MINES STATEMENT, BY THE HON. RODERICK McKENZIE, MINISTER OF MINES.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1911 Session I, C-02

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1911. NEW ZEALAND.

MINES STATEMENT, BY THE HON. RODERICK McKENZIE, MINISTER OF MINES.

Mr. Speaker,— In presenting to the House my third annual Statement on the mining industry, I again desire to congratulate honourable members on the very successful results from the mines of the Dominion during the last year, and present indications point to continued satisfactory returns. While the total mineral-production shows a small decrease, it is exceedingly satisfactory to be able to inform honourable members that the two principal branches of the industry —namely, quartz and coal mining—show substantial increases ; but, owing to unforeseen and unavoidable but, I hope, temporary causes, the returns from kauri-gum and alluvial mining show considerable decreases. I am, however, of opinion that our mining industry will in the future not only maintain its present prosperous position, but will be annually extended in various directions, and add largely to our wealth and prosperity. In my previous Mines Statements I took occasion to remind Parliament and the country of the great benefits conferred on our people by our mining industry. These advantages cannot be too often impressed on honourable members. I therefore again desire to emphasize that reasonable financial assistance towards developing our mineral resources is a profitable investment. During the year, discoveries of gold that may lead to important developments outside our hitherto known mining districts have been reported to the Mines Department, and a galena lode showing satisfactory assay values was discovered in the Nelson District. This find is now being energetically and extensively prospected by the parties interested, who anticipate profitable results. The prospects of petroleum becoming an important branch of our mining industry in the near future are, according to present indications, more promising than on any previous occasion, and the boring-operations being carried on by the companies concerned, in three different and far-distant parts of the Dominion, are being carefully watched and periodically examined and reported on by officers of the Mines Department. Now that Parliament has wisely authorized the Administration to embark on generating electrical energy by water-power as a State enterprise, it may safely be anticipated that this will prove a most important factor in the future development of our mineral resources, and especially so on portions of our goldfields where it has hitherto been found impracticable to provide water-supplies by gravitation, or motive power, except at excessive or prohibitive expense. While our most important quartz-mine suffered a somewhat serious set-back during the year, it is gratifying to note that the yield from th* 1 quartz-mines as a whole shows a substantial increase. When last reviewing our coal-mining industry I did not expect any increase in this year's output, as I was then of opinion that the unfortunate disturbance in the coal trade of the Commonwealth created an inflated output in this Dominion during the previous year. It is, therefore, exceedingly satisfactory to inform honourable members that not only did our coal-mining industry maintain its position, but that it exceeded the previous year's output by 286,115 tons, and the quantity exported increased by 75,326 tons, of an increased value of £75,601. I again regret to call attention to the very large decrease in the value of the kauri-gum exported during the year. While there was an increase of 443 tons in the quantity, the value decreased by the somewhat large amount of £87,654. Alluvial mining, owing chiefly to the long period of drought experienced throughout the South Island during last summer, combined with the annual and gradual

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decline noticeable during recent years in dredging-operations, resulted last year in the large decrease of £157,210 in the yield as compared with the previous year. In the development of other minerals, such as copper, manganese, shale, and antimony, no progress was made during the year. Scheelite shows an increased production, and a substantial increase in value, due largely, however, to enhanced prices. One of the most pleasing features in connection with our mining industry is the increase of 878 in the number of men employed during the year, and according to present indications it may be anticipated that this avenue of employment will be considerably extended in the immediate future, as mining operations at present in their initial stages are sufficiently advanced and developed to become productive. Under separate headings in the attached tables honourable members will find detailed information concerning the various branches of, and other important matters connected with, the mining industry. MINERAL-PRODUCTION. On reference to Table 1 annexed, honourable members will readily realize the vast importance of our mineral resources. From 1853 to the 31st of last December, the produce of our mines amounted to £111,624,794; and when it is remembered that prior to 1861 our total mineral-production did not much exceed £250,000, the results achieved during the last fifty years are exceedingly satisfactory, and the beneficial effects on the settlement, progress, and prosperity of the country cannot be overestimated. The value of the produce of our mines during the year ending 31st December, 1910, was £3,774,898, being a small decline of £16,235 as compared with the previous year. The yields from our quartz and coal mines, however, show satisfactory increases. Quartz-mines produced bullion of the value of £1,564,189, being an increase of £37,328 for the year, while our coal-mines produced 2,197,362 tons, being 286,115 tons more than the previous year. Decreases amounting to £119,882 in the value of gold and silver exported during the year may be attributed almost entirely to the drought already referred to curtailing, or, in many cases, wholly preventing, sluicing operations being carried on throughout the South Island on the usual scale. With the exception of the unexpected decline in alluvial mining, and the serious fall in the value of kauri-gum, the results of the last year's mining-operations may be regarded as highly satisfactory. SUMMARY. The following table shows the quantity and value of the various minerals exported annually during the last two years, and also the quantity and value of New Zealand coal used for home consumption during the same periods:—

£ Total value of production for 1910.. .. .. .. 3,774,898 1909.. .. .. .. .. 3,791,133 Total decrease .. .. .. .. .. £16,235

Year ending Product. 31st December, 1909. 31st December, 1910. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. i I £ £ Jold 506,371 oz. 2,006,900 478,288 oz. : 1,896,328 lilver.. .. .. .. .. l,813;830 „ 180,872 1,711,235 „ 171,562 Jopper-ore .. .. .. .. 5 tons 100 'langanese-ore .. .. .. 6 ,, 29 5 tons 15 lixed minerals.. .. .. .. 1.836J „ 11,709 2,080 „ 22,202 Jolonial coal exported, including that used 201,685 „ 183,961 277,011 „ 259,562 by Home steamers Colonial coal used in New Zealand.. .. 1.709,562 „" 854,781 1,920,351 „ 960,175 Cauri-gum 8,250 „ 552,698 8,693 „ 465,044 toke .. .. .. .. .. 22 „ 23 6 „ 10 Antimony .. .. .. .. 2 ., 60 Shale ..

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GOLD AND SILVER MINING. The value of the bullion exported from our gold-mines during 1910 amounted to £2,067,890, being a decrease of £119,882 as compared with the previous year. This decline, as already explained, will be found, on reference to Table 2 annexed, to be almost entirely confined to the alluvial goldfields of the West Coast, Nelson, Otago, and Southland, and, being due to a phenominal drought, is not likely to be recurrent. It must, however, be recognized that many of our alluvial goldfields are gradually approaching exhaustion. On the other hand, the more permanent industry of quartz mining has improved, as here shown :—

QUARTZ-MINING. It is gratifying to inform honourable members that satisfactory progress and prosperity prevailed generally in this the most important branch of our mining industry. During the year under review, 745,043 tons of ore were treated, from which bullion to the value of £1,564,189 was obtained, and dividends amounting to £597,127 were declared. Increased production has been recorded at the Coromandel, Waihi, Karangahake, and Inangahua mines, but at the Otago and Thames mines a decline has taken place. While last year I had to draw honourable members' attention to a decrease of 168 in the number of men employed, it is on the present occasion satisfactory to note an increase of 586 in the number of men engaged in this branch of the industry. The Waihi Mine, after a long period of successive annual increases, has now for the first time shown a decrease in its yearly production of bullion. During 1910 the quantity of ore treated exceeded that of the previous year by 25,207 tons, but ore of a lower grade than formerly was apparently dealt with, and a decline in value resulted. Active prospecting operations are now being carried on with a view to proving the mine at lower levels and in other sections. Satisfactory progress is being made in carrying out the Horahora hydro-electric scheme, for which the Waihi Company has obtained a forty-two years lease from the Crown, the power-station at the Horahora Falls being about forty-eight miles distant from the mine by the route of the transmission-line. The Waihi Grand Junction Gold-mining Company (Limited) appears to have had a prosperous year, their gold-yield having been materially increased, and a great deal of profitable development has been carried out. The valuable lodes which extend from the Waihi Mine into this company's property are now being operated on, and it is anticipated that, owing to the pitch of the lodes, a greater depth will be attained at this mine on payable ore than has hitherto been proved at the Waihi Mine. The Waihi Extended Gold-mining Company and the Waihi Reefs Consolidated (Limited), whose properties are situated to the eastward of the Grand Junction Mine, are energetically carrying out development operations for the purpose of locating the Waihi reef-system, on the lines of which these companies are operating. The Talisman Consolidated (Limited) have again improved their annual bullionproduction, notwithstanding that during the year water troubles and a temporary loss of power owing to a fire somewhat retarded their progress ; but these obstacles having been overcome, a continuity of the satisfactory operations carried out by this company may be anticipated. At the lowest level in the mine winzes sunk to a depth of 80 ft. have proved payable ore of considerable length. This company are now engaged reopening the Woodstock section of their property. At Coromandel the Old Hauraki Gold-mining Company, formerly a great goldproducer, has re-entered the list of dividend-payers.

Valuta of Bullion produced. Branch of Mining. 1909. 1910. Quartz .. Alluvia] ( guying i Dredging £ 1,526.801 1,564,189 333,235 188,46-1 327,676 315,237 2,187,772 2,067,890

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On the Thames Goldfield the result of mining operations has been somewhat disappointing, but as the 1,000-ft.-level crosscut to connect the Government pump-ing-shaft with the Kuranui-Caledonian shaft is now well under way, there is reason to anticipate a recovery at this once important and famous goldfield. On the West Coast considerable activity and energy were displayed in developing quartz-mining propositions. During the year in the Reefton, Big River, and Blackwater districts the ore produced amounted to 121,105 tons, valued at £229,315, being an increase of 19,978 tons in quantity and £27,344 in value. Systematic prospecting has been carried on during the year in connection with other quartz-mining ventures in this district, and also in connection with the Mokihinui reefs, as well as new reefs recently discovered in the vicinity of Lake Brunner. Quartz-mining in Otago was practically at a standstill during the year, with the exception of the Barewood Reefs, which produced 5,428 tons of ore, valued at £4,118. A number of other small quartz-mines throughout New Zealand produced 33,028 tons of ore valued at £55,803. In the following table the present position of our quartz-mining is summarized : —

* The total value of the output of this company at the end of the year was £9,106,318. The dividends here given are free of income-tax. f Short tons of 2,000 lb. dry weight. J In the annual report of the directors of this company for 1910 the value of the bullion production is stated to be £920,100 ; but the figures given in the table above are the official returns from the company to the Inspector of Mines. The discrepancy occurs owing to ttie actual value of the bullion not being known until it is refined in England. § Unknown. ALLUVIAL AND DREDGE MINING. As already indicated, this branch of the mining industry experienced an exceptionally bad year, owing, doubtless, primarily to the unusually dry weather and the consequent scarcity of water prevailing during the most of last year, and probably also to the general prosperity and plentiful employment offering in other industrial pursuits. The yield from sluicing operations last year amounted to £188,464, as against £333,235 produced from the same source during the previous year, the decrease for the period amounting to £144,771. The yield from dredging amounted to £315,237, being a decrease of £12,439. The number of dredges in

During 1910. Dividends p.ii.i. Name of Corn-any. Quantity Value Average of Quartz of Value treated. Bullion. per Ton. Total to Total Cost , ,- Knd of DeperTon. lala cember, 19X0. Number of Persons ordinarily employed. Northern District — £ fi e. d. Waihi Gold-raining Company (Ltd.)* 442,O2Ot 894,815 J j 2 0 5£t Waihi Grand Junction Goln-mining ; 84,226t 132,295' 1 11 5 Company (Ltd.) New Zealand Crown Mines (Ltd.)! 6,661 13,301 1 19 11} Bremner's Freehold 1 2,238; £2,238 Talisman Consolidated (Ltd.) ... 45,020 210,264 4 13 5 Komata Eeefs (Ltd.) ... ... 10,880 20,576 117 10 Old Hauraki Gold-mining Company 704 13,058 18 10 11} (Ltd.) West Coast District — Keep-it-Dark Quartz-mining Com- I 3,273 3,025. 0 18 6 pany (Ltd.) Progress Mines of New Zealand! 50,207 71,352 18 5 (Ltd.) Consolidated Goldnelds of New 21,363 36,385 114 Of Zealand (Ltd.) New Big River Gold-mining Com- 3,040 15,628 5 2 9| pany (Ltd.) Blackwater Mines (Ltd.) ... 39,192 91,381 2 6 7 Southern District — Barewood Gold-mining Company 5,428 , 4,118 0 15 2 (Ltd.) Other quartz - mines throughout 33,028 55,803 1 13 9£ New Zealand Y £ s. d. £ £ 0 15 2 252446,316;4,007,127 0 15 3 i ... 70,000 600 600 1 IS 5-9 94,374 450,984 14 9 ... 33,333 2,625 225,208 ? ... 158,667 1 5 55 10,312! 326,562 0 18 i § 5,400 88,090 0 18 7-5 37,500, 50,000 0 17 82 ... 2,000 1,400 462 70 6 380 75 31 50 353 129 15 274 21 1,028 , Totals, 1910 745,043 1,564,189 2 5 5 -- I 597,127 i I 597,127 s< 4,324 4,324 !_ !_

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commission during the year was 104, being seven less than during the preceding year. The reasons for the decline in this industry are —(1) During the dredging boom, nearly a decade ago, a considerable number of machines were installed upon inadequate and unprospected areas ; the life of many of these has been short : (2) the gradual exhaustion of the most accessible auriferious gravels, from which gold to the value of, approximately, £9,000,000 has already been won by dredging ; (3) preference for the hydraulic sluicing and elevating system for working flats formerly operated by paddock dredges. The first and second reasons require no further comment, but the third may be amplified by stating that by sluicing and elevating (of which there are about three hundred plants at work) a higher proportion of gold is obtained ; the bottom is better cleaned ; large boulders, timber, and hard seams are more readily overcome ; there is less wear-and-tear and consequent expenditure on maintenance, and when the water-supply is adequate (which it generally is in New Zealand) there is a larger output. In working-cost there is not much difference between the two systems, the average cost by sluicing and elevating in New Zealand being under 2d. per cubic yard. The annual gold-production by hydraulic-sluicing plants has therefore increased as that from land dredges has declined. There were 293 sluicing claims in operation during the year. Fourteen of these, the property of registered owners, declared dividends amounting to £11,411, and thirty-five dredges, the property of registered owners, declared dividends amounting to £51,918. The profits of privately-owned dredges and sluicing claims are unobtainable, but would doubtless exceed these amounts considerably. COAL-MINING. It is exceedingly satisfactory to announce to honourable members that, contrary to previous expectations, our coal-mining industry during the period under review shows considerable expansion and continued prosperity, and also to state that this expansion and prosperity was general throughout the various coal-mining districts of the Dominion. The total output for 1910 was 2,197,362 tons, being an increase of 286,115 tons, which is double the increase in any previous year. lam also very pleased to call attention to the fact that our coal-production has more than doubled during the last decade. This large increase in our coal-output is no doubt due to the continued prosperity prevailing in our other industrial pursuits during the last decennial period, together with an improved export trade. The output of bituminous and semi-bituminous coal again shows a large increase, and, as is shown in the following table, the production of brown coal and lignite has also been largely increased. The output from the three mining districts is shown in the following table :—

Comparative Statement of Coal and Lignite raised during the Years 1908, 1909, and 1910.

The comparative tonnage of the various classes of coal, &c, for the years 1909 and 1910 is summarized as follows : —

Inspection District. ,, , . c ,,,.,, [non ase '>•■■ Di Output for lfllO. l909and ,,,,„ Output for 1908. Increase or D ■ 1908 and 1909. Northern . . ' .. West Coast Southern .. .. Tons. Tons. 400,6.64 [ncreaee 52.294 1,341,032 .. 218.390 455.666 .. 15,431 Tons. 344,927 1.063,566 45L , .: 'Ions. [ncrease 3,443 59,076 Decrease 1.2,247 Totals .. • 2,197,362 Increase 286,115 1,860,975 Increase 50,272

Class of Coal. Output for liiju. Output for 1909. Increase or l)i oroase for 1910. Bituminous ;uid eemi-bituminous Pitch-coal Brown coal Lignite Tons, Tons. I. ti)5.7O!i 1,257,233 6,068 5,473 59 1.995 559,509 100.590 89,032 Tone. Increase 238,476 595 35,486 11,558 Totals 2,197,362 1,911,247 1 ! Increase 286,115 1

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As the result of the continued demand for coal, new collieries are being developed on the West Coast and in the Waikato. As soon as these mines are opened out they will no doubt add considerably to our mineral-production. There has been a gradual annual decrease in the quantity of coal imported during recent years. In 1908 we imported 287,808 tons, valued at £274,605 ; 1909, 258,185 tons, valued at £253,081 ; and last year, 232,378 tons, valued at £230,765, being a reduction of approximately 57,000 tons in quantity and £44,000 in value. On the other hand, it is gratifying to inform honourable members that considerable improvement has taken place in our coal-export trade during the same period. In 1908 we exported 100,502 tons, valued at £85,846 ; in 1909, 201,685 tons, valued at £183,961 ; and last year 277,011 tons, valued at £259,562, being an increase in two years of 176,509 tons in quantity, and £173,716 in value. These figures indicate that the first-class quality of our bituminous coal commands a market not only in the Commonwealth, but also throughout the Southern Pacific. I may not be considered optimistic in expressing my opinion that the export of our bituminous coal is capable of being enormously extended. On reference to Table 7 attached it will be observed that the increased prosperity in the coal trade was practically participated in by every coal-mine in the Dominion. There were 408 more men engaged in connection with coal-mining last year than there Were two years ago. In my last Statement I made reference to a discovery of lignite at Retaruke, near Waimarino. A prospecting party of three men, under a certificated minemanager, was employed by the Mines Department in exploring this locality. Four drives, aggregating 124 ft., were put in. The results were disappointing. In each drive bands of dirt were found to be continuous. The coal is of poor quality, containing excessive water, ash, and sulphur—all defects. The exploration was discontinued owing to results not warranting further consideration. Discoveries of coal have recently been reported to the Department from the Bay of Plenty and also from the East Cape district, but the information in connection with them at present available is insufficient to express an opinion as to whether they are of any commercial value. STATE COAL-MINES. The output from the Point Elizabeth No. 1 and Seddonville collieries during 1910 amounted to 212,888 and 62,714 tons respectively, being in the aggregate a decline of 8,558 tons as compared with the output for the previous year. This decline may be attributed to the approaching exhaustion of the older sections of these collieries; but it will be reassuring to state that next year the extensive unworked coal-area known as the Point Elizabeth No. 2 Mine will reach the output stage. The development-works, consisting of incline tunnels and viaducts, are approaching completion. The railway connecting this mine with the existing railway at Runanga has been finished, and there now only remains the coal-storage bins and surface arrangements to completely equip this extensive colliery. At the Seddonville Mine a considerable area of high-class bituminous coal has been proved by diamond drilling in the Charming Creek section, and it is believed that a workable area will be developed adjoining the present mine. The briquette-works in connection with the mine have not proved a success, owing to the high price of pitch and heavy cost of manufacture. VENTILATION OF MINES. Special attention has been devoted to this very important subject, and it is now believed that, taken as a whole, the mines of the Dominion are fairly well ventilated. To a certain extent this opinion is substantiated by the fact that in the fourteen years prior to the end of December, 1910, no life has been lost as the result of an explosion of firedamp. At all collieries and quartz-mines but those of insignificant proportions ventilation is produced by fans of modern type. Good ventilation is now recognized as a necessity, for, apart from the legislative enforcement of hygienic measures as a matter of public policy, the ventilation of mines has an important economic aspect, since it affects to a large extent the industrial efficiency and health of the workmen.

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It is satisfactory to note that in respect to the ventilation of metal-mines, New Zealand has taken an advanced position through the introduction into the deep mines,'by mechanical means, of large volumes of pure air. In the annua] report of the Inspector of Mines for the Waihi district it is stated that samples of mine-air taken by him from the warmest and deepest workings of the Waihi and Grand Junction Mines were submitted for analysis to the Dominion Analyst, with the result that it was found that the standard recommended by the British Royal Commission on Mines of 1909 was in every case fulfilled. Likewise, from the deepest mines in the Dominion, situated on the Inangahua Goldfield, samples of mine-air taken by the Inspector of Mines were, on analysis, in every case found to be free from impurities. As a precaution against dust from rock-drills, the use of sprays is now compulsory, but it is reported that a considerable prejudice exists amongst the miners against their use. A Royal Commission has recently been appointed, and is now engaged in taking evidence and reporting on the ventilation, sanitation, and safety of methods adopted in the working of mines. As soon as the report of this Commission is available it will be laid before Parliament, and such precautions and legislation as may be recommended will be dealt with next session. SCHOOLS OF MINES. The seven Government-subsidized schools of mines situated at the principal mining centres still continue to be made use of by the more intelligent of the miners who wish to improve themselves. At the Government examinations held in December in connection with these schools, 112 students submitted themselves for examination in some of the twenty subjects examined in. The regulations appertaining to Government scholarships have recently been amended. Six scholarships are now offered annually for competition by students attending schools of mines within the Dominion. Of these, four are for students in gold-mining subjects, and two for coal-mining subjects. The scholarships, of the annual value of £50 each, are tenable for three years, and are open to all students not less than eighteen years of age who have attended regularly a school of mines within the Dominion for two years or more. The candidates are required to pass in six out of eight subjects examined in. In past years these scholarships have been the means of bringing to the front several young men who have subsequently distinguished themselves as mining engineers or geologists in other parts of the world. WATER-EACES. During the year the Mount Ida, Alexandra, and Waimea-Kumara Government water-races have been maintained in efficient condition, and continue to be of considerable benefit to the miners of the alluvial goldfields which they traverse. The extension of the Kurnara Water-race from Larrikin's across the valley of the River Taramakau should be completed within the current year, and the Kumara and adjoining districts should be greatly benefited thereby. GOVERNMENT DRILLS. There has been a considerable demand for the diamond and keystone drills, which are lent free for prospecting or development of mines. Drilling - operations have been carried out at Waihi for gold, Orepuki for oil-shale, Seddonville for coal, and in the Alexandra and Cromwell districts of Central Otago for alluvial gold. ROADS ON GOLDFIELDS. The expenditure under the above heading during the year shows a decrease compared with the previous year. This was entirely due to the scarcity of men willing to undertake this class of work in difficult backblock and bush districts while employment was plentiful in more convenient localities. The total expenditure was £25,626, chiefly through the medium of the County Councils included within the boundaries of the several mining districts.

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PROSPECTING. In the prosecution of prospecting for minerals assistance was given to miners during the year, chiefly through the medium of the local bodies' and miners' associations. This assistance is granted generally throughout the mining districts, and is being freely applied for, and invariably granted on the recommendation of Inspectors of Mines in promising localities, and also to assist in prospecting previously untried districts, such as the Urewera country, in which a prospecting party is being assisted at present. The total disbursements under this head last year amounted to £3,237. GOLD-MINERS' RELIEF FUND. The gold-miners' relief inaugurated by the passing of the Mining Amendment Act, 1910, came into existence on the 3rd December, 1910, and during the period between its coming into force and the end of the financial year £1,796 10s. 7d. was collected. Payment of relief to injured miners is now made in accordance with the regulations under the Act. The advantages of this measure of relief to the men engaged in our gold-mining industry and their families is now being realized and highly appreciated in the mining districts. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. Important changes in the personnel of the Geological Survey staff have taken place during the year. Dr. J. M. Bell, who has been Director since January, 1905, resigned his post for private reasons last December, and left New Zealand in March of this year. Mr. P. G. Morgan, M.A., General Geologist, has been promoted to the vacant position. Other officers have retired or been transferred to other Departments, but the efficiency of the staff has been maintained by new appointments. During 1910-11 detailed geological surveys were made in the Tairua-Waihi, New Plymouth, and Buller-Mokihinui subdivisions. In addition, several visits of inspection to various localities were made by the Director and other officers. The publications issued include bulletins upon the Whatatutu, Thames, and Mount Radiant subdivisions, together with a geographical report on the Franz Josef Glacier. Several other reports are now in course of preparation or publication. The detailed survey of the Tairua-Waihi Subdivision, which includes the very important mining district of Waihi, was completed early this year, but the detailed report upon the area is not yet ready for publication. The survey of the New Plymouth Subdivision was completed during the past summer, and the report thereon is now in course of publication. In January of this year a detailed survey of the Buller-Mokihinui Subdivision was begun. This area includes, besides the coal-areas tapped by the WestportMokihinui Railway, the little-known Orikaka or Mackley Coalfield. During the next field season the detailed survey of the Buller-Mokihinui Subdivision will be continued and, if possible, completed. In the North Island it is intended to continue the survey of the area south of the Tairua-Waihi Subdivision. This area, which includes the Karangahake and Te Aroha goldfields, will be known as the Aroha Subdivision. CONCLUSION. This being the fiftieth anniversary of the first important discovery of gold in New Zealand by the late Mr. Gabriel Reed, at the now famous spot known as Gabriel's Gully, near Lawrence, Otago, I cannot conclude my observations on the mining industry without calling attention to the enormous impetus given not only to mining, but also to every other industrial pursuit in our country, by that valuable discovery. For instance, the value of gold produced increased from £17,585 in 1860 to £751,873 in 1861, and to £2,431,723 in 1863. The population increased from about 65,000 in 1860 to 100,000 in 1861, and to 256,000 in 1871. Since the discovery of gold the mines of the Dominion have produced approximately £80,000,000 worth of gold and silver. The great influence the production of this enormous amount of wealth had on the settlement and progress of this young country can scarcely be realized.

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The jubilee anniversary of the discovery of gold in Otago was celebrated at Lawrence last May. It was a most unique and remarkable occasion, and one that will be for ever remembered by all who had the great pleasure of witnessing the reunion of several hundreds of the sturdy old pioneer diggers who fifty years before first met at Gabriel's Gully. The thanks of the whole mining community is certainly due to the people of Lawrence, and especially to their energetic Mayor and the managing committee, for the most excellent arrangements they provided for the comfort and pleasure of the pilgrim lathers of our mining industry. While mining in New Zealand has made enormous strides since the first discovery of gold, the prospects of future expansion and profitable development are exceed ingly encouraging at present, and, without being optimistic, I am convinced that the results from mining operations in this country during the next fifty years will make the returns from the last fifty-year period appear insignificant.

No. 1. Table showing Comparison in Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Exportation, also the Quantity and Value of other Minerals, for the Years ended the 31st December, 1909 and 1910, as well as the Total Value since the 1st January, 1853.

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For Year ending the For Year ending the ' i- the 31st December, 19.0. 31st December, 1909. fag" . Name of Metal or Mineral. j Quantity. Value. Quantity, j Value. ' Quantity. Value. ! Precious metals— Oz. £ Oz. £ Oz. £ Gold.. .. .. .. .. 478,288 1,896,328 506,371 2,006,900 19,709,762 77,437,1; Silver .. .. .. .. 1,711,235 171,562 1,813,830 180,872 14,695,797 1,619,5! Oz. £ 19,709,762 77,437,131 H,695,7 l J7 1,619,522 34,405,559 79,055,653 Total gold and silver .. ..2,189,523 2,067,890 2,820,201.' 2,187,772 34,405,559 79,055,6,' Mineral produce, including kauri-gum— Tons. £ Tons. £ Tons. £ Copper-ore .. .. .. .. .. •• 5 100 1,495$ 19,IS Chrome-ore .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ' .. 5,869 38,0C Antimony-ore.. .. .. .. .. .. 2 60 3,748 54,84 Mangane'se-ore .. .. .. •> ' 15 6 29 19,364$ I 81,91 Haematite ore.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 76 t 44 Mixed minerals .. .. .. t2.088.ft 22,202 • 1,836? 11,709 . 38,8181$ 289,3! Coal (New Zealand) exported .. .. 277,011 259,562 201,685 183,961 2,871,996 3,639,37 Coke exported .. .. .. 6 10 22 23 16,435 ' 24,8"i Coal, output of mines in Dominioi: (less 1,920,351 '.Kill, 175 1,709,562 854,781 28,345,130 14,080,44 exports) Shale .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14,423 7,21 Kauri-gum .. .. .. .. 8,693 ! 465,044 8,250 552,698 306,500 15,413,44 Tons. £ 1,495$ 19,198 5,869 38,002 3,748 54,849 19,364 J I r>1.901 76 \ 444 . 38,8181$ 289,890 2,871,996 2,629,873 16,435 ' 24,877 28,345,130 : 14,080,447 Total quantity and value of minerals 2,208,154.,",, 1,707,008 ll,931,868j 1,603,361 31,618,351$, 32,569,14 Value of gold' and silver, as above.. .. 2,067,890 .. 2,187,772 .. 79,065,68 14,423 7,215 306,500 15,413,445 31,618,351$, 32,569,141 79,055,653 111,1.24,794 Total value of minerals produced, .. ! 8,774,898 .. ' 3,791,133 .. 111,624,79 including gold and silver Including tfreenstoue, 6 tone H cwt.; buildiiig-stoue, 16 tons; auriferous ore, 18*2 tons; scheelite-ore, 58 tons: unenuincratei 7 cous; pumioe-etone, 1,567 tons; wrought stone, tone unrecorded. I Including auriferous ore, 100 tone; schoelito-ori 113 tone; unenumerated, 18 tons; i»yritos, '2 tons; stone, :S5 tone; greenstone, :JJ,', tons; piuiiiuc-etonc, 1,793 tons. 3-ore, 58 tons: unenumcrateil, i ore, 100 tone; scheelite-ore .,792 tons.

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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, 1910 and 1909, and the Total Quantity and Value from 1857 to the 31st December, 1910.

oding \ fa r eliding :iist December. 191ft S] I December 1909. District aud Count) or Borough. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Increase or Decrease for endingSlet Total Quantity and Valui December, 1910. from January, 1857, to ■Mst December. 1910 Increase. Decrease. Auckland— Oz. £ Oz. £ County of Coromandel .. 3,259 13,558 916 3,857 County of Thames .. 2,160 8,820 4,049 15,191 County of Ohinemuri .. 57,235 202,259 60,932 212,343 County of Piako .. .... .. t 16 Borough of Thames .. 4,054 15,760 2,914 12,104 Great Barrier Island .. 2 7 1 4 Borough of Waitai .. 219,816 896,153 219.798 898,583 Oz. Oz. Oz. k 2,343 1,889 3,697 4 1,140 1 18 286,526 1,136,057 288,614 1,142,098 286,526 1,136,057 288,614 2,088 5,162,550 19,626,458 1,142,098 Wellington 188 706 AKLBOKOUGH — County of Marlborough 53 212 39 39 155 14 .. 90,283 351,735 EI.SON — County of Waimea County of Collingwood County of Takaka il7 466 7 2,459 106 7 2,459 106 28 9,834 424 7 2,342 106 117 466 2,572 2,572 10,286 10,286 2,455 1,724,357 6,836,276 2,455 1,724,357 I' West Coast — County of Buller .. County of Inangahua County of Grey County of Westland Hokitika Borough Ross Borough 3,887 14,975 .. 02.27* 238,816 .. 15,4:0 62,106 8,812 35,489 5 20 1,678 6,698 6,609 58,775 19, l'.tl 9,058 I .081 6,609 58,775 19, I'.ti 9,058 25,568 225,50:', 78,193 : (6,346 4,323 2,772 3,508 4 .060 246 ■', 592 ;.. I .081 92,036 358,099 95,014 369,930 2,978 5,597,843 22.253,268 95,014 369,'.180 Cantebbuky— County of Aehburtou 99 387 Otago— County of Taieri .. County of Tuapeka County of Vincent County of Maniototo County of Waihemo County of Waitaki County of Bruce .. County of Lake County of Wallace County of Fiord .. County of Southland County of Clutha.. 1,274 15,755 29,828 4.584 731 1,262 372 3,751 4,643 151 35,855 I ,876 5,019 64,038 119,992 17,957 5,004 1.60S L5.064 18,776 593 1.44,897 5,685 2,677 20,315 39,152 5,824 L.367 2,7W L16 2,979 1,502 15 39,66] 692 1.0,618 82,226 157,856 23,096 5,359 11,081 460 18,192 179 11,11,724 ■2.852 1,403 4,560 :>.:;2!) 1,2'JO <;:!(; 1,529 256 772 ... HI 106 3,806 684 99,527 401,391 120,121 484,385 20,594 7,134,195 28,367,328 Unknown 29 103 II 16 18 I 973 Totals 478,288 1,896,328 506,371 2,006,900 28,083 19,709,762 77,437,131

11

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No. 3. GOLD PRODUCED, 1857 to 1910. Table showing the Total Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Exportation from the 1st January, 1857, to the 31st December, 1910. (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.")

3—C. 2.

Auol ;land. Nele ion. Marlboi irough. West Coast. Otago. Wellington. Canterbury. Grand Totals. Year. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. £ Oz. Value. £ Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. ,, , Value I £ G 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 £ 10,347 40,422 13,534 52,464 7,336 28,427 4,538 17,585 194,031 751,873 410,862 1,591,389 628,450 2,431,723 180,171 1,856,837 574,574 2,226,474 735,376 2,844,517 686,905 2,698,862 637,474 2,504,326 614,281 2,362,995 544,880 2,157,585 730,029 2,787,520 445.370 1,731.261 505,337 1,987,425 376,388 1,505,331 355,322 1,407,770 322,016 1,284,328 371,685 1,496,080 310,486 1,240,079 287,404 1,148,108 305,248 1,227,252 270,561 1,080,790 251,204 1,002,720 248,374 993,352 229.946 921,797 237.371 948,615 227,079 903,569 203,869 811,100 201,219 801,066 203,211 808,549 193,193 773,438 251,996 1,007,488 238,079 954,744 226,811 913,138 221,615 887,839 293,491 1,162,164 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 •• 308 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 10,437 1,192 13,226 7,336 4,538 0,335 4,098 10,422 13,853 9,580 10,552 14,410 17,096 12,137 17,463 7,650 18,277 9,123 168,874 5,999 131,687 10,631 319,146 12,244 1,188, 70S 10,014 369,341 8,175 437,123 13,697 305,068 5,642 262,156 4,577 221,905 14,018 403,627 5,367 220,454 4,463 154,295 2,993 176,416 3,222 141,326 3,453 131.007 3,289 163,618 2,064 ' 143,564 2,159 170,416 2,798 I 128,140 2,582 121,564 2,914 139,556 3,027 113,191 3,252 125,760 2,856 181,185 4,445 183,655 2,535 186,553 2,145 211,974 2,860 430,862 2,460 24,838 7,952 469 501 404 666 1,852 1,867 2,057 i,274 1,198 1,159 450 870 404 879 1,550 1,378 1,352 636 1,079 540 404 1,041 699 5,189 6,073 5,649 3,898 2,165 2,536 2,695 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 .. 1,463 5,560 289,897 1,127,370 552,572 2,140,946 511,974 2,018,874 405,762 1,608,844 317,169 1,269,664 280,068 1,121,525 232,882 931,528 172,574 690,296 188,501 756,442 157,531 631,203 158,678 635,480 133,014 531,274 153,198 612,823 144,634 578,508 142,822 571,061 144,090 375,258 127,544 509,971 130,048 519,978 116,905 467,152 111,686 . 146,517 117,861 471,325 112,671 446,287 98,774 395,430 100,139 400,405 101,696 406,451 89,096 356,368 109,268 437,126 103,106 412,383 99,127 396,516 86,950 347,464 89,429 357,719 187,696 399,201 614,387 436,012 259,139 168,871 158,670 171,649 153, 364 165,152 154,940 157, 574 182,416 135,107 121,423 118,477 113,169 105,003 102,869 113,666 102,670 83,446 87,478 78,810 73,183 79,104 70,443 62,107 64,419 63,423 87,209 82,933 77,660 70,353 87,694 727,321 1,546,905 2,380,750 I 1,689,653 i 1,004,163 654,647 i 623,815 | 686,596 613,456 660,694 i 619,760 630,696 734,024 542,154 : 487,632 473,491 i 155,341 I 422,277 i 407,868 457,705 411,923 333,804 352,334 318,932 294,378 317,543 279,518 247,142 256,430 255,976 349,573 333,467 313,238 307,614 353,796 30 120 10 37 101 380 47 169 33 132 52 206 .. .. .. • ■ .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 96 24 96 .. .. .. .. .. ..

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No. 3— continued. GOLD PRODUCED, 1857 to 1910— continued. Table showing the Total Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Exportation from the 1st January, 1857, to the 31st December, 1910. (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")— continued.

Auckland. Nelson. Marlborough. West Coast. Otago. Wellington. Canterbury. Grand Totals. i em. Oz. Value. Oz. £ 350,355 2,753 392,337 : 1,892 527,786 ■ 1,720 624,737 419 605,398 3,718 695,551 7,212 721,977 5,947 832,334 7,962 791,529 5,049 935,602 6,469 1,195,541 2,944 ! 1,187,079 3,893 1.171,375 3,196 1,142,098 "2.572 1 1,136,057 117 I Value. 10,333 7,055 6,882 1,571 14,605 28,138 23,649 31,710 20,141 25,862 11,746 15,274 12,783 10.286 460 Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. I 916 810 781 535 133 601 972 473 795 297 39 53 £ 3,588 3,195 3,003 2,147 513 2,404 3,845 1,890 3,009 1,145 155 212 7'.».317 58,817 79,948 90,031 73,923 113,286 118,796 125,241 122,310 109,704 104,743 87,069 86,052 95,014 92,036 £ 317,161 235,430 319,789 360,149 295,733 151,006 475,272 501,090 489,177 438,258 414,292 343,146 335,722 369,930 358,099 £ 359,991 342,187 223,231 526,605 521,62'.) 575,492 728,124 668,852 684,764 694,214 049,325 478,982 483,900 484,385 401,391 £ £ 28 111 23 ' 90 22 83 2 7 £ 263,694 1,041,42! 251,645 980, 20'. 280,175 1,080,69: 389,558 1,513,17! 373,616 1,439,605 455,561 1,753,785 •508,045 1,951,43! 533,314 2,037,83; 520,320 1,987.501 520,486 2,093,93( 563,843 2,270,901 •508,210 2,027,49( 506,423 2,004,92i 506,371 2,006,90( 178,288 1,896,328 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 92,346 105,477 142,383 168,769 '• 166,342 191,968 201,583 232,681 223,010 232,215 295,417 298,101 296,971 288,614 286,526 88,362 84,649 55,343 130,311 129,075 142,940 181,116 166,458 169,478 172,098 160,739 118,352 119,907 120,132 99,556 Totals .. 5,162,550 ] 19,626,458 304,938 1,205,119 90,129 351,158 7,017,416 27,885,002 7,134,333 28,367,718 '273 1,044 123 483 19,709, 762 77,437,131 Note. —In 1871 and 1872 the gold duty was Is. to 2s. 6d. per ounce ; in 1873 and succeeding years the duty was 2s. per 20-carat, and in like proportion for gold of less value. 1891, the gold duty was abolished in the South Island. Prom the 31st March,

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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 Dominion up to 31st December, 1910.

13

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 £ •• 111063 2!993 37,123 11,380 80,272 23,145 37,064 9,910 36,187 9,850 40,566 10,380 29,085 7,569 12,683 3,171 33.S93 7,556 23,019 5,755 20,645 4,512 20,005! 4.500 18,885' 4.236 5,694 1,286 16,826i 3,785 24,914 5,125 16,624 3,169 12,108 2,946 20,809 3,453 403 71 24,105 4,043 32,637 6,162 28,023 5,151 22,053 3,996 Si Oz. liloe 37,15 80,21 37, Of 36, If 40, 5( 29, Of 12, 6S 33, Si 23,0] 20, 6< 20, 0( 18, 8f 5,6! 16,85 24,93 16, 6! 12, 1( 20, 8( 4( 24, l< 28, 0i 22,0; Silver. lilver. Coppor-ore. Chrome-ore. Antimony-ore. Mauganese-ore. Haematite-ore. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. £ £ £ £ £ £ 351 3 "25 11 11 1. 245 2,605 8 120 137 1,590 116 1,440 110 1,300 52 520 51 1,024 3,84324,719 .. .. .. 595 4,318 768 4,910 11 11 11 281 llol5 11 11 11 246 2,700 .. .. .. ' 84 977 .. .. 163 '2,993 .. .. .» .. .. .. .. 23 11,380 7 120 .. .. 172 23,145! 164 9,910 .. .. .. 87 9,850 .. .. .. .66 10,380 I85J 7,569: .. .. .. 88 3,171 .. .. .. 193 7,556 119 5,755 6 115 .... 4 102 2,516 10,416 .. 145 4,512 55 l,105i .. .. .. .. 2,140 8,338 .. 105 4.500 .. 60 612 2,611 10,4231 .. 185 4.236 5 36 .. .. 2 24 1,271 3,283 .. 194 1,286 9 41 .. .. 30 900 2,181 6,963 .. 126 3,785 46 678 .. .. 31 804 384 1,155 0.', 12 114 5,125 20 106 .. .. .. .. 318 809 .. >24i 3,169 .. 666 5,289 602 1,716 50J 208 08| 2,946 20 390 .. .. 62i 1,784 328£i 1,316 .. (09 3,453 .. 134 3,989 305 895 .. 103 71 2 75 .. .. 3761 6,246 1,085 2,404 .. .05 4,043 .. 493 5,319 1,080 2,569 .. >37 6,162 .. .. .. .. 515 11,121 482 1,004 1£ 5 123 5,151 0J 4 .. .. 413! 4.950 1,153 2 > 634 •• ' 153 3,996 .. .. .. .. 364: 4,900! 521 1,239 .. - 351 245 137 110 51 246 84 "7 "e 55 "5 9 46 20 20 2 £ 3 "25 2,605 8 120 1,590 116 1,440 1,300 52 520 1,024 3,84324,71'.) 595 4,318 768 4,910 11 281 ll315 2,700 .. 977 .. 120 .. "ll5 11 11 l,105i .. " 36i 11 11 41 678 106 .. 390 11 11 "75 11 4 11 11 •• 4 " 60 30 "666 62 134 376 493 515 413! 364; Mftuganese-ore. Hosmatite-ore. Mixed 11 Ores Tons. 11 3, 180 2,366 2 2J674: 1,955! 2,784 22 114' 445 144 162 199 19 2 -I Mixed Mineral Ores.* Hneral Coal. coke. Kauri Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. £ £ £ 830 1,661 355 1,440 ; 2,522 2 4 .. .. 1,811 2,010 1 2 .. .. 1,046 85G ..i 1,103 1,400 2,228 1,867 261 400 .. .. 2,535 973 1,228 .. .. -2. (185 1,027 1,210 .. .. 2,690 750 800 .. .. 2,850 1,672 1,508 .. .. 4,391 1,696 1,612 .. ,. 5,054 990 855 21 50 4,811 724 655 .. .. 2,834 1,463 1,363 87 228 2,569 3,385 3,129 15 51 3,231 14,824 1,854 1,954 53 189 2,888 9,664 2,658 2,071 25i 72 3,633 8 6,362 5,13'J 85 177 3,445 7.144 6,187 154 324 3,229 11,335 7,020 5,977 87 135 4,725 4,303' 6,621 5.610 223 353 5,461 8,597 3,207 -2.380 275 480 5,533 110 6,522 4,8791,430 2,057 6,518 6,104 4,461 236 372 6,393 993 43,893 51,257 267 385 5,875} 1,846 46,136 52,133! 497 715 4,920} 4,142 44,129! 44,650 183J 266 6,791 2,955 68,087: 04,971 953 i ( 646 8,482 9,985 86,405' 84,3472,132 3,407 7,519 •273 69,614; 67,003 2,218 3,334 7,438 6 91,664; 91,1732,544 3,658] 8,388 631 78,911 80,2254,306 5,691! 8,705 Coal. i-^um. Value. 1 £ 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 72,493 111.807 175,074 167,958 154,167 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 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 Totals. Tons. 830 ! 1,661 355 j 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 6,07o 6,750 5,882 3,558 4,119 6,631 7,975 8,6824 12,120 12,722 17,177 15,538 14,019 14,953$! 13,071 51,468J' 52,409j! 51,686$ 79,147" 97,828 80,287$! 104,1641! 92,891 Totals. Value. £ 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

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14

No. 4 — continued. 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 Dominion up to 31st December, 1910— continued.

Silv Coppe Chrome-ore. Antiinc Mixed Mineral Ores.* Tons. Value. Coal. Tone. Value. Coke. Kauvi-gum. Total. rer. ir-ore. iny-ore. Mangal iese-ore. Hirnnal lite-ore. Coal. Year. Oz. Value. I Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Oz. Value, j Tons. Value. I Tons. I Value. Tone. Value. I I ■ i 1 i 1893 .. 1894 .. 1895 1896 1897 .. 1898 .. 1899 1900 1901 1902 .. 1903 .. 1904 1905 1906 .. 1907 .. 1908 1909 1910 63,070 54,177! 85,0241 94,307! 183,892 293,851 349,3381 . 326,457 571,134 674, 196| 911,914] 1,094,461 1.179,744 1,390,536 1,562,603 1,731,336 1,813,830 1,711,235 s, 9,743 6,697 I 10,679 ! 10,589 20,872 33,107 40,838 38,879 65,258 ! 71,975 J 91.497 112,875 120,542 143,572 169,484 I 175,337 180,872 171,562 "n 12 3 h £ ■■ 2 70 •■ 45 105 123 331 44 54 21 10 28 110 3 30 175 525 £ 3,467 761 l,486i 450 157 136! 2J18! 73 GO 319 534 210 65 180 ■217 135 166 208 70 196 55 16 5 6 5 £ 943 1,156 525 205 5411 703| 407 588 614 "210 570| 165 40 26 •• •• 17 ! £ 116 96 £ 37 650 25 353 62 880 : 37 1.335 1,561 5,892 : 1,82S i 4,792 ! 1,309 6,591 : 2,126 12,751 : 696 7.775 415 : 4,422 : 625 7,014 1,404 10,168 632 8,136 1,297 18,421 I 1,4924 30,448 1,690$ 16,17'J l,836f 11,709 ! 2,088jft 22,202 •83,318}$ '239,390 £ 69,136 72,699 75,004 73,438 85,987 83,342! I 79,524 71,984 ! 76,073 69,595 ! 56,332 50,381 1 89,480 83,085 I 112,707 98,136 j 159,643 142,176 I 188,677 154,747| ! 152,332 128,927 165,220 139,898 ! 122,617 107,062 I 141,641 122,614 ! 128,950 114,737 \ 100,502 85,846 201,685 183,961 277,011 -259,562 2,871,996 2,629,378 £ E 51 53 8,317 510,775 63,076 107 160 8,338 404,567 54,177 288 715 7,425 418,766 85,024 105 263 7.120 431.323 94,307 6.64 1J 308,010 183,892 9 14 9,905 ' 586,767 293,751 ]8 9 11,110 G07,919 349,338 10,159 622,293 326,457 7,541 446,114 571,134 7,430 450,223 674,196 9,357 631,102 911,914 9,203 501,8171,094,461 15 15 10,883 501,444 1,179,744 5 6 9,154 522,4861,390,530 15 15 8,708 579,8881,562,603 2 4 5.530 372. 798 1,731, 330 2-2 23 8,250 552,6981,813,830 6 10 8,693 465,0441,711,235 £ 78,191 598,330 84,052 487,132 94,026 516,393 86,878 516,149 84,465* 495,069 68.253J 675,834 102,058 738,849 125,201 772,903 168,121 662,178 196,714 1 682,008 162,390 658,874 176,030 765,424 134,406 797,381 152,113 807,139 139,324J 897,316 107,7424 650,512 211,SO6§ 929,452 287, 918,395 3,258,798$, 20,100,001 "* \ 17 ■7 1 •• 56 13 5 595 275 1001 "981 5 .. .. 2 ■• •• 5 * * _ _ : •• 29 15 • • .. Totals 14,695,7971 11,618,522 1,495$ 5,86938,002: 3,748 76J 16.435 24.877 300,500 19.1981 54,849 19,3G4£ 61,901 444 15,413,445 14,695,797 * The following are thi principal minerals included under this heading : — Sch. :lite Ore. Auriferous Ore. Sulphur. Other Mixed Minerals. Year. Tons. Value. Tons. Tons. Tons. Value. Value. Value. Tons. 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 190S 1909 1910 32 54 2 39 42 17 28 55 137 68 58 143 2,788 2,635 83 1,200 1,439 791 1,848 3,407 15,486 6,055 4,263 15,070 22 5 219 390 231 472 977 535 1,180 1,244 654 182 100 £ 380 153 4,450 6,663 2,560 4,449 8,898 5,997 13,940 14,650 6,993 2,450. 1,538 1,765 1 ,227 1,692 143 100 4,097 3,483 4,824 360 475 315 167 842 669 187 1,126 479 2(11 1,074 312 3,131 4,996 5,594

15

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No. 5. Return showing the Quantity and Value of Coals imported into New Zealand during the Quarter ended the 31st March, 1911.

No. 6. Table showing the Increase or Decrease in the Annual Production of Coal and Shale in the Dominion, and the Quantity of Coal imported since 1878.

No. 7. Table showing the Output of Coal from the various Coalfields, and the Comparative Increase and Decrease, for the Years 1909 and 1910, together with the Total Approximate Quantity of Coal produced since the Mines were opened.

Country whence imported. Quantity. Value. lueeneland fow South Wales Tons. 154 44,028 £ 74 4:3,378 Totals 44,182 43,452

Coal raised in the Dominion. Coal imported. Coal imported. Year. ,.. . Yearly Increase 1 ""*• or Decrease. luurL'use over reaso over Preceding Year. Preceding Year. Prior to 1878 1878 187'J 1880 1881 1882 188H 1884 1885 1880 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 189b , 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 190'J 1910 .. 709,931 162,218 231,218 l>9.000 399,928 68,700 887,262 37,339 378,272 41,010 421,764 43,492 480,831 59,009 511,063 30,232 534,353 23,290 558,620 24,267 613,895 55,275 586,445 Dec. 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 1,093,990 118,756 1,239,686 145,696 1,365,040 125,354 1,420,229 55,189 1,537,838 117,609 1,585,756 47,918 1,729,536 143,780 1,831,009 101,473 1,860,975 29,966 1,911,247 50,272 2,197,362 286,115 174,148 158,076 123,298 129.1)02 129,582 123,540 148,444 130,202 119,873 107,230 101,341 128,063 110,939 125,318 125,453 117,444 112,961 108,198 101,756 110,907 115,427 99,655 124,033 149,764 127,853 163,923 117,196 169,04(3 207.567 220,749 287,808 258,185 232,378 10,072 33,778 0,664 380 6,042 24,904 18,242 10,329 12,643 5,889 26, 722 17,124 14,379 135 3,009 4,483 4,763 6,442 9,151 4,520 15,772 24,378 25,371 21,911 36,070 16,727 21,850 38,521 13,182 67,059 29,623 25,807

Output of Coal. Name of Coalfield. 1910. 1909. Increase. Decrease. Approximate Total Output of Coal up to 31st December, 1910. Tons. Tons. Kawakawa, and Hikurangi .. .. 107,866 98,415 Whangarei, Kaino, Ngunguru, and 46,931 36,542 Whauwhau Waikato .. .. .. •• 228,962 192,827 Mokau .. .. .. .. 4,405 6,415 Miranda .. .. •• .. 12,344 13,720 Drury .. .. • ■ • ■ 156 451 Pelorus .. .. •• .. 120 Collingwood .. .. .. 28,600 12,750 Buller .. .. .. .. 831,200 718,419 Reefton .. .. .. .. 14,451 10,502 Grey .. •• •• •• 466,661 380,971 Canterbury .. .. .. 23,708 21,866 Otago .. • .. •■ .. 291,441 286,997 Southland .. .. .. 140,517 131,372 Tons. 9,451 10,389 36,135 120 15,850 112,781 3,949 85,690 1,842 4,444 9,145 Tons. 2,010 1,376 295 Tons. Tons. 2,020,882 748,215 2,596,146 73,987 114,586 1,196 831 171,377 9,882,232 190,944 5,935,796 621,465 7,081,716 1,777,753 Tons. 2,020,882 748,215 2,010 1,376 295 2,596,146 73,987 114,586 1,196 831 171,377 9,882,232 190,944 5,935,796 621,465 7,081,716 1,777,753 Totals .. .. 2,197,362 I 1,911,247 286,115 31,217,126 31,217,126

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

No. 9. Return showing the Quantity and Value of Coal imported into and exported from New Zealand during the Year ended the 31st December, 1910.

No. 10. Number of Persons ordinarily employed in Mining during the Years ended 31st December, 1909 and 1910.

Name of Coal. 1910. Output of Coal. 1909. Increase. Decrease. Approximate Total Output of Coal up to the 31et December, 1010. lituminous and semi-bituminous •itch Srown lignite Tons. 1,405,709 6,068 594,995 100,590 Tons. L.257,288 5,473 559,509 89,032 Tons. 238,47(5 595 35,486 11,668 ! Tons. Tons. 18,550,088 1,982,671 9,304,321 1,380,043 Totals 2,197,362 1,911,247 1,911,247 —I — 286,115 286,115 31,217,126 31,217,126

Imported. Exported. Countries whence imported. Quantity, i Value. Countries to which exported. Quantity, i Value. Tons. k. United Kingdom .. .. 158 138 New South Wales .. .. 232,220 280,027 Victoria South Australia U.S.A. West Coast Tons. £ United Kingdom .. .. 185,127 180,641) Victoria .. .. . . 8,181 6,421 New South Wales .. 34,807 30,410 Western Australia .. 2,431 1,941 Tasmania .. .. 3,924 3,006 Fiji .. .. .. 12,978 12,071 France .. .. .. ■ 870 870 Argentine Republic .. 1,328 897 Chili .. .. .. 1,990 2,084 South Seas .. .. 25,375 21,210 I Totals .. non 07Q 230,765 Totals .. .. 277,011 259,562

District. European. Chinese. Alluvial Miners. Quartz-miners. Totals. European. Chinese. European. Chinese. European. Chinese. EuroDeau. Chinese. E 3uroi)fian. C !nrilifiKe. 1MKI. Grand Totals. L909 1910. fiiuropean. *jinnese. niuropeau. Dninese. ji liuropeau. u jiimeue. [ 1UUH. GOLD-MINES. 209 .. 20'J 504 .. 504 482 .. 482 14 .. 14 i 1,979 .. 1,979 I •J 1UQ ■) iOl' Auckland— Coromandel Thames Paeroa.. .. .. .. Tβ Aroba .. .. Waihi .. 209 504 482 14 1,979 . 3.188 20'J 504 482 14 1,979 3.188 115 241 475 1,947 Q.77S 115 241 475 115 209 241 504 475 482 14 1,947 1,979 1,947 Maelbokough— Blenheim and Havelook .. .. 23 ... 3,188 .. 3,188 a,188 0,0.00 12 0,100 as 3,188 a,7Y0 48 2,778 3,188 I" 35 18 35 Nelson — Wangapeka, Takaka, and Motueka la Gollingwood .. .. .. 39 Inangahua .. .. .. 8a 30 Ahaura .. .. .. 250 88 Westport, including Charleston, \ Addison's, Northern Terraces, | Waimangaroa. North Beacb, j- 80 Mokihinui, Karamea, and Lower Buller Valley J Lyell .. .. .. .. 7 Murchison .. .. m n Owen .. .. .. J I 589 76 9 927 18 4 10 968 ia 38 1,010 268 84 17 127 1,557 30 35 11 76 50 1,044 285 100 58 141 1,683 13 38 1,040 303 84 17 138 1,557 76 1,683 1,633

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No. 10 — continued. Number of Persons ordinarily employed in Mining during the Years ended 31st December, 1909 and 1910— continued.

Summary of Persons ordinarily kmployed in or about New Zealand Mines during 1910. Gold-mines ... ... ... ... 8,081 Other metalliferous mines ... ... ... 40 Coal-mines ... ... ... ... 4,599 Total ... ... ... 12,720

Approximate Cost of Vanvr. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,800 copies, including diagram), £22.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9ll Priet '.id.',

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District. Alluvial Miners. European. Chinee Quartz-miners. Totals. European. Chinese. European. Chinese. Grand 'otals. Chinese, won. 1910. GOLD-MINES— continued. Westland — Ross Stafford and Goldsborough Hokitika and Kanieri Kumara Greymouth .. .. ) Arnold Okarito 50 CO 167 53 * I ■25 14 15 70 4 "20 5 54 66 187 53 299 25 14 15 21 160 125 84 54 91 201 68 294 70 375 369 9 630 124 29 659 124 774 783 Otaqo— Hindon Tuapeka Lawrence, Roxburgh, Black'R, Alexandra, and Clyde 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 Ttore 720 290 346 10 266 "38 17 29 4 9 14 ■724 299 346 10 280 ".38 17 29 17 10 429 312 10 345 10 324 762 816 346 10 309 55 (i 4 59 6 52 05 115 4 19 134 4 145 138 204 '25 78 t 277 29 338 806 190 190 220 190 2,196 L19 123 4 2,319 123 2,442 SUMMARY. 2,212 Auckland, Northern Inspection District Marlborough ) We3t Coast ( Nelson !■ Inspection Dis- \ Westland j trict [ Otago, Southern Inspection District 3,188 3,188 2,77« 3,188 28 589 630 2,196 76 124 119 12 968 29 123 33 1,557 659 2,319 76 124 123 48 1,683 774 2,212 35 1,633 783 2,442 Totals 3,438 819 4,320 4 7,758 323 7,495 8,081

Mines Department. New Zealand. DIAGRAM showing QUANTITY & VALUE of GOLD exported annually from N.Z. For the years 1857 to 1910.

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DIAGRAM showing QUANTITY & VALUE of KAURI GUM exported annually from N.Z. For the years 1853 to 1910.

DIAGRAM showing ANNUAL OUTPUT of COAL from N.Z. MINES. For the years 1872 to 1910.