MINES STATEMENT. BY THE HON. JAMES McGOWAN, MINISTER OF MINES.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1903 Session I, C-02

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1903. NEW ZEALAND.

MINES STATEMENT. BY THE HON. JAMES McGOWAN, MINISTER OF MINES.

Mr. Speaker,— In presenting my annual Statement to Parliament it gives me much pleasure to be able to point to the continued growth of the mining industry of this colony, as evidenced by the returns of output and value. These show a decided increase—notably so in the case of the production of coal and of the precious metals. In comparison with the year 1901 the returns for last year show an advance in gross value of considerably over a quarter of a million pounds sterling. * It may be interesting at the outset to briefly review the progress of mining m New Zealand In 1857 gold to the value of £40,422 was entered Sr ex portation; m 1860 the value similarly entered was only £17 585 In 1861 an impetus was given to the industry by the discovery of alluvial gold in Otago and gold to the value of £751,873 was obtained, the output being doubled in the following year. During 1863 the gold-export was £2,431,723, and for the following eight years the production was very large, the maximum being obtained in the year 1871, when it reached no less a sum than £2,787,520 From that tune there was a general decline until 1890, when the value of gold entered for exportation was only £773,438, this being the lowest amount since 1861 The year 1891 showed a decided advance, and for a further period of seven years the annual returns oscillated backwards and forwards, the approximate average production being of a value of about £900,000 per annum During the year 1899 an increase was experienced, the amount being returned at £1,513 173. This was followed by a falling-off in 1900 to the extent of £73,571 (a circumstance largely due to temporary suspensions for alterations m methods of treatment), but in 1901 a marked advance became again noticeable, the gold-production being returned at a value of £1 753 783 For last year (1902) a further increase is reported, and the value of gold produced was £1,951 433 An increase in the amount of silver produced has also taken place and the total value of gold and silver produced for the year 1902 amounts to ±/,UijO,4Uo. The production of coal and lignite may be reviewed for a period extending over a quarter of a century. In 1878 the tonnage returned was 162 218 and a gradual increase took place each year until the end of 1888, the 'returns for that year being 613,895 tons. In JBB9 the output decreased to 586,445 tons but during 1890 an increased output was produced, the returns showing 637 397 lonn «** that , date *he production has steadily increased, and in the year 1900 the returns showed that for the first time in the history of the colony the output had reached over a million tons. The production for last year (1902) was 1,365,040 tons. '

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MINERAL PRODUCTION. The annexed Table No. 1 shows the quantity of gold, silver, coal, and other minerals, including kauri-gum, produced during the year ending the 31st December, 1902. The total production of gold and silver was 1,182,241 oz., valued at £2,023,408, and shows an increase in value of £204,367 as compared with that of the preceding year. The output of other minerals, including coal and lignite, has been 1,373,077 tons, representing a value of £1,198,214, being 124,913 tons in excess of the previous year. Kauri-gum to the amount of 7,430 tons, valued at £450,223, was obtained. Compared with the production of the previous year this shows a decrease of 111 tons, but an increase in value of £4,109. The quantities and values of the chief mineral productions for the past two years are summarised for comparison as follow : — Year ending 31st December, 1901. Year ending 31st December, 1902. Product. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. £ £ Gold ... ... ... 455,5610z. 1,753,783 508,0400z. 1,951,433 Silver ... ... ... 571,134 „ 65,258 674,196 „ 71,975 Copper-ore ... ... 3 tons 105 Antimony... ... ... 30 „ 136 Manganese-ore ... ... 208 „ 614 Mixed minerals ... ... 696 „ 7,775 415 tons 4,422 Chrome-ore ... ... ... ... 175 „ 525 Colonial coal exported, including that used by Home steamers ... ... 159,643 „ 142,176 188,677 „ 154,747 Haematite... ... ... ... ... 17 „ 116 Colonial coal consumed in New Zealand ... ... 1,067,995 „ 533,998 1,174,025 , 587,012 Kauri-gum ... ... 7,541 „ 446,114 7,430 „ 450,223 Shale ... ... ... 12,048 „ 6,024 2,338 „ 1,169 Total value of production for 1902 ... ... ... £3,221,622 1901 ... ... ... 2,955,983 Total increase ... ... ... £265,639 The total value of gold, silver, coal, and other minerals (including kaurigum) produced up to the end of 1902 was £82,282,586. During the first six months of this year a substantial increase in the value of gold and silver exported is shown by the following table of comparisons, which has been compiled from the returns of Customs:—

Comparative Statement of Gold and Silver entered for Export during the First Half of the Years 1902 and 1903.

GOLD EXPORT. The quantity of gold entered for exportation through the Customs for the year 1902 was as follows : —Auckland, 201,583 oz. ; Marlborough, 601 oz.; Nelson, 5,947 oz. ; West Coast, 118,796 oz. ; Canterbury, 2 oz.; Otago and Southland, 181,116 oz. GOLD-MINING. Quartz. The working of gold-bearing quartz reefs continues to provide employment for a large number of men in both Islands, the principal centres and largest mines being in the Upper Thames portion of the North Island and in the locality of Eeefton in the Middle Island.

Half-vear endi 191 ing 80th June, 32. Half-year endi: 19( 3g 30th June, 13. Increase for First Half of 1903. Quantity Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. ! Gold Silver Oz. ... 232,403 ... 323,073 £ 889,450 36,707 Oz. 257,198 495,268 £ 977,821 48,891 Oz. 24,795 172,195 £ 88,371 12,184 555,476 926,157 752,466 1,026,712 196,990 100,555

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In the Hauraki Mining District, it is to be noted that extensive additions have been made to the plant of the Waihi Gold-mining Company, by which the crushing-power of the mills has been increased to 330 stamps. The dry-crushing process formerly adopted by this company has now given place to wet crushing, with results satisfactory to the owners and highly beneficial to the health of the men employed in the batteries. It may be remarked that the process of dry crushing has disappeared altogether from battery practice in New Zealand. Extensive bodies of ore have been proved at the Waihi Cold-mining Company's mines, which will afford a large output for many years to come, and work is now being undertaken for further development of the property at an increased depth. None of the mines at Waihi, other than those owned by the Waihi Goldmining Company, have yet reached a productive stage, but appearances favour the opinion that more determined efforts will be made to prove the continuation of the reef-system beyond the boundaries of the Waihi Gold-mining Company's holding. The New Zealand Crown Mines at Karangahake rank second in importance, and satisfactory results were obtained for the year. Development-work has been largely in evidence at the neighbouring properties owned by the Talisman Consolidated (Limited) and the Woodstock Gold-mining Company. The latter company's operations have, however, been intermittent, and boring operations have been undertaken to further prove the property. At Waitekauri results have been disappointing, owing to large bodies of calcite in the reefs, in some instances practically displacing the quartz. Payable returns have been obtained from the Koniata Keefs and from the Tairua Broken Hills Mine. Prospecting-work at Neavesville has also turned out well, and the mine is to be developed and a battery erected. At Waiorongomai satisfactory returns were obtained, and extensions to battery plant are under consideration. Nothing new in the shape of developments can be reported at the Lower Thames. Boring operations by the Victoria Gold-mining Company have been suspended, but a public movement is now on foot to prove by a series of bores the existence or otherwise of gold-bearing reefs at a depth beyond that which has already been reached. The Government has agreed to contribute towards the cost of the undertaking, which is one of vital importance to the district. The question of further ore-bodies existing at Thames is one which should be definitely settled, and within recent years the enlargement and deepening of the Queen of Beauty shaft was undertaken by the Thames-Hauraki Goldfields (Limited) with the object of exploring the ground at depth. In consideration of the company undertaking to sink this shaft to a depth of 2,000 ft. the Government paid a substantial subsidy towards the cost of a very powerful pumping plant, which was intended eventually to drain the other mines in the locality. Owing to financial difficulties the company was unable to continue its operations, and all work was stopped. To satisfy the demands of creditors the properties of the company were recently put up to auction by order of the Court, and purchased by the Government to prevent the machinery being sold piecemeal, and so retarding the development of deep-level mining, and probably causing its abandonment for many years to come. The shaft and plant are now available for use on such terms and conditions as may be considered most desirable to further the objects for which they were intended. At Coromandel an impetus has been given to gold-mining by the discovery of highly payable ore at the Hauraki and Bunker's Hill Mines. Some of the mines (on which large sums of money have been spent) have closed down, but operations are being steadily prosecuted at the Boyal Oak Mine and at several small properties adjacent to the town. It is to be regretted that the value of the ore at the Kauri Freehold Gold Estates Company's Mines at Opitonui, and also at the Mariposa and Kapai-Vermont joint properties at Kuaotunu, is too poor to admit of working otherwise than at a loss, and these mines have had to close down for the present. The Waitaia Mine, in the

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locality of Kuaotunu, has, however, been kept steadily at work, and there ai'e indications that the scope of the company's operations will be extended. At Gum town a small amount of work is going on, but the developments on this field up to the present are only on a small scale. Work on Great Barrier Island has been very limited. Quartz-mining is only carried on in a very small way in the Marlborough District, operations being practically confined to the locality of Top Valley. In the Nelson and West Coast Districts the mines at Taitapu are being developed more fully, with very good results. Sinking has been undertaken at Lyell, and it is hoped that payable ore will be obtained. This is the first attempt that has been made to prove the reef-system below adit-level, and the result will be watched with much interest. The mines in the vicinity of Keefton, which include the Progress Mines and those of the Consolidated Goldfields Company and the Keep-it-Dark Company, continue to yield good returns, and development-work appears to be kept well in advance of the demands of the mills. After spending a large sum in opening up the New Inkerman Mine in a comprehensive manner, the owners are about to commence treatment with fifteen stamps, concentrators, and cyanide plant, in order to test the quality of the ore on a commercial scale before putting down large reduction-works. It is expected that this, together with developments now in progress at reefs on the Paparoa liange, will materially assist in augmenting the yield from quartz-mining on the West Coast. The value of gold won from quartz-mining in the Southern District shows an increase as compared with the previous year. The Achilles Mine, at Bullendale, and the O.P.Q. Mine, at Waipori, have not been worked during the year, and operations have ceased for the time being at the Cromwell Mine, Bendigo. Quite a number of small properties are being worked in the locality of Nenthorn and Macrae's ; and some payable returns have been obtained at Barewood, where properties were taken up by Home syndicates and abandoned without being fairly tested. Increased attention is being devoted to the reef-systems of Otago, especially near Skipper's Point and on the Carrick Eange. It is understood that efforts are being made to form a strong company with the object of working several reefs in the neighbourhood of Macetown. Very little work is going on at Preservation Inlet. Hydraulic and Alluvial Mining. The work of winning free gold from alluvial deposits is practically confined to the Middle Island, although a little desultory digging is done at Stewart Island. Year by year the shallow and easily worked patches are becoming exhausted, and as the ground gets poorer and the overburden greater it is beyond the means of the individual digger to work claims so circumstanced with success. It is in such cases that hydraulic sluicing, and in many instances hydraulic elevating also, meets the demand, and under these conditions this method of mining is the most efficient and economical that can be adopted. Hydraulic mining has for several years past been conducted on a comprehensive scale, and, although in many cases there is ground which will take several years to work out, there is a probability that in some districts a falling-off is inevitable within the next decade. The water now used for mining purposes on some fields will be very valuable for irrigation in the future. This applies especially to Central Otago, where there are considerable areas of land which, with a plentiful water-supply, could be farmed to advantage. The class of mining under notice continues to provide employment for a number of men in various parts of the Middle Island, the principal centres of operations being in the localities of Collingwood, Murchison, Westport, Grey Valley, Kumara, Hokitika, Boss, and Okarito on the West Coast; and Lawrence, Roxburgh, Alexandra, Matakanui, St. Bathan's, Naseby, Queenstown, Nokomai, Waikaia, and Orepuki in the south. The siphons in connection with the Mountain Hut Water-race are now completed; this race will give additional life to the workings at Maerewhenua.

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A storage dam has also been constructed near Naseby. The two works just named were undertaken by the Government, reference to their object being made in my Statement of last year. Dredge Mining. The total number of dredges are returned to the 31st December last as follows: Working, 201; standing, 52; building, 23; under removal, 14; wrecked, 2 : total, 292. This shows an increase of eighteen working dredges as compared with those actually employed at the end of 1901. The industry may be said to have fairly settled down after the excitement of the "boom" period of from two to four years ago, and steady returns can reasonably be expected from this branch of mining for a considerable time to come. In some instances dredges were placed on claims which were more suitable to the method of hydraulic mining, and have been superseded by the latter system. On the West Coast it was found that much stronger machinery was required to work the tight wash frequently met with than is necessary for the more free gravels of Otago, and the experience so gained should be of value in the design and construction of dredges intended for the West Coast District in the future. The general design of dredges has been fairly well settled by experience, but improvements in the details of working-arrangements and in respect to the methods of saving fine gold continue to be made from time to time. It is now necessary that the masters of dredges working on deep or swiftflowing streams should be the holders of certificates of service or competency. These certificates are issued by the Board of Examiners appointed under the provisions of " The Mining Act, 1898." PROSPECTING. The sum of £1,131 Os. 4d. was expended in subsidies for the year ending the 31st March, 1903, to prospecting associations and parties of miners actually engaged in prospecting. THE CYANIDE PROCESS OF GOLD-EXTRACTION. In 1897 the patent rights of this invention were purchased for New Zealand by the Government in order to place the process at the disposal of mine-owners in this colony. The results obtained from its adoption at quartz-mines have amply justified the action of the Government in this matter, and the amount of royalty received up to the 31st March, 1903, is £6,141, which is over three-fifths of the sum paid to acquire the rights for the colony. WATERCOURSES FOR TAILINGS, ETC. The sum of £3,215 has been paid during the year as compensation in respect to lands adjacent to five rivers and streams proclaimed as water-courses into which tailings and mining debris may be discharged. Channels for carrying off storm-water and tailings-water from the dredges working at Charlton Creek and Waimumu have also been put under construction. SCHOOLS OF MINES. During the past eighteen years the aggregate expenditure on schools of mines in the colony has been £36,114 lis. sd. This amount includes the grants made to the Mining School in connection with the University of Otago at Dunedin. The schools have proved of considerable value to a large number of students aspiring to become qualified to hold responsible positions in connection with mines and batteries. COAL-MINING. As already intimated, the returns from our coal-mines show a steady increase, the production for last year being 1,365,040 tons, or 125,354 tons in excess of the previous year's output.

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The increases for the several districts are as follows : Northern District, 16,961 tons; West Coast District, 84,281 tons; Southern District, 24,112 tons: total, 125,354 tons. The total production for the colony during last year for the various classes of coals is as follows :— Tons. Bituminous and semi-bituminous coal ... ... ... ... 845,046 Pitch coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 25,245 Brown coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 427,172 Lignite ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 65,239 Oil-shale ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,338 Total ... ... ... ... ... 1,365,040 The gross recorded output of coal and lignite (including oil-shale) now exceeds seventeen millions of tons. In the North Island the production for last year from the principal mines was as follows : Taupiri Coal-mines (Limited), 89,263 tons ; Hikurangi Coal Company (Limited), 39,119 tons; Ngunguru Mine, 18,017 tons; and Kiripaka Mine, 14,138 tons. The Middle Island is the chief source of the coal-output of the colony, the West Coast Mining District affording the supply of bituminous coal. Here the collieries of the Westport Coal Company (Limited) maintain their pre-eminence, and last year produced 520,086 tons. Brunner Colliery had an output of 116,714 tons, and Blackball Colliery 99,597 tons. The production at this latter place is limited to the capacity of the aerial tramway, by which the coal is transported to the railway; but when railway connection with the colliery is established there is every likelihood of an increased output. In the southern part of the Middle Island the collieries at Kaitangata still hold first place in point of magnitude. The output for the year was 118,050 tons —the second largest in the colony —followed by Nightcaps Colliery with 39,934 tons; Allandale Colliery, 21,916 tons; Fortification Colliery, near Milton, 16,522 tons; Lovell's Flat Colliery, 15,662 tons; Saddle Hill Colliery, 11,955 tons ; Jubilee Colliery, Fairfield, 11,587 tons ; and Walton Park Colliery, Fairfield, 10,283 tons. A large number of small pits are worked for purely local requirements, with outputs varying from a settler's personal requirements to nearly 10,000 tons. The Shag Point Colliery, which for many years was one of the chief producers of coal in the South, has had very serious difficulties owing to an influx of water. The merchantable coal has also been practically exhausted, present operations being confined to the working of a limited area of coal above the water-level. The output of oil-shale at Orepuki fell off very considerably during the year in consequence of suspension of operations at the oil-works. The total number of mines returned as having been worked during the year is 180, employing 2,885 persons. Many of the pits are mere quarries, at which lignite is obtained for local use. Boring-operations by the Greymouth Harbour Board, to prove the continuation of the Brunner coalfield in the direction of Greymouth, were referred to in my last Statement. I learn that in the first borehole at Dobson coal 4 ft. 9 in. in thickness was struck at a depth of 556 ft., and a second seam at 572 ft., which had a thickness of 12 ft. 6 in. A second borehole, 44 chains nearer Greymouth, and consequently further to the dip of the measures, struck coal at 1,140 ft. The seam was 2 ft. 6 in. thick, and is probably identical with the upper seam struck in the first borehole. Unfortunately the larger seam was not bored to, as loose material falling from the sides of the bore prevented further progress. A third borehole, 48 chains nearer Greymouth than the second hole, and still further to the dip of the measures, has been drilled to a depth of 2,165 ft. (the limit of the available boring-rods) without reaching the coal, but some crude petroleum and inflammable gas have come to the surface. These indications appear to point to coal below. Small pockets of petroleum sometimes occur above coal-seams at considerable depth.

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STATE COAL-MINES. The preliminary works for the opening-up of the State collieries are being vigorously prosecuted both at Seddonville, near Westport, and at Point Elizabeth, near Greymouth. At the former place the main tunnel and surface haulage-road, together with an additional siding and necessary repairs to some of the plant formerly owned by the late Westport-Cardiff Coal Company (Limited), are approaching completion, and the work of opening-up in the coal will, it is anticipated, enable a supply (although small at first) to be forthcoming from the Seddonville Colliery probably within the next two months. At Point Elizabeth Colliery the necessary tunnels are being driven to win the coal in different sections of the property, and the main seam, 16 ft. in thickness, has already been reached in No. 1 tunnel. The construction of haulageroads, loading-bins, and other requirements are in progress. The railway to connect the colliery with the Port of Greymouth was partially constructed by the late lessees of the coal properties, and on the cancellation of the lease was purchased by the Government. It is now being completed under the charge of the Public Works Department. Further details as to these works will be found in the reports of the Manager of the State coal-mines. ACCIDENTS IN MINES. Sixteen fatalities occurred in connection with the various branches ot mining-work conducted throughout New Zealand during the year ended the 31st December last, and are summarised as follows : —

In all cases these accidents were inquired into by the Department. It is found that by far the greater proportion of fatal accidents at dredges is in connection with boating and the oiling of machinery while in motion, being mainly the result of carelessness on the part of the men. Apart from this, the figures show that mining, and underground mining especially, is conducted on safe and careful lines, and presents a lower death-rate than many trades carried on in broad daylight, where the risks are generally admitted to be infinitely less. It is evident that great care is exercised by the management of mines. At the same time, it must not be forgotten that underground work has special dangers and risks, and that, owing to the ever-changing conditions which prevail in mining, accidents are liable to occur in even the best-regulated mines. SULPHUR. The exports of sulphur have fallen off during the past two years. For the year 1902 the returns show an export of only 100 tons, valued at £475. KAURI-GUM. The output of kauri-gum appears to be steadily diminishing in quantity but increasing considerably in value. The export returns for last year show 7,430 tons, valued at £450,223, as compared with an export of 7,541 tons, valued at £446,114, for the year 1901. There appears some probability that the peaty and swampy ground of old kauri forests will be treated for the extraction of the gum and its constituent oils, with which the ground is more or less permeated.

Class of Mining. Number of Persons employed. Fatalities. Rate per 1,000. I rold-mining — Quartz-mines .. Hydraulic and alluvial mines Dredges loal-mines 3,807 7,591 2 3 9 2 ) 0-51 1-58 0-69 2,885 _ 14,283 16 16 1-12

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SCHEELITE. Messrs. Donaldson, of Macrae's (Otago), continue to prepare this mineral for market. It is found associated with gold-bearing quartz, and separated at the battery by concentrating-tables. Scheelite is also found at the Top Valley, Marlborough, in association with quartz-reefs. HiEMATITE PAINT. This is manufactured at Thames and Parapara from ores found in these localities. There are no fresh developments to note. GALENA. An effort is being made to work the deposits near Te Aroha. The ore contains gold, silver, and copper, in addition to lead. A trial shipment has been sent to Australia for treatment at a smelting-works. IRON. Although the manufacture of iron has not yet been commenced in this colony, it is satisfactory to note that arrangements have been made which are likely to lead to the development of our iron-ore deposits at Parapara, and also the ironsands of Taranaki, it being intended to work both on a commercial scale. The manufacture of iron and steel from these ores will doubtless become an important industry. ROCK PHOSPHATE. The discovery of this material at Clarendon (Otago), which was referred to in my Statement of last year, has been followed up in a practical manner, and the working of the rock, together with its chemical treatment, has become a recognised industry. Excellent results from the use of these phosphates have been reported, and as phosphate fertilisers are in demand, and large quantities imported into the colony, the working of these deposits will naturally become a matter of practical interest to the farming community. PETROLEUM. Boring is in progress at Kotuku, near Greymouth, but so far nothing of commercial importance has been met with. OTHER MINERALS. The attempt to mine antimony-ore at Alexandra (Otago) has been abandoned in the meantime, owing to the expense of getting the ore to a port. Prospecting operations have been continued in connection with the cinnabar lode at Waitahuna Heights, but no ore has yet been sent away. Copper-ore is not being worked at present, but inquires are being made as to the nature and extent of the deposits. ROADS AND TRACKS. The expenditure for the year on roads and tracks amounted to £51,690 ss. 4d., this being an increase of £4,117 Is. Id. as compared with that of the preceding twelve months. The subsidies granted to local bodies amounted to £1,493 12s. 2d., and the sum of £50,196 13s. 2d. has been expended in direct grants for roads and tracks in mining districts. The total expenditure by the Department under this heading during the past twenty-one years amounts to £420,159 lis. and £151,455 10s. lid. respectively. GEOLOGICAL. The work of the Government Geologist has included the collection of data which it is intended to incorporate in a projected work on " The Geology of New Zealand," and also of preparing for the press descriptions and illustrations of rock-specimens from the Hauraki Goldfields, which have been classified and reported on by Professor Sollas (Oxford), together with an account of the geology of the district from which the specimens referred to were obtained. As the result of these labours a work on "The Petrology of the Hauraki Goldfields" will be published, which should prove valuable to students and the mining community.

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TFIE MINING BUREAU. The publication of the Neiv Zealand Mines Record has been continued since August, 1897, by the Secretary of the Mining Bureau. Valuable information in reference to improved mining processes and machinery is collected from the principal centres of mining activity in Great Britain, South Africa, the United States, and the Australian Commonwealth, and disseminated through the pages of the Record. This is a distinct advantage to those engaged in the industry in this colony ; while the reports in reference to the metalliferous and coal deposits of New Zealand that appear from time to time are frequently copied into the mining journals and technical magazines in the countries referred to, and the varied mineral resources of the colony are thus brought into prominent notice. DEPARTMENTAL. Throughout the year the work of the Department has been efficiently carried out by the respective officers at the various centres. The inspection of mines is, I have reason to believe, faithfully carried out, and the visits of Inspectors are as frequent as is really necessary. Experience goes to prove that over-inspection on the part of Government officers is as much to be deprecated as under-inspection ; and that where inspections are more frequent than circumstances demand there is a tendency on the part of some persons in charge of mining operations to endeavour to transfer their responsibilities to the Inspectors of Mines, and, through them, to the Government. This is a condition totally foreign to the objects for which inspection was instituted, and I would emphasize the fact that our mining legislation has given power to the men employed in mines to have independent inspections made by suitable persons on their behalf. By this means the interests of workers are amply safeguarded without unduly interfering with mine manangement a,nd development. CONCLUSION. So far as present evidences go, there appears every prospect that the value of minerals produced during this year will exceed that of the period which has been reviewed in this Statement. In regard to quartz-mining, the present position of several mines is such that good returns may be confidently expected, and there are indications that a considerable degree of permanence is assured. On the other hand, there are places where this class of mining is at present under a cloud, but it is to be hoped that prospecting-work may prove sufficiently encouraging to warrant developments on a large scale. Hydraulic and alluvial mining keeps fairly steady, and is, I think, likely to continue so for some time yet, although, as already pointed out, it must not be forgotten that the shallow and easily worked ground which could be operated without the expenditure of much capital is gradually becoming exhausted. The method of gold-mining by means of dredges will continue for several years, and it is from dredge mining and the hydraulic methods that the output of alluvial gold will be obtained in the future. The coal-mines of the colony are year by year showing an increase in their aggregate production, and, with the advance of population and the growth of other industries in our leading centres, the demands on the mines are likely to become greater, and the requirements will be increased if the negotiations for the manufacture of iron and steel in the colony are carried to a practical issue. Other minerals, at present unworked, will, no doubt, yet contribute to the progress of New Zealand.

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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 ended the 31st December, 1902 and 1901, as well as the Total Value since January, 1853.

For Year ending the Hist December. 19(12. For Year ending the M £*£££*£ the ■list December. 1901. sm D(jt / mber ; 1902 . Name of Metal or Mineral. Quantity, j Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. . Value. l_ I ! I Precious metals— Oz. £ Gold .. .. .. .. .. 508,045 1,951,433 Silver .. .. .. .. .. 674,196 71,975 Oz. £ Oz. £ 455,561 1,753,783 15,572,507 61,111,81 571,134 65,258 3,300,138 452,78. Total gold and silver .. .. 1,182,241 2,023,408 1,026,695 l 1,819,041 18,872,645 61,564,097 ! i , Tons. ! £ Tons. £ 3 j 105 1,41141 18,088 5,869 i 38,002 30 136 3,643 52,598 208 614 19,0114 60,846 694 342 696 , 7,775 22,248 115,113 159,643 142,176 1,581,838 1,486,766 16.370 24,804 1,067,995 | 533,998 15,561,372 I 7,688,569 7,541 I 446,114 236,722 I 11,226,168 12,048 i 6,024 14,386 7,193 1,248 164! 1,136,942 17,462,9404 20,718,489 : 1,819,041 j ... 61,564,097 Mineral produce, including kauri-gum— Tons. £ Copper-ore .. .. .. .. ■ Chrome-ore .. .. .. .. 175 525 Antimony-ore Manganese-ore .. .. .. Haematite-ore .. .. .. .. 17 116 Mixed minerals .. .. .. .. 415 4,422 Coal (New Zealand) exported .. .. 188,677 154,747 Coke exported .. .. .. Coal, output of mines in colony (less exports) 1,174,025 587,012 Kauri-gum .. .. .. ..; 7,430 450,223 Shale .. .. ., .. ... 2,338 1,169 Total quantity and value of minerals ;1.373,077 1,198,214 Value of gold and silver, as above .. .. 2,023,408 Total value of minerals produced, including gold and silver .. .. .. 3,221,622 1 > . j 2,955,983 .. i 82,282,586 I

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No. 2. Table showing the Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Exportation from New Zealand for the Years ended the 31st December, 1902 and 1901, and the Total Quantity and Value from 1857 to the 31st December, 1902.

District and County or Borough. Increase or Year ending Year ending Decrease for Year 31st December, 1902. 81st December, 1901. ending 31st Total Quantity aud Value December, 1902. f TOm January, 1857, to 31st December. 1902. Quantity.| Value. Quantity. 1 Value. I Increase. Decrease. .UCKLAND— County of Coromandel County of Thames County of Ohinemuri County of Piako .. County of Manukau County of Marsden County of Whangarei Borough of Thames To Aroha Town District Great Barrier Island County of Tauranga Borough of Waibi Oz. 11,075 13,805 59,293 249 4,389 £ 46,608 53,179 211,413 1,046 18,097 j Oz. 10,543 8,853 160,696 661 £ 44,521 36,948 567,806 2,795 Oz. 532 1,952 Oz. 101,403 412 Oz. £ 4,953 20,774 564 82 22 112,668 347 90 391,197 6,240 22 22,613 94 412,668 6,158 j : 201,583 721,977 191,908 695.551 9,615 3,009,015 11,234,843 Vellington 188 706 •• Iaelboeough— County of Marlborough i 601 2,404 133 513 468 87,654 341,479 Jelson — County of Waimea County of Collingwood 23,649 i 168 "| 7,044 661 27,477 1,265 5.947 5,947 23,649 7,212 28,138 1,265 1,692,155 6,708,008 Vest Coast— County of Buller .. County of Inangahuu County of Grey County of Westland Kumara Borough .. Hokitika Borough Ross Borough 11,036 56,245 33,942 15,341 44,239 224,981 135,765 61,361 8,967 58,633 25,648 17,930 35,937 235,046 1.02,896 71,697 2,069 8,294 2,388 2 ] 589 142 2,090 566 8,360 475,272 613 1,495 2,455 5,975 595 471 118,796 113,286 454,006 5,510 4,775,674 19,003,554 Iantekbuby— County of Ashburtou 2 7 22 83 20 99 387 )tago— 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 Clutha .. Borough of Alexandra Dunedin Borough of Mataura 2,812 46,212 74,7s9 9,526 i 3,426 83 2,079 1,193 7,734 1 7,129 164 j 24,928 j 4 11,355 186,760 ! 298,887 38,237 13,868 337 8,323 4,813 31,364 28,744 658 100,614 16 I ,602 38,314 55,594 10,870 2,450 80 1,954 1,779 5,814 9,570 515 13,488 110 6,484 154,798 222,646 44,083 9,824 320 7.935 7,135 23,553 38,434 2,063 54,377 1,640 1,210 7,898 10,195 976 8 125 1,020 1,344 586 2,441 351 11,490 406 1,037 4,148 550 2,200 487 Unknown 181,116 728,124 142,940 575,492 38,176 6,007,515 23,821,515 207 824 Totals 508,045 1,951,433 61,111,316 455,561 1,758,788 52,484 15,572,507

C.—2.

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, 1902. (This Return shows the Output 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.")

12

Aucl and. Nelson. Marlbc nough. West Coast. Ota Wellii igton. Canterbury. Grand Totals. go. Year. Ox. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Ob. Value. Value. Oz. )z. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. 1857 1858 .. 308 1859 1860 1861 1862 .. 1,239 1863 .. 4,483 1864 .. 3,448 1865 .. 5,449 1866 .. 5,814 1867 .. 6,637 1868 .. 53,660 1869 .. 132,451 1870 .. 85,534 1871 .. 330,326 1872 .. 104,890 1873 .. 119,449 1874 .. 76,910 1875 .. 69,485 1876 .. 56,057 1877 .. 99,081 1878 .. 55,982 1879 .. 37,901 1880 .. ! 42,720 1881 .. 35,516 1882 .. 33,059 1883 .. 41,291 1884 .. 36,087 1885 .. 42,989 1886 .. 32,271 1887 .. 30,697 1888 .. j 35,223 1889 .. 28,655 1890 .. i 31,745 1891 .. ! 45,392 1892 .. 45,555 1893 .. 45,714 1894 .. 52,916 1895 .. 111,213 1896 .. 92,346 1897 .. 105,477 1898 .. 142,383 1899 .. 168,769 1900 .. 166,342 1901 .. | 191,968 1902 .. | 201,583 £ 1,192 4,098 13,853 10,552 17,096 17,463 18,277 168,874 434,687 319,146 1,188,708 369,341 437,123 305,068 262,156 221,905 403,627 220,454 154,295 176,416 141,326 131,007 163,618 143,564 170,416 128,140 121,564 139,556 113,191 125,760 181,185 183,655 186,553 211,974 430,862 350,355 392,337 527,786 624,737 605,398 695,551 721,977 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 1,720 419 3,718 7,212 5,947 272,736 £ 40,422 51,272 28,427 17,585 24,552 40,386 37,120 55,841 24,838 47,030 7,952 29,643 469 35,918 501 38,396 404 42,524 666 48,692 1,852 40,056 1,867 32,700 2,057 54,786 1,274 22,158 1,198 17,866 1,159 55,862 450 21,092 870 17,223 404 11,424 879 12,223 1,550 13,039 1,378 12,494 1,352 7,724 636 8,002 1,079 10,337 540 9,979 404 10,829 1,041 11,320 699 12,310 5,189 11,049 6,073 16,896 5,649 9,604 3,898 8,187 2,165 10,634 2,536 9,016 2,695 10,333 916 7,055 810 6,882 781 1,571 14,605 535 28,138 133 23,649 601 £ 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 90,031 73,923 113,286 118,796 £ 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, 203 635,480 531,274 612,823 578,508 571,061 575,258 509,971 519,978 467,152 446,517 471,325 446,287 395,430 400,405 406,451 356,368 437,126 412,383 396,516 347,464 357,719 317,161 235,430 319,789 360,149 295,733 454,006 475,272 ■• 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 55,343 130,311 129,075 142,940 181,116 £ 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, 796 359,991 342,187 223,231 526,605 521,629 575,492 728,124 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, 193 251,996 238,079 226,811 221,615 293,491 263,694 251,645 280,175 389,558 373,616 455,561 508,045 £ 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 1,513,173 1,439,602 1,753,783 1,951,433 10 37 101 380 24 96 47 169 24 96 33 52 132 206 .. 2,147 513 2,404 •• 28 23 22 2 111 90 83 7 .. Totals .. 3.009.015 1,076,851 87,500 6,007,613 23,821,905 273 1,044 123 11,234,843 87,500 340,902 6,195,247 24,035,288 483 15,572,507 61,111,316

13

C.—2

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, 1902.

Year. Silver. Copper-ore. Oz. Value. Tons. Value. I i I Chrome-ore. Tons. I Value. Antimony-ore. Tons. Valu< Manganese-ore. Hsematite-ore. Mixed Mineral Ores. Coal.* Coke. Kauri-gum. ms. Value. Oz. Total. Tons. I I Value Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. | Tons. ! Value. Tons. Value. Tons, i Value. Tons. Value. Tons. £ £ 5,000 3 2,605 8 1,590 116 1,300 52 1,024 3,843 595 768 £ £ £ ! £ ! | £ £ £ I £ 830 15,972! 1,661 28,864 355 4,514! 1,440 18,591 2,522 35,251 1,811 20,037| 2,010 20,776 : 1,046 9,851 856 9,888' 1,103 11,107! 1,400 27,026! 2.228 60,590 1,867 46,060 2,535 70,572 2,685 77,491 2,690 72,493 2,850 111,307 4,391 175,074 5,054 167,958 4,811 154,167 2,834 85,816 2,569 79,986 3,231 138,523 2,888 109,234 3,633 118,348 : 3,445 132,975 3.229 147,535 4,725 242,817 5,461 253,778 5,533 260,369 6.518 336,606 6,393 342,151 5,875} 299,762 4,920| 257,653 6,791 362,449 8,482 380,933 7.519 329,590 7,438 378,563 8,388 437,056 8,705 517,678 8,317 510,775 8,338 404,567 7,425 418,766 7.126 431,323 6,6414 398,010 9,905 586,767 11,116 607,919 10,159 622,293 7,541 446,114 7,430 450,223 £ 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 i 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, 779 318,783 419,844 459,301 439,260 467,465 544,633 614.360 598,330 487,132 516,393 516,149 495,069 675,834 738,849 772,903 662, 178 682,008 1853 .. 1854 .. 1855 .. 1856 .. 1857 .. 1858 .. 1859 .. 1860 .. 1861 .. 1862 .. 1863 .. 1864 .. 1865 .. 1866 .. 1867 .. 1868 .. 1869 .. 11,063 1870 .. 37,123 1871 .. 80,272 1872 .. 37,064 1873 .. 36,187 1874 .. 40,566 1875 .. 29,085 1876 .. 12,683 1877 .. 33,893 1878 .. 23,019 1879 .. 20,645 1880 .. 20,005 1881 .. 18,885 1882 .. 5,694 1883 .. 16,826 1884 .. 24,914 1885 .. 16,624 1886 .. 12,108 1887 .. 20,809 1888 .. 403 1889 .. 24,105 1890 .. 32,637 1891 .. 28,023 1892 .. 22,053 1893 .. 63,076 1894 .. 54,177 1895 .. 85,024 1896 . 94,307 1897 . 183,892 1898 .. 293,851 1899 .. 349,338 1900 .. 326,457 1901 .. 571,134 1902 .. 674,196 •• •• .. •• 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 94,307 183,892 293,851 349,338 326,457 571,134 674,196 ■• 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; 10,5891 20,872 33,107 40,838 38,879 65,258 71,975 351 245 137 110 51 246 84 7 6 55 .. 281 2,700 .. 977 .. "l20j .. .. .. 115 .. 1,105 .. •• 25 120 1,440 520 24,719 4,318 4,910 1,315 •• - •• I •• .. ■• •' •• .. - •• 4j .. •• •- •• •• ■• 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 65 180 217 135 166 208 •• I .. 10,416j 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 [ 525 205 541 703 407 588 614 •■ ■• • ■ • • ■ •• .. ■• ! I I " •• •• i •• ] •• 3,180 2,366 2 .. .. •• .. • • -- " •• •• .. •■ •• -. • • 14,824 9,664 8 1 ■ 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 7,020j 6,621 3,207| 6,522| 6,1041 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 89,480 112,707 159,643 188,677 1 •• ■• •- 4 •• 2 400 1,228 1,210 800 1,508 1,612 855; 655 1,363' 1,954 2,071i 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* 71,984j 69,595! 50,381 83,085! 98,136) 142,176! 154, 747 1 •• .. 21 87 15 53 254 85 : 154 87 ! 223 275 1,430 236 | 267 ! 497 : 1834 953 2,132 2,218 2,544 4,306 51 107 288 ; 105 | •• I 501 228 51 189 72 177 324 135 353 480 2,057 372 385 715 266 1 1,646 ; 3,407! 3,334! 3,658! 5,6911 531 160! 715J 263 1 j 1 •• •■ I •• -• ! •• •- 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 21,105 32,637 28,023 22,053 63,076 54,177 85,024 94,307 183,892 293,751 349,338 326,457 571,134 674,196 830 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 i 5,882 3,558 4,119 6,631 7,975 8,6824 12,120 12,722 17,177 15,538 14,019 14,9534 13,071 51,468 j 52,409£ 51,686* 79,147 97,828 80,2874 104,164| 92,891 78,191 84,052 94,026 86,878 84,4654 68.253J 102,058 125,201 168,121 196,714 1,887,1824 5 9 46 20 20 2 " 36i :: 41, .. 6781 .. 106 .. 390J . '. 75 '.'. 60 2 30 31 "666 62| 134 376| 493! 515 413 364 331 44 54 21 10 612 24 900 804 5,289 1,784 3,989 6,246: 5,319j 11,121 4,950 4,900 3,467 761! 1,486! 450; 157; :: ! '04 564 '14 17 12 208 5 1 ii6 1 2,674 1,955 2,784 22 114 445 144 162 199 19 2 84 37 25 62 37 1,561 1,828 1,309 2,126 . 696 415 11,335 4,303 8,597 110 993 1,846 4,142 2,955 9,985 273 6 631 650 353 . 880 1,335 5,892 4,792 6,591 12,751 7,775 4,422 "oj " 4 :: : "h 2 '.'. 70 .. 45 28 1051 .. 175' 18 ! 14 9 12 3 'ilO! 525| 3 30; 101 136 1 " .. 1 I—' —! Totals ;3,300,138 ! 3,6431 52,598! 13,475,508 452,781 I 18,088! 5,869:38, 002 : 19,Olir 60,846! 694 I 342; 22.248 1 115, 1W ! 1,581,838| 11,486,766 16,370! !4,804236, 722 !ll,226,168| |3,300,138| ' Total output of coal in colony (including exports) approximately estimated at 17.157,596 tons, valued at £8,578,798. Note. —" Mixed mineral ores " include sulphur, &c. Last year 2,338 tons of shale was mined at Orepuki.

14

C—2

No. 5. Return showing the Quantity and Value of Coals imported into New Zealand during the Quarter ended the 31st March, 1903.

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-five Years.

No. 7. Table showing the Output of Coal from the various Mining Districts, and the Comparative Increase and Decrease, for the Years 1902 and 1901, together with the Total Approximate Quantity of Coal produced since the Mines were opened.

Country whence imported. Quantity. Value. lew South Wales 'asmania i Totals Tons. 37,657 Nil 37,657 £ 35,727 Nil 35,727

Coal raised in the Colony. loal imported. Year. ,., , Yearly Increase 1 °" h - or Decroase. Tons. Plus or Minus. Increase and Decrease. 1878 .. 1879 .. 1880 .. 1881 .. 1882 1883 1884 1885 .. 1886 .. 1887 .. 1888 .. ... 1889 .. 1890 .. 1891 .. "1892 .. 1893 .. 1894 .. 1895 .. 1896 .. 1897 .. 1898 .. 1899 .. 1900 .. 1901 1902 ... 162,218 231,218 69,000 299,923 68,705 337,262 37,339 378,272 41,010 421,764 43,492 480,831 59,069 511,063 30,232 534,353 23,290 558,620 24,267 613,895 55,275 586,445 27,450 637,397 50,952 668,794 31,397 673,315 4,521 691,548 18,233 719,546 27,998 726.654 7,108 792,851 66,197 840,713 47,862 907,033 66.320 975,234 68,201 1,093,990 118,750 1,239,686 145,696 1,365,040 125,354 174,148 158,076 123,298 129,962 129,582 123,540 148,444 130,202 119,873 107,230 101,341 128,063 110,939 125,318 125,453 117,444 112,901 108,198 101,756 110,907 115,427 99,655 124,033 149,764 127,853 + + + 16,072 33,778 6,664 380 6,042 24,904 18,242 10,329 12,643 5,889 26,722 17,124 14,379 185 8,009 4,483 4,763 6,442 9,151 4,520 15,772 24,378 25,731 21,911 + + + + + +

Name of District. Output of Coal. i PlUS or Minns. Increase or Decrease. Approximate Total Output of Coal up to 31st December. 190-2. 1902. 1901. Kawakawa and Hikurangi Whangarei, Kamo, Ngunguru, and Whauwhau Waikato Mokau Miranda Pelorus West Wanganui Wcstport Reefton Greymouth „ , (Malvern .. Canterbury |Timaru .. 'Tons. 60,606 32,155 Tons. 53,298 33,757 + Tons. 7,308 1,602 Tons. 1,250,424 499,774 91,541 4,250 3,493 528,462 8,760 216,594 19,445 308,310 91,424 84,086 3,513 430 2,208 455,057 6,102 206,168 16,098 289,322 89,647 + + + + + + + + + 7,455 737 3,063 2,208 73,405 2,658 10,426 3,347 18,988 1,777 1,342,795 33,784 3,923 711 55,183 4,710,012 99,006 3,299,882 418,929 10,657 4,670,969 761,547 Otago Southland Totals 1,365,040 1,239,686 + 125,354 17,157,596

a—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, 1902.

15

Name of Coal. H 1 Output of Coal. 190-2. 1901. increase or Decrease. Approximate Total Output of Coal up to the 31st December, 1902. Bituminous and semi-bituminous Pitch Brown Lignite Shale Tons. Tons. 845,046 754,953 25,245 14,584 427,172 405,152 65,239 52,949 2,338 12,048 Tons. + 90,093 + 10,661 4- 22,020 + 12,290 - 9,710 Tons. 9,546,823 1,837,956 5,151,271 607,160 14,386 Totals 1,365,040 1,239,686 1,239,686 + 125,354 + 125,354 17,157,596 17,157,596

Number of Mines working. Number of Men employed at each Mine. Total Number of Output of Coal Average Output Men employed. during 1902. per Man. 110 32 16 22 1 to 4 in each 5 to 10 „ 11 to 20 „ 21 and upwards Tons. Tons. 161 39,075 242-70 204 94,403 46276 221 93,213 421-77 2,299 1,138,349 495-15 2,885 1,365,040 473-15 180

Imported. Kxporti ed. Countries whence imported. Quantity. Value. Countries to which exported. Quantity. | Value. rnited Kingdom .. lew South Wales .. ictoria Tons. 5 126,548 1,300 £ 2 124,430 1,300 United Kingdom Victoria New South Wales Cape Colony Natal United States of America— On the West Coast Fiji Islands South Sea Islands Hongkong Western Australia Tasmania Norfolk Island Antarctic Regions Tons. £ 82,399 , 76,698 10,400 12,352 130 127 2,023 2,023 1,699 : 2,247 9,711 ! 7,823 3,706 2,717 81,366 53,952 Totals .. 670 703 127,853 125,732 Totals .. 1 192,104 ' 158,642

C—9.

No. 11. Number of Miners employed during the Years ended 31st December, 1901 and 1902.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (2,200 copies), £H os. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o3. Price 6d.

16

Alluvial Miners, Quartz-miners. Tot :als. Grand Totals. District. ! European. Chinese. European.! Chinese. European. j Chinese. 1901. 1902. Auckland — Coromandel Thames Paeroa.. Te Aroha Tauranga Waihi .. 314 478 735 18 12 1,195 314 478 j 735 I 18 12 1,195 400 758 2,320 25 5 314 478 735 18 12 1,195 Mablboeough— Havelock Blenheim Cullensville 63 23 20 2,752 11 18 2,752 74 41 ; 20 3,508 72 55 62 2,752 74 41 20 Nelson— Wangapeka and Sherry Takaka Collingwood Motueka Inangahua Ahaura Charleston Westport, including Addison's,"! Northern Terraces, Waimangaroa, North Beach, Mokihinui, [ Karamea, and Lower Bullerj Valley I Lyell .. Murchison .. .. \ Owen .. .. .. ) 106 29 135 189 135 7 24 96 7 232 350 130 150 94 "eo 650 35 7 24 156 7 882 385 130 150 94 8 24 143 10 1,011 1,139 130 7 24 156 7 1,032 479 130 225 15 240 250 240 20 15 35 55 15 70 70 75 25 75 25 120 100 1,166 284 795 Westland — Ross Stafford and Goldsborough Hokitika and Kanieri Kumara Greymouth Arnold .. .. I Okarito 79 190 380 364 2 40 40 39 1,961 79 190 380 364 284 2 40 40 39 2,905 102 250 180 120 2,245 81 230 420 403 781 183 781 183 958 964 46 1 46 1 71 47 Otago— Hindon Tuapeka Clyde, Roxburgh, Black's, and Alexandra Cromwell Tapanui Waikaia Wyndham Waiau Orepuki and Preservation Roundhill Wakatipu Goldfields—Arrow, Macetown, Cardrona, Kawarau, Bracken's, and Motatapu Queenstown Naseby .. .. ) St. Batban's Hyde Macrae's .. .. j Maerewhenua and Kurow Pembroke Gore 1,840 20 425 890 305 2 150 105 21 25 8 1,840 41 450 898 305 2 150 105 1,681 28 600 1,058 2,145 43 600 1,003 360 10 140 8 20 420 90 119 50 2 30 15 375 10 140 8 20 450 90 149 50 2 30 528 22 200 15 20 545 135 190 425 12 170 8 20 515 130 161 "65 40 12 30 30 65 40 12 140 25 15 155 25 329 180 ( 274 113 | 87 361 113 400 474 90 30 233 90 30 233 90 42 247 | "l2 15 "12 15 90 42 248 SUMMAET. I 3,269 621 231 3,500 621 4,449 4,121 Auckland Mablboeough Nelson Westland Otago 106 1,166 1,840 3,269 284 305 621 2,752 29 795 •■ 2,752 135 1,961 1,840 3,500 284 305 621 3,508 189 2,905 1,681 1.4-19 2,752 135 2,245 2,145 4,121 231 Totals 6,381 1,210 3,807 10,188 1., 210 12,732 11,398

C-3

DIAGRAM showing TOTAL QUANTITY & VALUE of GOLD exported from N.Z. for the years 1857 to 1902.

DIAGRAM showing TOTAL QUANTITY & VALUE of KAURI GUM exported from N.Z. for the years 1853 to 1902.

DIAGRAM showing TOTAL OUTPUT of COAL from N.Z. MINES for the years 1872 to 1902.