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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1899 Session I, C-02

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1899. NEW ZEALAND.

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

Mb. Speakeb,— It affords me much pleasure to again bring under the notice of honourable members the continued advancement of the mining industry, and the steady progress made during the past year both in gold- and coal-mining. The confidence in our Northern mines, which had been somewhat shaken by the reckless speculation prevailing a few years ago, has been gradually restored ; and, whilst the "wild-cat" promotions have to a great extent been weeded out, other mining areas are constantly being applied for, and a great deal of bond fide prospecting and development work is going on throughout the colony. In Otago large areas have been taken up for dredging, and the Wardens are still busily occupied in hearing applications for mining privileges in Central Otago and Southland. In this connection it may not be out of place if a warning is given to the investing public as to the necessity for a close scrutiny of the prospectuses of some of the companies placed on the market, for in all periods of undue excitement many worthless properties are floated by men who have little thought of working them. On more than one occasion during the mining excitement in the Northern goldfields I felt it my duty to warn investors, and there is danger just now of a repetition of the same undesirable methods being transferred from the Northern to the Southern goldfields. In mining, as in all other avocations, it is a case of the survival of the fittest; and companies whose mines were placed under the control of experienced and judicious management are now being rewarded for their forethought. In the North Island this is particularly noticeable. In the quartz-mining centres in the Middle Island some very important work has been carried on in a successful manner; while in alluvial mining success has been still more marked, especially with respect to dredging operations. As intimated in last year's Statement, I have endeavoured, as far as possible, to furnish the latest information procurable as to the position of the mining industry; and it will be found that the results set forth in the returns are in some instances supplemented by more recent information in the Statement itself. MINEEAL PBODUCTION. 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 No. 1, annexed. The total production of gold and silver was 574,026 oz., representing a value of £1,113,798, compared with a value of £1,001,076 for the preceding year. This shows an increase of £112,722, 1-C. 2,

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Of other minerals, including coal, 918,994J tons were produced, representing a value of £1,068,077, as against 849,105 tons, of a value of £856,517 for the previous year, being an increase of £189,346. The production of kauri-gum was 9,905 tons, valued at £586,767, as compared with 6,641 tons, valued at £398,010, for 1897. The quantities and values of the chief mineral productions for the years ending the 31st December, 1898 and 1897 respectively, were as follow : — 1898. 1898. 1897. 1897. Product. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. & & G01d... ... ... ... 280,175 oz. 1,080,691' 251,6450z. 980,204 Silver ... ... ... 293,851 „ 33,107 183,892 „ 20,872 Antimony-ore... ... ... ... ... 10 tons 157 Copper-ore ... ... ... 2J tons 70 ... 2 Manganese-ore ... ... 217 „ 703 ' 180 „ 541 Mixed minerals ...... 1,828 „ 4,792 1,561 „ 5,892 Colonial coal exported, including that used by Home steamers 56,332 „ 50,381 76,073 „ 69,595 Coke exported ... ... 9 „ 14 Colonial coal consumed in New Zealand ... ... ... 850,701 „ 425,350 764,640 „ 382,320 Kauri-gum ... ... ... 9,905 „ 586,767 6,641 „ 398,010 Total value of production for 1898 ... 2,181,875 1,857,593 1897 ... 1,857,593 Total increase ... ... ... £324,282 The total value of the gold, silver, coal, and other minerals, including kaurigum, exported up to the end of 1898 was £70,767,494. GOLD-MINING. Many of the works that were in progress in connection with gold-mining have been completed, and operations of a permanent character undertaken and carried out; consequently the quantity of gold and silver recovered has increased. The returns in many instances from alluvial mining have been highly satisfactory. This is mainly due to a more copious rainfall throughout Otago and some parts of Westland, enabling sluicing operations to be more continuously carried on; dredging returns also show an increase, this being in a great measure due to the increased number of dredges and improvements in their construction. Throughout the goldfields the people are now more settled, especially as the prospect of continuous employment in many of the mines is becoming assured. 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 303,525 oz., representing a value of £1,168,930 ; while the quantity exported for period of the preceding year was 251,492 oz., valued at £976,198. This shows an increase of 52,033 oz., principally due to the output in Ohinemuri County, which yielded 41,114 oz. more than the previous year. Of the quantity exported, Auckland contributed 148,183 oz., Marlborough 621 oz., Nelson and West Coast 76,420 oz., Canterbury 12 oz., and Otago 78,289 oz. QUABTZ WOBKINGS. The gratifying increase in the gold returns from this source is due largely to the result of operations of the Waihi Mine, in the North Island, and of the Progress Mines, in the Eeefton District. There has been a falling-off in the Lake County, Otago, owing to the cessation of production in the Achilles Mine, and in the Fiord County, chiefly due to the decrease in yield of the Morning Star Mine at Preservation Inlet. In consequence of the increase in the number of quartz-reduction plants in which the cyanide process is to be used, and the introduction of wet-crushing with cyanide solution, whereby a larger quantity of quartz can be dealt with than was effected by the use of the stamps in dry-crushing, the future yield of gold should be largely augmented*

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During last year 214,815 tons of quartz and tailings were treated in the Auckland District, yielding 498,074 oz. bullion, representing an estimated value of £575,642 as against bullion to the value of £405,745 for the former year, being an increase of £169,897. In the Nelson and West Coast Districts 66,116 tons of quartz were crushed for a return of 27,165 oz. of gold, valued approximately at £109,019, an increase of £81,988 on the previous year. In the Otago District 19,564 tons of quartz was treated for a yield of 9,870 oz. of gold, the estimated value being £38,493, a decrease of £29,407 on the previous year's return. The totalfor the colony was 300,495 tons treated for 535,109 oz. of gold, and bullion valued at £723,154. As to the methods of extraction, it will be interesting to note that 465,176 oz., of the value of £489,767, were obtained by the cyanide process; 1,271 oz., of the value of £5,315, by chlorination ; and 68,697 oz., ofthe value of £228,072, by amalgamation, showing that nearly 87 per cent, of the quantity was obtained by cyanide, 0-237 per cent, by chlorination, and 12-837 per cent, by amalgamation. The proportions of the values were : By cyanide, 67-726 per cent.; chlorination, 0-737 per cent.; and amalgamation, 31-538 per cent. COEOMANDEL COUNTY. The Hauraki Mine still continues to furnish a fair quantity of gold; the Kapanga returns are of a substantial character; the Royal Oak has yielded profitable returns, with every prospect of their continuance; and the Hauraki Associated has given fair yields. As the Kauri Freehold Gold Estates has now started crushing, the returns from this property will, it is anticipated, materially add to next year's yield, as extensive blocks are opened up for sloping, and a large stack of quartz is in readiness to be treated. The Kuaotunu District may be expected to furnish continued payable returns. The Mariposa is opening up ground at deeper levels. The KapaiVermont and Great Mercury Mines have changed owners, and this will probably lead to a better conduct of future mining operations. The nature of the deposits throughout Coromandel District is such that hopes may be entertained that fresh finds will follow systematic prospecting in many of the mines. The total returns for the year from this district were 12,269 tons, yielding 20,138 oz., valued at £53,829, as against £73,337 for the previous year. Although the returns are considerably less than those of the preceding year, there are indications that next year's yield will show an increase. The principal returns were: From the Hauraki Mine, 2,090 tons 0 qr. 721b., producing 5,645 oz. 11 dwt., valued at £16,545 7s. 4d. ; Royal Oak, 270 tons 4 cwt. 35 lb., yielding 5,137 oz. 13 dwt., valued at £12,942 Bs.; Kapanga, 311 tons 7 cwt. 761b., giving a yield of 2,600 oz. 3 dwt., valued at £7,632 5s lOd. ; Hauraki Associated, 506 tons 8 cwt. 7 lb., producing 1,352 oz., value £3,850 7s. Bd.; Mariposa, 2,812 tons, yielding 1,628 oz. 19 dwt., valued at £3,740 13s. 2d.; and Great Mercury, 1,202 tons crushed for 1,132 oz., ofthe value of £2,527 6s. 4d. Hauraki Gold-mining Company, Coromandel: the total amount of gold raised by this company up to the 30th of June last was £254,162 13s. 6d. Thames County. The yield of gold for the year shows a considerable increase compared with the return for 1897-98, and the outlook for next year is of a hopeful character throughout the district. The Thames-Hauraki Company, in carrying on pumping operations at the southern end of the Thames Borough portion of the field, has unwatered a large block of ground in which reefs of a promising character, may now be developed. The Waiotahi Mine continues to maintain its character, and the company are still enabled to pay regular dividends; while the new blocks of ground opened at the lately-drained levels in the Cardigan and May Queen Mines show indications of profitable yields in the near future. The prospecting operations in the New Alburnia, Moanataiari, Kuranui, and Kuranui-Caledonian Mines are carried on in localities where rich deposits were

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worked in past years, and in which it is probable further bonanzas may be discovered. Prospecting in the Waiotahi, Karaka, Una Hill, Hape and the out-districts is being continued, and the new battery at Whangamata, when completed, will be employed on quartz that is likely to prove remunerative. The Mahara Royal and other mines in the Tapu district in which the reefs are being worked should again give fair yields, and the mines in the Tararu district will also augment the Thames return. The return for the year was 31,338 tons 17 cwt. 97 lb. of quartz crushed for a yield of 18,003 oz. 17 dwt., valued at £47,580 6s. 3d. as against £32,177 14s. for the previous year, showing an increase of £15,402 12s. 3d. Ohinemuei County. There is every evidence that the returns from the various mines will next year be largely in excess of the amount of this year's yield, which considerably exceeds that of the preceding twelve months. Operations in the low levels in the Waihi Mine proved the existence of the different reefs at a greater depth, and show that they are not falling off in size nor diminishing in richness; while in the Waihi Grand Junction it has been clearly indicated that the line of the famous Martha Reef extends both to the eastward and westward, and that large quantities of payable quartz exist in the ground adjoining the Waihi Mine, which will no doubt give further encouragement to prospect along the line of reef in both directions. The returns from the Waihi-Silverton may still be expected to continue, and, as further prospecting is carried on, other lodes of payable quartz will most probably be discovered; while the developments in the UnionWaihi mine may also be expected to furnish large quantities of payable quartz. Important works have been carried on in the Waihi Consols; in the Ohinemuri Claim prospecting is carried on by boring with a diamond drill; and the discoveries at Waihi Beach promise to be of some importance. The Waitekauri Company are carrying on operations in the Golden Cross, Te Ao Marama, and old Waitekauri sections of the property. In the Waitekauri Mine the operations indicate a continuance of profitable returns. Important works are also being carried on in the Waitekauri Cross and the Waitekauri Extended Mines. The old mines at Maratoto are again being opened, and the result of operations has been sufficient to warrant the erection of a crushing mill, which will shortly be ready and be in a position for the treatment of the ore. At Komata the Komata Reefs Mine is being energetically opened up, and large quantities of quartz are available. The Crown, and the Talisman Mines at Karangahake are both developing valuable quartz at low levels, and producing excellent returns of bullion. The reef in the Crown Mine is now opened to a depth of 150 ft. below the bed of the Waitawheta River; it is of large size and of high value, giving an indication of future success at the deep levels. The total distance to which the No. 4 and No. 6 levels have been driven on the line of reef from their respective entrances is 2,847 ft. and 2,624 ft., showing that extensive blocks are being opened up. The Woodstock Mine'also continues to be a steady producer, and as improvements are being made in the methods of treatment better extraction may in future be expected. Important developments are also being made in the Talisman Extended Mine. In the Owharoa district, the Ohinemuri Syndicate are carrying on prospecting operations at a considerable depth below the old workings. Ohinemuri is, without question, the premier quartz-mining field in the colony, and bids fair to maintain its position for some time to come. The total returns for the year were 170,881 tons 11 cwt. of quartz crushed for a yield of 459,652 oz. 14 dwt. of bullion, valued at £473,397 18s. 2d., as against £300,107 17s. Bd. for the previous year, and showing an increase of £173,290 os. 6d. The following are some of the principal returns :—

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Waihi Mine.—The following are the returns from this famous mine since 1890 :— Tons. £ s. d. 1890 ... 21,112 13 0 1891 ... ... ... ... ... ..: 23,935 5 11 1892 ... 18,236 44,888 2 4 1893 19,805 61,900 10 11 1894 ... ... ... ... ... 24,864 82,827 2 2 1895 ... ... ... ... ... 33,670 120,334 2 2 1896 ... ... ... ... ... 34,400 137,321 8 2 1897 ... 40,764 144,040 9 7 1898 ; . 77,929 253,304 12 5 1899— Period ending 4th February ... ... 8,538 24,256 0 0 4th March ... ... 7,152 22,076 0 0 4th April ... ... 7,635 22,095 0 0 4th May ... ... 7,534 22,779 2 6 3rd June ... ... 7,890 25,723 5 3 Ist July ... ... 7,715 24,444 0 0 296,132 1,031,037 14 5 From the Waitekauri Mine the returns are : — To December, 1897 ... ... ... ... ... 85,490 11 0 For the year to December, 1898 ... ... ... ... 64,052 6 0 Period ended 28th January, 1899 ... ... ... ... 8,731 0 0 25th February, 1899... ... ... ... 0 0 25th March, 1899 ... ... ... ... 5,629 0 0 169,920 17 0 From the New Zealand Crown Mines the returns are :— Tons. £ s. d. Prior to 1898 .... 138,104 0 0 In the year 1898 ... ... ... ... 25,563 52,024 0 0 January, 1899 ... ... ... ... 2,664 5,592 0 0 February, 1899 ... ... ... ... 2,524 4,889 0 0 March, 1899 ... ... ... ... 2,730 5,652 0 0 33,481 206,261 0 0 Taueanga and otheb Disteicts. There does not appear to be an immediate prospect of any great addition to the returns from the refractory ores in the Te Aroha district, nor from the Tauranga, Puhipuhi, or Great Barrier districts, until suitable quartz-mills are erected. A parcel of ore from the Great Barrier mines is, however, now beinotreated at the Woodstock battery at the Thames, to confirm tests of samples sent to San Francisco and Chicago. If the results from the crushing are satisfactory, a plant will be erected at Great Barrier, which it is expected will be completed not later than March next. Nelson and West Coast Disteicts. The return of gold from the Progress Mines, near Reefton, has been most gratifying, showing that the resources of this district are by no means exhausted. The quantity of ore operated on since May, 1898, was 37,500 tons, which yielded gold to the value of £63,593 3s. 7d., and the further treatment of 344-5 tons of concentrates by the chlorination process yielded gold valued at £5,315 15s. 10d., or a total value of £68,908 19s. sd. A fair proportion of the ore was obtained from the deepest workings of the mine, the reef at No. 7 level improving in appearance and in value as operations were extended. It is therefore apparent that deep mining in this district has, so far, proved successful; and this, with the recent discoveries made in the Keep-It-Dark, Big River, and other mines, give promise of a continuance of further profitable returns. The yields from the Aorangi Mine, which forms part of the Taitapu Gold Estates freehold property, show that future satisfactory returns may be expected.

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i :•;.. In the Lyell district the consolidation ofthe Alpine Extended Mine has led to more systematic development, which will probably have good results. On the whole, it may be assumed that the large returns for the past year will be equalled, if not exceeded, by the product of next year's operations, especially as the prospects in other mines are of a favourable character. The returns from the quartz-mines in these districts amounted to £109,019 2s. 10d., showing an increase of £81,988 7s. lOd. over the previous year. Otago and Southland. The chief production for the year was from the Cromwell, Macetown, and Preservation Inlet districts. The Achilles Mine at Bullendale, which has been one of the most regular gold-producers in the past, is now undergoing development, having been intrusted to Messrs. Taylor and Son, the eminent firm of mining engineers, London, and may again be expected to contribute to future returns. In the other fields no very extensive operations are carried on, other than working out the most readily accessible parts of the reefs and veins that have been already opened, but the work now in course of development at the OPQ mine at Waipori is of a promising character. The return from quartz-mines for the year was 9,870 oz. 0 dwt. 16 gr., valued at £38,493, as against 17,301 oz. 18 dwt. 16 gr., valued at £67,900, or a decrease of £29,407 on the previous year. DIVIDENDS FEOM QUAETZ-MINING. The following dividends were paid by quartz-mining companies operating in New Zealand during the year ended 31st March, 1899:— Waihi Company ... ... ... ... ... ... £112,000 Waitekauri ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 9,620 Waiotahi ... ... ' ... ... ... ... ... 1,050 Big Eiver ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 900 And since that date further dividends have been paid by the—Waihi Company ... ... ... ".'.. ... ... £32,000 Waiotahi ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 300 Progress Mines ... ... ... ... ... ... 12,500 The total amount of dividends paid by the under-mentioned companies from the date of their commencing operations to the 30th of June, 1899, is as follows;— Waihi Gold-mining Company ... ... ... ... ... £404,500 Hauraki Gold-mining Company... ... ... ... ... 144,000 Waiotahi ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 35,850 Waitekauri ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 42,180 -.• ... ; BigEiver ... ... ... ... ... 40,500 ; Progress ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 12,500 Boyal Oak ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 12,500 New Zealand Crown ... ... ... ... ... ... 10,000 ALLUVIAL MINING. 5 This class of gold-mining is confined to the Middle Island. The gold is derived from deposits of gravel found on the mountains at a height of 4,000 ft. above sea-level, and on horizons at various elevations, from the highest down to at least 300 ft. below sea-level. Many rivers and streams contain gold in the gravel of which their beds are composed, and it is also found in the later fluviatile deposits in the lower lands. The gold from alluvial workings, including dredging operations, is about 40 per cent, of the total yield during the past year. Maelboeough. The chief places from which gold is produced are Mahakipawa, Wakamarina, and some of the branches of the Wairau River. ;-;:.;': i: ! Nelson. the Collingwood District the Parapara Hydraulic Sluicing and Mining

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Company and several .other sluicing claims have given fair returns of gold. The Collingwood Goldfields (Limited) have constructed extensive water-races, and will shortly be in a position to commence hydraulic sluicing operations. West Coast. Hydraulic sluicing has been commenced at Karamea, and some prospecting is also carried on in that district. A number of small parties are employed on the beach between Mokihinui and Westport, and several parties are at work in the Waimangaroa and Orawaiti. At Fairdown the General Exploration Company have for some time conducted hydraulic sluicing operations. At Bradshaw's Terrace several parties are profitably employed, and at Addison's Flat a number of claims are being worked, but very little has been done at the Bendigo Claim during the year. Prospecting has also been carried on at Brown's Terrace. At Charleston the usual number of parties are employed on the cement leads and on the black-sand beaches. Powell's hydraulic elevating claim is also at work on the black-sand deposits near the beach. On the Buller River several parties are employed near Berlin's and at different points between Inangahua Junction and Lyell. Sluicing operations are also being carried on on the Matakitaki and Maruia Rivers. A number of parties are also employed on the branches of the Inangahua. Grey Valley. There is also alluvial mining at Antonio's, Blackwater, Noble's, and Orwell Creeks, and at Ahaura, Callaghan's, Nelson Creek, Healey's Gully, Blackball, and Moonlight, and at No Town, Bell Hill, and Sulky Gully. Greymouth Beaches. , Between Cobden and Point Elizabeth a few parties are working, and there are several sluicing claims at the Fourteen Mile Beach, Seventeen Mile Beach, Canoe Creek, and Barrytown Flat, and on other beaches as far north as Brighton. Small parties are also engaged at some of the creeks and beaches between Greymouth and Hokitika. Marsden District. A number of parties, Chinese and Europeans, are engaged at Saltwater River, Dunganville, and Mosquito Flat. Greenstone District. • -■"• .■'.:■. Both ground and hydraulic sluicing is carried on at Maori Point, Greenstone, Blackwater, and Cape Terrace. Kumara District. A number of persons continue to find employment in hydraulic sluicing operations. Upwards of seventeen parties work their claims through the channels, taking the water from the Kumara Water-race. Several private channels are also used by the owners of claims who have a water-supply of their own in addition to what is furnished from the Government Race. No. 5 Channel, Or Main Tail-race, has lately been completed, and the claim-owners are preparing to carry on sluicing through this channel. Prospecting for leads at deep levels is also being carried on. Waimea District. Several parties are engaged sluicing at Callaghan's and the Middle Branch, at which place a new main tail-race is nearly completed, and the claim-holders will shortly be able to use it. A tunnel is being driven from Flowery Creek towards Kelly's Terrace to drain the wet ground. Arahura. The Humphries' Gully hydraulic-sluicing claim continues to be worked, and water-races to convey an increased quantity of water are being constructed,

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Dwyer's drainage-tunnel has been advanced to 4,085 ft. Boy's Claim continues to be profitably worked, and prospecting is being carried on at Blue Spur Creek. Hokitika. A number of miners are employed at Craig's Freehold and the University Reserve, and at Lake Mahinapua; also at the Houhou, Kanieri, and Kanieri Forks. Rimu. Several parties are engaged along the whole length of the terrace from Woodstock to Seddon's Terrace. Two sections of land, the property of Mr. P. O'Neill, have been resumed for mining purposes. The land being directly convenient to the terrace, and lying between it and the Hokitika River, it was in the way of sluicing operations. Boss. A considerable number of miners still find employment along the Totara River and Donnelly's Creek. The Ross United Company, Mont dOr Sluicing Company, and the Prince of Wales Claim at Donoghue's are being profitably worked, and several parties are prospecting about the Mikonui River. Okarito. The Waiho Hydraulic Sluicing Company will shortly commence operations On their claim at Waiho. Several persons are engaged on the shores of Lake Mapourika, the Callery River, and on the beaches to the northward and southward of Okarito. Throughout Nelson and the West Coast alluvial fields, during dry seasons, the water in the races in many instances is inadequate for sluicing operations, and better conservation must be adopted to keep up a continuous supply. Otago and Southland. Alluvial mining is carried on from Maerewhenua and Livingston on the north-east to Mount Buster, where the auriferous gravels are found at an elevation of upwards of 4,000 ft. above sea-level, and throughout Northern Otago, Central "Otago, Southern Otago, and parts of Southland, including Waikaia, Colac Bay, Orepuki, Waiau, and Preservation Inlet. From this extensive field gold to the value of £21,231,704 has been won since the first discoveries were made. At Maerewhenua and Livingston a considerable number of men find employment in sluicing and mining operations. At Mount Buster work can only be carried on during the summer months. At Kyeburn considerable numbers are engaged mining and sluicing. At Naseby the chief works are hydraulic elevating by water from the Mount Ida Water-race. Hydraulic sluicing is carried on at Blackston Hill and in the St. Bathan's district, at which place claims are also worked by hydraulic elevating. At Vinegar Hill, Welshman's, and Matakanui the elevating method of working is also in use. In the Cardrona and Cromwell districts, on account of the scarcity of water, different methods of working are adopted. Hydraulic elevating and sluicing are the methods adopted on the Shotover River, and extensive elevating plants are in use at Nokomai. At Bald Hill Flat, Roxburgh, Miller's Flat, Island Block, and Beaumont there is hydraulic elevating on some of the terraces on the banks of the Clutha. One ofthe principal elevating plants is that of the. Blue Spur and Gabriel's Gully Consolidated Gold Company at Lawrence. There are also operations of this kind at Munroe's Gully and Weatherston. There are also extensive sluicing and.hydraulic elevating works in the Waikaia district and at Round Hill, near Colac Bay, in Southland ; and sluicing is carried on at Orepuki, Waiau Beach, and in the Preservation Inlet. Throughout Otago the rainfall was more abundant than usual, and consequently the quantity of material operated on has been greater than for several seasons past.

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It may be said, and rightly so, that the alluvial fields are becoming ex* hausted, but if greater attention be paid to water-conservation and the maintenance of a more regular supply those fields should last for years to come. DEEDGING. This method of recovering alluvial gold from the rivers, streams, and valleys containing accumulations of auriferous drifts, is being followed throughout the different goldfields in the Middle Island, and continues to be an important and profitable industry. A large number of claims have been taken up in addition to those already occupied, and on which dredging operations are conducted. The continued improvement in the building of dredges and fitting them with the most suitable machinery, with buckets of greater capacity, has resulted in larger quantities being dealt with at lessened cost per cubic yard. Material can now be dredged, washed, and the stones and tailings elevated and conveyed clear of the pontoons at a cost of from ld. to 3d. per'cubic yard. The number of dredges now working in Otago, Southland, and the West Coast is about eighty, and others are in course of construction. The value of the gold obtained by dredging for the twelve months ending the 31st March last amounted to £169,689, which was 61-4 per cent, ofthe value of the alluvial gold, and 14-5 per cent, of the value of the gold exported from the colony. The gold obtained from thirty-six dredges, for the same period, was 21,173 oz. 12 dwt., which shows the highly profitable nature of dredging operations. According to the published statement of affairs by dredging companies £65,218 were paid in dividends during the year 1898, but, as many of the dredges are owned by private companies, full information about their dividends is not available. Dredging claims have been taken up in the Nelson and Collingwood District at Parapara and on the Aorere River ; in Marlborough on the Mahakipawa and Wakamarina ; on the West Coast on the Buller River and the Matakitake branch ; on the Nile and Totara Rivers at Charleston; on the Grey River, Teremakau, Greenstone, Arahura, Waimea (the Totara River near Ross); and on some ofthe beaches south-west from Okarito. Dredging claims have also been taken up on the following rivers in Otago : Taieri, the Hogburn and Kyeburn branches, Waipori, Tokomairiro, the Clutha and its branches, Waitahuna, Tuapeka, Manuherikia, Lindis, the Kawarau and its branches, Shotover, and Nevis. In Southland, the Mataura and its branches Waikaia, Waikaka, and Waimumu, Lake George and the Waiau River ; and it is probable that, in addition to the number already built and working, further dredges will be provided to work claims. Dividends Paid by Registeeed Companies. The total amount paid in dividends, according to the statutory returns published by registered mining companies in the Government Gazette, up to the 31st December, 1898, was as follows : — £ Gold-dredging companies ... ... ... ... ... 65,218 Alluvial and hydraulic sluicing companies ... ... ... 104,064 Quartz-mining companies .. ... ... ... ... 205,631 374,913 Dividends paid by English companies,—amounts not shown in statutory returns ... ... ... ... ... 617,330 Total ... ... ... . ... ... £992,243 Of the above, £214,025 was paid by companies which were in existence prior to 1888; the balance, £778,218, was paid by companies that have been registered within the last ten years.

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Comparative Value op Expoet op Gold and Silvee por the First Six Months of the Yeaes 1898-99. The latest Customs returns show that the export of gold for the first six months of the present year was valued at £752,643, the return for the corresponding period of 1898 being valued at £527,516, an increase of £225,127. The value of silver exported shows an increase of £4,997 for the same period. SCHOOLS OF MINES. The various schools for classes have been carried on at the Thames, Waihi, Coromandel, Reefton, Nelson, and the Otago University, the instructors at the Thames being officers of the department, subsidies being also granted for part payment of instructors and maintenance of schools at Waihi, Coromandel, and Westport. The school at Reefton is at present closed, but proposals are now under consideration for reopening it. The Otago University was also granted the usual annual amount towards the cost of maintaining its School of Mines. During, the year 170 students attended the schools of mines—namely, sixty-four at the Thames, forty-seven at Coromandel, forty-four at Waihi, forty-seven at Dunedin, and twelve at Reefton. During the previous year 342 attended. This shows a great falling-off for the past year, the decrease in the attendance being about 50 per cent. At the last examination only four students went up for the three scholarships at the Otago University offered annually by the Government for competition by students attending schools of mines, but Mr. William Donovan, of the Thames School, was the only successful candidate. He is thus entitled to a £50-per-annum scholarship, tenable for three years. It is to be regretted that so few of the Schools of Mines students have hitherto availed themselves of the offer of these scholarships. The expenditure on Schools of Mines during the year was £1,450 15s. 2d., exclusive of teachers' salaries. SUNDAY LABOUE IN MINES. Permits to the number of fifty-two, giving permission for the employment of 304 men, were issued by the Inspectors of Mines in all parts of the colony. TBIBUTLNG. This method of working quartz-mines, which had become almost a dead letter during the boom period, is again being adopted by many of the mining companies. The percentage paid by tributers in most of the mines is from 2£ to 15 per cent., no tribute being paid if the miner's earnings do not exceed £1 10s. per week. In the Kuranui-Caledonia-i Mine, at the Thames, no tribute is paid until the miner's earnings exceed £2 per week, after which the percentage rises in a ratio from 5 per cent., proportionate to the earnings of the miner, until a maximum of 50 per cent, is reached, should the earnings amount to £20 per week. "THE MINING ACT, 1898." " The Mining Act, 1898," which came into operation on the Ist February last, appears to have given general satisfaction. Some detailed objections were however raised to certain of the regulations as first issued, but it is believed that the amendments made in the additional regulations overcome most, if not all, the defects which practical experience of the working of the original regulations brought under notice from time to time. In conformity with the requirements of the Act, the regulations have been referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committees of both Houses, and it is hoped that the members of these Committees will submit such further amendments and additions as they may consider desirable, to make the regulations as fully applicable as possible to the varied requirements of the mining industry in the several goldfields districts of the colony. After the Committees have dealt with the matter, fresh regulations will be prepared consolidating the present regulations and incorporating such

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additions and amendments thereto made by the Committees as may be considered desirable. THE CYANIDE PEOCESS. The acquisition of the patent rights under the provisions of " The Cyanide Process Gold-extraction Act, 1897," for which £10,000 was paid to the Cassel Gold-extracting Company, has proved to be satisfactory. Nineteen licenses have been issued to different companies and persons using the process, and royalties amounting to £1,774 18s. 7d. have been paid from 20th August, 1897, to 31st March last, so that even on this basis the royalties would in about six years recoup the amount paid for the patent rights. The plants at which the process will be used are on the increase, and it is anticipated that the cyanide process will be free for use in New Zealand before the expiration of the period mentioned. PEOVISIONAL WAEBANTS. The warrants issued under " The Mining Act Amendment Act, 1896," expired on the 31st December, 1898. Forty-four first-class and eighteen second-class mine-managers' certificates were granted by the Board of Examiners to those persons whose management of mines under provisional warrant had been satisfactory. 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 Miners' Associations. The following amounts were paid as subsidies towards prospecting in the different counties—viz., Bay of Islands, £83 7s. 3d.; Manukau, £10 10s. ; Coromandel, £101 10s; Tauranga, £6 ; Grey, £120 ss. 6d. ; Inangahua, £114 9s. 9d.; Westland, £1,550 15s. 7d.; Selwyn, £13 10s.; Tuapeka, £106 195.; Southland, £36 7s. AID TO DEEP-LEVEL MINING. No new works towards deep-level prospecting have been undertaken during the year. The balance amounting to £1,135 13s. lid. has been paid to the Thames-Hauraki Company, which completes the payment of the full grant of £25,000 to the company on the conditions referred to in previous statements. All works in connection with the pumping plant have been completed, the shaft has been stripped, and the water-level reduced to a depth of 614 ft. from the surface. Boss Flat. With a view to giving encouragement to drain and work the alluvial leads at deep-levels, the Government has received a report on the subject from Mr. C. Napier Bell, and, in pursuance of his recommendations, a survey of the Mikonui River has been made and data obtained whereon to base a scheme for the drainage of the flat by the use of electricity. The estimated cost of this scheme, including construction of race, electrical plant for transmission, &c., together with equipment of mine, is £50,155. It is proposed to withhold an area of 100 acres on Ross Flat for any company that can satisfy the Government of their ability to raise sufficient capital to drain the flat to a depth of 400 ft. below the adit. In the event of this being done, the Government will be prepared to subsidise the undertaking in accordance with the provisions of " The Mining Act, 1898," and the regulations thereunder. BATTEEY FOE PEOSPECTING PUEPOSES. The erection of a battery at Mahakirau, Mercury Bay, in accordance with a decision of the Government to further aid the prospectors and afford facilities for crushing and testing parcels of quartz in new districts, is being proceeded with. Arrangements have been made for the construction and erection of a movable three-stamp testing plant and all necessary fittings.

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WATEE CONSEEVATION. The collection and storage of the rainfall, and of water resulting from the melting of snow on the mountains, has received attention during the year. The officer appointed to examine the most favourable sites where dams and reservoirs for water storage could be constructed, has reported on a reservoir at Gimmerburn, both for irrigation and for the use of miners on the Garibaldi Diggings; two dam sites at Wedderburn for irrigation purposes only; a reservoir site in the North Ida Valley, and also the works in progress for the Eweburn Reservoir. The whole of the foundations of the dam at Eweburn are completed, and the construction of the embankment, which is to be 65 ft. in height at the byewash and 70 ft. at the crest is in progress; but in consequence of it being impossible to continue full working-time throughout the winter, the work may not be finished until towards the end of the year. This reservoir is intended to hold 500,000,000 gallons of water, and the cost of the work to the 30th of June last was £9,410. Further examination has also been made of the works for domestic water supply for the townships of Karangahake, Waitekauri, and Waihi, in the County of Ohinemuri; at the two first-named places the Government has undertaken to assist by contributing half the cost of the works. GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATIONS. The large collection of rock specimens collected during the previous year by Mr. Alexander McKay, the Goverment Geologist, and the mineral specimens in possession of the Mines Department, were prepared and shown at the Auckland Industrial and Mining Exhibition, where they elicited great attention from the mining men who visited the Exhibition. First-class awards were obtained for gold specimens, specimens of ore, and geological specimens. A report was furnished by the Geologist, after an examination at Moturoa, on the prospects of finding petroleum at that place. The report was not, however, of a favourable character. A report was also made on the occurrence of gold, silver, and copper, at Patua Range on the west flanks of Mount Egmont. The metals, however, were not found in payable quantities. The presence of rhodochrosite at Paraparaumu was also reported on, but, although considerable quantities exist, the price obtained at the present time for carbonate of manganese does not admit of the ore being mined for export. Special examinations for gold were made in the district east of Lake Taupo. Alluvial gold was found on the banks of the Hinemaiaia and some of its tributaries by Mr. McKay, but the prospects obtained by him were not payable. Examination was also made of the cement deposit at Te Puke. The cement is gold-bearing, but the Geologist holds out very little hope of its being found payable. The same description of gravels, under similar conditions, are found over a large area between Rotorua and the shores of the Bay of Plenty. Examination for gold was made at the Wade and Dairy Flat, but the formation was not of a promising character, and no gold was seen. A special examination was made of the beds around Riverhead, Auckland, for gem stones, diamonds and other stones of value being reported found near Henderson and Riverhead. Despite persistent reports of their presence in the district, no stones of value were seen. A report was also furnished on the carbonaceous deposits in the hills to the south-west of the Waihi Plain. The locality was examined, and two seams of workable lignite were noted. The material will yet prove a valuable fuel, and local tests show that its steam-raising power is as two to one compared with good rata firewood. During the season an examination was made of the east shore of Pelorus Sound near the entrance frc m Cook Strait; also a survey of the Trooper Range and the district on the coast between the Whareama and Pahau Rivers, on the east coast of Wellington.

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GOAL MINING. The demand for coal continued to increase during the past year, consequently the output from the mines was greater than that of the year 1897. The Kaitangata and Castle Hill collieries are now the property of an English company, and it is intended to increase the output by extending the workings and the introduction of coal-cutting machinery. This company, which is known as the Kaitangata Collieries Shale and Oil Syndicate, has also acquired a right to the Orepuki shale-deposits, and intends to open up the mine and erect the necessary machinery for the extraction of oil. The collieries in Grey and Westport districts are in a position to largely increase their output, if necessary. As an indication of the expansion of the export of coal from Westport, there were 32,519 tons 14 cwt. of coal shipped during the month of May, this being 4,167 tons above the monthly average for last year. Of the above quantity 29,023| tons was from the Westport Coal Company, and 3,496 tons 4 cwt. from the Westport Cardiff Company. There were 900 tons shipped for Samoa, and 403 tons for the Caroline Islands. In the Auckland District the consolidation of the different colliery companies in the Waikato should lead to a more energetic, economical, and profitable manner of working their mines. The extension of the railway to the Thames promises to afford another important market for the coals. Notwithstanding the exhaustion of coal in the Kawakawa District, the increase in the general output of semi-bituminous coal was maintained from Kiripaka and Hikurangi Districts. ACCIDENTS IN MINES. The total number of persons employed in the different classes of mining, and the number of fatal accidents that occurred in each division, was as follows : —

Other accidents occurred, in which twenty-four men were injured, a few more or less seriously, in the North Island. On the West Coast, one in quartz and three in alluvial mining, none of which were of a serious character. In Otago a few accidents were reported, all being of a slight nature. Full inquiries were made into the cause of all the accidents, and in each case the officials in charge of the mine were exonerated from blame. TAEANAKI lEONSAND. A number of experiments have from time to time been made by different people for the production of steel from the sand found along the seashore at the Taranaki District. In May, 1898, a parcel of 20 tons was forwarded to the Agent-General by the s.s. "Gothic," at the request of the Esteve Steel Company. The sand duly arrived in London, and on the 12th July last the Agent-General notified the Government that it had been received and handed over to the company, who paid all costs for packing and shipment. From a report since received from the Agent-General it appears that the company are able to produce high-class tool-steel in the crucible. It is also stated that by experimenting further the sand could be agglomerated and made into pig-iron available for making steel in a Siemen-Martin furnace, as well as making steel of all qualities direct from the sand in such a furnace.

Class of Mining. Number of Persons Employed. Fatal Accidents. Rate per 1,000. Coal .. Quartz ... ... ■ ... Alluvial, hydraulic, sluicing, and dredging 2,003 4,721 8,951 1 9 12 0-5 1-9 1-34 15,675 1-6

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METALLIFEROUS MINES. Some attention is still being directed to the search for lodes containing deposits of copper, but no production of any importance has been recorded. MANGANESE. The production of this metal is unimportant, 217 tons only having been exported. SULPHUR. At Tikitere, in the Rotorua District, 2,043 tons 12 cwt., of the value of £5,367, were mined and exported ; the ore contained about 75 per cent, of sulphur. It is said a larger quantity could be produced if a better tenure to the land was obtained, so that refining works could be erected on the ground. OPAL-MINING. Although opals of a valuable kind occur at Tairua, in the Auckland District, there is no record of any production for the year. PETROLEUM. The boring operations carried on in the Taranaki District have, so far been unsuccessful. KAURI-GUM. . There has been an increase of 3,264 tons in the production during the year, the quantity being 9,905 tons, valued, at £586,767, as against 6,641 tons for the previous year, valued at £398,010. The total quantity of kauri-gum exported since 1853 is 200,475 tons, valued at £9,099,619. 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. MOLYBDENITE. The discovery of this metal was lately made in the Iron Cap Mine at Tararu, Thames. It occurs as loose fragments in nests and small stringers alongside 12in. ironstone vein. Some small fragments run about 40 per cent., but further prospecting must be done before the value of the discovery can be estimated. Thirty years ago molybdenite was found as fine flakes in subcrystalline limestone for the west coast of Otago; and more recently in some auriferous quartz taken from a reef .in the Moonlight Claim, Paparoa Range, but not in paying quantity. SCHEELITE. A parcel of 40 tons of this mineral was obtained by Messrs. Donaldson Brothers from their claim at Macrae's, Otago, where it is found associated with the quartz in an auriferous lode. The material is obtained by crushing the quartz, and recovering the scheelite by concentration. It is said to contain 67 per cent, tungstic acid. ROADS AND TRACKS. The expenditure on roads and tracks during the year shows a decrease compared with that of last year. The total expenditure by the department during the last seventeen years on roads and tracks for the development of the mining industry amounts to £285,322 Bs. 2d. in direct grants, and £92,266 Bs. ld. in subsidies to local bodies ; out of which £42,358 Bs. 6d. and £4,191 7s. 9d. respectively were expended during the year. HAEMATITE PAINT. In the Collingwood District 100 tons of paint were manufactured from haematite by Washbourne Brothers. The New Zealand Paint Manufacturing Company also produced 106 tons of the paint at their haematite works at the Thames Goldfield.

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CINNABAE. Some prospecting work has been carried on on a lode containing cinnabar which had been discovered at Mangakirikiri, in the Thames District, but no appreciable quantity has yet been recovered. THE MINING BUEEAU. The publication of " The New Zealand Mines Record " has been continued since August, 1897, by the Secretary of the Mining Bureau. A great deal of valuable information, more particularly with regard to improved mining processes and machinery, is collected both inside and outside the colony, the publication of which in the " Becord " should tend to the advantage of the mining industry, and give investors a better idea of the varied mineral resources of New Zealand. CONCLUSION. It is satisfactory to state that the mining industry continues on a sound basis. There has been an increased gold production, and capital is being judiciously expended in the development of mines, erection of new machinery, construction of dams and water-races, and especially in the building of new dredges. _ Towards the further development and the extension of the industry it is imperative to continue the construction of roads and tracks, water-conservation, and aid to deep-level prospecting, and substantial votes for these purposes are necessary. That mining in this colony has entered upon a new era of prosperity, I have little doubt, for the latest records of gold and coal production afford a clear indication of the continued progress and the more stable basis on which the industry now rests, but I would again direct attention to the injury done to legitimate mining by rash speculation. *>

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, 1897 and 1898, as well as the Total Value since January, 1853.

For Year ending the 31st December, 1897. For Year ending the 31st December, 1898. Total from the 1st January, 1853, to the 31st December, 1898. Name of Metal or Mineral. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. 'recious metals — Gold .. Silver .. Oz. 251,645 183,892 £ 980,204 20,872 Oz. 280,175 293,851 £ 1,080,691 33,107 Oz. 13,845,727 1,379,013 £ 54,453,325 235,831 Total gold and silver 435,537 1,001,076 574,026 1,113,798 15,224,740 54,689,156 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. "l0 180 l^561 76,073 £ 2 157 1 541 5,892 69,595 Tons. 2J 217 1,828 56,332 9 850,701 9,905 £ 70 "703 4,792 50,381 14 425,350 586,767 Tons. 1,396 J 5,666 3,610 18,502 J 52J 17,702 1,031,331 16,352 11,452,315 200,475 £ 17,938 37,367 52,361 59,237 226 83,574 1,008,622 24,795 5,726,157 9,099,619 6,641 382,320 398,010 Total quantity and value of minerals Value of gold and silver, as above 849,105 856,517 1,001,076 918,9943: 1,068,077 1,113,798 12,747,402| 16,078,338 54,689,156 Total value of minerals produced, including gold and silver 1,857,593 2,181,875 70,767,494

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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, 1898 and 1899, and the Total Quantity and Value from 1857 to the 31st March, 1899.

Year ending 31st March, 1898. Year ending 31st March, 1899. Increase or Decrease for Year ending 31st March, 1899. District and County or Borough. Total Quanti froni Janus 31st Mai Lty and Value a,ry, 1867, to roh, 1899. 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 Tβ Aroha Town District Oz. 16,712 4,014 83,732 90 £ 70,544 16,656 297,704 357 Oz. 13,259 6,367 124,846 89 £ 55,404 26,803 447,680 363 Oz. Oz. 3,453 Oz. £ 2,353 41,114 1 3,942 16!341 3,622 15,213 320 Wellington 108,490 401,602 .48,183 545,463 39,693 2,315,558 8,715,72! 188 701 .Marlbobough— County of Marlborough Blenheim Borough Pioton Borough 619 2,400 621 2,406 2 Nelson— County of Waimea County of Collingwood 619 33 725 2,400 124 2,729 356 1,364 621 2,406 1,424 5,458 323 639 86,385 336,41; 758 2,853 1,720 6,882 962 1,674,859 6,640,041 West Coast — County of Buller County of Inangahua County of Grey County of Westland Brunnerton Borough Kumara Borough .. Hokitika Borough Ross Borough Reefton Borough 8,480 9,727 23,754 21,078 33,918 38,913 95,014 84,312 13,386 19,588 19,773 19,069 53,576 78,350 79,090 76,277 4,906 9,861 3," 981 2,009 295 808 1,979 1,182 3,227 7,915 242 358 2,284 966 1,429 9,136 "53 450 305 17,498,25: 66,121 264,481 74,700 298,824 8,579 4,399,597 Canterbury 14; 12 49 12 36 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 1,462 17,568 20,523 7,213 497 144 1,621 978 10,043 6,699 5,292 3,413 5,597 70,976 83,008 29,166 2,031 589 6,516 3,939 41,021 26,920 21,179 13,713 3,121 19,361 24,185 9,387 578 24 2,000 1,717 4,883 7,262 2,591 3,128 52 12,251 78,325 97,349 37,785 2,356 95 8,039 6,886 19,879 29,168 10,373 12,592 208 1,659 1,793 3,662 2,174 81 379 739 120 5^60 '563 2,'701 28S "52 "51 "51 207 75,504 304,862 78,289 315,306 2,785 5,461,800 21,621,59: Unknown Totals 122 13,938,545 48? 54,813,37' 251!492 976!198 303,525 1,168,930 52,033

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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, 1898. (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.")

Auckland. Nell ion. Marlbi irough. West Coast. ;ago. Wellii igton. Cantej ■bury. To( ;al. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 .: 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 "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 92,346 105,477 142,383 £ i]l92 4,098 13,853 10,552 17,096 17,463 18,277 168,874 434,687 319,146 1,188,708 369,341 437,123 305,068 262,156 221,905 403,627 220,454 154,295 176,416 141,326 131,007 163,618 143,564 170,416 128,140 121,564 139,556 113,191 125,760 181,185 183,655 186,553 211,974 430,862 350,355 392,337 527,786 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 1,892 1,720 £ 40,422 51,272 28,427 17,585 24,552 40,386 37,120 55,841 47,030 29,643 35,918 38,396 42,524 48,692 40,056 32,700 54,786 22,158 17,866 55,862 21,092 17,223 11,424 12,223 13,039 12,494 7,724 8,002 10,337 9,979 10,829 11,320 12,310 11,049 16,896 9,604 8,187 10,634 9,016 10,333 7,055 6,882 24,838 7,952 469 501 404 666 1,852 1,867 2,057 1,274 1.198 1J159 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 2,695 916 810 781 £ 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 3,195 3,003 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 58,817 79,948 £ 5,560 1,127,370 2,140,946 2,018,874 1,608,844 1,269,664 1,121,525 931,528 690,296 756,442 631,203 635,480 531,274 612,823 578,508 571,061 575,258 509,971 519,978 467,152 446,517 471,325 446,287 395,430 400,405 406,451 356,368 437,126 412,383 396,516 347,464 357,719 317,161 235,430 319,789 187,696 399,201 614,387 436,012 259,139 168,871 158,670 171,649 153,364 165,152 154,940 157,674 182,416 135,107 121,423 118,477 113,169 105,003 102,869 113,666 102,670 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 84,649 55,343 5,424,171 £ 727,321 1,546,905 2,380,750 1,689,653 1,004,163 654,647 623,815 686,596 613,456 660,694 619,760 630,696 734,024 542,154 487,632 473,491 455,341 422,277 407,868 457,705 411,923 333,804 352,334 318,932 294,378 317,543 279,518 247,142 256,430 255,976 349,573 333,467 313,238 307,644 353,796 359,991 342,187 223,231 30 £ 120 £ 10,437 13,534 7,336 4,538 194,031 410,862 628,450 480,171 574,574 735,376 686,905 637,474 614,281 544,880 730,029 445,370 505,337 376,388 355,322 322,016 371,685 310,486 287,464 305,248 270,561 251,204 248,374 229,946 237,371 227,079 203,869 201,219 203,211 193,193 251,996 238,079 226,811 221,615 293,491 263,694 251,645 280,175 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 1,041,428 980,204 1,080,691 1.6 37 101 380 24 96 47 169 24 96 33 52 132 206 Totals .. 54,453,32i 2,280,353 8,587,180 255,440 ,008,888 86,231 335,838 5,799,211 23,050,128 21,470,055 273 1,044 48 192 13,845,727

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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, 1898.

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Silver. Copper-ore. Chrome-ore. | Antimony-ore. Manganese-ore. Haematite-ore. Mixed Mineral Ore. Coal. Coke. Kauri-gum. Total. Oz. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. I Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. 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 .. 1897 .. 1898 .. •■ 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 94,307 183,892 293,851 £ 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 20,872 33,107 351 245 137 110 51 246 84 " 1 & I 5,000 2,605 1,590 1,300 1,024 2,700 977 12Q •• 3 8 116 52 3,843 595 768 281 ■ - £ 25 120 1,440 520 24,719 4,318 4,910 1J315 •• £ ; i •• •■" I .. £ •■ I £ I " i •■ •• 3,180 2,366 2 £ 14,824 9,664 8 •• 2 1 261 973 1,027 750 1,672 1,696 990 724 1,463 3,385 1,854 2,658 6,362 7,144 7,020 6,621 3,207 6,522 6,104 43,893 46,136 44,129 68,087 86,405 69,614 91,664 78,911 69,136 75,004 85,987 79,524 76,073 56,332 & 4 2 400 1,228 1,210 800 1,508 1,612 855 655 1,363 3,129 1,954 2,071 5,139 6,187 5,977 5,610 2,380 4,879 4,461 51,257 52,133 44,650 64,971 84,347 67,003 91,173 80,225 72,699 73,438 83,342 71,984 69,595 50,381 •• I ' .. 21 87 15 53 25£ 85 154 87 223 275 1,430 236 267 497 183J 953 2,132 2,218 2,544 4,306 51 107 288 105 & I .. I "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 1,046 856 1,103 1,400 2,228 1,867 2,535 i 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 5,533 6,518 ! 6,393 I 5,875| 4,920| 6,791 8,482 7,519 7,438 8,388 8,705 8,317 8,338 7,425 7,126 6,641 J 9,905 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 79,986 138,523 109,234 118,348 132,975 147,535 242,817 253,778 260,369 336,606 342,151 299,762 257,653 362,449 380,933 329,590 378,563 437,056 517,678 510,775 404,567 418,766 431,323 398,010 586,767 11,063 37,123 80,272 37,064 36,187 40,566 29,084 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 94,307 183,892 293,851 830 1,661 355 1,440 2,522 2,167 2,263 1,300 1,018 3,997 1,995 2,996 1,867 3,077 3,904 3,801 3,600 6,070 6,750 5,882 3,558 4,119 6,631 7,975 8.682J 12,420 12,722 17,177 15,538 14,019 14,9534 13,071 51,4681 52,409 J 51,686 J 79,147 97,828 80,287 J 104,164| 92,891 78,191 84,052 94,026 86,878 84,465 68,293 J 1,295,088 £ 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 91,957 149,272 129,372 137,711 154,687 168,001 275,799 271,623 281,016 350,086 353,024 362,779 318,783 419,844 459,301 439,260 467,465 544,633 614,360 598,330 487,132 516,393 516,149 495,069 675,834 ' 6 55 115 1,105 •• "102 2,516 2,140 2,611 1,271 2,181 384 318 I 602 - 328J 305 1,085 1,080 482 1,153 521 319 534 210 65 180 217 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 1,156 525 205 541 703 4 ■• 612 24 900 804 2,674 1,955 2,784 22 11,335 4,303 8,597 110 5 9 46 20 36 41 678 106 60 2 30 31 OJ "lJ *20 2 "oj "390 75 •■ 4 666 62 134 376 493 515 413 364 331 44 54 21 10 5,289 1,784 3,989 6,246 5,319 11,121 4,950 4,900 3,467 761 1,486 450 157 50J ii 208 ■■ 5 1 114 445 144 162 199 19 2 84 37 25 62 .37 1,561 •1,828 993 1,846 4,142 2,955 9,985 273 6 631 650 353 880 1,335 5,892 *4,792 •• "2£ 2 70 " 9 ! "l4 Totals 1,379,013 5,666 37,367 3,610 52,361 18,502 J 59,237 52J 226 fl7,702 ! 16,352 24,795 10,619,570 235,831 1,3964 17,938 t83,754 l,031,331| 11,008,622 200,476 9,099,619 1,579,013 * Inoluding 1,765 tons of sulphur, value £4,097. t Silver-ore, 46Jtons, £1,497.

19

C—2

No. 5. Return showing the Quantity and Value of Coals imported into New Zealand during the Quarter ended the 31st March, 1899.

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

No. 7. Table showing the Output of Coal from the various Mining Districts, and the Comparative Increase and Decrease, for the Years 1897 and 1898, together with the Total Approximate Quantity of Coal produced since the Mines were opened.

Country whence imported. Quantity. Value. 'iotoria few South Wales Totals Tons. 363 30,610 30,973 £ 281 28,699 30,973 28,980

ioaJ raisei in lony. )oa] impori Year. Tons. Yearly Increase. Tons. Plus or Minus. Increase am Decrease. 1878 .. 1879 .. 1880 .. 1881 .. 1882 .. 1883 .. 1884 .. 1885 .. 1886 .. 1887 .. 1888 .. 1889 .. 1890 .. 1891 .. 1892 .. 1893 .. 1894 .. 1895 .. 1896 .. 1897 .. 1898 .. 162,218 231,218 299,923 337,262 378,272 421,764 480,831 511,063 534,353 558,620 613,895 586,445 ■637,397 668,794 673,315 691,548 719,546 726,654 792,851 840,713 907,033 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 47,862 66,320 174,148 158,076 123,298 129,962 129,582 123,540 148,444 130,202 119,873 107,230 101,341 128,063 110,939 125,318 125,453 117,444 112,961 108,198 101,756 110,907 115,427 + + 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 9,151 4; 520 + + + + +

Output of Coal. Approximate Total Output of Coal up to 1st December, 1898. Name of District. Plus or Minus. Increase or Decrease. 1897. 1898. Kawakawa and Hikurangi Whangarei, Kamo, Ngunguru, and Whauwhau Waikato Mokau Pelorus West Wanganui Westport Eeefton Greymouth Malyern Tim'aru Otago Southland Tons. 53,449 17,285 Tons. 57,332 16,808 + Tons. 3,883 477 Tons. 1,031,519 391,861 66,125 3,148 70,191 4,059 + + 4,066 911 1,021,048 17,712 711 50,996 2,983,304 75,748 2,514,554 355,032 10,657 3,557,300 473,204 908 298,551 2,865 128,676 13,710 1,230 340,321 5,076 118,626 13,347 + + + 322 41,770 2,211 10,050 363 212,292 43,704 233,003 47,040 + + 20,711 3,336 Totals 840,713 907,033 66,320 12,483,646

C—2

20

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, 1898.

Output of Coal. Approximate Total Output of Coal up to the 31st December, 1898. Name of Coal. Increase or lecrease. 1897. 1898. tituminous 'itch.. >rown lignite Tons. 504,764 34,969 268,020 32,960 Tons. 538,477 36,432 298,365 33,759 Tons. + 33,713 + 1,463 +30,345 + 799 Tons. 6,684,926 1,722,488 3,664,619 411,613 Totals 840,713 907,033 66,320 12,483,646

Number of Mines working. Number of Miners employed in each Mine. Total Number of Men employed. Output of Coal during 1898. Average Output per Man. 132 23 2 20 1 to 4 men in each 5 to 10 11 to 20 21 men and upwards 205 163 33 1,602 Tons. 58,322 51,792 14,909 782,010 Tons. 284-49 317-74 451-78 488-14 177 2,003 907,033 452-83

impori Exported. Countries whence imported. Quantity. Value. Countries to which exported. Quantity. Value. Tons. £ Tons. 32,728 £ 31,746 Fnited Kingdom few South Wales ictoria United States of America, East Coast 115,418 4 5 105,203 15 5 United Kingdom Victoria New South Wales ..' Queensland British Columbia United States of America— On the West Coast Fiji Islands South Sea Islands Norfolk Island 9,492 395 1,863 7,054 281 1,595 Totals 1,740 6,758 12,123 90 1,431 5,500 9,925 107 115,427 105,223 Totals .. 65,189 57,639

; C.^2.

No. 11. Number of Miners employed during the Years ending 31st March, 1898 and 1899.

21

Alluvial Miners. Quartz-miners. Totals. Grand Total. Mining District. European. Chinese. European. Chinese. European. Chinese. 1899. 1898. Auckland — North Hauraki and Corornandel .. Thames Ohinemuri Te Aroha Puhipuhi Tauranga Great Barrier .. 888 820 1,852 15 8 10 6 888 820 1,852 15 8 10 6 888 820 1,852 15 8 10 6 1,101 756 1,895 184 10 10 6 Maelbobough— Pelorus, Queen Charlotte Sound .. Wairau Oullen's Creek Waikakaho Wakamarina 3,599 1 7 3,599 3,599 3,962 36 19 3 59 1 43 19 3 61 1 43 19 3 61 1 •13 19 3 61 2 Nelson— Wangapeka, Baton, and Sherry .. Takaka Collingwood Motueka Inangahua Ahaura Charleston Westport, including Addison's,' Northern Terraces, Waimangaroa, North Beach, Mokihinui, ■ Karamea, and Lower Buller Valley Lyell .. Murchison Owen .. .. .. ) 117 10 127 127 127 24 27 76 20 140 600 161 199 220 "20 468 58 24 27 96 20 608 658 161 'l99 220 24 27 96 20 807 878 161 42 146 20 803 779 149 310 10 320 320 400 35 30 63 98 30 128 103 180 115 180 115 295 320 1,573 564 619 2,192 564 2,756 2,762 Westland— Ross Stafford and Goldsborough Hokitika and Kanieri Kumara Greymouth .. .. ) Arnold .. .. J Okarito 90 300 425 340 2 100 30 100 4 94 300 425 340 2 100 30 100 96 400 455 440 101 520 480 450 690 208 23 713 208 921 880 64 1 64 1 65 86 1,909 441 27 1,936 42 515 945 441 2,377 2,517 115 690 1,168 Otago— Hindon Tuapeka Clyde, Roxburgh, Black's, and Alexandra Cromwell Tapanui Waikaia Wyndham Longwood .. .. j Orepuki .. .. V Roundhill and Wilson's River j Wakatipu Goldfields —Arrow, Macetown, Cardrona, Kawarau, Bracken's, and Motatapu Queenstown Naseby St. Bathan's Hyde .. Macrae's Maerewhenua and Kurow Pembroke 40 460 915 395 20 226 18 390 5 200 198 150 20 70 130 2 55 30 40 4 80 435 20 230 18 470 5 200 198 150 20 70 130 47 ,715 ■t-,143 585 40 300 18 600 522 40 315 12 490 200 20 100 300 20 320 320 300 161 92 20 26 90 30 25 90 2 12 30 100 400 161 92 30 71 90 30 25 90 2 12 30 425 251 94 42 101 90 42 500 I 501 10 45 12 12 105 52 3,383 964 466 SUMMABY. 3,849 964 4,813 4,830 Auckland ., Marlbobough Nelson Westland Otago 117 1,573 1,909 3,383 564 441 964 3,599 10 619 27 466 3,599 127 2,192 1,936 3,849 564 441 964 3,599 127 2,756 2,377 4,813 3,962 127 2,762 2,517 4,830 Totals 6,982 1,969 4,721 11,703 1,969 13,672 14,198 Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparatioi not given printing (2,350 copies; I, £16 14s. 'rice 9d.] -1899. By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.