in these they underwent, under the water, a maceration, which gave rise to the formation of ulmic products and of a vegetable pulp containing in suspension barks fragments of leaves and other vegetable debris, which are still discernible, because they have undergone a less material alteration. The preceding statement corresponds specially to the ideas expressed by M. 0. Grand-Eury in his publication of 1882. In those of 1887 and 1890 he only introduced a slight modification, by supposing the coal to be deposited at the bottom of great marshy lakes, without having recourse to the intermediary of special marshes between the coal-forests marshes themselves and the basins of deposits. We shall say no more concerning the formation of the coal-seams, properly so called, in this theory ; but it is proper, before speaking of the origin of the surrounding rocks, to remark that the presence of stumps and of upright trunks rooted in these strata at different levels betokens that the tout ensemble could not continue to grow in height except on a mobile ground subject to depressions. Let us add that, according to M. C. Grand-Eury, these depressions, to which the sinking of the coal in process of formation only contributed in a very slight measure, would be due to the flexibility of the earth on which the coal was deposited. This ground would give way without fracture, on the supposition that the terrestrial crust was not yet hardened, following more the central axis of the basin, which, moreover, was laterally displaced, except towards the periphery; at the same time it seems to M. C. Grand-Eury that this central depression would receive a counterpoise in the raising of the edges. Although a great admirer of M. Grand-Eury, and partisan for the most part of his ideas, yet his view which attributes so great a plasticity to the substratum of the coal-formation cannot be shared. The coal-basins are usually divided very improperly into lacustrine basins and marine basins, according as they are either of slight importance in surface and circumscribed or of great extent. When beds of marine limestone are met with in the wall or roof of a seam of coal, as in Pennsylvania, for example, the name of marine coal-basin cannot be objected to, although marine formations are far from forming the whole of it; but in certain basins, commonly called marine, as well as in the lacustrine basins, there are surrounding rocks which have, like the coal-seams, an essentially Continental origin, and for which the name of marine basin ought to be repudiated. In these two last instances, M. Grand-Eury attributes the formation of these rocks to the denudation of terrestrial portions more elevated than the Carboniferous forests, perhaps also without being precise to their being ravined during the periods when the abundant waters carried into the coal-lake rocky detritus, containing only a small quantity of vegetable debris. There would then be alternations in the nature of the materials transported into the basins of deposit. Sometimes these would consist principally of vegetable debris carried along by streams of sufficient force to displace the dams of vegetable matters accumulated on the ground of the coalforests, but incapable of making ravines in it; sometimes the supply of muddy waters, charged with mud, sand, or gravel would give rise to schist, psamite, sandstone, and pudding-stone. M. A. de Lapparent, in 1892, opposed to this conception criticisms which seem very exaggerated, for on the one hand the thin argillaceous layers which are met with in the laminae of coal and the schistous intercalations which exist in the seams, and on the other hand the fossil vegetables and the coaly matters which are found in the stampes, show that the materials transported by the waters in the two cases are not so very different as that, by means of certain variations in the orographical conditions of their place of origin, this place of origin might not have been the same. Theory of M. H. Fayol. M. A. de Lapparent, whose authority is certainly very great, is one of the foremost and warmest admirers of M. H. Fayol's theory, which will now be described. This theory also supposes the ideas of M. Grand-Eury with respect to the previous disaggregation of the vegetables which formed coal, and it will be useless to further mention them. The fact has already been mentioned that in 1881 M. H. Fayol advanced the theory that all the materials constituting the Commentry formation were carried by waters and deposited in a deep lake. At that time this distinguished engineer, who is now Director-General of the Societe de Commentry-Four-Chambault, had charge of the coal-mines of Commentry; and for more than twenty years he has been occupied with investigating and working the coal of this basin. The great open workings made at the outcrop of these coal-seams afforded him an admirable field of observation, and, at the same time, facilitated the discovery of fossils. When, in 1866, he decided to publish the result of his studies on the Commentry coal-basin, and his theory of the method of the formation of coal in general, he had gathered together a very important collection of fossils, &c. The stud}' of these, intrusted to scientific specialists, added to the stratigraphical and lithological labours of M. Fayol, allowed of the publication, from 1886 to 1890, in the " Bulletin de la Societe de l'lndustrie Minerale de Saint-Etienne," of a series of very important works, presenting a complete monograph of the Commentry coal-basin from the threefold point of view of stratigraphy, lithology, and palaeontology. The profound study of the Commentry basin led this engineer to look upon it as the result of the progressive filling-up of a lake of elongated form, measuring 559 miles in length by 1-86 miles in breadth, and having a maximum depth of 2,619 ft. At the first the waters of this lake, surrounded by escarped mountains, covered all the surface now occupied by the coal-formation. The rain-waters, gradually wearing away the ground, hollowed out valleys in the slopes which surrounded the lake, and carried into it pebbles, sand, mud, and vegetation. These sediments were heaped up at the mouth of the watercourses under the form of deltas, of which one on the north shore of the lake, and a second on the east, were largely developed, whilst two others of less importance started from the west shore. The

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first thrust its alluvial deposits as far as the southern shore, then it rejoined the eastern delta and one of the deltas of the west. Lastly, by the continuation of the same process, the lake was completely filled up. It must be remarked that M. Fayol based this appreciation of the progress of sedimentation on the lithological relations of the rocks comprised in the different parts of the Commentry coalfield, and the diversified rocks of the formations which now surround it, as well as on the very diversified aspect of the coal-seams of Commentry, which frequently present in horizontal cutting the form of a C, or of a horse-shoe, opening towards the south, and not that of a basin. Before explaining more fully the theory of M. Fayol, it will be well to briefly mention a few of the peculiarities of the lie of the beds which suggested this theory to him. At Commentry the coal strata have by no means the parallelism which characterizes the rocks of the Franco-Belgian basin—a parallelism which, though far from being complete, is yet sufficient to allow of the supposition that they were formed almost horizontally. In addition, M. Fayol states that the great Commentry seam, which is in one towards the east and centre of the basin, divides towards the west into six distinct seams, which as they ascend become more and more remote from one another, until, when they reach the surface, the two extremes are distant from each other 1,968 ft. The splitting of coal-seams in consequence of the increase in thickness of intercalated schist is certainly not uncommon with us; 'but this phenomenon, as well as the local variations in the parallelism of the layers, is not of such great importance as that, taken as a whole, they could not be considered as in harmonious stratification. On the other hand, in Belgium, the coal-seams are in general separated cleanly from their wall and from their roof, but in Commentry it happens that the boundaries of the seam are altogether confused; as, for instance, when the roof is constituted of schistous layers and small oblique veins of coal, oblique with respect to the seam, and converging towards it. Let us also remark that if in the Franco-Belgian basin mention is made of the lateral modifications in the mineralogical constitution of the rocky beds which separate the seams of coal, if it is possible to pass from sandstone to psainmite, from psammite to schist, these passages are made by very gentle transitions, whilst at Commentry the modifications in kind are much more rapid ; for example, in this basin a coarse pudding-stone passes abruptly to a fine sandstone, and this again to a schist. M. Fayol mentions the upright trunks; but, in his opinion, there is no more reason to suppose that they are now found in the place where they flourished, than other much more numerous specimens found by M. Fayol, either laid down or inclined at every possible angle. He carefully estimated the number of trunks laid down, inclined, and upright, which he met with in the various kinds of coal-rocks of the basin, and arrived at the following results : The upright trunks are almost equal in number to those inclined, and, with respect to the trunks found lying down, they become more numerous in proportion to the coarseness of the constituent elements of the rocks, so that it is the sandstone and conglomerates which enclose the greatest number of them; but, taking the formations as a whole, the total number of upright and inclined trunks is only one-tenth of that of the trunks laid down ; in other words, the upright trunks —that is to say, those almost perpendicular to stratification—are only one-twentieth part of the trunks in the horizontal position. But if we suppose for Commentry that all these trunks were carried by water there is nothing impossible in the supposition that by reason of entanglement, in consequence of the presence of coarse sediment, the bearing along of which would require a great velocity, a small proportion of these trunks became perpendicular, or inclined to the bottom, on which they buried themselves, or even were fixed upright, and, according to an instance cited by M. Fayol, with the roots upwards. This skilful engineer has supposed that into the deep and quiet water of the lake at Commentry, whose original dimensions, according to M. Fayol, we have indicated, there came torrents charged with pebbles, gravel, sand, argillaceous mud, and vegetable debris, destined to become puddingstone, sandstone, schist, and coal. Possessed on their arrival at the lake of a certain speed of movement which tends to displace them horizontally, they are further urged by their weight, which tends to make them fall vertically at various ratios of speed, dependent on volume, form, and the specific gravity of these materials, and which aid their separation; the pebbles and the gravel fall first, describing parabolas with short focus, and form a deposit with very steep gradient, attaining 45 degrees near the mouth. The sand, then the mud, superpose themselves with an inclination less and less great, extending themselves farther than the foot of the first cone of dejection. Lastly, the vegetable debris, with the exception of a small part which remains mixed with the foregoing sediments, in their turn spread themselves on the bottom, advancing much further, and with a still slighter inclination, in order to form a first seam of coal. A fresh supply of mingled sediment being produced, the same classification is effected; strata of a different nature are superposed upon those going before, their inclination decreases with the volume and the specific gravity of the elements, and the second seam of coal converges in depth towards the first. It may even be superposed directly, for the vegetable sediments, being lighter, extend themselves beyond the muddy sediments. The same phenomena being produced, the alluvial deposits advance into the lake, while at the same time at the mouth they rise towards the surface of the water. Soon they reach the surface, and compel the watercourse to bifurcate for the first time. The well-known process of the formation of deltas goes on, and these extend laterally, whilst at the same time progressing forward. Lastly, the various deltas in process of formation become joined laterally, which indicates the mingling of the various elements brought by the different watercourses, and the lake finishes by being entirely filled. In order to verify the deductions drawn from the observation of the lie of the strata at Commentry, M. Fayol organized numerous experiments, notably those of rapid sedimentation, in a basin 393 ft. in length, in breadth, and about 4ft. in depth. This basin usually served for the reception, by decantation, of the particles of coal brought by the water used in the washing of the coal.

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At the Commentry Mine the water issuing from the coal-wash cries forms a current of about 11 cubic feet per second, and holds in suspension from 5 to 6 per cent, of solid matter—mixture of coal, schist, pyrites, &c. The coarsest and heaviest grains are deposited in a channel 163-Jft. in length, and the dirty water entering at one extremity of the basin issues almost clear from the other, after successfully depositing the coarse grains, and afterwards the finer sorts, in small beds of still less and less inclination. The longitudinal and transverse sections in the deposits, obtained by numerous experiments of the kind, where the dimensions and the nature of the slimes are varied, as well as the rapidity and point of admission of the water, have shown numerous analogies between the arrangement of these artificial deposits and the lie of the strata at Commentry, which in other respects presents little regularity. They have also shown how the settling of such deposits is susceptible of modifying the aspect of beds composed of very fine materials, in producing either small local faults slips or nips and swells. With respect to the great coal-formations styled marine, such as that which extends from Westphalia to South Wales and even to Ireland, passing through Belgium and the north of Prance, the theory of M. Fayol, as it is interpreted by M. de Lapparent, supposes that the sea extended the whole of this length, and bordered a continent of luxuriant vegetation situated towards the south, whose slopes were denuded by abundant streams. The alluvial deposits, mingled with vegetable debris, classified themselves as they fell into the waters of the sea, and, in consequence of the fluctuation of the waves, spread themselves much further in the marine delta than they would in a lacustrine delta, and for the same reason the deposits were much more regular. Even for Commentry M. Fayol's theory does not seem to give a sufficient explanation of the degree of separation—rather imperfect, however—which exists between the materials constituting the different strata. Lastly, it does not seem possible to suppose that all the vegetable debris of this basin was transported, and that not one of the upright trunks and rooted stumps that are there met with are in the same place where they lived. And now, having made you acquainted with the recent theories on the formation of coal, as well as having briefly glanced at the more ancient ones, with the exception of that which deals with the transformation into coal of vegetable matters, or, to use the expression adopted by M. Grand-Eury, their " coalification," I have finished my self-imposed task. I cannot do more than mention the researches of Mr. W. Spring on the amount of carbon and hydrogen contained in the roof and the wall of coal-seams, which were made with the view of seeing whether the theory of transport, or that of the formation of coal on place, is to be preferred, and which, in this respect does not appear to me sufficiently conclusive. In my exposition of the various theories I have not concealed my preference for that of M. Grand-Eury, despite its vagueness, especially in that part of it which deals with the formation of the strata which separate the coal-seams. I entertain the hope that the continuance of his untiring efforts, the scope of which he is more and more enlarging, will yet conduct him to a solution approaching as near as possible the truth. The statements of facts which we owe to M. Fayol are, in addition, important elements which must not be overlooked in obtaining a fair solution of the problem. The theory of formation on place—recently restored to a place of honour by M. Briart, who, in consequence of the discoveries of M. Grand-Eury and others, has so far modified his theory as to admit of light interior transports in the middle of the turf-coal—does not appear to me sufficient to explain the parallel disposition of the small layers which form the seams of coal, and especially the levelling of their wall. Neither can I admit that the greater part of the deposits forming the rocks which separate the great Franco-Belgian basin are in great part marine deposits. Certainly in the ampelite and the phtanites, superposed on the Carboniferous limestone of marine origin, we find marine fossils, the presence of which is not in the least surprising, and these are met with again at some height above the base of the coal-formation; but above this the marine fossils are either rare or disputable. The fossil-shells that are met with are chiefly Unio or Anthracosia, which are fresh-water molluscs ; and there are also numerous vegetable fossils of terrestrial origin. If the strata of the exploited coal-seams, so often traversed by cross-cuts, were in great measure of marine origin it would be altogether astonishing if numerous marine fossils had not been met with. I am also of opinion that, with the exception of the lower portion of the coal-formation, the strata which separate the seams, as well as the seams themselves, are of an essentially Continental origin, and are chiefly the result of the denudation of pluvial waters of the terrestrial surface, without denying, nevertheless, the possibility of certain rapid incursions of marine waters, bearing in their course rare fossils and marine deposits. This is also one of the reasons which—taken with the presence in place of stumps and rooted trunks, with the clear separation of the coal and encasing rocks, and the regularity of the coal-seams of the Franco-Belgian basin, which, in spite of trifling variations in their slight thickness, is truly extraordinary, if compared with that of other strata—does not permit me to admit the application of M. Fayol's theory of coal deltas to a basin so poor in marine fossils, because, according to this theory, it would be formed under the waters of the sea. With respect to the objection made by M. de Lapparent to the theory of formation on place—which, up to a certain point, also applies to the theory of M. Grand-Eury, and which consists in this : that the enormous depressions supposed, by the first of these theories, would have necessitated the disappearance of the greater part of Europe—l shall present a few considerations which, in my opinion, allow of its being eliminated. The Franco-Belgian basin stretches towards the south, either directly or at greater or less distance. This latter fact is accounted for by one of the most important geological irregularities, called in the Province of Liege-Faille* Eifelienne, where it is well known, at least at l'Ouest d'Angleur, Faille dv Mideif in Hainaut, and most happily called by M. Gosselet, the Grande Faille.

* Fr., Fault. t Fr., South,

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According to this last eminent geologist sometimes the fracture is unique, and brings into direct contact the Lower Devonian and the coal-formation. Sometimes it is acompanied. by a second disturbance of the strata, termed by him Faille Limite, and which, meeting the former at the same depth, crops out to the north of it. In this latter case the Grande Faille often superposes the Lower Devonian upon a lambeau de potissee (out-thrust) enclosed between the two faults, and formed of Upper Devonian, of Carboniferous limestone, and even of certain inferior layers of coal, whilst this lambeau de poussee itself rests obliquely on the productive coal-formation through the medium of the Faille Limite. It also happens, besides, that the lip south of the Grande Faille is formed by the Silurian formation. Moreover, it is possible that the Carboniferous limestone is in exceptionally normal contact, although inverted, with the part south of the coal-level, as, for example, at l'Ouest d'Andenne. The important disturbance of the strata in question inclines towards the south at an angle which, in Belgium, is scarcely ever greater than from 40 to 45 degrees, and is sometimes even less. It is continued in the Departments of the Nord and Pas-de-Calais, and ten years ago attempts were made to show that it even extends into Pembrokeshire, running along the coal-basins of Bristol and South Wales. However that may be, it is certain that a movement of great amplitude, contemporary with the compression which has caused the great folds of the Franco-Belgian basin, was produced after the Grande Faille subsequently to the deposit of the coal-formation. Seeing the great importance of this fracture of the earth's surface, I consider it to be very probable that it was favoured by the existence of a breakage previous to the deposit of coal, a fracture which traversed the oldest formations to the south of the region where to-day the Grande Faille crops out, having nearly the same direction as this latter, and an inclination possibly greater. On the other hand, in 1878, at Landenne-sur-Meuse, a description was given of a very important fault which was termed " Faille Silurienne dv Champ d'Oiseaux." Its longitudinal direction is east-north-east, with an average inclination of 61 degrees, north-north-west —that is to say, in a contrary direction to the Grande Faille, and has resulted in placing the Silurian formation above the Carboniferous limestone, the psammites of Condroz, &c. It is estimated that this fault extends in an easterly direction, at least, as far as Hozemont, and that, if it likewise existed before the coalj it might form, along this minimum length of nineteen miles, the northern limit of a movable keystone of the terrestrial crust, whose southern limit was constituted by the great fracture anterior to the coal, the existence of which is admitted. If we suppose that to the north of the surface upon which the deposits which formed the Franco-Belgian coal-basin accumulated, there were a succession of faults, analogous to the Faille Silurienne dv Champ d'Oiseaux, and anterior to these deposits, these latter would have been supported upon a great claveau*, and would have been liable to experience, during the coal period, a succession of intermittent downward movements, whose amplitude would vary according to the direction which the faults frequently show. Nevertheless, it was not necessary that faults should have rendered the formations of the north independent of the coal-deposits. It is sufficient for my purpose that these deposits might have been depressed, without the formations to the south participating in this movement, while experiencing a rotary motion around an axis, or a succession of axis, more or less approaching the limit of the deposits : in other words, while these latter suffered a depression the formations of the north ■were uplifted. On the one or the other hypothesis, then, we have only to consider a local depression proportioned to the thickness of the coal strata, with a relative or actual elevation of south and north borders. This would remove the objection urged by M. de Lapparent, as well as that of M. GrandEury. Let us add that this raising of the edges would have for result a change in the velocity of the running-waters, whose rapidity, increasing with the difference of level, would render them capable of deeply ravining the soil. After a period of tranquility, during which a luxuriant vegetation was developed, and succeeded by other vegetation, and after experiencing the alterations and transports preparatory to its conversion into a bed of coal, of which we have several times spoken, a fresh movement took place. Then, without it being necessary to have recourse to the intervention of any very considerable quantity of pluvial waters, because the climate was probably very equitable, the increase in the declivities, subsequent to the increased relative height of the edges of the deposit-basin, was sufficient to promote the arrival into this basin of materials of terrestrial origin. When the downward tendency of the basin was next arrested the hollowing of its slopes became gradually less and less, a moment arrived when their modified declivities would no longer permit the rain-waters to ravine them, and where the orographical conditions favoured afresh the development of an active vegetation. We may also suppose that some spores, seeds, and even complete vegetable plants having resisted, thanks to their exceptionally favourable situations, the process of removal undergone by the majority of the vegetable plants, as well as the greater part of the surface of the soil, developed and afterwards gave place to a fresh vegetation, which soon becoming as luxuriant as the first gave rise to a second bed of coal. Moreover, during the formation of the strata all vegetable life had not ceased, since numerous vegetable fossils are met with in them. Setting aside the coal-basins where limestone of marine formation is found, as in certain basins of North America, whose areas of deposits must from time to time have communicated with the sea, and having chiefly in view the Franco-Belgian basin, we must therefore consider the strata to have been formed of materials of essentially terrestrial origin during successive periods of depression of the deposit-basins, while the great development of vegetation which gave rise to each coal-seam corresponds to a period when this movement was more or less completely arrested.

* Rγ., keystone,

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In addition, the Algas living on the surface of fresh water, as Messrs. C. B. Bertrand and B. Renault have stated to be the case in bog-heads, as well as a few remains of rare animals of the coal epoch, may have contributed to the formation of coal. If we glance at the great Franco-Belgian deposit, not taking into consideration the important faults which furrow it and break the continuity of its beds, and also some anomalies of its southern limit, due to the Grande Faille, it will be seen that it has the form of a veritable basin, the hade of the axis of the basin being almost parallel to the ordinary inclination of the deposit, and the northern slope being formed of plateures,* whilst its southern declivity presents alternately inverted perpendicular veins and plateures, whose whole dip is towards this hade of the basin's axis. This last is far from being everywhere of uniform depth ; it may even bifurcate and crop out, as in the region of Sampson, near Andenne, where the Carboniferous limestone, on appearance at the surface, separates our great coal-basin into two distinct smaller ones. The lower coal-seams which were first formed lie north, south, east, and west, over nearly the whole of the surface of these two basins. The strata above press upon the former, and are of less extent finally; the uppermost seams towards the longitudinal axis of the deposits in the region where the line of the hade attains its greatest depth form basins more and more limited, and embedded in those of the preceding seams. Still, if the surface extent of the coal-beds rapidly diminishes in proportion as it rises in the series, the richness of the coal-formation generally varies in the inverse order—that is to say, if a portion of the upper seams is compared with that of the oldest bed it will be found that the wealth of carbon of the former is much greater than that of the latter, in consequence of the variation in number and sometimes in thickness of the veins of coal. For example, let us in the Liege basin compare the upper series, comprised at La Haye and at Horloz between the wall of the Cerisier seam and that of the Grignette seam, with the lower series, which at the shafts of Val-Benoit commences under the seam Olyphon-Stenaye, and stops at the wall of the seam Desiree-Grande-Pucelle, one of the lowest workable seams known in the basin. These two seams, separated by about 600 yards of coal-rock, have nearly the same thickness measured perpendicularly to the strata ; the first is 220 yards thick, and the latter 210 yards, but their wealth in combustible differs greatly. In the first series, not including the Cerisier seam, there are ten exploited, having a total thickness in coal of 26ft., and nine unworkable beds or small veins, with a thickness of Bft. in coal, or in all 34ft. for a total thickness of 220 yards —that is to say, 16ft. of coal for 109 yards of ground, with only an average distance of 35ft. between the beds or small veins. In the second series the only workable seam is Desiree, which is about 2ft. thick in coal; and between Olyphon and this seam only five small veins have been met with, whose thickness in coal cannot be estimated at more than 2ft. 6in., or in all 4ft. 6in., or only 2ft. 3in. in coal for 109 yards, with an average distance of 36 yards between the seams or small veins. The upper series, therefore, is seven times richer than the lower series, if we reckon the seams and the thin veins; and, for bringing the comparison down to an industrial point of view, we only take into consideration the seams capable of being exploited. The value is thirteen times as great. On the other hand, if, by means of the mining-chart published for the Liege basin of the manuscript horizontal plans of the region of Huy, as well as by means of the vertical sections of the chart, we determine approximately the outcrop cf the Grignette seam, that of the DesireeGrande Pucelle seam, and the intersection of this last by the Grande Faille, which has suppressed a portion of its southern slope, we see that the surface under which the former is spread is hardly a tenth part of that under which the second is found, not reckoning the coal-formation of the plateau of Herve. This has been omitted, not only because the synonymy of the beds of this region with those of the Valley of the Meuse is still a matter of doubt, but chiefly for the reason that it has suffered a more considerable denudation, which might mar our comparison. The two seams placed together for comparison are characterized by undulations and folds, as well as by superpositions following the vertical due to certain faults. Consequently, we should obtain for each of them, if they were stretched out, a surface greater than that comprised between the outcrops or the meeting of the Grande Faille; but, without fear of any important misstatement, it may be admitted that the relation between the development of these seams would scarcely differ from the relation 1 is to 9-6 existing at present between their horizontal surfaces. The same considerations may be extended, approximately, to the seams and small veins of the two series of obviously the same thickness which we have chosen ; and, in comparing them in their whole extent, we may remark that, setting aside their industrious utilisation, the total quantity of coal contained in the former is nearly seven-tenths of that contained in the latter. I conclude from this that the vegetable deposits which have formed the coal remaining there, after the denudation of the coal-formation in each of the two series under consideration, were also nearly of the same relation as regards quantity. We may suppose, with many good authors, that the whole of our coal-formation was originally almost horizontal, that the upper beds had then an extent almost as great, if not greater, than the lower seams, and that compressions, local upheavals, and a collossal denudation following have given to this formation its present appearance in basins more circumscribed as they are more recent. The original horizontality of the coal and of enormous denudations are admitted in the work already mentioned, by Messrs. F. L. Cornet and A. Briart, " Sur le Belief dv Sol on Belgique apres les Temps Paleozoique, ,, in which work an ingenious explanation is given of the puzzling irregularity which has determined at Boussu, Thulin, Hainin, &c, —that is to say, almost in the centre of the Borinage coal-basin—the existence of a portion of old formations, where in inverted order

* Veins which, after sinking vertically or obliquely, assume a horizontal direction,

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are found the Silurian, Devonian, and probably also the Carboniferous limestone and coalformations. According to the numerous and very interesting plates of this fine work, the denudation of the coal strata in the region under consideration would have been such that there would not have remained in bulk the tenth part of that which existed in the first instance. It is true that the authors have voluntarily abstained from showing the scale of their plates ; but it must not be thought exaggeration if it is said that they attribute to the denudations of the coalfields an importance at least as great as that which has just been shown. If we consider the materials of the strata which separate the coal-seams as being almost entirely the result of the eroison of the slopes of the great coal valley, which slopes experience periodically a relative elevation, having reference to the areas of deposit, &c, the important phenomena of denudation during the period of the coal-formation must be admitted. But, after the conclusion of this, and of the compression which ultimately gave it its present form, it appears unnecessary to suppose that the coalfield itself underwent a denudation exceeding a few hundred yards. Besides, in order to justify the frequent supposition of a colossal denudation of the coalmeasures, it would be necessary to be able to show in the strata most recently formed at its expense either Carbonaceous deposits or thick layers of rock coloured black by the coal, which would account for the fresh form taken by the immense quantity of coal resulting from such a denudation. But neither the colouration of the black clays at the base of the Cretaceous formation of Hainaut, nor that of certain much more extensive Jurassic deposits, is sufficient, it is true, to justify this theory, even if we admit that this colouration could only be <due to coal very finely divided. It is believed that in the Franco-Belgian basin the upper coal-seams have had from the beginning a less extent than the lower seams, and that the vegetable matters of which they are formed were deposited in small drawn-out cuvettes or basins, with slightly sloping sides, and whose surface has successively diminished. This reduction is explained if we admit the mobility of the base .of . the . coal-measures in process of formation, and also friction where they came in contact with the firm portion of the southern strata. In the same way one or the other of the hypotheses ennunciated above would account for the reduction of the areas of deposit in this direction. Lastly, admitting that the downward movement of the coal-formation was only slight in the region of Samson, and was more pronounced in the east towards Liege, and in the west towards Charleroi, we shall understand how the deposit-basins of the different coal-seams were placed and diverted in these two directions, while gradually decreasing in width in a northerly and southerly direction. At the beginning of the coal epoch the basins of Liege on the one hand, and of Namur and Hainaut on the other, were connected by the deposits covering the Calcareous base of Samson, and which was removed daring the process of denudation; but these two basins become independent, if, as can be proved, the western extremity of one, and the eastern extremity of the other only followed in a plight degree the downward movement of the axis of the deposits which continue to augment towards Liege and Charleroi. The basin-like formation of our coal deposits, so pronounced to-day, owing to movements later than their formation, must have been slightly indicated from their very commencement. The areas of deposit of the different seams evidently extended beyond the actual outcrops, because, independently of their reduction resulting from the compression indicated above, certain phenomena of denudation also notably diminished the superficial extent of the coal-deposits, and, moreover, as we have seen in the Desiree seam, the Grande Faille has pushed down a portion of the slopes south of the lower beds. We are unable, from the want of a point of comparison, to estimate the ablation which the surface of the coal-formation has undergone; but, whatever may be the importance of this, it is certain that if it was of a uniform character throughout the Liege basin, with the exception of the plateau of Herve, which must have suffered a much greater denudation, the diminution in surface of the basin from each seam has been greater in proportion, as the seam is of more recent formation. In order to compare from this point of view the upper seams with the lower it would be necessary to restore to the latter the portion of their southern slope suppressed by the Grande Faille; or, in other words, to endeavour to re-establish things as they were before the action of this fault. A sufficiently accurate calculation has given 1 is to 9-6 for the ratio of the horizontal surfaces under which the seams Grignette and Desiree, in the basins of Liege and Huy, now exist. Other calculations formed on the same hypothesis which has just been indicated, but whose degree of approximation is much less, have given for these surfaces the proportion 1 is to 7 before the denudation, supposing it to be 320 yards —that is to say, the inverse of the ratio obtained for the amount of coal in a vertical direction contained in the two series, Cerisier-Grignette and Olyphon-Desiree, which ratio is 7 is to 1. It is probable, then, if we admit a denudation of 320 yards, that the amount in coal of these two series of pretty nearly equal thickness, and consequently the quantity of vegetable deposits which entered into their composition, were the same before the action of the Grande Faille and the denudation. Still, some of the data adopted for the calculations are not sufficiently certain to affirm that this was so; further, the proportions between the areas of primitive deposits and the basins determined by the plaiting of the coal-seams may have varied for the different seams. On the other hand, we can conjecture nothing as regards the duration and the activity of the periods of the vegetation which came between the successive subsidences of the areas of deposits. Neither can we form any idea of the extent of these supposed depressions. It is true that, if this last consideration were set aside, we might confine ourselves to applying to the two series under our notice the general notion which holds good in geology—viz., that given a series of sedimentary deposits of the same thickness

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and composed of analagous elements an equal duration of formation is supposed; but, in order that the calculation of a denudation of 320 yards might be regarded in any other way than as an entirely theoretical result, we ought to have good reason for supposing for each of these two periods equality in the amount of vegetable deposits. Despite these drawbacks, the relation indicated, even were it much less apparent than it is, merits attention, because it appears to fit in very well with the hypothesis of the progressive reduction of the areas of deposit, and of a final moderated denudation of the coalfield. Two other consequences result from the theoretical ideas which have been expressed. One is the gradual extension of the surfaces suitable to the aerial vegetation, due to the contraction of the deposit basins, which must also have helped to increase the wealth of the upper part of the coalfield. The other results from the relative straightening of the oldest peripheric portions of this formation. They have thus been ravined and furnished material for its later portions. In Belgium there are hardly any indisputable facts to support this theory, facts of this kind having up till now received but little attention from us, though they are not uncommon abroad. MM. C. Grand-Bury and H. Fayol have cited numerous instances in France, and we owe to Professor A. Habets an interesting specimen taken from the seam of the San Victor Mine, belonging to the Colliery Society of Turon in the Asturias, formed almost entirely of coal-pebbles having the corners and angles rounded off. It appears impossible for these pebbles, which are fin. or more in length, to have been produced in any but a very ancient coal-seam, and one which had been subjected to actions both of removal and erosion, and which had already been consolidated before the coal-formation terminated. Having brought to your notice and discussed the principal theories on the origin and mode of formation of coal, which have led to a few ideas on this subject being given, which might also have been extended to other than the Franco-Belgian coalfield ; it is not denied that these ideas are of such a nature that objections may be raised against them —objections as well founded, perhaps, as those which have been made to other theories in the course of this paper; if such be the case, the old proverb, " Criticism is easy, but art is difficult," will be once more confirmed.

BXTEACTION OF GOLD AND SILVER FROM ORBS BY POTASSIUM-CYANIDE SOLUTIONS. The comparatively recent introduction of cyanide of potassium as a solvent for gold and silver has been the means of a large quantity of gold being obtained that would otherwise have been wasted; and it has also made it possible to work ores that, by the ordinary battery process, would have been unprofitable. The attention of men in all the mining countries in the world has been given to this solvent, and especially South Africa, where the gold found there in the auriferous conglomerate is in a very finely divided state, and particularly well suited for extraction by this means. The gold obtained from the auriferous lodes in South Africa is not taken from the quartz, but is found in a free state, cemented to the small pebbles of quartz, which now form as hard a substance as if they were all in one solid body. The cyanide-potassium solvent has been very successful y in treating ores found at Kuaotunu and in the Ohinemuri district, by reason of gold being found there in such a minute form. If the gold were in coarse particles in the stone it would have to be pounded into a fine dust before the cyanide treatment would be successful; and even in the ores found at Ohinemuri, where the gold is in a specially fine divided state, some of the particles are so coarse that the cyanide does not dissolve them in the time allowed for treatment. This has been proved conclusively by running the gangue from the leaching-vats over a system of tables covered with copper-plate and silvered over with mercury. At the Golden Cross Mine, Waitekauri, this system has been in use for some time, and, although the gold is in a fine state in the ore, there is still a certain proportion of it obtained by amalgamation on these plates. The cyanide solution has a cleansing effect on the surface of any particles of gold, and renders the latter fit for adhesion to quicksilver when brought in contcat with it; but, even although the cyanide solutions have been a great success in comparison with the treatment formerly adopted for our ores, considerable improvements will yet have to be made in the method of its application. Hitherto experiments for improving the cyanide process have been practically stopped, owing to the fact that the Cassel Company possessed patent rights for the use of cyanide in all its compounds for the treatment of auriferous and argentiferous ores found in any part of -the colon} , . There was no benefit accruing to any one making experiments with a view of ascertaining the possibility of making improvements in connection with this process, as such improvements were of no direct benefit to the person making them, the Cassel Company still claiming the royalty. Sometime ago Dr. Gaze, of Westport, applied for a patent to use chlorine in conjunction with potassium-cyanide, but the application was objected to by the Cassel Company, and a decision given in their favour, although an experiment conducted by Dr. Gaze in my presence showed conclusively that chlorine in conjunction with potassium-cyanide had a much more rapid effect than with potassium-cyanide alone. The ground of objection maintained by the Cassel Company is that, having obtained a patent for the use of cyanogen in all or any of its compounds, no other person has a right to use any chemicals in which cyanogen forms a part. A considerable number of experiments have been made with this solvent by J. S. Maclaurin, B.Sc, University College, Auckland, and he has published two pamphlets containing the results of his experiments, which are to be commended to those using this process. Mr. W. Skey, Analytical Chemist, Colonial Laboratory, has also made a number of experiments with this solvent, and he shows that pyritic ores have an accelerating effect in cyanide solutions for dissolving gold. The following is his report on the experiments made : —

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Experiments by W. Skey, Colonial Analyst, on the Solvent Peopeeties op Oees in Cyanide Solutions. In answer to your memorandum to me, dated the 22nd March, I have the honour to report to you upon the question as to whether or not very weak solutions of potassio cyanide exercise any " selective action " upon gold, in preference to cupreous compounds generally, or upon any of them ; also upon the question as to whether or not aqueous solutions of potassic cyanide of a strength as low as 003 per cent, decompose these compounds. The results of the experiments I have made to settle these questions very clearly show, as I believe, — 1. That aqueous solutions of potasic cyanide of every degree of possible strength have a " selective action," and a powerful one, both upon gold and silver, when these metals are in contact with any cupreous sulphide, also when they are in contact with ores and metals generally that are conductors of electricity. 2. That when any ore of this class of sulphides is thus placed in contact with either gold or silver in cyanide solution, the solution of these metals is very much accelerated, while the sulphide is partly conserved, being rendered negative to the cyanide by the electrical current that proceeds from the metal. 3. That in the cases of those sulphides or other compounds that are not electric conductors, also in the case of conducting sulphides, &c, that are not in voltaic contact with the metal, no truly " selective action " takes place in such a solution, however weak it is ; but it rather appears, on the other hand, that these cupreous compounds, and the metals used, will appropriate the cyanogen of the solution to a degree somewhat proportional to the extent of their superficies. 4. That solutions of potassic cyanide containing even so little as 003 per cent of the salt attack all copper sulphides, including chalcopyrite. The following statement gives the details of the experiment and results thereof upon which I base the foregoing conclusions. In them it will be seen that I have, in the strict pursuance of the subject, enlarged the scope of this inquiry so far as to take in it the behaviour of metallic sulphides generally with cyanide solutions. For this wider object my first step was to take advantage of the fact announced by myself in 1872,* that a great number of the metallic sulphides, also a few of the arsenides, are conductors of electricity; and, further, are capable of forming amongst themselves in suitable solutions of salts, &c, voltaic pairs, and which can produce well-marked chemical effects. Using, therefore, this groundwork I have been able to answer these questions expeditiously, and, as I think, absolutely, and this in a manner that admits of ocular demonstration. First, I connected a gold - plate with a piece of chalcopyrite through a galvonometer, then plunged the two substances in a solution of potassic cyanide, when I observed that the needle— that is, the index —of the galvanometer was vigorously deflected, and in a direction that indicated the gold to be the positive element of the pair—that is, the element which was being dissolved by the solution. Cyanide of 20 per cent., and cyanide of but 0-02 per cent., had the same effect on the pair. The chalcopyrite was not acted upon by the cyanide to any notable extent. A quantity of other sulphides, including those of covelline (CuS), copper-glance, and enargite, I also tested in this manner, and I found all those that are electrical conductors are, like chalcopyrites, negative to gold. Silver, like gold, I found to be electro-positive to all the conducting metallic sulphides that I tried. As a knowledge of the electro-motive order of the more common of our native sulphides in cyanide solutions may be of use to the managers of mills using the cyanide process, I herewith append a table in which this is shown. The ones marked with an asterisk are those which I place provisionally, pending further experiments to determine their exact positions. Attached to this table, and at foot thereof, as properly placed, I state the electro-motive order of certain metals in the same solution. This portion of the table is extracted from Vol. viii., " Transactions of the New Zealand Institute " for the year 1875, page 234. The order observed in this compounded table is from negative to positive. When any one of the substances named therein is in electric contact with another in the cyanides it is the one named under it that is the substance attacked by the solution. Electro-motive Order of Certain Metals and Ores in Potassic Cyanide. Graphite Sulphide of silver.* Mispickel. Sulphide of gold.* Enargite. Platinum. Iron pyrites (cupric). Mercury. Chalcopyrites. Lead. Zinc-blende (ferruginous). Gold. Copper-glance. Silver. Covelline. Tin. Galena. Copper. Proustite. Zinc. Following up my experiments in this direction, I next tried whether the actual contact of a conducting sulphide, with gold or silver in a cyanide solution, would accelerate its action upon the metal (as the contact of platinum with zinc accelerates its solution in suitable solvents), when I found that a very marked acceleration of the action of the cyanide upon the gold did occur.

* Vol. iv., Trans. N.Z. Inst., page 311.

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In a series of experiments that I undertook I found that a solution of 0.5 per cent, gave the following results upon the same areas of gold-leaf of uniform thickness when paired, as follows : — Time required for the Gold to dissolve. Iron-pyrites, paired with gold-leaf in the cyanide ... ... & minutes. Chalcopyrites ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 „ Galena ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 Copper-glance ... ... ... ... ... ... 30 „ Graphite ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 36 „ Anthracite ... ... ... ... ... ... 50 „ Zinc-blende The cyanide unassisted ... ... ... ... ... 100 „ The non-conducting sulphides, such as the yellow kind of zinc-blende and stibnite, displayed no such effect when placed on the gold-leaf, the dark kind of zinc-blende, however, manifested a very feeble accelerating effect. This piece of blende I afterwards found to show conducting-power for electricity if connected by a large surface to the platinum used for making connection with the galvanometer. This blende contained sulphide of iron in small quantity. Taking next the question as to the correctness of the statement that cyanide solutions of but -03 per cent, have no effect on copper compounds generally, I made the following experiments :— 1. Ghalcopyrites, crushed, then thoroughly well washed, was afterwards kept in a cyanide solution of this strength (-03 per cent.) for one hour. The filtered solution contained a very perceptible quantity of copper as cyanide, also traces of sulphur and oxidized compounds of sulphur. 2. Copper-glance, crushed and washed, then subjected to the cyanide solution of o'o3 per cent. for one hour. The filtered solution gave the same reaction as in the case of chalcopyrites. 3. Govelline (sub-sulphide of copper). As I have already shown, this sulphide is very easily attacked by weak solutions of cyanide, sulpho-cyanide of copper resulting.* The 0-03 per cent, solution dissolves the mineral as a sulpho-cyanide and cyanide of copper. The carbonates and silicates of copper, as they naturally occur even—that is, in the dense form— are also decomposed by cyanide of this strength. These results take in all the compounds of copper that are of general occurrence at the goldmines, and they show that potassic cyanide, however weak, will decompose copper ores, generally, when in contact with them. In this connection I would like to state my results upon certain other ores that are frequently associated with gold in the reef: — Stibnite (sulphide of antimony). —This ore is generally supposed to be unaffected by potassic cyanide, but I found it to be very easily and largely affected by this salt. The sulphur of this mineral, like the sulphur in certain copper sulphides, shows great tendency to combine with potassium to form that most objectionable salt—sulphide of potassium, the rest of the sulphur combines to form sulpho-cyanogen. Galena (sulphide of lead). —This mineral is slowly attacked by cyanides, but all its sulphur combines with cyanogen to form the harmless compound, sulpho-cyanogen, and lead comes into solution combined with that radical. Zinc-blende (sulphide of zinc). —Hardly affected by cyanide of any strength, it is commonly held to be perfectly neutral thereto, but a strip of silver, buried in the crushed ore, was blackened in one hour, showing that a slight decomposition had taken place. Iron-pyrites (bi-sulphide of iron). —Almost, if not quite, unaffected by cyanide solutions of any strength. Sulphur (free). —The Government Geologist informs me that he has met with sulphur in a free state in tailings at Boatman's Creek, in the Eeefton district, as a product of the decomposition of stibnite. It is asserted by Wiggersf to be insoluble in potassic-cyanide solutions, but it is very easily soluble therein if only the air, with which it is generally charged, be driven off, say, by boiling water. I This I have shown. As in the cases of the solution of copper, this means a loss of solvent power for gold and silver. I used cold solutions throughout these experiments. The formation of alkaline sulphides during the cyanide process, as applied to ores containing stibnite and copper-sulphides, is, undoubtedly, the chief cause of the loss of gold that so often occurs in that process. With oxidized ores, as malachite or dioptase, a loss of available cyanide will necessarily occur, but with these sulphides, in addition to loss of cyanide, there will be a loss of gold, and a still greater loss of silver, in proportion to the quantities present. This loss is brought about by the sulphur —that is, the alkaline sulphide —sulphurising these metals to form sulphides with them,§ and the sulphide film so formed upon the metal prevents, or greatly retards, the proper action of the cyanide solution. That gold does combine, and very readily, with the sulphur of both the alkaline and hydrogen sulphide I have already shown.* It is to precipitate the sulphur that gets into the cyanide in the cyanide process that Mr. McArthur has proposed to use, or does use (as per patent) a soluble lead salt dissolved in the cyanide. The problem for the chemist at the cyanide works is to find a practical method whereby all the sulphur of antimonial and cupreous sulphides can be made to combine with the cyanogen rather than with the potassium of the cyanide.

♦ Vol.xxi., Trans. N.Z. Inst., 1888, "On the Preparation of Artificial Chromes." f Ann. Ch. Pharm., Vol xxxix., page 319. { Vol. iv., Trans. N.Z. Inst., page 330. § Vol. iii., Trans. N.Z. Inst., page 216.

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The following results, which I have only just obtained, show how extremely objectionable alkaline sulphides are, when present in the cyanide solution : — A rather strong solution of the cyanide, containing a small proportion of sulphur, was placed over a strip of gold coupled with a piece of copper-glance (sulphide of copper), but no solution of gold was perceived; however, on substituting the copper-glance with chalcopyrites, the gold was rapidly removed. This experiment shows that the gold was sulphurised at the outset by the alkaline sulphide present in the cyanide, and that it required connecting with a substance of a very negative kind in order to effect the decomposition of the auriferous sulphide so formed. Further experiments of a different kind showed that while pure cyanide of 1-per-cent. solution dissolved a given weight of gold in ten minutes, a solution, of the salt of the same strength, but containing Ysxtooo P of sulphur (as a sulphide),* required two hours to dissolve the same weight of gold. The speeds are as Itol2 in favour of the pure cyanide. The following table shows how very much even a gentle sulphuretting, or flouring of the gold, interferes with its solution :— Gold sulphurised 60 seconds in K.S. dissolved in cyanide in 62 minutes. 54 „ „ „ 50 „ 1 second „ „ 36 „ Gold, clean, dissolved in cyanide in „ 12 „ The gold was well washed from adherent potassic sulphide before being placed in the cyanide. Making the clean gold the unit, we have, approximately, the times thus : 1, 3, 4, and 5. As connected with this subject, I should here state certain results that, in the prosecution of the work sent me, I have obtained in regard to the part that is played by oxygen in the working of the cyanide process. Though unreservedly accepting, as I always have hitherto, Eisner's statement that free oxygen is necessary for the solution of gold in potassic cyanide, I felt somewhat staggered when I saw how very rapidly gold was dissolved in this salt when in voltaic contact with copper-glance ; and I thought that it was just possible that, at least, some of the oxygen required to aid the solution of this metal was obtained by the decomposition of water, as Mr. McArthur supposes is always the case for gold dissolving in potassic cyanide. I therefore instituted the following experiments to show whether or not water is decomposed when gold is thus paired with a substance negative to it, in such solutions : — 1. A large sheet of gold (4in. square) was connected by platinum-wire with a very small piece of chalcopyrites, and immersed in a cyanide solution containing lead in very perceptible quantity. A galvanometer intervening showed that strong action was taking place, but there were no signs of any evolution of gas from the negative pole—-that is, from the chalcopyrites—-nor was there any discolouration of the liquid in the vicinity of that ore, which there would have been had water been really decomposed during the process. 2. A piece of gold was bound in metallic contact with platina, and immersed in a solution of 2 per cent, that had been charged with tannic acid, in sufficient quantity to take up all the free oxygen present therein. This solution was then covered with oil (to exclude the air). After the lapse of twelve hours the gold did not appear to be at all eroded. When air had been let into the solution afterwards, the gold entirely dissolved in a few minutes. It is clear, therefore, and a fact not to be controverted, that, even in the extreme case where voltaic contact is provided, water is not decomposed, but the free oxygen of the air is all-sufficient for the reaction for the solution that is required. So far, then, as I know, Eisner's statement in respect to the requisite agent for the solution of the gold in the cyanide process is correct, and I accept his formula for the reaction. The reason why oxidation of gold, and its subsequent removal by the cyanide, is in certain cases so slow as it is, is one, which, in the interest of gold extraction by the cyanide process, should be ascertained. Why very weak cyanide solutions act as swiftly as they do, while strong solutions do not act upon gold to a degree or at a speed in any way corresponding to what we expect, is a problem that has not, I think, been solved. To account for this it has been assumed that strong solutions of the cyanide do not dissolve oxygen, or are not permeated by it as readily as weak solutions are. But that there is a plentiful supply of oxygen in these solutions is made manifest by the results of the following experiments : — 1. A newly-made cyanide solution of greatest strength is poured into a shallow vessel, and at the bottom of it a small slip of gold-leaf, gummed on paper, is placed. A long slip of the same is then placed so that one end rests also upon the bottom of the vessel, while the other end projects out of the solution. In a few minutes it may be seen that the whole of the gold on the long slip has been dissolved, while the piece that is wholly immersed in the fluid does not appear to be at all affected. 2. In the same solution place a slip of gold-leaf coupled with platina, so as to lie also at the bottom of the vessel, when in a short time it may be shown that the gold has entirely dissolved, while the gold-leaf that was not paired with any negative substance has not been affected. With chalcopyrites for the negative pole, the solution of the gold was far more rapid than in the former experiment when platinum was used for this purpose, showing the advantage there is in pairing the gold with a substance that is strongly electro-negative to it. I think the results of these experiments clearly prove that there is a sufficiency of oxygen present, even in the strongest solutions of potassic cyanide, to allow of the rapid solution of gold therein. But why strong cyanide solutions have so little, or so very slow, an affect upon gold, as we find, is a question that, in the light of these results, appears as yet quite unanswered. For my part I am inclined to think that a compound forms upon the gold, when in strong cyanide solutions, —

* This impure potassic cyanide contained 1 per cent, of sulphur.

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that is either insoluble or but very slowly soluble in these strong solutions, but is soluble to a considerable extent in weak solutions. It is, I think, very probable that the cyanide of gold that first forms on the gold has to be dissolved as the simple cyanide before it can be so acted upon by the potassic cyanide as to pass into the comparatively soluble auro-cyanide of potassium. In this connection I would here observe that the function of the negative metal or metallic sulphides as above employed is to dispose the potassic cyanide to rapidly dissolve these auro-cyanide films off the gold as they form thereon, or it may be simply to allow of the electricity generated by oxidation to become dynamic or current-electricity, so that the gold still remaining undissolved is not charged with the educts of chemical action. There is one very important matter in connection with the cyanide process that I have not yet touched upon, as being one outside the questions raised in your instructions to me, but it so deeply concerns all those who have monetary interest in this process that I make bold to treat it here, and it is this :— Are weak solutions of cyanide best to use for the cyanide process? and, if so, for what reasons? In regard to this, I have first to say that I have not had the opportunity for testing the correctness of the idea that is generally held, that such solutions are the best to use. I have, however, made a series of experiments to show the point of dilution at which the maximum of rapidity of the solution of gold by the cyanide is attained; and it is certainly under 1 per cent.; and, as near as I have to the present time made out, the maximum is got with solutions of about 0-25 per cent, of the salt. Solutions of the cyanide at about this strength, therefore, being the most rapid in their action upon gold, would certainly be the best to use for its extraction at the mines, and especially if it acts upon the ores of copper, &c, at a rate in some degree proportional to their strength ; and that they do so, a series of very carefully-conducted experiments of mine have just shown. On the ground of economy, therefore, at least the very dilute solutions of the cyanide are certainly best. But besides this, such solutions are the best for another and a far graver reason, and it is this :■ — As I'have already shown (page 187), when certain very commonly-occurring metallic sulphides are present, the cyanide solution, whether weak or strong, become contaminated with sulphur as a component of potassic sulphide ; and, as I have further shown, this sulphide attacks gold with considerable energy and great rapidity, forming thereon films that greatly retard, if not altogether prevent, the action of chemical agents upon the metal underneath them. It is true that, with free access of air thereto, this sulphur is oxidized to compounds that are innocuous;* but this oxidation is a slow process; therefore, if we form this potassic sulphide rapidly and in quantity, as we are very likely to do when working on impure quartz with strong cyanide solutions, we by so much intensify the evil that it is our business at least to mitigate if we cannot entirely prevent. Thus it may be seen that weak solutions should be the best to use in the cyanide process, for two grave reasons, each of which is sufficient to make their use indispensable for the working of it. Such are the results of my very much hurried investigations regarding the questions that you have set me to answer, and those closely related to them, that have cropped up in the course of my inquiry; and I will only add that the chemistry of the cyanide process is so intricate, the reactions by which the gold at our mines is ultimately secured by are so feeble, and, consequently, so easily retarded, that the first results of experimental researches, both at the mines and at the laboratory, need corroboration before they should be accepted in every part without reserve. I therefore claim the privilege of being allowed, in a future communication, to correct any slight inaccuracies that may have crept into these statements. Me. MacLauein's Expebiments. The results of Mr. MacLaurin's experiments are summed up in the following manner:— 1. Oxygen is necessary for the dissolution of gold in potassium-cyanide, and no gold is dissolved in its absence. 2. The ratio of gold dissolved to the oxygen requisite for its dissolution is 196 to 8, as demonstrated by the equation,— 4Au + BKCN + O a + 2OH 2 = 4AuCN, KCN + 4KOH. 3. The ratio of dissolution of gold in potassic-cyanide solutions varies with the strength of the solution, being small for concentrated solutions, increasing as the solution becomes more dilute, reaching a maximum of 0-25 per cent, of cyanide, and then again diminishing. 4. The ratio of dissolution in potassium-cyanide varies in the same way, and a maximum is reached at the same degree of dilution. 5. The ratio of the amount of gold dissolved by any given cyanide solution to that of the silver dissolved by the same solution is nearly the ratio of atomic weights. 6. The variation in the rate of dissolution of gold in cyanide solutions is not directly influenced by the amount of cyanide in solution, except in the case of very dilute solutions, but is mainly due to the solubility of oxygen in these solutions, the amount of gold dissolved being nearly proportional to the absorption of the co-efficients of oxygen in such solutions. 7. The ratio of dissolution of gold is, however, not exactly proportional to the above-mentioned co-efficients, but rather less than it should be for the more concentrated solutions. 8. The explanation of this diminishing ratio of the gold dissolved to the oxygen available as the concentration of the solution increases is to be found in the increasing viscosity of the solution as the quality of the cyanide augments.

* A solution of cyanide containing 8 per cent, of sulphide of potassium had all its sulphur oxidized by standing in a shallow vessel for one hour exposed to the air.

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Beomo-cyanogen Solvents. Attention has recently been given to another process which has for its main agent potassiumcyanide, but in conjunction with the latter a small portion of bromo-cynogen is used, which, it is said, accelerates the dissolution of gold to a considerable extent. Dr. Gaze some time ago obtained a patent for the use of this solvent in the Australian Colonies. An article referring to this process appeared in the Australian Mining Standard, on the 13th April last, contributed by 0. A. Mulholland, Ph.D., Bathurst, New South Wales, in which he states that his process is untrammelled by patent rights, and if it is worth anything this fact alone recommends it to those interested. The two processes differ in so far as in the Sulman-Vautin process cynogen-broinine is employed, whereas in this free bromine is the substance used. Through the courtesy of many friends and mining-man-agers, and lately through the hearty co-operation of Mr. R M. Drake, of the Wentworth Proprietary Company, he had been able to test the method on a great variety of ores, tailings, concentrates, and slimes; the results in most cases were good, and in some instances very successful, reaching an extraction of 97 per cent, in a period of time impossible with existing methods. He was indirectly led to experiment on this process by observing the action of bromine on hypo-chlorites. It is a well-known fact that bromine can displace chlorine from its compounds with oxygen, whilst chlorine can liberate bromine from its compounds with hydrogen. Mr. Mulholland was then induced to try the action of bromine and chlorine on the compounds of cyanogen in the presence of oxygen and hydrogen, in order to ascertain if an analogous action was not possible; but he found that bromine can displace the radical cyanogen from its compounds in the presence of oxygen, and a metal to form a double cyanide of the metal, and a bromate of the halogen, and on this analogous reaction the present process is founded. He gives us an illustration how the experiment may be tried : a few grains of potassiumcyanide are dissolved in 2oz. or 3oz. of ordinary water, and a leaf of gold introduced into the solution, and poured into a flask. Bromine-vapour is now poured into the flask to displace a portion of the air ; the flask is corked and shaken-up, and the gold-leaf is rapidly dissolved. In this experiment it would seem that the following changes occur: The cyanogen is displaced, becoming nascent,. and. potassium-bromate is formed, the nascent cyanogen rapidly attacks the metal and forms, with two molecules of potassium-cyanide, the double aurous potassium-cyanide. In conducting these experiments, when an excess of bromine is used potassium-bromide and hydro-cyanic acid are formed. The loss of the acid may be prevented in practice by the addition of a hydrate of the alkalies or earths. The quantity of cyanide used in the process is smaller than is used in the cyanide process alone, and a larger percentage of gold is recovered in a shorter space of time. Mr. Mulholland states that he has recovered 97 per cent, of gold from slimes, and proportionately good results from coarse tailings, ores, and concentrates. In determining the quantity of chemicals to be used an accurate assay of the ore to be treated is made, and then the percentage of solutions made proportionate to the amount of gold to be dissolved, an actual experiment of the solution being made on the powdered ore. The bromine is applied in various ways, the air is kept agitated, and, from time to time, the bromine is admitted until the proper volume has been passed into the material, or the solution is allowed to percolate through the ore in the presence of the requisite volume of bromine-vapour, or finally air and bromine in suitable proportion are blown through the ore in the leaching-solution. Messrs. Sulman and Tweed also hold patent rights for the bromo-cyanogen process, but none of these processeshave up to the presenttime been tested on a very large scale to prove their ultimate commercial value in successfully dealing with large quantities of ores. The recent action taken in England by the Cassel Gold-extracting Company against the Cyanide Gold-recovery Syndicate has resulted in the patent rights of the Cassel Company, with reference to the form of the patentees' application, being declared invalid. This decision will have the effect of causing far more attention to be given to the bromo-cyanogen solvent, and will clear away the obstacle that formerly existed, and that prevented any person making experiments with a view of improving the process. It may be interesting to those who are using the potassium-cyanide process, and have entered into an arrangement to pay royalty to the Cassel Company, to give an account of the trial in England of the case mentioned, a summary of which is as follows : — Cyanide-potassium Patent Eights tested in England. An action was brought last year by the Cassel Gold-extracting Company against the Cyanide Gold-recovery Company for using a compound of cyanogen for extracting gold and silver from ores, which was heard in Court 111. of the Chancery division of the High Court of Justice before Mr. Justice Eomer. The plaintiffs' plea was that they were the registered owners of certain letters patent, numbered 14,174, granted to John Stewart Mac Arthur, Bobert W. Forrest, and William Forrest, in 1887, for improvements in obtaining gold and silver and other compounds from ores, and they alleged that the defendants had at divers times impugned the plaintiffs' letters patent by employing a process by which gold and silver was dissolved out of powdered ore, by using a solution containing cyanogen, or a cyanide, or a cyanogen-yielding substance, substantially described and claimed in the specifications under which letters patent were granted to the plaintiffs. What the plaintiffs complained of in particular was the erection, use, and exhibition by the defendants of a plant erected at the laboratory of E. H. Harland, F.L.C., F.C.S., Plough Court, 37, Lombard Street, for the treatment of ores by extracting the gold and silver they contained by the use of solution containing cyanogen. The defendants, on the other hand, denied that any infringment had been made, and alleged that the plaintiffs' letters patent were not valid. The particulars of objection to the validity of letters patent were that the alleged invention was not a subject-matter for a patent, in view of the state of public knowledge at the date, having regard to prior publications. The defendants objected

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to several of the statements contained in the specification, on the ground that they were insufficient and misleading, and that the alleged invention, as claimed in the second clause of the specification, is different from that for which the patent was applied for, and is not indicated or referred to in any way in the provisional specification, and that the alleged invention was not new at the date of the patent, having been published in a number of publications prior to that date. The plaintiffs were represented by Sir Eichard Webster, Q.C., M.P., Mr. F. Moulton.Q.C, M.P., Mr. Bousfield, Q.C., and Mr. A. J. Walker; while the defendants were represented by Sir Edward Clarke, Q. 0., M.P., Mr. E. Neville, Q.G., M.P., and Mr. Goodeve. Sir E. Webster, in opening the case for the plaintiffs, said the patent had been put in practice particularly in South Africa during the life of the patent, which ran from the year 1887. Between 600,0000z. and 700,0000z. of gold had been extracted by the process, having a value of £2,500,000. Eoyalties had been paid to the extent of £117,000 in connection with the process. There had been a variety of methods of extracting gold, chemically and mechanically, but prior to this patent there was no method of extracting the residium of gold from the tailings or washings of gold by a similar process. The anticipations set up by defendants extended back for a great many years; but with reference to the character of these anticipations, and with reference to the suggestion that the existing knowledge was such as to prevent the plaintiffs from disclosing subject-matter, according to his instructions nothing had been added to the useful public knowledge in this matter, since a statement was made by Professor Faraday in 1857. In the plaintiffs' specification the first claim is for the use of cyanogen in the manner described, and the second claim for a particular proportion of the cyanogen in the dilute solution. If a small lump of gold is put in a cyanide of potassium solution, it would remain there practically for a great length of time, but by powdering the ore the metallic gold is slowly dissolved in the solution. There was no dispute as to what the defendants had done ; the sole dispute was the deduction from those facts. The defendants had erected an experimental laboratory. They advertised for persons to come and see their ores tested by the Pielsticker process—Pielsticker being a gentleman who had purported to invent the infringing process. The defendants permitted the plaintiffs to inspect what was being doae at the laboratory of Mr. Harland. The suggestion was that the defendants were not working to obtain gold by the dissolving action of potassium-cyanide, but by electrical action, which had the effect of extracting the gold from the ore electrically, and not by the process which Messrs. Forrest and Mac Arthur had described. The counsel said the plaintiffs' case would be that electricity did not add anything to the dissolving power of the cyanide of potassium. In other words, the gold which was extracted was, in the defendants' process, got out by the dissolving action of the dilute solution in exactly the same way as in the plaintiffs' patent. Several eminent men were examined on the question on behalf of the plaintiffs, amongst whom was Professor Dewar, Lord Kelvin, Professor Bobert Austen, F.E.S., Sir Henry Eoscoe, who held that the plaintiffs were entitled to their letters patent. The counsel for the defendants submitted that the plaintiffs had made out no case. The claim was for any solution containing cyanogen or cyanides, or other substance containing or holding cyanogen. That was the largest claim that could possibly be made. It was admitted that for years it had been well known that an aqueous solution containing cyanogen had the property of dissolving gold. Under these circumstances there was no subject-matter of invention at all. For a person to say, " I take out a patent by which I, as against all the world, claim to myself the exclusive right of extracting gold from its ore with a solution of any strength in respect of gold, however contained in the ore, or however situated, and I claim to prevent the world from using a solution containing cyanogen," was bad. The counsel submitted there was no subject-matter of a patent, and no invention. To obtain a patent there must be a novelty and the application of ingenuity in order to produce the result which was to be obtained. What novelty, and what ingenuity could be suggested there was in this patent ? There was no novelty; there was no ingenuity, unless it were that ingenuity which consisted in trying solutions of different strength and then claiming them all. How could a patent be good which claimed cyanogen in combination with anything and everything ? There were a number of witnesses called on behalf of defendants, amongst whom was Mr. Louis Janin, jun., of New York, who had previously gone to considerable trouble to search the patent offices for patents applied for the use of cyanogen, and wrote an article on the subject, which is published in the " Mineral Industries of the United States, 1892." An extract of this article was published in my last annual report, showing that as early as 1867 a patent was issued to Julo H. Eae, of Syracuse, New York, for the treatment of auriferous and argentiferous ores by cyanide of potassium, and even at that date it was not considered new. Subsequently patents were issued to Messrs. Clark, Faucett, and Ogden in 1881, and on the 28th July, 1885, letters patent were applied for by Jerome W. Simpson, of Newark, N.J. In Mr. Simpson's specifications he says, " I am aware that cyanide of potassium, when used in connection with an electric current, has been used for dissolving metals, and also that zinc has been employed as a precipitant, and the use of these I do not wish to be misunderstood as claiming broadly. lam also aware that carbonate of ammonia has been employed for dissolving such metals as are soluble in a solution thereof, and the use of this I do not claim. But what I claim as new is : (1.) The process of separating gold and silver from their ores, which consists in subjecting the ore to the action of a solution of cyanide of potassium, carbonate of ammonia, and chloride of sodium, and subsequently precipitating the dissolved metal substantially as set forih. (2.) The process of separating metals from their ores—to wit, subjecting the ore to the action of a solution of potassium, carbonate of ammonia, and chloride of sodium, and subsequently precipitating the dissolved metals." In the MacArthur-Forrest application for letters patent in the United States of America they state : " Having fully described our invention, what we desire to claim and secure by letters patent 26—C. 3.

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is the process of separating precious metal from ore containing base metal, which process consists in subjecting the powdered ore to the action of a cyanide solution containing cyanogen in proportion not exceeding eight parts of cyanogen to one thousand.parts of water." Mr. Neville summed up the case for the defendants. They might, he said, have gone on almost till doomsday about electricity, but there was one broad point: the plaintiffs claimed the use of any solution which contained cyanogen or cyanide, or any cyanogen-yielding substance. If that was so, that obviously applied to Simpson and to Eae, who both used a cyanogen, containing solution for the purpose of extracting gold from ore. There was an end of the case. Sir Webster said that, if it was suggested that the plaintiffs' patent was wide enough to include Eae and Simpson, he should apply to disclaim. Mr. Neville thought that application would be late in the day, and proceeded to attempt to dispose of the argument that the plaintiffs' was such a meritorious invention that it ought to be favourably viewed by the Court. The cross-examination indicated the defendants' case with regard to that. They said that the process, so far as it had been successful, depended not upon the easilyascertained method of dissolving the gold from the ore, but upon the finding of a workable and suitable method of getting the gold out of solution when you had once got it there. The learned counsel then referred to the evidence of the plaintiffs as showing that not one ton of gold ore was treated until the plaintiffs had arrived at a suitable method of getting the gold out of solution. With regard to the second claim, the learned counsel pointed out that that was a claim practically for every useful form of cyanide of potassium. He then dealt with the question whether the plaintiffs could have a patent for cyanide of potassium alone, and submitted, on the authority of a number of cases, that they could not. If the plaintiffs' patent was not for the use of cyanide of potassium alone, then Simpson's patent was fatal to it, because there was only a slight admixture of another chemical. All the evidence went to show that Simpson's patent would do the work of the plaintiffs' patent, and it was an absolute absurdity to say that all the world might use cyanide of potassium if they put in half an ounce of carbonate of ammonium ; but the plaintiffs alone had the use of cyanide of potassium. For anybody to read Simpson's specification and say that it did not disclose the use of cyanide of potassium as a solvent of gold seemed to him to be a strange proposition. Much the same remarks were made with regard to Eae, and the learned counsel submitted that neither of these patentees claimed the use of cyanide of potassium alone, because its solvent properties were even at that time well known. The suggestion that nobody could possibly tell that cyanide of potassium would be available for the purposes of dissolving gold in ore was met by the evidence of Professor Eobert Austen, Professor Attfield, and others, who had practically said that that might have been inferred. The fact was that anybody who wanted to> dissolve gold used cyanide of potassium as a matter of course, even Faraday treating that as something which everybody knew. That there was no secret in the fact that cyanide of potassium would dissolve finely-divided gold was proved by the reference to that fact in the " Circle of the Sciences," which was in the true sense a popular book. It was only because there was no gold in England that cyanide of potassium had not been the subject of patents here. But there was gold in America, and therefore in America the first patents were taken out to get the advantage of cyanide of potassium. What did Mr. Mac Arthur do ? He took all the known solvents of gold, amongst them" cyanide of potassium, and he experimented to see which did it best. Surely that was not invention. Mr. Mac Arthur did not find out that cyanide of potassium would dissolve the gold out of ore; he; simply took that with all the other solvents that were known. There was no doubt in the minds ofchemists at that time that cyanide of potassium would dissolve gold out of ore. The difficulty was* how to get the gold out. Then Mr. Mac Arthur discovered a method by which practically the gold could; be got out, and, if there was any merit in his invention, that was where it came in. The evidence showed that there were ores in America and other places which did not yield to the plaintiffs' method, which was useful so far as the South African ores were concerned, but was not successful in its application to Australian and other ores. The learned counsel then repeated the previous; contention with regard to the specifications, and dealt with the argument that the dilute solution had a selective action, so as to dissolve the gold or silver preferably to the baser metals. That, he said, was not proved by the evidence, which went to show that the solution did not always act on the gold first, but immediately attacked the whole, dealing in some cases with the gold with more rapidity, and in others with less. This action was an absurd attempt to keep the world from using a solution of cyanide of potassium for this purpose, and still more absurd when it was known that actually before the plaintiffs' claim to do that this very substance had been used for this very - purpose in the one case, as the plaintiffs said, with an immaterial and useless addition, and in the other case with a small admixture of a substance which did not make it operate either better or worse on the ores. Mr. Goodeve followed on the same side, and Mr. Bowick said a few words. Sir E. Webster said that the fallacy in the arguments of his learned friends was in supposing that, however well known the scientific fact might have been that gold, powdered or crushed, would be dissolved in cyanide of potassum, that would invalidate a claim for a new process of applying that scientific or chemical principle or knowledge. He was going to contend that here there was a new result and a new process, and that both the new result and the new process required expert ment, research, and invention. He was going to apply the test suggested by Lord Westbury, ask the Court fearlessly to come to the. conclusion that the anticipations in this case were not. sufficient to invalidate this patent. Having dealt at some length with the law on the subject, and cited a number of authorities, the learned counsel said that the existence of the chemical principle by which the success of the invention had been carried out was not in any way an objection to the patent. He respectfully submitted that the law to-day was, and had been for thirty years, that the useful application of a known laboratory fact, or the useful application of a known chemical fact, for the first, time to a commercial purpose successfully, was sufficient subject*matter for a patent,

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and that the patent would not be invalidated by any previous publication, unless that previous publication told people how to do it in such a way that from it alone a workman or a scientific man anxious to understand it would be led to perform that particular process which was the subject of the invention. The general principle to be applied was, first, to see whether you required experiment, research, or invention to apply the stock of general knowledge to a particular process ; and, secondly, whether the anticipations set up enabled persons to arrive at that result by their own force and without the assistance of the knowledge the patentee had added. Mr, Justice Eomer heard counsel's arguments in this case at further length on Monday, the 46h August, when Sir Eichard Webster continued his reply on the whole case for the plaintiffs. He said he proposed to examine the existing state of knowledge from the points of view of what the general knowledge showed and what specific exposition showed. His respectful submission was that, so far from these expositions, or any of them, having told persons that they could extract gold from ore, or gold from anything, by cyanide of potassium, they would have been led away from it. One broad observation that might be made was that nobody could predict, simply because a chemical was a solvent, that it would be useful. The most well-known solvent of gold was aqua regia, and it was admitted by everybody that that was absolutely useless for the purpose of dissolving gold out of ores. With regard to the knowledge which the defendants' witnesses said was disclosed, in chemical literature, the learned counsel said that not a living being of all these chemists had ever given the Court a practical effect of all this. It was common ground that there was no prior user in this case. Mr. Justice Eomer : In England. Sir E. Webster said that he would show that there was evidence of no user of Simpson or Eae anywhere in a sense that would invalidate the patent. The learned counsel then drew attention to the passages in the evidence with a view of supporting his proposition, and went on to say that he did not know of any case where it could less be said that a patentee was availing himself of previously-known scientific facts to bolster up a claim which, when investigated, could not be supported. The knowledge about cyanide of potassium referred to by the defendants did not. lead Professor Eobert Austen or Mr. Mac Arthur to the knowledge that cyanide of potassium was a solvent of gold in its ore. If this was merely a question of solvency, why had not aqua regia been taken, that being known to be infinitely more a solvent than cyanide of potassium ? It had not been challenged that no chemist could diagnose, from the mere fact that cyanide of potassium would have a solvent effect upon gold in a given condition, that it would act on the gold in ores. Having referred to the evidence on this point, learned counsel came to what he termed the two most important points—namely, the alleged anticipations of Bae and Simpson. The defendants, he said, came into Court to win this case upon Eae's specification ; they came to prove that they were electrically depositing the gold out of the ordinary solution, and not using the chemical action. He did not hesitate to say that his Lordship had seldom heard so complete an abandonment of the case the defendants came into Court to prove. How did the matter stand? The plaintiffs described the Pielsticker process, and called evidence to prove that when the electric current was passing, as the defendants used it, it had no effect on the dissolving action of the solvent as distinguished from the depositing action. His Lordship then said that the state of the evidence was so unsatisfactory that further experiments ought to be tried. The plaintiffs had called Lord Kelvin, who might have been right or wrong; but he prescribed his own apparatus, and the experiment carried out by him did prove that there was less gold when the current was passing than when it was not. The defendants took the apparatus away, and they gave' evidence that Lord Kelvin's experiments were untrustworthy, because the solution could pass through the second carbon division. Thereupon, the plaintiffs in open Court offered that these experiments should be renewed. What happened? The defendants abandoned the electricity distinction ; they were obliged to admit that they could not rely upon any distinction due to the fact that they had superadded electricity to what Mr. McArthur had patented. With regard to Eae, he asked the Court to remember that the evidence was that Bae had abandoned the cyanide of potassium, and worked by electricity alone. What was necessary in order that Bae could be used as an anticipation of the plaintiffs' patent? He said, without hesitation, that sufficient directions must be found to tell people to abandon.the . electricity, and to rely upon the dissolving action of the cyanide of potassium. Mr. Justice Eomer said that what would be said against the plaintiffs was this : That the general knowledge was that cyanide of potassium w r ould dissolve gold under certain conditions ; and though there might possibly be a doubt whether you could dissolve gold in crushed ore, here w v as Eae saying, " You certainly can, and the use of the electric current will facilitate it." Sir B. Webster : I say the electricity is to make the solution. Mr. Justice Bonier did not take that view, having regard to the language of the specifiation, ahd said that the defendants said that if any person had any doubt whether cyanide of potassium would dissolve gold in the crushed ore, after reading Bae he could not have had a doubt about it. Sir E. Webster said that was the strongest thing in his favour. Eae had told people that they could have a perfect solution by the aid of electricity ; he had never told people that they could get a perfect solution by the action of the chemical. What Eae said was that if you desired to get the maximum solution of gold you must have an electric current. He (Sir E. Webster) denied that the defendants were entitled to eke that out by saying that it was previously known that cyanide of potassium had a solvent action on gold in ore. Eae told people that cyanide of potassium had a certain solvent action on gold in ore ; but that, if it was desired to make it a practical solution, you' must have electricity to aid it. He submitted that Eae could not be read as if the electricity were not there. He knew of no case in which, in order to invalidate a parent, the defendant had been allowed to rely upon that which was contrary to the directions of the alleged anticipating patent. Mr. Justice Bomer said that this was not put against the plaintiff as anticipation directly,, but on the question of anticipation generally. It was said by the defendants that if cyanide-of potas--

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sium was found to dissolve gold, presumably it would dissolve gold in ore, but, if there were any doubt that it could be applied usefully, Eae said that it could be usefully applied to ore, though it was better to have electricity. Sir E. Webster denied that Eae showed that, and submitted that this kind of anticipation was not sufficient to invalidate the patent. With regard to the suggestion that persons had paid £117,000 for a step which was merely the omission of a chemical from Simpson's patent, he asked the attention of the Court to the greatness of the step taken by the plaintiffs' invention. It was not until the reply that any suggestion was made that it was not a great step. In conclusion, the learned counsel said that this case was to be decided by the evidence, and he submitted that this most useful invention, which had been pirated by the defendants because it was a useful invention, was the result of experiment, research, and the bringing to bear of great skill and knowledge ; that it had not been generally or specifically anticipated; and that the defendants ought to be restrained by injunction from taking that which had been proved to be a new and useful invention. Mr. Justice Eomer : I will consider my judgment. Judgment of Mr. Justice Bomer.—Plaintiffs have no Patent. The long-deliberated judgment of Mr. Justice Eomer in the case Cassel Gold-extracting Company v. the Cyanide Gold-recovery Company and others was delivered on Thursday, the Bth November, 1894. The plaintiffs, it will be remembered, urged that they were the registered owners of certain letters patent, numbered 14,174, of 1887, granted to John Stewart Mac Arthur, W. Forrest, and William Forrest, for improvements in obtaining gold and silver ores and other compounds. They alleged that the defendants had at divers times infringed the plaintiffs' letters patent by employing a process of obtaining gold and silver from ores, consisting in dissolving them out by treating the powdered ore or compound with a solution containing cjanogen, or a cyanide, or a cyanogen-yielding substance, substantially as described and claimed in the specification. The plaintiffs accordingly claimed the usual relief in a patent action. Sir Bichard Webster, Q.C., Mr. Moulton, Q. 0., Mr. Bousfield, Q.C., and Mr. A. J. Walter were for the plaintiffs ; Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., Mr. Neville, Q.C., and Mr. T. M. Goodeve for the defendant syndicate; and Mr. Goodeve for the defendant Pielsticker. The defendant Bowick conducted his own case. Mr. Justice Eomer delivered judgment as follows : Since the conclusion of the arguments I have read through the notes of the evidence, and have further considered that evidence and the different points urged by counsel, and in the result I am confirmed in the opinion that this patent cannot be sustained. The invention claimed in the patent is a very simple one, and the claim very comprehensive. It is for the application of a solution containing cyanogen, so as to dissolve the gold and silver in powdered ores. The gold —for I need not further distinguish the silver—is then to be recovered from the solution by any of the well-known ways. The kind of solution to be used as the solvent is described by the specification very broadly. It is to be any solution containing cyanogen or any cyanide soluble in water (such as cyanide of potassium), or any other substance or compound containing or yielding cyanogen. No special apparatus or machinery, or device or scheme of any kind, is required. The solution is simply to be poured on the ore. You may stir the ore about in the solution if expedition is required; or, if you choose, you may let the solution rest so as gradually to dissolve the gold in the ore. In fact, the patent really is for an alleged discovery that a solution containing cyanogen can be used to dissolve out the fine gold in powdered ore. Now, how did matters stand at the date of this patent ? It was perfectly well known that a solution of cyanide of potassium would solve gold in a fine state, and that the finer the gold the more speedy the process. The peculiar property of cyanogen, that it would solve fine gold if oxygen were present, is well known. The chemist in his laboratory knew that by pouring a solution of cyanide of potassium on fine gold he could solve the gold. It is true that in this country no one had commercially used a solution of cyanide of potassium to extract the fine gold in the powdered ore; but this is not surprising when the following facts are borne in mind : First, that in this country very little gold ore is found at all, and that, so far as appears up to the date of this patent, ores were not brought to this country from abroad to have the gold extracted here as a commercial transaction. And, secondly, even if the gold in the ore had been extracted there was no known successful and paying method of recovering the gold from the solution. It is proved before me that for some time after the date of the plaintiffs' patent the patentees alleged invention was not commercially worked because no efficient and paying method was known of recovering the gold, and that it was not until the patentees subsequently made a discovery, which they patented, of a new method of recovering the gold from the solution that the use of a solution of cyanide of potassium to extract the fine gold in the ore was practically employed for commercial purposes. But the matter does not rest here. Not only was the above-mentioned property of cyanide of potassium known, but in 1867 one Eae took out a patent in the United States, and the specification of his invention was published here before the date of the plaintiffs' patent. Eae's invention, as there described, was, inter alia, for the extraction of the gold from the powdered ore. His process was this :He took a solution suitable to solve the gold from the ore, and he expressly mentions a solution of cyanide of potassium as one that could be employed, and he poured this solution on the ore in a vessel which he agitated by machinery, and he used electricity for two purposes—first (as he expressly says) to facilitate the action of the solution in solving the gold in the ore ; and, secondly, to recover it from the solution by depositing it on a certain base in the machine. So that, undoubtedly, in his specification he recommends the use of cyanide of potassium in a solution as a means and for the purpose of solving the gold in the powdered ore ; and he was, of course, right in so using it. And Ido not see that his recommendation is rendered worthless, because he also recommends electricity to facilitate the action of the

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solution, and also to do some other work with the solution after the gold is extracted- Then again, in 1884 one Simpson took out a patent in the United States, and his specification was published here before the date of the plaintiffs' patent. Simpson's process, as described in this specification, was substantially identical with the plaintiffs' except that the solution he mentions is one not of cyanide of potassium only, but of a comparatively small quantity of carbonate of ammonia added. Of this addition of carbonate of ammonia the plaintiffs have naturally made the most, but I am satisfied on the evidence that the addition does not substantially affect the operation of the cyanide of potassium on the ore, and that Simpson's solution is perfectly efficacious. Why he added the carbonate of ammonia is not clear; possibly because it was of use when the ores were what is termed " acid ;" possibly because he did not dare, having regard to existing knowledge, to claim boldly the cyanide alone. But, I think, a person reading this specification would gather from it that cyanide of potassium was the main ingredient, and was employed because it was a solvent for the gold in the ore. Under these circumstances I come to the conclusion that at the date of the plaintiffs' patent, having regard to what was then published and known, there was no real invention in the plaintiffs' so-called discovery. And, indeed, when I consider the evidence of Mr. Mac Arthur as to how he came to make his alleged discovery, what it comes to really is this : that, so far as the main alleged invention is concerned, he wanted to find a solution for the gold in the ore and tried several solvents, and among them he tried cyanide of potassium, which he knew to be a solvent of fine gold, and, not unnaturally, he found that it answered. There being, in my opinion, no real invention or discovery in the application at the date of the patent of a solution of cyanide of potassium to extract the gold from powdered ore, it follows that on this ground alone the patent must fail. But before I quit this part of t,he case I ought to say a word about the expert evidence bearing on it. Several eminent chemists were called on each side, but the two sides do not agree in their evidence, and in the conflict of testimony I am not only at liberty but am bound to exercise my own judgment, and that judgment agrees with the views of Mr. Eiley, Mr. Mactear, and Professor Attfield, who stated that, in their opinion, at the date of this patent no invention was required to discover that a solution of cyanide of potassium could be practically applied to dissolved gold and silver in crushed ore. But, in addition to the above, I think there is another ground on which this patent is bad, even if the invention was one which could form the good subject of a patent, I think it was anticipated by Eae's and Simpson's specifications. Test it in this way : If the patent were held valid, would not Eae's and Simpson's processes, if now used according to the specifications published, be liable to be stopped as infringements ? I think they certainly would. What chance of escape would a person have who took Eae's, for instance, and used the cyanide of potassium specially mentioned by Eae ? It would be said against that person with crushing effect that he was using the cyanide of potassium for the very purpose pointed out in the plaintiffs' patent—namely, to dissolve the gold in the crushed ore, and not the less because he tried to assist the process by the aid of electricity, which might or might not be of any real assistance, and certainly not the less because he used the electricity also for another and different purpose. So, also, a person now using Simpson's process would be liable to be stopped ; for it would be proved against him that he was using the cyanide of potassium for the very purpose, and in the very way pointed out in the plaintiffs' specification, and that the addition of carbonate of ammonia made no material difference. To hold that Simpson's was not an anticipation would lead to a strange result. A person using cyanide of potassium alone would be an infringer, but if he chose to add a slight amount of carbonate of ammonia (which is cheap and practically innocuous) he could not be restrained. This would in itself render the plaintiffs' patent practically valueless. Now, as the specifications of Eae and Simpson were published here before the date of the plaintiffs' patent, all persons in this country are at liberty to use the processes there set forth, and that right is incompatible with those persons being liable, if they do use such processes, to an injunction at the suit of the plaintiffs. For these reasons the action must be dismissed. His Lordship said the plaintiffs must pay the costs of the action, with the exception of those which related to infringement. These costs must be paid by the defendants, as they had unnecessarily put the plaintiffs to a great deal of expense on this part of the case. Execution must be stayed pending an appeal on the plaintiffs undertaking to appeal at once. It will be seen from this action that there is very little chance of the cyanide-of-potassium monopoly existing much longer in this colony. It becomes a question whether certain companies, who have entered into an agreement with the Cassel Company to pay a royalty for the use of cyanide of potassium, can be held to be binding, seeing that the royalty is charged for a patent which cannot be upheld. Taking Messrs. Mac Arthur and Forrest's patents, as granted in this colony, the claim they make is as follows : — For the Use of Cyanide of Potassium.. " For carrying out the invention, the ore or other coTipound in a powdered state is treated with a solution containing,cyanogen, or a cyanide, such as cyanides of potassium, sodium, or ammonium, or other substances or compounds containing or yielding cyanogen, till all or nearly all of the gold and silver is dissolved ; the operation being conducted in a wooden vessel, or a vessel made of or lined with a material not acted on to any considerable extent by the solution or substances contained therein. The solution is then drawn off, and the metal or metals are recovered by any suitable process, and the cyanogen, cyanide, or substance containing or yielding cyanogen, may be regenerated. The cyanogen, or substance containing or yielding cyanogen, may be used as such, or such materials may be taken as will, by mutual action, form cyanogen, or substances containing or yielding the same. " Under certain circumstances it may be found desirable to conduct the operations under pressure, in which case a closed vessel must be employed; and in any case, if found advisable, such operation may be carried on under varying conditions of temperature, and in either closed or open vessels.

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"Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we claim is: the process of obtaining gold and silver from ores and other compounds consisting in treating such ores or compounds with cyanogen, or a cyanide, or other substances or compounds containing or yielding cyanogen, substantially as specified." In their specification lodged in America there is a considerable difference. They state the maximum proportions of cyanogen to the quantity of water, and their letters patent do not admit of their laying claim to any substance and compound yielding or containing cyanogen. It is, however, clearly shown in the late action that their invention is no invention of theirs at. all, but merely the outcome of other people's brains who had previously studied the subject more than twenty years prior to their application for a patent to use cyanide of potassium in extracting gold and silver from ores. It does appear strange, at first sight, that letters patent should ever have been issued to them in this colony for the use of any substance or compound containing or yielding cyanogen. The claim is so broad that it practically shuts out any one from experimenting with any compound containing cyanogen with the view of improving the method of extracting precious metals from their ores. The general opinion amongst mining men in this colony is, at the present time, that for certain ores the cyanide-of-potassium process is the most efficacious, combined with economy, that has yet been introduced here; but the royalty hitherto charged by the Gassel Company, which may be said to vary from 5 per cent, to 7-J- per cent, of the value of all the bullion recovered by that process, is by far too high, and has prevented many from using it as freely as would be done otherwise. No one would have grudged to pay a small royalty for the use of the process and the trouble the Cassel Company took in introducing it into the colony, but still that company should only have been entitled to receive royalty on a certain specified method of applying the cyanide of potassium, and not for the use of a chemical which has been known for many years to have solvent properties for gold and silvej. Now that .the question has been practically settled, the question of applying this chemical for extracting gold and silver from their ores may receive more attention, and improvements are more readily to be made in the process. The use of Zinc as a Precipitant. There is still another question in relation to the extraction of gold and silver from cyanide solutions which may come up—that is, the use of zinc as a precipitating agent. Messrs. Mac Arthur and Forrest also hold letters patent for the use of this agent; but if it is held that they are not entitled to a patent for the use of cyanogen for extracting gold and silver, on the grounds that it is no new invention, their patent for the use of zinc as a precipitant is equally bad. Jerome W. Simpson, in applying for his patent for the use of a solution of cyanide of potassium, states distinctly that he does not claim the use of zinc as a precipitant, and admits its prior use in 1885. On the 29th April, 1884, letters patent were granted to Astley Paston Price, of London, for certain improvements in the extraction of precious metals from their ores, covering the use of zinc as a precipitating agent. Mr. Price claims as follows :" I wish it to be distinctly understood that I do not claim as any part of my invention the methods or processes for effecting the solutions of the gold or of the silver when contained in ores or metallurgical compounds or products; but what I do claim is effecting the precipitation of the precious metals— videlicet, of gold and silver— resulting from the treatments subsequently, as hereinbefore mentioned, or otherwise, of ores or metallurgical products, such as are similar to those hereinbefore referred to, by the employment, when in a fine state of division, of zinc, or other metal or metals other than copper, which are capable of precipitating gold or silver, the same being brought in contact with the solution." Having shown thus far that zinc was known as a precipitating agent in 1884, and that letters patent were issued to Mr. Price, we find that on the Ist February, 1888, Messrs. Mac Arthur and Forrest applied for letters patent in this colony, when they described their invention as follows: — " One improvement consists in preparatorily treating or mixing the powdered ore or other compound with potash or lime or other alkali or alkaline earth which may be allowed to remain with the ore or compound, or which may be washed out if soluble. In some cases, as, for example, when mercury-cyanide is used, it is advantageous for the alkali or alkaline earth to remain. " After this preparatory treatment, the ore or compound, which may consist of tailings or residues from other processes or operations, may be treated as described in our earlier specification hereinbefore referred, to. We prefer, however, to cause the cyanide solution to percolate through the materials once or oftener until all, or nearly all, the precious metals are dissolved. For this percolation very simple tanks, vats, or vessels may be used, such vessels being provided with permeable false bottoms or any suitable filtering apparatus. " The separate solution is next made to pass through a mass of metallic zinc in a state of fine division. We find that the best results are obtained in this part of the process when the zinc has been freshly divided by mechanical or other means so that its surfaces are as purely metallic as possible, and, further, when the quantity or mass of zinc employed is such that the solution has, in passing through it, ample opportunity for being thoroughly acted on. " This improved zinc process is also advantageously applicable with other than cyanide solutions containing the precious metals—that is, with solutions such, for instance, as chlorides, bromides, thio-sulphates (sometimes called hypo-sulphites), or sulphates, obtained in the well-known Plattner, Yon Patera, Eussell, Ziervogel, and Augustine extracting processes. We preferably employ cast-zinc, and this is reduced to the requisite fine state of division by any suitable means. The degree of division is preferably such as would be obtained by shaving or cutting pieces of a cake of zinc, of from Jin. to fin. in thickness, by means of a circular saw, and this is the method in which we prefer to reduce same, but, instead of such method, molten zinc may be caused to pass through the meshes of a fine sieve, and to fall into water. In order to obtain the best results, the finely

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divided zinc should be used as soon as possible after it has been produced, either by one of the methods above described or in any other suitable manner. " The precious metals may be separated from any excess of zinc after separation of the solution by distillation, or the larger portion of the precious metals may be separated from excess of zinc by sieving (by preference under water), when, with a suitable sieve, the greater part of the precious metals will pass through, the greater part of the zinc being left on the sieve. " Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we claim is : (1.) In a cyanide process for extracting gold and silver from ores or other compounds with an alkali or alkaline earth preparatory to subjecting same to the action of cyanogen or of a cyanide. (2.) The employment of zinc in a fine state of division for the purpose of precipitating gold and silver from cyanide, chloride, bromide, thio-sulphates, sulphate, or other similar solutions." The invention, therefore, with regard to the use of cyanide of potassium as a solvent for gold and zinc as a precipitant is certainly not one that MacArthur-Forrest can reasonably claim, as it is no invention of their own. Mr. William Skey, the Government Analyst in the Colonial Laboratory, Wellington, in a paper published in the "Transactions of the New Zealand Institute," in 1875, pages 335 to 337, clearly shows that cyanide of potassium is a solvent for gold, and that zinc is a precipitant. This is also shown in the Chemical News, circulating in the colony long before Messrs. Mac Arthur-Forrest laid claim to the invention. Again, when we come to the use of zinc as a precipatating agent, this was made known some years before MacArthur-Forrest ever made any claim for the use of zinc, and therefore that cannot be said to be an invention of their own. It therefore stands in the same way as their claim for the sole use of any solution containing cyanogen. In delivering judgment in the case previously quoted Mr. Justice Bonier showed the absurdity of Mac Arthur-Forrest's patent for the use of cyanogen compounds when he remarked : " If Messrs. Mac Arthur and Forrest's patents were held to be valid, the real inventor, or person taking out letters patent for any invention some years prior, would be debarred from the use of his patent, as it would be an infringement of the Cassel process." There cari be no disputing the fact that Messrs. Mac Arthur and Forrest deserve credit for the revival of an old invention and for improvements in the process of extracting the precious metals from their ores ; but, whilst acknowledging this and the benefits derived by the mining community in New Zealand through the introduction of the Cassel process into the colony, Messrs. Mac Arthur and Forrest are not entitled to lay claim, and hold letters patent, for an invention previously described by other persons, and made known to the public long before the gentlemen mentioned made application for patent rights. The company which had purchased Mac Arthur and Forrest's patents for using cyanide of potassium in the extraction of gold and silver from the ore was confident, after so many able men had. given evidence on its behalf, that on appeal to a higher court Judge Eomer's decision would be set aside, and notice of appeal was given; the latter being heard before Lord Halsbury, Lord Justice Linley, and Lord Justice A. L. Smith, who, after going fully into all the particulars of the case, delivered their judgment on the 9th April last, as follows : — Judgment of the Court of Appeal. Lord Justice A. L. Smith: Messrs. Mac Arthur and Forrest's patent, for the infringement of which this action is brought, bears date the 16th July, 1888, the provisional specification having been filed on the 19th October, 1887, and it is for improvements in extracting gold and silver from their ores by means of what for the present we will take to be the application to the ore of a small quantity of a cyanogen-yielding substance in solution. We shall hereafter, for brevity, call these substances cyanide of potassium. The defendants deny the infringement, and also asserted that the plaintiffs' patent was invalid, firstly, by reason that the discovery as claimed contained neither novelty nor invention; and, secondly, by reason of prior anticipation. A further point was raised, which is, that if the specification is to be read as the plaintiff's read it, the defendants contend that there is such disconformity between the complete and the provisional specification as to be fatal to the plaintiffs' claim. The defendants do not deny the utility of the plaintiffs' invention, but they dispute the great commercial importance claimed for it by Sir Eichard Webster for the plaintiffs. As regards the infringement, the defendants, during the first five days of the trial, strenously insisted that their patent, which was said to be an infringement of the plaintiffs' patent, was for the. extracting of gold from its ore by means of the conjoint current of electricity and cyanide of potassium, and was therefore no infringement of the plaintiffs' patent, the electricity which they used being a material part of their invention. When, however, their witness, Mr. Harland, was being cross-examined, and they were challenged to refer to independent experiment and trial whether their electricity as used was not in reality a myth, they refused to do so, and admitted that they were infringers of the plaintiffs' patent, and thus this point became disposed of. In considering the question of want of novelty and invention, it is necessary to state what we find to have been established in this case. It was proved that, for many years prior to the patent in question, it was common knowledge that cyanide of potassium would act as a solvent of gold in ' a finely-divided or precipitate condition in the same way as many other solvents would act, of which, perhaps, the strongest is aqua regia. There is no doubt as to this, and it is common ground. It was also in our judgment proved that prior to the plaintiffs' patent it was not known that cyanide . of potassium would act as a solvent so as to extract gold from its ore. We leave out silver, for it has nothing to do with this case. The way in which gold had theretofore been extracted from the ore in which it was contained had been by subjecting the ore which had been crushed, and which contained the gold, to a process which is called the amalgamation process, and then by again subjecting that ore to a second process, called the chlorination process, further gold was thereby obtained. These two processes, however, left a residuum of gold in what are termed the tailings, and this residuum could not by any known process at the date of the plaintiffs' patent be commer^

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cially obtained, and it went to waste with the tailings, and was lost. That a large amount of gold which otherwise would have gone to waste has been recovered by means of the plaintiffs' patent, in conjunction with another patent, which they took out prior to the filing of their complete specification herein, when applied at any rate to the tailings of South African ore, has been clearly established, and, indeed, there is no evidence to the contrary. The object which the plaintiffs had in view, and which they attain by their two patents, was by the first to extract the gold from the crushed ore by getting the gold into a state of solution by means of the application of a solution of cyanide of potassium, and then by their second, which was for an improvement in precipitation of gold by zinc, which was then well known, to extract the gold theretofore brought into a solution out of it. It is well known that ore which contains gold also contains baser metals, such, for instance, as copper-ores, lead, and other metals, and the problem which had to be solved was how to extract gold out of the crushed ore, and get it into a state of solution without at the same time getting into that solution the other baser metals ; or, in other words, how to extract gold from its ores and get it into a state of solution commercially free of the baser metals. That the plaintiffs solved this problem appears to us upon the undisputed facts of this case established, for it is proved that by their application of a very dilute solution containing an extremely small quantity of cyanide of potassium to the tailings of South African ore they have profitably extracted gold therefrom in a commercially pure state, even though the ore contains only such extremely small quantities as two or three pennyweights of goldin a ton weight of ore. Professor Austen, of the Mint, stated, in the year 1893, some 500,0000z. of gold were produced by the cyanide process and came to this country, a large proportion of which, but for the plaintiffs' process, would have been wasted and unproduced, and this represents a very large sum in pounds sterling. Evidence was unhesitatingly given by, amongst others, Professor Dewar, Professor Austen, and Professor Crookes that a dilute solution of cyanide of potassium has been found to have the properties which the plaintiffs claimed for it—that is, of having a selective action so as to dissolve the gold in preference to the baser metals—and that this was not known before. The evidence upon the other side as to this -was feeble in the extreme. No evidence was given as to how it was that the plaintiffs brought out the results, which they unquestionably did, if they did not bring them about in the manner they claimed. A suggestion was made at the Bar that South African tailings were such that the gold therein could be easily extracted therefrom without the cyanide having the properties claimed for it, and it does appear in the evidence that some ores are more refractory than others. Mr. Harland, on behalf of the defendants, stated that, in the experiments w T hich he had made, he found that the base metals—the iron, the copper, and other metals, as the case might be —went into solution along with the gold, and that he had always found in his experiments that, " in a short time or a long time with a high solution or a weak solution," he got out both the base metal and the gold together. We would point out that, though this was the result of Mr. Harland's experiments, it still remains to be answered, how did the plaintiffs bring about those results which they undoubtedly have ? To this we can find no answer in the defendants' case. The defendants sought to explain this paucity of evidence which they brought on their part, as to the selective action of small quantities of cyanide of potassium, by asserting that they had been misled into the idea that Sir Eichard Webster had abandoned his claim to the selective action, and they pointed to an answer he gave to my brother Eomer towards the end of his reply, but, when the whole course of the trial is looked at, we have no manner of doubt that Sir Eichard never gave up the point at all, and he has fully explained how it was that he came to give the answer he did, and that it had no reference whatever to his abandonment of this claim. We must add that, even assuming the defendants thought, when he gave the answer which he did, that he had abandoned his claim to the selective action, that would not account for the meagre evidence which they gave upon this point, for Sir Eichard Webster's answer was not given until the whole of the evidence had been closed, and, indeed, not until he had come to almost his last words in his reply upon a six days' trial. The selective action claimed by the plaintiffs for the application of a very dilute solution containing an extremely small quantity of cyanide of potassium to ore containing gold has, in our judgment, been proved. But, it is said, even if so, yet there was no novelty in what the plaintiffs have claimed by reason of the information which had been set forth in prior publications. To show that this was so a series of published documents was put in evidence by the defendants, commencing with the specification of Elkington in 1840, and ending with a specification of James Hannay in 1887. They were in all twenty-four in number, and amongst them were contained five specifications—namely, Elkington's in 1840, Eae's in 1867, Sander's in 1881, Simpson's in 1885, and Hannay's in July, 1887. It is not suggested that, under any one of these specifications, gold has in fact been commercially extracted from its ore, but it is said that these specifications (apart from the question of anticipation, which we will deal with hereafter), together with the other documents put in by the defendants, show such a state of general chemical knowledge of the fact that cyanide of potassium would dissolve and thus extract gold from its ore as it is in nature that no novelty exists in the plaintiffs' invention. We do not propose to go through this list of publications, for it is sufficient to take those which the defendants' witnesses point to as being the best for elucidating that for which they were put in, namely—Faraday's papers in 1857, Eae's specifiation in 1860, Dixon's paper in 1878, and Simpson's specifiation in 1885. As regards Faraday's paper, it deals only with gold in its pure state in the form of a very thin leaf or film ; it in no way deals with gold as found in nature, in ore, combined with the other basef metals which are its associates. Faraday knew what many since, if not before, have known, that cyanide of potassium was to some degree a solvent of gold, but he in no way foreshadows its applicability or utility to the extracting of gold from the other baser metals as it exists in the earth,

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As regards Eae's American patent, which was for treating auriferous and argentiferous ores, he declares that his invention consists in treating these ores with a current of electricity for the purpose of separating the precious metals from the gangue. It is true that he uses chemical preparations, such, for instance, as cyanide of potassium, in connection with the electric current in such a manner as that by the combined action of the electricity and of the chemicals the gold contained in the ore is first reduced to a state of solution. He describes how he pours his chemicals upon the rock— i.e., ore —and then applies his electric current. It appears to us, so far as this specification is concerned, that Bae might just as well have used aqua regia, or any other known solvent of gold in connection with his current of electricity, and brought about his desired result, which, however, as a fact, he never attained. Professor Crookes, under cross-examination, stated the reason why he thought Bae added his electricity was because he had got an imperfect solvent action, and he consequently added electricity. Sir Edward Clarke argued that the first process as regards the solvent was sufficient without the electricity. But where is the evidence of this ? On the contrary, in our judgment, it is established in this case that unless the solvent— i.e., the cyanide of potassium— is used in the extremely small quantities in solution as discovered by the plaintiff (and in Bae's patent it is unlimited) it is simply useless; for, as Professor Crookes and others pointed out, a strong solution attacks the baser metals without attacking the gold, whereas a weak solution is feeble and nil on the baser metals, but attacks the gold. We now come to Dixon's paper, which was read before the Boyal Society of New South Wales in August, 1877. It was a paper as to the method of extracting gold, silver, and other metals from pyrites. It first deals with that which was, and is, common knowledge—namely, that precipitated gold is solvable in cyanide of potassium if exposed to the air; and, after alluding to Bae's American patent and other matters, he makes the most significant statement. He says, " There being, therefore, no method by which the precious metals could be removed, and the baser metals left, it remained to fall back on one of the first principles of metallurgy—namely, to remove the baser metals at the earliest stage, if possible, and leave the precious metals as a residue." Now, this is exactly what the plaintiffs by their invention have shown should not be done, for they remove the precious metals by their invention at the earliest stage, and leave the baser metals as a residue ; and yet the defendants' witness, Mr. Vautin, as also Mr. Mactear, cite Dixon's paper as possibly the best publication they have to show what they want to establish as regards prior general knowledge. In our opinion, this paper of Dixon's is cogent evidence in favour of the plaintiffs, and equally so against the defendants. Now, as to Simpson's American patent of 1885, which was published in this country prior to the plaintiffs filing their provisional specification. In our opinion, of all the documents put in, when understood, this is the only one which even approaches the point which the defendants put them in to establish. It is a chemical patent for improvements in the processes of extracting gold, silver, and copper from their ores. From it, as in the other specifications, no results were ever obtained, but nevertheless it is necessary to see what information it imparts to the chemical world. By his specification Simpson first of all crushes the ore. This is common to all extractions of gold. He then mixes the crushed ore with his solution in a tub or bath, and he then allows the mixture to stand until the solid matter is settled and the solution is clear. He then precipitates the metal —that is, the gold which is in the solution—on to zinc. The solution which he uses for either gold or copper is made of cyanide of potassium and carbonate of ammonia—namely, lib. of cyanide of potassium and loz. of carbonate of ammonia. He says (we assume pointing to Eae's patent) that he is aware that cyanide of potassium, when used with an electric current, has been used for dissolving metal, and also zinc has been employed, and the use of these he did not wish to be understood as claiming broadly. He also was aware that carbonate of ammonia had been employed for dissolving such metals as are soluble in a solution thereof, and the use of these he did not claim. " What I claim," he said, "as new is the process of separating gold and silver from their ores, which consists in subjecting the ore to the action of a solution of cyanide of potassium and carbonate of ammonia, and subsequently precipitating the dissolved metal substantially as set forth." The question is, does this specification add to the stock of common knowledge, so as to inform men skilled in chemistry that by the application of a very dilute solution of an extremely small quantity of cyanide of potassium alone to gold as it exists in ore in nature when the ore is crushed, the gold can be extracted therefrom, leaving behind the baser metals? It is true that Simpson's lib. of cyanide of potassium is about equivalent to the margin of half to two of cyanide of potassium in the plaintiffs' specification. It appears to us, as laymen, that the compound composed of a combination of the two chemicals—namely, cyanide of potassium and carbonate of ammonia—in the proportions mentioned is not only what Simpson was relying upon, but what is the natural meaning of his discovery as described, and it would not lead any one to suppose that a very dilute solution of an extremely small quantity of cyanide of potassium alone would do what it was supposed the compound of the two wculd do, and which so many desired to attain. But this part of the case does not rest here, for a body of scientific evidence was called as to this. On the plaintiffs side many witnesses stated emphatically that Simpson's specification would not have led a chemist in 1887 to the knowledge that a solution of cyanide of potassium would act by itself as a solvent of gold in ore, and they gave in extenso their reasons for this conclusion. Professor Dewar stated that if he had read Simpson's patent at its date he should have understood that he had discovered the carbonate of ammonia, possibly to replace the electric current; and Professor Austen said the same. On the other side witnesses, and especially Mr. Vautin, were also explicit that specification would afford the information. When this evidence is weighed we have no doubt that that given on behalf of the plaintiffs largely preponderates; but there is another fact which seems to us important, and it is this :If Simpson's patent of 1885 informed the chemical world that a small quantity of cyanide of potassium in solution would extract gold from its ore it is strange that no witness (and we cannot find one) 27—C. 3.

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called by the defendants has pledged himself that before the plaintiffs' discovery he knew that a very dilute solution containing a very small quantity of cyanide of potassium would do so. Upon this point, from among the plaintiffs' witnesses, we will take Professor Dewar, who stated : "It was not common knowledge to me that a cyanide of potassium solution was effective for dissolving gold from its ore " ; Professor Crookes, who stated that up to a few years ago his opinion was that cyanide of potassium was no practical use in getting gold out of its ore; and Sir Henry Eoseoe, who answered the following question thus : (Q.) " Did you ever hear in the whole range of your experience of that solution being obtained—that is, gold into solution from ore—by the simple action of cyanide of potassium upon metallic gold? " —(A.) " No, not without a current of electricity employed for dissolving it on one side and depositing it on the other." It is true that Mr. Eiley, one of the defendants' witnesses, in answer to a question put by Mr. Justice Eomer as to whether, in the year 1887, any chemist would have doubted that if he applied a solution of cyanide of potassium to crushed ore it would have dissolved the fine gold, answered : "It would, if the gold was in a sufficiently divided state. It is a question entirely of the division of the gold." But this, it will be seen, did not answer the learned Judge's question, and he further proceeded : " My question to you is, would a chemist in the beginning of 1887 have felt any doubt that cyanide of potassium would have dissolved the gold and silver ? " —(A.) " I should have no doubt myself; if the gold was in a sufficiently fine divided condition it would, have dissolved it." This, again, did not answer the question, so the learned Judge asked him this : (Q.) " Do you think it would have required experiment to find that out?" —(A.) " I think not. I think it was a chemical fact that was generally known." It will be noticed that even under this pressure he did not venture to say that he knew it, though he says he thought it was a chemical fact that was generally known. Again, Professor Attfield, called by the defendants, was also asked by the learned Judge : " Do you think in the beginning of 1887 any invention was required to discover that a solution of cyanide of potassium could be practically applied to dissolve gold and silver in crushed ore?"—(A.) "I do not." In which answer it will be seen he by no means pledges himself that he knew it. Both of these witnesses' answers are matters of opinion, and nothing more; and when we find such men as Professor Dewar, Professor Crookes, and Sir Henry Eoseoe stating that they did not know it, and couple this with'the fact that it never had been used for commercial purposes for so doing, we cannot doubt that the fact was not known in the chemical world, and we come to the conclusion that there was novelty in the plaintiffs' discovery, and we adopt what Sir Henry Eoseoe stated, that, taking the specification and everything as a chemist, he certainly did not find any indication that cyanide of potassium, if used alone, would be sufficient to do the work. Novelty and utility being established it goes some way, at any rate, towards carrying invention. To see if there was invention we turn to Mr. MacAithur's evidence (it is the first time we have alluded to it, simply because he is a party to the cause, though it is most important upon many parts of the case) where he describes the researches he made before he hit upon that for which he was seeking. Professor Dewar points to the fact that in Nature the conditions are so complex that could only be solved by experiment and trial; and Lord Kelvin gave evidence to the like effect. Mr. Mactear, called by the defendants, under cross-examination as to the properties of cyanide of potassium, said, " Cyanide of potassium solution is of such a peculiar nature that I do not think any chemist in the present day knows its composition or knows the reactions taking place within it, and the knowledge of it is purely experimental" ; which is entirely in accord with the plaintiffs' evidence upon this point. We would point out that the invention consists not merely in discovering that cyanide of potassium can be used to extract gold from its ore, but in showing the public the best practical method of doing it by leaving the baser metals behind, which had never occurred to any one before. We cannot doubt that, upon the evidence given in this case, of which we have only given typical extracts, if the plaintiffs' specification is to be read as contended for by them there is ample novelty and meritorious invention in the discovery. As to it having been anticipated by the prior specifications, it will be remembered that from not one of them has any commercial result ever been attained. The law applicable to paper anticipations, which all these are, if anticipations at all, is clear, whether you take what Lord Westbury said in Hills v. Evans, in 4 De Gex Fisher and Jones, page 299, or Lord Bsher in Otto v. Linford, in 46 Law Times, new series, page 39, or Lord Justice Cotton in Brlech v. Ihlee, three patent bases, page 437, or, indeed, any one of the cases upon the subject. It is this : That to constitute a paper anticipation, the description in the prior specification must be such that a person skilled in the matter reading it would find in it the invention which is sought to be protected by the patent, and unless this can be found in the writing itself it is not an anticipation at all. In our judgment the existence of a chemical patent, wherein the combined effect of two or more chemicals is claimed in order to bring about a desired result, does not by any means constitute an anticipation of a subsequent discovery that by the use of any one of the named chemicals the desired result can be attained, and a fortiori when the compound of two or more has failed to do so, for, as stated by Professor Mills, there "are any number of cases known in chemistry where two things when put together act very differently from what they do apart." We entirely agree with an answer of the defendants' witness, Mr, Vautin, that where the public are told to use a compound of two chemicals such information certainly does not disclose the fact that either of the two alone will suffice. We are of opinion that neither Simpson's specification, nor any of the other four, are anticipations of the plaintiffs' invention. We now come to what appears to us to be by far the most formidable part of the case as regards the plaintiffs' patent. It is this: Upon the true construction of the plaintiffs' specifica* tion have they, or not, claimed for the use of any cyanide of potassium in solution, no matter what, for the extraction of gold from its ore ? If they have we agree with Mr Justice Eomer that the patent is bad, and it is upon this that the learned Judge has it appears to us mainly based his judgment ; for it is then a claim not only to apply a well-known substance to another well-known sub-

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stance without stint or limitation, and thus deprive, during the continuance of the patent, the public from using what they were theretofore entitled to do, but it is also a claim for that which is of no utility, for, as before stated, unless cyanide of potassium be used in the limited manner the plaintiffs by their specification and second claim state it is to be used it brings into solution the baser metals conjointly with the gold and no beneficial result is attained. If in the specification there had but been the second claim alone— i.e., for the dilute solution containing the small solution of cyanide of potassium as therein substantially described—there would not, in our judgment, have been any real difficulty in this case, and we should have been of opinion that this was a good patent; and the passage in the judgment of the Court of Exchequer delivered by Baron Bramwell in Hills v. the London Gas-light Company, in 5 "Hurlston and Norman," at page 369, is very pertinent to this point. The learned Baron, who was dealing with a patent for the purification of gas by the operation of hydrated oxide, says this : " Then it is said that the mere application of the hydrated oxides to absorb the sulphuretted hydrogen from coal-gas is not the subject of a patent, that property of it being previously well known. With that we do not agree. The answer is that the question is not properly stated. The application of the hydrated oxide is a principle. If a man were to say, " I claim the use of hydrated oxide of iron for the purification of coal-gas," without saying how it is to be applied, it is possible the objection might be well founded, but here the plaintiff says, ' I claim it in the manufacture of gas in the way I have described, , and he shows how it is to be used. Therefore this objection fails." In our judgment the plaintiff's invention as claimed by his second claim has novelty, invention, and utility ; it has not been anticipated, and it has been infringed. The point as to disconformity when the law applicable thereto is borne in mind in our opinion comes to nothing. In the case of Gadd v. the Mayor, &c, of Manchester, nine patent cases, at page 529, Lord Justice A. L. Smith stated the law on this subject, and we do not restate here what he said therein. The plaintiffs, in their provisional specifications, state the nature of their invention as being that they treat the powdered (i.e., crushed) ore with a solution of cyanide of potassium till nearly all the gold is dissolved. In a provisional specification no claim is ever made by the patentee; he has not to state therein what he claims, or how he carries out his invention ; but he must state its nature in such a way that the law officers may see what it is, and so that the identity of its subjectmatter with that of the complete specification which is to come thereafter may be ascertained. In the complete specification the patentee has to do much more; not only has he to state therein what his invention is, but he must particularly describe how his invention is to be carried out and performed, and what he claims, and then comes the time, applying this rule of law to the present case, for the plaintiffs to state the proportions in which they find that the cyanide of potassium is to be used in the solution to carry out their invention ; and that is what they have done. We cannot hold that there is any disconformity, as argued by the defendants, assuming the specification to be read as the plaintiff's desire that it should be. But still there remains the question as to what is the true reading of the specification with claim No. lin it. Sir Bichard Webster argued that claim No. 1, with the words at the end, " substantially as hereinbefore described," limited that claim to the quantity of cyanide of potassium to be used in the solution to be applied to the ore in the same way as claim 2 did, and he argued that claim 2 was inserted as being only applicable to the richer ores mentioned in the specification, and that in neither claim was the use of any solution of cyanide of potassium at large claimed. We cannot read the specification in this way. We would if we could, but we cannot do so. It appears to us that claims 1 and 2 are independent claims having application to the whole specification, the first making claim for the use of any cyanide of potassium in solution irrespective of amount substantially as therein described, and the second making claim for the use of a dilute solution containing a specified quantity of cyanide of potassium substantially as therein described. It appears to us impossible to discard either the one or the other, or to hold that both mean the same thing, or that claim 1 applies to one part of the specification and claim 2to another; for this, in our judgment, is not the true construction of the specification as framed. If the first claim had been disclaimed or omitted, we should not have been faced with the difficulty we are, but as it is in the specification we are unable to read it as the plaintiffs desire to do ; and for this reason, and for this alone, we must, with reluctance, give judgment for the defendants, and dismiss this appeal with costs. Mr. Moulton : Your Lordships have found for the plaintiffs on the great bulk of the issues. The costs of the issues that you have found in favour of the plaintiffs will, I presume, be the plaintiffs'. Lord Justice A. L. Smith : You ought to have all the costs about infringement. Mr. Moulton : But about the validity on the ground of anticipation. My learned friends have got a certificate that they have proved certain anticipations and certain objections. Perhaps your Lordships would allow us to come before the Court with regard to that. Lord Justice Lindley : What did Mr. Justice Eomer do about these details ? Mr. Moulton : Your Lordships see that he gave us the costs of infringement, but he gave the defendants a certificate that they had proved their objections. Now, my Lords, the only objection that your Lordships have found proved is one based on the construction of the specification with regard to the first claim. The learned Judge in the Court below held Simpson and Eae to be anticipations; so I should submit that perhaps we had better come before one of your Lordships. Mr. Neville: I will only mention this (my friend will correct me if lam wrong), that Ido not know any exception to the rule laid down by the Court some time ago that, where the Court dismisses the appeal, it does not deal with the costs in the Court below. Lord Justice Lindley : I was thinking of that. Mr. Moulton: Your Lordships did it in the Deeley case.

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Lord Justice Lindley : Can we discharge the certificate ? Mr. Moulton : Your Lordships will have to discharge the certificate if your Lordships find that certain objections were not proved which the learned Judge found were proved. His Lordship certified the whole of the objections. Lord Justice A. L. Smith : If you like to come before me some time after Easter, and you both put down what you want, if I have any difficulty I will adjourn it into Court, but if not I will decide it myself. Lord Justice Lindley : It will not do to do nothing in a case like this. Mr. Moulton : It may mean that we should wish to ask your Lordships for leave to disclaim. Therefore, so far as that is concerned, perhaps your Lordships will allow this to be adjourned, so that we could come before your Lordships at a later date. Lord Justice Lindley: Are we the right people to come to for leave to disclaim ? Mr. Moulton : It would have to be done by your Lordships, because it is now before this Court. However, it is a point we should like to consider if your Lrdships will take it that it is adjourned, and not concluded. Then we can bring all these matters before your Lordships. Lord Justice A. L. Smith : Yes, we will adjourn it. Mr. Neville : Then I understand it is adjourned till the first day in next term. Lord Justice Lindley : The first day you can get before Lord Justice A. L. Smith after the vacation. He will be kind enough to hear you in his private room, and if he has any difficulty he will adjourn it into Court. It will be seen from the decision of the Court of Appeal that their Lordships agreed with Justice Eomer that the patent was bad, inasmuch as in the plaintiffs' specifications they claim the use of any cyanide of potassium in solution, no matter of what compound, it is used for the extraction of gold and silver ores ; and this contention has been referred to in my former reports— namely, that Mac Arthur and Forrest were never entitled to obtain a patent for the use of every compound containing cyanogen. If the quantity of cyanide of potassium had been specified, as well as the solution used for the extraction of the precious metals, there is no doubt that the patentees' claim would have been held to be a good one, and they would, in that particular case, be entitled to some claim for novelty. Their Lordships, however, stated that if the first claim in the specification had been omitted, the second claim might have been held to be good. The question now is that the MacArthur-Forrest patent for the use of potassium cyanide in the extraction of gold is invalid ; and, therefore, if this decision is upheld by the Court of Appeal in Great Britain, there ought not to be much trouble in setting aside their patents in any of the colonies under British dominion. Had the patentees been satisfied with a reasonable royalty, it is very questionable if a case like the present one would have ever arisen. It is but right to acknowledge that, since the introduction of the cyanide method of treating ores for the extraction of gold and silver, many of our gold-mines have been rendered more remunerative for working, and, in some instances, have been saved from the necessity of shutting-down, or at least working without profit, as m no place in the world, with the exception of Transylvania, is gold found in such a finely-divided state as it is in the ore found in the North Island of New Zealand. The battery returns furnished last year, as required by " The Mining Act, 1891," show that the value of the bullion produced in the North Island last year, about one-half of the total production, was obtained by the use of cyanide-potassium solutions. Still the process is by no means yet perfect, the great difficulty at present being to extract the precious metals from slimes, or where they are associated with baser metals, such as copper and antimony, the solution having as great an affinity for copper as it has for silver, and a far greater strength of the solution is therefore required to extract the whole of the gold and silver, while in conjunction with copper or antimony, than would be the case were the base metals absent. A process, somewhat similar to that of MacArthur-Forrest, has lately been patented, and is known as the " Sulman-Teed process," owned by the Sulman Float and True Gold-recovery Syndicate, and arrangements are being made by the Gold-ore Treatment Company to purchase the assets of the syndicate. The company was formed in December last, with a nominal capital of £50,000, in £1 shares, of which 40,000 have been issued, while 5,000 shares have been paid for the rights of the Sulman Float and True Gold-recovery Syndicate, thus enabling the latter to hold one-tenth of the shares in the newly-formed Gold-ore Treatment Company. It is said that the latter has received an offer from a firm in Western Australia of a large sum in cash in order to secure the rights of the patent for that colony. The offer was made through the agency of one of the leading mining engineers in Australia, who is under an agreement to form a large company, with a capital of £150,000, to work the patents, £50,000 of which will be used for working capital. Similar negotiations for the use of this process are in progress with the other colonies of Australia, also South Africa, America, Canada, New Zealand, and the Gold Coast. The particular value of this process is the accelerating effect caused by the use of bromo-cyanogen, which does in a few hours what, by the ordinary cyanide process under similar conditions, is usually a question of days; and, what is more important still, by this method refractory and impure ores may be treated which, by the MacArthur-Forrest process, cannot be touched. A paper was recently read at the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, giving a few instances of the success attending the use of this invention. Pestarena pyrites concentrates of 18dwt. 18gr., leached for fifteen hours with a 0 - 5 per cent, potassium-cyanide alone, yielded 34 per cent, extraction, whereas by adding thereto 0-25 per cent. of bromo-cyanogen in a parallel experiment 91 per cent of gold was obtained in the same time. Half a ton of Australian pyrites concentrates, from the Charters Towers field, was submitted to parallel tests with the Sulman-Teed solvent and ordinary cyanide (the ores had originally

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undergone amalgamation treatment in berdans pans), the assay from which showed 3oz. 15dwt. of gold, but using the Sulman-Teed solvent, of a strength of 0-5 per cent, potassium-cyanide with 0-25 per cent, bromo-cyanogen, the gold-contents were reduced in five hours to about onehalf, and in nine hours only 3dwt. remained in the exhausted tailings ; but with cyanide alone, of o's per cent, strength, the leaching of a similar bulk of ore was continued for six days, and the liquors were again and again renewed owing to the rapid consumption of cyanide. At the end of the week an assay showed that 3dwt. still remained in the tailings. They thus obtained, by a much similar expenditure of solvent, a far better extraction in nine hours than by six days of the MacArthur-Forrest process. Hungarian pyrites concentrates : These had been partially roasted, but still contained about 70 per cent, of mixed sulphurets, and 2to 3 per cent, of copper, assaying lldwt. of gold. Twenty hours' leaching of Sulman-Teed solvent, at a basis of a o's per cent, cyanide with bromocyanogen, reduced the tailings to 3dwt. The tests with plain cyanide alone afforded practically no reduction. A well-roasted sample of similar ore gave an original assay-value of 23dwt. of gold, and on treatment with the Sulman-Teed solvent it was reduced in twenty-four hours to ldwt. 23gr., whilst by the MacArthur-Forrest process 12dwt. still remained in after thirty-six hours. This experiment was also on a scale of half a ton of ore. A shaking-test upon a sample of Canadian arsenical pyrites was made with 0-3 per cent, potassium-cyanide, and also with a o'3 per cent, potassium-cyanide, plus o'l2 bromo-cyanogen, and after half-an-hour's agitation with this ore, which originally assayed 7dwt. of gold, the yield with cyanide alone was 3dwt. 2gr., leaving 3dwt. 22gr. in the tailings ; and by the addition of the 0-12 per cent, of bromo-cyanogen only ldwt. 20gr. of gold was left, the extraction being 44 and 74 per cent, respectively. Indian pyritical ore, assaying lOdwt. 12gr. of gold per ton, was submitted to treatment of potassium-cyanide solution of o'2 per cent., and the same ore was submitted to o'2 per cent, of potassium-cyanide with 008 per cent, of bromo-cyanogen, and after twelve hours' leaching the tailings from the first operation contained 9dwt. 18gr. ; whilst in the second case the assay showed only Bgr. of gold, which proved the extraction to be 96 per cent. Coolgardie ore, consisting of auriferous limonite to a value of 17dwt., was leached for fifteen hours with 0-3 per cent, of potassium-cyanide and 0-18 per cent, of bromo-cyanogen, and the tailings on assay showed that they contained 14gr. of gold, the extraction being equal to 96 per cent. Australian pyrites-tailings, containing copper and antimony, having an assay-value of lOdwt. 12gr. of gold, on being leached for twenty-four hours with 045 per cent, of cyanide and 0-2 per cent, of brorno-cyanogen gave an extraction of 90-3 per cent. South American tailings, containing large pyrites and a little galena coarsely crushed, showed by assay that they contained 6dwt. l3gr. of gold, and 7dwt. 20gr. of silver. Of this ore, lcwt. was leached with O'l per cent, of potassium-cyanide and o's per cent, of bromo-cyanogen, and after five hours' leaching the tailings gave an assay of 3dwt. 6gr. of gold, and ldwt. 23gr. of silver. On leaving the ore in solution for another fourteen hours the tailings were reduced to ldwt. 23gr. of silver, and ldwt. 23gr. of gold. In a trial with New Zealand silver- and gold-ores, having an original assay of 16dwt. of gold and 360z. of silver, after twenty-four hours' leaching with o'3 per cent, of bromo-cyanogen the tailings gave an assay of ldwt. 4gr. gold and 25Joz. silver per ton. Another Australian ore which has, up to the present, given a great deal of trouble, and upon which the MacArthur-Forrest process has been tried unavailingly, is said to have been successfully treated by the Sulman-Teed process. This ore contained from 4to 5 per cent, of copper, and a considerable quantity of antimony. The concentrates from this ore on an assay gave loz. 6dwt. 20gr. of gold, and, after fifteen hours' treatment with 0-5 per cent, of potassium-cyanide and 0-25 per cent, of bromo-cyanogen, the tailings showed by assay to contain only ldwt. 4gr. of gold per ton. Mr. Sulman, in describing his process for the manufacture of bromo of cyanogen, states that it could hardly be described as a secret one, but perhaps the substances from other suitable cyanogen basis by the action of bromine thereupon had overcome the initial difficulties experienced, especially with regard to the formation of para-cyanogen. The cost of bromo-cyanogen is set down as under Is. 9d. per pound. Another element in the Sulman-Teed process is the treatment of slimes by using a certain percentage of soap ; but further information as to cost, &c, will' have to be obtained before anything can be said with regard to tha commercial success of this treatment in its relation to poor ores. Mr. Sulman states that Dr. Teed and himself have tried their solvent upon masses of ore-tailings and concentrates of all kinds, most of them having been heavily pyritical, and often containing a considerable amount of copper, arsenic, and antimony. He also states that, in other cases, he obtained extractions from the unroasted substances, which approached commercial completeness, the average of gold obtained from tailings of concentrates of an ordinary richness being lfdwt. Mr. Sulman further states that it is seldom, even in the case of pyrites concentrates, that more than twenty-four hours is necessary for a complete extraction of gold therefrom, whereas in the potassium-cyanide treatment of pyrites concentrates the time for treatment runs into weeks. Half a ton of Australian concentrates, mainly of iron-pyrites, but containing some copper and antimony, assaying 3oz. 15dwt. of gold per ton, yielded in five hours, with o'3 per cent, solvent, 3oz. lOdwt. It is largely owing to the increased celerity of extraction, and to the non-production of caustic-potash as a necessary solvent reaction product, that we have been able to apply a solution containing potassic cyanide to gold-ores which have hitherto proved refractory to that agent, owing to the destruction of cyanogen thereby effected. The caustic-potash, as formed in the ordinary process of cyanogen, is seen from the following equation, i KCy + AU 2 + H 2 O+ O =2(KAuCCy 2 ) + 2 KHO.

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The prolonged contact of caustic potash with many mineral sulphurates gives rise to alkaline sulphides and other cyanogen-destroying compounds, thus explaining the non-success by the ordinary process with the haloid-cyanogen solvent in which the haloid salt of potassium is formed as a reaction by-product, and this latter, being inert with relation to mineral sulphides, the former source of cyanogen loss is avoided. In using soap for the treatment of slimes, the quantity required will, no doubt, depend on other salts found in the waters that are used, as some water becomes excessively hard from the presence of aluminium, manganese, &c. Mr. W. Betel, of South Africa, is said to have proved that the use of a small quantity of lime will have the same effect as soap, and only costs a mere fraction per ton, and by using it soap is not essential. The Cyanide Process in the Tkansvaal Mines. The Engineering and Mining Journal, of New York, has an interesting article on " The Cyanide Process in South Africa," which states that the recovery of gold by the use of cyanide in the Witwatersrand district is about 30 per cent, of the total yield from the mines. The methods of using this process may be of interest to mine-owners in New Zealand. There are about fifty cyanide plants in the Witwatersrand district, of an aggregate treatingcapacity of from 230,000 to 240,000 tons per month. There is a great variety both in size and design of the plants, although the general principal in all of them is the same. The objects which they have to fulfil consist briefly in : (a) Lixiviation of the ore-tailings or concentrates with weak solution of cyanide of potassium for the purpose of dissolving the gold ; (5) treatment of the solution to precipitate the dissolved gold in the metallic form. In all plants there are three main features : (1) Leaching- or filter-vats ; (2) launders for precipitation (zinc-boxes) ; (3) storage-vats for solutions. The important difference between one plant and another may be said to consist in the material size and shape of the vats, the methods for charging and discharging the tailings, and the relative positions to each other of the leaching-vats, storage-vats, and zinc-boxes. As to the material for vats, the choice lies between brick, cement, concrete, and timber. For a permanent plant, or one which will have several years to run, either brick or concrete is probably preferable to timber; although, as far as is possible to judge, contact with the cyanide solutions does not appear to shorten the life of timber. Asa brick or concrete tank may be considered as the watertight lining to a hole in the ground, which is the actual vat, the first essential in deciding the use of one of these materials is to find suitable ground to be excavated for a site. Any ground which is moderately firm and free from springs may be considered suitable. In case, as is usual, such brick or concrete tanks be constructed with their tops just level with the ground, the question of discharging is an important one. At the Langaagte Estate and Block B Companies' plants, where each circular vat is of a capacity of about 400 tons—4oft. in diameter and 10ft. deep—the discharging is very effectively and economically carried out by means of travelling-cranes, which lower the bodies of the empty trucks into the vats, there to be filled by the Kaffirs, and bringing them out full place them on their carriages to be wheeled away to the dump. A sketch is given in Fig. 1 showing the principal on which this is done. At the Crown Reef Company's new plant the square filter-vats are constructed of brick and cement, and measure 36ft. wide, 40ft. long, and 10ft. deep. These vats are provided with doors, through which the discharging trucks can be run into the vats, as shown in Fig. 2. In most cases, however, and especially for smaller plants, timber seems to be in favour, more particularly for filter-vats. The sizes and shapes of filter-vats have been many and various. The present tendency is to restrict the number of vats and make them of a size limited only to the material available. In consequence of this, large size vats of a circular shape are selected as being the strongest. Wooden filter-vats have been constructed as large as 42ft. in diameter and 14ft. deep at the Sumner and Jack Company, and at the Durban-Eoodepoort they are 40ft. in diameter and 7ft. deep. It is evident that there is economy in constructing large vats, as against the larger number of smaller ones of the same aggregate capacity. It is claimed, however, for deep filter-vats that they give a better extraction, and not without a certain show of reason. The larger the vats the more difficulty is experienced in discharging them, unless special appliances be adopted. When the vats are regularly constructed of a maximum diameter —of perhaps 20ft. diameter, with a depth of sft.— it is no great matter to throw the sand over the side into trucks, more particularly if the vats were square or oblong in shape. The adoption of special discharging facilities, such as bottom or side discharge for wooden vats, or the travelling-crane for buried brick vats, obviates the main drawback to large tanks. Sketches are annexed showing a bottom discharge, Fig. 4 being one patented by Mr. Charles Butters, and Fig. sis one designed by Mr. W. F. Irvine. The side discharge-door for wooden vats, Fig. 3, is a modification of a design made by Mr. W. R. Feldtmann. Another method of side discharge, designed by Mr. W. F. Irvine, is in use at the Crown Reef Company's fine cyanide works, where the large brick and cement vats are provided with doors which allow of the ingress of discharging trucks. The door frames are bolted to the cement walls, having an ingenious arrangement of sliding lugs with bolts and nuts. At the Barrett Company's plant, near Barberton, a system is in use of discharging through a door in the bottom into a launder, whence a copious stream of water carries the waste material into the creek below. Details of the false bottoms of the leaching-vats are shown in Fig. 7. The false bottom, or filter consists of a wooden grating covered with two layers of jute and one of cocoaiiUt-matting. The method of connecting drainpipes from leaching-vats is so arranged that solutions of different strengths may be drained from two separate vats simultaneously without mixing the weak and the strong.

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In considering the treatment for any particular ore or tailings three points are to be taken into account (a) the condition of the gold, whether fine, or coarse ; (b) the material, whether acid or neutral; (c) the metals contained in the material having a strong affinity for cyanogen. The condition of the gold'—that is, its coarseness or fineness —determines the length of time required in contact with the cyanide solution to effect its dissolution. On the Witwatersrand, generally speaking, the gold is very fine, and a period of twelve hours standing under a strong solution is usually sufficient with tailings to dissolve as much of the gold as it is commercially profitable to extract. Further treatment with weak solution is chiefly in the nature of washing to remove the already dissolved gold. In the treatment of pyritic concentrates a very much longer contact with the solvent is required. By an acid ore is understood the presence of the products of the partial decomposition of pyrites, usually the sulphuric acid, soluble salts such as protosulphate of iron, or insoluble basic iron-salts. All these substances are destructive to cyanide, forming with it compounds useless in the extraction of gold. As to other metals found in the ore certain copper compounds are most troublesome. It has been found, however, that in many cases this difficulty may be overcome by the use of weak solutions. The usual course of treatment of fine milling-tailings on the Witwatersrand is as follows : The vats are filled within an inch or two of the top with the tailings. Sufficient solution of cyanide of potassium to thoroughly saturate and cover the material is then run on, generally about one third of the dry weight of the ore. The first solution thus applied, the strong solution may be 0-3 per cent, strength. It should always be borne in mind that the weaker the solution employed the more particularly selective action of the chemical comes into play. In other words, as long as a solution just strong enough to dissolve the gold in a reasonable time is used any additional strength is a waste, in that compounds of iron and other substances, or even the atmosphere, will destroy a proportion of the chemical in a strong solution when they would not act on weak solutions. After standing for say twelve hours, during which time small quantities of the solution may be drained off occasionally to effect artificial diffusion, all this solution is drained through the zinc-boxes until the tailings are dry. A weaker solution —say, 0-15 per cent—about one half in quantity of the first solution is then run on, and may be started draining within an hour or two. A further weak wash, or if the quantity of stock solution will allow, a water-wash is then applied and drained off. After the tank is thoroughly drained dry it is ready to discharge. The solutions that have been drained through the fine boxes into the storage-vats, or have been pumped to the upper reservoirs, are ready for making up to strength for further use on the next charge, practically all the gold having been extracted from the solutions in their passage through the zinc-shavings. This treatment applies to a class of ore which may be considered as rather an exceptionally simple one, of a kind which, on the Band, is getting rarer as old accumulations of fine milling-tailings are getting worked up, and more deep lead-ore is being crushed. An average extraction of 80 per cent, out of ore containing 6dwts. per ton is nothing uncommon in dealing with this class of ore. The treatment of acid ore, or rather tailings rendered acid by the partial oxidation of the crushed pyritous ore, offers more difficulty than in the case of the free milling-ore. In order to overcome the cyanide destroying qualities of the acid or iron-salts present we are obliged to have recourse to neutralisation by means of an alkali or alkaline earth—caustic soda or lime—with or without a preliminary wash-water to remove such soluble cyanides as may be present. If the quantity of cyanide present is large, and by testing a considerable proportion it is found to be soluble in water, a preliminary water-wash is generally applied. It has hitherto frequently been the custom to water-wash in the same tank in which the subsequent treatment with cyanide is effected, the wash-water being run to waste. Mr W. E. Peldtmann is of opinion that this is a practice which cannot be too strongly condemned, as accounting largely for the so-called mysterious discrepancy between the expected yield of gold, as estimated from assays made before and after the treatment, and the actual return. When the wash-water, charged with acid out of the ore, comes in contact with the residual quantities of cyanide solution lying in the bottom and adhering to the sides of the tank a certain quantity of hydro-cyanic gas is liberated, which, diffusing through the whole tank, is capable of dissolving a not inconsiderable amount of gold from the ore. The worst feature of this is that it is not precipitated even if passed through zinc, and is consequently run to waste with the wash-water. If, in order to economize, caustic soda and lime, when water-washing, is adopted, it should be done in tanks which are reserved for the special purpose, and the ore should then be transferred to the cyanide-treatment vats. This means a little extra cost for handling, but will, in most cases, amount to less than the loss of gold incurred by the other method. In order to neutralise the remaining acid a quantity of a solution of caustic soda, of which the amount necessary must be approximately determined by experimental test, is run on, allowed to stand for an hour or so, and then drained off into an alkali sump, there to be made up to strength with the next lot. When practicable it is a good plan to mix powdered lime with the ore, as this not only saves caustic soda, but also keeps the cyanide solutions freer from suspended ferric hydrate, which, in the case of using caustic soda alone, makes them very turbid, and fouls the zinc. The preliminary treatment having been finished, cyanide solutions are applied. The strength of the first solution may vary from 025 to 0-5 per cent. The number and strength of subsequent solutions and washes, and the time of contact required, depend entirely on the quality and nature of the ore. It may be noted that, in the case of ores requiring a long treatment, it is preferable, rather than allowing the charge to stand under one solution for two or three days, to draw off the strong solution completely and apply a fresh lot every twenty-four hours. In the case of concentrates requiring two or three weeks or longer under a strong solution it is found beneficial to draw off every two or three days, and even to turn the ore over once or twice in course of treatment.

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The average extraction from acid ore, say, from sdwt. or 6dwt. stuff, may be put clown at 70 per cent. Concentrates of 3oz. value will give an extraction of from 90 to 98 per cent, in three or four weeks' treatment. With regard to the treatment in the presence of metals having an affinity for cyanogen, the principle usually adopted is to apply the weakest solution which has been approved by experience. Having obtained the gold in solution, precipitation in the zinc-boxes is, as a rule, a simple matter. The only points requiring attention are to keep a sufficient stock of zinc-shavings in the compartment, and to regulate the flow of solutions so as not to incur danger of the fine precipitate being carried away. The zinc-shavings are prepared usually by turning zinc dies on a lathe. Precipitation of the gold varies somewhat with the different classes of ore. Its completeness appears to depend, in a measure, in a slight excess of cyanide of potassium being present in the solutions. Eoughly speaking, it may be said that if the solutions leaving the boxes assay more than 2dwt. per ton the precipitation is not what it should be. This may be caused by the solution flowing too quickly, or to the paucity of zinc in the boxes, or it might be to insufficient cyanide being in the solution. The zinc-shavings in the boxes may require replenishing every day to replace the amount consumed, or may run a week at a time without requiring attention. The construction of zinc-boxes is shown on Kg. 8. The box consists practically of a wooden launder fitted with baffle-boards, which divide the launder in such a way that solutions are forced upwards through the zinc-shavings with which the large compartments are filled. The top division is advantageously used as a settling-tank to collect any sand which may come through the filter, or a separate settling-tank may be used, particularly in plants where solutions are pumped direct from the filter-vats. The zinc-box compartments are fitted with removeable trays, consisting of wooden frames supporting wire gauze of about -Jin. mesh. This, while it carries the zinc, allows most of the fine gold precipitate to fall through into the bottom of the box. The filter —launder—shown on the side of the zinc-box need not necessarily be attached to same, but may be connected by a small wooden V launder with the plugholes in the zinc-box compartments. The zinc-box sketched is large enough for each 1,000 or 1,500 tons of monthly-plant capacity. But, although it is generally found best to have at least two zinc-boxes to a plant, it is, of course, not necessary to increase the number of them in proportion to the tonnage to be treated. The increase in precipitating-capacity can just as well be attained by increasing the width of the boxes. Having reconverted the gold into metallic form by passage of the solution through the zincshavings, we have it as a sludgy-looking precipitate commonly known as " slimes," and the next step is to get it into marketable shape. This is done by separating from the zinc, drying, roasting, and smelting. The clean-up, which takes place once or twice a month, is conducted as follows : — A small amount of clean water is run through the boxes to remove the cyanide solution which might otherwise be injurious to the workman. The zinc-shavings are taken out, being twisted and scrubbed in the water to remove, as far as possible, anything adhering to them. In some cases there is quite a thick plating on the zinc which cannot well be removed by scrubbing, but this is usually ignored, as the shavings are returned to the boxes, and this plating will go into the precipitate of the next clean-up. Having removed nearly all the coarse zinc, the precipitate contained in the water is allowed to settle; an addition of a little alum will considerably assist this process. Most of the clear water is then siphoned or pumped off, and the precipitate, together with the remaining small quantity of water, is drawn off into calico, or linen, or filter press. After drying sufficiently to handle with a scoop the precipitate may be further dried in iron pots, and is then ready for roasting and smelting. The object of roasting is so to oxidize the greater portion of the zinc, which has, in the form of small chips and shavings, fallen through the zinc-box trays, so as to cause it to combine in the subsequent smelting with fluxes, and leave the bullion fairly fine. Oxidation by the aid of atmospheric air is sufficient, but a certain amount of the zinc-oxide subsequently becomes reduced by the carbon of the plumbago melting-pots and re-enters the bullion. A good method of roasting has been found by adding a little nitre, say, from 3to 10 per cent, to the precipitate. It is best applied as a strong solution before drying the precipitate so that it gets equally mixed with the whole mass. In the subsequent roasting the nitre not only assists by yielding up oxygen to the zinc, but to some extent also appears to flux the zinc-oxide, forming zincate of potash, which is not so readily reduced as zinc-oxide. In case the precipitate is very sandy, owing to tailings coming through the filters, nitre roasting is not successful, as it tends to cake. By the addition of nitre the tendency of the precipitate to dust on stirring up in the roasting furnace is minimised. The amount of flux required in smelting is reduced, and the resulting bullion is better. In roasting the precipitate care should be taken not to raise the temperature much above a dull red heat so as to avoid partially fusing it into a pasty mass, and not to stir too violently, especially at the commencement of the roast, or dusting and consequent loss will be the result. The furnace sketched in Fig. 12 will conveniently take 501b. of precipitate at a time. The precipitate having been sufficiently roasted, the next step is to mix it with suitable quantities of flux, and smelt in plumbago-pots. The fluxes commonly used are bicarbonate of soda, borax, and sand. In the case of sandy precipitate, of course, further addition of sand is omitted, and it may be found advisable to add a small quantity of fluor spar. The proportions of fluxes and precipitate vary within very wide limits. For general guidance, it may be stated that where much sand is present —which would give a glossy but thick-flowing slag—the best corrective is more soda, with the addition, if necessary, of a very little powdered fiuor spar. For too basic slag—a dull lustrous one —which is too stiff, more borax will generally do good. Precipitate and fluxes are well mixed, and charged into the plumbago crucibles. The smeltingfurnaces may be constructed to take three pots at a time ; but the furnaces require to be well built, as the heat required for this first fusion is rather in excess of the ordinary gold-melting temperature*

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After the charges in the pots are run down, more of the mixture may be added from time to time, and, everything being fused until perfectly liquid, the contents of the pots are poured into moulds. Conical-shaped moulds are best suited for this work. The metal settles to the bottom, and, after cooling, may be turned out and freed from slag by breaking off the latter with a hammer. The several pieces of bullion thus obtained at one clean-up are subsequently remelted with borax and run together into one ingot. The remelting should be done at as low a temperature as possible, so that the metal may solidify. Almost as soon as it is in the mould other liquation results, and it becomes exceedingly difficult to obtain anything like a representative sample of the bullion for assay. The slags, which generally contain a considerable amount of gold in beads, are crushed up and panned or cradled to obtain the metal. One of the great bugbears of the cyanide men on the Witwatersrand has been the treatment of slimes, by which is meant the very fine, or, in case of free-milling ores, the clayey portion of the tailings. Many suggestions have been made for their treatment, but the only real practical scheme so far appears to be to allow them to dry thoroughly, and be screened, or otherwise to reduce them to a fine powder. This powder is thoroughly mixed with sandy tailings, and the solution will usually percolate fairly well. The trouble is that if these slimes go into the vats in halfdried lumps they will absorb the solution and not yield it up again. There is no chemical difficulty in the way. Another plan suggested is dry-crushing, and direct treatment of the powdered ore with cyanide. To economise labour, the experiment is being tried of running tailings direct into leaching-vats after separating the slimes by means of spitzkasten or similar contrivances. The objection to this is that the tailings run in direct have a tendency to pack so close in the vats that it is impossible to obtain a thorough contact with the solution. Many things which have been said about discrepancies between assays and actual returns are probably due to carelessness or incorrect methods of sampling. By the common methods of taking samples we are very liable to obtain an undue proportion of the upper part of the residues, and consequently show a better extraction than has actually taken place. An important discussion is now going on relating to the question of removing the pyrites from tailings by concentration before treating the latter by cyanide. Some maintain that it must be more economical to treat the tailings as they leave the plates without passing them over any form of concentrator; on the other hand, many claim that it is best to collect the pyrites first, and subject them to separate treatment, either by cyanide or by chlorination. The main question is, of course, whether the gold contained in the pyrites can be extracted by so short a treatment as is ordinarily applied to tailings. It is most probable that the best plan is to be decided in each particular case by experiment. Tests ought to show whether the value of the gold contained in the residues is more than sufficient to cover the cost of concentrating. If it is, it is clear that preliminary concentration will be of commercial advantage. The cost of treating tailings by the cyanide process is necessarily determined in large part by local conditions, the nature of the ore treated, and the special facilities for handling it. The biggest item of cost is generally the cyanide of potassium, which probably averages on the Witwatersrand about 2s. per ton of ore treated. A good deal of economy can be effected by a careful chemist in charge of the plant. He must note the nature of the ore, and know when it is necessary to use lime or caustic soda to neutralise any acid present. Further, by keeping solutions of different strengths separate, he must so regulate matters that the last weak solution applied to the ore is really a weak wash; otherwise, of course, a certain amount of cyanide is thrown out-of-doors with the residue. Economy in handling the ore has to be provided for at the time of the erection of the plant by a judicious selection of site, especially providing for a good dump for residues, and efficient facilities for filling and discharging the tanks. According as those facilities are favourable or otherwise, handling of the ore may vary anywhere from 9d. to Is. per ton. It is important to have at least one man who—whether he has to do the assays or not —possesses a rudimentary knowledge of chemistry. For small works, treating, say, 2,000 tons per month, and given a convenient plant to work, a chemist and one shift-man will generally be found sufficient to do all the solution-work. In addition to these at least one Kaffir ganger is employed on plants of this size on the Witwatersrand. It is obvious that the expense per ton will be lower in a large plant than a small one. The average total cost on the Witwatersrand is somewhere about from 4s. 2d. to 4s. 6d. per ton in large works treating, say, upwards of 10,000 tons per month, whereas in small plants it may be put down at 6s. 3d. per ton. Experiments have been and are being made in the way of obtaining a substitute for zincprecipitation. So far, no measure of success appears to have attended these efforts, as all other proposed methods seem to be either more expensive or less effective, or both. The objections to the zinc-precipitation have been stated to be the troublesome work of cleaning up and smelting the precipitate, and the cost. As a matter of fact, the clean-up is not much more troublesome, if intelligently gone about, than a mill clean-up, and the cost of the zinc-precipitation, which amounts to from 1-J-d. to 3d. per ton of ore treated, will be hard to improve on by any other method. As illustrating differences in the general design of plants with regard to the relative position of the different parts, three outline sketches are given. In Fig. 9 the leaching-vats are placed highest. The solution gravitates from these through zinc boxes into storage-vats, there to be made up to strength ready for pumping up to the leaching-vats again, as shown in the sketch. The discharging of tanks is assumed to be done over the side. In the second design the solution is either pumped direct from the leaching-vats or run into a small sump, or into an airtight receiver—as shown in Fig. 10—and is pumped from there into zinc boxes, and runs thence into overhead storage-vats. Having been made up to the strength, 28—0. 3.

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it is ready to run direct into the leaching-vats again. The discharge system indicated is the bottom discharge. The third design, shown in Fig. 11, is a combination of those shown in Pigs. 9 and 10, and is fitted with a pipe-service to enable the operator, if desired, to run the solution up through the sand in the leaching-vats. As shown in the sketch, the plant is designed for side discharge, but all of them could be adapted for different systems of discharge, as may be found advantageous according to local conditions. In a description of the cyanide process in reference to the treatment of gold-ores at the Wit-watersrand-Transvaal goldfields, read before the Society of Chemical Industry in April, 1894, by Henry de Mosenthal, F.1.C., F.C.S., he states that the strongest solution he had seen used was 0-6 per cent., in which case the weak solution was 0-3 per cent. In some works he had seen a 03--per-cent. strong solution, and a 01-per-cent. weak solution used. The amount of cyanide required to dissolve lOOoz. troy of gold is theoretically 4 - 531b., but in practice it is found it takes at least 3001b. to extract lOOoz. gold out of 400 tons tailings. This would mean fib. of cyanide per ton of tailings treated, but none of the mines are working so low as this. Besides, it has been found that, the more pyritic the ore, the more cyanide is necessary. In actual practice in some of the works they were using 21b. of 90-per-cent. cyanide per ton of tailings, whilst at others the quantity was considerably less. At the Eobinson Mine the average in 1893 was l'l6lb. per ton of tailings. The chief reasons why the consumption of cyanide in the tanks is so enormously in excess of that which is theoretically necessary are : — Firstly.—That the tailings contain finely-divided pyrites. The action of the air on this in the set-tling-dams causes the tailings to become acid. The action of ferric and ferrous sulphates upon cyanide —in acid tailings —is probably to form some of the Prussian blues. This acidity has been ruined by using alkali. Formerly lime-water was used; now, however, caustic soda seems to be preferred, most works using about Jib. of caustic soda to a ton of tailings. But, although less than in acid solutions, the pyrites present still consumes a good deal of cyanide with the formation of iron prussiates. Secondly.—That the carbonic acid is absorbed from the atmosphere and produces the following reaction: — 2 KCy + CO 2 + H,O = K 2 CO 3 + 2 HCy whereby volatile prussic acid is formed. Thirdly. —That a good deal of cyanide remains mixed with the closely-packed, and to some extent porous, particles of ore in the tanks. In reference to the method of precipitation, Mr. Mosenthal states he has seen the new process patented by Messrs. Siemens and Halske, whose representative, Dr. Yon Gerret, was working at the Eand Central Ore-reduction Company's Works. They precipitate the gold out of the cyanide liquor by means of electricity, using iron as a positive electrode, and thin lead foil as a negative electrode. The gold and silver is deposited on the lead, whilst the cyanide is deposited on the iron, and there forms Prussian blue. The iron is coated with a special material, which causes the Prussian blue to adhere to it, instead of floating in a flocculent condition in the liquor, as it otherwise would. This Prussian blue is, by treatment with carbonate of potash, converted into cyanide, whilst the gold and silver are separated from the lead foil by cupillation. It is claimed that the cost of this process is about the same as that now in use, with the advantage of the regained cyanide, in addition to which the liquor after treatment is purer than the liquor that has been through the zinc boxes. Dr. Yon Gerret was working with 10 volts and using about 10 amperes per ton of ore, but Mr. Mosenthal states he has since learned that any tension over six volts decomposes the cyanide to some extent. Just as he was leaving the goldfield Mr. Andre arrived at Johannesburg from the Gold and Silver Scheido Anstalt at Frankfort to try a new process, according to which the gold is precipitated from the cyanide liquor by means of aluminium. The following is the cost, per ton of tailings treated, of using the cyanide process at the Eobinson Mine in South Africa :• — s. d. Wages ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 2-81 Supplies and stores ... .. ... ... ... ... 0 612 Fuel, assaying, melting, &c. ... ... ~. ... ... 0 5 - 24 Cyanide, l-161b. ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 049 Zinc, 0-23 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 1-13 Filling and discharging vats ... ... ... ... ... 1 6-81 Eoyalty ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 4-38 Total ... ... ... ... ... ... 7 6-68 The New Eecoveey Pbocess.—Electbical Pbecipitation pbom Cyanide Solution. At a meeting of the Chemical and Metallurgical Society of South Africa, recently held, Mr. A. Yon Gernet read the following paper upon the Siemens and Halske gold-recovery process, which has been tried on a large scale at the Worcester Mine for four months, after long and exhaustive preliminary experiments at the works of the Eand Central Ore-reduction Company. Mr. Yon Gernet said :— " Although the electrical precipitation of gold, extracted from ores by cyanide, has only been recently introduced into South Africa, it has been in use in Europe and Asia as far back as 1888. The author having been connected with the process from the beginning, he is thereby enabled to give some information concerning its development, based on actual working data, which may be of general interest. In 1887 Dr. Siemens found that the gold anodes used in electroplating at his

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works in Berlin lost weight when standing idle in the cyanide liquor without any electric current passing through the bath. This fact, backed by the statements of chemical authorities that gold is soluble in cyanide, first induced him to try the use of cyanide solution to extract gold from ores. In the same year he built a small plant to make experiments on concentrates produced at Siebenburgen. The gold was precipitated from the solution both by electrolysis and with zinc filings. It was found, however, that the zinc method gave good results with strong solutions only, while the electric precipitation was equally effective with either strong or weak solutions, and its efficiency was not lessened by the presence of caustic soda. Dr. Siemens therefore decided to use electrolysis only. Early in the year 1888 he commenced operations on a larger scale, and engineers were sent out to several different countries. Two went to Hungary, another to America, and the author to Siberia. The results obtained were generally satisfactory, although, as might be expected, they varied considerably owing to the different conditions existing in the respective places. Nothing was done in this country at that time, as the patent question was not then settled. Except to mention the fact that Mr. Siemens was the applicant for and holder of the first patent in the Transvaal for the extraction of gold by means of cyanide, it is not necessary to discuss this matter, as such questions are beyond the scope of a technical paper. It would be superflous to explain the elementary principles of electrolysis to the members of this Society, but it is necessary to point out some of the reasons why such a large number of electrolytic processes have not succeeded commercially, the output from them having been larger in profanity than in gold. As you are aware, the electric current decomposes a solution of a metallic salt, the metal being deposited on the negative pole, while the metalloid is liberated at the positive pole of the electrolytic cell. In a fixed time a given electric current will deposit a certain quantity of metal, which quantity varies for different metals in direct proportion to their electro-chemical equivalents. This law holds good only for solutions strong in metal, but with very dilute solutions, as in use in the cyanide process, the current does not find sufficient of the metallic compound present at the electrodes, and consequently decomposition of water also takes place. For this reason, to make the efficiency of the precipitation as great as possible, constant diffusion of the solution is requisite. In order,- therefore, to create an artificial diffusion a mechanical movement of the solution is important, and the most economical and convenient way of effecting this is to allow a slow but steady flow through the precipitation-boxes. But it is still more important to give a very large surface to the electrodes. In fact, a better result is obtained by doubling the number of plates than by increasing the current tenfold. For this reason it will be seen that mercury cathodes cannot be used with good results. In order to precipitate 100 tons of cyanide solution containing sdwt. of gold per ton, in twenty-four hours, about 10,000 square feet of surface is required. If the bottoms of the precipitation-boxes were covered with mercury it would be necessary to have it at least a quarter of an inch deep to make up for difference of level, and thus insure that the whole surface should be covered. This requires over 200 cubic feet of mercury, weighing 80 tons. Not only the initial expense, but also the trouble in cleaning up makes the use of mercury in this way as an electrode impracticable. The vertical position in which metallic plates can be placed has the great advantage of keeping the surface of the cathodes clean, as any solid matter entering the boxes in suspension sinks to the bottom of the latter, no obstruction being offered to its downward course. Sheets of solid metal (as copper) coated with mercury have also been tried, but have been unsuccessful, because the mercury, owing to the action of the current, will penetrate the copper and form a dry amalgam, which does not adhere to the plate. To obtain a satisfactory cathode a metal must be used which will fulfil the following conditions: (1) The precipitated gold must adhere to it; (2) it must be capable of being rolled out into very thin sheets to avoid unnecessary expense; (3) it must be easy to recover the gold from it; (4) it must not be more electropositive than the anode, in order to prevent return currents being generated when the depositing current is stopped. The most suitable metal for the purpose is lead, which is therefore used in the Siemens' process, and which meets all the requirements of the case. Not less important is the question of anodes. By the action of the current a metalloid is liberated at the positive electrode, and the latter, when a metal, begins to oxidize. Carbon could be used as an anode, but it will not withstand the action of the current, and soon crumbles into a powder, which decomposes cyanide. This finely-divided carbon is in suspension, and cannot be removed from the solution by filtration. Zinc used as an anode forms a white precipitate of ferro-cyanide of zinc by the reaction of zinc oxide upon ferro-cyanide formed during the leaching. Similarly iron anodes form Prussian blue by the reaction of oxide of iron and ferro-cyanide. In consequence of this reaction the amount of ferro-cyanide in the cyanide solution does not increase. From the Prussian blue the cyanide can be recovered by dissolving it in caustic soda, then evaporating the solution, and finally smelting with potassium-carbonate. This last process has been carried out only on a small scale, about 501b. at a time, but a nice clean cyanide-potassium was obtained. In the treatment of tailings the regeneration of cyanide is not of great importance, but with concentrates, which decompose the solution with formation of ferro-cyanide, it will effect a considerable economy. In order to precipitate the gold from cyanide solutions only a very weak current is required —that is to say, a density of about 0-6 amp. per square foot. With cathodes about lf-in. apart, four volts is sufficient to produce this current strength. The advantages gained by usiug a weak current are : (1.) The gold is deposited hard on the plates. (2.) The iron anodes are preserved for a long time, as their waste is in proportion to their current strength. In a plant treating 3,000 tons per month, I,oßolb. of iron are destroyed in that period. (3.) Little power is required. 746 Watts equal 1-horse power. A 3,000 tons plant requires 2,400 Watts, equal theoretically to 3-J-horse power, and actually requiring about 5 indicated horse-power. The most important feature of electrical precipitation is that it operates on the solution quite independently of the amount of cyanide or caustic soda that it contains. Precipitation by means of a chemical reaction is invariably more complete with a solution strong in cyanide than with a weak one, but with electricity is absolutely

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of no importance whatever. Therefore in the treatment of tailings very dilute solutions can be used, the only limit being a sufficient amount of cyanide to dissolve the gold satisfactorily. Moreover, however acid the solution may be, when entering the boxes the precipitation takes place equally well, the same amount of gold being recovered as from a neutral or alkaline solution. There are none of the complications arising from the formation of lime and alumina and hydrate of iron, which, under similar circumstances, sometimes occasions so much trouble in the zinc process. Every one here present is aware that a solution containing 0-03 of cyanide will dissolve gold just as effectively as a solution containing 0-3 per cent., provided a longer time is allowed for treatment. In the first case the decomposition of cyanide in the tailings is much less than in the second, and a corresponding economy is effected. The moisture in the original tailings being usually about the same as that contained in the residues, there is, as a rule, no chance to give a large water-wash after the cyanide treatment is finished. The residue discharged contains 10 to 15 per cent, moisture, carrying about 0-1 to 0-05 per cent, cyanide solution when the zinc process is employed. This is equivalent to -Jib. of cyanide per ton of tailings. This loss may be reduced to by using as weak wash a solution containing o*ol per cent, cyanide, which strength will be perfectly suitable for electrical precipitation—though difficult to deal with by the chemical method. Having described the principles involved in this process, it only remains to give some details as to the practical working results obtained at the Worcester works. There are now in use five leaching-vats of 2ft. in diameter with 10ft. staves, each holding 2,700 cubic feet. One tank is discharged and filled every day. The strong solution used contains from o'os to 0-08 per cent, cyanide, and the weak washes 0-01 per cent. The actual extraction of fine gold has averaged 70 per cent., while the consumption of cyanide has been Jib. per ton of tailings treated. The precipitation plant consists of four boxes 20ft. by Bft. by 4ft. Copper wires are fixed along the top of the sides of the boxes, and convey the current from the dynamo to the electrodes. The anodes are iron plates 7ft. long, 3ft. wide, and -Jin. thick. They stand on wooden strips placed on the bottom of the box, and are kept in vertical position by wooden strips fixed to its sides. In order to effect circulation in solutions passing through the box, some of the iron sheets rest right down on the bottom, while others are raised about one inch above the level of the solution, thus forming a series of compartments similar to those of a zincbox, the difference being that the solution passes alternately up and down through successive compartments. The sheets are covered with canvas to prevent short circuit. The lead sheets are stretched between two iron wires, fixed in a light wooden frame, which is then suspended between the iron plates. The boxes are kept locked, being opened once a month for the purpose of the ' cleanup,' which is carried out in the following manner : The frames carrying the lead-cathodes are taken out one at a time. The lead is removed and replaced by a fresh sheet, and the frame returned to the box, the whole operation taking but a few minutes for each frame. By this means the ordinary working is not interrupted at all, and the cleaning-out of the boxes, which is necessary in the zinc process, is only required at very long intervals. The lead, which contains about 2 to 12 per cent. of gold, is then melted into bars and cupelled. The consumption of lead is 7501b. per month, equal to 1-Jd. per ton of tailings. The working-expenses, including filling and discharging tanks, come to 3s. per ton. When working on a larger scale the expenses will, of course, be reduced. After the facts mentioned in this paper it will, ilo doubt, be conceded that electrical precipitation has emerged from its experimental infancy and grown up into a healthy manhood, and proved itself to be a technical and commercial success, and that it is in every respect at least as good a method of precipitation as the zinc process. Anyway, it exists as a tangible fact, which cannot be explained away by argument or ignored by commercial men, who require the best work at the cheapest rate. It is to be regretted that the time available has not allowed such a fully detailed account as could be wished, but sufficient has been said, and figures enough given, to place the Siemens and Halske process within the category of practical precipitants of gold from cyanide solutions. " In the course of the short discussion which ensued it was stated that the costs at the Worcester worked out as follows : Filling and discharging, lOd. per ton ; cyanide, 6d.; lime, l-2d.; caustic soda, 0-5 d.; lead, 1-ld.; iron, 2-2 d.; white labour, s'2d. ; native wages and food, l-9d.; coals, 4-6 d.; stores and general charges, 3'2d. : total, 3s. " Mr. Butters observed that the charges for white lahour —namely, sd. per ton—were very high. They were only treating at the Worcester 100 tons per day. If they were treating 8,000 tons per month instead of 3,000 tons the cost would be the same, and white labour should only be one-fifth of the present charge. The high rates were for white labour and coal. Coal would be nearly constant for additional plant; but, while white labour would not be constant with a larger plant, coal would perhaps be a penny cheaper, and white labour would come down to Id. per ton instead of sd. That meant a saving of 4d. per ton in larger works. In the case of the MacArthur-Forrest process the cost of zinc came to 2-J-d. on every ton. The new process had lead and iron and coal as heavy items against cyanide, zinc, and coal in the MacArthur-Forrest process. Mr. Yon Gernet had. taken iron at 2-2 d., but he had written the cost off by depreciation in one year ; whereas it would last probably for three years, but all the costs they had taken at the outside. They thought the total cost would come down to 2s. 6d. per ton with an ordinary cyanide plant of from 6,000 to 8,000 tons per month. Of course the gain of the process was in the lesser cost of cyanide. Anybody could work at 4s. per ton, but they thought they could reduce that by Is., or may be Is. 6d. If they could bring down the cost to 2s. 6d. there would be an enormous gain. As the boxes had only to be opened once a month, that represented a great advantage in various ways."

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PATENT EIGHTS GEANTED. EXTBACTION OF GOLD AND SILVER BY SOLVENTS. Impbovements in, oe relating to, the Exteaotion op Peecious Metals peom theib Oees. We, Henry Livingstone Sulman and Frank Litherland Teed, D.Sc, analytical chemists, both of London, in England, do hereby declare the nature of our invention for " Improvements in, or relating to, the Extraction of Precious Metals from their Ores," and in what, manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :— This invention relates to the solution of precious metals generally, but particularly 10 that of gold and silver from their ores. By present known methods or processes where cyanide of potassium is used the time required for perfect extraction by solution is lengthy, and such processes can only be successfully applied in particular cases, such, for example, as the following: The gold must be in a state of very fine division amongst the other compounds or substances present in the ore, and the substances in the ore (other than precious metals or their compounds) must not be capable of rapidly destroying or deteriorating the solution of cyanide used ; further, the precious-metal contents of the ore must not be relatively great; thus, ores containing coarse gold or a high value of gold per ton (whether coarse or fine), copper compounds, and certain other metalliferous substances cannot be successfully treated by cyanide, and pyritic ores give rise to many difficulties and cyanide losses. Even under the most favourable conditions a great loss of cyanide occurs, owing, among other causes, to the action of the carbonic acid in the air, residual alkali in the prepared ore, the formation of Prussian blue and other compound cyanides, &c. These losses are caused or accentuated by the fact that potassium-cyanide alone is incapable of dissolving gold, and requires oxidation, atmospheric or otherwise, to effect the production of the soluble double cyanide of potassium and gold, and that even with the aid of air the solvent-power of cyanide on gold is comparatively feeble, and requires a lengthened period to effect complete solution. Now, we have found that halogen compounds of cyanogen—to wit, the chlorides, bromides, or iodides of cyanogen—when added in certain proportions to cyanide of potassium in water form a series of solvents for precious metals, particularly gold, of great power and efficiency. The solution of the precious metal in such solvents is rapid and complete, and, whilst the solution is kept alkaline, the secondary reactions of the solvent on the other compounds of the ore, such as copperor iron-pyrites, are very limited in extent, the shortness of the time required to dissolve the gold out of the ore reducing them to a minimum. The solvent reaction which occurs may be represented by the following chemical equation :— Cyßr + 3 KCy + Au 2 = 2 KAuCy, + KBr. It is to be noticed here that no oxygen nor oxygenation process is required, but that it is a chemical reaction independent of the oxygen of the air or of the oxygen of the water, no hydrolysis taking place. It is also to be noticed in this connection that these haloid compounds of cyanogen are of considerable stability, and do not act by the liberation of the haloid element, but the whole reaction is complete as between the chemicals employed and the gold —that is, without the further intervention of any extraneous agent. We may proceed in carrying out our invention in any of the following ways :— (1.) We may form separately a chloride-bromide or iodide of cyanogen by any known and suitable method, and add a requisite proportion of any one or a mixture of such products to the requisite proportion of cyanide of potassium in water ; this solution suitably diluted is then applied to the crushed ore or ore-products, which may be contained in any suitable tank or vessel, open or closed, constructed of any suitable material, such as wood. The solution of the gold or precious metal is effected in a very short time—in the case of some of our experiments an hour has been sufficient to extract the gold from a copper- and iron-pyrites and quartz matrix—and the gold-bearing solution is then drawn off, and the precious metal recovered therefrom by any known means ; but we prefer to use the process of precipitation and recovery hereinafter described. The cyanogen haloid may, if desired, be applied after the cyanide of potassium has been mixed with the ore. (2.) We may proceed also by acting upon the solution of potassium-cyanide, or the solution of any suitable cyanide of the alkalies or alkaline earths, by chlorine, bromine, or iodine in quantity sufficient to produce the requisite amount of the desired cyanogen haloid, according to the chemical equation,— 01, + KCy = XCI + CyCl, and keeping undecomposed a sufficient excess of cyanide of potassium for the required combined solvent action on the precious metal. The solution thus prepared is then applied in the same manner as specified in the preceding paragraph. (3.) A further alternative is to act by the addition of the haloid elements, or of mixtures capable of yielding the same, to compounds containing or yielding cyanogen (other than the cyanides before specified), such as the double cyanides, sulpho-cyanides, &c, which shall thus, by their mutual reaction, yield products which contain the desired corresponding haloid-cyanogen compound. A further application of our invention relates to the treatment of the waste liquors, which are obtained from the process of the extraction of the gold or precious metals from the solvent solution, by the action of zinc on these latter. The addition of a halogen element, or of mixtures capable of yielding the same, decomposes the double cyanide of zinc and potassium which is found therein with the formation of insoluble cyanide of zinc—which may be separated from the liquors by filtration or other means —and effects the regeneration of the haloid-cyanogen compounds, which can thus be used again for fresh solvent purposes when mixed with a suitable proportion of notassiunicyanide. This may be represented by the following chemical equation : — K a ZnCy 4 + 2 Cl 3 = 2 KOI + ZnCy 2 + 2 OyCl.

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Although we have herein indicated certain proportions in which the haloid-cyanogen compound may be added to the potassium-cyanide, or other suitable cyanide, we do not bind ourselves to these proportions, and may use any mixtures of the above substances or compounds in any state of dilution in water, and may act with such solvents upon ore in any convenient manner—either at the ordinary or at increased or reduced temperatures and pressures, and upon greater or less proportions of ore or precious metal containing compound. The second part of our invention relates to the precipitation of gold or other precious metal from solutions obtained either by the before-described process, or from those obtained in the ordinary way by the action of potassium-cyanide solutions upon ores containing precious metals. The process generally adopted at present on the latter class of solutions consists in passing these slowly in a continuous stream through large masses of closely-packed zinc-shavings or granules, upon which the gold is deposited as an adherent powder from the soluble potassic aurocyanide with the formation of the double cyanide of zinc and potassium. Owing to the fact, however, that the quantity of zinc employed is many hundred times in excess of the theoretical requirements, and is, beyond this, still more in chemical excess of the liquor passing through it at any given moment, this metal acts freely upon the unaltered excess of potassium-cyanide contained in the liquor, deteriorating the latter as regards their applicability for fresh solvent purposes ; in fact, it is here that the great desturction of cyanide takes place in the present cyanide gold-recovery processes. Owing to this method of depositing gold extensive deposition plant is also required, the consumption of zinc is much greater than the theoretical requirements, considerable trouble is experienced in recovering the gold-deposit from the zinc-shavings, and the product finally obtained, being largely contaminated with zinc and other impurities, is difficult to refine. We find, on the contrary, that if zinc or other suitable metal or alloy be reduced to a state of the finest powder or flour, and be added to the bulk of gold or silver cyanide containing liquor in any suitable manner —say, for example, by seiving it upon the surface of the solution, or by aiding it in a state of suspension in water or liquor—the precipitation of the precious metal is very rapid, and is obtained with a consumption of precipitant a great many times less in quantity than, by the before-described method. We prefer to employ moderate agitation, and this may be provided for in any desirable manner ; where, for example, the powdered metal is applied by a stream of water or solution, this stream may be used for the purpose of agitation. In considering the question of agitation it is important to note that excessive agitation must be avoided —that is, if it would tend to promote aeration or oxidation of the liquor—since the presence of oxygen would tend to dissolve the zinc or other metallic powder employed in the cyanide without necessarily effecting the precipitation of the gold. The agitation may be effected by mechanical stirrers or by suitable circulation—say, by means of a pump, or like appliance capable of circulating the liquor without aeration; and, if necessary, the tank or vessel in which the operation takes place may be entirely closed in, and the solution protected from the air by the application or introduction of an inert gas over the surface of the liquor. The agent we prefer to use is the extremely finely-divided zinc, obtained by the condensation of its metallic vapour, such a product as is known as " zinc-dust." Further, the cyanide is left unacted upon, the deterioration again in this substance being considerably less than by the ordinary methods, inasmuch as the amount of zinc actually used is so very much smaller; there is thus a great saving in precipitating material, a great gain in labour and time, and in the amount of plant required. We may not require, in the case of the haloid-cyanogen solvent, to use the liquor obtained from the zinc precipitation for fresh solvent purposes, but if we intend so to do we may proceed to treat these with chlorine or other halogen for regenerative purposes, as before described. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we claim is,— 1. The use of the halogen compounds of cyanogen in a solvent to precious metals. 2. The combination with cyanide of potassium or other cyanide, or of the alkalies or alkaline earths, of the chlorides, bromides, or iodides of cyanogen in or as a solvent for precious metals. 3. In a solvent for precious metals the formation of halogen compounds of cyanogen by the addition to cyanide of potassium or other cyanide of the alkalies, or of the alkaline earths in solution, of chlorine, bromine, or iodine in suitable proportions. 4. In a solvent for precious metals the formation of halogen compounds of cyanogen by the addition of chlorine, bromine, or iodine, or of mixtures capable of yielding these, to a solution of any suitable double cyanide or other suitable cyanogen, yielding compound other than the cyanides of the alkalies or alkaline earths. 5. The employment for the precipitation of precious metals from their solutions of zinc or other suitable metal or alloy, in the exceedingly fine state of division set forth with or without exclusion of air, substantially as herein described. 6. In the precipitation of precious metals from their solutions, the employment of zinc or other metal or alloy in an extremely fine state of division, obtained by condensing the vapours of the said metal or alloy. 7. In the recovery of precious metals from their ores, the combination with the halogen compounds of cyanogen in a, solvent of zinc-dust as a precipitant. 8. In the recovery of precious metals from their ores, the combination with cyanide of potassium or other cyanide, or of the alkalies or alkaline earths, and of the chlorides, bromides, or iodides of cyanogen in or as a solvent of zinc-dust as a precipitant. Henet Livingstone Sulman. Dated this 26th day of October, 1894. Frank Litherland Teed.

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Improvements in the Treatment of Peecious Ores. I, Henry Livingstone Sulman, of London, analytical chemist, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " Improvements in the Treatment of Precious Ores," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :— This invention relates to the recovery of precious metals, especially gold, from ores, the invention being particularly directed to the recovery of "float " and finely-divided gold. The ores may be treated by the ordinary processes, such as crushing and amalgamating, hydraulic, and similar processes, which need not be further described here. It is well known that in these processes a very large quantity of the float and finely-divided gold escapes in the effluent water, some of it being carried upon the surface and some in suspension in the water. Now, I have found that by destroying (or, more accurately, diminishing) the " surface tension " of the water the gold which was previously supported upon "the surface of the water will be precipitated, and can be easily collected. The destruction of the " surface tension " may be effected by the addition to the water of substances such as the caustic alkalies and their carbonates, soda cresylate, alkaline dextrins and albumens, saporien, and guilloa-bark, but the cheapest and most satisfactory substance appears to be soap. This may be made from any of the ordinary fats or fatty acids, resins, or resin acids commercially known and used for such purposes, and may contain either potash, soda, or ammonia as its base. I prefer to apply the soap in a fluid condition through suitable pipes or jets, as found most convenient, and its effect is to promptty destroy the surface tension of the water and precipitate the gold floating thereon, which will then readily adhere to the amalgamating-surfaces. The soap may be added to the milling-water before crushing, or at any period subsequent to that operation as may be desired, and it may be in the form of a solid substance, but more conveniently as a solution. The finely-divided gold in suspension in the milling-water I recover by mixing with the water a substance which can be made to form a coagulum and to precipitate so as to draw down with it the finely-divided gold. This affords another reason for preferring soap or a saponaceous substance for the purpose of destroying the surface tension. The soap is soluble in the milling-water, and mixes with the whole of it, so that by subsequently precipitating or coagulating the soap I can secure, in the manner above referred to, the finer particles of gold which are in suspension in the water. It is, however, not necessary that soap should be selected for this purpose. Various substances may be employed to effect this precipitation, such as lime, alum, magnesia, and many other metallic salts; acids also may be used for this purpose, such as dilute sulphuric or muriatic acid; but, as many of these substances are difficult to obtain at the mines, and expensive, I prefer to employ soap, and coagulate it with lime-water or a soluble salt of lime. The saponaceous material is thus recovered as an insoluble soap or soaps, and the fine particles of gold are found entangled in the curd thus formed. As the water obtained in the mines and used in the treatment of the ores is usually hard, and would therefore require a large quantity of the saponaceous substance to give the desired results, I prefer to soften the water before using it, as less soap is required, and a larger proportion of gold is recovered. Adding a larger proportion of soap to hard water is not nearly so effective as softening the water first; any of the well-known processes may be employed for this purpose—say, for example, by treatment with lime, soda, ash, aluminate of soda, &c. The subsequent precipitation may be effected when the soapy water is run into tanks, the water after the precipitation being strained through course strainers, and the coagulum dug out and thrown aside to drain ; after which the gold may be recovered from it in any desired manner, conveniently by burning, and subsequent treatment by one of the well-known processes. Acids may be used for this purpose, but, owing to the difficulty of obtaining them at mines, burning is preferable. Where it is not necessary to destroy the surface tension, another kind of coagulating substance may be employed, such, for example, as alum-sulphate of iron, silicate of soda, aluminate of soda, and other substances which, when dissolved in water, produce a gelatinous or flacculent precipitate upon the addition of a decomposing substance such as lime. This precipitate or coagulum will entangle or contain the finely-divided gold, and may be recovered by straining as before. 1. The process of recovering float gold by the addition to the milling-water of substances which diminish the surface tension of the water so as to cause the float gold to leave the surface and deposit. 2. The process of recovering finely-divided gold in suspension in the milling-water by dissolving therein substances capable of being precipitated in the form of a curd or coagulum, and precipitating the same so as to cause them to bring down with them the gold in suspension. 3. The use of soaps or saponaceous matter for the purpose of recovering float gold, as above described. 4. The use of soaps or saponaceous matter for the purpose of recovering finely-divided gold in suspension, as above described. 5. In a process for recovering float gold by means of soaps or saponaceous matter as above described, softening the water, and in the milling process, previously to adding the soaps or saponaceous matter thereto. 6. In a process for recovering finely-divided gold in suspension by means of soaps or saponaceous matter, as above described, the employment of lime-water or salts of lime for the purpose of subsequently precipitating the same. 7. The herein-described process for recovering gold in milling-operations, consisting of the following steps : (1.) If necessary, softening the water to be used in milling. (2.) Adding soap or saponaceous matter to precipitate the float gold. (3.) Precipitating the soap or saponaceous matter by the addition of lime-water or salts of lime to bring down the finely-divided gold in suspension. Dated this 16th day of March, 1894. Henky Livingstone Sulman.

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Improvements in, or relating to, the Treatment of Okes. I, Henry Livingstone Sulrnan, of London, in England, analytical chemist, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for "Improvements in, or relating to, the Treatment of Ores," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — During the preparation of ores, whether gold-bearing or of silver, lead, tin or other metals, varying quantities of very finely-divided material are produced by the action of the stamps, rolls, or other apparatus used in crushing such ores, which, owing to the extreme fineness of the grains or particles composing them, are frequently impermeable, or permeable only with difficulty by liquids, and are therefore unsuitable to treatment by aqueous solutions or leaching. These finely-divided products are technically known as " slimes." In the case of gold- and silver-ore slimes, these being unleachable by solutions of potassic cyanide, soda hyposulphite, chlorine, and other solvents for precious metals, or leachable only with extreme difficulty, these products are not only of no practical value, notwithstanding their containing gold or silver, but the means taken to avoid their formation, —viz., by avoiding as far as possible fine crushing of the original ores tends to create other difficulties, for instance, the imprisoning of fine particles of gold or silver in the imperfectly crushed ore. In a great many instances, therefore, the present methods of crushing are merely a compromise between these two causes of loss, both of which would however disappear completely if the slimes in whatever quantities produced could be readily leached with suitable solvents. This I effect by using in connection with the moist or wetted slimes a combination of agents capable of producing a coagulum in greater or lesser quantities throughout the entire mass. I have found by these means that a slime totally impermeable to water has thus been rendered readily leachable by the desired solvent. The agents I employ are such as give a good coagulum insoluble in the solvent with which it is desired to leach the slime, subsequently such as treatment of the slime first with a solution of gelatine, and then with one of tannic acid or a metallic salt such as precipitates the gelatine with formation of a coagulum. Some of these coagulums are more suitable for such purposes than others, and for the specific purpose of leaching gold-ore slimes I have found that the coagulum obtained by precipitating ordinary soap by lime, or other suitable precipitant, gives excellent results ; and a quite impermeable slime becomes readily permeable, and can be percolated by water or aqueous solvents when heated first with a solution of about 51b. to 101b. of soap in water to 1 ton of slimes (reckoning the latter upon the dry material), followed by a thorough admixture of 21b. to 31b. of quicklime made into a milk or cream, with water. If desired, the slimes may first be treated with the cyanide of potassium or other suitable solution, and when the action of this solvent for the gold is judged to be complete the soap-solvent may be mixed with the mass, followed by the admixture of the milk of lime, and the whole mass may then be discharged into suitable leaching-tanks or filters, when the gold- or silver-bearing solution will readily filter off, and the last traces of this liquid can be removed from the now depleted slime by percolation with water. I do not confine myself to any particular coagulum, or to the treatment of any particular slime, the above-given example showing merely how I proceed in the case of an unleachable gold- or silverore slime ; but I may vary the nature, quantities, and proportions of the coagulating agents I employ according to the requirements of the ore slime under treatment. The above method of treatment applies also to slimes of finely-divided deposits obtained from hydraulic workings of alluvial or similar ores. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is,— 1. The above method of treating slimes or analogous deposits so as to render them permeable by the formation of a coagulum substantially as described. 2. The employment in the treatment of slimes and analogous deposits of soap with a precipitant substantially as described. Dated this 24th day of May, 1894. Henry Livingstone Sulman. Improvements in Precipitating Precious Metals from Cyanide or Similar Solutions. I, John Stewart Mac Arthur, of 12, Knowe Terrace, Pollokshields, in the County of Renfrew, North Britain, technical chemist, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for "Improvements in Precipitating Precious Metals from Cyanide or Similar Solutions," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :— My said invention has for its object to obtain increased economy in precipitating precious metals from cyanide or similar solutions, and to obviate injurious or impeding actions due to the presence of certain metals in the solution. In carrying out my invention I employ either zinc or aluminium as the precipitant for the precious metals ; but when copper is present in the solution along with gold or silver, or both, it is precipitated first on the zinc or aluminium in a manner to interfere with the precipitation of the other metals. The copper seems to be precipitated on the zinc or aluminium in a dense continuous form, and greatly impedes the contact between the liquid and the zinc or aluminium. To overcome this difficulty I coat the zinc or aluminium with a porous precipitate of metallic lead, which prevents the impeding action of the copper. The porous lead may be deposited on the zinc or aluminium either before or during the precipitation of the other metals. It may be conveniently done by immersing the zinc or aluminium for about a minute in a solution containing about 1 per cent, of lead as an acetate of lead, or as a plumbate or other suitable salt; or if done during the precipitation of the other metals a small quantity of the lead salt is added to the solution.

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In cases in which the cyanide solution contains mercury along with gold or silver or both, the mercury is precipitated with the other metals, and, although not impeding the chemical action, is inconvenient physically as it forms an amalgam, rendering it difficult to separate the gold and silver from the precipitating metal by chemical or mechanical means. To remove the mercury from the solution, I apply metallic lead, preferably in the form of shot or finely divided. The mercury, and possibly a little silver, become precipitated on the lead, and the precipitation of the gold and remainder of the silver proceeds without inconvenience. In ordinary solutions containing little else than gold and silver, the zinc or aluminium is economized, and the action facilitated by means of lead, preferably in the form of shot or finely divided, the gold and silver being deposited on the lead as well as on the zinc or aluminium. It is the action of the lead, when in direct or indirect contactor connection with the zinc or aluminium, which is advantageous, the action of lead alone being unsatisfactory. I wish it to be understood that I do not claim the use of either zinc or aluminium, per se, as a precipitant, but only the use of same in connection with lead. Instead of lead, any suitable chemically inert substance which is a good conductor and negative to zinc or aluminium may be used, such, for example, as tin, iron, or carbon. I believe, however, that lead will be found most convenient in practice. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is : — 1. In precipitating precious metals from cyanide, or similar solutions, by means of zinc or aluminium, applying lead, or a specified substitute therefor, substantially in any of the modes and for the purposes hereinbefore described. 2. In precipitating precious metals from cyanide or similar solutions containing mercury, in addition to such precious metals, the use of lead for precipitating mercury prior to the precipitation of the precious metals, substantially as hereinbefore described. Dated this 21st day of November, 1894. John Stewaet MacAethue. Improvements in the Method oe Process of Tkeating Gold and Silveb Oees, and a Composition of Mattee foe the same puepose. I, Edward D. Kendall, of Brooklyn, in the County of King and State of New York, United States of America, chemist, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " Improvements in the Method or Process of treating Gold and Silver Ores, and a Composition of Matter for the same purpose," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — In treating ores I usually grind them nnfcil a fine division is obtained. I then prepare two solutions in water, one of sodium di-oxide (Na 2 O 2 ) and the other of a suitable cyanide. I prefer to use potassium cyanide (KCN) because of its cheapness. I then unite these two solutions, and mix them with the ore in a divided condition. Suitable proportions would be sodium di-oxide, 41b. dissolved in 20 gallons of water; potassium cyanide, 141b. dissolved in 80 gallons of water; divided ore, 2 tons, more or less, as the character of the ore may vary. But Ido not limit myself to these proportions; the proportions will vary with the quality of the ores to be treated. I may also accomplish my process by mixing the sodium di-oxide and potassium or other cyanide and ore together in a dry condition and adding water thereto. But the constituents of my composition may be brought together in any required order. I prefer to dissolve the sodium di-oxide in cold water, and the cyanide in a separate portion of water, cold or hot, mixing the two solutions as required in any desired relative proportion. Gold and silver ores and tailings may be treated with any composition by lixiviation, with or without the application of heat, and with or without agitation of the mass. Any suitable receptacle may also be used, or an ordinary leaching-tub or rotating cylinders of wood, arranged so that the contents may be discharged into a filtering tank. A portion of the pulverised ore may be treated with my composition containing a relatively small quantity of sodium di-oxide, and another portion of the ore may be treated with the lixivium after having added to this another small quantity of sodium di-oxide, or a corresponding solution thereof. As many as five such portions of certain ores may so be successfully treated with intermediate additions of sodium di-oxide, provided the composition was first provided with a sufficient excess of cyanide. The small portion of the composition which remains with the ore after filtration may be washed away with water, and the washings used to prepare fresh portions of the composition. Gold and silver contained in the lixivium may be separated therefrom by electrolysis or other suitable means. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is,— 1. The method of treating gold or silver ore, which consists in mixing di-oxide and a suitable cyanide and water, with the ore in a finely-divided condition, substantially as described. 2. The method of treating gold or silver ores, which consists of uniting a solution of sodium di-oxide and a solution of a suitable cyanide, and treating the finally-divided ore therewith, substantially as described. 3. The method or process of treating gold or silver ores, which consists in uniting a solution of sodium di-oxide and a solution of a suitable cyanide, and mixing the finely-divided ore therewith, then drawing the solution from the ore, and separating the metal therefrom, substantially as described. 4. A composition of matter consisting of sodium di-oxide and a suitable cyanide in solution, to be used in treating gold and silver ores, substantially as described. Dated this 16th day of March, 1894. Gbo. J. Duncan. Agent for the Applicant. 29— G. 3.

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Impeovements in Peocesses of and Solvents foe Sepaeating Peecious Metals FEOM THEIE OkEB. I, William A'Court Granville Birkin, residing at Nottingham, England, mining engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " Improvements in Processes of and Solvents for separating Precious Metals from their Ores," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement : — My invention relates to the extraction of metals, and particularly to precious metals, from their ores. It is the purpose of my invention to provide a novel and simple process for the purpose named, whereby the pulverised ores are subjected to the action of a solvent compound to dissolve the metals, which are afterwards separated from the solution in any suitable manner. My invention also has for its purpose the provision of a novel fluid compound especially adapted, for the decomposition of the precious metals from the ores in which such metals are contained. The invention consists to these ends in the process of treatment and in the novel fluid compound hereinafter fully described, and then more particularly pointed out and defined in the claims annexed to this specification. To enable others skilled in the art to which my said invention pertains to fully understand and practice the same, I will proceed to describe said invention fully and in detail, and will then indicate briefly the novel parts or features thereof. In the practical use of my said invention I follow, in substantial respects, a mode of procedure consisting of the following steps : The ore is first pulverised to a suitable fineness, which will be controlled usually by the refractory character of the ore, the more unyielding being preferably reduced to a finely-pulverised condition. The pulverised or finely-divided ore is then placed in a menstruum consisting of potassium cyanide and ferri-cyanide in water, to which a suitable quantity of peroxide of hydrogen is added to intensify the acid reaction. The ore is subjected to agitation, while attacked by this solution, by any convenient means. When the process is completed the fluid, which then contains the metals in solution or suspension, is drawn off or decanted, or otherwise separated from the mineral constituents of the ore, and the values are eliminated either by precipitation, deposition, electrolysis, or by any other method preferred for this purpose. I may, and in some cases shall, employ heat to aid and expedite the action of the fluid compound described in attacking the metals of the ores, but I do not limit my invention either to the use or to the absence of this step. I prefer to employ the ingredients mentioned in about the proportions following, viz. : To one gallon of water I use about 3oz. of potassium cyanide, and with an equal quantity of water I mingle about loz. of potassium ferri-cyanide. To the mixture of the two solutions named I add about 5 per cent, of peroxide of hydrogen, these proportions being regarded as preferable. This matter is subject to a considerable variation, however, and I do not limit myself to any particular or special proportion. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is,— 1. In the art of separating metals from their ores the process set forth, which consists in subjecting an ore suitably comminuted to the action of a menstruum composed of potassium cyanide, potassium ferri-cyanide, and peroxide of hydrogen in water, agitating the said ore, and finally separating the values out of solution, substantially as described. 2. The fluid solvent for removing precious metals from their ores, the same consisting of potassium cyanide, potassium ferri-cyanide, and peroxide of hydrogen in water, in the proportions specified or thereabouts, substantially as described. Dated this 17th day of March, 1894. W. A. G. Biekin. Impeovements in Extbacting Gold and Silvee feom Oees and othee Compounds. I, James Alexander Walker, of Kuaotunu, in the Provincial District of Auckland, in the Colony of New Zealand, assayer, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " Improvements in extracting Gold and Silver from Ores and other Compounds," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :— My improvement refers to the extracting of gold and silver from ores and other compounds by the well-known processes such as have been patented in this colony by Messrs. Mac Arthur and Forrest by letters patent numbered 2,775 and 3,296, and known generally as the " Cassel Process." In this process the ore when powdered is treated, with a solution containing cyanogen or a cyanide in a suitable vessel, so as to dissolve the silver and gold, the ore being sometimes previously mixed with or treated with an alkaline earth. When the precious metals are dissolved they are, together with the solution, drawn or filtered off and passed through a mass of metallic zinc, finely divided, in order to recover the precious metals, and are afterwards separated from the zinc by sieving, washing, or both sieving and washing. Now, in many cases, and more especially where, as is very usual, other and baser metals and substances are mixed with the precious metals in the ore or compound, a considerable percentage of the precious metals is lost, and if more cyanide or cyanogen is used in the first instance, this evil is not diminished, probably on account of its increased action on the baser metals; but I have discovered that if a further solution of cyanogen or cyanide be added after the solution containing the precious metals has been drawn off or filtered, and before it is mixed with the zinc, then a much larger percentage of the precious metals can be saved. It is evident that the principle of my invention may be applied not only to what is commonly called the " Cassel Process," but to other and similar processes.

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Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is,— The herein-described process of adding a further solution of cyanogen or cyanide as and for the purposes substantially as described herein. Dated this 17th day of December, 1894. Henby Hughes, P.lnst. Patent Agents, Agent for the Applicant. Impeovements in Extkacting Metals with New Solvent Materials. I, John James Hood, of 1, Penchurch Avenue, in the City of London, England, chemist, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " Improvements in Extracting Metals with New Solvent Materials," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — The improvements described herein relate to metallurgical processes for the extraction of valuable metals from their ores, and have for their object, not primarily the precipitation of a more valuable metal from its solution at the expense of a less valuable metal, but the solution or dissolving of a more valuable metal by the precipitation of a less valuable one. Such improvements have regard more particularly to the precious metals —gold and silver—which, as is well known, occur frequently in their ores in a metallic state. I employ for the extraction of such metals a solution of a salt or compound of a baser metal which, on being brought into the presence of the precious metal (whether in a metallic state or otherwise), causes it to pass into solution by reason of its displacing the baser metal in the solution. The extraction of the precious metals is effected by washing the ground ores with such a solution. Taking gold as an example, I will now describe several such solutions of metallic salts as will dissolve gold, while the baser metal is precipitated, and will set forth how the solutions are prepared and worked, and the method of recovering the gold from the solutions. If metallic gold or natural auriferous ores be treated with certain solutions of salts of mercury or lead or other base metals, the gold is dissolved with great ease, the base metal being precipitated. The metal I prefer to employ is mercury, but lead does as well, and several other metals will do, though less conveniently. This preference is because the base metals, like lead, tend to form a hard covering upon the particles of gold, and so to render the further solutions of precious metals slow, whereas in the case of mercury, as it is precipitated on the particles of gold it remains fluid, and hardly, if at all, retards the solvent action of the solution employed. To prepare such an active solution in one way I take the cyanide, sulphate, chloride, or oxide of mercury, or other compound of mercury soluble in an alkaline cyanide, and dissolve it in a solution of a suitable alkaline cyanide, preferably soda or potash cyanide, or mixtures of these. Alkali, either as caustic or carbonate (by preference caustic soda), is in practice also added. If the material is being prepared for export, any insoluble matters are allowed to settle out and the clear solution is evaporated to dryness. This can readily be done, for the presence of the metallic salt prevents loss of cyanide during the evaporation. A mixture that answers well consists of two parts By weight of cyanide of potassium, or its equivalent of cyanide of sodium, one part of mercuric chloride, or its equivalent of sulphate or other mercury salt, and from one half to two parts of caustic soda. If a small quantity of this solution be placed upon gold, mercury is quickly deposited and gold goes into solution. Estimating the amount of gold dissolved for a given amount of mercuric chloride, the reaction appears to be in its first stage represented by,— 2 Au + 3 HgCl 2 = 3 Hg + Au 2 Cl 6 , or, roughly, two parts by weight of mercuric chloride employed on a quantity of auriferous quartz with an alkaline-cyanide solution will dissolve one part of gold. If pure gold be treated with the above solution and kept warm, a secondary reaction probably takes place, resulting in the amount of gold dissolved being greater, as compared with the mercuric chloride, than the above proportion. This may possibly be explained by the solvent action of the auric salt acting on the metallic gold to form an aurous salt in the presence of alkaline cyanide, just as a ferric salt will dissolve metallic iron to form a ferrous salt. To prepare another base metal for dissolving gold, for instance, lead—l take one of its compounds, such as ordinary litharge, boil it with caustic alkali to dissolve as much as possible, and mix this alkaline lead-solution with the alkaline cyanide, and employ the mixed solution as in the case of mercury. Such a solution poured upon metallic gold soon gives a black deposit of metallic lead, and gold goes into solution. These gold-solvents may be converted into solid masses and packed for export, or they may be prepared as required at the mines from the constituents. Although I have mentioned certain salts of baser metals in the preparation of my solution I do not restrict myself to these salts. I mention them because they are merely convenient and cheap salts to use in the preparation of my solution which, when prepared, consists essentially of the cyanide of an alkali with some salt of a baser metal in solution; and in all these cases the precious metal, when being dissolved, is acted upon by a solution which contains a baser metal, or some salt of a baser metal, in solution in the presence of an alkaline cyanide; and all the solutions act upon the precious metals in the same way —that is to say, by the precious metal displacing the baser metal in that solution. Instead of preparing this metallic compound in the manner above indicated, in which caustic alkali is employed, I may omit the caustic at this stage and proceed by reacting upon a soluble

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cyanide with a compound of mercury soluble therein, and, if desired, crystallizing it. The material thus obtained is employed in conjunction with caustic alkali, or, what yields better results, with a solution of alkaline cyanide. If the process be performed at the mines without the assistance of the compound previously prepared, the solutions may be formed in the vat itself and in the presence of the ore. Thus, if to an ore lying in a solution of alkaline cyanide a mercury or lead-salt soluble in such solution be added, the gold will pass into solution, displacing the baser metal; or the material may be made directly at the mines by dissolving a mercury or lead compound in alkaline cyanide just as required, employing about two ounces or more of a mercury salt for each ounce of gold. To employ any of the above-described solvent solutions the ore is ground in the usual fashion and placed inside tanks of wood, or if the tanks be of metal the inside and all the metallic connections are coated with paint, or varnished, or otherwise protected, so as to prevent the mercury salt acting upon them, and the mass of ore is washed to free it from acid bodies which would precipitate the mercury ; or the washing may be done simultaneously with the grinding. The alkalinesolvent solution is poured over the ore and allowed to run through. It is again poured over the ore and allowed to rest for several hours, and it is essential that the solution should still be alkaline as it runs from the ore. The ore is next washed, and the solutions and washings are treated in either of the following methods:— The auriferous solution is acidified with sulphuric or other acid and run over iron filings or finely-divided iron, which precipitates the gold ; or, without acidifying, I employ the highly active galvanic couple devised by the chemists Gladstone and Tribe, known as the copper-zinc couple, which may be prepared according to the methods described by them either as a wet or dry couple. The latter I prefer, as it is more suitable for export, and is made by agitating and gently heating a mixture of finely-divided copper with zinc. This highly-reducing agent plays a double office when brought into contact with the auriferous solution, as it not only reduces the gold to the metallic state, but also any excess of mercury that may be in. the solution. The zinc-copper couple acts well even in an acid solution. In the practical working of the process two rules are to be observed : Firstly, the solution is to be alkaline until the gold has displaced the baser metal and the solution has been run off the ore ; and, secondly, the alkalinity during the precipitation by the zinc-copper couple must not be so great as to prevent the precipitations taking place freely. The alkalinity may be regulated in the ordinary way by the addition of a sufficient quantity of an alkali, such as caustic soda, or by practically neutralising by acid. The above process is applicable to ores where the gold is in a metallic state, as well as to those in which it is in chemical composition with other substances. Here I would remark that by the terms " base metal " and " baser metal " I mean to denote mercury, lead, and such other metals as are displaced by metallic gold from their solutions in alkaline cyanide. If and so far as the gold is in the form of a sulphide in the ore the use of metallic salt is not required, as the sulphide of gold will pass into solution in an alkaline cyanide without any other metallic salt being present. Ido not therefore claim the above method, as applied to the purpose of the extraction of gold, when in the form of a sulphide of gold, which may be extracted or got rid of in any way desired, but only so far as the gold is in the shape of metallic gold or compound other than the sulphide; but, subject to the above limitation, I would have it understood that what I claim is,— 1. In the extraction of precious metals from their ores, the employment of a substance formed by the action of a solution of an alkaline cyanide upon a salt or compound of a baser metal soluble therein, so as to produce a displacement of the baser metal by the precious metal, which thereby passes into solution. 2. In the extraction of precious metals from their ores, the employment of a salt or compound of a baser metal in a solution of an alkaline cyanide in which it is soluble, so as to produce a displacement of the baser metal by the precious metal, which thereby passes into solution. 3. In the extraction of precious metals from their ores, dissolving precious metals by means of a solution containing both a cyanide of potassium or sodium and a salt or compound of a baser metal in solution therein, so as to produce a displacement of the baser metal by the precious metal, which thereby passes into solution. 4. The preparation for use in the extraction of precious metals from their ores or solvents, substantially as described. 5. In the extraction of precious metals from their ores, the use of a zinc-copper couple for the precipitation of precious metals from solution. Dated this 24th day of December, 1894. John James Hood. Impeovembnts in Electrolytic Apparatus foe decomposing Chloride op Sodium ob Potassium in Solution, and foe leading away the Pboducts of Decomposition. I, Trevenen James Holland, of Mount Ephraim House, Tunbridge Wells, England, Colonel, C.8., Retired List, Her Majesty ! s Army, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " Improvements in Electrolytic Apparatus for decomposing Chloride of Sodium or Potassium in Solution, and for leading away the Products of Decomposition," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — This invention relates to apparatus for decomposing solution of chloride of sodium or chloride of potassium by electrolysis, the object of the invention being directed mainly to rendering the said apparatus continuous in its action. The apparatus to which my present invention is applied consists of a tank of slate or other material suitable for electrolytic purposes, divided transversely into cells or compartments by

IMPROVED ELECTROLYTIC APPARATUS for decomposing of Sodium, or Potassium in solution.-&c. Holland's Patent.

IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF POTASSIC CYANIDE.

APPARATUS FOR LEACHING GOLD FROM ORES.

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means of partitions extending downwards into the solution to within a short distance of the bottom of the tank. These cells contain alternately the positive and negative electrodes, the positive or anode cells being covered to retain the gases liberated therein, while the negative or cathode cells are not necessarily covered, for the products of decomposition next the cathode which it is desired to save—namely, caustic soda—have a downward tendency. The partitions extending into the solution to a depth slightly below the bottom of the electrodes will be found sufficient to prevent recombination in the tank. In applying my invention to such apparatus, the tank is provided with double sides, between which are channels or chambers extending along on either side of the tank. These chambers, which may, if desired, be divided longitudinally by horizontal divisions, communicate with the compartments of the electrolytic tank through suitably arranged apertures. A supply of solution to be electrolysed is admitted through the chamber communicating with the anode compartments, while the caustic liquor is drawn off by a chamber or channel in communication with the cathode compartments near the bottom of the tank. The gases liberated at the electrodes escape also into chambers or channels communicating with the space above the level of the solution in each compartment of the tank. A tank embodying the present improvements is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section; Fig. 2is a transverse section in the line XX of Fig. I ; Fig. 3is a plan view ; Fig. 4 is a transverse section on the line yy of Fig. 1; and Fig. sis a similar view, merely intended to indicate a modified form of the negative electrode. A is the tank, of slate or other suitable material, divided into any convenient number of compartments or cells by transverse partitions extending downwardly into the solution to be electrolysed, a are the anode cells, which are covered; b are the cathode cells, which are not (in the illustration) covered. . The cells a communicate by holes c, arranged above the level of the solution (see Fig. 2), with a closed outside chamber C, which extends the whole length of the tank. This chamber G serves to lead away the gas given off at the positive electrode or anode during the progress of the electrolytic decomposition. The anode-chambers communicate also with a supply of fresh solution of chloride of sodium or potassium, which may be conveyed, through holes c 1 a little below the level of the solution in the tank, from a chamber or channel C 1 (see Fig. 2) running the entire length of the tank. The products of electrolysis, which are formed at the cathode, and have a downward tendency so as to stratify at the bottom of the tank, are led off by an aperture or apertures d communicating with the passage D, which leads to any suitable receptacle. In many cases the supply of fresh solution to the anode cells, and the removal of the gas formed therein, may be effected through one and the same passage, and in that case there are two holes in the passage at different levels, one above the level of the solution for the removal of the gas, the other just below the level for admitting a fresh supply of liquid. The cathode passage D will be as before explained. In the electrolysis of chloride of sodium solution the fresh supply may be derived in the following manner: The chamber C 1 may be charged with common salt, which will be taken up by the solution as it becomes weaker during the progress of the decomposition, and water may be added to maintain the level of the solution. In this way a saturated solution may be maintained. In the accompanying drawing I have illustrated means whereby the electrodes may be raised or lowered in the solution as required, which is a convenience under some circumstances. The chambers or passages communicating with the anode and cathode cells are, by preference, built in one structure with the tank, so as to effect an economy in the construction. In the accompanying drawing the passages are formed by providing double sides upon a single base for the whole structure, covers or horizontal divisions for the spaces between the double sides being provided as required. Having now particularly described and explained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is,— A tank to be used in the electrical decomposition of chloride of sodium or potassium in solution, having any convenient number of anode and cathode cells, formed by dividing the tank transversely by partitions extending downwardly from the covers of the anode cells to 1 a depth somewhat below the level of the electrodes, and having passages communicating respectively with the said cells for removing the products of decomposition and supplying fresh electrolyte, substantially as explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 15th day of October, 1894. Trevenen J. Holland. Impeovements in making Potassic Cyanide and Apparatus thekefob. I, William McDonnell Mac Key, of 32, Victoria Chambers, South Parade, Leeds, in the County of York, England, analytical chemist, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for "Improvements in making Potassic Cyanide and Appartus therefor," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — It is known that by treatment of alkaline compounds, such as those of potassium and carbonaceous matter, in a furnace with an air blast an alkaline cyanide such as potassic cyanide is formed, but it has hitherto been found difficult to produce it economically when the process is carried on as a furnace operation on a large or commercial scale. This invention relates to means of producing and collecting potassic cyanide, which is affected as follows :— A furnace is provided, preferably vertical, in the form of a cupola, such as is illustrated by the accompanying drawing, showing a vertical section. This furnace, which by preference has a basic

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lining, has at the bottom a tapping-hole A, somewhat above it a blast tuyere or set of tuyeres B, at a higher level another tuyere or set of tuyeres C. Between the two tuyeres there is an outlet D connected to any known suitable condensing and collecting apparatus. At the top of the furnace there is a feeding-door E, and a passage F provided with a valve or damper, which may be more or less opened as an outlet for products of combustion. This furnace is charged with carbonaceous matter, such as coal, coke, charcoal, or mixtures of these, and with potassic carbonate, or other compound of potassium which is capable of being reduced by heating with carbonaceous matter. There may be also added fluxes in order to obtain a suitable slag. On first starting, the carbonaceous matter alone is employed, using only the lower blast, and when the contents, of the furnace are sufficiently ignited the upper blast is also employed, the potassium compound is thereafter added with the fuel, the process then going on continuously. The combustion maintained by the upper blast, and the passage upwards of its products, or of a portion of them, have the effect of thoroughly drying and heating the material as it descends. The two blasts, which are preferably heated, and the outlet at the top, may be so adjusted that more or less of the products of the combustion maintained by the upper blast may descend through the material below. The potassic cyanide formed at the hot zone near the lower tuyeres, it may be also with cyanide formed near the upper tuyeres and descending therefrom, passes in a state of vapour or fume along with the other products through the lateral outlet D, to be condensed, collected, and cooled in any known manner. The furnace may be inclined. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that "what I claim is,— 1. The herein-described method of producing and collecting potassic cyanide by subjecting in a furnace a mixture of carbonaceous matter and a suitable compound of potassium to the action of the blasts from two tuyeres or sets of tuyeres, so arranged relatively to an outlet for the cyanide vapour or fume that the mixture is dried and heated by the combustion maintained by the one blast before being acted on by the combustion maintained by the other blast. 2. A furnace provided with a lower set of tuyeres B and upper set C, and an intermediate outlet P, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. Dated this 23rd day of November, 1894. W. McD. Mac Key. Impbovements in obtaining Gold and Silvbb feom Oees and othee Compounds, and Appaeatus theeefoe. I, James Nicholas, of Waterloo, in the County Palatine, of Lancaster, England, manufacturing chemist, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for "Improvements in obtaining Gold and Silver from Ores and other Compounds, and Apparatus therefor," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — This invention has principally for its object the obtaining of gold from its ores or other compounds, but it is also applicable for obtaining silver from its ores and other compounds, and it also comprises an improved process and apparatus which, while applicable to ores and other compounds generally, is effectual with ores and other compounds from which gold and silver hitherto have not been easily obtainable, because of the presence of various other metals or their compounds, or because of the physical or chemical conditions of the gold and silver in the ore or other compounds. The ore or other compound in a powdered condition is treated with oxalic acid only, or with oxalic acid in conjunction with a hypochlorite, either or both. If the ore or other compound be treated with oxalic acid only, then it is but a preliminary treatment to some other process, such as the cyanide-amalgamation or chlorination processes for the purpose of extracting gold and silver from ores and other compounds, than the process hereinafter described. But if oxalic acid is used in conjunction with a hypochlorite, then the extraction of the gold contained in the ore or other compound may be obtained in solution, the gold in it being converted into chloride of gold without the aid of any other process, while any silver which is present will be converted into chloride of silver, and will be retained in the ore or other compound which has been so treated. The method which I have adopted by preference in carrying out this invention is as follows: I reduce the ore or other compound containing gold and silver to a pulverulent condition, and then saturate it with a solution.of oxalic acid, and this Ido in the following manner : The powdered ore or other compound is conveyed into a vessel made of suitable material. This vessel is constructed with a perforated false bottom, covered with a filtering-web. This vessel is also furnished with an upright geared shaft, and to this shaft are attached arms to act as stirrers. At the bottom of these arms are placed scrapers or brushes, so arranged that when the shaft revolves in and stirs the powdered mass under treatment these scrapers or brushes will graze or lightly rub the filteringweb, and so keep open its pores, prevent clogging, and so permit the free filtration or drainage of the liquid from the ore or other compound under treatment. The vessel may also be so constructed that an arrangement to hasten filtration by suction may be adapted if desired ; and it may also be so constructed that operations in it may be conducted under pressure if pressure is deemed necessary. The pulverised ore or other compound which has been placed in the vessel is saturated with oxalicacid solution, which, for convenience, is stored in a vessel, and placed at a higher level than the first-mentioned vessel, such saturation being accomplished by either upward or downward percolation, or by both. When the ore or other compound is completely saturated with the oxalicacid solution, and shows strong acid reaction, the superfluous liquid is preferably drawn off, and liquid hypochlorite of lime (which for convenience is stored in a tank similarly placed) is caused to percolate by either upward or downward filtration, or by both, through the pulverised ore or other compound which has been saturated with the oxalic-acid solution, and this percolation of the hypochlorite of lime solution is continued, until a strong persistent chlorous odour begins to rise from the ore or other compound which is under treatment. When this chlorous odour is distinctly and persistently discernible, the flow of the hypochlorite of lime solution is arrested, and time

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allowed for the various reactions to take place, and these may be hastened by causing the shaft in the first-mentioned tank to revolve. After the lapse of a sufficient period (generally about one hour) the reactions are complete, and the liquid matter is drawn off from the powdered ore or other compound which has been under treatment by means of a cock, and run into a fourth tank, so constructed that its contents may be heated if desired by means of a steam coil or otherwise. After the liquid matter has been run off, the treated pulverised ore or compound is well washed with water, the washing being effected by water being run into the first-mentioned tank, and by causing the shaft in it to revolve. This water is next run off, and added to the liquid in the fourth tank. The precipitation of the gold, along with other matter, is then effected by adding a sufficiency of stannous chloride. This precipitation maybe hastened and perfected by heat, but heat is not necessary to be applied if a reasonable time is allowed for complete precipitation, say, twelve hours. The precipitate is collected, washed with water, dried, calcined or cupelled to get rid of foreign matter, and the gold in it is then melted and run into bars, and will be found, if the operations have been properly conducted, practically chemically pure. The ore or other compound from which the said extraction of gold has been made still contains its silver, which, being in the form of chloride of silver, has not been dissolved out by either the chlorous solution or the water, but it is recoverable by using any of the known solutions in which chloride of silver dissolves in, and then proceeding according to known means to procure it in its metallic condition. It is manifest that the operation which has been described can be varied, and similar results obtained in a variety of ways—namely, the order of saturation with the solutions may be reversed, the oxalic acid and the hypochlorite of lime, one or both, may be mixed with the pulverised or other compound in a dry, or partially dry, condition, and the reactions necessary to be obtained by saturation with water. The drawing shows the apparatus I employ. Ais the tank into which the pulverised ore is introduced, and B is a stirrer in it fixed on the axis 81,B 1 , which is caused to slowly revolve. The bottom bar of the stirrer is armed with brushes C, acting upon the horsehair filter-cloth D. Bis a cock by which the liquid is discharged into the tank ; P and G is a cock for emptying and cleaning ; H H are two tanks, one for the oxalic acid, and the other for the hypochlorite, each being provided with a stirrer H 1 and a cock and pipe J, leading the liquid into the tank A. If upward filtration is desired, the pipe J leads to the bottom of the tank A, as shown in dotted lines. X X are the test-cock. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is,— 1. In obtaining gold and silver from ores and other compounds, the use of oxalic acid as a preliminary treatment to existing processes, substantially as described. 2. In obtaining gold and silver from ores and other compounds, the use of oxalic acid and a hypochlorite, substantially as described. 3. Precipitating gold from solutions containing oxalates and chlorides by means of stannous chloride, substantially as described. 4. Obtaining gold and silver from ores and other compounds, substantially as described. 5. The apparatus for obtaining gold and silver from ores and other compounds, substantially as described and shown in the drawings. Dated this 30th day of March, 1894. James Nicholas. Impbovements in, and in Connection with, the Exteaction op Gold and Silver feom Oees oe Compounds containing the same, and in theie Eecoveey feom Solutions. I, John Cunninghame Montgomerie, of Dalmore, Stair, in the County of Ayr, Scotland, Justice of the Peace, do hereby declare that the nature of my invention for " Improvements in, and in Connection with, the Extraction of Gold and Silver from Ores or Compounds containing the same, and in their Eecovery from Solutions," and the manner in which the same is to be used, are particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement : — This invention relates, first, to the treatment of auriferous and argentiferous ores or compounds for the purpose of separating and collecting the gold or silver contained therein ; secondly, to means for rendering the filtering solution comparatively free from muddy particles; thirdly, to means for regenerating the precipitating agent used during the process of extracting the said metal or metals from the solvent solutions; and, fourthly, to the separation from the water of the cyanide of potassium or other cyanide when such solvent agent is employed. In applying my invention to the treatment of ores containing gold or silver, or gold and silver, I crush or grind the ore sufficiently fine to admit of its passing through a sieve of from forty to ninety meshes to the lineal inch, according to the nature of the ore. The pulverised ore is subsequently treated in,a barrel or vessel along with water in sufficient quantity to render the mixture of the consistency of cream or very thin mud. The water is put into the barrel or vessel, and the following chemicals added thereto : Cyanide of potassium or of sodium or other cyanide or a mixture of cyanides, sodium-oxide or its hydrate (caustic soda) or other alkaline oxide, and nitrate of soda or of potash or of ammonia or other suitable equivalent nitrate or a nitrite. To the ore I add from -|lb. to 21b. or more, as circumstances demand, of sodium-dioxide or other alkaline dioxide, and immediately charge the same into the barrel and close the inlet. The barrel is then revolved for a short time in order to thoroughly mix its contents. I prefer to let the chemicals dissolve before introducing them to the barrel; the sodium-dioxide being, however, mixed in a solid state with the ore. The barrel is then charged with air—oxygenated air or oxygen—to a pressure of from 501b. to 1001b. per square inch. When oxygen is used, sodium-dioxide is not required ; with some ores, air or oxygen under pressure is not needed when sodium-dioxide is employed, in which

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case the ore may be treated in tanks, with or without agitation. When there is no agitation it is preferable to allow the solvent liquid to percolate through the mass of ore repeatedly ; the liquid as it passes away being fed back to the surface of the ore until the precious metals are suffificiently dissolved. Under such procedure the sodium-dioxide, instead of being mixed with the ore, may be dissolved in the solvent solution in very small quantities at a time, so as to prevent any violent action or great loss of oxygen occurring. By way of example, a refractory ore of a muddy character, containing Boz. of gold and 50oz. of silver per ton, may be treated with 101b. of cyanide of potassium, 101b. of caustic soda, and 71b. of nitrate of soda, with ljlb. of sodium-dioxide added to the ore. These proportions should, however, be varied considerably with different descriptions of ore ; the most suitable proportions being readily determined by experiment. Should the other chemicals mentioned be employed, the same proportions may be used. The barrel is then again revolved and maintained in motion until the precious metals are dissolved; with average ores the time occupied being from four to six hours. The barrel is thereupon emptied, the contents filtered and washed, and the solution treated in any known manner for the separation of the precious metals; an important advantage, resulting from the use of a nitrate or nitrite as hereinbefore described, is that the liquid filtered from the tailings is tolerably free from muddy particles, any matter left in suspension settling quickly, so that charcoal used as precipitant is not liable to become choked by sediment. I have found with many ores that, when cyanide alone is used, the liquid is very muddy, and takes weeks or even months to settle; whereas a solvent solution containing a nitrate or nitrite becomes fairly clear in a day or so after filtration from the tailings. In treating the liquid received from the filters, and containing the precious metals in solution, as also the unused solvent and other chemical agents employed, I pass the said liquid through a filter containing charcoal, preferably wood charcoal, or through a series of such filters, the construction of which is hereinafter more particularly referred to. When dealing with a chlorine gold solution it has hitherto been the practice to burn the charcoal when it fails in its precipitating action, and forthwith to proceed with the recovery of the precious metals therefrom. Instead of following this course I place the charcoal in a retort, and distill off any moisture or volatisable matter it may contain, bringing it, if necessary, to a red heat or nearly so. After having been allowed to cool, the charcoal, still containing the precious metals, is returned to the filter, and re-used for the precipitation of a further quantity of the precious metals. Instead of removing the charcoal from the filter and charging the same into retorts for the purpose of regeneration it may be treated in situ by passing there through superheated steam, air, carbonic acid gas or nitrogen, or other suitable gas, at such a temperature as to drive off the water and other volatilisable matter ; in order to cool the charcoal quickly for re-use, I pass air or other gas in a cool state through the filter. When air or other gas capable of supporting combustion is employed care must be taken not to apply the same at such a temperature, or whilst the charcoal is at such a temperature, as would result in combustion. The above-described process of regeneration in retort or by superheated steam, air, or other gas is repeated whenever the charcoal fails to perform its functions, and until it becomes so charged with the precious metals that it is no longer capable of acting satisfactorily as a precipitant; whereupon it may be used as fuel for heating the retorts or the steam, air, or gas heaters. The carbonic acid yielded at this stage may be applied to the purpose hereinbefore referred to. Finally, the ashes are collected and the gold and silver extracted therefrom by smelting or by amalgamation. In constructing a charcoal filter adapted for use in my improved process, I employ an iron vessel containing wood charcoal in a powdered or granulated state (capable of passing through a fin.-mesh sieve) about 2ft. thick and lightly rammed. The vessel is provided with a false bottom covered with asbestos or other non-combustible fabric or material. A sheet of asbestos cloth or perforated iron is also placed upon the top of the charcoal to prevent it from floating, and to protect it against disturbance. The filter is closed with a removable top, and is furnished with pipeconnections for the liquid, and for the gas admitted for regenerative purposes. No claim is, however, made in respect of this construction or of the particular details. Where, owing to the presence of much fine ore in the solution, there is a tendency for the filter to clog, the solution may, prior to its arrival in the charcoal filter, be passed through a mechanical filter of any suitable description, or the solution may be run into tanks and allowed to stand till the matter in suspension is precipitated. If it be desired to extract substantially the whole of the cyanide as well as the precious metals, percolation should be allowed to take place slowly through a dense mass of charcoal. Under such circumstances the effluent is rendered fit for discharge to a watercourse. Two or more filters may be used in succession. If it be required to save the cyanide, a less dense filter is employed and more rapid action permitted, in which case the water escaping from the filter contains cyanide in solution. Such cyanide solution may be re-used in washing tailings, or, after fortification with cyanide, in the treatment of ore. By the hereinbefore described method of dealing with auriferous and argentiferous solutions in charcoal filters, and by the repeated regeneration of the charcoal without extracting the precious metals contained therein, the contamination of the said metals which takes place when a zinc percolator is employed is avoided, the action is more expeditious, and the cyanide can either be removed altogether from the liquid or to a large extent saved for further use. Having now particularly described and explained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I would have it known that I do not claim any exclusive right to the employment in the extraction of the precious metals of cyanide of potassium or other cyanogen-yielding agent, or alkali or alkaline oxide, or nitrate or nitrite; neither do I claim the exclusive use of charcoal as a precipitating agent; nor do I claim the treatment of the mixture of ore and solvent in the presence of oxygen or of air under pressure; but I declare that what I claim is,—

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1. The improved process of extracting gold and silver from ores and compounds containing the same, substantially as herein described; and consisting in mixing with the pulverised ore or compound sodium-dioxide or other alkaline dioxide, and charging this mixture into a barrel or vessel containing water holding in solution cyanide of potassium or other cyanide, together with sodiumoxide or other alkaline oxide, or a hydrate of an alkaline oxide, and nitrate of soda or other nitrate or a nitrite, and allowing the chemicals to act on the ore until the precious metals are sufficiently dissolved. 2. The improved process of extracting gold and silver from ores or compounds containing the same, substantially as herein described; and consisting in charging the pulverised ore or compound into a barrel or vessel containing water holding in solution cyanide of potassium or other cyanide, sodium-dioxide or other alkaline dioxide, sodium-oxide or other alkaline oxide, or a hydrate of an alkaline oxide, and nitrate of soda or other nitrate or a nitrite, and allowing the chemicals to act on the ore until the precious metals are sufficiently dissolved. 3. The improved process of extracting gold and silver from ores and compounds containing the same, substantially as herein described; and consisting in mixing with the pulverised ore or compound sodium-dioxide or other alkaline dioxide, charging the mixture into a barrel or vessel containing water holding in solution cyanide of potassium or other cyanide, sodium-oxide or other alkaline oxide, or a hydrate of an alkaline oxide, and nitrate of soda or other nitrate or a nitrite, closing the barrel or vessel and forcing air, oxygenated air or oxygen, the contents being then agitated until the precious metals are sufficiently dissolved. 4. The improved process of extracting gold and silver from ores and compounds containing the same, substantially as herein described; and consisting in charging the pulverised ore or compound into a barrel or vessel containing water holding in solution cyanide of potassium or other cyanide, sodium-oxide or other alkaline oxide, or a hydrate of an alkaline oxide, and nitrate of soda or other nitrate or a nitrite, closing the barrel or vessel and forcing in air, oxygenated air or oxygen, the contents being then agitated until the precious metals are sufficiently dissolved. 5. The improved method of working a charcoal filter employed for separating precious metals from a solution, the same consisting in regenerating the charcoal without removing the precious metal therefrom, by heating the charcoal in situ or otherwise in order to drive off volatilisable matter, substantially as herein described. 6. In the extraction from auriferous and argentiferous solutions of the precious metals contained therein, repeatedly employing the same body of charcoal for filtering successive charges of solution, and until that body becomes saturated with the precious metals, the active properties of the charcoal being occasionally restored or regenerated by subjecting it to a suitably high temperature. 7. In the treatment of auriferous and argentiferous cyanide solutions for the extraction of the precious metals and of the cyanide contained therein, the employment of a charcoal filter, or series of charcoal filters, substantially as herein described, and whereby the said metals and the cyanide may be either simultaneously or successfully extracted from the solution, the active properties of the charcoal being occasionally restored or regenerated, as herein set forth. Dated this Bth day of March, 1894. John C. Montgomeeie. Improvements in the Extraction of Gold and Silver and in Solvents of these Metals. I, Dr. Albrecht Schmidt, of 170-171, Miiller Strasse, Berlin, Germany, chemist, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " Improvements in the Extraction of Gold and Silver and in Solvents of those Metals," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: —■ This invention relates to the extraction of gold and silver from ores containing one or both of these metals, and further to new and improved solvents for gold and silver. Weak solutions of cyanide of potassium have hitherto been employed for the extraction of gold from ores, but such extraction proceeds but slowly, more especially when the gold is not finely distributed in the ores. According to my said invention, I considerably reduce the time required for extracting gold and silver from ores by employing a solution of cyanide of potassium to which a persulphate has been added, such addition having no oxidizing or other deleterious action on the said cyanide of potassium solution, and not impeding the processes to be subsequently employed for the recovery of the metal from the solution. The composition of the persulphates may be expressed by the general formula: E' 2 , S 2 , O e , or E", S 2 , 08,O 8 , in which formula E' signifies a monovalent metal and E" a divalent one (f.i. NH 4 , Ca, Na, &c). The extraction of gold and silver from ores according to my improved process may be performed at ordinary or at elevated temperatures, and may be put in practice, for example, in suitable leach-ing-tanks, such as those at present in use for the extraction of gold from ores by the existing cyanide of potassium process, I prefer to carry out my process in the presence of an excess of hydrate or carbonate of alkali or alkaline earth. In order to practically perform the process of extraction according to the present invention it is advantageous to employ ab initio a compound of cyanide of potassium with a persulphate and with hydrate or carbonate of alkali or alkaline earth, since simple mixtures of cyanide of potassium with persulphate are not maintainable for a sufficiently long time. The above described solvent for gold and silver may practically be obtained in a solid state, f.i., in the following manner : —• Ten parts of carbonate of potassium, forty parts of persulphate of potassium, and fifty parts of powdered cyanide of potassium are ground to a uniform mass. The above proportions are by weight. This compound is permanent, and is dissolved when required. 30—C. 3.

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Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is,— 1. The employment of the persulphates in the process of extracting gold and silver from ores by means of cyanide of potassium, substantially as hereinbefore described. 2. A solvent for gold and silver, consisting of a compound of cyanide of potassium with a persulphate and with hydrate or carbonate of alkali or alkaline earth. 3. The extraction of gold and silver from ores by treating the same with a solution of cyanide of potassium in the presence of a persulphate and of an excess of hydrate or carbonate of alkali or alkaline earth. 4. The extraction of gold and silver from ores by first compounding cyanide of potassium with persulphate and with hydrate or carbonate of alkali or alkaline earth, then dissolving such compound and treating the ore with the solution thus obtained. Dated this 23rd day of March, 1895. Dr. Albbecht Schmidt. Witness.—Richard Schmidt, Grossgorschenstrasse, Berlin. An Impboved Pbocess fob the Treatment of Aubifebous and Certain otheb Metallifebods Oees. I, John James Christmas, of Adelaide, in the Province of South Australia, mining agent, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " An Improved Process for the Treatment of Auriferous and Certain other Metalliferous Ores," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement : — My invention relates to the extraction of gold and certain other metals from their ores, such as silver, platinum, or other metals of like character, to which this particular class of process is suitable. The term "ores "is intended to briefly indicate crude ore, tailings, slimes, concentrates, or blanketings. For the purpose of carrying my invention into effect an iron pan is provided filled with melted lead, kept at a high temperature by means of furnace-heat applied underneath the pan. The ore, in a finely-divided and dry state, is introduced below the surface of the lead by means of suitable tubes depending from a hopper, and each provided with an internal revolving screw-feed. The special feature of my invention consists essentially in sprinkling upon, or otherwise damping or mixing with the ore prior to its introduction into the lead-bath, a mineral hydro-carbon, either in the form of oil, powder, or gas. In practice it is found that about two to four gallons of kerosene, or an equivalent quantity of finely-divided solid hydro-carbon, is sufficient for each ton of ore. The quantity, however, varies according to the class of ore under treatment. By the addition of the hydro-carbon oxidation of the lead is prevented, and the bath readily takes up the gold or other metal contained in the ore. The operation can be worked continuously, the tailings floating on the surface of the bath and passing off through shoots provided for the purpose in the sides of the pan. As soon as the lead has become saturated with metal it is drawn off through the shoots in the side of the pan provided for the purpose, and the matte treated for the separation of its several metallic contents in any ordinary or well-known manner. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is— The herein-described process for the extraction of certain metals from their ores, consisting essentially of first moistening or mixing a mineral hyro-carbon with the crushed ore subsequently passing the same into the body and below the surface of the pan or bath of molten lead. Dated this 26th day of June, 1895. Henet Hughes, F.Aust.lnst. Patent Agents, Agent for the Applicant.

PULVBBISING MACHINERY. An Improved Eotaby Grinding and Pulverising Machine. I, Eichard Durrant Langlay, of Brighton, in the Province of South Australia, engineer and cement manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " An Improved Botary Grinding and Pulverising Machine," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — This invention has reference to means for crushing and grinding or pulverising ores or other materials in a wet or in a dry state, and the machine hereinafter described has been designed to economize power and secure the perfect reduction of material as aforesaid. The principle of my invention is the utilisation of the weight of an upper part of the machine for the purpose of securing greater attrition in the action of a lower set of rollers, and I have illustrated and described a machine by which this result may be conveniently and economically attained. This is effected by having an upper and a lower pan and accompanying rollers worked, by a vertical shaft, the upper pan receiving the ore or material first, and its rollers partly reducing it, whence the crushed ore is conveyed to the lower pan, where the lower rollers reduce it to the ultimate fineness required. The upper pan, which is supported by legs or brackets resting upon the axles of the lower rollers, encircles the main shaft of the machine, and is free to slide up and down, but is provided with a key or feather, so that it is rotated with the shaft. The rollers of the upper pan are supported upon axles which have no radial motion, but are free to slide up and down guides in the main frame. The lower rollers are moved round in the grooves of the lower pan, which is stationary, by axles attached to the central vertical shaft. The machine is so constructed that the weight of the upper part is utilised as hereinafter described for the ultimate grinding of the material by the lower rollers, thereby reducing the weight required in the lower rollers themselves, and, consequently, the power and weight of metal required to secure the quick and

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fine reduction of material to ultimate fineness. The pressure upon the material in the lower pan is increased or lessened by— (a) using the total weight of the upper rotary pan and all rollers ; (b) using the weight of the upper rotary pan and the lower rollers; (c) using the weight of the lower rollers only. In order that my invention may be clearly understood I will now describe the machine by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Pig. 1 is a side view, half an outside view, and half a vertical section ; Fig. 2 is an end view partly in section ; Fig. 3 is a plan view, partly a section through upper roller, partly a view of underside of upper pan, partly a view of the bed-plate, and partly a view of the lower pan ; Kg. 4 is a section of the lower roller, and of the lower pan and bed-plate; Fig. sis a plan partly over upper pan and rollers, and partly over lower pan and rollers. Figs. 6 and 7 are cross section, and side-view respectively, of the driving-boss of the lower rollers. Within a suitable frame A is a central vertical shaft B, which has at the top a bevel wheel B 1 driven by suitable gearing, the bottom being supported in a footstep or bearing 82.B 2 . A lower pan C is fixed at the base of the machine, and is stationary, being provided with two annular grooves C l , C 2, round which the rollers DDDD are carried by means of the axles MM. These are secured to the central shaft B by a driving-boss W by a hinge connection, which allows them to move a little vertically. The boss W encircles the shaft, and is secured thereto, and is provided with sockets, in which the ends of the axles are secured by horizontal pins. Above the lower rollers is an upper pan E, which encircles the central shaft B, and is so fitted as to be free to slide up and down the shaft, but is provided with a feather or key, so that it is rotated with the shaft. This upper pan is supported upon two legs or brackets EB, which rest upon the axles M, Mof the lower rollers. The rollers FF, of the upper pan are fitted upon axles SS, which do not have a radial motion, but are supported in bearings S l , S 2 , and S 3 . The bearing S 1 encircles the central shaft B, and is free to move up and down, while the bearings S 2 and S 3 move up and down in slots in the frame A. The method of operation of my machine is as follows : The ore or material to be reduced is fed through a spout or hopper into the upper panE, where it is rapidly crushed between the faces of the rollers F F and the face of the pan. After being crushed, suitable scrapers, which are fixed upon the stationary bars G, come into operation and scrape the broken material through openings E 1 in the inner face of the pan, whence it falls upon the cone H, which deflects it, so that it falls between the lower rollers into the grooves C 1 C a in which they work, and is there ground to the requisite degree of fineness. After being ground the material is pushed through op.enings C 3in the inner sides of the grooves C 1 and C 2 by suitable scrapers fixed upon bars X secured to the driving-boss W of the lower rollers, and rotating with it. The material falls into a hopper or chute, and thence, by an elevator, it is carried to a centrifugal or other separator or sieves, where any portions not sufficiently ground are eliminated and returned to the pan for further reduction. I prefer to work the machine as above described, but in dealing with certain kinds of material it may not be necessary to use all the weight upon the lower rollers. For some material the weight of the lower rollers alone may be sufficient, in which case I support the upper pan, with its rollers, upon a collar, or clamp N (see Fig. 1) secured to the central shaft B. This collar or clamp may be in two or more parts, bolted together and held in position by set-screws or cottars, as preferred. When not thus used, the collar or clamp is secured lower down the shaft. For other material it may be preferred to use the weight of the upper pan without that of its rollers. This is accomplished by supporting the axles of the upper rollers from the top of the frame by means of the brackets or straps P (see Fig. 1) at a sufficient height to still allow them to operate in the upper pan. When greater pressure is required upon the lower rollers, the nuts P 1 are slackened until all the weight, or any desired portion of it, is taken by the pan. Thus, by the use of my one machine, the hardest material may be reduced to fine powder, and work thereby accomplished which generally requires the use of two or more machines, and great economy is effected in the operation. All the working parts are so designed as to be easily, quickly, and economically replaced, and the machines can be made of any size and weight required. The whole of my grinding machine is enclosed within a dust-proof casing, whilst all the driving-gear is above the same, so that the driving-gear is entirely free from dust and grit, and the wear consequently thereon. I do not confine myself to the precise number and shape of rollers, or of the pans and grooves therein, nor to the means of adjusting the weight and bearing of the upper parts, nor to any particular means of rotating the vertical shaft, nor to other details of construction which may be varied without departing from my invention, but— Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is,— 1. In crushing, grinding, or pulverising machinery, two circular pans provided with rollers, one pan and its rollers underneath the other pan and its rollers, the lower rollers carrying the weight of the upper pan and rollers, or of the upper pan, for the purpose set forth. 2. In crushing, grinding, or pulverising machinery, an upper rotary pan provided with legs resting upon the azles of a lower set of rotary rollers, as and for the purpose set forth. 3. In crushing, grinding, or pulverising machinery, an adjustable collar or clamp upon a vertical shaft for the purpose of supporting the weight of an upper pan, or of allowing the weight thereof to rest upon the lower axles as and when required, substantially as described. 4. In crushing, grinding, or pulverising machinery, brackets or straps whereby the axles of the upper rollers are raised and supported for the purpose of removing or reducing the pressure upon the lower axles as and when required, substantially as described.

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5. In crushing, grinding, or pulverising machinery, the combination of a vertical shaft with a pair of upper rollers FF, a pair of straps such as P, an upper pan E, a collar or clamp N, a lower set of rollers DDDD, and lower pan C, substantially as described in the foregoing specification and illustrated in the drawings. Dated this 13th day of December, 1894. Henby Hughes, F.Aust.lnst. P.A., Agent for Applicant. A New and Impeoved Gold-saving Machine. I, William Henry Dawson, of Callan Park, Balmain, in the Colony of New South Wales, warder, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for "A New and Improved Gold-saving Machine," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — My invention relates to machines for saving gold and other metals from all decomposed alluvial matter (including crushed ores, sand, gravels, and clays) in which the same are to be found. Gold-saving machines usually have the matter to be treated placed in the machines at some elevated point, and after treatment the mullock and tailings come out at a lower point, leaving the gold and other metals in the machine, the course of matter under treatment being a downward one. My machine, owing to the peculiar construction of a cylinder and its parts shown in Fig. 2, throws the mullock and tailings out at a higher point than that at which the matter under treatment flows into the said cylinder, and the gold and other valuable metals are collected at the bottom of the same cylinder, thus affording a more secure method of saving gold and other valuable metals, having a greater density than is usual in mullock and tailings, and doing away with the necessity of regulating the flow of water. The manner in which my invention is to be constructed, and a concise description of the drawings lodged herewith, are as follows : — The frame is made of wood or any other material. The hopper A (Fig. 1) is constructed of malleable or cast iron, is stationary, and is fitted inside cylinder B to C (Fig. 1), which is also constructed .of malleable or cast iron. This cylinder is made up of two parts rivetted together as shown on Fig. 4. At B, Fig. 1, there is a collar of angle-iron round the cylinder. This cylinder revolves round hopper on stationary shaft D to E, Fig. 1, at the points a and c, which are fitted on internal bearings, screw-shaped. On the cylinder is a flanged iron groove, and the motive-power required here is obtained by a belt, as shown on Fig, 1, connected to the main working gear. The shaft D to E, Fig. 1, is secured by pins at D and E, rivetted to the shaft D to E, and running the whole length and inside of cylinder. Bto C, Fig. 1, are screw-shaped teeth made of malleable iron. A small handle fitted on shaft at E is used for revolving the said shaft and teeth, when the teeth require cleaning and after removing the pins at D and E. F, Fig. 1, is a hood fitted on shaft DtoE at point shown on plan to assure the true course of material under treatment, and may be constructed of any material. G, Fig. 1, is a grating made of iron ribs wired as shown on Fig. 2, revolving on shaft, the motive-power of which is obtained as shown on Fig. 3. H, Fig. 1, is a stationary funnel made of malleable iron held in position by lugs in a circular collar bolted to frame, as shown at h in Fig. 4. X, Fig. 1, is a revolving bell-shaped cylinder made of malleable or cast iron. This cylinder is fitted to a plate of iron pinned to vertical shaft as best shown in Fig. 3. Inside the said cylinder are one or more electro-plated spiral scrolls shown in Fig. 3, marked L, which extend from the bottom to the top of the said cylinder. The said spiral scrolls are dropped in the said cylinder and then fastened at points I and can be either held in position by the velocity of the cylinder or rivetted to the cylinder. At the bottom of the said cylinder are three rings of malleable iron, and on the top is a similar ring. The bottom of the said cylinder has a cant in it, and is provided with a trap-door. M, Fig. 5, is a shoot to receive mullock and tailings. N, Fig 3, is the point at which motive-power for the whole machine is applied, and is accelerated by means of cog-wheels. The power may be hand, steam, or of any other description, regard being had to the resources of the worker. The manner of using my invention: — The matter to be treated is put into machine at hopper A (Fig. 1) and is passed through the revolving cylinder B to C (Fig. 1) by means of a flush of water. While the matter under treatment passes through this cylinder it is broken up by teeth on shaft a to b, Fig. 1; The bearings a and b are screw-shaped, to assist passage of matter under treatment. The hood F, Fig. 1, assures a true passage of stuff into cylinder below and prevents splashing and loss of material. When matter under treatment flows into bell-shaped screen G, Fig. 1, the stones, dirt, and gravel are thrown out into the shoot M, Fig. 5, the coarser gold being retained, and the fine stuff passing through screen into funnel H, falls into bottom of bell-shaped cylinder K. The remaining gold and other metals are retained there, and the balance of stones, dirt, gravel, and other lighter substances are thrown out by the circular velocity of the cylinder into shoot M, Fig. 5. The gold and other valuable metals are then removed through the trap-door. The cylinder can be used with or without the screen in treating sand and crushed ore, and the cylinder can be used with or without quicksilver. Having thus described the nature of my said invention and the mode of using the same, I would have it understood that Ido not confine myself to any shape or size for my machine. I also wish it to be understood that the spiral scrolls can be either electro-plated or not; but I prefer to use the electro-plated ones. I would also have it understood that X, Fig. 1 (which I have throughout this specification described as a semi-vertical cylinder), may be either horizontal, vertical, or at any angle between the horizontal and vertical; but I prefer the semi-vertical cylinder shown on the plans lodged herewith. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is—

IMPROVED ROTARY GRINDING AND PULVERISING MACHINE Labgkey's Patent.

NEW & IMPROVED GOLD-SAVING MACHINE.

IMPROVED CRUSHER & PULVERIZER. Lenz & Paynter's Patent.

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My improved gold-saving machine consists of the combination of (1) a revolving cylinder, having an internal shaft provided with stationery screw-shaped teeth or tines, (2) a deflecting hood, (3) a grating revolving on a vertical shaft, (4) a stationary funnel, and (5) a revolving bell-shaped cylinder containing one or more electro-plated spiral scrolls and one or more true rings extending from bottom to top; all constructed and operating substantially as herein described and explained. Dated this 4th day of August, 1894. W. H. Dawson. An Impkoved Ckusher and Pulveeiseb. We, Gustaf Frederick Phillip Lenz, engineer, and William Paynter, pattern-maker, both of Gawler, in the Province of South Australia, do hereby declare the nature of our invention for " An Improved Crusher and Pulveriser," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — This invention is for the purpose of enabling any ore or material to be effectually and economically broken or crushed and ground or pulverised. This has heretofore been done by the use of two or more machines or operations and intermediate transference either by hand or mechanical means. By our invention the one machine reduces the ore or material from large pieces to a fine powder. This is accomplished by two jaws, each of which has a separate and peculiar motion imparted to it in the manner hereinafter described, the motions being adjusted so as to accomplish the desired result. Fig. 1 is a side elevation of our improved crusher and pulveriser with the side plate removed; Kg. 2is a cross-section at the centre of the machine; Fig. 3is a plan The essential feature of the machine is the pair of jaws, B and 81,B 1 , which are pivotted in bearing-blocks C and (J 1 respectively, and which are operated by the handle or lever F by means of the links G, D, and D 1 and the levers E and E l . These several parts are supported in a suitable frame—that shown in the drawings consisting of end-plates A and A B , and side-plates A 1 and A 2, held together by strong wrought-iron bolts A 4 and A 6. Each of the jaws B and B 1 is constructed in the form of a sector of a circle, the arc forming the crushing-face. The upper portion of the crushing-face has teeth or grooves formed in it, but the lower portion is plain. This crushing-face may be formed on the jaw, or removable chilled plates may be used secured to the jaws by bolts or other approved means. Each of the jaws is pivotted in a block Cor C l , which bears against an adjustable wedge provided with a bolt and nut C 3 or C 3, so that the faces of the jaws may be adjusted or brought nearer together as desired. Each of the jaws is provided wich a link Dor D l , the other end of which is connected to a pair of levers E and E 1 pivotted to the frame in a suitable position, while the other end of the levers E and E 1 is connected by a link G with the short end of the handle, bar, or lever F, which is also suitably pivotted to the frame. Above the jaws is a feed-hopper J l , and below is a chute Kto deliver the pulverised material at the side of the machine. The method of operation is as follows : The ore or material to be treated is placed in the hopper J l , through which it passes to the jaws. The lever handle F being pushed by the operator towards the hopper, the link G lifts the levers E and E l , and thereby the links D and D l , which open the jaws B and B 1 to receive the lumps of ore. On pulling the handle F from the hopper the levers E and E 1 are forced down and the upper portions of the jaws are closed towards each other, crushing the ore between the toothed parts of the top. The crushed material passes down to the smooth faces of the lower parts of the jaws, and here the ore is subjected to a grinding action in the following manner : Each of the faces of the jaws is an arc of a circle, the centre of which is the pivot in the block Cor G 1 ; and, owing to the link D being pivotted in the levers E and E 1 at a greater distance than the link D 1 from this fulcrum, it will be seen that the jaw B will move more rapidly than the jaw 81,B 1 , and this difference of rate of motion causes the faces of the lower parts of the jaws to grind or finely pulverise the crushed material, and allow nothing to pass through but what is ground to the uniform fineness regulated by setting the jaws. The pulverised material passes through on to the chute X, and is delivered at the side of the machine. The machine illustrated, which is suited to be carried in a vehicle, might be worked by attaching an eccentric or cam to the hub of the wheel or vehicle, and connections made from the eccentric or cam to the levers E and E l , whereby on rotating the wheel of the vehicle the machine would be operated. In the foregoing specification, and in the drawings, we have described a portable machine adapted to be worked by a hand-lever, but we do not limit ourselves to this or any one means of communicating the desired motion to the jaws, since by the application in the place of the handle F of a shaft and pulley, and eccentric, or other suitable adjuncts, the jaws may be operated by steam or other motive-power. The size and strength of parts would be increased accordingly to the capacity required and the power employed, but otherwise the machine would be constructed in the same manner as illustrated and described. In the case of very large machines, in place of the levers E and E 1 and links D and D l , each of the jaws B and B 1 might be operated by means of a shaft through the jaw, and operating it by an eccentric or cam either in direct contact with the jaw or connected to the same by a link, the cams or eccentrics being set or formed in such a manner as to give one jaw a more rapid motion than the other. Suitable dispositions of the parts and alterations to the frame to carry out this will suggest themselves to any competent engineer, but the method which we prefer and consider the best for actuating the jaws is that shown in the drawings. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we claim is— 1. In breaking, crushing, and pulverising appliances and processes, the employment of a pair of jaws, both of which have motion imparted to them, and so arranged that they can receive large pieces of ore or material, and break, crush, and pulverise the same without handling, in approximately speaking, one operation.

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2. In a breaking, crushing, or pulverising machine, the employment of two jaws consisting of sectors of rollers and oscillated upon their respective axes, so that the faces formed by the arcs of the jaws act as and for the purposes described. 3. In crushing and pulverising machine, a pair of jaws, the top Darts of which act as rockbreakers or crushers, and the lower parts of which act as grinders or pulverisers, one of such jaws having a faster motion than the other. 4. A breaking, crushing, and pulverising machine, consisting of a pair of jaws having the top parts of their faces formed as breakers or crushers, and the lower parts of their faces formed as grinders or pulverisers, and having a higher rate of motion imparted to one jaw than to the other substantially, as fully set forth in the within specification, and illustrated in the drawings herewith. Dated this 13th day of September, 1894. Henry Hughes, Agent for Applicants. An Impeoved Machine or Apparatus for Pulverising or Eeducing Gold-bearing Quartz or Ores or Other Hard Substances. I, Edward Waters, of No. 131, Willam Street, Melbourne, in the Colony of Victoria, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " An Improved Machine or AjDparatus for Pulverising or Eeducing Gold-bearing Quartz or Ores or other Hard Substances," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — The object of this invention is to provide machines and apparatus for pulverising or reducing gold-bearing quartz or ores or other hard substances, and has more especially for its object to provide a machine or apparatus which will act in a very efficient manner, and which is of comparatively saaall first cost, and capable of acting with a minimum of wear of its operating parts. I will describe the invention with reference to the accompanying drawing. Kg. lis a vertical section, Fig. 2 an end elevation, and Fig. 3 a plan of a machine made in accordance with this invention. Figs. 4 and 5 show larger detail views of the arrangements for admitting water to the apparatus. The machine or apparatus consists of a disc A, constituting a conical grinding path, and of rollers B, which act in conjunction with the said disc A, to effect the pulverising or reduction of the ore or material under treatment, the said disc A and rollers B being each in the form of a cone, or of a frustrum of a cone, so proportioned to each other that their surface-speeds throughout their meeting-line are the same at any given point. The said disc A and rollers B are situated in a vessel or receiver C, into which the material to be acted upon is fed by any suitable means, the said receiver or vessel C having an inlet or inlets for water at or towards its lower part, and an outlet or outlets at or near its upper part for light refuse freed from precious metal. The inlet or inlets for water is or are made preferably through the bearing or bearings of the axis or axes of the disc A and rollers B by the pipes d and passages d 2, and thence by a passage d s around each axle out by an opening or holes d*, into the interior of the receiver or vessel C, as shown clearly in Figs. 4 and 5. The material to be operated upon is pulverised or reduced between the disc A and rollers B, and heavy portions or precious metals pass downwards, and may be amalgamated by mercury introduced into the lower part of the apparatus, the light, finely-divided matter from which the heavier portions or precious metals have been separated being carried up by the water and out by an outlet or by outlets at or towards the upper part of the receptacle or vessel G. The disc A and rollers B may both be positively rotated, but it is preferred to rotate the rollers B by pulleys b, and cause them to rotate the disc A, the said disc A and rollers B being preferably pressed together by weights or springs adjustable to give the requisite pressure. The conical disc A is carried by a stem a passing through a stuffing-box c, the stem being mounted in ■ a cross-bar B, having an upward pressure exerted by springs e 2 acting on rods c attached to its ends. Through stuffing-boxes b 2 project two shafts V, their inner ends being secured to the aforesaid conical rollers B, which bear on the aforesaid disc A, the outer parts of the shafts carrying the pulleys b or other gearing by which they are driven, and being supported in bearings as shown. The inlet for the material to be operated upon enters the vessel or receptacle, and the water is admitted at the axes of the rollers, as hereinbefore described. The vessel or receptacle C is provided below the acting surfaces of the disc A and rollers B with an outlet./ (or outlets) by which the heavy deposited portions or precious metals can be drawn off as required, and above there may be provided another outlet g (or outlets), by which heavy gangue or sludge can be removed. C 2 is an inclined trough for receiving the overflow to conduct it to an outlet pipe or channel. It will be understood that there may be one, two, or more rollers B acting in conjunction with the disc A. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is— 1. The arrangement and combination of parts constituting the pulverising or reducing machine, or apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described, and illustrated by the accompanying drawings. 2. In pulverising or reducing machines or apparatus, the combination of a conical grinding surface, and a grinding roller or grinding rollers, enclosed in a casing, and with an inlet for water from below, and an exit therefor from above, substantially as hereinbefore described. Dated this 16th day of August, 1894. Edward Waters.

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AMALGAMATING AND GONGENTEATING AURIFEROUS ORBS. Improvements in the Construction and Method of Opbeating Electrical Apparatus for the Treatment op Ores containing Gold and other Precious Metals, and for Amalgamating THE SAME. I, William Joseph Weeden, of Sydney, in the Colony of New South Wales, engraver, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " Improvements in the Construction and Method of operating Electrical Apparatus for the Treatment of Ores containing Gold and other Precious Metals, and for Amalgamating the same," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement : — My invention has reference to that class of gold and precious metal-saving appliances in which electricity is used as the primary agent for separating the gold or other metals from thenores. It is understood that particles of ore held in suspension, or moved by a current of water, are subject to the influence of an electric current, so that the precious metals are dissociated from the soluble portion of the ore, but the particles of gold or other precious metals so influenced, it has been ascertained, are extremely light, and are only partially subject to the means hitherto employed for saving the same, such means being in the form of apparatus consisting of plates, peculiarly arranged, revolving electrodes, bands, rods, suspended carbons, carbon rollers, "wires—movable and stationary—copper plates electrically charged, and the like. Where these have been used as conductors they have been found to serve their purposes only partially by livening the mercury, but without retarding and wholly gathering the light gold or precious metals. In this invention I claim so to construct and operate my apparatus that after dissociating the gold or other precious metals from the soluble portion of the ore, it is retarded and collected upon certain parts of my apparatus in the form of amalgam, and by the same devices it is also, at other parts of the apparatus, precipitated into mercury baths placed at intervals where required. By the use of my apparatus the finer particles of precious metals contained in slimes, and also what is known as float gold are successfully treated, and saved within the apparatus. My apparatus is alike applicable to the treatment of ores containing platinum and gold, also antimony'for the recovery of gold therefrom, also for treating pyrites for the recovery of gold. For the treatment of the latter the pyrites are first roasted, then ground, and afterwards passed through my apparatus for electrical treatment. To treat antimony it is simply pulverised and passed through the apparatus. In treating the various classes of ore referred to, I find it unnecessary to use chemical solvents or solutions, as I have found a flowing current of water, charged with the pulverised particles of ore, when brought in contact first with one part of the apparatus and then with another part of the apparatus, is sufficient to effect the desired object of saving precious metals. If, however, salts or alkaline or the like were used in conjunction with my apparatus, we consider such process as forming part of my invention, as the results obtained—that is, the collection of the precious metals —would be identically the same. I construct my apparatus in any suitable form; it may be as a trough or chute, which may be either stationary or movable, or it may be a circular tray with a receiving hopper, and having radiating channels or zigzag channels, but in whatever form it may be considered desirable to construct it, the manner of operating is almost essentially the same. If in the form of a chute or trough, or conveyer, the said chute is used to receive the pulverised ore, which is mixed with sufficient water to produce a regular flowing current. The bottom and part of the sides are covered preferably with sheet zinc, which may be silvered or electro-plated in the same manner as copperplates are. Across the chute I construct a series of metal bridges, having dependent therefrom any suitable number of iron projections peculiarly shaped, and necessarily of such a length that they shall not come in contact with the bottom or sides formed of zinc. The form of these dependent pieces may be varied, but it is essential that the shape should be such,,and also that they should be so placed relatively to each other, that the flowing stream of water and ore shall be broken into diverging currents, by which means the ores under treatment are continually impinged against the surfaces of the intercepting dependent pieces. These dependent pieces, composed of iron and secured to the metal bridge, are connected to the electrical apparatus, which may be a dynamo, galvanic battery or accumulator, or other source of electricity. Similarly shaped dependent metal pieces, also attached to metal bridges, all of which are preferably composed of zinc, are placed in alternate rows, and are also electrically connected. The zinc pieces are necessarily of sufficient length to be brought in contact with the bottom plate of the chute. The aforesaid zinc plate, covering the bottom and part of the sides of the chute, is provided at certain intervals with mercurywells, and into these wells the zinc pieces are also placed. The general construction and arrangement of both the iron and zinc dependent pieces may be varied. In the drawings these pieces are shown of triangular shape with the feather edge pointing towards the current, so that the ore and the fluid will strike the two sides, which will have the effect of diverting them towards the adjacent pieces in the next row. But although shown in this form, which has been found in practice to answer my purpose, it is possible to construct them in the form of rods, or with vertical flutes or corrugations, or with horizontal flutes or corrugations ; the bottom and sides of the chute may also be made with corrugations. Moreover, the iron pieces may be constructed in nests, or may be grouped together in any suitable manner. The zinc pieces may be similarly grouped together. lam able to construct the dependent pieces in combination with a metal bridge so as to use wire, which may be woven together or interlaced in the form of spiral coils. These devices, when placed across the chute, will form a sieve, or a series of sieves, one of which would be composed of iron or its equivalent, and the other of zinc or its equivalent. The interstices or meshes will admit of the passage of the ore and water. Perforated plates may be made to answer in a similar manner, but in each instance, whether the construction be in any of the forms mentioned, and whether they be stationary or movable, the same relative positions must be occupied by the iron and zinc, or by carbons or metals which may

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be deemed their equivalent, so that the ore under treatment shall first come in contact with the iron, which does not touch the zinc lining, and afterwards in contact with the zinc pieces, which must be in contact with the zinc plate, and also with the zinc plate forming the mercury wells. Both the iron and zinc dependent pieces are made removable, and have each a separate electrical connection, such connections being preferably of an equal length, which conduces to uniformity in the intensity of the electric current. In the upper portion of the metal bridges to which the zinc pieces are attached, mercury troughs are provided for the purpose of resilvering the zinc when it is required to do so, without removing the metal bridges. This is effected by means of small apertures communicating from the trough to the faces of the zinc pieces. Toany convenient part of the chute, it may be either attached or separate, I provide a suitable trough or troughs into which is discharged the tailings and any amalgam which may be separated from the apparatus by the moving ore. A dash-plate, for regulating the flow, is also provided, and a perforated pipe with water flowing therefrom, which serves to facilitate the discharge of the tailings and to prevent the trough being clogged or choked. The metal bridges both for the iron or zinc are insulated in any approved manner to insure safety to the attendant during the operation of working. Suitable clamping devices are provided to retain the metal bridges in position, and the circuit of the various wires forming the connections between the metal bridges and the primary source of electricity are kept in circuit by the usual key or switch, so that the apparatus is under the easy control of the attendant. Where my device is made in the form of a circular tray, this trough and perforated pipe may either be suspended beneath the outer lip of the tray or may form an integral part of it, the pipe being placed in any suitable position. My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which similar letters are used throughout the different views to indicate similar parts, and in which Fig. 1 is a plan of my invention in the form of a chute or conveyer; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section taken on line α-a of Fig. 1; Fig. 3is a transverse section taken on line b-b of Fig. 1; Fig. 4is a transverse section taken on line c-o of Fig. 1; Fig. sis a transverse section taken on line d-d of Fig. 1; Fig. 6is a transverse section of the mercury trough, with perforated pipe and dash-plate, also an end elevation of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a side elevation of Fig. 2, showing electrical connections; Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail of dependent pieces, showing the action of diverging currents; Fig. 9 is a detail of metal bridge, with mercury trough for resilvering the zinc dependent pieces; Fig. 10 is a plan of my apparatus in the form of a circular tray, part shown with radiating channels and part with zigzag channels; Fig. 11 shows two methods of constructing a metal bridge in combination with a frame formed as a sieve in substitution for the dependent pieces. In the various Figures : A-A, are the sides of the chute; B, bottom ;C, zinc-lining; D, mercury wells formed in C; E, iron dependent pieces; F, bridge for B ; G, zinc dependent pieces; H, bridge for C; I, silver wells m H; J, apertures leading from I to C; X, insulating pieces for F and H; L, connections from Fto positive pole of electrical apparatus; M, connections from H to negative pole of electrical apparatus, placed preferably on the opposite side of apparatus to L ; N, mercury trough at end of chute; 0, plugs for drawing off mercury ; P, dash-plate in N; Q, perforated pipe in N; E, connections to Q ; S, receiving hopper for circular tray; T, radiating channels formed on circular tray, and provided with iron and zinc dependent pieces similar to Fig. 1; U, zigzag channels formed in circular tray, also provided with iron and zinc dependent pieces, as shown in Fig. 1; V, mercury trough; W, perforated pipe; X, framed woven wire, which may be substituted for E and G; V, spiral coils interlaced, which may also be substituted for E and G. The method of operating my apparatus is as follows:— By means of the electrical connections L the current is conveyed from the primary electrical source to F, and thence to E, which is in contact with the moving current of water and ore which is moving in the direction indicated by the arrow. Decomposition is effected by this means, and the decomposed parts are impinged against the surfaces of G, which are also influenced by the electric current transmitted from E through the medium of the liquid and the ore. Cis likewise influenced in the same manner as G, and also through G. The peculiar effect obtained by the contact of G with C is, that the particles of gold or precious metals are collected upon G, and combined with the silver in the form of amalgam, and are precipitated upon the surface of 0, more particularly at the parts where G comes in contact with C. The electrical action produces a quickening or an enlivening influence upon the amalgam, which causes some portion of it to escape from G, and, passing over the surface of C, adheres partially thereto, or is collected by the subsequent pieces G, and if not wholly retained by them, finds its resting-place in D. Should D become too fully charged so as to cause the mercury to overflow, it will simply pass into N, where it may be collected, and the amalgam separated thereform. When the water and ore has reached the end of the chute it is simply in the form of tailings which will impinge against P, by which means they are diverted into N, and their more rapid outflow is assisted by means of the water discharged from Q received from the pipe B. In order to remove the amalgam which has gathered about G, it is only necessary to break the circuit and remove the bridge, when the dependent pieces will be accessible to the attendant. The mercury wells and the plates are also accessible to the attendant in a similar way. In Fig. 10 the water and ore is fed into S, from whence it passes into T or U, and is subject to the same treatment as just described for Figs. 1 to 8. In order to silver the surfaces of G or the plates C, or to furnish a fresh supply of mercury to D, the attendant simply removes X, and by placing the silver in I, it passes down through J on to the faces of G, and thence to C and D. If it is desired to impart a vibratory motion to my apparatus for the purpose of assisting the precipitation of the precious metal, this may be done by many known mechanical appliances, and would have the effect of increasing the disturbance of the cur-

IMPROVED MACHINE TOR PULVERIZING QUARTZ. Waters' Patent.

ELECTRICAL APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT & AMALGAMATION OF ORES CONTAINING GOLD. Weeden's Patent.

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rents of water and ore, and of aiding the contact of the gold or other precious metals with the zinc dependent pieces, but the electrical connections would still act in the manner described. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is carried into effect, I declare that what I claim is— 1. In apparatus for the electrical treatment of ores containing gold or other precious metals, a chute or conveyer, either movable or stationary, having a lining of zinc or its equivalent, combined with removable suspended pieces of iron, such as E or their equivalents, which are not in contact with the aforesaid lining, and other removable suspended pieces of zinc, such as G or their equivalents, which are in contact with the aforesaid lining, the said suspended pieces E and G and the said lining, together with the water and ore to be operated upon, being electrically connected in the manner described, and for the purposes set forth. 2. In apparatus for the electrical treatment of ores containing gold or other precious metals, the combination of a zinc lining placed within a chute or conveyer, and having mercury wells, with removable dependent pieces composed of the same material and attached to metal bridges electrically connected in the manner described, and for the purposes set forth. 3. In apparatus for the electrical treatment of ores containing gold or other precious metals, a metal bridge having dependent pieces of zinc or their equivalent, such as G, with silver wells, such as I, and apertures, such as J, for the purposes set forth. 4. In apparatus for the electrical treatment of ores containing gold or other precious metals, the combination of a mercury trough having a dash-plate and a perforated pipe, or the like, for producing a water-spray, and a chute, trough, or conveyer, provided with dependent pieces of iron and zinc, or their equivalents, and a zinc lining either with or without mercury wells formed therein, and electrically connected with the primary source of electricity as herein described, and for the purposes set forth. 5. In apparatus for the electrical treatment of ores containing gold or other precious metals, the combined use of the aforesaid dependent pieces constructed in the manner described and shown, but grouped in alternate nests and electrically connected in the manner described, and for the purposes set forth. 6. In apparatus for the electrical treatment of ores containing gold or other precious metals, in substitution for the aforesaid dependent pieces E and G, the use of frames, dependent from metal bridges, either movable or stationary, and consisting of woven wire or spiral coils of wire interlaced, or of perforated plates, used in the form of sieves, and composed of iron or its equivalent, and of zinc or its equivalent, and electrically connected in the same manner as described for the dependent pieces E and G, and for the purposes herein set forth. 7. In apparatus for the electrical treatment of ores containing gold or other precious metals, a circular tray, either movable or stationary, having a hopper, such as S, communicating with radiating channels, such as T, lined with zinc or its equivalent, and provided with metal bridges, having dependent pieces such as are hereinbefore described and claimed in claims 1 and 6, and a mercury trough provided with a perforated pipe, such as W, all electrically connected, as described and shown for the purposes set forth. 8. In a circular tray for the electrical treatment of ores containing gold or other precious metals, the combination and arrangement of zigzag channels provided with dependent pieces as claimed in claims 1 and 6, and electrical connections requisite therefor, as described and shown, and for the purposes set forth. 9. The method of treating ores containing gold or other precious metals, by combining the said ores with water, either with or without the use of known chemical solvents, and causing the same to pass through apparatus provided with dependent pieces of iron or its equivalent, connected with the positive pole of a source of electricity, by which the said ore and water are first decomposed and the precious metals dissociated therefrom, and subsequently collected by means of other dependent pieces composed of zinc or its equivalent, connected with the negative pole of a source of electricity, and the precipitation of the said precious metals by means of the said dependent pieces into the mercury wells, and combining the process of amalgamating the precious metals upon the zinc dependent pieces with the process of amalgamation in the mercury-wells, as described. Henry Hughes, P.Aust.lnst. P.A., Agent for the Applicant. Improvements in Apparatus for Tritueating and Amalgamating Auriferous and Argentiferous Ores. We, John Thomas Penny, mining agent, and William Henry Eichardson, engineer, both of Grenfell Street, Adelaide, in the Province of South Australia, do hereby declare the nature of our invention for "Improvements in Appatatus for Triturating and Amalgamating Auriferous and Argentiferous Ores," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — Our invention relates to the treatment of gold- and silver-bearing ores which have been reduced to the consistency of pulp or slimes. The gold or silver in such ores being disseminated through them in an extremely finely-divided state it has hitherto been found practically impossible to effect, especially with certain classes of ores, such as kaolin, a separation of the metal from the gangue. We propose to acomplish this by repeated trituration, under such pressure and at such high rate of speed as will develop considerable heat by friction, combining alternately with such trituration amalgamation assisted by percussion. The object of our invention is to provide a machine in which the ore-pulp can be repeatedly triturated to extreme fineness between plates of iron, one or both of which may be driven at a high speed under pressure; and to so arrange that, between each triturating operation, the metallic contents are amalgamated by the ore being thrown, by centrifugal force from the triturating-plates, against the sides of the amalgamators. 31—C. 3.

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We further provide a distributor and a settling pan, in which final amalgamation takes place before the discharge of the tailings or waste. In the accompanying drawings illustrating our invention—Fig. 1, is a sectional elevation of the apparatus complete; Eg. 2, a plan of the feeding-hopper, with supply openings, showing radial arms for support of same; Fig. 3, plan of the carrier of the top triturating-plate ; Fig. 4, top triturating-plate ; Fig. 5, plan of the carrier of bottom triturating-plate ; Fig. 6, bottom trituratingplate ; Fig. 7, plan of distributor ; Fig. 8, sectional elevation of collar on central shaft; Fig. 9, plan of the same ; Fig. 10, plan of settling or final amalgamating-pan. Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all figures. A is the circular casing in which the working parts are contained, and which is supported upon a solid bed or base A l . B a central vertical shaft, the middle upper portion of which is squared for the purpose hereinafter described. The centre shaft Bis driven by means of gear-wheels 81,B 1 , 82,B 2 , the latter being keyed to a main driving-shaft 83,B 3 , revolving in suitable bearings, and provided with fast-and-loose pulleys 84,B 4 , B 5 and with a fly-wheel 86.B 6 . The vertical shaft Bis supported on a suitable end-bearing C, arranged in a bar C l , hinged to the base A l . The bar C 1 is provided with a suitable screw-attachment C 2, by means of which it can be raised or lowered as required, and the shaft B correspondingly affected. The upper end of the shaft B revolves in a suitable bearing D, fixed in the centre of the cross-pieces D l . The cross-pieces D 1 are supported by converging angle or cast-iron frames D 2, arranged at opposite sides outside the casing A, and having their lower ends bolted to the base A l . The casing is provided with a circular feed-hopper E, having preferably three feed-openings E l . The hopper Eis supported by a cast piece having three radial arms E 2 (Fig. 2). Through the shoots E 1 the pulp or slimes are delivered into the machine in a continuous stream in preferably regulated quantities, the hopper E being fed from any suitable source of supply. Through the ends of each of the radial arms E 2 a vertical bar Fis passed. These vertical bars F are provided with a series of collars F 1 for the purpose hereinafter more particularly described, and upon back-nuts, screwed upon each upper end, is placed the respective radial arm E 2 , the whole being securely held together by means of screw-nuts F 2 , placed at the top and bottom of the,bars. F. As before described, the upper middle portion of the vertical shaft B is squared in order that there may be built upon it a series of collars (Fig. 8), together with the carriers of the lower triturating-plates (Fig. 5). A shoulder B' is formed upon the shaft B, and above it the shaft is squared, as before described. On this shoulder is placed a circular bottom plate G, and upon it a collar H (Fig. 8), provided with a lower flange H l . The collars H are square-shaped, and are provided with a square opening, as shown in Fig. 9, of such size as to fit the square of the central shaft B. Over the collar H, which rests on the plate G, is placed a second flanged collar H l . This second flanged collar is provided with an indiarubber block or other spring H 2 extending upwards about half of the height of the collar. Over the collar H, and upon the indiarubber or other spring H 2 , is placed the carrier I of the lower triturating-plate, as shown more particularly in Fig. 5. This carrier I is provided with a squared central opening fitting over the square of the collar H, and the body of the plate is bent or otherwise cast in the form as shown more particularly in section in Fig. 1. The carrier-plate lis provided with three or more holes 11,I 1 , into which drop similar projections cast or otherwise formed on the bottom of the lower triturating-plate. The lower triturating-plate 12,I 2 , as shown more particularly in plan in Fig. 6, is provided with a central circular opening I s , and with three or more deep recesses I 4 radiating therefrom. The plate I 2 is provided with pins or studs P cast on its lower surface in such position and of such size as to intimately engage the openings I 1 in the lower carrier I. Upon the upper surface of this lower trituratingplate, and having its lower surface in intimate connection with it, is placed the upper trituratingplate X, of the form as shown more particularly in plan in Fig. 4. The upper triturating-plate X has also a central opening Xl,K l , and is provided with recessess K 2 somewhat shallower than the recesses I 4 in the lower triturating-plate 12.I 2 . The upper triturating-plate Kis also provided with suitable studs or projections K s cast on its upper surface for the purpose of engaging similar openings in its carrier. This carrier L is of the form as shown more particularly in plan in Fig. 3. It is provided with a circular opening L 1 of similar size to the circular openings in the upper and lower triturating-plates X and 12,I 2 , and with suitable holes L 2 for the purpose of engaging studs K 2 in the upper triturating-plate X, as before described. To the carrier L are bolted or otherwise secured three arms IA These are bent upwards and outwards in the form as shown more particularly in Fig. 1, and each outer end is provided with a suitable opening L 4, fitting over the vertical bar F, as before described. As shown in Fig. 1 it will be seen that the pairs of triturating-plates are built up in series one over the other until a sufficient number have been placed upon the vertical shaft to extend upwards sufficiently near the top of the machine. This building is effected by placing one above the other as before described, with collar H and springs H 2 upon collar and spring until the whole is complete. The screw-nuts F 2 at the top and bottom of the vertical bars F are then tightened, and the whole of the radial arms L 8 of the upper carriers L become rigidly fixed. The central shaft Bis then raised by means of a screw-attachment C 2 and the hinged bar C 1 until the lower trituratingplates I 2 are in intimate connection with the upper triturating-plates K. By means of the same screw-attachment the pressure of the lower upon the upper triturating-plates can be adjusted according to the class and character of ore under treatment, and whether greater or less friction is required for its successful trituration. The ore, as fed from the supply-hopper, passes through the feed-openings E 1 and falls into a central shoot M. This, as shown in section in Fig. 1, is cone-shaped, and is securely fixed to and rotated by the uppermost carrier Lof the series. The central shoot M is provided with a circular opening of similar size to the central openings L l , 13,I 3 , K 1 ; its outer edges are carried upwards sufficiently high to prevent the ore contents from splashing over during its revolution. The ore, directed by this feed-shoot M, fills the circular openings in the triturating-plates, and by means of

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the recesses I 4 and K 2 flows between them. The plates I 2 and X are in the meantime driven in opposite directions by the devices, hereinafter described, at a high rate of speed, the ore being finally discharged in a continuous stream from their outer edge. The trituration may be carried on by a single or double action of the plates. In a single action the lower triturating-plate I s only revolves, the upper triturating-plate X and the amalgamators being stationary. In a double action the bottom plate is revolved at a high rate of speed, and the upper plate X and amalgamators in the opposite direction at a lower rate. For combining amalgamation with percussion with this rapid trituration a series of circular amalgamating pans are placed between the series of triturating devices. These amalgamating pans N are preferably formed as shown in section in Pig. 1. They are constructed with a central opening of similar dimensions to that L 1 of the upper carrier L, and, being securely fixed upon it towards its centre, rotate with it when in double action. It will be seen by reference to Fig. 1 that these amalgamating pans N, are cone-shaped towards their base, and that the upper portion is dished at N l , so as to form a riffle in which mercury can be placed. The pan is then bent upwards and turned inwards upon itself, in order to prevent the ore being splashed over when forcibly thrown into it from between the triturating-plates. In this way the ore passing through the first triturator is thrown with force against the curved upper portion of the amalgamating pan N. The percussion causes a portion of the metal to be amalgamated, and to gradually move down with a certain amount of attrition into the riffle N l . The ore is carried over, down the cone-shaped base into the circular opening in the next triturator of the series, to be discharged from it in a similar manner into a similar amalgamating pan, and so on alternately triturating and amalgamating with percussion until the lowest series of the amalgamating pans is reached. We find in actual practice that the greater portion of the metallic contents of the ore is caught in. its passage over the series of amalgamating pans, as before described ; but, in order to extract any traces of metal which may be left, the ore is discharged from the lowest amalgamating-pan N into the centre of a circular distributor 0 made of copper, in the form as shown more particularly in Fig. 7. The centre of this distributor Ois prolonged upwards in the form of a cone 01,O 1 , as shown in section in Fig. 1. The outer wall of the distributor ois formed of a series of upwardly projectionplates 02,O 2 , the corners being left open, as shown in Fig. 7, in order to allow of the passage of the stuff. The distributor 0, being placed upon the plate G, is revolved at a high rate of speed, so that the ore-pulp is discharged by centrifugal force through the opening as provided. It is thrown against a circular amalgamated copper-shield P l , provided with a riffle and fixed to the lowest projecting arm L 3 of the series. From the shield P l , the pulp is discharged by a circular plate Pinto a settlingpan, where it is finally amalgamated, and the tailings and refuse discharged in a continuous stream, as hereinafter described. The triturating-plates may be provided with a single, but preferably with a double, action, as before described. The revolution of the series of lower triturating-plates is accomplished, as before described, by the squared openings in the lower carriers I fitting over the squared collar H, which itself is fitted upon the shaft B, the shaft B being driven by gear-wheels B 1 and B 2 from the main shaft 83,B 3 , the base plate G- and the distributor 0 being driven in the same direction. The upper triturating-plates and amalgamating-pans when in double action are driven in the opposite direction by the lower ends of the rods F being passed through the radial arms Q 1 cast upon a crown gearwheel Q driven by a bevelled wheel Q 2 secured to the main driving shaft 83.B 3 . After passing through the machine the ore-pulp is delivered from the discharge-plate P into a circular settling-pan or race E, formed of copper, and having vertical divisions E l , as shown in plan in Fig. 10 and in section in Fig. 1. The walls E 1 formed in the race Eby the vertical divisions E 1 are amalgamated, and the bottom of the wells supplied with mercury. The ore-pulp, being discharged into the innermost well E 2 , is caused to travel in the direction of the arrows as shown, and to be finally discharged from the discharge-shoot E s by means of a series of vibrating rakes S. The settling-pan or race Eis supported in any suitable manner from the base A l , and is intended to be stationary. The series of rakes S are suspended from a frame S l , the ends of which are bolted to a circular plate S 3 , which sits loosely upon collar Q* placed upon the central shaft B. Motion is imparted to the rakes S by a crank attachment S 3 loosely attached by means of a screw-bolt to a toothed-wheel S 4 . The toothed-wheel S* is driven by a small toothed-wheel S 5 , secured to the main driving-shaft 83.B 3 . By means of this vibrating motion of the rakes S the ore is slowly impelled forward in the settling-pan or race E in the direction of the arrows, as before described, the heaviest particles being allowed to settle, and any metal contained therein being finally amalgamated. The concentrates and amalgam are drawn from an outlet provided for the purpose, the light stuff or tailings being carried over the discharge. In the treatment of certain classes of ore it may be necessary to add certain chemicals in order to assist in the extraction of the metallic contents. This should be done prior to the ore being introduced into our machine for trituration, but such addition forms no part of our invention. We are aware that the trituration and subsequent amalgamation of finely-divided ores is not new, such treatment being the object of our former invention, for which we have obtained New Zealand Letters Patent, No. 4,064 ; also, that ore has been previously ground between circular mullers and discharged into an outer annular amalgamating-well or pan ; but our invention, as before described, differs essentially from these former inventions, both in purpose and construction, in the following respects : — The purpose of such grinding is a further reduction of coarse ore. Our machine receives the ore after such further reduction, for a trituration to impalpable fineness, involving a considerable amount of friction, and consequently increase of temperature. Such trituration is caused to alternate with an amalgamation with percussion. The ore-pulp is triturated and amalgamated under percursion in a rotating amalgamator, alternately again and again, until it has passed through the machine. Such amalgamation is accompanied by sharp percussion of the ore against the walls of

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the amalgamating-pan, causing the metals to be automatically separated from the gangue, and the amalgamation to be materially assisted. The alternate trituration and amalgamation is combined with the final amalgamation with percussion by means of a distributor, and a further amalgamation in a settling-pan before final discharge of the tailings. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we claim is— 1. In machines for the extraction of gold and silver from their ores, a machine provided with devices arranged in series for alternate rapid trituration and amalgamation with percussion and attrition, substantially as herein described. 2. In machines for the extraction of gold and silver from their ores, a machine provided with devices arranged in series for alternate trituration and amalgamation with percussion and attrition, combined with a final distribution and amalgamation with percussion, and a subsequent amalgamation in a stationary settling-pan. 3. Id machines for the extraction of gold and silver from their ores, a triturating contrivance, arranged in series, consisting essentially of a lower triturating plate, such as 12,I 2 , a lower triturating plate-carrier, such as I, an upper triturating plate such as X, and an upper triturating plate-carrier, such as L, a collar, such as H, and an indiarubber or other spring, such as H 2 , substantially as herein described and shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8. 4. In machines for the extraction of gold and silver from their ores, provided with devices arranged in series for alternate trituration and amalgamation, the combination with a flanged collar, such as H, of an indiarubber or other spring, such as H 2 , substantially as herein described and for the purpose indicated. 5. In machines for the extraction of gold and silver from their ores, in the construction of the carriers of the upper triturating plates, a series of radial arms, such as L B , extending upwards to the vertical bar F, substantially as herein described. 6. In machines for the extraction of gold and silver from their ores, the combination with a series of radial arms, such as L B , fixed to the carriers of the upper triturating plates, of a series of collars, such as F l , and bars, such as F, the whole being rigidly attached together, substantially as herein described. 7. In machines for the extraction of gold and silver from their ores, the combination with a triturating device of a circular amalgarnating-pan, such as N, provided with high outer walls, against which the ore-pulp is thrown with percussion, and a lower riffle, such as W, into which it flows from such outer wall, substantially as herein described. 8. In machines for the extraction of gold and silver from their ores, in which the metal is preferably separated from the ore-pulp by alternative trituration and amalgamation with percussion, a distributor, such as 0, provided with upwardly-projecting walls, such as 02,O 2 , substantially as herein described. 9. In machines for the extraction of gold and silver from their ores, the combination with a distributor, such as 0, of a circular wall, such as P l , provided with a riffle, against which wall the ore-pulp is thrown with percussion, substantially as herein described. 10. In machines for the extraction of gold and silver from their ores, the combination with devices by which the metal is separated from the ore-pulp by alternative trituration and amalgamation with percussion, of a settling- and amalgamating-pan or race, such as E, substantially as herein described. 11. In machines for the extraction of gold and silver from their ores, in which the metal is separated from its ore by alternative trituration and amalgamation with percussion, the combination with a settling- and amalgamating-pan or race, such as B, of a series of rakes, such as S, to which a vibrating motion is imparted. 12. In machines for the extraction of gold and silver from their ores, by trituration, a device by means of which the lower and upper triturating plates can be driven in opposite directions and different rates of speed. Dated this 28th day of February, 1895. Henet Hughes, F.A.1.P.A., Agent for the applicant. An Impkoved Shaking-table Concentrating Machine, Usable also as an Amalgamator. I, William Tarrant, of Weston Street, Petersham, near Sydney, in the Colony of New South Wales, mining engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for "An improved Shakingtable Concentrating Machine, .usable also as an Amalgamator," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement : — This invention relates to an improved shaking-table machine for concentrating finely-divided or discrete metalliferous material caused to flow through such machine with water and (when the shaking-table is formed of amalgamating plates) for amalgamating gold and silver contained in such material. This invention has been devised in order to produce a cheaply-constructed and easilyoperated machine for such purposes. This improved shaking-table concentrating machine, usable also as an amalgamator, is constructed with a circular shelving plane or table or inverted conical dish, to which a shaking and percussive motion is imparted, to which the material to be treated is continuously fed, and from which there is a continuous discharge of the gangue, and preferably from which there is a regularly intermittent discharge of concentrates. But in order that this invention may be clearly understood, reference will now be made to the drawings herewith, in which Fig. 1 is a central sectional elevation of a concentrating machine constructed according to this said invention, and Fig. 2 is a plan partly in section of the same. The circular table or conical dish Ais supported on ring or hoop A l , having cross-stays A x , and which ring is suspended by hooks A 2 to bars or bracket-pieces A 8 from the main framing, and is pivotted by eye-pieces A 4 on pivot-bracket A s , also on the main framing. Diametrically opposite to

IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR TRITURATING & AMALGAMATING AURIFEROUS AND ARGENTIFEROUS ORES.

IMPROVED SHAKING-TABLE, CONCENTRATING MACHINE & AMALGAMATOR. Tarrant's Patent.

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the pivot is a pin-piece A", on which takes the end of connecting-rod B 8 to a crank-pin B 2 whose throw is preferably adjustable in a slot in disc B 1 on main shaft or spindle B in bearings B 4 on the main framing. Brackets or L-pieces A 7 from the framing hold on bolts A B , indiarubber blocks A 9 forming buffers to impart the percussive motion to the table or dish, when it is reciprocated by the revolution of main shaft B. A conical distributing surface or spreader Cis supported by a subsidiary upper framing above the table or dish A and has above its apex a hopper G l , having preferably within it a grating or seive C 2. Through the centre of the table or dish A a discharge-pipe D protrudes upwardly not quite to the level of the top edge of said table or dish, so that the discharge of said table or dish takes place from that level. This pipe D passes through an annular discharge passage E for the concentrates, and extends downwardly through a receiver for said concentrates to a launder or trough D 1 to waste. Suspended above the contents level of the table or dish A, and hanging below that level, is a ring F of blanketing or other woollen or fibrous material, which is sewn on to ring or hoop P 1 through holes therein, said ring or hoop being soldered or otherwise fixed on the underside of distributor or spreader C. A machine constructed as described and explained would work effectually though the concentrates gathered on the table or dish A around pipe D would have to be withdrawn by an attendant at intervals as required through a door or closing-piece to passage E. But it is preferable that the discharge of concentrates should be automatic, and this is brought about by the mechanism now to be described. The passage E terminates in a valve seating E , , against which takes valve-piece E 2 fixed on pipe D. This pipe D carries basin or director E x above the receiver or receptacle E y , having inclined bottom E z . The pipe D and valve E 2 are intermittently raised and lowered by lever E 3 on fulcrum-pin E 6 on bracket E°, which lever has back-spring E 7 under compression, so that the tendency is for said lever to keep valve E 2 to its seat E 1 and passage E closed. The back end of lever E 3 is connected by link E s , having ball-and-socket joint E 8 thereto to bell-crank E ll , by other ball-and-socket joint E lO , and this bell-crank has C -connections E la to rod E l 3, from crank-pin in slotted disc E l 4on secondary shaft or spindle E l son bearings E l 6, and driven by belt around pulleys E l 7 and B, 5 so that it will revolve considerably slower than main shaft B. The rod E ls may be lifted from its U-connection E l 2 with bell-crank E u by hand-lever E 2O on spindle E l 9, actuating lever E lB , so that the motion of lever E 3 will cease and the intermittent opening of passage Ebe prevented. The shaft B may be driven by any suitable means, although as preferable cone-pulleys B G are shown to be driven from a counter-shaft. The main framing consists of sole longitudinal beams G l , sole cross-beams G 2 , uprights G, top longitudinals G B , top crossbeams G 4 , and subsidiary piece G 5 , and the upper framing consists of uprights G c , cross-pieces G 7 , and bearers G B . In operation the material to be treated is fed with water into hopper G, and falling through a grating or sieve G l , is distributed or spread by passing down the cone-surface C dropping upon the outer part of the table or dish A. This table or dish fills with the water and material to the top of pipe D, when the discharge of the gangue or waste commences, and then any floating gold or surface mineral has to pass the trailing edge of the blanket-ring F before discharge is reached, and by the nature of the blanketing or woollen or fibrous material such valuable particles are detained, and caused to settle upon the table or dish A, whence they will pass to the concentrates discharge. The heavier particles or concentrates pass down the inclined plane of the table or dish A, and would gather around pipe D but for the automatic discharge which, as hereinbefore explained, is the regular but intermittent opening of the valve E 2 on seating E 1 at bottom of discharge-passage E. The gangue or waste passing down pipe D flows through the launder D 1 to where required., while the concentrates, falling through passage E 3 , are directed by basin E x into receptacle E y up the inclined bottom E 2 , off which they may be raked or scraped when desired or necessary. In use as an amalgamator and concentrator, the distributor or spreader C is made of amalgamating or " copper " plates ; and in use as an amalgamator alone the table or dish A would likewise be made of amalgamating or copper plates. Having now particularly described and explained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is— 1. An improved shaking-table concentrating machine, usable also as an amalgamator, consisting of a circular shelving plane or table or inverted conical dish, having shaking or percussive motion, or both, to which table or dish there is an outside or peripheral feed, and from which there is a central discharge for tailings and a central discharge for concentrates, substantially as herein described and explained. 2. In a concentrating machine of the class set forth, the combination and arrangement with a circular shelving plane or table or inverted conical dish having motion, a peripheral feed, and a central discharge of a ring of blanket or other woollen or fibrous material dipping below the normal level of the contents of said table or dish, substantially as herein described or explained. 3. In a concentrating machine of the class set forth the combination and arrangement with a table or dish, such as A, fixed to ring or hoop, such as A l , having cross-stays, such as A x , of suspending hooks, such as A 2, pivot, such as A 4, pin-piece, such as A 6, connecting-rod, such as 83,B 3 , crank-pin, such as 82,B 2 , disc, such as 81,B 1 , and shaft or spindle, such as B, substantially as herein described and explained, and as illustrated in the drawing. i. In a concentrating machine of the class set forth, the combination and arrangement with parts such as those set out in the preceding (third) claiming clause, of indiarubber blocks or buffers, such as A 9, or bolts, such as A B , on bracket-pieces, such as A 7, substantially as herein described and explained, and as illustrated in the drawing. 5. In a concentrating machine of the class set forth, the combination and arrangement with a table or dish, such as A, having central discharge-pipe, such as D, and discharge opening, such as E, of distributing cone or spreader, such as C, having hopper, such as C l , and preferably sieve or grating, such as C 2, substantially as herein described and explained, and as illustrated in the drawing.

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6. In a concentrating machine of the class set forth, the combination and arrangement with a table or dish, such as A, having a peripheral feed, a discharge-pipe, such as D, and a discharge opening, such as E, of a valve-seating as E l , and a valve-piece, such as E 2 , on said discharge pipe, such as D, and devices by which such valve-piece, such as E 2 , is regularly intermittently lifted off and on its seat, such as E l , substantially as herein described and explained, and as illustrated in the drawing. 7. In a concentrating machine of the class set forth, the combination and arrangement with a discharge-pipe, such as D, discharge-opening, such as E, valve-seating, such as E l , and valve, such as E 2 , of a lever, such as E 3 , connecting-link, such as E 9 , with ball-and-socket connections at its either end, and bell-crank, such as E ll , to which reciprocating motion is imparted, substantially as herein described and explained, and as illustrated in the drawing. 8. The particular combination and arrangement of mechanical parts altogether forming a concentrating machine, an amalgamating and concentrating machine or an amalgamation machine, substantially as herein described and explained, and as illustrated in the drawing. Dated this 27th day of August, 1894. William Taeeant. Improvements in, and Connected with, the Eecoveey op Metals fbom theib Oees. We, Charles Edgar Chapman, of Adelaide, in the Province of South Australia, agent, and Thomas Fenton Whitford, of the same place, mining engineer, do hereby declare the nature of our invention for " Improvements in, and Connected with, theSecovery of Metals from their Ores," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — This invention is devised to secure a horizontally oscillating motion resembling, as near as possible, that of a pan worked by a man settling gold while panning-off, and also to cause the material to be operated upon to be distributed and passed over a series of specially-designed amalgamating or concentrating tables or slides in a thin, or even film or layer, so that all the metal to be saved is brought gradually in contact with the mercury or blanket. This desired motion is secured, fi-rst by the arrangement of a series of sieves and slides or sliding tables in a chest, in the manner hereinafter described; and secondly, by mounting the chest containing the said sieves and slides upon a frame working upon a king-pin and friction-rollers, and actuating it to and fro by a reciprocating arm or rod, as hereinafter described. We may use in the chests either all amalgamated or all concentrating slides or some amalgamating or some concentrating slides, according to the quality of the ore and the nature of the country. Another important feature of our invention is the arrangement in connection with the foregoing amalgamating slides of a set of zinc plates and blankets underneath the copper plates, whereby an electric current is set up which keeps the mercury or amalgam on the copper plates in an active and pure condition. We have discovered, after careful experiments, that the combination of these parts and devices enables ore or material containing gold or other metal, after being reduced to a suitable condition by stamping or rolling, to be acted upon very completely by the mercury upon the amalgamating slides, or by the blankets upon the concentrating slides. The electric current abovementioned, of course, only applies in the ease of amalgamating on other parts of our invention, apply both to amalgamation and concentration, and when the amalgamating-slides are used alone the operation may be conducted either dry or wet, according to the material to be treated and the surrounding conditions. In the drawings, Kg. 1 represents a side elevation of our apparatus ; Fig. 2 is a plan ; Fig. 3 is a back view ; and Fig. 4is a vertical section on line A-B of Fig. 2. Ais a chest constructed either of wood or iron, the front and back being hinged to form doors, which can be locked for safety and opened to allow of the removal and changing of the amalgamating and concentrating slides. The chest A is securely attached to three beams C, C, C, which extend forward, and are joined together by floor C l , which is used as a concentrating table. These beams C, C, C are also attached to heavy cross-beam C 2 and with the floor form an under-frame. Beneath the beam C3is a bed-log D firmly fixed in the ground, and at the rear of the under-frame is a second bed-log E. A kingbolt or pin E passes through the beam C 2 and through a short block beneath it into the bed-log D, and the under-frame is supported by four friction-wheels F l , F 2 , F 3 , F 4 , two on each of the bed-logs, while at the rear of the under-frame is a bracket C 3, to which a reciprocating-rod Gis pivotted, the said rod connecting with any convenient motive-power. Above the chest is a hopper A l , and within the chest are amalgamating slides H l , H 2 , H s and concentrating slides Xl,K l , K 2 , K 9 . Above the receiving end of each of the amalgamating and concentrating slides is a sieve J, which breaks up the water and other material, and causes it to fall in a shower instead of in a stream. These sieves are supported upon runners or brackets, so that they may be readily removed when desired. Each of the amalgamating slides and concentrating slides is made so that it may be slid in and out of the chest, and is supported (except the bottom one), so that its inclination may be made greater or less as required. We rest the slide directly upon a bar or ledge at either side, hinged at the delivery-end of the slide to the side of the chest upon a pin L 1; the free end of the bar or ledge rests upon a thumbscrew L 2, which is supported in a tapped bracket L 3, secured to the side of the chest. The slide is prevented from sliding off the bar or ledge at the lower end by a stop I/, fixed to the side of the chest. We construct the amalgamating slides upon wood or metal frames, the surface being formed of copper-silvered plates. Between the copper plates and frames we place a number of strips or pieces of zinc plate, the spaces between the pieces of zinc platens being filled with baize, blanket, or canvas.

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This is kept moist with water, and the zinc and copper being in contact with each other electricity is generated, which serves to keep the copper plates bright and clean. The concentrating slides are constructed of blanket or canvas, stretched upon suitable wood or metal frames. Below the end of the concentrating slide K 3 we secure in the under-frame, at the centre where the motion is the least, a series of three check-riffles M, and two mercury-wells MM 3 . At a little lower level is the final concentrating table, formed by the forward portion C 1 of the floor of the under-frame, at the end of which is a mercury well C 4. The method of operation is as follows: — When using the wet process, we prefer to use three amalgamating and three concentrating tables, as shown in the drawings. The crushed material, containing gold or other precious metal, with sufficient water to make it of thin consistency, empties the hopper A lat the top of the machine and falls on to the top sieve L, through which it passes in an evenly-distributed shower on to the first amalgamating slide IT 1 , and by the motion of the machine and the force of gravitation it gradually works down the face of the slide, the amalgam or precious metal being caught upon the amalgamated plate and in the trough at the lower end of the slide. The residue falls off on to the second sieve, through which it passes in the same way as before on to the second amalgamating slide H 2 , and thence on to the third, H 3 . The residue which falls off the third table H 3 then passes through the sieve on to the top concentrating slide Xl,K l , the same operation being repeated from slide to sieve and sieve to slide until the residue passes out of the chest into the riffles or wells M, which catch any mercury or amalgam that may have become detached from the slides; from here the residue passes over the final concentrating table C 1 and over or into the final mercurytrough or well C 4. As the ore is passing through the machine it is being oscillated upon the king-pin E by means of the rod G, which is connected to a crank or disc, which is rotated by any suitable means, the extremities of the machine having an alternating rotary motion, while the centre is nearly stationary. It will he seen that a quicker and greater motion is given to the water and material as it passes through the sieves at the ends furthest from the king-pin E, and a lesser and slower motion as it passes through the sieve at the other end of the chest. In this way all, or nearly all, the refuse is separated from the precious metals. When amalgamating by the dry process, you remove all the concentrating slides Xl,K l , K 2 , K 8 and substitute other amalgamating slides therefor, or work with only the three amalgamating slides H\ H 2 , H B . When using the machine for concentrating only, the amalgamating slides H l , H 2 , H 3 are removed and concentrating slides substituted for them, or their places may be left vacant. When the machine is used for treating heaps of tailings, river-sand, alluvial or wash-dirt, the top sieve is increased in length and suspended beneath the hopper in the manner illustrated by I?ig. 5. The frame uprights are extended above the body of the chest A, and the sieve is supported, so that the back is lower than the front, by wires or rods from eye-bolts in the top, so that when the machine is in motion the sieve is caused to swing from side to side and to bump alternately against two stops or posts P l , P 2 , one at either side of the machine; the sieve is not continued as a sieve to the back, but is a solid plate for the back or lower half, which extends slightly through the back of the chest. This arrangement causes larger pieces that will not go through the sieve to travel backwards, and they are discharged at the end through a space provided in the back of the chest for that purpose, whilst the finer particles suitable for treatment pass through the machine as hereinbefore described. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said,invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we claim is,— 1. The process of recovering metals from crushed, ore or material by passing the same through a sieve on to an inclined slide, and thence down the inclined slide, discharging through another sieve on to another inclined slide, and so on through any desired number of sieves and over any desired number of slides, such slides being formed of copper plates for amalgamating or of blankets for concentrating, or some of both, according to the material to be treated, and being preferably arranged within a chest to which the herein-described motion is imparted, substantially as set forth. 2. In a process such as described, a machine consisting of a series of inclined slides within a chest, arranged so that the material treated passes along one slide down through a sieve on to another slide, and so on as often as required, such slides being covered with copper silvered plates for amalgamating, or blanket for concentrating, substantially as described and illustrated. 3. In combination with a chest containing sieves and slides as described, the appliances for imparting an oscillating motion, consisting of the king-pin B, the friction-wheels F l , F 2 , F 3 , F 4 , and the connecting-rod G, attached to a rotating disc or wheel, substantially as described. 4. In a process such as described, the combination with a superimposed copper silvered plate of squares or pieces of zinc and pieces of blanket, for the purpose of setting up an electric current whereby the mercury used for saving precious metals is maintained in an active and pure condition, substantially as described. 5. The combination of parts, as fully set forth in the foregoing specification, and illustrated in the drawing for the purpose set forth. Hbney Hughes, F.Aust.lnst. P.A.

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Improvements in Apparatus foe Saving Metals contained in Discbete Metallifebous Mateeials, and foe Concentbating and fob Classifying Discbete Obbs and Substances. I, John Frederick Cooke Farquhar, of Lucy Cottage, Glebe Street, Parramatta, in the Colony of New South Wales, engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " Improvements in Apparatus for Saving Metals contained in Discrete Metalliferous Materials, and for Classifying Discrete Ores and Substances," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement : — This invention relates to apparatus for saving the precious metals contained in discrete auriferous and argentiferous materials, and for concentrating and classifying discrete substances in which the upward velocity of water or liquid in a vertical pipe or cylinder will barely equipose the weight of the grains or heavier particles of the material operated upon, so that, while such grains or heavier particles will by gravity descend through such water or liquid, the gangue or lighter particles will be carried away to waste ; preferably the vertical pipe through which the water flows upwardly against the feed of the material (with or without water) is made of glass or other transparent material, so that the actual operation of separation of the heavier and lighter particles may be viewed. But, in order that this invention may be clearly understood, reference will now be made to the drawings herewith, in which Fig. 1 is a plan, and Fig. 2 a sectional elevation of an apparatus for the purposes set forth, while Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation of a modified construction of receiver for the saved metals or concentrates. Upon a suitable framing, say, of timber, is supported a receiving-hopper A, in which is fitted a screen or sieve A l . The bottom of this hopper is prolonged as a pipe A 2, taking within a second pipe or cylinder 81,B 1 , so as to form an annular space B, in the top or upper part of which is a dis-charge-orifice 82,B 2 , from which discharge-pipe B 3 leads to waste, or, as hereinafter explained, to a second similar apparatus. The outlet from the annular space Bis into the vertical pipe or tube C, in which the separation is effected. This pipe, as before stated, being made preferably of glass. The pipe Cat its bottom has an enlarged chamber C l , into which, preferably pointing downwards, is led a water-service pipe C 2 having therein a regulating cock or valve C 3. On the bottom of chamber C 1 is a receiver of large or small capacity, as may be desired. A large receiver D is shown in Fig. 2, and this may have a convenient discharge-door where desired; and a small receiver D x is shown in Fig. 3, which receiver has a bayonet or other suitable joint on to the end of said chamber C l . Before commencing operations the cock C 3 is turned on, and water allowed to fill the whole of the apparatus right up to the discharge-orifice B 2 —that is to say, the receiver D, chamber C l , pipe C, and space B are filled with water, which fact is known by observing the water flowing from pipe 83.B 3 . The material to be treated may then be fed to hopper A, whence it passes, preferably with the addition of water, through sieye or screen A l , flowing or passing with the water into pipe A 2 it, or its heavier part, is led or falls downwardly against the rising current of water in glass pipe or tube C, into said tube C, where the heaviest particles in view of the attendant overcome the velocity of said upward current and pass down through chamber C 1 into receiver D, from whence they may be removed as desired. The lightest particles of the material when they leave pipe A 2 are at once carried to orifice W, and thence through pipe B 3 to waste, while the lighter particles, as they meet the upward current of water, lose their downward progress, and are carried upward to orifice 82,B 2 , and waste, as before set out. The velocity of the water in pipe Cis regulated by turning on or off of cock C 3, the force of current required being adjusted as the attendant views the separating operation in pipe C. If preferred, instead of a continuous feed, the material may be treated in charges, in which case the orifice to waste is closed, and the material deposited in the receiver, according to specific gravity, in classes —that is to say, the heaviest particles are first allowed to overcome the velocity of the upward current, and, after the removal of these particles from the receiver, the velocity of the upward current is reduced, so as to allow the next grade of material to deposit, and, after its withdrawal from the receiver, the velocity may be further reduced, and another grade of the material be recovered, and so on, until the whole of the material is classified into as many different classes as may be desired. For the classification of discrete materials in a continuous operation it is only necessary to increase the number of apparatus, and after the recovery of the heaviest particles in one apparatus to lead the waste therefrom into second similar apparatus, wherein the velocity of the upward current of water is slightly less, and similarly treat the waste of this second apparatus in a third apparatus, and so on. While this apparatus is especially useful in the saving of gold and silver from discrete metalliferous material containing same, yet it may be used with equally satisfactory results in the concentration and classification of ores, and of all discrete materials and substances unaffected by liquids into grades of varying specific gravity. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is,— 1. Apparatus for saving metals contained in discrete metalliferous materials, and for concentrating and classifying discrete ores and substances, in which the material under treatment falls vertically into a vertical pipe or cylinder, in which a current of water or liquid flows upwardly with a regulated velocity, substantially as herein described and explained. 2. In an apparatus of the class set forth, the combination and arrangement with a feedinghopper and a receiver of a vertical pipe or cylinder of glass or other transparent substance in which a current of water or liquid passes upwardly with a regulated velocity, substantially as herein described and explained.

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CONNECTED WITH THE RECOVERY OF GOLD FROM ORES.

IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR SAVING, CONCENTRATING & CLASSIFYING ORES. Farquhar's Patent.

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3. In an apparatus of the class set forth, the combination and arrangement with a feeding-hopper and a vertical pipe for a current of liquid, with a receiver at bottom, of an annular space formed around an extension of said hopper, and at or near the top of which annular space is the orifice to waste, substantially as herein described and explained. 4. In an apparatus of the class set forth, the combination and arrangement with a vertical pipe, such as G, of an enlarged chamber, such as G u at the bottom, with preferably a service pipe, such as C 2, led into the top of said enlarged chamber, substantially as herein described and explained and as illustrated in the drawings. 5. The combination and arrangement of mechanical parts, all altogether forming an improved apparatus for the purposes set forth, substantially as herein described, and as illustrated in the drawings. Dated this sth day of June, 1894. J. F. C. Faequhae. Improved Apparatus fob the Exteaction of Fbee Gold fkom Aubifeeous Material such as Alluvial Washdiet, Gbavel, Sludge, Tailings, and the like. We, William Forrest Roberts, assayer, and William Roberts, engineer, both of King Street, Sydney, in the Colony of New South Wales, do hereby declare the nature of our invention for " Improved Apparatus for the Extraction of Free Gold from Auriferous Material such as Alluvial Washdirt, Gravel, Sludge, Tailings and the like," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — This invention has been specially designed to save gold that is in a fine state of subdivision in alluvial washdirt, gravel, sludge, tailings that have been imperfectly treated, and such like material where the gold is free from admixture with refractory substances. The apparatus comprises—(l) A feed-hopper that feeds the auriferous material to (2) an inclined revolving screen that separates the coarse (such as pebbles) from the fine (such as dirt) that is mixed with the gold; (3) a speciallydevised ejector, by means of which the coarse particles, such as pebbles, are ejected or vomited from the screen ; (4) a tank that is partially filled with water, and in which the screen revolves ; (5) a number.of vanes or propeller-blades which project from the periphery of the screen, and which keep stirred and assist to propel forward the fine dirt that lies on the bottom of the tank ; (6) a distributor, by means of which the fine dirt (with which the gold is mixed) as it issues from the tank at one point shall be evenly distributed over a more extended line of front; (7) a speciallydevised amalgamating safe, within which the dirt that contains the gold is passed over a series of silvered plates or shelves, so that the particles of gold may be seized and held by such silvered plates while the dirt shall pass away to the tailings heap after having been denuded of the gold within the safe. In order, however, to make the invention thoroughly understood, reference will be made to the accompanying sheet of drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the entire apparatus ; Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same; Fie. 3is a plan of the distributor; Fig. 4is a cross-section of the screen, showing internal elevation of the ejector device ; Fig. 5 is a cross-section of Fig. 4, taken on the line 1-2 ; Fig. 6 is a front view of Figs. 4 and 5, the plate that covers the boss being removed. This view shows the openings by which communication is established between the sector pockets and the discharge passages in the boss ; Fig. 7 is a vertical section of Fig. 5, taken on the line 3-4, and shows the sector pockets with the openings establishing communication between such pockets and the discharge passages in the boss. Similar letters of reference apply throughout to similar parts. A-A is the framework that supports the entire apparatus ; B is the feed-hopper, by means of which the stuff to be treated is fed into the interior of the screen; Cis the gear whereby the screen is driven ; D is the rotary-screen that is firmly secured on the axial-shaft C ; E is the tank in which the screen revolves, and which is partially filled with water to the approximate level shown by dotted lines in Fig. 1; F, F, are the vanes or propeller-blades, which may be either secured to the periphery of the screen or to longitudinal rods or bars /, /, as shown in Fig. 1 ; G is the pebble separator or ejector, which will be hereafter more fully described; G 1 is the shoot into which the pebbles and lumps fall as they are ejected from the machine, and by means of which such pebbles are conveyed clear of the machine ; H is the effluent-cock, which is the passage or channel through which the fine dirt and gold are conveyed from the tank to the centre jof the distributor J. This distributor is for the purpose of distributing the mixtures of water, dirt, and gold over a more extended front, and consists of a flat central part j, from which an incline falls away forward in every direction. This incline is divided into channels by means of ribs j l , as shown in Fig. 3. These channels are more narrow towards the part j than they are at a more remote distance therefrom, and the water and dirt will pass down these fan-like channels, and thus become distributed pretty evenly over the more extended front line of the safe k, through which it will enter through the perforated plate k, through which it will fall on to the uppermost inclined plate or shelf k l , and from thence in succession on to the shelves k 2 , k s , k*, and from thence into the mercury interceptor-trough or catch-all k". The upper sides of the shelf k l , 2, 3, 4 are formed of mercury and amalgamated plates, which will catch and hold the fine particles of gold which come in contact with such silvered surfaces. In order to prevent the dirt and grit from unduly knocking off or denuding the plates of their amalgamated surfaces small fillets of wood k s are placed at the top end of each shelf immediately below where the water and dirt will fall on to that shelf from the end of the shelf next above it. The auriferous material is fed into the screen D at its upper end from the hopper B, and as the screen revolves in water in the tank E it is obvious that the finer particles will pass through the mesh of the screen into the tank, while the coarser particles will remain within the screen. In treating large quantities of material it is evident that there must be a large accumulation of coarser 32—C. 3.

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particles, such as pebbles or lumps, 'within the screen, and it is to automatically get rid of these accumulations that the ejector G has been specially devised. The internal surface of the ejector G is quite plain, and is provided with two segmental apertures or slots g that lead into sector pockets G. These pockets are sectors of a circle of greater diameter than the screen, so that the periphery of the sector lies outside, but concentric with the periphery of the screen. The segmental aperture gis partly covered by a bent and perforated plate g l , which forms a scoop whereby the pebbles that lie on the bottom of the screen may be shovelled or guided through the aperture g into the sector pocket G. On the external front of the ejector plate is placed a hollow boss G 2 that is divided down the centre by a strong partition g 1 into two halves (see Figs. 6 and 7), one half being in direct communication with one sector pocket and other half with the other sector pocket. The part of each sector pocket that is nearest the axis is inclined outwa.rds as at cf towards the hollow half of the boss with which it is in communication, and such hollow portion of the boss merely forms a discharge.passage that leads through an opening g i formed in the side of the boss to the outer air. Figs. 4 and 5 show the ejector in a position such that the scoop g 1 has just shovelled a charge of pebbles into the lower sector pocket. The plate still continuing to rotate, the charge of pebbles will be carried to a point above the axis, when the charge will fall and be guided by the incline g s into the discharge passage in the boss, and from thence will be discharged through the opening g i in the side of the boss on to the shute G l . The fine dirt and gold that pass through the meshes of the screen would have a tendency to accumulate near the upper end of the tank and slide down in bulk towards the cock H, thus choking it. To overcome this difficulty and to stir the dirt and keep it moving gently forward the vanes or propeller F have been placed on or near the periphery of the screen, the result of the application of these vanes being that as the screen rotates the dirt will be continually pushed nearer and nearer to the effluent cock H, and will then be carried by the water through the cock on to the distributor, and from thence on to the amalgamating safe. The amalgamating safe consists of a box that is provided with a perforated plate k in its top and with a door that extends the whole length of its front side. To the inner side of this door one, two or more, or every alternate, amalgamating-shelf is secured, so that when the door is opened such of the shelves as are attached to the door shall move with it. By this means the whole of the amalgamating surfaces of the shelves will be exposed and the surfaces more readily cleaned ; at the same time the whole of the amalgamating surfaces may be kept under lock and key by providing the bolt or fastening of the door with a padlock, and peculation of the precious metal will thus be prevented. In the drawings but four shelves are shown, but it is obvious that the safe may be provided with any suitable number of such shelves or amalgamating surfaces. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we claim is— 1. In gold-separating and amalgamating apparatus an inclined rotary screen that revolves partly immersed in a tank of water, and that is provided with any suitable ejecting appliance for ejecting the coarse material that is retained within it, in combination with a number of radiallyfixed vanes or propeller-blades such as F, as and for the purpose herein set forth and described. 2. In gold-separating and amalgamating apparatus an inclined rotary screen, the lower end of which is closed by a plain plate in which are segmental apertures that lead to sector pockets, such segmental apertures being provided with scoops whereby the pebbles or lumps may be automatically scooped into the sector pockets, the sector pockets being so constructed that as the screen rotates the pebbles and lumps shall fall upon inclines which shall deflect such lumps into a passage that leads to the outside of the machine, as and for the purpose herein specified. 3. In gold-separating and amalgamating apparatus the amalgamating " safe," consisting of any suitable number of silvered plates so arranged that every alternate such plate will be attached to the back of the safe and slope forward, while the intermediate alternate plates shall be attached to the door (so as to be withdrawn from the safe when the door is opened) and slope backwards in the opposite direction to the plates that are secured to the back of the safe, which may be closed and secured by a lock, all as and for the purposes herein set forth. 4. In gold-separating and amalgamating apparatus in combination, a feed-hopper, a revolvingscreen that is provided with radial peripheral-vanes or propeller-blades, a water-tank in which the screen revolves, an automatic ejector appliance, an effluent cock which conveys the water and the dirt from the tank, a distributing appliance for distributing the water and dirt that issues from the effluent cock over a more extended front, and an amalgamating safe, such as that described, all as and for the purposes herein specified. 5. The general arrangement, construction, and combination of parts in our improved apparatus for the extraction of free gold from auriferous material, as described, and for the purposes set forth and specified. W. F. Eobbets. Dated this 14th day of April, 1894, at Sydney. William Roberts. Improvements in Apparatus for Washing and Saving Gold, Tin, and Gems. I, Eobert Taylor Coghlan, of Sydney, New South Wales, engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for improvements in apparatus for washing and saving gold, tin, and gems, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — This invention relates chiefly to that class of machines for washing gold-bearing sands, clays, &c, wherein the wash-dirt in association with water is made to pass over a body of mercury by motion imparted to the vessel holding such mercury. The main elements in the construction of the machine are: (1) A vibrating rocker-box containing slides supporting mercury-troughs ; and (2) a barrel-agitator delivering the products from

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the vibrating rocker-box over mercury contained in a hollow lip at the mouth of the barrel. The particular construction and method of operation of the apparatus will now be described. Eeferring to the annexed sheet of drawings, Fig. 1 is a part side elevation and longitudinal section of an apparatus constructed according to the present invention; and Pig. 2 a transverse section through same. The vibrating-box, 1, is of the form shown, and is mounted in a frame, 2, swung on a horizontal pivot, 3. The hopper, 4, on top of the box, 1, is made to open on a pintle, 5, for cleaning or extracting purposes, being operated by a chain, 6, which is carried over pulleys as shown, and secured to the tail of the lever, 7. Within the box, 1, is a sieve or perforated tray, 8, below this sieve baffle-plates, 9 ; and below the level of the baffle-plates slide-boards, 10, made with stop-pieces, 11, to support mercury-troughs, 12, are provided. These slides are arranged in pairs— of which there are preferably two—in the manner shown, there being an interval between the same at the lip side and the walls of the box, and also an interval between each series of the boards, passage-ways being thus provided for the descent of the tailings. The mercury-troughs, 12, are formed of plated copper, and are made deeper at the ends than at the middle ; the bottom of the troughs may, if desired, be corrugated near where they meet the lip at the front, so that a more complete agitation of the mercury will be obtained. The box, 1, is made to vibrate in any amplitude along the plane of inclination of the mercurytroughs by the connecting-bar, 13, which is adjustably secured to the pin, 14, on the rotating disc, 15. The tailings from the box, 1, pass through the neck, 16, into the chute, 17, beneath the same, and are carried thence into the revolving-barrel, 18; this barrel is set horizontally, it is supported by three pairs of bearers, 19, 20, and 21, and is rotated about its own axis by means of a belt, 22, which derives motion from a pulley, 23. Lengthwise of the barrel one or more stays, 24, carrying swing-plates, 25, which bear a series of finger-pieces, 26, each arranged either in advance or to the rear of the one next it as may be required, are fitted, and serve, when the barrel revolves, to agitate the contents. The wash, when leaving the barrel, passes over the lip, 27, which contains mercury, and contact therewith extracts from the mass the particles of free gold left therein after first amalgamation in the box, 1, and subsequent amalgamation in the barrel, 18, if mercury has been placed therein. In operation, finely-divided metalliferous material, with a copious supply of water, is fed on to the tray, 8, and made to pass through the same by vibration imparted to the box, 1, in which it is supported by the connecting-rod, 13. The portion which has passed through falls on to the sideboards, 10, and, moving down the incline thereof towards their lower edges, meets the mercury in the troughs, 12. The continued vibration causes the mercury to " wash " across and up the incline of the troughs, and thus to come into contact successively with every particle of metal-bearing stuff which passes down the slides, washing said stuff down, and then allowing it to pass away over the mouth, and thence through the chute, 17, into the barrel, 18. The attrition of particles caused by the motion of the latter vessel cleans the particles of gold remaining therein, and the same are thus made to become capable of amalgamating. In passing away over the tail of the barrel, 18, the stream of tailings from the box, 1, meets the mercury in the annular lip, 27 (which, like the mercury-troughs, is formed of plated copper), and the metallic particles therein are here again submitted to a process of amalgamation. The discharge from the barrel, 18, passes into riffle-boxes, and thence to waste; if desired, mercury may be placed in the barrel, 18 ; the hopper may be tilted upwards upon its centre of motion, 3, by means of the lever, 7, and chain-gear, 6, attached thereto. By securing the hopper in its normal position by means of a suitable lock, tampering with the amalgam in the box, 1, is prevented; the barrel, 18, can also be guarded against robbery by placing a wire-grating over its discharge-mouth. It is evident that, when the mercury-troughs are removed, the machine may be used for washing tin and precious stones; in such case, when the barrel, 18, becomes filled nearly as high as the lip with gravel, the gravel is withdrawn, and washing of a fresh charge commenced. Having now particularly described and explained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is— 1. In an amalgamating-machine, adaptable for washing tin and gems, the combination of a sieve, slide-boards, and end-pieces to said slide-boards to retain mercury-troughs, constructed in the manner described, the whole vibrating on a centre below said troughs in such a way that the mercury will be caused to lave the film of metalliferous material passing down said slide-boards, and thus to come into intimate contact with every particle of such material, as described and shown. 2. The combination of a sieve, or perforated tray, 8, baffle-plates, 9, and slide-boards, 10, carrying mercury-trough, 12, all fixed relatively to one another, and mounted in a frame, vibrating on a centre below same, substantially as and for the purposes set forth. 3. In an amalgamated machine, a horizontal revolving-barrel, fed at one end and discharged at the other end, and fitted at the discharge-end with a grating and a ring-lip containing mercury to amalgamate particles of metal passing out with tailings; said barrel being usable without said mercury for washing tin and precious stones, substantially as and for the purposes set forth. Dated this 2nd day of June, 1894. E. G. Coghlan. The Saving op Gold by a Travelling Endless Sluice-box. We, David Mason, of Dunedin, engineer, and Eichard Thomas Wheeler, jun., of Dunedin, accountant, do hereby declare the nature of our invention for " The Saving of Gold by a Travelling Endless Sluice-box," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — This invention claims to save the fine gold in alluvial dredging, instead of the common sluicebox worked with a rush of water carrying away the fine gold. This invention, as will be seen from the drawing, is an endless table in sections coupled with links the same in shape as the sluice-box,

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with slides and bottom of perforated plates travelling on rollers over tumblers at each end. It can either be driven by shafting and tooth-gearing or with a pitched chain. Underneath the upper table carrying the wash is a box for distributing the wash on tables, as shown on drawing. Above the table water can be supplied, either in pipes or troughs, for washing the wash through the perforated plates on to the box below. A valve is hinged behind where the chute discharges, as on drawing, to keep the water from running back in the sluice-box. The travelling sluice-box may be either level or at a slight incline either way ; the water drops on the wash perpendicularly or otherwise, as the case may be, washing the sand and gold into the distributing-box below; while the stones and pebbles are carried over the tumbler, and dropped astern of the dredge any distance that may be required. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we claim is,— The use of the travelling endless sluice-box and valves, as described in the foregoing specification. David Mason. Dated this 12th day of July, 1894. E. T. Wheelee, Jun. Youngman's Eclipse Gold-saving Machine. I, Henry Youngman, collector, of Maitland Street, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " Youngman's Eclipse Gold-saving Machine," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement : — My invention consists of a sluice-box, spreading attachment A, a box B, with perforated plate F, and having a discharge-valve M and a streamer or spreader E. The tailings from an ordinary sluice-box are made to fall upon the spreading attachment A, which consists of a longitudinal box slightly sloped downwards, divided into compartments by means of any number of boards c, c, c, c, placed lengthwise on their edges. At the upper end of spreading attachment is a compartment D, separated from the spreading attachment by a board L fastened from side to side. Into this compartment is led a pipe N for bringing in water, which then flows over the separating-board on to the spreading attachment, on leaving which the tailings fall on to a perforated plate. F, forming a false bottom in the box B. A pipe X leading into this box beneath the perforated plate F conveys water into the box Bto assist in washing the material. The water flowing into box B and upwards through the perforated plate F raises the material over the edge of the box, and distributes it over the streamer or spreader E, which consists of a tray J (constructed of wood or other suitable material), which widens out and gradually slopes towards its lower end. The whole apparatus is swung by chains attached in suitable places to a frame, which may be supported by a dredge or erected on solid ground, so that, by shortening or lengthening the chains, the apparatus may be raised and lowered, sloped to a greater or less extent as a whole or in part, as desired, and generally kept to truth. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what my claim is,— 1. The use of the spreading attachment A, divided into compartments by means of the boards c, c, c, c, and having at its upper end the compartment D, into which is led the pipe N. 2. The use of the box B, containing the perforated plate F, which forms a false bottom, into which is led the pipe K. 3. The use of the streamer E. 4. The use of chains attached to frame-work for raising, lowering, and sloping the whole of the various parts of the apparatus. 5. The combination of the various parts of the apparatus as described. Dated this 28th day of August, 1894. Henby Youngman.

TREATMENT OF REFRACTORY ORES. An Impeoved Peocess op Teeating Befbactoby Oees, and Appaeatus to be used theeein. I, Edgar Arthur Ashcroft, of Broken Hill, in the Colony of New South Wales, electrical engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " An Improved Process of Treating Befractory Ores, and Apparatus to be used therein," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :— My invention relates to an improved method of, and apparatus to be used for, economically extracting the metals contained in refractory ores, particularly those refractory ores characterized by containing admixtures of zinc and lead in the form of sulphides, with or without silver, gold, copper, or other constituents, and having special reference to the refractory ores occurring at Broken Hill, New South Wales, Nevada, U.S.A., and elsewhere (which consist for the most part of mechanical mixtures of argentiferous zinc-blende and argentiferous galena with more or less silica and other constituents), and are known as refractory sulphide ores. My invention is also suitable for the treatment of zinc-oxide, or of admixtures of zinc-oxide, with any matrix which has no objectionable influence upon the various operations, or for the treatment of ores or products containing zinc in any form which can be readily converted to zinc-oxide. The special features of my process consist in first oxidizing the ore ; second, leaching with one or more of the materials hereinafter described; third, electrolysing the solutions in the manner and with the materials hereinafter described, whereby the application of electrolysis is secured at a cost very much below anything heretofore obtained, the leaching materials are regenerated, and great economy is effected in the materials employed or required for leaching, electrolysing, or treating the ore and solutions,

IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR WASHING AND SAVING GOLD &c. Coghlan's Patent.

IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTION OF FREE GOLD. Roberts' Patent.

TRAVELLING SLUICE- BOX. Mason, & Wheeler's Patent.

ECLIPSE GOLD-SAVING MACHINE Youngman's Patent

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In carrying my improved process into effect the ore (or product) may be either treated by the herein described process, without previous mechanical separation, and at the most economically suitable locality, or it may first be subjected to mechanical separation or concentration, whereby more suitable products for operating on may be produced. For instance, in the case of some of the Broken Hill ores, concentration may be employed to produce two products, one high in lead and low in zinc, and one high in zinc and low in lead, and both containing silver. The former products may then be smelted or otherwise treated on the mining-field, and the latter product treated by my process, herein described, at the most economically suitable locality. (In the case of Broken Hill ores, probably Newcastle in New South Wales, or some similarly situated place, or a place where water-power is available, such as Launceston in Tasmania.) In either case the ore or product from which the zinc is to be extracted, if it contains sulphur, is first subjected to a preliminary roast, whereby the zinc-sulphide contained therein is converted as far as possible to zinc-oxide and neutral zinc-sulphate, the lead sulphides also undergoing more or less completely a similar change. For the purpose of this roast any of the well-known forms of reverberatory or mechanical roasting furnaces may be employed, but the most preferable form will probably be the revolving arm (turret) furnace of Pearce recently invented in America, or, in case the gases from the roasting are to be condensed or utilised, a good form of stationary or revolving muffle-furnace will probably be most serviceable. The object to be gained by the furnace employed is to subject the ore to a low red heat in contact with air for a long time at a minimum cost. Zincoxide ores require no preliminary roasting. After this roasting has been accomplished the subsequent treatment may be carried out in either of two ways, the former of which may be characterized as the ferric-sulphate process, and the latter as the ferric-chloride process. One or other of these methods may be adopted according to the locality in which operations are to be conducted, and according to the greater or less quantity of lead contained in the ores or products. For instance, an ore or product high in zinc and low in lead would probably be treated with greatest economy by the ferric-chloride process, whilst the ferric-sulphate process combined with smelting the residues may offer advantages for a product high in lead and low in zinc. The ferric-sulphate process will be first described. The ore or product after roasting is subjected -to the action of a solution of sulphate of zinc containing a small proportion of ferric sulphate, Fe 2 (SO 4 ) 3 (obtained as hereinafter described from the electrolysis of the zinc-sulphate solution first with iron anodes and subsequently with carbon anodes). The action of the ferric sulphate is to convert the oxide of zinc (and any basic sulphate of zinc or even undecomposed zinc-blende) present in the roasted ores into neutral sulphate of zinc, which is dissolved in and strengthens the sulphate of zinc solution. The iron in solution in the ferric state is at the same time precipitated as oxide according to the formula— 3 ZnO + Fe a (SO 4 ) 3 = 3 ZnSO 4 + Fe 2 O s . The ferric oxide being insoluble in zinc-sulphate solution remains with the residues, and may afterwards render valuable aid as a smelting flux, or may be separated and sold for paint or otherwise utilised. This portion of the process may be carried on in beds or boxes, the solution being allowed to slowly percolate the ore, or in revolving drums or open pans with stirrers, or any other convenient apparatus may be employed for bringing the roasted ore and solution intimately together. In either case it is preferable to employ the solution hot, and to conduct the operation in two or more stages, treating a batch of ore, first, with solution which has already been employed on a former batch of (partially leached) ore and thereby precipitating all the remaining iron from the solution before it is again returned to the electrolysis vats, and, lastly, with solution containing a full complement of ferric sulphate, fresh from the electrolysis vats, which will act freely on the remaining zinc-oxide and render the leaching-out of the zinc from the residues complete. After all, or nearly all, the zinc contained in the ore or product has been dissolved out as above described, the residues are drained of zinc-sulphate solution, and washed with water to remove, as far as possible, the remaining zinc-sulphate, and may then be smelted as a lead- and silver-ore (containing the necessary iron-oxide flux) ; or, in case of different compositions of the original ore, the residue may be treated by any suitable and known method for recovering any of its valuable constituents. In case of it not being desired to smelt the residue, or in case the ironoxide left therewith is greater in quantity than the charge required to satisfy the chemical reaction in the blast-furnace, the whole or a portion of the iron-oxide in the form of fine flour may be removed by means of gravitation in water, and either sold as a pigment or used for formation of spongy iron anodes, as hereinafter described. The silver contents of the residues, if lead is absent, may then be recovered by amalgamation or hypo-sulphite leaching. The residues which it is intended to smelt, together with the due complement of iron-oxide flux for the same, are preferably dried into small blocks, bricks, or other convenient shape for handling in the furnace, either with or without the addition of other substances or the aid of pressure. The iron-oxide will form a valuable binding agent whereby the masses are held together, which prevents the formation of excessive flue-dust and the choking of the furnace. After all the iron in the solution has been precipitated and left with the ore-residues, the solution, now containing nothing but zinc-sulphate (together with a little of the silver contents of the ore which may have gone into solution, and sulphate of silver, and any soluble impurities formed from the ore), may be treated for the recovery of the dissolved silver by the action of metallic zinc, or by any alkaline reagent, such as lime, soda, or magnesia. The solution is then, after cooling and filtering, returned to the electrolysis vats. Here the solution of neutral zinc-sulphate is subjected to a double electrolysis process, whereby a portion of the zinc equivalent to that dissolved from the ore is recovered in the metallic form, and an amount of iron sufficient to absorb the acid and oxygen set free from the zinc is first dissolved in the solution in the state of ferrous sulphate, and afterwards raised to the form of ferric sulphate.

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This electrolysis may be conducted in any number of vats arranged in sets of three. Of each of these sets, two vats may have soluble iron anodes and a third vat insoluble carbon anodes. All the cathodes may be alike of sheet brass, sheet copper, or sheet zinc ; and all the vats in each set of three may have the same surface exposed to the liquid, and may be traversed by the same current in series. The first two vats (those with iron anodes) may have the cathodes separated from the anodes by a suitable number of diaphragms, consisting of any suitable porous material, not too porous (to allow too free diffusion of the liquid), and not too dense (to offer too high a resistance to the passage of heavy currents). A practicable material may be secured in certain textured cloths, perhaps prepared asbestos or prepared parchment paper. These diaphragms, together with the anodes and cathode plates, do not extend to the bottom of the cell, but allow a free space of a few inches at the bottom of the cell for the passage of liquid. A continuous circulation of the liquid is then kept up while electrolysis is in progress by pouring neutral sulphate of zinc solution (free from iron) continuously into the top of the cathode compartments, whence it passes down the cell and up the anode compartments, and is continuously drawn off at the top of the latter. The solution descending past the cathodes is depleted of a portion of its zinc, and that ascending past the anodes is charged with a portion of ferrous sulphate, an equivalent weight of iron being dissolved to that of the zinc deposited in these two cells according to the equation. In two vats— 2 ZnSO 4 + 2 Fe = 2 FeSO 4 + 2 Zn. The third vat of the series differs from the first two in that it has anodes of carbon (or other insoluble conducting material), and the diaphragms are extended to the bottom of the cell, and are selected with a view to minimising the diffusion of the liquid. The solution of zinc-sulphate containing ferrous sulphate, which leaves the anodes of the two previously described cells or vats, is then circulated continuously past the anodes of the third cell, while fresh neutral zinc-sulphate solution (free from iron) is circulated in a separated current past the cathodes. The anode solution in this third cell may enter at the top and leave at the bottom, while the cathode solution may enter at the bottom, and be caused to overflow into the anode compartments at the top. By this means any solution containing iron, which may have passed by diffusion through the diaphragms, and become reduced from ferric to ferrous sulphate at the cathode, is again allowed to pass by the anodes and become persulphatised by the acid and oxygen set free there before being carried to the leaching apparatus. The reactions in this third cell may be written thus: — ZnSO 4 + 2 FeSO 4 = Zn + Fe 2 (SO 4 ) 8 . It will be seen that the whole of the iron dissolved as ferrous sulphate in the first two cells of the series will be converted by the same current into ferric sulphate in the last or third cell of the set. As zinc is deposited in all three cells, and iron is only dissolved in two, the proportion of iron used to that of zinc obtained will be as follows : — ff-*-j* = 56 per cent. 55 x 2 The use of the iron anodes, besides affording the most handy means of obtaining solution free from iron for the electrolysis, and solution charged with ferric sulphate for the leaching, very materially reduces the electro-motive force required to decompose the zinc-sulphate and produce metallic zinc, which means that both the consumption of fuel, and the usually somewhat large first cost of the plant, are proportionally reduced. In the third bath also the electric-motive force required is less than would be the case were no depolarising liquid present. The theoretical electro-motive force required by these baths would be 0-5 for each of the first two, and 1-25 for the third —that is to say, not more than a third of that required for the decomposition of zinc-sulphate alone. In practice more than the theoretical value of the voltage must always be employed, in order to force the heavy currents through the resisting medium of the solution and the diaphragms. It is best to employ as high-current density as possible in these baths, as a better quality of zinc is secured thereby, and a higher percentage of iron in the solution, which leaves the vats for the leach-ing-apparatus. The deleterious heating of the solution by heavy currents is also much lessened by the employment of iron anodes. These advantages are many times greater than the cost of the iron dissolved, while the iron is all recovered in the form of oxide in the leaching process. For the soluble anodes, cast, wrought, or scrap iron may be used, or anodes may be made from ferric oxide by the spongy iron process, whereby after heating the oxide in a close reverbatory furnace, a spongy mass of metallic iron is reduced, and the iron in this form has a large surface, and is readily acted upon by the acid in electrolysis. For the insoluble anodes, gas-retort carbon, platinum, or (if sufficiently permanent) manufactured carbon may be employed. For the cathodes almost any metal may be used, but I prefer to use stout plates of brass or copper polished (or dipped) bright, and varnished with a fine film of beeswax dissolved in turpentine. The zinc when sufficiently thick can then be readily removed, and the cathode plate redipped and used again and again. By using plates of small size in large numbers, and constructing the bath so that each plate can be removed without interrupting operations, the labour of attending to the vats can be reduced to a minimum. The ferric-chloride process is very similar to the above. Alternate leaching and double electrolysis are employed in precisely similar apparatus (except that the vessels, diaphragms, cells, &c, must be made capable of resisting chloride solutions and nascent chloride). A solution of zincchloride is employed, which in the double electolysis becomes charged first with ferrous and then with ferric chloride, and depleted more or less of zinc. In the leaching the ferric chloride acts upon the zinc-oxide, and the iron is precipitated as oxide, while the zinc and a portion of the lead goes into solution as chloride.

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The reactions on the zinc may be written thus : — Electrolysis in two vats with iron anodes — 2 ZnCl 2 + 2 Fe = 2 FeCl 2 + 2 Zn. Electrol sis in one vat with insoluble anodes— ZnCl 2 + 2 Fed, = Zn + Fe 2 CL, Leaching zinc-oxide— 3 ZnO + Fe 2 Cl 6 = 3 ZnCI 2 + Fe 2 O 3 . The lead-oxide in the roasted ore will also be converted to lead-chloride by a precisely similar reaction, and as lead-chloride is slightly soluble in cold and soluble in hot water a quantity will go into solution, and must be removed before returning the solution to the zinc-electrolysis vats. This may be simply done by the action of metallic zinc, which, if placed in hot solution, will quickly throw down all the lead present as metallic lead. A quantity of zinc, equal to approximately onethird weight of the lead thrown down, will be dissolved as chloride of zinc, and will enrich the solution, and be again recovered in the electrolysis vats. The whole of the lead and any soluble silver may be leached from the residues in this way by boiling them with metallic zinc, and any silver or other valuable product remaining with the residues may be recovered by known and suitable methods such as hypo-sulphite leaching or amalgamation; or, if preferred, the residues containing the undissolved lead-chloride may be smelted for the recovery of the lead and silver. The solution, after being freed from lead and silver in this or any other suitable way, is returned to the electrolysis vats as before. It will be seen that both of these methods are continuous; ore, metallic iron, mechanical power, and heat being supplied to the severally-described apparatus, and the metals to be recovered and received therefrom. In either of the two methods described there will be a loss of the combining medium employed. In the ferric-sulphate process SO,, and oxygen will be lost in small quantities by leakage of solution, combination with lead, and with impurities in the ore, and by loss with zinc-sulphate not recovered from the wet residues. In the ferric-chloride process the same causes produce loss of 01, especially if the chloride of lead residues are smelted in place of being dissolved and decomposed by zinc. These losses can be made good, and sufficient SO 3 or CI produced to admit of a periodical renewal of the solution in either of the following ways :— 1. In the roasting for the ferric-sulphate treatment, by choosing a suitable furnace, temperature, and duration of roast a portion of the zinc and lead will be produced as zinc- and leadsulphates, and some basic zinc-sulphate, the SO 4 , in which salts will serve to reduce and to make good the loss referred to. In roasting for the ferric-chloride process a small percentage of chloride of sodium may be added to the ore, whereby a portion of the zinc and lead will be in the form of chlorides, the CI in which will serve to reduce and make good the loss referred to. 2. In leaching with ferric sulphate a small quantity of H 2 SO 4 may be added to the solution, and in leaching with ferric chloride a small quantity of HCL may be added. These acids may be obtained H 2 SO 4 by collecting a portion of the SO 2 gases from the roasting in suitable apparatus, and oxidizing them, or HOL by acting on clor-sodium with H 2 SC\, so obtained. I have found experimentally that in the ferric-chloride process an improvement in the quality of the deposited zinc, and a very important increase in the conductivity of the bath, may be secured by the addition of a strong solution of chloride of sodium to the electrolyte. Now, as it is well substantiated that no conduction of electricity can take place through a liquid without a definite chemical decomposition proportional to the current passing occurring, it would at first sight appear that, as the chloride of sodium is not used up or permanently altered, conduction could not be assisted in this way. A study of the following reactions which no doubt take place will, however, show that an important increase of conductivity and, consequently, of the rate at which the zinc can be economically thrown down, is secured : — 2 Fe + ZnCl 2 + 2 NaCl = (first) 2 FeCl 2 + Zn + 2Na ; and by the presence of water— 2Na + 2 H 2 O = 2 NaOH + H 2 ; 2 NaOH + ZnCl 2 + H 2 = Zn + 2 NaCl + 2 H 2 O. The total electro-motive force of the cell is unaltered, the recombinations returning the power required to effect the decompositions. The sodium-chloride is regenerated, and the current passing, and the quantity of zinc, reduced at the cathodes with a given area of plate is greatly increased without excessive rise of potential at the vat-terminals. An analogous effect could doubtless be produced by the addition of potassium, ammonium, magnesium, or other similar alkaline chlorides to the liquid; and in the electrolysis of zinc-sulphate solution no doubt the addition of potassium, sodium, ammonium, &c, sulphates to the liquid would produce a like advantage. I have not yet had the opportunity of experimentally verifying the last-named effects. A modification of the foregoing ferric-sulphate process may in certain cases be employed—namely, when it is desired to leach the ore directly with HSo,, the third or persulphatising cell of each set is replaced by an ironanode cell exactly similar to the first two. Ferrous sulphate is then formed in all the electrolysis cells, and is afterwards separated from the liquid by crystalisation, and the H 2 So 4 recovered therefrom by retorting and collecting the acid in the same manner as when ferrous sulphate is employed for the commercial manufacture of fuming sulphuric acid. The iron-oxide then remains in the retorts. The electrical power required for this method would be less for a given weight of zinc, but the iron dissolved would be greater by 50 per cent., and the expense of the covering the acid would also be added. A modification of the ferric-chloride process may also, in certain places, be employed— namely, the raw unroasted ore may be dissolved in hydro-chloric acid, and the sulphuretted hydro-

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gen gas given off may be burned with a limited supply of oxygen for the production of brimstone and flower of sulphur, as is sometimes done in connection with other chemical operations. The sulphur may be collected and sold, or may be burned for the production of sulphuric acid if desired. The solution of zinc-chloride and lead-chloride, together with the residues of lead-chloride, may then be boiled with metallic zinc, whereby the lead and any silver in solution will be thrown down in the metallic state, and the zinc-chloride solution, strengthened by the zinc so dissolved, will be ready for electrolysis. As in the last-mentioned modification, the electrolysis is carried on in cells having all iron anodes, and ferrous chloride is produced. The liquid is then treated for the regeneration of the HCI for further use from the ferrous chloride ; this can be done by any of the known chemical methods, one of which would be to treat the solution with H 3 So 4 , and collect the liberated HCI in coke towers, afterwards crystalizing out the FeSO 4 , and using it as before for the manufacture by retorting of fresh H 2 SO 4 for further use. This method has the advantages of obviating the necessity of roasting the ore, of producing free saleable sulphur (or, if the sulphur or the H 2 S is burned, to produce H 2 SO 4 , free of ferrous sulphate), and of requiring less electrical power than the ferric chloride process already described; it has, however, the disadvantages of requiring more iron (by 50 per cent.) and the complicated and troublesome process of regaining the hydro-chloric acid. The apparatus by which my improved leaching and electrolytic treatment is carried out consists essentially of—(1) Leaching apparatus preferably in several series with connections from one to the other; (2) an apparatus where the solution is filtered and cooled ; (3) a series of electrolytic cells through which electricity is applied to the solutions in two stages —first, two cells with solvable anodes, and then one cell with insoluble anodes; (4) an apparatus where the resulting solution is heated by convenient means; and (5) a special system of pipe and other connections through and between the above apparatus, providing for a continuous round of the solution employed, or portions thereof, into and through the vessels named, in the manner hereinbefore described. It will be manifest that a great variety of different forms of leaching machines, vats, cells, tanks, &c, may be used, and it is not necessary to show the details of construction, as they can be supplied by the mining engineer and electrician from common knowledge. The accompanying sheet, however, represents, in diagramatic form, a set of apparatus such as may be used for carrying out the ferric-chloride and ferric-sulphate processes described herein. In the accompanying diagrams Fig. 1 is a general diagramatic view of the apparatus which may be employed : A, B, C, represent three vats or other apparatus used for leaching, and so arranged that the solution descends from vat to vat while the ore passes upwards, being first charged into the bottom vat, and then removed step by step upwards. This may, of course, be effected mechanically, or the ore may be made to descend, and the solution pumped upwards. D represents a reservoir where the solution is filtered and cooled after all the iron is removed as oxide ; B and F represent two vats with iron anodes, and G represents a vat with insoluble anodes ; H, H, H, represent a system of pipes or channels arranged to continuously supply solution into all the cathode divisions from D ; X represents a system of pipes leading from the anodes of B and F, and conveying the solution charged with, ferrous sulphate to the anodes of G ; J represents the pipes conveying the solution from the anode compartments of G and running it into a tank L, where it is first heated by any convenient source of heat, such as a steam-pipe P ; M is a pump to return the solution through pipes 0, 0, 0, to the leaching-vats. Fig. 2is apian of one of the vats showing iron or carbon anodes A, A, separated from cathodes G, C, by diaphragms D, D. The dotted line X represents the wire from dynamo, and the dotted line V the wire to next vats in series, and thence to dynamo. The only difference in the vats is that in the first two E and F, Fig. 1, iron anodes are used, and the diaphragms do not extend to the bottom of the cell, while in the third vat G insoluble anodes are used, and the diaphragms go right down. The circulation of the liquid is also different, as hereinbefore described. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is,— 1. A process for the treatment of refractory ores (particularly those ores named and described in the preamble hereto), characterized by the employment of a solution of sulphate or chloride of zinc, which is caused to circulate continuously and to undergo alternately a double electrolysis and leaching, the former being carried on, first in vats with soluble iron anodes (whereby ferrous sulphate or chloride is imparted to the solution in small quantities relatively to the zinc present, in place of the zinc-sulphate or chloride decomposed); and, secondly, in vats having insoluble anodes (whereby the ferrous salts so produced are raised to the ferric state by combination with an additional proportion of SO 4 or chloride. The solution being then heated and caused to come into intimate contact with oxidized zinc-ores or products whereby the iron salts are decomposed, the iron precipitated as oxide and the zinc dissolved as chloride or sulphate of zinc. After the leaching the solution is freed from lead (in the case of chloride solution) or silver by metallic zinc or alkaline reagents as described, and is returned to the electrolysis vats. The silver-lead residues are then either smelted, treated with metallic zinc, or otherwise utilised, substantially as described, and according to the reactions herein set forth. 2. A modification of the process characterized in claim 1, whereby the oxidized zinc-bearing ores are leached with H 2 SO 4 solution, and the resulting zinc-sulphate solution electrolysed in vats, all having iron anodes. The H 2 SO d may be recovered for further use from the ferrous-sulphate formed by retorting after the ordinary commercial method, and the iron-oxide may be used if desired as aflux for smelting the silver-lead residues or other useful purpose. 3. Another modification of the process characterized in claim 1, where the raw zinc-bearing sulphide-ores are dissolved in hydro-chloric acid, the H 2 S gas given off may be burned with a limited supply of air for the recovery of sulphur, and the liquid and residues boiled with metallic zinc for

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the purpose of throwing down the lead and silver in a metallic state. The resulting solution of zincchloride is electrolysed with iron anodes, and the resulting ferrous-chloride may be treated by any of the known chemical methods for recovery of the hydro-chloric acid for further use, or the hydrochloric acid may be produced by acting upon chloride of sodium with sulphuric acid. 4. In electrolysis of zinc-chloride or zinc-sulphate solutions, the addition of alkaline chloride or sulphate to the liquid, such as (in the case of zinc-chloride) chloride of sodium, for the purpose of increasing the conducting-capacity of the solution by means of the decomposition of the alkaline salt at the anode and its recomposition at the cathode, substantially as described, and according to the reactions set forth. 5. In the electrolysis of zinc-sulphate or chloride solutions in combination with the leaching of zinc-bearing ores with ferric salts, the employment of the herein-described double system of electrolysis, whereby in each set of three baths traversed by the same current, two have soluble anodes and produce ferrous salts in the liquid, while the third bath has insoluble anodes and raise the ferrous salts produced in the first two baths to the ferric state, the liquid passing in its course (after being freed from iron in the leaching process) first into the cathode compartments, and thence downward and up the anode compartment of the first two cells, and from the anode compartments of these to the anode compartments of the third cell. In the cathode compartment of the third cell is circulated an independent current of liquid free from iron, which again overflows into the anode compartment, and passes down the same, and thence out of the bath to the leaching apparatus. 6. In the leaching of zinc-bearing ores with ferric salts in combination with electrolysis, the employment of the ore in a completely (or nearly completely) oxidized state for the purpose of freeing the solution entirely from iron at every round, enabling the solution to be used in a pure state for the deposition of zinc, and adding the resulting iron to the residues. 7. In the electrolysis of zinc-sulphate or zinc-chloride solution in combination with leaching with ferric salts, the use of solutions containing a small relative proportion of the salts periodically or continuously renewed by the passage round of the solution, thereby minimising the diffusion of iron into the cathode compartments, and preventing the contamination of the deposited zinc and waste of power consequent upon such diffusion, and also enabling zinc to be recovered with the use of less dense diaphragms, and thus lessening the useless resistance of the apparatus, substantially as described. 8. In the treatment of refractory ores containing both lead and zinc, the method of separating the lead from the zinc by treating the oxidized ores with solution containing ferric chloride or ferric sulphate, whereby iron-oxide is precipitated and zinc-oxide converted to soluble zinc-sulphate or chloride, substantially as described. 9. In processes using the operation characterized in claim 8 or claim 3, the method of throwing down the silver, or, in case of ferric chloride being used as a solvent for the oxidized ore, the method of throwing down silver and lead in the metallic state by means of heating the solution with metallic zinc. 10. The general form and construction of the electrolytic apparatus, as fully set forth in this specification, and illustrated in the drawings herewith. 11. In the treatment of zinc-bearing sulphide-ores, the combination of the following operations : (a) Oxidizing the ore ; (h) leaching with zinc-sulphate or zinc-chloride solution containing ferric sulphate or ferric chloride, the leaching being preferably conducted in two or more stages; (c) electrolysing zinc-sulphates or zinc-chloride solution first with iron anodes and then with insoluble anodes, and returning the solution to the leaching apparatus. 12. In electrolytic treatment of ores, the production and use of spongy iron anodes formed by reducing iron-oxide in a close reverberatory furnace, substantially as described. Hbney Hughes, F. Aust. Inst. P.A. Dated this 20th day of June, 1894. Agent for the Applicant.

DREDGES. Improvements in Gold-dbedsing Machineby, Upright Ladder Dredge. I, Henry Benjamin, financial agent, Dunedin, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " Improvements in Gold-dredging Machinery, Upright Ladder Dredge," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :— The object of these improvements is to obtain a method of dredging for gold, or any ordinary dredging, with as short a ladder and, consequently, as few buckets as possible for a given depth, and at the same time to obtain a perfect delivery at the upper end of the ladder or ladders. For this object the ladder is made in two pieces, so that one portion, preferably the longer portion, can be let down to the perpendicular, while the upper portion can be bent to any angle for perfect delivery of the elevated material. When the angle of perfect delivery is found, the upper portion of the ladder may be fixed, and may be formed so as to carry the lower portion, and also any of the tumblers and incidental machinery ; director-tumblers or carrying-rollers (round or angular) may be secured where necessary, and the whole may be of any suitable design, size, or material. The ladders or frames are secured by strong pins passing through at the joint or junction of same in such a manner that the lower ladder or portion can be moved to the required dredging angle by suitable means, such as chains, or ropes and tackle, as is now usually employed for this purpose. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is,— In a dredging machine for digging or elevating material in or out of water for any purpose, the combination of two ladders, or a ladder and frame acting as a ladder, with director-tumblers and the usual dredging machinery, substantially as and for the purposes described and explained herein. Dated this 4th day of January, 1895. Henby Benjamin. 33—C. 3.

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B. Cockekell's Submaeinb Tbavelling-cbadle fob Gold-deedging and Sepabating. I, Robert Cookerell, blacksmith, Dunedin, New Zealand, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " E, Cockerell's Submarine Travelling-cradle for Gold-dredging and Separating," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — The cradle A is made of steel or any other hard substance, oblong shape, being narrow and shallow at both ends, and flat circle shape throughout, and is decked over with perforated plate or plates B, leaving a hollow space between the perforated decking and cradle for receiving the gold and finer material; the lips of the cradle project a few inches outside the perforated decking, which lips act for breaking up and loading on the material while being drawn through, similar to the mouth of a round shovel. On the back end of the cradle there is placed a duplicate wearer C, which also serves for keeping the narrow mouth D of the cradle down to its work for shovelling up the firm wash, which is passed over the perforated deck by the onward motion of the cradle. Any number of cradles required may be attached on a long chain or suitable rope, which is attached along the centre of the decks, and is drawn through the water to and fro, or otherwise, either after or reverse to other for the purpose of discharging at one or both sides of the river. Having particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is " E. Cockerell's Submarine Travelling-cradle, for Gold-dredging and Separating," substantially as described in the specification. BOBEET COOKEEELL, Dated this 4th day of December, 1894. Dunedin. The Impeoved Submaeine Angle-ihon Flexible Picks fob Gold-deedging and othee Pueposes. I, Eobert Cockerell, blacksmith, Dunedin, New Zealand, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for the "Improved Submarine Angle-iron Flexible Picks for Gold-dredging and other Purposes," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement : — The picks are made of angle-shaped iron or steel and in two sections, for the purpose of readily clamping on to a suspended chain or warp where required, the chain giving the required flexibility at the end of handle. The two parts of the angle-iron or steel, when put together edge to edge and clamped over chain or warp, form a square-shaped or oval socket, and serves as resisting handles for the picks. The angle-iron or steel is split at one or both ends as required, and is bent to the required shape as shown. A-B shows bearings of handle. Any required number of the picks made in this way may be used on a suspended chain frame, as shown C, and worked in beds of rivers for the purpose of bringing the rough wash ashore, or otherwise by being run to and fro through the rivers under an aerial tram. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is " E. Cockerell's Improved Submarine Angle-iron Flexible Picks for Gold-dredging and other Purposes," substantially as described in the specification. Dated this 21st day of December, 1894. Eobebt Cockeeell.

furnace for making crude antimony. Seageb's Antimony Cbuding Fuenace. I, Edward Seagar, engineer, Victoria Street, Wellington, New Zealand, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " Seagar's Antimony Cruding Furnace," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement : — The furnace to be used for liquating the crude antimony from the ore; the furnace to consist of one or more vertical retorts of large or small diameter set in brickwork, and passing through a castiron plate on top and cast-iron plate at the bottom, allowing the retorts to be taken out and put in without removing any brickwork. The ore to be charged in the retorts, and the cover screwed down airtight, false bottoms to be fitted, as shown on plan, standing on a bar of iron ; this bar fits into a dip at the ends which can be removed, releasing the whole of the false bottoms, and allowing them to fall out with the residue after the crude metal is liquated out of the ore; the residue falls out of the retorts into the iron truck placed in the chamber below, as shown on plan; the furnace runs the whole length of the retorts on each side for burning wood as fuel, a flue to be formed close up to the top of the brickwork and connected to the chimney, also a flue in the lower chamber connected to the chimney. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is, — 1. Any number of retorts of large or small diameter can be fitted into and form the furnace passing through the top and bottom plates. 2. The cast-iron top and bottom plates for the retorts to pass through, allowing them to be taken out and replaced when required without interfering with the other retorts or brickwork. 3. The perforated false bottoms which can be released and allowed to drop out with the residue after the crude metal is liquated from the ore, allowing the retorts to be cleaned out and recharged without loss of time. 4. The covers to fit on a surfaced metal-face and securely made, perfectly airtight, allowing no fumes to escape from the top of the retorts while the liquation of the ore is taking place. Dated this 29th day of May, 1894. Edwaed Seagab.

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BLASTING. A Method op and Apparatus fob Blasting. I, Abraham Wilhelm Schwarz, manufacturer, in Leipzig-Plagwitz, in the Kingdom of Saxony and German Empire, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " A Method of and Apparatus for Blasting," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — This invention relates to the method of and apparatus for blasting by means of the explosive combination of either chlorine, iodine, or bromine with nitrogen or a source of nitrogen, such, for instance, as ammonia. By the use of the apparatus employed all danger of premature explosion is averted, and the gases are contained in separate receptacles, which are only opened at the moment of explosion. The accompanied drawings, reference to which is hereinafter made, illustrate in what manner this invention may be carried into effect Kg. 1 illustrates the apparatus in section as arranged to be exploded electrically; Kg. 2 illustrates a mechanical exploding device ; Fig. 3is a plan of the powder-chamber employed in combination with the electrical device. In both the arrangements illustrated, the chlorine, iodine, or bromine is contained in one, and the nitrogen or ammonia in the other of two separate receptacles c and c. The gases are under pressure, and force the internal valves / firmly upon their seats. In the modification shown by Kg. 1, the apparatus is illustrated in position for blasting. Connected to or resting against the valves / are rods or pins g, the other ends of which terminate against or in the sides of a powder-chamber h. Suitable wires and an electrical fuse or other device are introduced into the powder-chamber, and the explosion may be effected in the usual manner. The effect of the explosion of the powder is to drive the rods g apart, and force inwards the valves/, which are then held by the springs i, thus allowing the gases contained within the receptacles c and c to combine and explode. The whole of the apparatus is preferably contained within an outer case or cylinder k. The hole may be tamped in any usual way, or be closed by means of the plug I. In the device illustrated by Fig. 2, the powder-chamber is inoperative or may be dispensed with altogether, 'a single rod g connecting the two valves/. Another rod b passes through the plug I, and terminates upon the upper end of the upper case c. A hammer or weight pivotted at ais adapted to fall upon the end of the rod b and drive it downwards. The effect of this downward movement is to drive the valve of the upper case against the rod g, and at the same time drive the lower end of the rod against the valve of the chamber c, both valves are thus forced behind the springs i, which prevent their return and the gases combine explosively. It is preferred to use chlorine in one of the chambers owing to the greater expense of either iodine or bromine. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is,— 1. The herebefore described method of blasting by the explosive combination of chlorine, bromine, or iodine with nitrogen or a source of nitrogen. 2. Apparatus for blasting by the explosive combination of chlorine, bromine, or iodine with nitrogen or a source of nitrogen. Abeaham Wilhelm Schwaez.

IRONSAND SMELTING. The making op Beiquettes fkom Taeanaki leonsand. I, Edward Purser, of High Street, Blenheim, rate collector, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " The making of Briquettes from Taranaki Ironsand," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement : — The sand is first purified of ail foreign matter by passing it in conjunction with magnetized drums; it is then mixed in a pasty form by adding a binding solution, for which I find ordinary glue the best; it is then spread on sheets of iron to the thickness of -|in., and blocked out in briquettes about sin. by 3in. The sheets of iron are then placed over a slow fire, and in a short time they become perfectly hard, and are ready to put in the furnace for smelting. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is : " The making of Briquettes from Taranaki Ironsand," as herein described. Dated this 20th day of December, 1894. E. Pubseb. An Improvement in Bebdan-deags, Mdllees, and othee Solid Geindees used in Amalgamating- oe Geinding-pans fob the Eeduction of Quaetz-tailings and the Saving op Amalgam. I, Joseph Kilgour, of Greymouth, in the Provincial District of Westland, ironfounder, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for an " Improvement in Berdan-drags, Mullers, and other Solid Grinders used in Amalgamating- or Grinding-pans for the Eeduction of Quartz-tailings and the Saving of Amalgam," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: — The invention consists of making the drag, muller, or whatever the grinder may be, in segments (1, Fig. A, in plan), attached hereto, bolted together, between the segments, 1, a copper plate, 2, may be inserted, a washer (3, Fig. B, in plan), keeping the segments, 1, and the copper plates, 2, apart, leaving a space between each segment for the reception of amalgam. Copper plates may also be fitted to the sides of the drag. My invention is for the saving of amalgam between the segments, 1, and on the copper plates, 2, as it is produced in the pan, before it is ground into float gold ; this drag acts on the principle of a sponge taking up the amalgam as it is produced.

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The drag can easily be taken to pieces by unscrewing the bolts 4, and taking each segment, 1, out to collect amalgam between the spaces and from the copper-plates, 2. The copper-plates, 2, can be adjusted as the drag wears, the drag being made in segments adjusts itself evenly over the pan, and will grind more than a solid drag. The drag may be made in any number of segments desired. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is,— 1. That the construction of the drag in segments is novel. 2. That the use of copper plates placed between the segments of the drag is novel. Dated this 18th day of August, 1894. Joseph Kilgouh.

MECHANICAL TREATMENT OF GOLD-OBES. The Muephy Process —Automatic and Economical. It is a well-known fact that many gold-bearing deposits in several southern States are yielding unsatisfactory returns, owing to the difficulties encountered in extracting the metal, says the Canadian Colliery Guardian. New methods in this industry are therefore of general interest to the large number of owners and developers of such properties. The following article on the " Murphy Gold Process," prepared by Mr. J. G. Murphy, the inventor, may offer some useful suggestions in this direction. Modern investigation shows us conclusively that for knowledge of free-milling gold-ore we appeal to scientific books and treatises in vain. This will be shown in what follows. It is a singular fact that for free-milling gold-ore, so called, no milling process was devised that would save the values contained in the ore closer than 70 to 80 per cent., and in many cases less than 60 per cent. Many mines are not operated for the reason that a sufficient percentage of the gold contained in the ore could not be saved at a sufficiently low rate for treatment to render the operation profitable. .■ Gold-mines are variable in the character of their output —first, with respect to the value of the ore per ton; and, second, with respect to its metallurgical character. There are other differences, but in what follows we have to consider these two conditions alone. Is a gold-mine valuable ? The question involves a knowledge of the values of the ore per ton and the cost of treatment. The cost of the treatment depends upon the character of the ore. The common operations for the extraction of gold are milling and smelting. The cost of milling per ton in a mill of, say, forty stamps, will not exceed ss. 2d. per ton (a high estimate) ; the charge for smelting is £3 to £4. It is apparent at once that ores which would not be commercially profitable for smelting would pay handsomely if milling were possible. In general milling ore would not pay for the cost of smelting unless it was exceptionally rich. Suppose an ore to be worth £16 per ton, but is, nevertheless, free milling, an exceptionally high saving by the milling process as now conducted would be 75 per cent.—7s per cent, of £16 equals £12 ; less ss. 2d. cost of milling, equal £1114s. 10d. When the ore is sold to smelting companies they usually pay for 95 per cent, of the assayvalue, of the ore, and deduct £3 to £4 per ton for treatment —now, 95 per cent, of £16 is £15 45., less £3 to £4, cost of treatment, £12 4s. or £11 4s. net. In such a case as this it will be seen that there is but little choice between milling and smelting, as the increased saving by the latter method balances the difference in the cost of treatment. But the majority of gold-mines will not yield ore of sufficient richness to pay the smelting charge alone. We often hear stories of mines which are said to yield ore to the value of £40 and more per ton. Samples can be obtained from any goldmine which will yield by assay £200 to absolute gold approximating several hundred thousand dollars per ton, but on a commercial scale by carload lots there are but a small percentage of the mines that will yield ore of the average value of £2 per ton, but this value will not pay the smelting charges. In a majority of mines from which the ore is shipped to the smelters careful selection, is needed, and often not more than 10 per cent, of the output can be shipped with profit. Of the total gold-production of the world more than 90 per cent, is the product of mill and placer operations. We now pass to the question of what constitutes a free-milling gold-ore. The answer to this is by no means easy. In the usual acceptation of the term, it is an ore which will yield a sufficient percentage to the milling process to make the operation commercially profitable. Eock cannot be properly called an ore unless by metallurgical treatment it will yield a profit : hence we see that rock which will yield £4 per ton, but not free milling, cannot be properly called an ore, while a 10ft. vein of £1 12s. ore (free-milling) would be very valuable. Is the product of a mine in which gold occurs in the native state correctly termed free-milling in all cases ? Let us examine this question with care. The stamp-mill is the machine employed for the reduction of free-milling gold-ores. Briefly, it consists of a stem tapped, head and shoe, weight 6501b. to 1,2001b ; the latter weight now in use in the Black Hills, Dakota. This weight is lifted by the cam, which is attached to the cam-shaft to a height of Bin. to 14in., the latter drop being used in the Eigby Mill, so called. The number of drops is 56 to 90 per minute, the smaller number of drops corresponding to the higher lift. This weight falls in a mortar directly on top of a die of the same diameter as the shoe. This die will be on an average 4-Jin. to sin. above the bottom of the mortar; the ore is fed into the mortar in modern practice by a self-feeder, and is crushed between the shoes and dies. A quantity of mercury is fed directly into the mortar, varying in quantity with the richness of the ore. As the ore is pulverised the gold is liberated, which, falling to the bottom of the mortar, comes in contact with the mercury and is amalgamated. The amalgam so formed is saved in battery and outer plates of copper, the surfaces, of which are amalgamated. We will not discuss this subject in detail, as we are dealing with principles only.

GOLD-DREDGING APPLIANCES Cockerell's Patents.

ANTIMONY CRUDING FURNACE SEAGAR'S PATENT

APPARATUS FOR BLASTING.

KILGOUR'S PATENT BERDAN DRAGS.

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A current of water passes through the mortar, which is the power that discharges the crushed ore from the mortar. The discharge is through screens of 40-mesh (1,600 spaces per square inch). The quantity of water used is 12 miners' inches, 144 gallons per minute for a mill of 60 stamps; or one miners' inch, 12 gallons per minute, per section of five stamps. It will be seen that the capacity of the mills depends upon the rapidity of discharge. The attempt to use 60-mesh screens has been made. This was found impracticable, because the capacity of the mill is greatly reduced and the screens clog and break from pressure. Of all the machines used in the metallurgy of gold, the stamp-mill plays by far the most important part, consequently we should examine it with care. We see that it requires a large quantity of water, that a 40-mesh screen is the finest that can be used economically; that the gold, when liberated, must be amalgamated and caught on copper plates. We have stated that in no case would the stamp-mill save more than 70 to 80 per cent, of the total gold value. Let us seek the cause. The particles of which all rock is composed vary greatly in size. This is especially true of the particles of gold contained in any free-milling ore. The coarse gold is, as a rule, saved in a well-conducted stamp-mill operation. The fine, however, cannot be saved by this process. The cause of the loss has been assigned to the flowing away of fine gold in the current of water passing through the mill. This is true to some extent, but only the cause of a fractional part. The percentage of coarse and fine gold contained in ore is variable in different mines and different sections. Some mines, as the Gloster, Southern Cross, Bed Lion, Broadway, &c, contain 40 to 80 per cent., often more, of the total value of the ore in the form of flour gold. These mines are rich in chemical value ; commercially, however, the Gloster Mill will not yield more than 50 to 60 per cent, to the stamp-mill, the Southern Cross and Bed Lion 25 to 30 per cent., the Broadway 40 per cent. For this reason these mines and others have not been profitably and properly operated. The ores of these mines are of good grade for a milling operation, but not sufficiently rich for smelting. All the ore of the Gibbonville (Idaho) district fall under this head. Among the rich and famous sulphuret mines may be mentioned the Moose and Dolly Varden, situated on Moose Hill, near Alma, Col.; the Gregory and Bobtail Mines, near Black Hawk, Col. These'mines'produced millions in gold-ore, all of which was smelted in the establishments of Professor Hill, one of which was located at Alma and the other at Black Hawk. The ore was very rich, and, in addition to the mining, smelting, and shipping-charges, yielded the mine-owners good profits. The gold in these mines was associated with copper pyrites and peacock copper bornite. Another mine equally and even more famous than either of those mentioned above, in which existed large chambers of mixed sulphuret, iron pyrites, copper pyrites, magnetic pyrites, and peacock copper, all rich in gold and treated by the stamp-mill. This is the Cable Gold-mine, of Phillipsburg, Mont., owned by J. C. Savery, of Dcs Moines, lowa. The writer made a detailed examination of that mine nine years ago. The mine was equipped with a 40-stamp mill. The gangue of the ore was chiefly limestone, in which occurred the large chambers of the sulphurets mentioned. It astonished me to see this ore all put through the stamp-mill, and suggested to Mr. Savery that he was sustaining a heavy loss. He called my attention to the fact that he had an assay office, and invited me to determine the loss. My astonishment can be imagined when I found that the percentage of saving in the sulphuret was equal to that in the limestone. Investigation of this statement is invited. This absolute contradiction, not of statement, but, in fact, of all that had been written on the subject, caused me to examine all of my personal experience, and to consult others. The result was that more than eight years ago I reached a conclusion, which was announced recently in pamphlet form almost simultaneously by chemists of Boston and San Francisco—viz., that gold in pyrites is mostly, if not entirely, in the free state. The chemists who wrote the pamphlets announced the existence of gold in iron pyrites (their investigation does not appear to have extended further) in three forms —free, enveloped mechanically, and chemically combined. The latter condition is said to be most rare. It is doubtful if the latter condition exists at all, and in the absence of proof, which is not furnished in the pamphlets, I adhere to my opinion. Usually the size of a particle of iron-pyrites or any other sulphuret contained in an ore is small; so small, indeed, that it will readily pass through a 40-mesh screen, the size of screen used in a stamp-mill. If gold is contained in such pyrites the stamp-mill would not save it, as it would pass through the screen unaltered. Let us now think over the preceding matter carefully, and then see if we can decide the cause of the loss of flour gold, and why the gold in pyrites is usually lost in a milling process. Is the heavy loss due to the flowing away of flour gold by the current of water passing through the mortar, or is it due to the fact that the rock is not broken sufficiently fine to free the gold from the gangue ? The greater percentage of pyrites found exists in small particles. If pulverised sufficiently fine, can any contained gold be amalgamated ? We have now reached a proper point for discussion of the Murphy gold process. This process may be considered worthy of consideration from a single fact —viz., that investigation is asked. The designer will be glad to have errors pointed out and improvements suggested. This process designed by myself for the Hartford Syndicate (Limited) comprehends the union of several well-known machines. If any of these can be beaten for its special department, I will be glad to know it and give the substitute its proper place. The essential features of the Murphy gold process consist of pulverising to a fine state of division, and even to an impalpable powder, if the fineness of the gold demands it; then the formation of a pulp of the consistency of a thin paste in the well-known combination-pan, to which we give preference, at the end of which are the usual settlers, also so well known that space for description would be wasted here. The effect of the arrangement of these machines would be— 1. That no matter how fine the state of division in which the gold exists in the ore may be, it will be liberated from the gangue and rendered fit for amalgamation. 2. That there will be no current of water to float the flour gold off.

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3. That the process can be employed in sections where there is not sufficient water to run the stamp-mill. 4. That at all stages the process is completely under the control of the operator, so that the batch does not need to pass from the pans to the settlers. As to this process, and how cheaply it will treat gold-ores, the general description which follows, and a study of the plans, will be an indication. The mill is entirely automatic, and but a single man at the rock-breaker is needed for a plant of 50 tons or more. The ore as it comes from the mine is dumped on grizzlies. The fine material passes through and falls to the bin ; the coarse lumps fall on the crusher-floors directly in front of the crusher's jaws, which should be so set that they are on a level with the floor, thus avoiding lifting. Prom the crusher-bin, which is inclined, the ore passes directly to a set of rolls, where it is crushed to a 30- or 40-mesh screen (900 to 1,600 spaces per square inch). After being crushed, the ore is elevated, and that which is not fine enough to pass through the screen goes back to the rolls ; that which is fine enough passes through the screen into a bin which communicates with the continuousfeed and discharge pulverising cylinder. This continuous-feed and discharge pulverising cylinder is the machine to which special attention is called, and to the operation of which the success of the process is due. There are 3,000 of these cylinders (old style) now in use pulverising flint and feldspar for use in the manufacture of porcelain and pottery. These machines can be seen in operation at Brandywine Heights, Del., South Glastonbury, Conn., &c. The fineness to which it is necessary to pulverise these materials for use is 200 mesh for porcelain and 250 mesh for glazed ware (40,000 to 62,500 spaces per square inch). This machine is patented and known as the Alsing Cylinder, manufactured by the J. B. Alsing Company, 60, New Street, New York. For the amalgamation of gold it is not thought that it will be necessary to pulverise to 200 or 250 mesh. The ore, pulverised as finely as may be necessary in the cylinder, is conveyed by the discharge-pipe to a bin, the bottom of which is arranged in the form of a hopper to feed directly into the pan. The remainder of the operation is exactly that used in a silver-mill, and will not be discussed, as the operation is well known. Erom the preceding description it can be seen that the operation is entirely automatic. 5. The cost of treatment, as has been shown, is of primary importance for gold-ores that will not bear the cost of smelting charges. The cost of crushing by the rock-breaker and rolls will not exceed Is. Bd. per ton; the cost of pulverising to 200 mesh will not exceed 4s. 2d. when the ore is first put to a 30- or 40-mesh screen. Taking the total cost at Bs. 4d. for crushing, amalgamation, and retorting it is seen that by this process we can treat the ore from a large number of mines which by the ordinary process could not be made to pay until the amalgamation is completely determined by the usual method of panning samples. 6. That 90 to 95 per cent, of the gold contained in any free-milling ore can be saved. This may and will likely be questioned. Apply the following test for confirmation: Take any free-milling auriferous ore, pulverise to 125 to 200 mesh—generally 100 mesh will do; take a casserole or other proper vessel, into which put the pulverised ore, wet to the consistency of a thin paste; take a common egg-beater, and, after introducing the proper amount of mercury, agitate the mass for an hour. The result will show a saving of 90 per cent, of the gold. This is not so perfect as the combination pan however. The pan works as follows : The inuller slaps the pulp out to the "periphery, the spillers slap it back, thus making two lateral forces. The revolution of the muller creates a vortex of about 6in. in diameter, in and out of which the material constantly passes. We have thus three forces to effect the perfect contact of the mercury with the gold, and therefore it is said that the Murphy gold process will save 90 per cent., and even 95 per cent, of the gold contained in the ore, unless it contains elements which will foul, contaminate, or consume mercury, such as native copper and the ores containing lead. In the Broadway Mine there was a deleterious element in the gangue of the ore which operated against close saving. Professor Clayton was called on to see if he could not devise some means to save more than 40 per cent, of the value contained in that ore. He spent considerable time in the endeavour to effect that result, but without success. The Professor stated that the Broadway ore contained considerable tale in its gangue, which acted as a grease and prevented a union of the gold and mercury. In the Murphy gold process the existence of tale as a part of the gangue would in no way affect the amalgamation. The whole thing is in the pan, and the forces mentioned are sure to bring about contact of the gold and mercury, which is all that is needed. It makes no difference whether the gold is contained in iron-pyrites, copper-pyrites, peacock-ore, &c, it will be collected and saved by this process.

SPECIFICATION FOR AERIAL TRAMWAY. Location of Site. —Before commencing survey of aerial line two points should be first determined—(l) Fix on exact site for quartz-paddock near mine, and in doing so the chief thing to be considered is a solid foundation at the lowest possible cost, as it is of little consequence whether front of paddock and course of aerial line are parallel or otherwise. As the oval can be so shaped that it will be parallel with both, then fix centre post in position for upper end of aerial line, in doing which care should be taken that sufficient space is left between paddock and centre-line for shoots, jib, oval, and half the terminal structure —say, not less than 12ft. 6in.; (2) fix position of battery-paddock, and place post in position for centre-line of aerial at lower end, so that buckets will empty from terminal into paddock, not more than from 10ft. to 15ft. distant from batteryhouse. Survey of Line. —Having now fixed both ends of line, we connect them by cutting a straight line from one to the other, then measure the distance, putting a peg at each chain, or oftener if necessary, with a pilot peg having the chainage marked on it. Levelling. —We now take levels for longitudinal section, using a dumpy level, after which the section is drawn, when the position, height, and number of trestles can be determined on.

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Wire Bope. —Having now got our distance, we order wire rope from the manufacturer, so that it may be on hand when the trestles and terminals are erected and ready to receive it; but, before sending order, we should determine the quantity of material to be carried over line within a given time, the total fall on line, the number and capacity of buckets, and the speed at which line is to travel; we can then calculate the circumference of rope required for our purpose, when rope can be ordered, taking care to add to twice the horizontal distance length required for sag between trestles, and some spare rope for stoppers, strands, splices, &c. Dixon and Corbett, manufacturers, of London, Liverpool, and Glasgow, supply Laing's patent extra plough steel-wire rope, of 2in. circumference, breaking-strain 157 tons. This rope is perhaps the best yet produced, and is far superior to any other rope in use in the Reefton district. It consists of six strands, of twelve No. If wires each—three wires laid over one for core of strand, with nine wires laid over core to complete strand, then the six strands are laid over hemp core; total wires in rope, 72 ; weight per fathom, 3-51b.; latest quoted price per hundredweight, 765. The following extract from the manufacturer's tables will enable mine-managers at a glance to determine the proper size of rope required. For vertical winding at a high speed one-tenth the breaking-strain has been adopted as a safe working-load; it may, however, be increased to one-eighth, according to conditions of working. The gross weight hanging over the pulley being considered the workingload. Hauling. —The working-load is usually taken at one-sixth the breaking-strain, and the following formula for ascertaining the load has been found from experience to give satisfactory results, plane 800 yards, load 20 tons, maximum inclination 7°, or 1 in 8-14 : — Owt. qr. lb. Gravity of load 20 tons x 272-981b. per ton = ... ... ... 49 0 16 Friction of load 20 tons x 20-00 per ton =... ... ... 32 8 Gravity of rope 800 yards at 21b. = 1,600 4- 8-14= ... ... 13 1 Friction of rope 800 yards at 21b = 1,600 H- 20-00 = ... ... 0 2 24 ■ 2-J-in. extra plough-steel rope ... ... ... ... 55 0 21

Extra Plough-steel.

N.B.—Great care should be exercised in uncoiling wire rope. A reel or turn-table should be used to avoid accidents. Both winding- and hauling-ropes should be well lubricated to prolong duration. The windingropes especially ought to have frequent applications of heavy hydro-carbon oil, which should be well rubbed into the interstices with swabs, as it is important that the inside of the rope should benefit as well as the outside by its application. Foundry Work. —Should be ordered next after sending order for rope, and consists of the machinery shown on accompanying drawings ; but the number of buckets, with bows, hangers, and clips complete must be specified, also the number of pulleys in tumbler-frames for trestles, with chairs and bolts complete, and the four single pulleys which lead rope on and off both terminals. As the buckets are made slightly lopsided to ensure easy tipping the order must state whether buckets are to tip to right or left of forward line of direction, so that foundry-man will know on which end and side to affix tipping-bar. Suppose mine- and battery-paddocks to be both on same side of terminals, and to left of forward line of direction, then buckets would be filled after coming round upper terminal, and emptied before going round lower terminal, and tips to the left, and vice versa if both paddocks were on opposite side. Again, suppose paddocks to be on opposite sides,

Working-loads. Inclination per Yard, in Inches. Circumference. Breakingstrain. Pit. Incline. One in Gravity due to Incline per Ton, in Pounds. Inches. n i£ if H if if ? 2* 2i 2| 2* H 2* 2* 3 3i 3i Tons. 4-9 5-8 7-2 8-5 10-3 11-7 13-5 15-7 18-0 19-8 22-0 24-7 27-0 29-7 32-4 35-1 38-2 40-0 Cwt. 10 12 14 17 21 24 27 31 36 40 44 49 54 59 64 70 76 82 Cwt. 16 19 24 28 34 39 45 52 60 66 73 82 90 99 108 117 127 136 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 0-63 1-26 1-88 2-51 3-15 3-78 4-42 5-06 5-70 6-34 6-99 7-65 8-31 8-97 9-64 10-32 11-00 11-69 57-29 28-63 19-09 14-29 11-42 9-51 8-14 7-11 6-31 5-67 5-14 4-70 4-33 4-01 3-73 3-48 3-27 3-07 Lb. 39-08 78-18 117-24 156-26 195-24 234-14 272-98 311-74 350-40 388-97 427-41 465-71 503-88 541-90 579-75 617-43 654-90 692-20

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buckets would be filled before passing round upper terminal, and emptied before passing round lower terminal. Oval. —Where front of paddock and line of rope are parallel, the oval can be the shape and dimensions shown on drawings ; but if otherwise send plan of actual position and form of oval required, and so obviate the necessity of alterations on ground. Felling of Timber. —The whole of the timber and scrub should be felled for a width of 66ft., 33ft. on each side of centre-line, except where line runs along a steep sideling, when 20ft. would be sufficient on lower side, and 46ft. on upper side; in addition to which all leaning or dangerous trees on upper side should be felled, although outside the specified 66ft. Clearing. —All fallen logs, trees, and scrub should be cleared for a width of 7ft. on each side of centre-line and deposited at lower side; and at each trestle the clearing should be perfected for the whole width of 66ft., and 33ft. along line on each side of each trestle ; this provides for safety of trestle in case of bush-fires. Trestles. —To be constructed with spread and sizes of timbers as shown on drawings, the legs in all cases to rest on a solid foundation ; when on rock, to be chipped off level; and in all other cases the sideling to be stepped in, so that leg will rest on solid material. The trestling for terminal structure at lower end (where necessary) to be as shown on drawings. Framework for Terminals. —To be as shown and figured on drawings ; to be placed on stringers at lower end with four sets of wheels, as shown. This allows the structure to be moved backward or forward, as the rope contracts during frosty weather and expands with summer weather. When terminal structure is in desired position make fast to any safe anchorage until it requires shifting again. The framework for terminal at upper end to be placed on three sills sunk into solid rock, and bolted down at each sill, as shown, or other foundation equally good. "When placing sills in position care should be taken that the angle is such that, when structure is complete, the terminal sheave will be in perfect truth with pulleys on first trestle from terminal. Bolts and Washers. —All bolts to be the sizes figured on drawings, to have two washers, one each at head-and nut, washers to be square, with side equal to 3-J- diameters of the bolt, and thickness J diameter of bolt, head and nut to be 2 diameters square and 1 thick. Timber. —Should be the best procurable and free from all imperfections. Chairs for Pulley-frames. —Chairs on cap of trestles should be placed at equal distances from centre-line, and the space between chairs should be such that, when pulleys are in position, from centre to centre of pulleys will equal centre to centre of rope, measured across terminal sheave ; the chair should be fitted so that the pulleys will work truly vertical, and the contained angle of rope should be taken into account, and chair fitted to half the angle. Sharp Angles. —ln determining height of trestles, sharp angles should be avoided wherever possible. Putting on Clips. —A piece of canvas, sin. by sin., dipped in tar, should first be rolled round rope, then attach clip and screw tight; after which serve with marline for 3in. each way, having marline flush with clip, and taper off to one thickness of marline at other end. Derrick at each Trestle. —A spar, not less than Bin. diameter at small end, should be placed at each trestle, to act as a derrick, and should be not less than Bft. above cap when placed at lower side as shown on drawing, and each trestle should have foot-rungs, as shown, for ladder-way. Speed of Hope. —Will depend on the load and inclination, but should not exceed 250 ft. per minute. Oiling of Hope. —Rope should be kept dry and clean until ready to start working, and should be then oiled or greased, and the operation repeated when necessary—say, once a month ; the maker recommends heavy-bodied hydro-carbon oil; where this is not easily procurable, equal parts of tallow and linseed-oil boiled together and applied hot will answer the purpose. Shifting of Clips. —Clips should be shifted (say, 40ft.) every two months. Getting Length of Rope. —Measure length of rope for one circumference of terminal sheave; then count revolutions of sheave for the round trip, when exact length of rope is determined. Spacing of Buckets. —Buckets should be evenly spaced, as the line works much better when the load is even and not lop-sided. Working Line during Frosty Weather. —After a frosty night, the line should not be worked until the rope thaws, but, after starting, can be kept going until late at night (if necessary) without injury to rope. Best Working-grade. —The Golden Lead line, with a grade of 1 in 4-36, can transmit 35 cubic yards in eight hours ; but perhaps the best grade would be about 1 in 7. Straining of Rope. —The rope should not be strained too tight, neither should it be too slack. The Golden Lead line has a total fall of I,oooft. in 66 chains horizontal; this would give 4,469 ft. nearly as the hypothenuse, doubled equals 8,938 ft.; the actual length of rope when in good work-ing-order is 9,012 ft., or equal to an allowance of 74ft. for sag of both sides. Hints to Person in Charge. —See that pulleys are put into frames the correct way, and, after starting the line, examine pulleys on each trestle, and see that they are not screwed too tight or too slack, and regulate the chairs to bring pulleys into perfect truth with rope. Have upper terminal roofed in, so that brakes can be kept dry; should brakes become wet from any cause start line gently, and dry brakes with waste or rag. Brakes require oiling at intervals ; speed and smoothness of running will determine when oiling is required. During cold weather the oil clogs, when the line will run slow ; in this case pour about a spoonful of kerosene on the brakes, when the line will come up to required speed. When the bucket is 60ft. to 80ft. distant from terminal, begin to slacken speed gently, and go slowly round terminal, when speed is again increased to its maximum. Never pull up suddenly or with a jerk ; the bucket should not come to a standstill to be filled, the filler should be

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AERIAL TRAM. GOLDEN LEAD G.M. Co. REEFTON.

AERIAL TRAM. GOLDEN LEAD G.M. Co. REEFTON

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CINNABAE. There are several places in the colony where cinnabar is found amongst the alluvial drifts, as, for instance, at Waipori. A good deal of this mineral is found in the gold-workings between Waipori and Waitahuna in small pellets, but so far it has not yet been traced to a lode in this locality. It is also found at Puhipuhi, in the drifts, in a gully leading up to the table-land, and prospecting operations were carried on here for some time to endeavour to trace it to its original source. About 751b. of this mineral was obtained by washing the drifts in the gully, with the hope that by laying bare the rocks a lode would be discovered ; but success did not attend this party's efforts. Some pieces of cinnabar have also been obtained from the bed of the Waiorongomai Creek, but no lode has been discovered. The only place where cinnabar has been found in situ in this locality is on the Champion Lode at Tui Creek, about three miles from Te Aroha, where it occurs in the centre of a large lode carrying gold, silver, copper, galena, and zinc-blende, but is not in payable quantity for working. The only large deposit of this mineral in situ is at Ohaeawai, about sixteen miles to the northwards of Kawakawa, in the Bay of Islands County, which has been recently prospected by the Colonial Exploitation Company, formed in England. Cinnabab Deposits, Ohaeawai. The place where the Colonial Exploitation Company's workings at Ohaeawai are situated is about a mile and a half distant in a southerly direction from the Ohaeawai Hotel, on the road from Kawakawa to Kaikohe. The outcrops of the cinnabar deposits, as far as have yet been ascertained, are in a basin which is about 590 ft. above sea-level, where there are thermal springs with an abundance of gaseous emanations everywhere in the vicinity of the pools. There is a large outcrop of sinter mixed with cinnabar in this basin, and the whole of the sand and mud on the surface of the basin and gully leading out of it is intermixed with small globules of quicksilver, which have evidently been distilled by the heat of the ground, the fumes condensing at the surface. This deposit is on the property of Mr. G. W. S. Patterson, of Kaikohe, who has entered into an agreement with Messrs. Riley and Merricks, of London, as trustees on behalf of the Colonial Exploitation Company, to develop the property by an expenditure up to £5,000, or until the company is satisfied that there is sufficient ore in sight to warrant the sale or flotation of a larger company, with a capital not exceeding £70,000, and on this taking place the company's remuneration is fixed at £7,000 in cash and £10,000 in fully-paid-up shares ; and Mr. Patterson is to have £7,000 in cash and £16,000 in fully-paid-up shares. This would absorb £40,000 of the capital, leaving £30,000 for the further development of the mine and for erection of plant. The property comprises an area of 620 acres. As far as can be ascertained, the cinnabar lode is running in a northerly and southerly direction right through the centre of the valley and basin. A good deal of work has been done by the company in carrying on prospecting operations at different places in the vicinity of the basin hereinbefore referred to; but, in my opinion, the most beneficial work already undertaken is the sinking of a shaft, which is termed No. 1. This shaft is sunk on a low terrace about 30ft. above the level of the basin, and about 160 ft. to the westward of the outcrop of the lode. Prom the work that has been done the lode appears to have an underlie to the westward of some 45 to 50 degrees, so that the shaft would have to be sunk to a depth of about 190 ft. before it would cut the lode if the latter should continue to go down at the indicated angle of dip shown near the surface. This shaft is now down to a depth of 100 ft., but owing to the quantity of water to be contended with, as well as its high temperature (over 160 degrees), together with the large quantity of gas, it is very questionable if sinking can be continued to a greater depth. The manager, Mr. A. P. Griffiths, informed me that he intended to drive a cross-cut to try and cut the lode, which, taking its inclination, ought to be cut at about 90ft. from the shaft. At the time of my visit the shaft was sunk to a depth of about 92ft., through a description of green marly sand such as is found above the coal formation. The quantity of water to be contended with at the time of my visit was about 200 gallons per hour, the water and sand coming up the shaft in a state of slurry. The shaft is sft. by 3ft. in the clear, and close-timbered all the way down ; the timber has to be put in plank after plank as the sinking continues, to prevent the sides caving in. In sinking the shaft two different layers of sand and hot water were met with, one at 60ft. and the other at 80ft., the temperature of the water being, the manager informed me, about 200° Eahr. Considerable quantities of gas are found in the shaft apparently of H 2 S CO 2 , and I think it probable there is a percentage of CH d . My reason for suspecting carburetted-hydrogen gas here is the large quantity of shale there is in the basin, and in digging down amongst this shale petroleum is found in the seams. Indeed, this oil can be seen at different places on the surface, and where petroleum exists CEL, gas is most likely to be found. The fan for ventilating the shaft was too small for the purpose, but the manager informed me that he expected a larger one every day, which would require two men to work it. A good venti-lating-fan will be required when the cross-cut from the shaft gets near the lode, as the quantity of gas is likely to be greatly increased, and it is even questionable whether the company will be able to carry on operations in the cross-cut when the lode is cut. Another shaft, termed No. 2, is sunk down to a depth of 25ft; this shaft is from 35 to 40 chains further to the south than the No. 1 shaft. The lode here has been followed down, but, as the shaft was full of water at the time of my visit, I could only see the lode near the surface, which was about 18in. in width, having two layers of fine sand dividing it as it were into three separate divisions. The cinnabar from the lode here appears to be of fair quality ; three samples were broken out of this lode, and two other samples, one from a cutting to the westward of the lode, and one from the sinter outcrop. These samples were forwarded to the Colonial Laboratory for analysis, with the following result: —■

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Cinnabar per Cent. Mercury per Cent. No. 1 ... ... ... ... ... 13-16 11-34* „ 2 21-04 18-13* „ 3 ... ... ... ... ... 7-43 649* „ 4 ... ... ... ... ... Traces Traces! „ 5 ... ... ... ... ... None found None]: The cinnabar found in No. 4 was on the outside only, and so it might be a part of one of the richer specimens that had been rubbed by contact and adhered to it. The bulk of mineral in all these specimens is iron-pyrites. Carbonaceous matter was present in Nos. 1, 2, and 3. The results of analysis of specimens Nos. 1, 2, and 3 show the ore in the lodes to be of very good quality, and, should the lode continue to run through the property and prove to go down, it would be a valuable deposit if it could be worked ; but the main lode from which this was taken is only cut in one place—namely, in the No. 2 shaft—and not sufficient work has been done to prove whether it continues to run along for a long distance or not. In the vicinity of the place from which these specimens were taken —namely, the No. 2 shaft —the large number of gas emanations is perfectly appalling, gas is hissing through the ground in every direction, and the large excavation, being full of water, its surface was in a constant state of ebullition, owing to the escape of the gas causing it to be like a boiling cauldron. It will be seen from this that there will be many obstacles to be encountered in order to test the lode at any great depth below the surface. A little to the northward of the shaft an adit had been driven some distance in from the bed of the gully, but has now fallen in from the surface so that nothing can be seen, but the manager informed me that in driving this adit a large cavity was found full of sulphur crystals, which the workmen set fire to, and they continued to burn until the ground caved in from the surface. There is sulphur everywhere in this locality, and greatly intermixed with the cinnabar at the sinter deposit. At the northern end of the workings, near the junction of the hard basaltic rock with the green sands, an adit has been commenced on the supposed line of the lode, near the junction of two creeks, this.is about one mile distant from the southern portion of the workings. The terrace , in which this adit is being driven is about 40ft. high above the level of the creek; it was at the time of my visit constructed for a distance of 50ft, and veins of iron-pyrites were met with. The manager states that in general he found quantities of solid iron-pyrites before meeting with cinnabar. Numerous cuttings have been made here, all along the basin, at different places on both sides of the supposed line of lode, and patches of cinnabar met with the same as if the cinnabar had been mixed with the green sand. In some places it might be termed a vein of cinnabar and ironpyrites, but in other places there is no fissure or parting to denote the existence of a seam in the sand, while the sand, through which particles of cinnabar occur, is mixed with organic substance, and in some places fossil kauri-gum. At the time of my visit there were twenty men altogether employed on the works. Some years ago a retort was erected near the head of the gully where the company had sunk their No. 2 shaft, and no doubt a considerable quantity of quicksilver could be obtained by erecting a settler, and putting all the surface-matter in the bed of the gully and basin through ; very little puddling would be required, and the fine sand and mud would pass off in the water, leaving the quicksilver at the bottom of the settler. This, in all probability, will be done if the company find sufficient cinnabar to warrant the formation of a larger company. At the present time all its efforts are concentrated in trying to prove the value of the lode. With regard to deposits of cinnabar, they are found in many places in other countries in the vicinity of thermal springs and in association with sulphur. At Sulphur Bank, in California, a rich deposit of cinnabar was found under somewhat similar conditions as those at Ohaeawai, with the exception that iff was found in a decomposed basaltic rock, partly as a filling of irregular fissures traversing the rock in all directions, and partly as impregnations in the rock itself, which had often been reduced to a porous mass. G. F. Becker examined this neighbourhood, and does not agree with G. Eoland and Le Conte, who put down the formation as a lava stream. At the same time he calls it an eruptive rock, originating on the spot which overflowed a fresh-water formation of recent age, the ore-bearing character extending from the basalt, 52ft. thick, through fresh-water layers into the Cretaceous sandstone. According to Becker, the analysis of the water, which had a temperature of 176° Fahr., proved to be rich in chlorides, borax, and sodium-carbonate, and the gas liberated often proved to be ammoniacal, consisting in 1,000 parts, of 893 parts of CO 2 , 2 parts of H 2 S, 79 parts of CH 4 , and 25 parts of nitrogen. The gas found at Ohaeawai, however, contains a large percentage of H 2 S, but, as far as can be ascertained, it has never been properly analysed. Between 1873 and 1894 the production of quicksilver at Sulphur Bank was 678,1801b., or 88,651 flasks. The most of the quicksilver deposits in the world are associated with eruptive rocks; in the neighbourhood of Almaden, in Spain, where there are over seventy distinct occurrences of cinnabar, diabase is widely distributed, and in the great mine, Amygdaloid, diabase is found carrying stringers and pockets of cinnabar. At Idria there is a tuff related to rhyolite, which Professor Schrauf considers plays the same part as the diabase at Almaden. G. F. Becker, in describing the localities where quicksilver is found, and the formations where it generally occurs, states that in Italy cinnabar is found in the lavas trachyte over into andesite, and also at the contact between the quartz porphyry and Triassic rocks. In Transylvania a vein carrying cinnabar exists at the contact between a dyke of lava and shales. In Persia it is also found in basalt. Again in California, near Clear Lake, there are deposits of cinnabar in andesite, dacite, and basalt. In Napa County, near Etrea Springs, it is found at the contact between basalt and sandstone, both in the Starr Claim, the Silver Bow, and in the Manhattan Claim at Knoxville.

* From the lode, f Sinter outcrop. } Cutting.

SKETCH PLAN of the Ohaeawai Quicksilver Mines. To illustrate Report Inspecting Engineer 1895.

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Humboldt describes a vein carrying cinnabar in Mexico in pitchstone porphyry, also other occurrences of the same ore in the eruptive rocks in that country. Cordazar states that the quicksilver ores of Mexico are everywhere found near the eruptive rocks. In Peru it is found in trachyte, near Cajamarca, and again at Avaviri. In America deposition is going on from the highly-heated waters of Sulphur Bank, California, and at the Steamboat Springs, Nevada; a hot stream also issues from the workings of the Valley Mine ; also hot moist gases emanate from certain workings of the Beddington Mine. At the Manzanita Mine, Colusa County, very hot springs exist a few hundred feet from the deposit, which itself contains free sulphur and other indications of solfataric action, though there seems to be no lava near by. In Mexico, also in the Guadalcazar district, free sulphur is associated with cinnabar. In Peru cinnabar is found at the Baths of Jesus, and close to the famous Huancavelica Mines are extensive hot springs. The above is given to show that there is a similarity in the formations where quicksilver is found in other parts of the world and that at Ohaeawai, where the basaltic rock joins on to the sandstones, and it is near the contact where the cinnabar deposit is found; here also it is not only seen in a vein or lode, but also the decomposed sandstone is impregnated with it in many places. There is therefore a probability of sufficient cinnabar being discovered to pay for working were it not for the obstacles there are to be encountered —namely, highly-heated water and the large emanations of dangerous gases. As to the composition of these gases, they have never yet been analysed, but in all probability they will be found to be a mixture of carbonic acid, carburetted hydrogen, sulphuretted hydrogen, and possibly nitrogen. These gases seem at the present time the most plentiful at the southern end of the company's workings. It may also be stated that G. F. Becker, who is well acquainted with the quicksilver-mines in America, says that he does not know of a single producing district in California and in other States where bitumen has not been found with cinnabar. Taking all these into consideration it is very questionable, if even a good cinnabar-lode is found at Ohaeawai, that it can ever be worked at a great distance below the surface. At the same time there may be a good deal of ore near the surface that could be taken out, but sufficient prospecting has not yet been done to prove whether that is the case or not. It may be as well to state that, should the workings continue to be carried on from shafts, great care will have to be exercised in making sufficient provision for the health of the workmen employed, and frequent inspections should be made to see that this is properly attended to. In regard to the origin of ores containing quicksilver, G. P. Becker states that in any one quicksilver-bearing region, such as the coast of California, or Inner Austria, it is difficult to avoid ascribing a common source to the ore. This source cannot be ascribed to the adjoining rocks, for they are most various ; on the other hand, granitoid rocks seem everywhere to underlie in the superficial more heterogeneous formations within a few miles of the surface. The evidence is overwhelming that in many cases quicksilver ores were deposited from thermal springs of volcanic origin ; and the analogy between the deposits is so great that, in the absence of positive evidence of a different origin, the probabilities are in favour of the hypothesis of a similar origin for all of them. This does not imply that all quicksilver deposits are of the same age ; those of Almaden, for example, seem to be far older than most, or perhaps any, of the Californian deposits. Assuming that the quicksilver ores have been deposited from hot springs due to voleanicism, it would seem that cinnabar might be classed as a volcanic emanation. In that case, however, one would look for this ore as the component of lavas and in craters. It is not certainly known to occur in this way, and if it exists in this association it must be very rare. It seems to follow that the volcanic springs must have leached the ores from deep-seated rocks of very wide distribution— i.e., either from the granitic masses or from some unknown infragramitic rock overlying the foci of volcanic activity. With reference to the cost of extracting mercury from its ores, this is a very cheap process ; instead of using the old-fashioned method of extracting it by decomposition in retorts by lime, the continuous fine ore-roasting furnace is now generally adopted. What is known as the Granzita or Hutton and Scott Purnace is the one now generally adopted. This furnace holds 45 tons of ore, and 36 tons are passed through every twenty-four hours. In working this furnace, 1 ton by volume of the spent ore is drawn alternately from each side every forty minutes, 2501b. being taken from each draw-hole, and a charge of 2,0001b. of raw ore and 201b. of coal is let down into the furnace. The firing is attended to every hour, three 4ft. lengths of good firewood being ordinarily added to each side of the fireplace during that period, and from one and a half to one and threequarter cords of firewood is thus burned every twenty-four hours. At the new Almaden Mine, in California, the average amount of mercury in the ore treated is said to be 1-66 per cent., and the cost of treatment per ton of ore is about 2s. Bd. It will be seen from this that the process of extraction is comparatively an easy one, and that very low-grade ores can be made remunerative if the cost of mining could be done at a reasonable rate; but the latter is the question which greatly affects the working of the cinnabar deposits at Ohaeawai. Judging from the quantity of mercury that has been leached out of the ore and condensed on and near the surface of the ground there must be a considerable deposit in the neighbourhood; at the same time, if it is at any great depth, the value of the deposit is not likely to compensate the company for the cost of extraction ; besides, the heat of the ground, together with the large quantity of gas, and, possibly, mercurial fumes in places, will make it very injurious to the health of the workmen employed. Annexed is a sketch-plan of the different workings and pools where the cinnabar deposits are at present being found, which will enable the report to be more clearly understood.

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PETROLEUM. Considerable labour has been expended from time, to time in this colony in prospecting for petroleum, but without having met with much success. Many years ago a bore was put down to a depth of about 1,700 ft., near the East Gape, and subsequently a bore was put down in the Gisborne district to a depth of 1,300 ft., when a small supply of oil was obtained in the bottom of the bore, and came up the pipe to near the surface. The rods, however, broke at this depth, and, in addition to this, the plant got burned down, so that the operations were entirely suspended, the capital of the company having been exhausted. There is, however, something mysterious about this bore, for if the quantity of oil that was said to be struck in this borehole is in this locality it is strange that no steps have been taken to test this further. There is no doubt but that there is petroleum somewhere in this neighbourhood, for on the top of a low range of hills near the place where boring operations were being carried on, the petroleum exudes out on the surface, and can be seen on the top of pools of water on this range. A company first tried to sink a shaft, and put down a bore at this place, but the quantity of carburetted-hydrogen gas that was met with in the borehole was such that it blew out the sides of the bore, so that it became impossible to get down. Another bore was commenced by the Minerva Company, on Mr. Campbell's property, but, after getting down over 1,000 ft., the bore collapsed, so that they could not get down tubing. At the time of my visit to this place some years ago, when operations were being carried on, there was a considerable quantity of gas met with in going down, and, it was said, a little oil. At New Plymouth petroleum is found exuding out on the sea-beach at the northern side of the breakwater, and it is also seen in calm weather on the top of the water outside the outer end of the pier. Again it has been found in several wells which have been sunk at different times between the ocean-beach and the foot of Mount Egmont. A bore was put down for a considerable distance over twenty-five years ago on the side of the terrace directly fronting the breakwater, and a quantity of petroleum got by pumping out the water into a tank and skimming the petroleum off the surface. The oil is very dense, containing a good deal of paraffine. From the sample shown me some years ago by a .resident of the district, who has kept a bottle full of the oil taken out of the first bore, it should be an excellent lubricant. About four years ago a company was formed to test this locality for oil, and a bore was put down 880 ft., and at that depth it was said that there were good indications of oil; but the rods broke, and the bit with two of the sinker-bars was left in the bottom of the hole; the sides of the hole caved in ; and, after attempting for some time to grapple them, it was found impossible to get them out. The whole of the operations were suspended for a considerable time. From what could be gathered on my recent visit to New Plymouth, Fairbrothers and Company, of Sydney, have arranged with the original company to put down a bore I,oooft. for the one-half of the property. At the time of my visit Mr. Waddel, the superintendent of the boringoperations, had shifted the poppet-heads, and, after sinking a shaft for over 20ft. to get to the solid rock, boring-operations were commenced. When passing through in the early part of March last the bore was down about 600 ft. The present superintendent has discarded the wooden boringrods, and is now using a steel-wire rope. Since writing the above, the bore has been put down to a depth of about 900 ft., and a good sample of petroleum found. Work, however, is suspended at this bore, and it is said that the company intend to put down another bore elsewhere.

MINE-MANAGEES' EXAMINATION-PAPEES. The following is a copy of the examination-papers used at the last examination for minemanagers' certificates, under "The Mining Act, 1891," and "The Coal-mines Act, 1891 " : — " the mining act, 1891." Fob First-class Cebtificates. First Day.—Time : 9 a.m. to 12 noon. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject A.— The Laying-out and Construction of Shafts, Chambers, Main Drives or Levels, Uprises, and Stopes. 1. If you had to sink a vertical shaft in a swamp where there was 16ft. of soft material full of water before solid ground was reached, how would you proceed to carry on the work ? (a.) What provision would you make before commencing to sink ? (b.) Describe two separate methods you would adopt in sinking. 2. Give the dimensions of a vertical shaft you would recommend for working a quartz-lode Bft. in thickness in a mine employing fifty men underground in a shaft; also give the dimensions of main drive 1,200 ft. long, where only a single line of rails is used. Show by sketch what arrangement you would have for the trucks passing each other. 3. An outcrop of a lode is seen at the top of a hill dipping westerly on an inclination of 1 in 3 : the face of the hill on the eastern side has an inclination of 38° for 300 ft. and 43° for 468 ft., and an adit has to be constructed to cut the lode : show by calculation the length of adit required to cut the lode. 4. What is meant by "passes"? Why are they required, and what distance apart would you construct them ? Give your reasons fully. 5. In driving a tunnel through pug, or ground liable to swell or melt away with water, what provision would you make to carry on the tunnel if you met with a considerable body of water ? Explain fully.

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Subject B. — On the Timbering of Shafts, Adits, Main Drives or Levels, Passes, Stopes, and generally on the Systems of Timbering Mines, and also in filling up Old Workings. 1. Show by sketch how you would fit sets of timber (a) for timbering a shaft where the ground was liable, to swell, (b) for timbering a main adit for double and single lines of rails. Give the dimensions of the timber you would use. 2. If you had charge of a mine where pumping machinery had to be erected, and the shaft was not of sufficient size to admit of a plunger and draw-lift pump being used, show by sketch how you would widen the shaft. Give the dimensions required if you had a plunger and also a draw-lift pump 18in. diameter to lift the water. 3. Show by sketch how you would construct a cage to be used in an inclined shaft sunk on an angle of 35° from vertical, and describe the advantages or disadvantages there are in working quartz-lodes by means of inclined shafts. 4. If you had a beam of rimu 2ft. square and 6ft. between the supports laid across the mouth of a shaft, but in the centre of the beam there was a hole sin. in diameter through which a screwed rod of iron was used to lift a column of pumps, show by calculation what weight the beam would carry in the centre, allowing 4 as a factor of safety. 5. Show by sketch how you would timber passes and stopes supposing the ground was very heavy; also state the dimensions of timber you would use in the passes. 6. Describe how you would timber a tunnel or adit-level which had to be constructed through pug. How far apart would you place the sets of timber where the adit was not more than 4ft. wide and 6ft. high in the clear, and what provision would you make to insure the whole of the tunnel not collapsing if one set of timber broke down ? 7. Show by calculation the breaking-strain on a prop of rimu 10in. in diameter and 7ft. long.

First Day.—Time : 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject C.— On the Drainage of Mines, and Pumping Appliances. 1. Describe the various systems of drainage as applied to mines. 2. Describe in detail and mention all the parts of a pump capable of raising water to a height of 420 ft. 3. What limits the height to which water'can be forced? 4. From what depth will a pump draw water ? and give your reasons. 5. How many tons of water would a pump lift in twenty-four hours, making eighteen strokes per minute : diameter of pump, 16in.; stroke, 7ft. ; efficiency of pump, 65 per cent.? 6. What horse-power would be required, in No. 5 question, to raise the water 560 ft.? 7. What thickness of cast-iron pipes would be required for top and bottom lengths, if pipe 17in. in diameter, and height 500 ft. in two lifts ? 8. What would be the weight of pipes in question No. 7 ? 9. Explain the use of the siphon, and its application underground. 10. Can electricity be applied in the drainage of mines ? If so, how is the current generated, and how applied to pumping-appliances ? Subject F.— Tapping Water in Mines, and the Mode of constructing Dams in Underground Workings to keep the Water back. 1. In constructing a tunnel or drive to approach a place where it was known that a body of water was standing in the ground at 200 ft. higher level than the tunnel, what precautions would you take ? 2. Describe the method you would adopt in damming back water in a drive where the rock was solid. 3. Show by sketch how you would dam back the water in a shaft so as to prevent it from getting down as the sinking was being continued. 4. What pressure would there be on the face of an underground dam 7ft. high by 6ft. 3in. wide if the water were standing 250 ft. above the top of the dam ? 5. Show a sketch of a concrete dam constructed in a drive where the water had to be dammed back until it rises 450 ft. above the level of the top of the dam. Give the thickness of wall.

Second Day.—Time : 9 a.m. to 12 noon. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject D.— On the Haulage in Shafts and on Underground Planes; also on the Strength of Hauling-ropes and -chains. 1. What are the provisions in the Mining Act as to the inspection of machinery, ropes, and cages ? 2. Describe a safety-catch, and how applied to a cage. 3. What appliances are used to prevent overwinding? 4. What are the regulations as to signalling in shafts or on planes? 5. How many different appliances are used for signalling?

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6. What, in your opinion, is the safest and best appliance for signalling? and give your reasons. 7. What is the safe working-load on a lin. close-link chain? 8. What is the safe working-load on a 4in. steel-wire rope? 9. What horse-power would be required to raise 360 tons of quartz 680 ft. in a day of twentyfour hours (allowing two hours for raising and lowering men and tools), cages balanced, and neglecting friction ? 10. Give diameter of cylinders and length of stroke of engines (speed of piston 400 ft. per minute) capable of accomplishing the work in question No. 9. Also size of Cornish boiler, or boilers, necessary for working engines. Subject G.— On Blasting, and the Use of Explosives. 1. State what you know about rackarock, dynamite, gelignite, blasting-gelatine, and roburite. Give the strength of each in relation to blasting-powder, taking the latter at unity. 2. Describe how you would charge a borehole with blasting-gelatine, and the tamping you would use; also whether it could be fired to produce complete combustion with an ordinary fuse. Give your reasons fully. 3. If a shot missed fire, what steps would you take, and how long do you consider it would be necessary to remain away before visiting the place where the hole was charged with the explosive ? 4. What effect has frost on nitro-glycerine compounds ? At what temperature, does dynamite become frozen ? How is it thawed ? Would it explode while in a frozen state, and, if so, could it be made to have the same force as when thawed ? Explain fully. 5. If you had to fire ten shots simultaneously, how would you do it ? What appliances would you use, and how would you use them ? Give full details.

Second Day.—Time : 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject B.— On the Ventilation of Mines. 1. What is meant by natural ventilation ? State what experience you have had with mechanical ventilation. 2. Give the composition and weight, in relation to air, of carbonic-acid, carburetted-hydrogen, and sulphuretted-hydrogen gases. State what means you would adopt to detect them in a mine. 3. If 8,000 cubic feet of air were passing through an air-course 350 ft. in length, what quantity would pass through airways 400 ft., 600 ft., and 880 ft. in length, the cross-section of each airway being the same ? 4. If there were two shafts, each 10ft. by 4ft. and 600 ft. deep, having 8,000 cubic feet of air passing through the downcast shaft, where the barometer stands at 30in. and the temperature is 118° Fahr., required the velocity of air in each shaft, and its ventilating-power. 5. What percentage of carbonic-acid gas in air is considered fatal to human life, and what percentage is considered not injurious to health ? also, how many cubic feet of air you would require to pass through a mine per minute where twenty men and one horse were employed ? Subject H.— The Effect that Faults, Slides, and Mullock-bars have on Lodes, and how to ascertain the Direction of Slides and Heavals. 1. Describe with the aid of diagrams four instances of faulted lodes which you have seen yourself, giving the localities, and the amount and direction of the dislocation; how this was discovered, and the amount of deadwork that had to be done in each case.

Thied Day.—Time : 9 a.m. to 12 noon. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject I.— A Knowledge of Underground Surveying, and the Making of Plans of Underground Workings, showing also the Dip or Inclination and Strike of the Beefs or Lodes. (a.) The candidate must produce a plan drawn to a scale of 2 chains to an inch, showing the surface boundaries of a mining claim not less than 20 acres in extent. The plan must also show the underground workings on the same plan, but in different coloured inks. All traverse lines on which the survey is based must be shown, with their bearings and lengths, together with the lines connecting the underground with the surface survey. The plan must have a north point, and the words "magnetic" or "true" written on it according to the meridian used. The plan must bear a certificate as follows : "I certify that the survey from which this plan has been drawn was done by myself, and that the plan is my own work also "; and it must be signed and dated. (b.) The original field notes of the survey must be produced, together with the tables of meridian and perpendicular distances (if any) for each station in the survey; all traverses should be calculated from some convenient point in the survey; also produce a specimen of the method of calculations from which the positions have been derived. All of these must be signed by the candidate and dated.

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(c.) Give a full description, in writing, of the method adopted in the survey, describing the initial point from which it was started, and show the close of the work, both in links or feet, and the angular difference on closing. Describe how the inclined measurements were reduced to horizontal. State whether the true or what other meridian was used, and whether the same meridian was used both above and below ground. (d.) Say what precautions were used to ascertain if the instrument was in adjustment, and how the length of the chain or tape was tested. What instrument was used ? What were distances measured with ? (c.) Draw a rough diagram to show how the surface and underground surveys were connected, and describe the method adopted, in writing. State your opinion of the most accurate way of performing the above operation : first, when there is only one shaft; second, when there are two or more shafts.

Thied Day.—Time : 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject I {continued). — A Knowledge of Underground Surveying, and the Making of Plans of Underground Workings, showing also the Dip or Inclination and Strike of the Reefs or Lodes. (/.) State whether the compass can be relied on for underground surveys, and give your reasons for the answer. (g.) If you are obliged to make a magnetic underground survey, state what means you would use to check the correctness of the survey, and how would you know that the surface and underground survey are on the same meridian, or how would you reduce them to the same supposing one to be magnetic and the other true. (h.) From the first station used in the survey, calculate the length and bearing of a line drawn thence to any one of the corners of the claim. (*.) Describe in writing the adjustments of a plane theodolite and also of a miner's compass. (In both'of these subjects the candidate will be examined by the supervisor.) (J.) Describe the method of plotting the plan, and how the area of the claim was ascertained. (&.) What are the regulation marks that should define the boundaries of a claim under the Mines Act ? (I.) State where you learnt surveying, and who taught you.

Foubth Day.—Time : 9 a.m. to 12 noon. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject J. — A Knowledge of the Different Bocks where Gold, Silver, Tin, Copper, Zinc, Lead, and Antimony are found, and on the Formation of Lodes and Leads. 1. Describe how mineral lodes generally occur in trachyte tuff, slate rock, granite, and serpentine. 2. What ores are of most frequent occurrence in each of these formations? 3. What is a saddle reef, and how are they supposed to be formed? 4. What are true deep leads ? and describe New Zealand examples. Subject X.— A Knoiuledge of Arithmetic, and the Method of Keeping Accounts. 1. Find the \/18947-5225 and the and the value of 2457 3 . 2. The length of a rectangular field which contains 4 acres 3 roods 14 perches square yards is 260 yd. lft. 4in. : what is its breadth? 3. A piece of wood measures superficially 3 - sft. by 45 yards : what is it worth at Is. 6d. per square yard? 4. A, B, and C are employed on a piece of work. After fifteen days Ais discharged, one-third of the work being done ; B and C continue at the work, and after twenty days more B is discharged, one-third more of the work being done ; C finishes the work in thirty days. In what time would the work have been done if A and B had continued to work ? 5. The receipts of a company average £522 12s. on a week-day and half that sum on a Sunday, and their weekly expenses are £1,396 19s. : if at the end of fifty-two weeks a dividend of 5 per cent, be declared on their capital, £2,000,000, how much can they carry to their reserve fund ? 6. Find the cost of making a road 110 yards in length and 18ft. wide, the soil being first excavated to the depth of lft. at a cost of Is. per cubic yard, rubble being then laid Bin. deep at Is. per cubic yard, and gravel placed at the top, 9in. thick, at 2s. 6d. per cubic yard. 7. Calculate the following : — 2451b. of dynamite at Is. 6fd. per pound. 4581b. of candles at 7Jd. per pound. 17 shovels at 60s. per dozen. 6 wheelbarrows at 7s. 6d. each. 48 men for 6 weeks and 4 hours at 48s. each per week of 48 hours. 164 ft. of wire rope at £1 2s. 6d. per yard. Subject L.— A Knowledge of Part VI. of " The Mining Act, 1891."

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"THE COAL-MINES ACT, 1891." Foe Fiest-class Certificates. Fiest Day.—Time : 9 a.m. to 12 noon. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject I. — On the Sinking of Shafts and Construction of Main Boadways, Opening out a Mine, and the Division of a Mine into Districts. 1. Describe a waling-curb as used for a circular shaft, the method of putting it in position, and state whether cast-iron or timber should be preferred. 2. Describe the different kinds of guides for a cage and their relative advantages and defects. 3. How would you sink through the following measures : Surface clays and gravels, 10ft.; strong sandstone, 50ft.; soft shale, 10ft.; sandstone, 40ft.; shale, with heavy water, 2ft.; strong sandstone, 20ft.; — coal? Give your operations in detail. 4. Sketch how you would open up a square area of 100 acres lying to the dip of your shaft, with a cover of 800 ft. Dip lin 4. Give sizes. 5. Assume you require to wind 400 tons per day of eight hours, what distance would you place your engine from the shaft, what height would you make your pithead frame, and what distance would you have the foot of the back stays away from the uprights ? Subject ll.— The Various Methods adopted in securing Shafts and Workings in a Mine, showing the relative Advantage and Efficiency of each Glass of Material used. 1. What is the best material for lining a dry upcast-shaft ventilated by furnace? Give the reasons. 2. What are the conditions that guide you in determining the thickness for cast-iron tubing ? 3. In what circumstances would you decide to use brick lining for a shaft ? 4. In driving through an old pillar area, how would you secure your roadway at the crossings of the old bords, (a) if the seam were 10ft. thick, (b) if it were 20ft. ? 5. In starting away your faces on the longwall system, would you make any difference in securing the roof from what you would do when the workings were well under way ? If so, describe the difference, and give your reasons for it.

Fiest Day.—Time : 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject lll.— The Various Methods of heiving and cutting Coal of Different Classes to Advantage, and securing the Ground whilst so engaged. 1. What is the object in breaking the line of face in longwall workings? 2. What percentage of coal would you expect to win in working a 12ft. seam by bord-and-pillar if there was a strong roof ? Describe how you would check by calculation the yield from any given area worked, if you desired to be as accurate as possible. 3. Which is the best method of working a sft.-thick coal-seam with a strong roof and weak floor ? Explain fully. 4. Describe the difference between " thrust " and " creep." 5. How would you uphold the roof, and with what materials, in a narrow drive where there was exceptionally heavy pressure ? Subject IV. — The Varioios Methods of Ventilation, and the Construction of Airways so as to produce a Good Circulation of Fresh Air in any Part of a Mine. 1. The quantity of air passing is only 10,000 cubic feet per minute to supply 100 men, so the furnace was enlarged to consume one-half more coal: how much will the volume of air be increased ? 2. Explain fully how the air-current in mines naturally ventilated reverses at different seasons. 3. What minimum quantity of air per minute would you consider necessary for good management, with no firedamp, and powder not used as an explosive ? Explain fully the conditions which would guide you. 4. If gas compelled the use of safety-lamps in one portion of a mine, would you consider it necessary to use nothing but safety-lamps throughout it ? Give your reasons fully. 5. Give a cross sectional sketch showing how the blades of a guibal fan are stayed to resist the great pressure to which they are subject.

Second Day.—Time : 9 a.m. to 12 noon. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject V.— On the Areas of Airways, the Velocity and Divisions of Currents, and the Deductions to be made for Friction. 1. An airway I,ooo' x 10' x 12', passing 60,000 cubic feet of air per minute, is split in two, measuring 800' x 8' x 10' and 900' x 7' x 9' : show by calculation with each of the different factors or items in the computation how much air is passing in each split. Calculations by ratio will not be accepted. 2. With a water-gauge showing l-2in. pressure 43,000 cubic feet of air are circulating: how much will circulate if the water-gauge is increased to 3'6in. ?

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3. Find the horse-power required to produce the ventilation for each case in the preceding question. 4. If a fan circulates 64,000 cubic feet of air per minute, and a second fan of the same size and power is added, what volume of air will circulate ? 5. At what velocities do the Clanny and Davy lamps cease to be safe in a fiery mine ? Subject Vl.— On the Nature and Composition of Explosive and Dangerous Gases occurring in Coal-mines, and on Spontaneous Combustion. 1. What is the composition of afterdamp ? 2. What is the rule as to the rate at which two gases will mix on being brought together? 3. In view of your answer to the foregoing question, would you examine near the roof for firedamp ? If so, explain why. 4. How would you fire the shots in a fiery mine ? 5. In a coal-seam very liable to spontaneous combustion, what considerations would guide you in laying off the workings ? Describe your arrangements.

Second Day.—Time : 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject VII.— On the Drainage of Mines, and Pumping Appliances. 1. How many gallons per hour will an engine of 90 horse-power pump from a depth of 35 fathoms ? 2. Give a sectional sketch of a hollow plunger-pump, and detail its advantages. 3. With 6ft. stroke and 8 strokes per minute, what diameter of pump is required to deliver 200 gallons per minute ? 4. Describe shortly any direct-acting steam-pump of which you have a knowledge, and state your opinion regarding such pump. 5. What is the greatest angle a clack-valve should be allowed to make with its seat, and why? Subject VIII. — The Haulage on Planes and in Shafts, also the Different Systems of Underground Haulage, with Horse-power required to do the Work. 1. 40 tons per hour are drawn up an incline of 1 in 18 by an endless rope : what could it draw up a grade of 1 in 11 with the same power if it were working up to its maximum in the first case? Assume coefficient of friction. 2. Compare the endless-rope and endless-chain systems of haulage. 3. In endless-rope haulage describe your arrangements for hanging on tubs at an intermediate stage. 4. What do you consider the lowest working-grade for self-acting endless-rope haulage ? Enumerate the conditions which regulate this. 5. State your opinion as to the best class of material to be used in the manufacture of a haulage-chain.

Thibd Day.—Time : 9 a.m. to 12 noon. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject IX.— The Theoretical and Effective Power of Steam-engines and Boilers; also, on the Strength of Hauling-ropes and -chains. 1. With initial pressure of 681b. and the steam cut off at three-fourths of the stroke, what is the mean pressure ? 2. What tonnage of coal could you wind from a depth of 190 fathoms in eight hours with a coupled engine with cylinders 20in. in diameter and 48in. stroke, making 35 strokes per minute, 601b. pressure, and cut off at five-eighths of the stroke ? State the time occupied in winding, with allowance for changing tubs top and bottom. 3. Describe the fittings used to show the level of water in boilers. 4. What is a safe pressure for a boiler 6ft. diameter with double-riveted plates, tensile strength 50,000 ? 5. What is a safe working-load for an iron-wire rope 2-fin. in circumference? Subject X. — The Incrustations in Steam-boilers and Cause of Same, and the Bemedy therefor. 1. Whether are the carbonates or sulphates more readily deposited as incrustations in boilers? Explain why. 2. What remedy would you adopt for carbonate of lime in the feed-water of a boiler? 3. Explain how incrustations affect the strength of a boiler.

Thied Day.—Time : 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject Xl.— Tapping Water in Mines, and the' Mode of constructing Dams in Underground Workings to keep Water back. 1. Describe and give sketch of how you would put in a wooden dam in a 4ft. coal-seam with soft floor. What kind of timber would you use ?

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2. In approaching a coal-seam 10 fathoms overhead in which the water had been allowed to fill the whole of a large area of workings, as well as the shaft, which was 200 ft. deep, what pressure would you provide against in the lower seam if both seams were flat? Subject Xll.— Blasting, and Use of Explosives. 1. What explosive would you use in a fiery mine, and how would you fire the shots ? 2. Give the reasons why it is specially desirable in coal-mines that the charge should be proportionate to the work to be done. 3. Describe the water-cartridge. 4. Give the composition of dynamite, also of the fumes given off by its combustion. Subject XIII.— The Effect that Faults produce in Goal-seams, and hoiv to ascertain the Direction of a Coal-seam when severed by a Fault. 1. Describe what a reversed fault is, and give particulars of any such you have seen in New Zealand. 2. Explain how you measure the amount of displacement in an ordinary slip-fault. 3. Enumerate the determining conditions as to how you would cut a fault in working a coalseam. 4. Enumerate the various disadvantages a fault may produce. 5. What is a slip-fault?

Foubth Day.—Time : 9 a.m. to 12 noon. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject XV.— A Knowledge of Surface and Underground Surveying, and of making Plans, showing System of Working, Inclination of Seam, Faults, and System of Ventilation. 1. The candidate must produce a plan showing the actual workings of a colliery in New Zealand, with the surface taken up for at least 20 acres in the vicinity of the shaft or adit, and the underground workings in different-coloured ink. He must describe how he would connect them with the surface in the event of there being only one outlet. The levels and main heading must have assumed traverse, calculated in detail, and showing latitude and departure for each bearing; such plan to be certified by the manager in charge of the mine where such survey was made, 2. Which do you consider the best way to measure a line on a regular grade to obtain the horizontal distance ? 3. S. 20° W., 271 links; S. 3° E., 237 links; N. 67° 12' E., 300 links; N. 11° W., 189 links : what is the distance between start and finish, and on what bearing ? 4. Do you think it desirable to sketch the workings in surveying a coal-mine ? If so, why ? 5. The two sides of a triangle are 320 and 500 links in length, and the angle opposite the shorter side is 33°: what is the length of the third side, and what are the angles opposite the respective sides ? Subject XVI. — A Knowledge of Arithmetic, and the Method of keeping Accounts. 1. What is the and the 2. What is the area of a triangle the sides of which measure 1,200, 1,600, and 2,000 links respectively ? 3. How many tons per acre does a coal-seam 4ft. 6in. contain? 4. One pipe can drain a lodgment in 7 hours, another would take 9 hours, and a third 12 hours : how long would they take if all were opened at once ? 5. Seventeen miners at 13s. per day, three truckers at Bs., and two deputies at 125.: what is the total per week ? 6. What are the contents of a cylinder 18in. in diameter and 38in. long? 7. 7,380 tons cost 2s. 10d. for hewing, sd. for drawing, and 2yd. for props: what is the total cost? 8. Divide £ by T V

-Foubth Day.—Time : 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. [Candidates must attempt to answer every question. All calculations to be shown in detail.] Subject XIV.— A Knowledge of the Composition and Character of the Different Classes of Goal, and also of the Character of the Bocks and Formation of the Country where Goal is likely to he found. 1. What is the average composition of a pitch-coal? 2. If in New Zealand you found marl resting on slate, would you expect to find coal in that locality or not ? Explain fully. 3. What do you consider the character of the lowest bed of the coal-formation in your district ? Describe the position where you have seen it. 4. If you found two outcrops of coal which you thought were the same seam, how would you proceed to determine the point ? 5. Are you acquainted with any dyke or igneous rock breaking through the coal-measures m New Zealand? If so, describe the occurrence. Subject XVII. — A Knowledge of the Provisions of " The Coal-mines Act, 1891."

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List of Mining Managees, Batteby-supebintendents, and Engine-dbivees who have obtained Cebtificates undee the Mining and Coal-mines Acts of 1886, 1891, and 1894. As there have been several inquiries made as to the names of persons who hold certificates as mine-managers and engine-drivers, the annexed is a complete list of those holding certificates at the date of this report, taken from the register : — THE MINING ACT. Pibst-olass Service Certificates. Issued under " The Mining Act, 1886," without Examination. Adams, H. H., Waiorongomai. Goldsworthy, J., Waiorongomai. Morrisby, A. A., Glenorchy. Anderson, P., Thames. Greenish, J., Reefton. Nasmyth, T., Reefton. Andrews, T., Thames. Greenville, W., Ohinemuri. Newman, W., Naseby. Andrews, R., Coromandel. Hall, J. P., Thames. Northey, J., Thames. Barclay, T. H., Thames. Hansen, P. C, Thames. O'Sullivan, D. 8., Thames. Bennett, J., Alexandra. Harris, J., Owen's Reefs. Polton, A., Karangahake. Benney, J., Coromandel. Harrison, R. H., Coromandel. Porter, J., Waipori. Black, T., Waiomai. Hicks, T. 8., Thames. Purvis, G., Ross. Bollersley, N., Boatman's. Hilton, G. P., Bendigo. Quinn, E., Te Aroha. Bradbury, M., Reefton. Hodge, F., Coromandel. Radford, T., Thames. Bray, John, Lyell. Hollis, W., Thames. Ralph, J. G., Thames. Burch, W. H., Thames. Hunter, R., Thames. Ranger, J., Reefton. Byrne, J. F., Stafford. James, F., Thames. Rasmussen, C. L., Mokihinui. Cameron, A., Macetown. Jamieson, A., Coromandel. Rasmussen, C. P., Mokihinui. Cameron, E., Te Aroha. Jenkins, M., Wakatipu. Reid, P., Goromandel. Chapman, J. A., Dunedin. Johnstone, H., Bluespur. Resta, L., Macetown. Clarke, G. S., Thames. Julian, J., Boatman's. Roberts, E., Ross. Comer, R., Thames. Kelly, J., Lyell. Rooney, F., Reefton. Conradson, M., Thames. Kerr, J., Thames. Scott, T., Waiorongomai. Corin, W., Thames. Lawn, E., Black's Point. Searight, A., Reefton. Comes, C. A., Karangahake. Lawn, H., Boatman's. Senior, J., Thames. Coutts,' J., Thames. Lawn, J., Reefton. Smith, J. E., Thames. Crawford, T. H., Thames. Littlejohn, W., Karangahake. Stone, F., Karangahake. Crowley, C, Reefton. Lowe, E. W., Thames. Steedman, J. 8., Thames. Cummings, W., Reefton. Malfroy, J. M. C, Ross. Sturm, A., Waipori. Davis, J. E., Queenstown. Martin, W. G., Thames. Taylor, N., Thames. Davey, C, Ross. McCullum, J., Reefton. Todd, C., Heriot. Donald, J., Cromwell. McCullough, R., Thames. Treloer, J. S., Reefton. Dryden, S., Thames. McGruer, N., Karangahake. Tripp, R. S., Arrowtown. Dunlop, T. A., Thames. Mcllhaney, J., Thames. Vivian, J. G., Thames. Edwards, J., Skipper's. Mclntosh, D., Bluespur. Vivian, S., Reefton. Elliott, J., Macetown. McKay, J., Ross. Waite, C. D., Thames. Evans, F., Skipper's. McKenney, J., Reefton. Waite, E., Thames. Evans, J. H., Skipper's. McKenzie, W., Thames. Walker, J. W., Thames. Fitzmaurice, R., Reefton. McLeod, G., Ooromandel. Watson, T., Reefton. Frewen, J. 8., Queenstown. McLiver, P., Thames. Wearne, J. E., Endeavour Inlet. Gavin, T., Te Aroha. McLiver, H., Thames. Wilcox, J., Thames. Gilbert, J., Reefton. McMaster, J., Reefton. Williams, J., Skipper's. Gilmour, T., Thames. Moore, H. W., Thames. Wright, G., Boatman's. Giles, G. F., West Wanganui. Moore, J. H., Thames. Wylie, W., Ross. Glass, W. M., Naseby. Morgan, R., Otago. Young, G., Skipper's. First-class Mine-managers' Certificates, issued after Examination, under " The Mining Act, 1886," and Amendment Acts. Adams, 8., Thames. Crawford, J. J., Thames. Hosking, G. F., Auckland. Baker, W., Thames. Cummings, W., Reefton. Kruizenza, W., Reefton. Black, G., Reefton. Donaldson, W., Otago. Lawn, T., Reefton. Caples, P. Q., Dunedin. Fleming, M., Thames. Logan, H. F., Wellington. Carter, J., Thames. Gardner, W. P., Reefton. Mangan, T., Thames. Casley, G., Reefton. Harris, W., Thames. Mouat, W. G., Dunedin. Cochrane, D. L., Reefton. Horn, G. W., Thames. Truscott, G., Thames. Colebrook, J. D., Coromandel. Home, W., Coromandel. Watkins, C. E., Reefton. Coombe, J., Reefton. Hornick, M., Thames. Wilkie, J., Reefton. First-class Mine-manager's Certificate, issued on Production of Foreign Certificate, under " The Mining Act, 1886." Argall, W. H., Coromandel. First-class Mine-manager's Certificate, issued to Inspector of Mines by virtue of his Office under " The Mining Act, 1886." Binns, G. J., Dunedin. First-class Mine-managers' Certificates, issued after Examination, under " The Mining Act, 1891." Annear, William, Reefton. Marshall, F., Reefton. Steedman, J. G., Thames. Bray, E., Thames. McDermott, J., Thames. Sutherland, Benjamin, Reefton. Bruce, Malcolm, Thames. Paul, Matthew, Thames. Tierney, R., Thames. Fahey, P., Reefton. Paltridge, Henry, Thames. Warne, George, Thames. Flannigan, Francis, Reefton. Prince, F. H., Reefton. Williams, C, Capleston. Lawn, C. H., Capleston. Robertson, D. 8., Stafford. Linok, F. W., Thames. Stanford, W. J., Macetown.

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268

Second-class Service Cebtificatbs as Mine-managebs. Issued under " The Mining Act, 1891." Adams, W. J., Thames. Gemmings, Charles, Thames. Milne, John, Thames. Agnew, J. A., Ooromandel. Gribble, James, Norsewood. Moyle, Thomas, Thames. Allen, Richard, Reefton. Guthrie, John, Wellington. Naysmith, James, Reefton. Argall, A. 8., Goromandel. Guy, Robert, Kuaotunu. Newdick, Alfred, Thames. Bennett, 0. H., Ooromandel. Harris, Richard, Thames. Notman, Alexander, Reefton. Begley, Thomas, Reefton. Harvey, William, Reefton. O'Keefe, M. W. D., Thames. Beard, W. T., Reefton. Hardman, James Edward, Thames. Page, John, Lyell. Bone, William, Reefton. Hicks, William, Thames. Parkiss, Jos. W., Reefton. Bowler, John, Thames. Hetherington, William, Thames. Potts, W. H., Thames. Blair, Thomas, Kuaotunu. Hill, Alex. Grey, Waikakaho. Primrose, J., Kuaotunu. Bray, Edwin, Reefton. Hore, John, Wellington. Pettigrew, Robert, Sydney. Brownlee, Thomas James, Thames. Hollis, Fred. J., Waihi. Peebles, Alexander, Kuaotunu. Brokenshire, James, Thames. Hornibrook, H. P., Kuaotunu. Pollock, John, Thames. Bolitho, James, Reefton. Jamieson, John, Reefton. Phillips, William Henry, Thames. Brown, John, Macrae's. Johnstone, William, Collingwood. Rabe, Henry, Thames. Bremner, John, Goromandel. Jobe, James, Thames. Reid, Thomas Groat, Thames. Borlase, J. H., Capleston. Johns, Thomas, Thames. Richard, John, Thames. Bunny, Joseph, Thames. Kendall, Henry, Thames. Rickards, A. H., Kuaotunu. Byrne, John, Karangahake. Kerr, George, Kamo. Radford, Thomas, Thames. Caird, Alexander McNeil, Reefton. Kirker, Thomas, Thames. Rogers, Charles Henry, Reefton. Campbell, J., Kuaotunu. Laughlin, David, Thames. Rogers, William Henry, Kumara. Climo, Noah, Coromandel. Law, John, Thames. Ross, J., Thames. Comer, George, Thames. Loughlin, S., Thames. Rowe, James, Thames. Cowan, Hugh, Kuaotunu. Lough, Henry, Thames. Shaw, James, Karangahake. Corbett, T., Paeroa. McLean, James, Thames. Sligo, Alex., Nenthorn. Comer, W. W., Thames. McLean, Alex., Coromandel. Thomas, James, Thames. Crabb, Thomas, Reefton. McLean, Charles, Thames. Thomas, A., Thames. Daniel, P. E., Greymouth. McCormick, Charles, Coromandel. Thomson, John, Dunedin. Dobson, John Allen, Kuaotunu. McQuillan, John, Reefton. Tregellas, James, Reefton. Edwards, George, Westport. MoNeill, Daniel, Thames. Tregoweth, William, Thames. Ellery, John, Reefton. McNeill, George, Upper Kuaotunu. Wells, Charles Lewis, Thames. Flannigan, Francis, Reefton. McCombie, John, Karangahake. Willets, Henry, Thames. Poster, Thomas, Wellington. McEwen, James, Reefton. Williams, James, Thames. Gale, 0. W., Coromandel. McLoghry, Archibald, Karangahake. Williams, John, Thames. Gill, George, Thames. Mackay, William, Nenthorn. Whisker, Charles, Thames. Glasgow, T. M., Thames. Martin, James, Reefton. White, John S., Karangahake. Goldsworthy, Henry, Thames. Meagher, John, Karangahake. Wilson, James R. S., Kuaotunu. Govan, Joseph, Thames. Mills, George, Thames. Wilson, J. G., Thames. Griffin, Patrick, Thames. Mayn, John, Coromandel. Woolcock, James, Thames. Grimmond, Joseph, Ross. Martin, David, Black's Point. Worth, Robert, Waihi. Goldsworthy, William, Mauku, Auck- Morgan, William, Upper Thames, land. Moorecroft, Thomas, Thames. Engine-dbivebs' Seevice Certificates. Issued under " The Mining Act, 1891." Audley, F., Ooromandel. FitzMaurice, Raymond, Reefton. Phillips, W. H., Thames. Battens, H., Coromandel. Grundy, T., Thames. Ryan, J. P., Coromandel. Black, C., Reefton. Harrison, R. H., Kuaotunu. Roche, H., Thames. Black, G. J., Reefton. Hope, J. S., Waitekauri. Saunders, William, Reefton. Bridson, Mat. J., Thames. Hufton, George, Reefton. Smith, R., Thames. Casley, J., Thames. Ivey, R., Thames. Skilton, A. G., Westport. Clerkin, F., Reefton. Latimer, Alfred, Dunedin. Sullivan, W., Coromandel. Crabb, J., Reefton. Lamberton, J., Reefton. Titley, A. W., Black's Point. Crofts, J. W., Skipper's. Lawn, E., Reefton. Walding, J., sen., Coromandel. Cook, W., Thames. McLean, J., Reefton. Walding, J., jun., Coromandel. Craig, D., Thames. Milne, S., Goromandel. Warne, G., Thames. Davies, T., Thames. Murphy, A. R., Queenstown. Wishart, R., Thames. Dunstan, J., Thames. Morton, C, Thames. Wood, A., Thames. Faithful, William, sen., Cromwell. Patterson, D., Reefton. Faithful, William, jun., Cromwell. Patten, A. G., Reefton. Engine-drivers' Certificates issued after Examination under " The Mining Act, 1891." Allen, A., Thames. Dunstan, 1., Waihi. Ross, M., Reefton. Auld, James, Reefton. Elliston, A. J., Reefton. Slowey, William, Reefton. Blackadder, D., Reefton. Lawn, C. H., Capleston. Wilson, P. H., Thames. Daldy, E. A., Coromandel. MoAuley, T., Reefton (for water). Wynn, M., jun., Reefton (for water), THE COAL-MINES ACT. Fibst-class Mine-managers' Cebtificates. Issued under the Coal-mines Acts, 1886 and 1891. Aitken, T., Wendon. Irving, J., Kaitangata. Redshaw, W., Whangarei. Alexander, T., Brunnerton. Jemison, W., Waimangaroa. Reed, F., Westport. Austin, J., Sheffield. Kenyon, J., Shag Point. Richardson, D., Abbotsford. Bishop, J., Brunnerton. Kerr, G., Kamo. Shore, J., Kaitangata. Brown, T., Westport. Lindop, A. 8., Springfield. Shore, T., Orepuki. Brown, T., Glentunnel. Lindsay, W., Otago. Shore, W. M., Kaitangata. Cameron, J., Denniston. Lloyd, J., Invercargill. Smart, W., Christchurch. Campbell, J. C, Fairfield. Louden, J., Green Island. Smith, A. E., Nelson. Collins, W., Taupiri. Love, A., Whangarei. Smith, T. F., Nelson. Dando, M., Brunnerton. Mason, J., Nightcaps. Sneddon, J., Mosgiel. Elliott, R., Wallsend. May, J., Greymouth. Swinbanks, J., Kawakawa. Ferguson, A., Whitecliffs. Moody, T. P., Kawakawa. Taylor, E. 8., Huntly. Freeman, J., Green Island. Moore, W. J., Springfield. Thompson, A., Whitecliffs. Geary, J., Kamo. Nelson, J., Green Island. Walker, J., Collingwood. Gray, J., Abbotsford. Ord, J., Huntly. Williams, W. H., Shag Point. Harrison, J., Brunnerton.

α-s.

Certificates issued after Examination under the Coal-mines Acts, 1886 and 1891. First-class. First-class. Secona-class. Armitage, F. W., Auckland. Hosking, G. P., Auckland. Barclay, T., Kaitangata. Gibson, John, Westport Jebson, D., Canterbury. Lindsay, J. 8., Orepuki. Green, E. R., Abbotsford. Milligan, N., Thames. Snow, T., Mercer. Green, J., Brunnerton. Newsome, F., Denniston. First-class Mine-managers' Certificates issued on Production of English Certificate, under " The Coal-mines Act, 1886." Binns, G. J., Dunedin. Cochrane, N. D., Dunedin. Macalister, J., Invercargill. Black, T. H., Waipori. Garrett, J. H., Auckland. Nimmo, J., Oamaru. Broome, G. H., Ngakawau. Hayes, J., Kaitangafca. Straw, M., Westport. Cater, T., Auckland. Hodgson, J .W., Eoss. Tafctley, W., Auckland. First-class Mine-managers' Certificates issued to Inspectors of Mines by virtue of Office under " The Mining Act, 1886," and " The Coal-mines Act, 1886." Cochrane, N. D., Westport. Gow, J., Dunedin. Wilson, G., Thames. Gordon, H. A., Wellington. McLaren, J. M., Thames. Mine-managers' Service Certificates (Foreign). Issued under " The Coal-mines Act, 1886." Irvine, James, Dunedin. Lewis, W., Blackball. Proud, Joseph, Wanganui. Jordan, B. S., Kaitangata. Second-class Mine-managers' Service Certificates. Issued under " The Coal-mines Act, 1891." Carson, M., Kaitangata. Lobb, Joseph, Mokau. Sara, James, Reefton. Collier, Levi, Kamo. Love, Alexander, Orepuki. Eoss, John, Kawakawa. Clarke, Edward, Shag Point. Mclntosh, Allan, Shag Point. Smith, Charles, Whangarei. Elliot, Joseph, Coal Creek. Marshall, J., Ngakawau. Thomas, James, Springfield. Harris, John, Denniston. Murray, Thomas, Denniston. Wallace, William, Huntly. Herd, Joseph, Brunnerton. Nimmo, George Stewart, Ngapara. Willetts, John, Papakaio. Howie, James, Kaitangata. Radelifie, William, Eeefton. Willetts, John Morris, Papakaio. Leeming, William, Whitecliffs. Eoberts, John, Brunnerton. Young, William, Waimangaroa. Engine-drivers' Certificates. Issued under " The Coal-mines Act, 1886." Bainbridge, William, Brunnerton. Henderson, J., Huntly. Sampson, J., Huntly. Beirn, William H., Kaitangata. Hetherington, E., Huntly. Saunders, J., Denniston. Clark, A., Kaitangata. Howie, William, Walton Park. Shore, Joseph, Kaitangata. Davidson, Robert, Walton Park. Kelly, Peter, Kaitangata. Skilton, F. G., Denniston. Elliott, R., Denniston. Leisham, G., Denniston. Skellern, R., Huntly. Eltringham, Stephen, Greymouth. Marriott, T., Huntly. Smith, J., Denniston. Foote, Thomas, Miranda. Mason, J., Springfield. Southall, James, Brunnerton. Gall, Adam, Huntly. Muir, T., Huntly. Thomas, William, Kamo. Gill, Robert, Shag Point. Moore, Luke Martin, Brunnerton. Troughhear, Robert, Dobson. Gillies, D., Walton Park. McParlane, Henry, Miranda. Turner, Henry, Kawakawa. Girven, Adam, Kawakawa. McGarry, James, Brunnerton. Vincent, James, Miranda. Grundy, Walter, Kamo. McGregor, Duncan, Stirling. Wearn, Alfred, Boatman's. Gibson, J., Denniston. Mclntosh, Donald, Allandale. Wearn, James, Wallsend. Gray, G. A., Kaitangata. McVie, John, Walton Park. Williams, Llewellyn, Kawakawa. Harrison, C. F. E., Huntly. O'Neil, J., Denniston. Woods, William, Kawakawa. Hazeldene, T., Denniston. Porter, H. R., Huntly. Williams, F. A., Shag Point. Hartley, H., Huntly. Ryan, T., Huntly. Second-class Mine-manager's Certificate issued after Examination under " The Coal-mines Act, 1891." Dixon, W., jun., Kaitangata. Engine-dbivebs' Sebvice Certificates. Issued under " The Coal-mines Act, 1891." Archibald, W., Kaitangata. Greening, Luke, Springfield. Prentice, J., Shag Point. Barlow, William John, Shag Point. Johnstone, R. N., Kaitangata. Eixon, William E., Shag Point. Boag, John, Shag Point. McVie, Gavin, Kaitangata. Todd, William, Dunedin. Porrestor, Robert, Kaitangata. Milburn, Edward, Westport. Webb, Peter Oliver, Nightcaps. Girvan, R., Kawakawa. Park, John A., Huntly. Engine-drivers' Certificates issued after Examination under " The Coal-mines Act, 1891." Cook, S., Pairfield. Marshall, D., Kaitangata. Shearer, W., Huntly. Johnston, W. P., Kaitangata. Napier, A. T., Kaitangata. Batteby-supebintendents' Certificates. Issued under " The Mining Act 1891 Amendment Act, 1894," without undergoing examination. Adams, H. H., Waihi. Hutchison, William, Karangahake. Noble, James R., Karangahake. Banks, Edwin Gripper, Waihi. Margetts, Frederick Ernest, Kuao- Park, James, Thames. Barry, Herbert Percy, Waihi. tunu. Shepherd, Henry Franklin, Waihi. Goldsworthy, Henry, Kuaotunu. Merlett, Richard Sheridan, Waite- Walker, James A., Kuaotunu. Goldsworthy, John, Kuaotunu. kauri. Wilson, Arthur B. Waihi. Greenway, H. Howard, Auckland. Napier, James, Karangahake. Wilson, James Kitchener, Auckland Hope, John S., Waitekauri.

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SUMMAEY OP WOEKS CONSTEUCTED. The following statement shows the whole of the different classes of works constructed by the department, either by direct grants or by subsidies to local bodies, during the last thirteen years (the votes for this purpose having been under the control of the Hon. the Minister of Mines), for the purpose of opening up the mineral belts throughout the colony, and also for the development of the mining industry : —

270

Nature of Works. Total Cost of Construction, or Amount authorised to be expended. Expenditure, by way of Subsidy or otherwise, by Mines Department. Amount of Liability by Mines Department on Works in Progress. Up to Yeaes 1882-83 and 1883-84. £ s. d. 29,252 1 11 21,437 11 2 £ s. d. 14,853 9 5 13,089 16 0 £ s. d. 14,398 11 6 8,347 15 2 Water-racea Roads on goldfields Roads and. tracks undertaken by County Councils, subsidised by Mines Department Works undertaken by prospecting associations, subsidised by Mines Department Construction of drainage- and sludge-channels, subsidised by Mines Department 52,841 17 0 13,216 13 4 21,844 16 7 3,350 0 0 10,207 15 9 3,400 0 0 5,750 0 0 2,468 15 4 781 4 8 1884-85. 122,498 3 5 55,606 17 4 37,135 7 1 Water-races Roads on goldfields Roads and tracks undertaken by County Councils, subsidised by Mines Department Roads to mines, other than gold, subsidised by Mines Department Works undertaken by prospecting associations, subsidised by Mines Department Construction of drainage- and sludge-channels, subsidised by Mines Department Diamond and other drills 4,846 1 9 13,667 10 1 14,596 2 9 9,630 9 6 4,648 11 6 12,384 15 9 13,566 14 1 6,293 16 6 12,739 17 6 4,594 10 0 111 19 0 2,888 1 0 850 0 0 108 0 0 3,692 0 0 4,050 0 0 3,600 0 0 1,050 0 0 1,858 0 0 1,931 4 8 1885-86. 45,174 15 11 33,648 7 0 38,284 10 5 Water-races Roads on goldfields .. ... Roads undertaken by County Councils, subsidised by Mines Department Roads to mines, other than gold, subsidised by Mines Department Works undertaken by prospecting associations, subsidised by Mines Department Construction of drainage- and sludge-channels, subsidised by Mines Department Schools of Mines 3,660 4 9 27,543 18 8 14,773 2 3 1,551 19 10 6,063 2 3 12,360 14 9 13,043 15 9 4,327 0 10 6,964 4 4 27,567 19 8 12,477 9 2 490 12 8 11,860 18 0 1,999 5 7 6,389 5 9 10,051 14 9 2,160 9 7 3,994 16 6 1,260 9 7 6,995 9 9 900 0 0 1886-87. 71,602 7 10 43,049 5 3 61,785 1 4 Water-races Roads on goldfields Roads and tracks undertaken by County Councils, subsidised by Mines Department Roads to mines, other than gold, subsidised by Mines Department Works undertaken by prospecting associations and companies, subsidised by Mines Department Construction of drainage- and sludge-channels, subsidised by Mines Department Diamond and other drills Schools of Mines 12,453* 3 5 12,613 4 8 15,671 19 6 1,928 14 4 22,229 16 1 7,415 19 6 306 1 0 4,521 7 3 3,466 0 8 17,791 7 0 10,455 1 5 110 13 1 4,618 4 7 5,549 14 6 422 15 6 3,183 7 1 6,207 18 0 422 15 6 3,383 7 1 672 6 10 700 0 0 1887-88. 49,894 4 8 46,415 18 9 37,813 13 7 Water-races Roads on goldfields Roads and tracks undertaken by County Councils, subsidised by Mines Department Roads to mines, other than gold, subsidised by Mines Department Works undertaken by prospecting associations and companies, subsidised by Mines Department Construction of drainage- and sludge-channels, subsidised by Mines Department Schools of Mines Aids to treatment of ores 6 6 6 6,860 4 3 2,998 15 0 6 6 6 17,281 11 3 8,012 5 2 14 5 4 7,37o' 0 0 3,942 4 2 6,456 8 0 2,703 19 3 924 8 0 1,859 3 7 1,200 0 0 1,110 4 11 2,221 19 4 390 18 3 2,054 10 6 337 4 3 209 1 9 19,380 17 4 31,741 10 0 14,837 8 8

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SUMMARY OF WORKS CONSTRUCTED— continued.

36—C. 3.

271

Nature of Works. Total Cost of Construction, or Amount authorised to be expended. Expenditure, by way of Subsidy or otherwise, by Mines Department. Amount of Liability by Mines Department on Works in Progress, 1888-89. £ s. d. 10,253 5 3 £ s. a. 4,304 3 9 £ s. d. 13,218 11 6 Eoads on goldfields Eoads and tracks undertaken by County Councils, subsidised by Mines Department Works undertaken by prospecting associations and companies, subsidised by Mines Department Construction of drainage- and sludge-channels, subsidised by Mines Department Wharves, contributions by Mines Department Aids to treatment of ores, subsidised Schools of Mines 7,318 1 0 474 0 0 589'l9 5 2,406 16 8 236 0 0 54 10 6 96 6 0 209 1 9 1,188 6 10 5,195 6 1 687 8 0 343 13 5 895 16 10 44*14 3 1889-90. 19,531 2 6 8,555 5 6 19,489 13 3 Roads on goldfields Eoads and tracks undertaken by County Councils, subsidised by Mines Department.. Works undertaken by prospecting associations and companies, subsidised by Mines Department Water-races Wharves Schools of Mines Aids to treatment of ores Tracks to open up mineral lands Diamond drills 3,834 9 7 9,148 5 9 8,005 5 4 8,507 15 8 3,451 17 11 5,928 1 3 2,206' 0 0 719 0 0 150 0 0 1,034 0 11 142 8 9 207 8 6 425 14 5 663 0 0 681 0 0 193 13 5 50 14 0 1,040 0 8 142 8 9 1,000 0 0 425 14 5 792'16 6 17,150 9 1 15,278 11 3 16,314 10 6 1890-91. Eoads on goldfields Eoads and tracks undertaken by County Councils, subsidised by Mines Department Works undertaken by prospecting associations and companies, subsidised by Mines Department Water-races Wharves Schools of Mines Tracks to open up mineral lands 8,811 14 4 2,703 5 0 5,542*19 8 10,815 14 8 2,252 5 5 6,234 4 6 39 9 9 3,898 4 0 78 4 7 5,201 5 0 5,027 8 4 663 0 0 3,84710 0 419 19 5 20,905 9 0 23,319 2 11 11,311 12 9 1891-92. Eoads on goldfields Eoads and tracks undertaken by County Councils, subsidised by Mines Department Work undertaken by prospecting associations and companies, subsidised by Mines Department Water-races .. Wharves Schools of Mines Tracks to open up mineral lands 14,226 5 1 3,162 0 0 1,455 5 5 2,256 13 6 8,460 0 3 1,720 18 6 336 15 9 2,256 13 6 11,767 9 10 4,937 10 2 1,663 0 0 1,370 19 9 40 0 0 1,370 19 9 41 16 0 418' 3 7 22,511 3 9 14,187 3 9 18,786 3 7 1892-93. Eoads on goldfields Eoads and tracks undertaken by County Councils, subsidised by Mines Department Works undertaken by prospecting associations and companies, subsidised by Mines Department Water-races Wharves Schools of Mines Tracks to open up mineral lands Artesian-well boring, Maniototo Plains 15,199 2 4 550 0 0 970 4 9 3,811 1 10 17,325 10 0 1,033 0 0 865 4 3 3,811 1 10 9,628 6 10 4,831 9 10 1,768 0 6 1,232* 4 4 1,232' 4 4 419 ' 19 5 268 16 6 550* 0 0 281* 3 6 1893-94. 22,312 13 3 24,548 3 11 16,916 3 1 Eoads on goldfields Eoads and tracks undertaken by County Councils, subsidised by Mines Department Works undertaken by prospecting associations and companies, subsidised by Mines Department Water-races Drainage-channels Wharves Schools of Mines Tracks to open up mineral lands Repairing flood damages Artesian-well boring, Maniototo Plains 18,418 19 2 5,038 11 6 2,245 19 4 5,271 17 1 15,056 0 11 2,718 17 8 1,709 18 5 5,271 17 1 13,013 18 5 5,576 10 7 1,027 7 11 900 0 0 1,000 0 0 1,555 19 9 1,555 19 9 500' 0 0 800 0 0 500' 0 0 518 16 6 33,831 6 10 27,331 10 4 21,517 16 11

C.—3.

SUMMARY OF WORKS CONSTRUCTED— continued.

It will be seen from the above statement that works to the value of £40,228 15s. 3d. were authorised during last year, as against works to the value of £33,831 6s. 10d. for the previous year, whilst the expenditure last year, including subsidies and direct grants, amounted to £24,559 7s. lid., as against £27,213 2s. 4d. paid during the previous year, leaving the liabilities on works in progress at £29,492 13s. on the 31st March last, the liabilities for a similar period during the previous year being £21,517 16s. lid. The total value of works constructed by the Mines Department towards the development of gold and other minerals has been £348,120 Is. 4d., whilst the actual cost of the works was £479,553 17s. 3d., thus showing that £131,433 15s. lid. was contributed towards their construction by local bodies. Notwithstanding the large amount of money expended in the construction of works for the development of mining, a great deal has yet to be done before the country is properly opened up or even prospected. It is more difficult now to get private parties to engage in prospecting operations than it was in the early days when money was plentiful. Men could then afford to expend a much larger proportion of their earnings. The miners at the present day are earning only small wages, and many of them, having large families to support, cannot afford to carry on prospecting operations for any great length of time. Another reason is that men are not so migratory as they were in the early days, when, sometimes at a few minutes' notice, they would pack up their tents and all their belongings, and travel many miles to seek fortunes on new fields. Most of the miners have now acquired comfortable homes for themselves, and are loth to leave a field where they have been working for many years; and, unless fresh discoveries are made in the immediate vicinity of the place where they reside, they are averse to undertaking prospecting expeditions a long distance from their homes. Par more encouragement is required to be given to prospectors at the present time than in former years, for the reasons mentioned above. Tracks require to be made to open up the back country, in order that men may get their tools and provisions brought within a reasonable distance of the places where they carry on prospecting operations; and in many parts of the country, especially on the west coast of the Middle Island and some portions of the North Island, it costs a considerable sum of money to construct a track suitable for horse-traffic, especially where it has to be made through dense bush and swampy ground. The broken and rugged nature of the country where gold is generally found, the precipitous gorges and high ranges which abound, necessitate a larger number of tracks being made than would otherwise be required were the topographical features of the country different: for instance, a quartz-lode may be found near a gully or creekbed, which may not be more than a mile across a range from the next workings, and yet, owing to the steep and precipitous nature of that range, a suitable road could not be constructed over it. The only means of obtaining supplies and getting machinery brought on to the ground is by the construction of roads up the valleys of the different gullies, creeks, and rivers in the vicinity of where mining operations are carried on.

272

Nature of Works. Total Cost of Construction, or Amount authorised to be expended. Expenditure, by way of Subsidy or otherwise, by Mines Department. Amount of Liability by Mines Department on Works in Progress. 1894-95. Boads on goldfields Boads and tracks undertaken by County Councils, subsidised by Mines Department Works undertaken by prospecting associations and companies, subsidised by Mines Department Water-races Drainage-channels Wharves School of Mines Tracks to open up mineral lands Bepairing flood damages Artesian-well boring, Maniototo Plains Diamond-drills .. .. £ s. d. 20,908 13 7 £ s. d. 15,160 3 5 £ s. d. 18,752 10 7 685 18 4 2,295 9 2 1,934 5 7 10,805 15 4 4,801 19 7 1,521 0 0 2,378 13 2 2,427 10 11 673 14 10 3,006 13 0 2,151 18 8 3,647 5 2 999' 8 6 999' 8 6 505 19 11 505 19 11 40,228 15 3 24,440 19 11 29,492 13 0 Summary. Boads on goldfields Subsidised roads and tracks Subsidised roads and tracks other than on goldfields Prospecting Water-races Wharves Schools of Mines Drainage-channels Diamond drills Treatment of ores Tracks to open up mineral lands Artesian-well boring, Maniototo Plains Bepairing flood damages 173,614 16 11 124,759 4 6 6,146 9 10 63,958 7 8 61,649 6 7 435 15 9 18,145 0 1 22,922 9 3 4,954 9 10 1,342 8 9 325 8 1 800 0 0 500 0 0 154,862 6 4 72,549 18 10 4,759 6 2 18,210 4 4 58,168 3 1 285 15 9 18,145 0 1 15,559 0 1 3,212 9 10 742 8 9 325 8 1 800 0 0 500 0 0 18,752 10 7 1,934 5 7 3,006 13 0 2,151 18 8 3,647' 5 2 479,553 17 3 348,120 1 4 29,492 13 0

273

C—3

The yield of gold for the past year was considerably less than for the preceding one; but, notwithstanding this fact, a great advancement has taken place in the value of mining property towards the end of last year. The encouraging prospects met with in quartz-mining, especially in reference to finding payable gold in the deep levels, has given an impetus towards the investment of further capital to develop mining property. At the Kapanga Mine a shaft has been sunk to a depth of 800 ft., with a bore from the bottom of that depth for another 200 ft., where highly-mineralised stone has been found containing gold. This, together with the prospects found in the adjoining mines, will no doubt lead to sinking being continued in other properties to test the value of the quartz-lodes at deeper levels than at present. At Eeefton, in the Keep-it-Dark Mine, the workings are down to a depth of 850 ft., where a new lode has been discovered over 12ft. in width, and from which good returns are being obtained; also in the Wealth of Nations Mine, a new make of stone has been found below where they were previously working, which is giving fair returns. With regard to quartz-workings near the surface in the Hauraki Mine, at Coromandel, the ground in this locality had been partly prospected, and shafts and adits constructed here and there over the field, without any rich returns being obtained ; and, although held in a special claim, the ground has not been considered of any great value for many years. Eecently, however, extraordinary rich returns have been got from this mine, the auriferous quartz yielding in some instances several ounces of gold to the pound of stone. Were gold found in such richness in any other place than New Zealand, it would cause such a commotion amongst mining-men that people would flock from every locality to .the field; and, notwithstanding the reports and descriptions of the rich discoveries made at Coolgardie, in Western Australia, the stone found on that field cannot equal in richness that now obtained from the Hauraki Mine. No doubt this important discovery in Coromandel will lead to many claims being taken up, and money expended in the development of ground in the anticipation of discovering quartz-lodes of a payable character ; but, where there are a large number of mining ventures upon one field, it cannot be expected that the whole of them will prove successful. Mining in that locality has, however, received a considerable impetus, and properties have again been taken up, which, with judicious management-and sufficient capital to properly develop them, will probably prove valuable enterprises. The success attending gold-mining operations in the Ohinemuri district, and the extensive works which are now being carried on there, together with the large amount of English capital invested in property in that locality, will open up and develop this part of the country, which contains immense mineral riches. The vast mineral resources of New Zealand, with large areas containing great depths of auriferous drift both on the west and east coasts of the Middle Island, point to it as a country possessing unusual facilities for the investment of capital in mining enterprises, and for the employment of a large population engaged in this industry. Splendid sites are available in many places for the construction of reservoirs and dams for the conservation of a large water-supply, which is the chief element not only in working the alluvial drifts, but for supplying power for pumping or for machinery in connection with every class of mining. The success that has attended the use of electricity in mining operations shows that, wherever water can be obtained as a motive-power to work a dynamo, that power can be transmitted for very long distances and without much loss to work any class of machinery. This fact is fully evidenced by the utilisation of water for this purpose to work the Phoenix Company's crushing-battery at Skipper's by electricity, also the dredge on the Upper Shotover; while at the Brunner Mine this system is in full operation for pumping and winding purposes. Were this colony situated like Australia, with a number of colonies adjoining it, the mineral wealth that it contains would have been further advanced in development many years ago ; but, as it is, only large discoveries of auriferous deposits (although this may be only in one mine) causes a sensational commotion among those who have been following up mining and investing their capital in mining ventures, and thereby gives a great impulse towards the development of other properties on the same field. There is at the present time a better prospect of capital being brought into the country for investment in mining than has heretofore existed; and, if this capital is judiciously expended, there is every reason to believe that people will be recompensed by receiving a fair percentage for their outlay. I have, &c, Heney A. Goedon, M. A.Inst. M.E., Inspecting Engineer.

C—3.

List of Works on Goldfields undertaken wholly by the Mines Department, or by Subsidies to County Councils, Local Bodies, and Prospecting Associations, in Progress on the 31st March, 1895.

274

Locality and Nature of Works. Total Cost, or Amount authorised. Amount of Amount due by Contribution paid Mines Department by Mines on Works Department. still in Progress. NORTH ISLAND. Roads (subsidised). Bay of Islands County. Road from Taumarere Railway-station to Puhipuhi Township £ s. a. 482 0 0 £ s. d. 146 0 0 £ s. d. 95 0 0 Coromandel County. Mercury Bay Road Kuaotunu-Coromandel Road Pumpkin Plat-Just in Time Road Mahakirau towards Mercury Bay Bridge to Dugend's Store, and widening and metalling road from bridge to Log Hut Lower road from Great Mercury Battery to Kapai low-level and new battery-site Road from junction of Red Mercury Battery up Pumpkin Flat to Waitai To connect road from Log Hut to commencement of contract of Kuaotunu-Mercury Bay Road 1,100 0 0 300 0 0 310 0 0 200 0 0 450 0 0 495 0 0 55 0 0 150 0 0 50 0 0 100 0 0 220 0 0 120' 0 0 80 0 0 450 0 0 50 0 0 250 0 0 345 0 0 142 0 0 88 0 0 150 0 0 100 0 0 3,305 0 0 887 0 0 1,013 0 0 Te Aroha Town Board. Road to connect with railway-station Lipsey's Bridge 120 0 0 64 0 0 60 0 0 32 0 0 184 0 0 92 0 0 Thames County. Waiomo to Puhoi Creek 59 0 0 16 10 0 12 0 0 Thames Borough. Wai-o-karaka Road, Bella Street, and Campbell Street to Moanataiari Creek Moanataiari Creek Road .. Tararu Creek Road and Tararu Boad 200 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 150 0 0 50 0 0 75 0 0 450 0 0 225 0 0 Ohinemuri County. Tui Creek Track Waitekauri to Lowrie's and Birnie's.. Karangahake to Waihi Lower Waitekauri Road 200 0 0 200 0 0 300 0 0 150 0 0 64 19 3 77 15 0 164 8 2 28 16 8 35 0 9 22 5 0 35 11 10 71 3 4 164 0 11 MIDDLE ISLAND. 850 0 0 335 19 1 Roads (subsidised). Waiviea County. Baton to Karamea 100 0 0 50 0 0 Harlborough County. Pelorus Road Board. Dead-horse Creek to Simnyside Deep Creek to Dome Creek and Long Valley, Kaituna 75 0 0 150 0 0 30 0 0 20 0 0 75 0 0 225 0 0 30 0 0 95 0 0 Butter County. Track, Fairdown from North Terrace 150 0' 0 97 8 0 2 12 0 Grey County. Marsden-Dunganville Road Track from Ahaura, Kopara, Reese's Plat, to New Rush on banks of Ahaura River 100 0 0 20 0 0 50 0 0 10 0 0 120 0 0 60 0 0 Westland County. Widening Seddon's Terrace Track 150 0 0 65 10 0 9 10 0 Lake County. Skipper's Road Saddle to Deep Creek 200 0 0 100 0 0 Southland County. Repairing bridges, Waikaia Bush Repairing road, Athol to Nokomai .. 38 13 4 20 0 0 13 4 0 6 2 8 10 0 0 58 13 4 13 16 2

C—3

275

List of Works on Goldfields, &c. — continued.

Locality and Nature of Works. Total Cost, or Amount authorised. Amount of Contribution paid by Mines Department. Amount Sue by Mines Department on Works still in Progress. Works constbucted wholly by Mines Department. Eoad to Matarangi Goldfiold Repairs, Manaia Track Tiki Bridge across Waiau Scott's Bridge.. Culverts in Tiki Road Upper Township School Bridge Oteo Bridge Mercury Bay-Kaimarama Road .. .. , Stoney Creek Track Tapu Creek extension Road to mines, Waiomo Upper Hill Track to branch track, Wairongomai Canadian Gully Bridge and repairs to tunnel on horsegrade, Wairongomai Wairongomai Road Track from Slate River to Rocky Pack-track to Kill Devil Bridge over Slate River Track into right-hand branch of Cullen's Creek.. Repairs to Wangapeka Road towards Crow Diggings Big River Road Road, Gannon's to Painkiller Track from Brown's Terrace to Arnold River Repairing flood damages, Grey Couuty Extension, Seddon's Terrace Track Taipo Track to Seven-mile Repairs, Totara Bridge Repairs, Kanieri Lake Road Deviation, Pleasant Creek Track Wakamarina Porks to Wairau Valley Thompson's Track Paeroa to Waitoa Mercury Bay to Whemiakite and Boat Harbour Tiki to Gum Town, via Kaikaimarama Coromaudel to Kuaotunu Kuaotunu to Mercury Bay Driving Creek to Cabbage Bay, and Driving Creek to Cape Colville Tiki to Waikawau Paeroa to Te Aroha Hikutaia to Paeroa, and Hikutaia to Waihi Junction of Waihi Road to New Find, Waitekauri Thames to Hikutaia Upper Waiotahi Road Puriri to east side of range Thames to Waikawau Onamalutu to Wakamarina Forks .. Hampdon to Horse Terrace Approaches, Matakitaki Bridge Soldier's Greek Road Painkiller, to connect with Murray's Creek Road Deep Creek to Dome Creek and Long Valley, Kaituna Bridge over Karamea River Waimangaroa to Denniston Road to Lyell's Creek Extended Company's tunnel Great South Road Jackson's Bay to Cascade Bridge over Ogilvie's Creek Deviation, Larrikin's Road Gillam's Gully Track Bridge over Kanieri River at Kokatahi Road from Lyell's Bridge to Ryan's Road to Oparara Diggings Millerton Road Waiau to Preservation Inlet Bridge and approaches, Skipper's Point Arrowtown to Macetown Tracks to Western Sounds Hatter's Terrace to Haupiri Grey River to Moonlight Blackball Track Ahaura-Kopara Road Mackley's to Waipuna Terrace Foot-bridge over Blackball Creek Road to Barrytown Tracks, Stewart Island Waipapa to Waikawa Waipapa to Six-mile Garston to Nevis £ s. d. 75 0 0 90 0 0 256 0 0 175 0 0 100 0 0 50 0 0 150 0 0 50 0 0 15 0 0 400 0 0 50 0 0 30 0 0 70 0 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. 75 0 0 20 0 0 256 0 0 175 0 0 100 0 0 50 0 0 150 0 0 50 0 0 15 0 0 145 18 9 50 0 0 30 0 0 70 0 0 70 0 0 254 1 3 100 0 0 225 0 0 100 0 0 50 0 0 25 0 0 150 0 0 3,461 0 0 250 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 212 19 3 200 0 0 304 0 0 80 0 0 130 0 0 250 0 0 1,500 0 0 200 0 0 150 0 0 100 0 0 770 0 0 450 0 0 600 0 0 179 14 0 2,805' 0 1 196 10 6 208 10 6 26 13 6 100 0 0 100 0 0 45 6 0 100 0 0 50 0 0 25 0 0 150 0 0 655 19 11 53 9 6 100 0 0 100 0 0 4 8 9 173 6 6 204 0 0 80 0 0 130 0 0 250 0 0 1,500 0 0 200 0 0 150 0 0 90 0 0 230 0 0 350 0 0 485 0 0 70 0 0 540 0 0 100 0 0 175 0 0 000 0 0 400 0 0 815 0 0 350 0 0 400 0 0 200 0 0 830 0 0 865 0 0 400 0 0 3,270 0 0 280 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 100 0 0 1,500 0 0 100 0 0 200 0 0 7,435 9 7 500 0 0 150 0 0 1,494 16 5 200 0 0 386 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 250 0 0 7,763 3 9 1,500 0 0 600 0 0 6,826 6 4 1,650 0 0 530 0 0 1,178 0 0 400 0 0 100 0 0 150 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 100 0 0 160 0 0 480 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 120 0 0 200 0 0 615 0 0 350 0 0 147 1 3 131 2 6 339 1 9 279 8 5 400 0 0 209 11 6 61 5 0 160 0 0 200 0 0 100 0 0 1,500 0 0 100 0 0 200 0 0 1,010 6 5 136 2 10 100 0 0 469 12 3 35 9 0 386 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 250 0 0 150 0 0 1,500 0 0 600 0 0 1,000 0 0 200 0 0 30 0 0 229 8 3 25 0 0 25 0 0 150 0 0 200 0 0 69 12 0 200 0 0 100 0 0 160 0 0 252 18 9 68 17 6 490 18 3 585 11 7 3,060 8 0 218 15 0 40 0 0 6,425 3 2 363 17 2 50 0 0 1,025 4 2 164 11 0 7,613' 3 9 5,826 6 4 1,450 0 0 500 0 0 948 11 9 375 0 0 75 0 0 130 8 0 54,022 15 4 35,270 4 9 18,752 10 7

C—3.

List of Works on Goldfields, &c.— continued.

276

Locality and Nature of Works. Total Cost, or Amount authorised. Amount of Contribution paid by Mines Department. Amount due by Mines Department on Works still in Progress. Schools of Mines. £ s. d. 13,395 0 1 4,750 0 0 £ s. d. 13,395 0 1 4,750 0 0 £ s. d. Schools of Mines Schools of Mines (Otago University) Prospecting Subsidies. Kapanga Gold-mining Company (Limited) Puhipuhi Prospecting Association Longwood Sluicing Company, Biverton Thames County Cinnabar Mining Company, Auckland (£1 for £1 10s.) Ohinemuri County James Shaw and party Prospecting Association, Coromandel H. H. Adams, Waiorongomai Mr. Olderog, Arahura Charles Porter, Boss Scatterini and Anderson (late Bochfort and party) Westland County Drainage-tunnel, Dunedin Flat (£1 for £1) Totara Miners' Association (J. Smith and party) Kumara Miners' Association Prospecting Association, Mokihinui .. Frying-pan Tail-race Extension, Low-level Tunnel, Boatman's Prospecting-turuiel, south side Inangahua River Kumara Miners' Association I Henley and party) Kumara Miners' Association (M, Manton) Antonio Zala, Boss Mokihinui Prospecting Association (French and others) Westport Prospecting Association Halligan and party (tunnel at Cedar Creek) J. Staines, Kanieri Kumara Miners' Association (John Kane) Joseph Dyer and party, Kuaotunu Gillam's Gully Prospecting Association (Bramhall and party) R. Goudie and party Te Aroha Town Board Miners' Association, Charleston Invercargill Prospecting Association.. Totara Miners' Association (Chamberlain and party) Miners' Association, Kuaotunu Thames County (B. Kelly and party) Miners' Association, Eiverfcon New Eldorado Sluicing Company, Fat Boys, Criffel Totara Miners' Association, Eoss (Coffey and party) T. and J. Wallis, Thames Totara Miners' Association (Waylen and party) Kennedy-Waikaia Prospecting Association, Invercargill Inangahua District Miners' Prospecting Association Gold-mining Association, Palmerston North Low-level tunnel, Jubilee Mine, Waitekauri 18,145 0 1 18,145 0 1 20,200 0 0 200 0 0 300 0 0 180 10 0 500 0 0 200 0 0 29 5 0 200 0 0 250 0 0 54 18 0 211 0 0 124 0 0 1,108 5 4 1,800 0 0 135 0 0 40 0 0 40 0 0 600 0 0 300 0 0 60 0 0 58 14 0 57 10 0 39 0 0 58 10 0 400 0 0 198 1 10 96 0 0 9 0 0 120 0 0 60 0 0 40 0 0 100 0 0 110 0 0 150 0 0 160 10 0 40 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 31 5 0 50 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 3,000 0 0 1,121 2 6 13 15 0 75 17 6 86 5 0 150 0 0 60 0 0 91 8 10 94 0 0 14 12 6 100 0 0 76 16 3 11 5 0 31 2 6 55 6 6 30 5 0 108 11 2 6 0 0 48 3 9 16 4 0 74 7 6 6 13 6 554 2 8 596 6 8 61 7 6 15 0 0 161 11 3 137 7 11 25 0 0 3 18 9 7 2 6 11 5 0 60 8 0 86 10 11 4 10 0 12 3 0 15 0 0 5 5 0 303 13 4 6 5 0 20 0 0 5 0 0 138 8 9 12 12 1 5 0 0 29 7 0 24 16 3 12 7 6 18 0 0 139 12 0 12 10 0 43 10 0 4 10 0 60 0 0 17 17 0 5 0 0 44 15 0 55 0 0 12 15 0 41 2 6 20 0 0 50 0 0 50 0 0 50 0 0 50 0 0 11 17 6 22 0 0 41 0 0 50 0 0 50 0 0 750 0 0 62 5 0 39 2 6 3 15 0 3 0 0 9 0 0 Wateb-baces. Waimea-Kumara Water-race Mount Ida Water-race Improving Water-supply, Oamaru Finlay McLiver Brown and party, Kumara Contingencies 32,011 9 2 3,299 4 1 3,006 13 0 25,435 1 9 8,287 14 8 1,250 0 0 400 0 0 45 0 0 659 12 8 23,855 4 6 8,287 14 8 900 8 7 1,579 17 3 349 11 5 200 0 0 22 10 0 659*12 8 Drainage and Tailings Channels. Kumara Sludge-channel No. 4 Kuaotunu Sludge-channel (£1 for £1) Kumara Sludge-channel No. 5 36,077 9 1 33,703 0 5 2,151 18 8 1,000 0 0 400 0 0 3,000 0 0 552 14 10 447 5 2 200 0 0 3,000 0 0 4,400 0 0 552 14 10 3,647 5 2 Summary of Works. Boads (subsidised) — Bay of Islands County .. Coromandel County Te Aroha Town Board .. Thames County Thames Borough Ohinemuri County Waimea County & s. d. 482 0 0 3,305 0 0 184 0 0 59 0 0 450 0 0 850 0 0 100 0 0 £ s. d. 146 0 0 887 0 0 16 10 0 £ s. d. 95 0 0 1,013 0 0 92 0 0 12 0 0 225 0 0 164 0 11 50 0 0 335'19 1

a—3.

List of Works on Goldfields, &c.— continued

List of Works on Goldfields constructed wholly by the Mines Department, or by Subsidies to County Councils, Local Bodies, and Prospecting Associations, and completed prior to the 31st March, 1895.

277

Locality and Nature of Works. Total Cost, or Amount authorised. Amount of Contribution paid by Mines Department. Amount due by Mines Department on Works slill in Progress. Roaas (subsiaisea) — continued. Pelorus Eoaa Boara Buller County Grey County Westlancl County Lake County Southlana County & s. a. 225 0 0 150 0 0 120 0 0 150 0 0 200 0 0 58 13 4 £ s. a, 30 0 0 97 8 0 65'10 0 & s. a. 95 0 0 2 12 0 60 0 0 9 10 0 100 0 0 16 2 8 13 4 0 Works constructea wholly by Mines Department Schools of Mines Prospecting subsiaies Water-races Drainage ana tailings channels 6,333 13 4 1,591 11 1 1,934 5 7 54,022 15 4 18,145 0 1 32,011 9 2 36,077 9 1 4,400 0 0 35,270 4 9 18,145 0 1 3,299 4 1 33,703 0 5 552 14 10 18,752 10 7 3,006 13 0 2,151 18 8 3,647 5 2 Total 150,990 7 0 92,561 15 3 29,492 13 0

Locality and Nature of Works. Total Cost. Amount of Contribution paid by Mines Department. NOETH ISLAND. Eoads (subsidised). Bay of Islands County. Tiriwhanga Gorge to Galbraith's Road, Puhipuhi Air-line Eoad to battery-site, Puhipuhi Tiriwhanga Gorge to Puhipuhi £ s. d. 237 0 0 73 0 0 800 0 0 £ s. d. 118 10 0 36 10 0 800 0 0 1,110 0 0 955 0 0 Coromandel County. Improving road to Iona and Just in Time Companies' Mines Making and improving track from Tokatea towards Kennedy Bay Golden Belt Track Tokatea Eoad (repairs) Making and improving track from Golden Belt to Tiki Making road from Eirig's Bridge to Kapanga Mine Making road to Kapanga Mine Temporary track from Tokatea Saddle to Waikoromiko Continuation of track from Success Company's Mine to top of main range Completion of road from Tokatea Saddle to Tokatea Battery Widening road from Matawai to Vaughan's Claim Improving track, Mercury Bay to Waitai Continuation and improving Waikoromiko Track Emily Battery to Eocky Creek Track, Bismarck Battery to Kennedy Bay Eoad up Manaia Extension of Vaughan's and Vizard's Tracks Vizard's towards Marebel Extending and widening Waitaia Eoad Makarau to Waiau .. .. .. .. .. Waikawau to Tiki Paul's Creek to Cabbage Bay Waikawau Creek Track .. .. .. ,. .. McLaughlin's Road Manaia to McGregor's new find Manaia to Tiki Old saw-mill towards Matawai Extension of Paul's Creek Track Matarangi Track Thames-Ooromandel Eoad, via Manaia Harbour View extension Kapanga to Paul's Creek Mercury Bay to Kuaotunu Wainara to Kuaotunu Sea Beach to Kuaotunu Just in Time Road, extension to Coromandel Road, Waikawau Bridge to McLaughlin's 200 0 0 320 0 0 100 0 0 300 0 0 239 3 3 150 0 0 132 0 0 50 0 0 80 0 0 50 0 0 357 0 0 100 0 0 150 0 0 60 0 0 200 0 0 675 10 6 150 0 0 200 0 0 100 0 0 1,600 0 0 500 0 0 200 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 500 0 0 200 0 0 300 0 0 400 0 0 300 0 0 210 0 0 200 0 0 360 0 0 450 0 0 1,650 0 0 450 0 0 67 10 0 133 6 8 213 6 8 50 0 0 150 0 0 159 8 10 100 0 0 88 0 0 33 6 8 53 6 8 33 6 8 238 0 0 66 13 4 100 0 0 40 0 0 133 6 8 450 7 0 100 0 0 133 6 8 66 13 4 1,066 13 4 333 6 8 133 6 8 50 0 0 50 0 0 50 0 0 250 0 0 100 0 0 150 0 0 200 0 0 150 0 0 105 0 0 100 0 0 180 0 0 225 0 0 1,450 0 0 225 0 0 45 0 0 11,301 3 9 7,205 15 10

C—3.

List of Works on Goldfields, &c. — continued.

278

Locality and Nature of Works. Total Cost. Amount of Contribution paid by Mines Department. Thames County. Making new road from Ohinemuri River to Karangahake Quartz-mine Dray-road to connect Otarmi Mines with crushing-battery at Maungawherawhera Greek Improving roads from Waitokauri Road to Katikati Road Improving road up Karaka Greek to Lucky Hit Company's Mine Improving road to upper mines, Waitahi Karangahake to battery Ralph's Battery, Waitekauri Otanui Road to mines Road to Wick's Battery Rocky Point Road, Tararu Thames Borough boundary to hsematite-mine Widening road from bridge over Hape Creek to Otanui Mines Track, Karangahake Goldfield Kauaeranga Valley to Otanui Tapu Road to mines Tauranga Road to Karangahake Bridge-site Karangahake Bridge Track up Maungakerikeri Creek Thames Borough boundary to Hape Creek No. 2 Upper Karaka Road Repairing flood-damages, Waiotahi, Moanataiari, Karaka, and Collarbone Roads Sea-beach to Waiomo Te Papa Gully Road New Find to Waiomo Battery Rocky Point Road Waiotahi towards Mercury Bay Te Mata Road Waiomo Creek to Tapu Alabama Greek Track Road from Prospectors' Mine, Puriri, to battery Karaka Creek to Lucky Hit Bullion Mine, Tapu, to battery Track to Hikutaia Goldfield Upper Tararu Road to Sylvia Mine Road to Puriri Battery Thames to VVaikawau Road Track from Tararu Creek Road to McDermot's Claim Track to Try Fluke Claim, Tapu £ s. d. 650 0 0 £■ s. d. 433 6 8 710 0 0 250 0 0 263 1 0 258 18 10 300 0 0 399 1 0 299 18 0 70 0 0 300 0 0 350 0 0 183 17 0 784 1 0 470 7 0 81 17 ■9 341 5 0 229 6 6 93 4 4 600 0 0 179 13 0 350 0 0 750 0 0 75 0 0 110 0 0 429 11 10 522 11 0 178 17 6 1,499 0 0 100 0 0 50 0 0 365 0 0 36 5 0 147 15 2 684 7 0 11 13 0 37 10 0 45 0 0 94 15 0 473 6 8 166 13 4 175 7 4 172 12 7 200 0 0 199 10 6 199 18 8 46 13 4 200 0 0 233 6 8 122 11 4 522 14 0 313 11 4 54 11 10 227 10 0 152 17 8 62 2 11 300 0 0 119 15 4 175 0 0 375 0 0 37 10 0 55 0 0 214 15 11 261 5 6 89 8 9 749 10 0 50 0 0 25 0 0 182 10 0 18 2 6 73 17 7 342 3 6 5 16 6 18 15 0 22 10 0 47 7 6 12,301 15 11 7,120 2 11 Ohinemuri County. Jubilee Mine Track Track up Tui Creek Prospecting-track, Whangamata and Waitekauri Tramway, Karangahake to Railey's reduction-works Strengthening bridges, Waihi Road .. .. Paeroa to Hikutaia Repairs, flood-damages Hikutaia River to Marototo Mine Karangahake through Gorge (bridge and culverts) Waitekauri Lower Road Metalling Karangahake Gorge Road Karangahake and Waihi Road Karangahake Hill Track Bridge over Ohinemuri River at Karangahake Hikutaia-Paeroa Road Paeroa-Te Aroha Road 118 0 0 306 0 0 200 0 0 400 0 0 200 0 0 400 0 0 34 13 8 180 15 0 200 0 0 360 0 0 170 0 0 237 10 0 87 4 0 12 11 0 500 0 0 200 0 0 59 0 0 153 0 0 166 13 4 200 0 0 133 6 8 200 0 0 17 6 10 90 7 6 100 0 0 189 2 8 85 0 0 118 15 0 43 12 0 6 5 6 250 0 0 100 0 0 3,606 13 8 1,912 9 6 Piako County. Extension and completion of Te Aroha Tramway .. . i .. .. Tramway to Fergusson's Battery, Waiorongomai Road, Waiorongomai Track to claims at Buck's Reef .. .. . • • • • • Track, Fern Spur to Butler's Spur Tracks up Stony Creek, Te Aroha Goldfield, &c. .. 18,000 0 0 1,500 0 0 497 17 0 55 5 6 231 17 9 54 0 0 12,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 331 18 0 36 17 0 154 11 10 36 0 0 20,339 0 3 13,559 6 10 Butt County. Road to connect Otorongo Bay with Albion Company's Battery, also to connect Terawhiti Quartz-mine with battery Road, Makara Junction to Terawhiti 509 16 6 450 0 0 210 17 0 225 0 0 959 16 6 435 17 0

C.—3.

List of Works on Goldfields, &c. — continued.

37-C. 3.

279

Locality and Nature of Works. Total Cost. Amount of Contribution paid by Mines Department. SOUTH ISLAND. Roads (subsidised). Marlborough County. Track, Deep Creek to Dead Horse Creek Mouth of Gorge to Forks, Cullensville to Mahakipawa Diggings Formation of road at Cullensvillo, Mahakipawa Haveloek-Mahakipawa Road £ s. d. 68 0 0 450 0 0 217 4 0 905 0 0 £ a. d. 45 6 8 225 0 0 108 12 0 505 0 0 1,640 4 0 883 18 8 Waimea County'. Eoad to open up Table Diggings Punt over Motueka River Repairing Baton to Table-land Track Dove River to Baton Saddle, and from Rolling River to Wangapeka Saddle 260 0 0 100 0 0 40 0 0 120 0 0 130 0 0 50 0 0 20 0 0 60 0 0 520 0 0 260 0 0 Collingwood County. Road, West Wanganui Bridge over Aorere River Extending Anatoki Bridle-track Bridge over Takaka River at Pain's Ford 300 0 0 173 14 0 160 0 0 1,597 7 8 200 0 0 115 16 0 80 0 0 798 13 10 Bullet' County. Deviation of road from Candlelight Flat to Deep Creek, Charleston Road from Orowaiti Lagoon to North Terrace Prospecting-irack.from Razorback to Paparoa Range Track from Seatonville to Larrikin's Waimangaroa to Denniston Road to connect alluvial workings with Charleston Road Track, Four-mile Greek towards Grey Valley Road to connect alluvial diggings north of Deadman's Creek .. Ngakawau to Mokihinui, via beaches Road to connect Ngakawau Railway with Mokihinui Coal Company's workings Lyell Bluff to Victor Emmanuel Claim Beach, Little Wanganui to Mokihinui Cape Foulwind Road Road up Nile Valley Denniston extension Promised Land towards Motueka Road over Gentle Annie Extension, Lyell Creek to Low-level Tunnel Extension of track 50 chains south of Brighton Continuation of road, Deadman's Creek Ngakawau Railway-station to Mokihinui Addison's Flat towards ranges North Terrace to Oparara Diggings Extension of Croninville Road Waimangaroa to sea-beach Extension of track, Oparara to Fenian Creek Con's Creek to Beaconsfield Addison's Flat to Caroline Terrace Waimangaroa to sea-beach extension Addison's Flat to Gallagher's Lead 2,231 1 8 1,194 9 10 370 0 0 256 18 6 100 0 0 438 9 6 787 0 0 400 0 0 300 0 0 278 0 0 100 0 0 193 0 0 650 0 0 300 0 0 450 0 0 56 16 4 850 0 0 380 0 0 200 0 0 60 0 0 140 0 0 437 17 0 50 0 0 20 0 0 500 0 0 100 0 0 80 0 0 100 0 0 80 0 0 200 0 0 390 0 0 50 0 0 246 13 4 171 5 8 66 13 4 292 6 4 393 10 0 266 13 4 200 0 0 185 6 8 66 13 4 128 13 4 433 6 8 100 0 0 300 0 0 28 8 2 425 0 0 190 0 0 100 0 0 30 0 0 70 0 0 218 18 6 25 0 0 10 0 0 333 6 8 50 0 0 40 0 0 50 0 0 40 0 0 100 0 0 195 0 0 25 0 0 8,318 1 4 4,781 15 4 Inangahua County. Dray-road from Soldier's Creek to Devil's Creek Dray-road from Inangahua to Rainy Creek Battery Dray-road from Capleston up Little Boatman's Creek Dray-road from Capleston up Main Boatman's Creek Dray-road from Westport Road to Inangahua River Track from Devil's Creek to Big River Track from Waitahu River to Capleston Survey and expenses Track from Cariboo to Big River Dray-road up Murray Creek to United Inglewood Claim Road from Reefton to Big River, via Devil's Creek Road up Big River Continuation of dray-road up Little Boatman's Creek Road from Capleston to Larry's Creek Track to connect Capleston with Lone Star Crushington to Globe Company's workings Snowy Creek Track .. - - • • ■ • • • . Reefton to Big River Glenroy to Horse Terrace Devil's Creek to Globe Hill Extension of Dray Road to Boatman's via Painkiller ManglesValley to McGregor's Station Globe Hill to Merrijigs Larry's Greek to Lyell Widening Larry's Creek Road ',.. Road up Burke's Creek, Little Boatmans 647 0 0 900 10 0 379 0 0 697 0 0 224 5 0 134 3 6 358 0 0 250 0 0 728 0 0 3,472 0 0 614 0 0 922 19 0 169 7 6 640 0 0 75 0 0 403 0 0 85 15 0 1,792 0 0 254 0 0 917 6 2 53 17 6 600 0 0 1,397 6 0 1,061 15 0 118 10 0 149 0 0 431 6 8 606 6 8 252 13 4 464 13 4 149 10 0 89 9 0 238 13 4 166 13 4 364 0 0 2,314 17 4 307 0 0 615 6 0 112 18 4 426 13 4 50 0 0 201 10 0 42 17 6 1,194 13 4 122 10 0 458 13 1 26 18 9 300 0 0 698 13 0 530 17 6 59 5 0 74 10 0 17,052 14 8 10,300 8 10

C—3.

List of Works on Goldfields, &c.— continued.

280

Locality and Nature of Works. 1 Total Cost. Amonnt of Contribution paid by Mines Department. I Grey County. & s. d. 1,100 0 0 1,600 0 0 2,296 6 6 1,200 0 0 700 0 0 800 0 0 601 17 6 2,240 0 0 120 0 0 400 0 0 1,000 0 0 2,400 0 0 600 0 0 250 0 0 1,331 0 0 790 0 0 £ s. d. 550 0 0 800 0 0 2,296 6 6 800 0 0 466 13 4 533 6 8 401 5 0 1,493 6 8 60 0 0 200 0 0 500 0 0 1,200 0 0 400 0 0 125 0 0 665 10 0 395 0 0 Boad from Notown to Deep Creek Boad from Langdon's to Moonlight Contribution from goldfields vote towards main road Track, Waipuna to Clarke's Eiver Track, Cameron's to Cape Terrace Boad, Limestone to Maori Creek Bed Jack's to Nelson Creek Barrytown to Deadman's German Gully to Arnold's Flat Baird's Terrace to Lake Brunner Hatter's Terrace Boad Irishman's to Lake Brunner Hatter's Terrace Track, Baird's Terrace to Irishman's Deep Creek to Bell Hill Track to Blackball Diggings 17,429 4 0 10,886 8 2 Westland County. Improving track, Butcher's Creek to Gentle Annie Terrace Bridle-track to Kanieri Lake Bridle-track to Bel Creek Tunnel-track, Galway Beach to Gillespie's Beach Boad from Duffer's Creek, Greenstone Boad, to fifteen-mile peg, Christchurch Boad Continuation of track, Back Creek to Bel Creek Bridle-track, Duffer's Creek, Bowen and Okarito Boad, to sea-beach Boss Borough boundary to Mount Greenland Track, Kariieri Lake to Humphrey's Gully Track, Larrikin's to Loop-line Dam Bough Wainihinihini to Upper Dam Browning's Pass to Beefs Okarito Porks to Teal Creek Boad, Christchurch to Baldhill Bange reefs Extension of Tucker's Plat Boad to New Bush Hokitika Borough boundary (Beefton) to Shotover Bush Track to New Bush, Back Creek Bepairing old track round Wataroa Bluff New Bush, south side of Hokitika Biver 225 10 0 719 11 0 168 9 0 437 5 0 726 9 0 249 4 0 333 18 0 1,280 15 0 279 2 0 449 11 0 450 0 0 3,311 6 0 600 0 0 500 0 0 170 19 6 120 0 0 100 0 0 50 0 0 37 18 6 163 13 4 350 5 6 84 4 6 218 12 6 480 4 6 166 3 4 222 12 0 853 16 8 186 1 4 299 14 0 300 0 0 2,207 10 8 400 0 0 250 0 0 85 9 9 60 0 0 50 0 0 25 0 0 18 19 3 Taieri County. Mullocky Gully to Silver Peak 10,209 18 0 6,431 7 4 499 15 0 333 3 4 Lake County. Track, Skipper's to Phoenix and Scandinavian Beefs Track to connect scheelite-mine with Lake Wakatipu Arrowtown to Macetown, construction Arrowtown to Macetown, maintenance Invincible Quartz-reef Track, Bees Biver Bees Valley to company's workings Pack-track, Criffel Diggings Left-hand Branch Boad, Skipper's Old Morven Perry Boad Boad to workings above Cardrona Piers, Victoria Bridge 292 2 3 225 0 0 225 0 0 150 0 0 300 0 0 61 7 6 50 6 6 63 9 10 289 0 0 70 0 0 725 0 0 194 14 10 150 0 0 150 0 0 100 0 0 200 0 0 30 13 9 33 11 0 31 14 11 144 10 0 35 0 0 362 10 0 Tuapeka County. Making road from top of Terrace to Waipori Bush Boad, Beaumont to Bemarkable Bush Improving road from Waipori Township to antimony-mines, Lammerlaw Banges Waipori Township to Waipori Bush Clutha Biver to Campbell's Waitahuna to copper-mine Boad to open up quarry for Waitahuna Bridge Waipori Boad, via Bungtown 2,451 6 1 1,432 14 6 300 0 0 300 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 76 9 0 200 0 0 160 9 10 566 8 10 200 0 0 200 0 0 133 6 8 133 6 8 50 19 4 133 6 8 106 19 11 283 4 5 Wallace County. Track, Colac Bay to Bound Hill Pack-track to Bound Hill, Colac, and Orepuki 2,003 7 8 1,241 3 8 200 0 0 1,050 0 0 133 6 8 500 0 0 Maniototo County. Boad to Serpentine Diggings Pig and Whistle to Clarke's Diggings Shepherd's Hut Plat to Vinegar Hill Kyeburn Peninsula to main road 1,250 0 0 633 6 8 136 10 0 200 0 0 100 0 0 82 0 0 91 0 0 133 6 8 66 13 4 41 0 0 518 10

C—3.

List of Works on Goldfields, &c. — continued.

281

Locality and Nature of Works. Total Cost. Amount of Contribution paid by Mines Department. Fiord County. £ s. d. 300 0 0 £ s. d. 200 0 0 Dusky Sound, tracks Waitaki County. rload, Naseby to Livingstone 41 12 0 20 16 0 Southland County. improving tracks from Mataura to Nokomai improving road, Waikaka to Leatham improving road from Waikaka Township to Leatham Greek improving road from Waikaka to Waikaka railway-siding Widening and improving bush-track to Waikawa iVaikaka to Switzer's near Waikaka Township iVaikaia to Whitcombe ffaipapa to Six-mile Beach 75 0 0 150 0 0 30 0 0 150 0 0 150 0 0 150 0 0 150 0 0 311 6 8 175 0 0 50 0 0 100 0 0 20 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 180 13 4 87 10 0 1,341 6 8 838 3 4 Diamond and otheb Dbiles. inangahua County Council (diamond) Springfield Colliery Company (diamond) iVestl and County Council (tiffin) Diamond drills for prospecting purposes.. 2,000 0 0 1,250 0 0 350 0 0 1,354 9 10 1,000 0 0 625 0 0 233 0 0 1,354 9 10 4,954 9 10 3,212 9 10 Whabvbs. ftepairs to wharf, Coromandel inikiwi Jetty, Marlborough 300 0 0 135 15 9 150 0 0 135 15 9 285 15 9 435 15 9 Aids to Pbospecting. jonstruction of low-level tunnel, Terawhiti Jueen of Beauty Company, prospecting deep levels Daledonian Low-level Company, prospecting deep levels Fled Hill Gold-mining Company, prospecting deep levels jaledonian Low-level Company, low-level tunnel .. Ijyell Creek Extended Company, low-level tunnel Sfew Cromwell Gold-mining Company Deep-level Association, Waipori uittle Boatman's deep-level tunnel Dterongia Prospecting Association Vincent County fapanui Prospecting Association Cuapeka County VEaniototo County Pullar, Shelmerdine, and Basan Royal Oak Association 3tar of the East Quartz-mining Company i¥est Coast Prospecting Association McBride and party McLean and party Deep-level Tunnel, Tokatea Deep-level Tunnel, Owharoa Deep-level Tunnel, Tapu Deep-level Tunnel, Cedar Creek Manuka Plat Prospecting Association Bed Hill Minerals Company fuapeka Prospecting Association 3ardrona Prospecting Association Uromwell Prospecting Association Doromandol County rhames County rhames Borough Buller County [nangahua County vVestland County 3-rey County Deep-level Prospecting Association, Waipori vVaipu Prospecting Association Hokianga County Vulcan Smelting Works, Onehunga Dhinemuri County Waitaki County VVaihemo County vVilliam Fox and party Kirk and party Hodge and party 750 0 0 300 0 0 300 0 0 600 0 0 2,700 0 0 300 0 0 250 0 0 450 0 0 600 0 0 198 17 2 137 9 0 25 0 0 12 0 0 500 0 0 400 0 0 300 0 0 150 0 0 300 0 0 169 2 2 66 0 0 700 0 0 300 8 0 1,200 0 0 1,207 10 0 200 0 0 437 19 10 277 0 0 800 0 0 500 0 0 550 0 0 309 18 0 200 0 0 146 12 6 488 7 0 1,236 19 4 871 15 2 432 9 8 180 0 0 100 0 0 30 0 0 100 0 0 29 5 0 85 9 0 711 1 8 176 0 10 98 13 8 150 0 0 150 0 0 150 0 0 300 0 0 300 0 0 150 0 0 100 0 0 300 0 0 300 0 0 99 8 7 68 14 6 12 10 0 6 0 0 250 0 0 200 0 0 150 0 0 75 0 0 150 0 0 84 11 1 33 0 0 350 0 0 200 5 4 600 0 0 603 15 0 100 0 0 218 19 11 138 10 0 400 0 0 250 0 0 275 0 0 154 19 0 100 0 0 73 6 3 244 3 6 618 9 8 435 17 7 216 4 10 90 0 0 50 0 0 15 0 0 50 0 0 14 12 6 42 14 6 355 10 10 88 4 11 49 6 10 Carried forward 19,877 18 0 8,764 4 10

C—3.

List of Works on Goldfields, &c.— continued.

282

Locality and Nature of Works. Total Cost. Amount of Contribution paid by Mines Department. Aids to Prospecting— continued. Brought forward £ s. d. 19,877 18 0 441 9 4 107 16 0 58 10 0 300 0 0 30 0 0 6,966 0 0 451 4 0 50 0 0 51 3 6 4 10 0 9 0 0 2 1 10 8 6 6 27 7 6 150 0 0 94 12 3 246 10 0 94 15 0 407 0 3 25 0 0 20 12 6 72 3 0 325 0 0 200 0 0 98 15 0 552 14 6 53 12 0 22 10 0 75 15 0 38 5 0 1C 0 0 27 0 0 SO 0 0 24 0 0 64 15 0 29 5 0 245 12 6 90 0 0 12 10 0 484 15 10 £ s. d. 8,764 4 10 220 14 8 53 18 0 29 5 0 150 0 0 15 0 0 3,000 0 0 225 12 0 50 0 0 51 3 6 4 10 0 9 0 0 2 1 10 8 6 6 27 7 6 150 0 0 94 12 3 246 10 0 94 15 0 407 0 3 25 0 0 20 12 6 36 1 6 162 10 0 100 0 0 49 7 6 276 7 3 20 16 0 11 5 0 37 17 6 19 2 0 8 0 0 13 10 0 45 0 0 12 0 0 32 7 6 14 12 6 122 16 3 45 0 0 6 5 0 242 7 11 Carey and Hyndman Don, Boyoe, and party Quentin McKinnon .. .. .. Bullion Mine, Deep-level Tunnel Sutherland and party Inangahua Low-level Tunnel Deep-level Tunnel, Manaia Waimea Miners' Association, prospecting at Callaghan's Totara Miners' Association, Eoss Antonio Zala Eoss, Cunningham, and another Wm. Thompson, stores from Benmore Station Totara Miners' Association, Eoss Harris, Davidson, and party Boatman's Tailings Company Boys's Tunnel, Bluespur Totara Miners' Association, Eoss, Montina and party Gillam's Gully Prospecting Association Deep-level Prospecting Committee, Dillmanstown .. Westport Prospecting Association Te Aroli a Prospecting Association Robert Eichie, Kuaotunu Owharoa Tunnel, Lindsay Jackson Coromandel County (£ for £) Mr. G-. Eeiiay,'Arahura Hyndman and party, Callaghan's Plat Lakes Mapourika, Waiho, and Wataroa Miners' Association .. Kumara Miners' Association Thames Miners' Union Star of Canterbury Miners' Association Miners' Association, Eimu Buller County, Messrs. Negri and others Johnson and party, tunnel at Callaghan's Plat W. L. Webb, Nelson Kumara Miners' Association, Solberg, Stewart, and party Buller County, between head of Fox's Eiver, Brighton, and Deadman's Creek Welcome United Gold-mining Company, Greymouth Orepuki Miners' Association Totara Miners' Association, Gagliardi and party Contingencies 31,946 18 6 14,911 0 3 Wateb-raoes. Water-main, Bull's Battery Eound Hill Water-race Tomkiss's Water-race Cardrona Sludge-channel .. .. .. .. .. . „, New water-mains, Thames Water-race Argyle Water-race Nelson Creek Mikonui Water-race 350 0 0 200 19 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 1,479 10 4 8,103 15 1 957 16 9 14,279 16 4 100 0 0 133 19 4 100 0 0 50 0 0 739 15 2 8,103 15 1 957 1C 9 14,279 16 4 Drainage- and Tailings-channels. Drainage-channel, Lawrence (total cost, approximate) Subsidy towards purchase of Messrs. Laidlaw and Crawford's freehold in Spotti's Creek, to allow tailings to be deposited (Tinker's Diggings) Damage by floods, Thames Sludge-channel, Smith's Gully, Bannockburn Eound Hill Sludge-channel survey Compensation to J. Costello, damage done by tailings Long Gully Sludge-channel New Pipeclay Gully Sludge-channel Kumara Sludge-channel, No. 2 Ophir Tail-race Lawrence Drainage-channel Muddy Creet Channel St. Bathan's Channel Tailings-outlet, Maerewhenua .. .. Ross Sludge- and Storm-water-channel 25,571 17 6 24,465 2 8 3,000 0 0 2,000 0 0 500 0 0 1,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 52 19 7 788 0 0 150 0 0 1,547 18 0 2,762 17 2 2,300 0 0 1,150 0 0 2,0C0 0 0 2,000 0 0 1,595 4 0 1,675 10 6 400 0 0 500 0 0 251 1 0 52 19 7 788 0 0 100 0 0 773 19 0 2,762 17 2 1,150 0 0 956 14 0 1,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 1,595 4 0 1,675 10 6 Aid towards the Treatment of Obes. Testing-plant, School of Mines, Thames Testing minerals, Dunedin Exhibition .. 21,522 9 3 15,006 5 3 1,200 0 0 142 8 9 600 0 0 142 8 9 1,342 8 9 742 8 9

C.—3.

List of Works on Goldfields, &c.— continued.

283

Locality and Natare of Works. Total Ooet. Amount ot Contribution paid by Mines Department. WOBKS WHOLLY CONSTRUCTED BY MlNBS DePABTMBNT. Construction of road, Arrowtown to Macetown Road to open up Woodstock Goldfield .. ... .. Ahaura to Amuri Waikaia Bush Eoad Waitahuna Bridge Merrivale tracks .. .. .. .. .. ■ Mokihinui to Specimen Creek Wilberforce Quartz-reef Road Opening Mokau River Lyell to Mokihinui Brighton to Seventeen-mile Beach Wliangapeka to Karamea Hatter's Terrace to Bell Hill Cedar Creek Eoad Owen Valley Eoad Cobden to Seventeen-mile Beach Cedar Creek Eoad Bridle-track to Upper Anatoki Whangamata Eoad Waikawau to Manaia Karangaliake through Gorge Arthur's Point to Skipper's Tracks to Coal Island Grey Valley to Teremakau Eimu to New Rush Kuaotunu-Coromandel Eoad .. .. Tapu to Waikawau .. .. .. Puhipuhi Eoad Jackson's Bay to Cascade and Gorge Eiver district Improving roads and tracks, Collingwood to Takaka and Motueka Tramway from New Find to Waitekauri .. .. .. Havelock-Mahakipawa Dray-road Mokihinui to Wanganui Burnett's Face to Coalbrookdale Deadman's to Christmas Terrace Low-level Alpine Claim, Lyell Bowen Eoad to Salt-water Beach Repairing damage done by floods, Westland County Deviation of road at Kanieri Forks .. .. Road up Dart River Coromandel to Kuaotunu Kuaotunu to Mercury Bay Thames to Manaia Cobden to Seventeen-mile Beach Bridge over Mahinapua Creek .. .. .. .. ■ Garston to Nevis .. .. .. .. .. ' .. Track up Waiho Eiver .. .. .. .. Haast Ferry to Glue-pot Paeroa-Waihi Eoad .. .. Waitekauri to New Find .. .. .. .. .. ... Mahakipawa to Waikakaho Oparara through gorge to gold-workings Okira Bridge, at Dirty Mary's Creek Lagoon Bridge Widening Cape Terrace Eoad Deviation, Granville Eoad Tucker's Flat Eoad Dillman's to Larrikins' Eoad .. .. Track at Kanieri Lake and Melntosh Falls, Lake Mahinapua.. Extension of Eoad, Rimu to Shallow Rush Gillam's Gully Track McKay's Creek, Kokatahi Track .. .. .. Aorere Valley to Karamea and Mokihinui Arrowtown to Macetown Nelson Creek Bridge Cascade to Barn Bay Road Repairs to decking, Tapu Wharf Waitekauri Battery from Junction-Waihi Eoad Deep Creek, Wakamarina, to Empire City Company's claim Track to diggings at Cape Foulwind Bridge over Fox's Eiver at Brighton Totara Bridge Road from Mokihinui Bridge to gold-workings Clearing two miles of old track from right-hand branch of Kanieri River to Gentle* Annie Terrace Extending horse-track to Blackball Creek Matawai to Kaimarama Cabbage Bay to Port Charles Tiki to Mahakirau Karangahake Gorge to Waihi Upper Tararu Road Eed Hill Road £ s. d. 9,270 6 8 1,000 0 0 2,504 19 7 1,000 0 0 750 0 0 500 0 0 1,238 7 5 1,830 17 7 552 8 0 5,098 8 6 1,789 7 2 2,000 0 0 500 0 0 3,000 0 0 2,208 9 2 3,036 1 4 1,500 0 0 722 8 0 141 10 6 1,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 12,167 4 1 54 6 3 900 0 0 829 17 9 500 0 0 750 10- 0 1,396 17 9 5.310 10 11 10,905 8 11 100 0 0 1.311 9 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 20 0 0 80 0 0 60 0 0 100 0 0 140 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 350 0 0 500 0 0 400 0 0 503 16 10 1,565 17 2 105 0 0 126 0 0 114 0 0 250 0 0 183 12 1 150 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 70 0 0 247 18 7 125 15 0 195 4 6 150 0 0 149 16 0 100 0 0 29,938 1 2 450 0 0 100 0 0 411 7 0 100 0 0 150 0 0 50 0 0 497 11 0 100 0 0 255 0 0 75 0 0 13 0 0 £ s. d. 9,270 6 8 1,000 0 0 2,504 19 7 1,000 0 0 750 0 0 500 0 0 1,238 7 5 1,830 17 7 552 8 0 5,098 8 6 1,789 7 2 2,000 0 0 500 0 0 3,000 0 0 2,208 9 2 3,036 1 4 1,500 0 0 722 8 0 141 10 6 1,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 12,167 4 1 54 6 3 900 0 0 829 17 9 500 0 0 750 10 0 1,396 17 9 5.310 10 11 10,905 8 11 100 0 0 1.311 9 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 20 0 0 80 0 0 60 0 0 100 0 0 140 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 350 0 0 500 0 0 400 0 0 503 16 10 1,565 17 2 105 0 0 126 0 0 114 0 0 250 0 0 183 12 1 150 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 70 0 0 247 18 7 125 15 0 195 4 6 150 0 0 149 16 0 100 0 0 29,938 1 2 450 0 0 100 0 0 411 7 0 100 0 0 150 0 0 50 0 0 497 11 0 100 0 0 255 0 0 75 0 0 13 0 0 500 0 0 150 0 0 700 0 0 250 0 0 350 0 0 471 10 3 249 8 1 500 0 0 150 0 0 700 0 0 250 0 0 350 0 0 471 10 3 249 8 1 Carried forward .. .. ., 116 467 6 3 116,467 6 3

a—3.

List of Works on Goldfields, &c.— continued.

Summary of Works.

Henry A. Gordon, M.A.Inst. M.B., Inspecting Engineer.

284

Locality and Nature of Works. Total Cost. Amount of Contribution paid by Mines Department. I Works wholly constructed by Mines Department— continued. Brought forward £ s. d. 116,467 6 3 1,131 2 6 580 0 0 375 0 0 47 11 6 466 11 2 524 10 2 £ s. d. 116,467 6 3 1,131 2 6 580 0 0 375 0 0 47 11 6 466 11 2 524 10 2 Eepairs, Nile Bridge Miller's Flat to Skipper's Cobden to Coal Creek Track to New Find, Tairua Cedar Creek dray-road Contingencies 119,592 1 7 119,592 1 7 Roads to open up Minks other than Gold. Aniseed Valley to Champion Copper-mine Richmond Hill to copper-mine Track, Ohinemuri Coal-seam Road, Kanieri Coalfield 4,963 10 6 315 16 0 267 3 4 600 0 0 4,116 10 6 209 4 0 133 11 8 300 0 0 Teacks to open up Minebal Lands. Glory Harbour to Kopack Port Pegasus Track Removing snags and felling timber, Mokau River .. Ngakawau Foot-bridge 6,146 9 10 4,759 6 2 50 0 0 155 7 6 40 0 0 80 0 7 50 0 0 155 7 6 40 0 0 80 0 7 Repairing Flood Damages. Thames Borough 325 8 1 325 8 1 500 0 0 500 0 0 Artesian-well Boring Maniototo Plains .. 800 0 0 800 0 0

loads (subsidised) — Bay of Islands County Coromandel County Thames County Ohinemuri County Piako County Hutt County Marlborough County Waimea County Collingwood County Buller County Inangahua County Grey County Westland County Taieri County Lake County Tuapeka County Wallace County Maniototo County Fiord County Waitaki County Southland County £ s. d. 1,110 0 0 11,301 3 9 12,301 15 11 3,606 13 8 20,339 0 3 959 16 6 1,640 i 0 520 0 0 2,231 1 8 8,318 1 4 17,052 14 8 17,429 4 0 10,209 18 0 499 15 0 2,451 6 1 2,003 7 8 1,250 0 0 518 10 0 300 0 0 41 12 0 1,341 6 8 £ s. d. 955 0 0 7,205 15 10 7,120 2 11 1,912 9 6 13,559 6 10 435 17 0 883 18 8 260 0 0 1,194 9 10 4,781 15 4 10,300 8 10 10,886 8 2 6.431 7 4 333 3 4 1.432 14 6 1,241 3 8 633 6 8 332 0 0 200 0 0 20 16 0 838 3 4 )iamond and other drills Vharves Lids to prospecting Vater-races )rainage- and sludge-channels id towards treatment of ores toads wholly constructed by Mines Department loads to open up mines other than gold 'racks to open up mineral lands Repairing flood damages irtesian-well boring, Maniototo Plains .. 115,425 11 2 4,954 9 10 435 15 9 31,946 18 6 25,571 17 6 21,522 9 3 1.342 8 9 119,592 1 7 6,146 9 10 325 8 1 500 0 0 800 0 0 70,958 7 9 3,212 9 10 285 15 9 14,911 0 3 24,465 2 8 15,006 5 3 742 8 9 119,592 1 7 4,759 6 2 325 8 1 500 0 0 800 0 0 328,363 10 3 255,558 6 1

C—3.

Return showing the Value of the Sales of Water, and Expenditure on, and Collateral Advantages derived from, the Working of the Water-races constructed and maintained by Government during the Year ending 31st March, 1895.

Henry A. Gordon, M.A.Inst.M.E., Inspecting Engineer.

Approximate Cost of Paper. — Preparation, not given ; printing (2350 copies) £261 7s. 6d., exclusive of plans.

By Authority: Samuel Costali,, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1895.

285

Name of Water-race. Value of Sales of Water and Channel-fees. Expenditure on Maintenance. Profit or Loss. Cost of Construction. Total Cost of Construction. Percentage on Capital invested. Average Number of Men employed. Approximate Amount of Gold obtained. Value of Gold obtained. Average Weekly Earnings of Men after deducting Value of Sales of Water and Channel-fees. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. & S. d. Oz. £ s. d. £ s. d. 988 0 7 1,061 9 4 *73 8 9 131,366 0 2 1194,660 6 7 J 68 2,475 9,652 10 0 2 9 0 Waimea Kumara 4,646 19 9 1,976 17 7 2,670 2 2 41,329 8 3 108 6,961 27,147 18 0 4 0 1 Kumara Sludge-channel .. 21,964 18 2 Nelson Creek .. 90,722 10 8 Argyle 15,151 15 3 Mikonui 25,927 4 6 | Mount Ida .. .. 1,067 7 6 1,052 3 7 15 3 11 69,644 4 9 69,644 4 9 61 3,574 13,759 18 0 4 0 0 Totala .. 50,560 6 0 6,702 7 10 4,090 10 6 2,611 17 4 264,304 11 4 396,106 1 9 237 13,010 * Loss.

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Bibliographic details

REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MINES ON THE GOLDFIELDS OF NEW ZEALAND FOR THE YEAR 1894-95. BY H.A. GORDON, Esq., F.G.S., INSPECTING ENGINEER., Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1895 Session I, C-03

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295,556

REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MINES ON THE GOLDFIELDS OF NEW ZEALAND FOR THE YEAR 1894-95. BY H.A. GORDON, Esq., F.G.S., INSPECTING ENGINEER. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1895 Session I, C-03

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REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MINES ON THE GOLDFIELDS OF NEW ZEALAND FOR THE YEAR 1894-95. BY H.A. GORDON, Esq., F.G.S., INSPECTING ENGINEER. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1895 Session I, C-03

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No known copyright (New Zealand)

To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.

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Pages 1-20 of 323

Pages 1-20 of 323

Pages 1-20 of 323

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Bibliographic details

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REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MINES ON THE GOLDFIELDS OF NEW ZEALAND FOR THE YEAR 1894-95. BY H.A. GORDON, Esq., F.G.S., INSPECTING ENGINEER. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1895 Session I, C-03

Using This Item

No known copyright (New Zealand)

REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MINES ON THE GOLDFIELDS OF NEW ZEALAND FOR THE YEAR 1894-95. BY H.A. GORDON, Esq., F.G.S., INSPECTING ENGINEER. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1895 Session I, C-03

Using This Item

No known copyright (New Zealand)