MINES STATEMENT. BY THE HON. A. J. CADMAN, MINISTER OF MINES.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1897 Session II, C-02

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Sess. 11.—1897. NEW ZEALAND.

MINES STATEMENT. BY THE HON. A. J. CADMAN, MINISTER OF MINES.

Mr. Speakeb,— In placing before you the Statement showing the condition of the mining industry it is my pleasing duty to announce that the progress consequent on the impetus given to gold-mining during the year 1895-96 still continues. The demand for a field for investment has resulted in a large number of claims being occupied, and in many cases mining properties have been acquired by agents representing well-known English and Continental investors. A great addition to the number of mining companies has been made, and on their behalf extensive mining operations are carried on to open up the older, as well as the newer mines, by the sinking of shafts, driving long tunnels or adits, and the construction of water-races for the development both of quartz-mines and alluvial workings. In the prosecution of these works new and improved machinery—some being on a very large scale—has been introduced for winding, pumping, milling, ventilation, &c, in quartz-mines; also for dredging, elevating, cement-crushing, and hydraulic sluicing in alluvial drift and river-bed workings. The expenditure upon works of this kind had hitherto been beyond the resources of many of the New Zealand mining companies, and it is only since the investment of outside capital has been directed to the colony that these necessary works could be undertaken. Prospecting work in search of reefs containing gold and silver has been vigorously carried on throughout the Auckland District, especially in the dense and hitherto unexplored and almost inaccessible bush localities. Numerous new lines of reefs have been discovered, and hundreds of men are already engaged in exploration works to open up the lodes. Samples of quartz tests, which in many instances have given very encouraging results, tend to show that many of these newly-discovered reefs are valuable. In the Middle Island goldfields prospecting for reefs is pursued with favourable results. The alluvial drifts containing gold are being further tested, and river claims have been taken up in localities that were not previously deemed suitable for working by means of dredges. Although the tables and returns attached to the Statement have, as usual, been compiled to the 31st of March last, I have, however, owing to the late period of the ordinary meeting of Parliament this year, endeavoured as far as possible to furnish the latest information procurable as to the position of the mining industry at the present time. It will accordingly be found that the results to be obtained from the returns are in some instances supplemented by more recent information in the Statement itself. MINERAL PRODUCTION. The quantity of gold, silver, coal, and other minerals, including kauri-gum, produced for the year ending the 31st December last will be found in Table 1., annexed. The total production of gold and silver was 358,001 oz., representing a value of £1,052,017, compared with a value of £1,172,843 for the preceding year. This shows a decrease of £120,826. I—C. 2.

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Of other minerals, including coal, 800,205 tons were produced, representing a value of £862,224, as against 734,693 tons, of a value of £826,048, for the previous year. The production of kauri-gum was 7,126 tons, valued at £431,323, as compared with 7,425 tons, valued at £418,766, for 1895. The quantities and values of the chief mineral productions for the year ending 31st December last were as follow : — Product. Quantity. Value. £ Gold ... ... 263,694 oz. 1,041,428 Silver ... ... ... ... 94,307 „ 10,589 Antimony-ore ... ... ... ... 21 tons 450 Manganese-ore ... ... ... 65 „ 205 Mixed minerals ... ... ... 37 „ 1,335 Colonial coal exported, including that used by Home steamers... ... ... 79,524 „ 71,984 Coke exported... ... ... ... 105 „ 263 Colonial coal consumed in New Zealand ... 713,327 „ 356,664 Kauri-gum ... ... ... ... 7,126 „ 431,323 Total value of production for 1895 ... ... 1,998,891 1896 ... ... 1,914,241 Total decrease ... ... ... ... £84,650 The total value of the gold, silver, coal, and other minerals, including kaurigum, exported up to the end of 1896 was £66,759,584. GOLD-MINING. The decrease in the yield of gold during last year may be accounted for in several ways, and is not altogether due to the scarcity of the precious metal. As, for example, the increased demand for mining properties by English companies and the consequent change of ownership of many of the gold-producing mines, together with an alteration of policy in preparing for extensive exploring operations, with the object of the more efficient working of the mines in the future, led to a contraction in the quantity of ore mined. Many crushingplants were thus left comparatively idle, not for want of material to operate upon, bat because it was deemed more advisable to let the ore remain in the ground until improvements in gold-saving appliances were effected than to continue mining and milling on the hand-to-mouth principle of the past. This applies both to the Hauraki district and to Eeefton, which is the chief centre of quartz-mining on the West Coast goldfields. The alluvial fields of the West Coast and Otago also show a decrease in the yield, chiefly owing to the scarcity of water. A satisfactory yield of gold will, I have no doubt, however, be maintained in the near future when the new quartz-crushing mills now in course of erection are completed and kept fully employed. Many of the claims taken up are now in the hands of persons who have given evidence of their desire to develop the areas by the expenditure of large amounts upon new works, but there are many claims and water-rights held by persons who have failed to show what work they intend to do, and who are evidently not prepared to comply with the conditions under which they hold their properties. The certainty of tenure depends in a large measure on the holders of rights themselves, due protection being given to all who carry on work in a bond fide manner, whilst those who neither comply with the conditions nor take steps to obtain protection are liable to have their titles assailed at any moment. It is the policy of the Government to aid in every way by giving security of title and other advantages to those who are developing the mining resources of the colony, but the holding of claims and other mining rights for merely speculative purposes will not be permitted. The quantity of gold entered for exportation through the Customs for the year ending 31st March last, as shown in Table No. 2 annexed, was 256,913 oz., representing a value of £1,015,742; while the quantity exported for the same period of the preceding year was 802,690 oz., valued at £1,196,081. This shows a decrease of 45,777 oz. Of the quantity exported, Auckland contributed 93,876 oz., Marlborough 789 oz., Nelson and West Coast 74,082 oz., and Otago 88,166 oz.

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QUAETZ-WOBKINGS. This important branch of the gold-mining industry continues to make rapid and advanced strides, notwithstanding the fact that the yield shows a slight decrease compared with 1895-96. This decrease has been in the most part from the mines in the North Island and at Eeefton, the cause of which has already been pointed out. During last year 113,731 tons of quartz and tailings were treated in the Auckland District, yielding 198,547 oz. bullion, representing an estimated value of £354,256, as against bullion to the value of .£378,107 for the former year, being a decrease of £23,851. In Nelson and the West Coast 15,369 tons of quartz was crushed for a return of 10,217 oz. of gold, valued approximately at £40,900. In the future treatment of quartz for the extraction of gold the new plants erected on the different fields will be in a marked degree superior to those formerly in use. The adoption of labour-saving appliances, stone-breakers, elevators, and self-acting feeders for the mills, the concentration of tailings and slimes, and improvements in the methods of dealing with the pyritous matter will be the means of reducing the cost of extracting the gold and silver from the ore. The cyanide process, which is already used with success, is being made the subject of exhaustive experiments with a view to improvements in the methods of percolation, filtration, &c. In the Hauraki district 77 - 7 per cent, of the quantity of gold and bullion produced was won by this process. The quality of the bullion extracted by the cyanide process was, however, of a lower grade than that obtained by amalgamation, the proportion of the value of the former being only 64 per cent. From the increase in the number of plants in which the Cassel Company's patent will be used which are already erected and in course of construction it is evident that this method of gold-saving will be even more extensively used in the future. In view of present importance and the continuance of future great benefit arising from the use of the cyanide process, which is eminently suitable for the extraction of gold from a large proportion of the quartz found in New Zealand, it has been decided, subject to the approval of the Legislature, to acquire by purchase the existing patent-rights within the colony for the use of cyanide in the extraction of gold and silver. COEOMANDEL COUNTY. The Hauraki Mine continues to produce the richest quartz in this locality. The other mines—namely, the Scotty's, Kapanga, Success, Hauraki North, Tokatea, and Royal Oak—have produced payable quartz, but the returns were limited, the operations carried on being chiefly towards development, and not in working out the reefs. The Kapanga shaft, which is the deepest in the colony, has been sunk to a depth of 1,000 ft., and boring operations have been again resorted to, with a view of further deepening the shaft. The Scotty's shaft is being continued, and has now reached a depth of 325 ft. Other shafts are also being put down in this portion of the district; whilst at Kauri Block, especially where three years ago the probability of mining activity appeared very remote, no less than fifteen engine-shafts may now be seen, in all of which mines vigorous operations are being carried on ; and hopes are entertained that the Hauraki reef will be traced through the ground adjacent to that now famous mine. The low levels at Tokatea are also being further worked, and a shaft is now sunk 100 ft. below the adit-level. At Kuaotunu the work of development in the Try Fluke and Kapai-Vermont Mines is steadily progressing, and throughout the Kauri Company's land a good deal of prospecting work is being carried on. In this district 18,748 tons of quartz and 100 tons of tailings were treated during the year, yielding 35,846 oz. and 40 oz. of gold respectively, representing a value of £100,911. The number of miners in this district was 1,329, of which 750 were employed in connection with the gold-producing mines. Dividends. The Hauraki Gold-mining Company, since the date of registration on the sth December, 1894, sold gold to the value of £220,866, and paid dividends up to date amounting to £136,000.

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THAMES. This portion of the district, where the rich ore-deposits yielded such marvellous returns in the past, is now receiving t ; c attention of English companies, and the low levels are about to be again opened up. The Queen of Beauty and the Deep Sinker shafts are being sunk in the southern end of the field, whilst in the Moanataiari and Kuranui-Caledonian Mines shafts are being sunk and workings extended to develop the low levels at the northern end. To the eastward the Adelaide and New Alburnia shafts are being sunk to test the reefs at greater depths, and the Moanataiari low tunnel is also being extended. In the other parts of the district low-level tunnels are being driven to prospect ground lately taken up, as well as in the older claims where reefs were formely worked, with very profitable results. During the past year 15,694 tons of quartz were crushed, yielding 10,829 oz. of gold; and 11,367 tons of tailings yielded 2,612 oz. of gold: representing an estimated value of =£34,254. The number of miners in this district was 1,527, of which 572 were employed in the gold-producing mines. Dividends. The Waiotahi Mine during the year paid £2,250 in dividends, and since the incorporation a total of £34,500 has been paid in dividends by the company. OHINBMUEI COUNTY. The returns from the mines that have given continuous yields are again most satisfactory. A vast amount of work has been carried on in the Waihi district by the Waihi, Union, Waihi-Silverton, Waihi Consolidated, and other mining companies in the development of their reefs. In the Waitekauri distric 4 , and also at Komata, Maratoto, Wharekeraupunga, Owharoa, and Karangahake, important reefs are being explored and additional milling machinery erected, which are evidence that the yields will be largely augmented in the near future. During the past year 64,463 tons of quartz and 2,522 tons of tailings yielded by amalgamation 91 oz. and by cyanide 148,535 oz. of bullion, making a total of 148,626 oz. of bullion, representing a value of £218,068, which is equal to about £1 9s. 4d. per ounce : as against 147,500 oz. of bullion, valued at £174,355 —equal to £1 3s. 7d. per ounce —for the previous year. During the year the number of miners in this district was 1,820, of which 1,018 were employed in the gold-producing mines, compared with 1,726 for last year. Waihi Gold-mining Company, During the four weeks ending the 24th July the Waihi Gold-mining Company crushed and treated 3,120 tons of ore, for bullion valued at £11,668, the average being £3 14s. 9|d. The present return shows enhanced value of the ore on that of last month, when 3,240 tons gave £11,823, the average being £3 12s. lid. per ton. That in its turn was also an advance on the month before, when £11,297 in value was extracted from 3,294 tons, the average being £3 Bs. 7d. per ton. The grand total won from the mine, corrected to date from the figures absolutely realised in London, now reaches £571,040, the following table being the return from this famous mine since 1890 :— Bullion won. Tons. £ s. d. In 1890 ... ... ... ... 21,112 13 6 In 1891 ... ... ... ... 23,935 5 11 In 1892 ... ... ... ... ... 18,236 44,888 2 4 In 1893 ... ... ... ... ... 19,805 61,900 10 11 In 1894 ... ... ... ... ... 24,864 82,827 2 2 In 1895 ... ... ... ... ... 33,670 120,334 2 2 In 1896 ... ... ... ... ... 34,400 137,321 8 2 Period ending 6th February, 1897 ... ... 4,140 14,010 14 1 Four weeks ending 6th March, 1897 ... .. 3,120 10,585 7 4 3rd April, 1897 ... ... 3,150 10,033 2 0 Ist May, 1897 ... ... 3,060 9,303 16 5 29th May, 1897 ... ... 3,294 11,297 0 0 26th June, 1897 ... ... 3,240 11,823 0 0 24th July, 1897 ... ... 3,120 11,668 0 0 21st August, 1897 ... ... 3,120 11,757 110 £582,797 6 10

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The number of dividends paid since the inception of the company was seventeen, amounting to ,£228,500. Waitekauri Gold-mining Company. Dividends amounting to .£21,450 have been paid from this mine. Grown Mines Gold-mining Company. A dividend of Is. per share on 200,000 shares, or £10,000, has been recently paid by this company. PIAKO COUNTY. This district is again receiving a considerable amount of attention. Prospecting works are being carried on at Waiorongomai, where the New Zealand Exploration Company is engaged in driving an expensive tunnel for the development of the reefs. This tunnel, when completed, will be upwards of two miles in length. In the vicinity of Te Aroha Township the owners of the Montezuma and Mount Morgan Claims are introducing the thermo-hyperphoric treatment of quartz, a new process, for which the highest results are claimed in dealing with complex and refractory ores. The Eev. J. Campbell has the conduct of operations, and the necessary plant is being erected under his supervision on a suitable site near the township. At the Tui district the Champion Company is again engaged in taking out quartz from their mine. The quantity of quartz crushed and treated during the past year was 934 tons, yielding 3,763 oz. of low-priced bullion, representing a total value of £980. During the year one hundred men were employed on this field. WEST COAST. Eeefton, which I have already observed is the chief quartz-mining centre on the West Coast, has experienced a decided revival in consequence of a change of ownership in many of the mining properties and the application of capital in developing the mines. The Consolidated Goldfields of New Zealand (Limited), in addition to having undertaken the construction of an expensive water-race and erection of crushing machinery, are carrying on extensive prospecting works, and are sinking shafts and driving tunnels to work the deep levels. This example is being followed by others, while fresh discoveries are attracting attention, notably at the Victoria Kange, in the Eeefton district, and the Paparoa Eange, to the northward of the Grey Eiver. Those reefs being at high altitudes and above snow-line, operations cannot be carried on during the winter months. When the necessary machinery is erected for the treatment of ores the West Coast quartz-reefs will again furnish employment to large numbers of miners. In the Collingwood district the Taitapu Gold Estates Company have carried on extensive prospecting operations, and are about to erect quartz-crushing machinery in the vicinity of the reefs at Golden Eidge. Other companies have also commenced operations in this district, and the locality—one of the pioneer gold-producers of the colony—is experiencing a revival of the mining industry. The quantity of quartz crushed during the year was 15,369 tons, for a yield of 10,217 oz. lOdwt. of gold, of the value of £40,870. Dividends. The following mining companies paid dividends during the year: Keep-it-Dark, £3,000 ; Big Eiver, £1,800 ; Al, £100. OTAGO. The principal quartz-mines are in the Macetown and Skipper's districts. Mines are also worked at the Old Man Eange, the Carrick Eange, and Macrae's Flat. At Skipper's the Achilles Company is being profitably worked, and extensive development works carried on. The Cromwell Mine at New Bendigo is also receiving attention, and increased returns are anticipated for next year. The rich returns from the Morning Star Mine, at Long Beach, Preservation Inlet, have given evidence that the development of the resources of the West

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Coast Sounds is only commencing, and that a prosperous future awaits mining enterprise in this remote portion of the colony. Attention is also being directed to other quartz-fields in the ranges bounding the Clutha Valley; whilst in the Taieri Eiver district the reefs at Barewood are being prospected with the aid of English capital. In the Nenthorne district also the attention of investors is being to some promising reefs. The quantity of quartz crushed during the year was 9,450 tons, for a yield of 10,247 oz, 18 dwt. of gold, and a parcel of 19 tons of tailings treated for a yield valued at £69 14s. : making a total value of £41,061 6s. ALLUVIAL MINING. This branch of the mining industry is confined to the Middle Island— in the Marlborough, Nelson, West Coast, and Otago Districts. MAELBOBOUGH. The principal fields in the Marlborough District are Wakamarina, Mahakipawa, and the Wairau, but at none of these centres is the industry in a very active state. At Mahakipawa the wash in the creek-bed has been worked out, and attention is being directed to working the terraces and deep ground in the flat; a large extent of country where little or no prospecting has yet been done, and which, judging from the formation of the ground, ought to contain auriferous gravels, might well receive attention. NELSON. The principal goldfield in this district is at Collingwood. The Parapara Hydraulic Sluicing Company is still working, but no returns have been made known. A number of men are also engaged on the Takaka and Waingaro Eivers. To the latter a track was constructed by means of a Government grant. On the Baton and Wangapeka Eivers a revival has taken place, and it is expected that the operations on McEae's freehold will be conducted on an extensive scale. At the Mount Arthur tableland a number of claims have been taken up, and the asbestos deposits in this locality are also receiving attention. WEST COAST. The West Coast goldfield, which extends a distance of over 270 miles from Karamea to Jackson's Bay, has been one of the best gold-producers in the colony, and will, as the water-supply is improved for working the deeper ground, continue to yield satisfactory returns. The Addison's Flat district affords employment to a large number of men, and it is hoped that the introduction of capital will shortly enable the low-grade cement in the vicinity of Charleston to be profitably worked. Dredging is also carried oil in the Buller Eiver at Fern Flat, and also at a place below Lyell. Grey Valley. This district has in times past afforded remunerative employment for large numbers of men, but, the shallow levels having been practically worked out, it will be necessary for an abundant water-supply to be provided for the successful working of the deeper auriferous drifts, which can only be done on an extensive scale, and with modern and improved appliances. Kumar a. The excellent water-supply brought in by the Government in the WaimeaKumara Eace has enabled the miners in this district to profitably work extensive layers of gravel, which without the aid of this water-supply could not have been done. The recent improvements in the storage of water will enable large areas of comparatively poor ground on the low levels to be sluiced away, and will continue to afford remunerative employment for a number of men. Bimu and Kanieri. The ground in the vicinity of the Kanieri Forks is being worked by means of the Kanieri Water-race, but at Back Creek and Seddon's Terrace operations are retarded by the lack of an efficient water-supply. Surveys have, however, been

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made with a view of ascertaining whether water can be delivered from the Kanieri Lake at a sufficient elevation to enable the large quantities of gravel in this locality to be worked by means of hydraulic sluicing. Boss. Efforts are still being made to secure capital to erect pumping machinery to drain the gravel drifts in the deep ground in this locality. The terraces are worked, where sufficient water is available, by means of hydraulic sluicing. OTAGO. The principal goldfields of Otago are at Tuapeka, Clutha Valley, Manuherikia Valley, Mount Ida, and the Lake districts. Gold to the value of .£20,954,891 has been obtained from the alluvial workings. Tuapeka. In this locality the Blue Spur Gold-mining Company still continues to profitably work the vast deposits of cemented gravel found on the schist bottom, while at Weatherstone's and Waitahuna sluicing operations are still being carried on. Clutha Valley. The Clutha Valley contains the richest deposit of auriferous drift yet known in New Zealand. The bed of the Clutha Eiver, which has been worked and yielded vast quantities of gold, is still giving excellent returns by means of dredging. The attention of capitalists is being directed to the ancient river-beds now covered to a great depth by a later gravel formation, which, by the introduction of ample water-supplies, can be profitably worked by hydraulic sluicing and dredging. Attention is also being directed to the Manuherikia district, and numbers of dredging claims are being taken up on the Manuherikia Eiver and its tributaries. The absence of an efficient water-supply has retarded the development of the immense resources of this district. Lake District. This district, which was one of the earliest worked in the Otago Province, and from which the yield of gold has been very large, has also experienced the revival of the interest in mining operations so general throughout the colony. DBEDGING. This method of dealing with the auriferous deposits in river-beds and in deep wet ground has been found to be peculiarly suitable to the requirements of the southern goldfields. On the Cardrona, Shotover, Kawarau, and Clutha Rivers, and in Tuapeka and Waipori districts, dredges are in operation, and a number of claims have been taken up with a view of dredging being commenced. As each of these dredges costs from £3,000 to £6,000, and as it is anticipated that at least seventy dredges will shortly be at work, it will be seen that a very large amount of capital is invested in this branch of the mining industry. The returns from this source in a marked degree add to the output of gold from Otago. In addition to the phenomenally rich returns which are stated to be obtained by the Electric Dredge near Cromwell, six dredges have averaged 219 oz. each per month for July and August, or a total return of 2,698 oz. of gold, of the value of £10,500. COAL-MINING. This industry continues to expand in proportion to local demands. A new feature, and one that promises to be of very great importance in increasing the demand for the bituminous coal of the Westport district, is that a quantity of 10,000 tons has been directly exported from Westport to San Francisco, Valparaiso, and other ports on the west coast of America. The further development of goldmining will also increase the demand for the supply of coal. The total output from the mines last year was 792,851 tons, as against 726,654 tons for the former year, showing the increased output last year to be

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66,197 tons. The coal imported from other countries last year was 101,756 tons, while for the former year there were 108,198 tons, showing a decrease in the importation last year of 6,442 tons. The imports were 2,447 tons from the United Kingdom, 99,304 tons from New South Wales, and 5 tons from Victoria. The total export of coal was 86,280 tons, of which 79,524 tons was colonial produce, and 6,756 tons imported coal from other countries. Of the quantity of coal exported, 58,306 tons was for coaling direct steamers trading between the colony and the United Kingdom, and will therefore be treated, as in former Statements, as coal consumed within the colony, as these steamers are wholly employed in trade between New Zealand and Great Britain. Taking, therefore, the output from our mines and the coal imported, we have a total of 894,607 tons, of which 27,974 tons was exported, leaving the consumption within the colony last year to be 866,633 tons, as against 808,701 tons for the previous year, being an increased consumption last year of 57,932 tons. Taking the output of the different classes of coal from the mines in the colony, there was 473,637 tons of bituminous coal, 110,547 tons of pitch-coal, 179,744 tons of brown coal, and 28,923 tons of lignite; which shows an increased production last year of 43,656 tons of bituminous coal, 5,981 tons of pitch-coal, 13,047 tons of brown coal, and 3,513 tons from the lignite-pits. The districts in which there was the largest increase last year were Kawakawa and Hikurangi, where the increase was 9,006 tons. This was due entirely to the workings of the Hikurangi Coal Company's mine being more developed, the output last year being 27,980 tons. There was also an increased production from the mines in the Waikato district of 6,341 tons. There were large increases from the mines in the Otago district of 11,483 tons, Southland district of 4,285 tons, and Westport 39,553 tons ; but there was a falling-off in other districts, the largest decreased production being in the Greymouth district, which was 4,774 tons. The mines in which there has been the largest output are the Coalbrookdale, 190,975 tons j Brunner, 92,118 tons; Kaitangata, 72,536 tons ; Blackball, 45,772 tons: Westport-Cardiff, 40,431 tons; Taupiri Extended, 28,988 tons; Hikurangi, 27,980 tons; Shag Point, 21,097 tons; Granity Creek, 20,543 tons; Ngunguru, 20,233 tons ; Taupiri Reserve, 18,660 tons ; Nightcaps, 16,905 tons ; Walton Park, 16,612 tons; Waikato, 14,233 tons; New Bay of Islands, 13,967 tons; Castle Hill, 12,825 tons ; and Allandale, 11,455 tons : the output from all the other mines being under 10,000 tons. Accidents in Coal-mines. There was only one fatal accident, whereby a miner was killed at the Fernhill Mine, in South Otago, in addition to the sad disaster ab the Brunner Mine on the 26th March, 1896, when, by an explosion, sixty-five men lost their lives. The departmental inquiries made show that in the first case no blame could be attached to the mine-owners or any one connected with the mine. The report of the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the cause of the disaster at the Brunner Mine dealt with the matter in such an exhaustive manner that any further reference to it need not now be made. Eaenings of Coal-minebs. As was observed in the Statement of last year, the earnings of the coalminers depend greatly on the time they can work in the mines. As far as the bituminous mines on the West Coast are concerned, the men are not steadily employed, the output being controlled by the regularity with which vessels enter the ports of Westport and Greymouth to take away the coal. There is not sufficient storage, either at the mines or the ports, for large quantities of coal, and on many occasions vessels are prevented by stormy weather from entering or leaving these ports, no work being done in the mines in the meantime, unless in making repairs. If the miners could get constant employment they could earn good wages ; but, as it is, they are sometimes idle for one and two days a week, and when coal is required to load vessels more men have to be employed than would be the case if sufficient storage of coal was provided at the mines.

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METALLIFEEOUS MINES. The attention directed to gold-mining has to a great extent diverted attention from the search for other metals. A small parcel of 21 tons of antimony exported during the year was the product of the mine situated at Endeavour Inlet, but the owners have for some time past ceased operations on account of the low price ruling in the market. Manganese working was also suspended on account of the counter-attraction of gold-mining, the 65 tons exported being the result of operations during the preceding year. The export of 17 tons of mixed minerals is also recorded. The total value of metalliferous exports amounted to £1,955. A small quantity of stream tin was obtained at Pegasus, in Stewart Island. A party of miners report having 5J tons ready for shipment, but no export was made by them during the year. No quicksilver has been yet recovered at Ohaeawai, as work has been stopped in consequence of litigation amongst the owners. OPAL-MINING. Opals of a valuable kind have been discovered at Tairua, in the Hauraki district, North Island. Licenses to prospect for opals have also been granted over the Mount Peel and Ackland districts, in Canterbury, where discoveries of stones were made which, in the opinion of the prospectors, warranted further development. From what can be learned the production of opals may yet become an important industry. Applications have been received for six leases, covering an area of 239 acres. PETEOLEUM. The bore-hole at Moturoa, near New Plymouth Breakwater, was continued to a depth of 1,976 ft. before any supply of oil was reached. In consequence of the difficulty experienced in keeping the hole open and preventing the water from following the bore down outside the tubing, the oil could not be pumped out. Meanwhile the derrick by which the work was carried on was burnt down by an explosion of the gas with which the place was filled, and, after many attempts to pump out the oil, the bore was abandoned, and the machinery moved to a new site for a bore-hole about 500 yards distant. The bore at this place has reached a depth of 1,265 ft. ; and it is the intention of the owners to continue it to a depth of 2,000 ft.—at least, if oil in payable quantities cannot be got sooner. The company expects to be successful so far as boring is concerned, having, as they believe, a competent and efficient staff of men, with the best description of plant, which is in excellent order. But the difficulty will be to get some strata sufficiently hard to shut off the water. KAUELGUM. Notwithstanding the large quantity of kauri-gum exported every year, there was very little diminution in the amount exported last year, the quantity being 7,126 tons, as against 7,425 tons for the previous year. Although there was 299 tons less exported last year, the value exceeded that of the former year's produce by .£12,557, the value of last year's produce being £431,323, which gives an average value of about £60 IDs. 6d. per ton, whereas for the previous year the average value was £56 Bs. per ton. This industry affords a livelihood to a large number of both Europeans and Natives ; but the average earnings of persons employed in digging gum cannot be ascertained. No doubt the time is approaching when the gum will be exhausted, but a considerable period will yet elapse before this takes place. The total quantity of kauri-gum exported since 1853 is 183,929J tons, having a value of £8,114,852. EOADS AND TEACKS. The expenditure on roads and tracks has greatly increased. The activity in gold-mining demanded greater facilities to enable communication with new districts which, on account of the discovery of payable reefs, required to be made more readily accessible for prospectors and miners working their claims. I was 2-C. 2.

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therefore determined to ask the House last session for an increased vote under these headings. Some of the works have been carried out on the co-operative system, but the majority have been constructed under the supervision of the County Councils and other local bodies in whose districts they are situated. The total expenditure by the department during the last fifteen years on roads and tracks for the development of the mining industry amounts to £205,553 ss. sd. in direct grants and £75,916 13s. 9d. in subsidies to local bodies, out of which £30,720 12s. 7d. and £1,759 6s. sd. respectively was expended during the year. WATBE-EACES AND CONSBEVATION. The conservation of water by constructing reservoirs to provide storage for the rainfall, and water the result of melting snow, in many of the watersheds throughout the Middle Island, and construction of water-races to give an increased supply for working the alluvial drifts, are matters of great importance. In order to maintain a population on the alluvial fields water in sufficient quantities to carry on hydraulic sluicing is required, and with this in view the Government has appointed an officer to inspect the various localities and to prepare a report on the question of water-supply and conservation throughout the colony. The provision made for subsidising private water-races to the extent of one-third of the cost still exists. In connection with the scheme for the general conservation of the waters of the colony it may be noted that in order to safeguard the interests of the public generally, and to preclude the possibility of any injurious monopolies, the attention of Wardens has been directed to the inadvisability of granting extensive water rights and privileges without the imposition of such conditions as their discretion may suggest and which they have already statutory power to impose. To that end a circular has been issued suggesting such conditions as experience has shown to be,necessary in respect to the granting both of reservoirs and water-races. The subsidy authorised for the Eoaring Meg Creek to Healy's Gully water-race, on the north side of the Grey Eiver, has been taken advantage of, and £478 16s. sd. has been paid on that account. The race from Eandall Creek to Napoleon Hill, on which a subsidy was given for the cost of survey, has not yet been constructed, but it is understood the work will be carried out by an English syndicate. The water-races constructed by the Government, and worked directly under the control of the Mines Department, are the Waimea-Kumara and Mount Ida Water-races. The gross value of the sales of water from the Waimea-Kumara Water-race last year amounted to £4,322, while the expenditure on maintenance was £2,481; leaving a net profit on the workings of £1,840. The value of the sales of water from the Mount Ida, including the Blackstone Hill Eace, amounted to £1,449, while the expenditure on maintenance was £1,322. This leaves a direct profit of £127 on the working of these races during the last year. PEOSPECTING. In the prosecution of prospecting for gold and minerals assistance was, during the year, extended to the miners, chiefly through the medium of the County Councils and of the Miners' Associations. The following amounts were paid as subsidies towards prospecting in the different counties, viz.: Manukau, £52 2s. 6d.; Bay of Islands, £103 35.; Coromandel, £121 18s.; Tauranga, £35; Buller, £98 4s. 6d. ; Grey, £47 Bs. ; Inangahua, £40 4s. 3d. ; Westland, £683 3s. Id.; Vincent, £107 9s. 9d. ; Wallace, £24; Southland, £7; Bruce, £79 13s. 9d.; Tuapeka, £36 2s. 3d.; Selwyn, £15; Sounds, £39; Lake, £30; and Marlborough, £13 7s. 6d. A subsidy of £25,000 was granted to the\ThamesHauraki Goldfields (Limited) for testing the deep levels at the Thames, out of which £15,348 11s. 7d. has been paid. The money is being expended in sinking the Queen of Beauty shaft to a depth of 2,000 ft. and erecting adequate pumping machinery to drain the deep levels to the seaward of the Moanataiari slide. At Coromandel the Kapanga shaft is still being continued to test the deep levels, and a payment of £259, on account of the subsidy of £400 promised towards the cost of continuing the shaft below the 800 ft. level, has been made since last statement.

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The subsidy of £10,000 granted to the Boss United Gold-mining Company to aid in the further development of the Boss Flat, in the West Coast district, was withdrawn, that company having failed to satisfy the department that its proportion of the cost of the work would be available. In the South Island several licenses for prospecting outside mining districts have been granted, and one in Stewart Island, while a considerable number of licenses have been issned in various districts in the North Island. GEOLOGICAL EXPLOEATION. Haueaki Peninsula. During the past season the systematic exploration of the Hauraki Peninsula has been commenced under the direction of Mr. McKay, Government Geologist, and this work has been so far proceeded with that it is possible to indicate the different groups of rock formations in which gold- and silver-bearing lodes have been found, and to determine approximately the areas of these, and their relation to each other. This general information, when placed in the hands of the miner and prospector, will be of great assistance in the future development of this mining district. It now appears that the vast development of volcanic rocks on the Hauraki Peninsula is of an exceedingly complex character, and consists of four or five distinct groups of igneous rocks, in addition to the fundamental slates over which the volcanic series have been accumulated. It has been a matter of doubt whether gold-bearing lodes exist in the slates of the northern part of the district, and as respects some localities this matter has yet to be determined. At Kuaotunu the richly auriferous character of the slates has been demonstrated. In the lower levels of the Tokatea Mine the slates have been pierced to a depth of more than 400 ft., and there is promise that the energetic prospecting works now in progress will prove successful. At the Tiki, Manaia, and Tapu Creek gold-bearing lodes are being followed in the slate country. The older groups of volcanic rocks have their better-known developments at the Thames and in the Success-Tokatea Kange, both important centres of gold-production, from which an enhanced output of gold may be expected when the several works now in progress approach completion. The group next succeeding the Thames-Tokatea rocks has been called the Kapanga series. This contains rich mines in the vicinity of Coromandel, and is being extensively prospected over the area between Cabbage Bay and Kennedy Bay, and gives evidence of this proving a rich mining field. The Beeson's Island group is the next younger of the volcanic series. This, though often containing quartz reefs, is less productive of gold, but in this formation is found the rich silver lodes of the Great Barrier Island. Rhyolites, as the youngest group of the volcanic series, have a vast development along the east coast of the peninsula south of Mercury Bay. At a few places these are gold-bearing, and on the banks of the Tairua Biver, near the Upper Landing, they contain opals of fine quality. These rocks form an important study, and possibly closely related with them are the Waitekauri rocks, than which as gold-producers none on the whole peninsula are more important. The report by Mr. McKay for the present year concerns itself chiefly with the general geology of the peninsula, this being a necessary preliminary to the special examination of mines which it is intended shall commence during the coming season. MINING MACHINEBY. As in former years, information has been obtained in regard to any new process for the treatment of auriferous and argentiferous ores, and also in regard to new machinery and appliances in connection with mining. By giving the fullest publicity to this question opportunity is afforded those persons who are engaged in mining pursuits of knowing the different patents that have been granted; and, although the machinery or appliance may not come up to the patentee's expectation, the ideas devolved may be the means of improvements being made by some one else who can detect defects in the patents. Plans and specifications of different machines and appliances in connection with mining will be found in the report of the Inspecting Engineer.

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SCHOOLS OP MINES. Amongst the schools of mines where classes are regularly carried on are those at Thames, Reefton, Otago University, and Nelson, the instructors in the first two being officers of the department. The Otago University receives substantial assistance towards the payment of the instructor, while the Nelson classes are carried on by Mr. Worley, aid being granted in the form of plant, chemicals, and apparatus. The instruction given at these schools is becoming year by year of increasing importance. Valuable technical education is afforded at the Thames School, where students have opportunities of studying the practical methods of working mines and of assisting in the treatment of ores for the recovery of gold and silver. A new quartz-crushing plant, with all the latest improvements in reducing, and suitable for employing the various scientific processes for the extraction of bullion from ores of all classes, has been erected at this school by means of a grant from the Government. In the Otago School also the use of the new plant for the testing and treatment of ores has afforded students improved opportunities for obtaining the fullest information of a practical character. The increase in the attendance at the above schools gives tangible evidence of the interest taken in the education afforded thereat, and the number of students who, after completing their terms, have secured important positions in New Zealand and elsewhere is a convincing proof of the excellence and utility of the knowledge imparted. It is gratifying to find that the extensive training required by those intending to become mining engineers can be secured by students who will follow out the various courses of instruction given in the schools of the colony, and consequently the necessity for the importation of experts trained in Europe and America will in the near future be obviated. That the demand for technical education of this character is very strongly felt amongst the mining community throughout the colony is evidenced by the fact that the Government has, in response to applications from those interested, either promised or actually granted subsidies for the establishment of Schools of Mines at Waipori, Westport, Waihi, Waitekauri, Karangahake, Coromandel, and Kuaotunu. It is anticipated that the instruction given at these smaller schools will induce students to follow up their technical education by attending the schools at the centres above referred to, where the services of highly-qualified instructors appointed by the Government are available. There are at present two holders of scholarships awarded by this department availing themselves of the advantages of university education—viz., Messrs. James M. McLaren and W. H. Baker, both of the Thames, who are attending the classes at the Auckland and Otago Universities respectively. The expenditure on Schools of Mines during the year was .£1,682 19s. 5d., exclusive of teachers' salaries. The formation of a New Zealand Institute of Mining Engineers on the lines of the parent Institute in England also shows that the importance of adequately training mining engineers for the practice of their profession is fully recognised in the colony, and the operations of the Institute should prove beneficial to the interests of mining in New Zealand. SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURE ON WORKS. The total expenditure on works authorised by the department for the development of the mining industry for the year ending the 31st March last amounts to £44,771. These works consist of roads and tracks constructed by direct grants, £30,721 ; roads and tracks constructed by subsidies to local bodies, £1,759; water-races, £3,928; drainage-channels, £2,149; prospectingworks, £1,533; schools of mines, exclusive of salaries of teachers, £1,683; resumption of land for tailings-sites, £300 ; and prospecting deep levels, £2,698. The liabilities on the works in progress at the end of March last amounted to £69,616. A detailed statement of the expenditure on these works will be found in the tables annexed to the Inspecting Engineer's report. KAURI COMPANY'S LANDS. The development of the mining industry on the auriferous lands held by the Kauri Timber Company has been retarded by the somewhat prolonged

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negotiations necessary to arrive at an equitable arrangement between the Government and the company ; but it is pleasing to be able to state that a satisfactory settlement of the difficulty has now been arranged, and forty-three claims have been granted by the Warden. It is further expected that most of the auriferous land held under leases for timber-cutting by the company will be shortly open for mining. MINING LEGISLATION. While the feeling of uneasiness which prevailed up to last session as to the uncertainty of our mining laws has to some extent passed away as persons interested in mining pursuits have become better acquainted with the provisions of the Act and regulations, yet the Mining Act of 1891, to which amendments have been added for each successive year, and under which fresh regulations have from time to time been issued, has become so cumbrous that it has been decided to consolidate the whole of the Acts and regulations. In order that the Government could be aided in framing the Consolidating Bill, it was deemed advisable to convene the Wardens of the different goldfields to hold a conference with regard to introducing amendments and alterations. The totally altered conditions under which mining is at present carried on as compared with the old system, adequate for the control of the industry in former years, necessitates measures being framed to meet the changed requirements. The experience of the Wardens, who are thoroughly conversant with the legislation required for the interests of the industry in their respective districts, has proved of great service, resulting in a measure being drafted which will, it is anticipated, give more general satisfaction than has hitherto prevailed in respect to our mining laws. The legislation of last session providing for the granting of provisional warrants authorising qualified persons who are not holders of mine-managers' certificates to manage gold-mines has been largely taken advantage of, especially in the Auckland District. The number of warrants granted is 231, and the conditions are such that all those who prove themselves capable will have an opportunity of obtaining either a first or second-class certificate according to individual merit and experience. The legislation also for preventing the accumulation of dust in dry-crushing batteries has been the means of causing the owners to devote more attention to the improvement of ventilation and for the removal of the dust. The Inspectors of Mines held a conference with those interested, and the concensus of opinion was that if exhaiist - fans were used to draw the particles from those parts of the buildings where dust is raised the whole would be kept clear. This method was afterwards adopted with such satisfactory results as show that by improved mechanical arrangement the dust evil will be remedied and the air rendered comparatively pure and innocuous to the workmen employed. OVBE-CAPITALISATION. In the truest interests of the mining industry I deem it my duty to direct attention to the over-capitalisation which has taken place in connection with the flotation of some of the mining properties of the colony on the European market. The absolute necessity of investors ascertaining that the working capital of mining ventures bears an adequate ratio to the amount of capital actually subscribed cannot be too strongly insisted on. DEPAETMBNTAL. The demand for reliable information concerning the industry for dissemination both in the colony and through the Agent-General in English and Continental mining circles led to the establishment of a bureau in connection with the department. The publication of a monthly journal, the New Zealand Mines Record, was determined on with the object of placing before the investing public and others interested in the development of our mineral resources reliable information gathered from official and trustworthy sources. Mr. P. Galvin, compiler of the " Handbook of New Zealand Mines," issued by the department in 1887, has been appointed Secretary of the bureau.

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In consequence of the resignation of Mr. H. A. Gordon, Inspecting Engineer, Mr. Gγ. Wilson, Inspector of Mines for the Auckland District, was appointed to that position, and the vacancy thus caused was filled by the transfer of Mr. J. Glow from Otago. Subsequently, that gentleman having severed his connection with the department, the two vacant positions were filled by the appointment of Mr. Coutts for the Mining District of Auckland and the temporary appointment of Mr. Hayes for the Mining District of Otago In June last Mr. N. D. Cochrane abo accepted a position with a private mining enterprise, and Mr. R. Tennent was appointed Inspector for the West Coast district. The heavy increase in the work of inspection caused by the large number of additional mines at work necessitated the appointment of Assistant Inspectors, and Messrs. Ryan and Richards were selected to assist in the Auckland and West Coast districts respectively. CONCLUSION. In concluding my remarks on the mining industry, I would point out that the impetus given to mining operations through the introduction of capital has been shown in the increased number of mines in which prospecting and development work is being carried on, and in pursuance of which extensive mining and milling machinery has been erected. The number of special claims now taken up for quartz and alluvial mining in both new and previously-worked ground and the attention devoted to prospecting gives hope for believing that additional exploration within auriferous areas will result in the discovery of quartz reefs and of alluvial gravel deposits containing gold in such quantities as will enable them to be profitably worked. The stream of capital for mining investment that first set in in the northern districts is being directed to the Middle Island, and, without being over-sanguine, I think it can be reasonably expected that the interest taken in mining throughout New Zealand will continue to increase, that many new mines will be discovered, and that our mineral resources will be developed in such a manner as to insure steady yields from the mines with highly profitable returns for shareholders. The construction of roads and tracks for opening up new fields and also for improving the means of communication in the older districts is a matter of urgent necessity, and ample provision must again be made for the vigorous continuance of necessary works. In order to aid in the further development of the industry substantial grants will also be required for prospecting, water-conservation, and deep-level mining. The continuance of mining prosperity will result in employment being found for miners, and the country further opened up for the prospector, thus adding in a substantial manner to the advancement of other industries conducive in a marked degree to the progress and prosperity of the colony generally.

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No. 1. Table showing the Comparison in Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Exportation, and also the Quantity and Value of other Minerals produced, for the Years ending the 31st December, 1895 and 1896, as well as the Total Value since January, 1853.

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For Year ending the For Year ending the , . the RM December, 1895. 31st December, Um. 1896 Name of Metal or Mineral. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. 'reoious metals — Gold Silver Oz. £ 293,491 1,162,164 85,024 10,679 Oz. 263,694 94,307 £ 1,041,428 10,589 Oz. 13,313,907 901,270 £ 52,392,430 181,852 Total gold and silver 378,515 • 1,172,843 14,215,177 52,574,282 358,001 1,052,017 lineral produce, including kauri-gum— Copper-ore Chrome-ore Antimony-ore Manganese-ore Haematite-ore Mixed minerals Coal exported Coke exported Coal, output of mines in colony Kauri-gum Tons. £ Tons. £ Tons. 1.394J 5,666 3,600 18,105}' 52ij 14,313" 898,926 16,343 9,836,974f 183.929J £ 17,866 37,367 52,204 57,993 226 72,890 888,646 24,781 4,918,487 8,114,842 54 210 1*486 525 21 65 450 205 62 85,987 i 288 640,667*1 7,425 ! 880 83,342 715 320,334 418,766 37 79,524 105 713,327 7,126 1,335 71,984 263 356,664 431,323 Total quantity and value of minerals Value of gold and silver, as above 734,693 826,048 .. ; 1,172,843 800,205 862,224 1,052,017 10,979,303J, 14,185,30! 52,574,28! Total value of minerals produced, including gold and silver 1,998,891 1,914,241 66,759,58^ • 14,173 tons deducted, error 1895. 1153,442 tons, nitput previous to 1878, added.

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No. 2. Table showing the Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Exportation from New Zealand for the Years ending the 31st March, 1896 and 1897, and the Total Quantity and Value from 1857 to the 31st March, 1897.

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Year ending 31st March, 1896. Year ending 31st March, 1897. Increase or Decrease for Year ending 31st March, 1897. Total Quanti from Janui 31st Mai ity and Value a.ry, 1857, to rch, 1807. District and County or Borough. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Increase. Decrease. Auckland — County of Coromandel County of Thames County of Ohinemuri County of Piako County of Manukau County of Marsden County of Whangarei Borough of Thames .. Te Aroha Town District Oz. 40,253 9,054 60,287 144 £ 164,289 37,375 218,401 606 Oz. 27,404 3,941 57,115 125 £ 113,116 16,572 205,981 521 Oz. Oz. 12,849 5,113 3,172 19 Oz. & 1 1 7,289 4 4 30,150 5,291 22,041 1 1 1,998 93,876 358,231 23,153 2,058,885 7,768,664 117,029 450,829 Wellington 188 706 Marlborough— County of Marlborough Blenheim Borough Pioton Borough 3,173 12,681 789 3,070 2,384 Nelson — County of Waimea County of Collingwood 3,173 12,681 789 3,070 2,384 85,145 331,609 402 3,411 1,488 12,519. 498 2,036 1,815 7,729 96 1,347 3,813 14,007 2,534 9,544 1,279 1,672,381 6,630,310 West Coast— County of Buller County of Inangahua County of Grey County of Westland Brunnerton Borough Kumara Borough Hokitika Borough Boss Borough Reefton Borough 12,911 26,927 22,030 23,557 51,634 107,710 88,118 94,227 10,899 12,615 20,772 23,709 43,518 50,459 83,170 94,907 152 2,012 14,312 1,258 246 889 3,161 986 3,550 12,645 311 384 2,858 1,244 1,532 11,431 65 505 303 89,721 358,870 71,548 286,261 18,173 4,258,776 16,934,953 Canterbury 24 96 Otago— County of Taieri County of Tuapeka County of Vincent County of Maniototo County of Waihemo County of Waikouaiti County of Waitaki County of Bruce County of Lake County of Wallace County of Fiord County of Southland County of Stewart Island .. County of Clutha Borough of Alexandra Dunedin 734 26,207 22,958 10,765 1,874 518 1,836 1,161 10,801 7,052 630 4,325 68 25 3,006 106,081 92,980 43,607 7,384 2,119 7,522 4,680 43,463 28,441 2,534 17,508 271 98 1,708 25,011 23,430 10,040 687 602 1,814 1,042 11,315 5,823 3,333 3,282 50 29 6,904 101,834 95,507 40,929 2,802 2,464 7,436 4,180 46,349 23,451 13,191 13,273 200 116 974 84 514 1,196 472 725 1,187 22 119 1*229 2,703 1,043 18 4 88,954 359,694 88,166 358,636 788 5,308,007 21,001,424 Unknown Totals 122 13,383,528 484 52,668,246 302*690 1,196,081 256*913 ll,015*742 45*777

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No. 3. Table showing the Total Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Duty for Exportation from the 1st January, 1857, to the 31st December, 1896. (This return shows the produce of the various goldfields. Gold entered at Nelson from Hokitika, Greymouth, and Westport is put under the head of "West Coast," and gold from Invercargill and Riverton under the head of "Otago.")

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Auckland. Nelson. Marlborough. West Coast. Otago. Wellington. Canterbury. Toti Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 "308 1,239 4,483 3,448 5,449 5,814 6,637 53,660 132,451 85,534 330,326 104,890 119,449 76,910 69,485 56,057 99,081 55,982 37,901 42,720 35,516 33,059 41,291 36,087 42,989 32,271 30,697 35,223 28,655 31,745 45,392 45,555 45,714 52,916 111,213 92,346 £ 1,192 4,098 13,853 10,552 17,096 17,463 18,277 168,874 434,687 319,146 1,188,708 369,341 437,123 305,068 262,156 221,905 403,627 220,454 154,295 176,416 141,326 131,007 163,618 143,564 170,416 128,140 121,564 139,556 113,191 125,760 181,185 183,655 186,553 211,974 430,862 350,355 10,437 13,226 7,336 4,538 6,335 10,422 9,580 14,410 12,137 7,650 9 ,,123 5,999 10,631 12,244 10,014 8,175 13,697 5,642 4,577 14,018 5,367 4,463 2,993 3,222 3,453 3,289 2,064 2,159 2,798 2,582 2,914 3,027 3,252 2,856 4,445 2,535 2,145 2,860 2,460 2,753 £ 40,422 51,272 28,427 17,585 24,552 40,386 37,120 55,841 47,030 29,643 35,918 38,396 I 42,524 48,692 40,056 32,700 54,786 22,158 17,866 55,862 21,092 17,223 11,424 12,223 13,039 12,494 7,724 8,002 10,337 9,979 10,829 11,320 12,310 11,049 16,896 9,604 8,187 10,634 9,016 10,333 24,838 7,952 469 501 404 666 1,852 1,867 2,057 1,274 1,198 1,159 450 870 404 879 1,550 1,378 1,352 636 1,079 540 404 1,041 699 5.189 6,073 5,649 3,898 2,165 2,536 2,695 916 £ 95,231 30,814 1,818 1,978 1,616 2,664 7,408 7,468 8,228 5,050 4,748 4,636 1,796 3,197 1,617 3,460 5,650 4,531 5,400 2,524 4,306 2,160 1,451 3,759 2,547 20,167 24,285 22,576 15,429 8,644 10,123 10,771 3,588 1,463 289,897 552,572 511,974 405,762 317,169 280,068 232,882 172,574 188,501 157,531 158,678 133,014 153,198 144,634 142,822 144,090 127,544 130,048 116,905 111,686 117,861 112,671 98,774 100,139 101,696 89,096 109,268 103,106 99,127 86,950 89,429 79,317 £ 5,560 1,127,370 2,140,946 2,018,874 1,608,844 1,269,664 1,121,525 931,528 690,296 756,442 631,203 635,480 531,274 612,823 578 ,-508 571,061 575,258 509,971 519,978 467,152 446,517 471,325 446,287 395,430 400,405 406,451 356,368 437,126 412,383 396,516 347,464 357,719 317,161 •• 187,696 399,201 614,387 436,012 259,139 168,871 158,670 171,649 153,364 165,152 154,940 157,674 182,416 135,107 121,423 118,477 113,169 105,003 102,869 113,666 102,670 83,446 87,478 78,810 73,183 79,104 70,443 62,107 64,419 63,423 87,209 82,933 77,660 76,353 87,694 88,362 5,284,179 £ 727,321 1,546,905 2,380,750 1,689,653 1,004, 163 654,647 623,815 686,596 613,456 660,694 619,760 630,696 734,024 542,154 ■ 487, 632 473,491 455,341 422,277 407,868 457, 705 411,923 J 333,804 352,334 318,932 294,378 317.543 279,518 247,142 256,430 255,976 349,573 333,467 313,238 307,644 353,796 359,991 £ :: :: :: 30 120 10 37 .. 101 380 24 47 169 24 33 132 '.'. 52 206 :: :: :: £ 96 96 10,437 13,534 7,336 4,538 194,031 410,862 628,450 480,171 574,574 735,376 686,905 637,474 614,281 544,880 730,029 445,370 505,337 376,388 355,322 322,016 371,685 310,486 287,464 305,248 270.561 251,204 248,374 229,946 237,371 227,079 203,869 201,219 203,211 193,193 251,996 238,079 226,811 221,615 293,491 263,694 £ 40,422 52,464 28,427 17,585 751,873 1,591,389 2,431,723 1,856,837 2,226,474 2,844,517 2,698,862 2,504,326 2,362,995 2,157,585 2,787,520 1,731,261 1,987,425 1,505,331 1,407,770 1,284,328 1,496,080 1,240,079 1,148,108 1,227,252 1,080,790 1,002,720 993,352 921,797 948,615 903,569 811,100 801,066 808,549 773,438 1,007,488 954,744 913,138 887,839 1,162,164 1,041,428 Totals .. 251,828 994,951 84,640 20,904,637 ! 273 2,032,493 7,667,057 329,640 5,660,446 22,494,909 1 .044 48 192 13,313,907 52,392,430

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No. 4. Table showing the Total Quantity and Value of Mineral Ores other than Gold (the Product of New Zealand Mines), Coal, Coke, and Kauri-gum, exported from the Colony up to the 31st December, 1896.

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Silver. Copper-ore. Chrome-ore. I Antimony-ore. Manganese-ore. Hsematite-ore. Mixed Mineral Ore. Coal. Coke. Kauri-gum. Total Oz. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. ■ Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Ton Value. Tons. Value. Tons, i Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Oz. Tons. Value. 1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 •• .. i 11,063 37,123 80,272 37,064 36,187 40,566 29,085 12,683 33,893 23,019 20,645 20,005 18,885 5,694 16,826 24,914 16,624 12,108 20,809 403 24,105 32,637 28,023 22,053 63,076 54,177 85,024 94,307 £ I 2,993 11,380 23,145 9,910 9,850 10,380 7,569 3,171 7,556 5,755 4,512 4,500 4,236 1,286 3,785 5,125 3,169 2,946 3,453 71 4,043 6,162 5,151 3,996 9,743 6,697 10,679 10,589 351 245 137 110 51 246 84 "7 £ I •• •■ •■ 5,000 2,605 1,590 1,300 1,024 977 'l20 - ■• '• 3 8 116 52 3,843 595 768 281 ! " £ •■ I •• i .. ! 25 120 1,440 520 24,719 4,318 4,910 1,315 •• £ \ •• .. '" £ I ■■ •• ! £ 1 I • .. •• ., " & \ ■■ "• I .. .2 •• . 1 ■' •■ i 261 973 1,027 750 1,672 1,696 990 724 1,463 3,385 1,854 2,658 6,362 7,144 7,020 6,621 3,207 6,522 6,104 43,893 46,136 44,129 68,087 86,405 69,614 91,664 78,911 69,136 75,004 85,987 79,524 ■■ 4' 2) 400 1,228 1,210; 800| 1,508 1,612! 855i 655 1,363! 3,129 ! 1,954! 2,071 5,139| 6,187J 5,977 5,610, 2,380 4,879 4,461 51,257 52,133 44,650 64,971 84,347! 67,003: 91,173: 80,225? 72,699 73,438 83,342 71,984 I ■■ ■■ •• 21 87 15 53 25J 85 154 87 223 275 1,430 236 267 497 1834 953 2,132 2,218 2,544 4,306 51 107 288 105 ■• " " "50 228 51 189 72 177 324 135 353 480 2,057 372 385 715 266 1,646 3,407 3,334 3,658 5,691 53 160 715 263 £ 830 1,661 ! 355' 1,440 2,522 1,811 2,010 1,046 I 856 I 1,103 J 1,400 ! 2,228 1,867 2,535 2,685 2,690 2,850 4,391 5,054 4,811 2,834 2,569 3,231 2,888 3,633 3,445 3,229 4,725 5,461 I 5,533 6,518 6,393 5,875j! 4,920|, 6,791 8,482 7,519 I 7,438 8,388 8,705 8,317 8,338 7,425 7,126 £ 15,972 28,864 4,514 18,591 35,251 20,037 20,776 9,851 9,888 11,107 27,026 60,590 46,060 70,572 77,491 72,493 111,307 175,074 167,958 154,167 85,816 79,986 138,523 109,234 118,348 132,975 147,535 242,817 I 253,778 260,369 . 336,606 342,151 299,762 257,653; 362, 449 1 380,933 i 329,590 378,563 437,056 517,678 510,775 404,567 418,766 431,323 •■ •• ! •• ■• 11,063 37,123 80,272 37,064 36,187 40,566 29,085 12,683 33,893 23,019 20,645 20,005 18,885 5,694 16,826 24,914 16,624 12,108 20,809 403 24,105 32,637 28,023 22,053 63,076 54,177 85,024! 94,307 ! 830 1,661 355 1,440 2,522 2,167 2,263 1,300 1,018 4,997 1,995 2,996 1,867 3,077 3,904 3,801 3,600 6,070 6,750 5,822 3,558 i 4,119 ! 6,631 7,975 8,682J 12,420 12,722 17,177 15,538 14,019 14,9534 13,071 51,468J 52,4091 51,686*' 79,147 97,828 80.2874 1 104,164^ 92,891 78,191 84,052 94,026 86,878 £ 15,972 28,864 4,514 18,591 35,251 25,066 23,501 12,883 11,708 36,850 31,344 65,500 46,060 72,287 81,419 74,680 115,100 188,082 192,715 164,982 96,321 91,957 149,272 129,372 137,711 154,687 168,001 275,799 271,633 281,016 350,086 353,024 362,779 318,783 419,844 459,301 439,260 467,465 544,633 614,360 598,330 487,132 516,393 516,149 - •• •• I ■' . •• I •• 3,180 2,366 2 14,824 9,664 8 . ! '*6 55 "ll5 1,105 4 "102 2,516 2,140 2,611 1,271 2,181 384 318 602 3284 305 1,085 1,080 482 1,153 521 319 534 210 65 10,416 8,338 10,423 3,283 6,963 1,155 809 1,716 1,316 895 2,404 2,569 1,004 2,634 1,239 943 1,156 525 205 5 9 46 20 36 41 678 106 60 2 30 31 612 24 900 804 2,674 1,955 2,784 22 11,335 4,303 8,597 110 •■ I 'oj 12 i "* 666 62 134 376 493 515 413 364 331 44 54 21 5,289 ! 1,7841 3,989! 6,246; 5,319 11,121 4,950 4,900 3,467 761 1,486 450 504 208 114' 445 144 162; 199 19 2 84 37 25 62 37 993 1,846 4,142 2,955 9,985 273 6 631 650 353 880 1,335 20 390 • •• - 2 75 ■• " ! k 5 1 "01 4 - ! •• I 1 •• I •• .. Totals 5,666 1 ! 88,6461 16,343 24,781 , 183, 929 J 1 8,114,842 901,2701,142,3291 9,448,66' 901,270! 181,852! 1,394J 17.866 1 :37,367i 3,600! 52,204 18,105* I 57,993 52J 226! 14,313| 72,890 898,920 888,646 Note.—Silver-ore, 37 tons, £1,225.

0.—2.

No. 5. Return showing the Quantity and Value of Coals imported into New Zealand during the Quarter ended the 31st March, 1897.

No. 6. Table showing the Increase or Decrease in the Production of Coal in the Colony, and Imported, Year by Year, during the last Nineteen Years.

No. 7. Table showing the Output of Coal from the various Mining Districts, and the Comparative Increase and Decrease, for the Years 1895 and 1896, together with the Total Approximate Quantity of Coal produced since the Mines were opened.

19

Country whence imported. Quantity. Value. ictoria few South Wales Totalis Tons. 35,104 35,104 £ 30,450 30,450

Year. Coal raise Tons. Coal raised in the Colony. ed in the Colony. Yearly Increase. Coal imported. Plus or Minus. Increase and Decrease. Tons. 1878 .. 1879 .. 1880 .. 1881 .. 1882 .. 1883 .. 1884 .. 1885 .. 1886 .. 1887 .. 1888 .. 1889 .. 1890 .. 1891 .. 1892 .. 1893 .. 1894 .. 1895 .. 1896 .. 162,218 231,218 299,923 337,262 378,272 421,764 480,831 511,063 534,353 558,620 613,895 586,445 637,397 668,794 673,315 691,548 719,546 • 726,654* 792,851 69,000 68,705 37,339 41,010 43,492 59,069 30,232 23,290 24,267 55,275 27,450 50,952 31,397 4,521 18,233 27,998 7,108 66,197 174,148 158,076 123,298 129,962 129,582 123,540 148,444 130,202 119,873 107,230 101,341 128,063 110,939 125,318 125,453 117,444 112,961 108,198 101,756 + + 16,072 33,778 6,664 380 6,042 24,904 18,242 10,329 12,643 5,889 26,722 17,124 14,379 135 8,009 4,483 4,763 6,442 + + + * 14,173 toi is, error 1895, deducted.

Name of District. Output of Coal. Plus or Minus. Increase or Decrease. Approximate Total Output of Coal up to 31st December, 1896. 1895. 1896. Kawakawa and Hikurangi Whangarei, Kamo, Ngunguru, and Whauwhau Waikato Mokau Pelorus West Wanganui Westport Reefton Greymouth Malvern Timaru Otago Southland Tons. 44,580 20,872 Tons. 53,586 21,106 ' + + Tons. 9,006 234 Tons. 920,738 357,708 55,558* 535 61,899 1,943 + + 6,341 1,408 884,732 10,505 711 48,858 2,344,432 67,807 2,267,252 327,975 10,657 3,112,005 382,460 1,615 223,143t 4,018 142,664 11,481 341 182,331 39,516 504 26-2,696 3,795 137,890 11,714 103 193,814 43,801 + 1,111 39,553 223 4,774 233 238 11,483 4,285 + + + Totals 726,654 792,851 66,197 10,735,900 ♦ 14,193 tons, error 1895, deducted. 120 tons, omitted from 1896, added.

C—2.

No. 8. Table showing the Different Classes of Coal from the Mines in the Colony.

No. 9. Table showing the Number of Coal-mines in Operation, the Number of Men employed, and the Output of Coal per Man.

No. 10. Return showing the Quantity and Value of Coal imported into and exported from New Zealand during the Year ended the 31st December, 1896.

20

Name of Coal. Output of Coal. Increase or Decrease. Approximate Total Output of Coal up to the 31st December, 1890. 1895. 1890. Bituminous Pitch Brown Lignite Tons. 429,981 104,566 166,697*t 25,410 Tons. 473,637 110,547 179,744 28,923 Tons. + 43,656 + 5,981 + 13,047 + 3,513 Tons. 5,641,685 1,651,087 3,098,234 344,894 Totals 726,654 726,654 792,851 792,851 + 66,197 10,735,900 * 14,193 tons, error 1895, deducted. 120 tons, omitted 1895, added.

Number of Mines working. Number of Miners employed in each Mine. / Total Number of Men employed. Output of Coal during 1896. Average Output per Man. 122 19 2 20 1 to 4 men in each 5 to 10 11 to 20 21 men and upwards 239 130 39 1,529 Tons. 53,054 45,340 13,967 680,490 Tons. 222 349 358 445 163 1,937 792,851 409

Imported. Exported. Countries whence imported. Quantity. Value. Countries to which exported. Quantity. Value. fnited Kingdom few South Wales .. ictoria Tons. 2,447 99,304 5 £ 2,410 91,719 9 Tons. £ United Kingdom .. ..; 58,306 ! 59,379 Chili .. .. .. I 4,763 3,962 New South Wales .. i 593 459 Tasmania .. .. j 7,871 5,346 United States of America— \ On the West Coast .. 4,383 3,212 Fiji Islands .. .. 1,173 704 South Sea Islands ..I 9,191 5,398 Totals .. .. I 86,280 78,460 Totals .. ! 101,756 94,138 Note.—Foreign coal included in exportation to —Unit .,224 tons, value £1,120 ; United States of America—On tl 148 tons, value £227. The remainder is New Zealand prod ;ed Kingdom, 4,388 tons, value £4,388; New South Wales, tie West Coast, 796 tons, value £741 ; South Sea Islands, uce.

C— 2

No. 11. Number of Miners EMPLOYED during the Years ending 31st March, 1897 and 1896.

Ay-proximate Cost of Payer, —Preparation, not given ; printing (3,175 copies), 14s,

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB97. Price 9d.] 4—C. 2.

21

Mining District. Alluvial Miners. European. Chinese. Quartz-miners. Totals. Grand Total. European. Chinese. European. Chinese. 1897. 1896. Auckland— North Hauraki and Coromandel .. Thames Ohmemuri Piako Puhipuhi Tauranga Great Barrier .. 1,329 1,527 1,820 100 25 35 36 1,329 1,527 1,820 100 25 35 36 1,329 1,527 1,820 100 25 35 36 1,045 677 1,726 36 25 MaBLBOROUGH — Pelorus Wairau Oullen's Creek Waikakaho Wakamarina Kaituna and Duncan's Valley 6 30 50 10 60 6 487,2 4,872 6 30 50 10 80 6 4,872 6 30 50 10 80 6 3,509 6 20 100 10 64 6 20 Nelson — Wangapeka, Baton, and Sherry .. Collingwood and Takaka Motueka Inangahua Ahaura Charleston Westport, including Addison's, Northern Terraces, Waimangaroa, North. Beach, Mokihinui, ■ Karamea, and Lower Buller Valley Lyell .. Murchison Owen .. .. .. f 162 20 182 182 206 42 207 14 161 425 230 6 'us 295 3 '368 63 42 210 14 529 488 230 6 *148 295 42 216 14 677 783 230 36 275 6 666 787 230 330 20 350 350 330' 20 13 43 63 13 76 84 118 48 6 124 48 172 169 1,547 510 2,560 2,583 Westland — Ross Stafford and Goldsborough Hokitika and Kanieri Kumara Greymouth Arnold .. .. J Okarito 110 400 450 350 510 4 150 40 100 16 503 2,050 126 400 450 350 4 150 40 100 130 550 490 450 156 570 395 440 500 220 15 515 220 735 711 70 1 70 1 71 93 Otago— Hindon Tuapeka Clyde and Alexandra Cromwell Roxburgh Black's Tapanui Waikaia Wyridham Longwood .. .. 1 Orepuki .. .. Y Roundhill and Wilson's River J Wakatipu Goldfields—Arrow, Macetown, Cardrona, Kawarau, Bracken's, and Motatapu Queenstown Naseby, Kyeburn, Clarke's, and ~| Mount Burster Hamilton, Sowburn, &c. Hyde and Fullerton's Serpentine Macrae's, Strath - Taieri, Shag Valley, Nenthorn, St. Bathan's, and Ida Valley J Maerewhenua and Kurow Pembroke 1,880 515 31 1,911 515 2,426 2,365 37 400 400 315 370 127 40 120 12 220 130 154 65 45 40 50 13 10 30 29 25 6 50 410 430 344 395 133 40 140 12 220 130 154 65 45 40 50 50 630 560 498 460 178 80 190 12 54 022 490 498 437 185 21 200 42 20 310 68 50 360 68 428 430 250 25 100 350 25 375 375 325 25 250 575 25 600 475 466 130 35 501 130 631 589 105 40 12 105 52 93 52 105 40 12 3,317 964 5G8 3,885 964 4,849 4,563 SUMMAEY. 4,872 20 503 31 568 Auckland Maelboeough Nelson .. Westland OlAQO 162 1,547 1,880 3,317 510 515 964 4,872 182 2,050 1,911 3,885 510 515 964 4,872 182 2,560 2,426 4,849 3,509 206 2,583 2,365 4,563 Totals .. 6,906 1,989 5,994 12,900 1,989 14,889 13,226