Papers Past | Parliamentary Papers | Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives | 1912 Session II | MINES STATEMENT, BY THE HON. JAMES COLVIN,...

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Session 11. 1912. NEW ZEALAND

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

Mr. Speaker,— I have the honour to present to Parliament the Mines Statement for the year ended the 31st December, 1911. The value of the mineral-output for the year amounted to £3,492,362, as against £3,774,898 for the preceding year, being a decrease of £282,536 ; but this decrease should not be regarded as indicating a general decline in our mining industry, it being due principally to an impoverished zone which has been encountered at the Waihi Mine, with the result that the annual return from that mine alone shows a decrease of £224,636. The value of the bullion produced from our gold-mines amounted to £1,948,369 for the year, as against £2,067,890 for 1910. Dividends declared during 1911 by registered gold-mining companies amounted to £504,795. The profit from privately owned mines and dredges is also considerable. The output of coal amounted to 2,066,073 tons, being greater than that for any previous year except 1910, when the output was unusually high owing to a strike at Newcastle, New South Wales, which caused orders to be diverted to New Zealand. Kauri-gum continues to be a valuable export. Up to the end of 1911 gum to the value of £15,809,152 has been exported, of which £395,707 worth was obtained during 1911. Mining development generally has been unimportant, with the exception of explorations for mineral oil, which have been carried out at Poverty Bay, Taranaki, and near Lake Brunner. Drilling-operations carried out by the Taranaki Petroleum Company (Limited) have been fairly successful, three flowing wells having been located, and a considerable quantity of oil of high quality impounded in tanks. On the 3rd May this company obtained the Government bonus of £2,500 offered for the production of a quarter of a million gallons of crude petroleum of specified quality ; and it is anticipated that very shortly it will succeed in obtaining the second bonus of £2,500, which is offered for the production of a further quarter-million gallons. During the current year has been refloated the Taranaki Oil-wells (Limited), with a capital of £400,000, and it is proposed to at once erect a refinery, and drill additional wells.

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MINERAL-PRODUCTION. The following table shows the quantity and value of gold, silver, and other minerals, including kauri-gum, exported during the years 1910 and 1911, also the quantity of native coal consumed in the Dominion during the same periods :—

Total value of production for 1911 ... ... ... ... 3,492,362 1910 ... ... ... ... 3,774,898 Total decrease ... ... ... ... £282,536 AURIFEROUS-QUARTZ MINING. This still remains the most important branch of the mining industry in the Dominion. The value of the bullion obtained from our quartz-mines during 1911 amounted to £1,375,253, as a result of treating 645,991 tons, the dividends obtained thereby amounting to £451,969. The following is a statement of the quantity of quartz treated, the value of bullion obtained, and the amount of dividends paid by the most important quartzmines during 1911 : —

There has been a serious decline in the production from the Waihi Mine, owing to impoverishment of the lodes at the lower levels. Operations are being energetically carried out for the development of the lodes at greater depth, and it is hoped that the impoverished zone, will eventually be passed through. It is impossible, however, to forecast what the developments will disclose. It is satisfactory to report substantial increases in the value of the production from the Waihi Grand Junction, Talisman, New Big River, and Blackwater Mines, and that some promising new mines are being opened up in other parts of the Dominion.

Year ending Produot. 31st Decemb 31st Decembei :r, 1910. ■ 31st December, 1911. Quantity. Quantity. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Gold ... ... ... ... 478,288oz. Silver ... ... ... ... 1,711,235 „ Manganese-oLc: ... ... ... 5 tons Mixed minerals ... ... 2,088 „ Colonial coal exported, including that ' 277,011 „ used by Home steamers Colonial coal used in New Zealand .... 1,920,351 „ Kauri-gum ... I 8,693 „ Coke ... ... ... ... 6 „ Antimony... £ 1,896,328 171,562 15 22,202 259,562 £ 455,226 oz. ! 1,816,782 1,311,043 „ 131,587 4 3,470 tons 22,104 223,918 „ 205,008 960,175 465,044 10 1,842,155 „ 921,078 7,587 „ 395,707 20 tons 92

Dividends paid. Name of Company. Quantity of Quartz treated. Value of Bullion. Total to end 1911. of December, 1911. I Vaihi Gold-mining Company (Limited) Vaihi Grand Junction Gold-mining Company (Limited) 'alisman Consolidated (Limited) few Big River Gold-mining Company (Limited) Slackwater Mines (Limited) tther quartz-mines throughout New Zealand Tons. 316,349 [ 94,603 47,550 6,913 44,038 136,538 Tons. 316,349 94.603 47,550 6,913 44,038 136,538 £ 670.179 150.72!) 222.058 28,062 92.062 ' 212,163 £ £ 272,748 j 4.230,585 19,218 19.218 109.307 560.291 13.200 51.600 37.4<)<i 87.496 * * Totals 645,991 1,375,253 451,969 * • Unknown.

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ALLUVIAL AND DREDGE MINING. The abundant rainfall during 1911 permitted more continuous sluicing of auriferous gravel than has been possible during recent years, with the result that there has been an increase in the value of the gold-production from this source amounting to £86,752, the total production being £275,216, obtained from 277 claims. The most successful of the alluvial mines were the Mont dOr, Round Hill, Havelock, and (lolden Crescent. The value of the production from our gold-dredges during 1911 amounted to £297,900, as against £315,237 for 1910 ; but there has been a slight increase in the average production per dredge, which for the past year amounted to £3,203. The dredges in commission numbered ninety-three, thirty-one of which, the property of registered companies, paid dividends amounting in the aggregate to £45,318. Fifteen dredges are operating on the west coast of the South Island, and seventy-eight in Otago. The following is a statement regarding the most productive dredges owned by registered companies :■ —

The most noteworthy feature of the year in connection with gold-dredging has been a renewal of activity in the Waikaka Valley, where a deep lead has been located by keystone drilling. At Waikaka the Mystery Flat Gold-dredging Company are engaged in operations which constitute a departure from former gold-dredging practice. After dredging all the "available river-flat, this company's dredge is now working its way up the slopes of the surrounding foothills and terraces. SCHEELITE. The quantity of scheelite exported during the year amounted to 138 tons, valued at £11,853, as compared with 143 tons, valued at £15,070, in 1910. The main sources of supply continue to be Glenorchy (at the Tiead of Lake Wakatipu) and Macrae's (Otago). A number of new scheelite-mines are being opened up, and, owing to the activity now being displayed, a considerable increase in the production of scheelite may be anticipated. KAURI-GUM. The quantity of kauri-gum exported during the year amounted to 7,587 tons, valued at £395,707, as compared with 8,693 tons, valued at £465,044, in 1910. The market price for this commodity continues to decline slowly, and as the demand for general labour in New Zealand increases, the occupation of gum-digging becomes less and less attractive, and but few men are now so occupied in comparison with the number engaged during former years.

Dividend :ls paid Name of Dredge. Worksop No Town Creek Pactolus Blackwater River Waikaka Syndicate Golden Bed Rising Sun Magnum Bonuni Electric (two dredges) Paterson's Freehold (two dredges) . . Dredge No. 909 . . Willowbank Other working dredges Production during 1911. £ 16,284 7,486 5.144 6,728 5,180 5.896 6,439 4,368 10,922 7,244 .. j 7,251 4,491 208,976 During 1911. £ 9,300 5,400 1,875 2.605 2,450 1.922 2,200 1,812 :,,250 1,800 2.250 1,600 8,734 To 31st December, 1911. £ 15.900 34.200 62.500 11.494 22,750 15,269 16,000 8,875 126.092 15.000 3,750 2,000 -i _ -i Totals 296,409 45,198 45,198 j

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COAL-MINING. The production of coal for the past year is, with the exception of 1910, the highest yet attained, being 2,066,073 tons. The output from the three inspection districts is shown in the following table : — Comparative Statement of Coal and Lignite raised during the Years 1909, 1910, a\-d 1911.

The comparative tonnage of the various classes of coal, &c, for the years 1910 and 1911 is summarized as follows :—

The total recorded output for the various classes of coal, lignite, and oil-shale is now 33,297,621 tons. There continues to be an increasing demand for the high-class bituminous coal from the West Coast mines and from the semi-bituminous collieries of the Waikato district, and with a view to meeting these requirements new collieries are being laid down on the Grey and Waikato coalfields, in addition to which existing mines are being further equipped and prepared for increased outputs. The production of coal and shale from the mines of the Dominion is shown in the following table : —

PERSONS ENGAGED IN MINING. The number of persons employed in and about the mines of the Dominion during 1911 is estimated at 11,690. The number employed in connection with the metalliferous mines was 7,400, and at coal-mines 4,290. The number of gum-diggers is not ascertainable.

Inspection District. Output for 1911. Increase or Decrease, 1910 and 1911. Output for 1909. Increase or Decrease, 1909 and 1910. Northern Vest Coast louthern Tons. 397,872 1,218,693 449,508 Decrease Tons. 2,792 122,339 6,158 Tons. 348,370 1,122,642 440,235 Increase Tons. 52,294 218,390 15,431 Totals 2,066,073 Decrease 131,289 1,911,247 Increase 286,115

Class of Coal. Output for 1911. Output for 1910. Increase or Decrease for 1911. Situminous and semi-bituminous 'itch-coal trown coal lignite Tons. 1,358,357 4,411 601,093 102,212 Tons. 1,495,709 6,068 594,995 100,590 Tons. Decrease 137,352 1,657 1 Increase 6,098 1,622 Totals 2,066,073 2,066,073 2,197,362 2,197,362 j Decrease 131,289 j Decrease 131,289

Name of Colliery. Class of Coal. Total Output Output for 1911. 3WD U mte| 1911. Brown Tons. 252,262 Tons. 2,574,413 Taupiri Westport Coal Company — Millerton Denniston Westport-Stockt on State coal-mines — Seddonville Point Elizabeth No. 1 .. Blackball Kaitangata Nightcaps Other collieries Bituminous . . >) • ■ >i • • 11 • • Brown ii • • Various 299,642 323,368 87.236 60,045 188,892 156,821 134,829 64,250 498,728 3,431,993 6.045,799 332.129 400,104 1,413,463 1,469,946 2,714,181 788,575 14,127,018 Totals 2,066,073 33,297,621

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The following table shows the number of miners in each inspection district, and the branch of mining in which they are engaged : —

MINING ACCIDENTS. The number of fatalities recorded in connection with mining operations during 1911 is nineteen, and the number of men reported as seriously injured thirty-nine. The fatalities which occurred in and about the coal-mines total fourteen, or two less than during the previous year, when the number of serious accidents was twenty, as against sixteen in 1910. At metalliferous mines the fatalities during the year numbered five, compared with fifteen during 1910, a most satisfactory decrease. The number of serious non-fatal accidents at coal-mines was nineteen, as against seventeen during 1910. The fatalities per thousand persons employed in metal-mines were 0*67, and in coal-mines 3-26, or an average of 1-62 per thousand for metalliferous and coal mines combined. STATE COLLIERIES. The output from the State collieries during 1911 amounted to 248,937 tons, as against 275,602 during the previous year, being a decline of 26,665 tons. This decrease is due to the approaching exhaustion of the two State collieries at Seddonville and Point Elizabeth, which were not new mines when acquired by the Government several years ago. Provision, however, has been made to meet the requirements of the market by the laying-down of a new colliery—namely, the Point Elizabeth No. 2 Mine—which is situated at Seven-mile Creek, beyond Runanga. To this colliery a branch railway and haulage inclines have been constructed, and by the end of the current year the mine should have reached the output stage. I regret to state that the profit on the working of the State coal-mines during the financial year ended 31st March, 1912, was less than during the previous year. This is principally owing to higher cost of production, but partly to diminished output. The briquette-manufactory at Westport, which for about three years was worked in conjunction with the Seddonville Colliery, was closed during 1911 owing to the high cost of manufacture. The making of briquettes at the Westport State manufactory was one of the subjects inquired into by the Royal Commission on Mines, the report being to the effect that the cost of manufacturing with a pitch bond precluded competition in the market with coal as a fuel, and that it did not appear that any material saving could be effected in the manufacture of the briquettes. SCHOOLS OF MINES. The schools of mines, which have now been established twenty-seven years, continue to contribute to the education of mining and metallurgical students at the principal mining centres throughout the Dominion. The number of important positions occupied by students from these schools in many of the great mining districts of the world bears testimony to the efficiency of the system, and the practical teaching at these schools has no doubt contributed to the low working-cost and the high proportion of the dividends paid by the most important of our mining companies. •At the last annual examinations seventy-six students presented themselves for examination.

Inspect tloil >U1 rict. Classification. Northern. Wist Coast. Southern. Total. Jold and silver 3oal .. ton .. Jcheelite •' i 2.943 732 2,304 2,610 11 2,118 948 24 7,365 4,290 11 24 Totals 3,675 4,925 4,925 3,090 3,090 11,691

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Including grants made to the School of Mines connected with the Otago University at Dunedin, the expenditure on account of these institutions by the Mines Department during the past year amounted to £2,110, and the aggregate expenditure thereon by the Department since their initiation totals to £49,816. ROADS AND TRACKS. The Government recognize the need for constructing roads and tracks to open up mineral lands, and that policy will be adhered to. The expenditure on roads and tracks constructed by subsidies and direct giants during the financial year ended 31st March, 1912, amounted to £41,067. PROSPECTING. Liberal assistance is offered under the Mining Regulations to prospectors. The expenditure on subsidies to prospecting associations and parties of miners in the different counties for the year amounted to £3,534. GOLDFIELDS WATER-RACES. The total revenue derived from sales of water during the year ended 31st December, 1911, amounted to £2,594, and the total expenditure thereon, including maintenance, to £3,369, showing a deficiency of £775. On the 12th April, 1912, the Kumara Water-race extension, by inverted siphon two miles in length across the valley of the River Taramakau, was officially opened by me. This conduit delivers 36 cubic feet of water per second into the distributingrace on the northern terrace of the Taramakau, and, with its storage dam, will be able to supply 50 cubic feet of water per second for twelve hours a day throughout the whole year for the development of the extensive alluvial deposits still unworked in the Westbrook, Maori Point, and Hayes Terrace localities. The cost of this waterrace extension amounted to about £20,000, and it is sincerely hoped that the miners will use the water to the fullest extent and to the best advantage, and thereby encourage the extension of the Government water-races to other localities. As a power scheme this conduit has valuable possibilities, as from it about 2,600 brake horse-power could be developed at the Government power reserve on the south bank of the river, and no doubt, as the price of coal and other fuel increases, this power will be in considerable requisition. Indeed, in the not-distant future it may be that the water-power available from our west coast mountain rivers and streams, being within easy access of navigable rivers and railway communication with our large towns, will be the means of establishing manufactories and industries supplied with raw material from distant parts. The conservation, therefore, of the sources of high-pressure water-power is very important in the interests of the Dominion. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. During the year detailed geological surveys have been carried on in the WaihiTauranga and Mokihinui Subdivisions, and the results of these operations will be duly published in the annual report on the survey, as well as in the usual Bulletins. ROYAL COMMISSION ON MINES. During the year a Royal Commission was appointed to inquire into and report on the conditions relating to the health and safety of the miners of New Zealand, and the administration of the laws relating to mining, and to make recommendations as to any amendment of these laws which might be considered necessary for the better protection of the health and safety of persons working in mines. The Commission was directed to inquire more especially as to the prevention of accidents in mines ; the ventilation of mines ; the underground sanitation of mines ; change- and bathhouses for miners ; what steps should be taken to guard against miners' phthisis; and as to the profitable utilization of the soft bituminous and lignite coals of the Westport district.

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The Commission entered upon its duties on the 3rd August, 1911, and on the 16th December presented its report. It is proposed to incorporate the recommendations contained therein in Bills to amend the Mining and Coal-mines Acts. THE REGULATION OF STONE-QUARRIES. The necessity for the proper regulation of stone-quarries in the interests of safety having become apparent, a Stone-quarries Act was passed in 1910, and on the Ist April of the following year it came into operation. In that Act it is provided that all stone-quarry managers or foremen (where explosives are used or any stoneface exceeds 20 ft. in depth) shall be the holders of permits of competency or of service granted by an Inspector of Quarries ; and during the year 261 permits were so granted in twenty-one inspection districts. General rules and regulations provide for the safe storage and use of explosives, and for suitable ropes, chains, ladders, and other appliances. This Act is administered by the existing staff of the Mines and Public Works Departments without additional cost. In mining districts the Inspectors of Mines, in addition to their ordinary work, have been assigned the duties of Inspectors of Quarries, and in the remaining districts the Overseers of the Public Works Department carry out the duties in conjunction with their other work. During the year there were four fatal accidents, causing five deaths, at quarries coming under the operation of the Act, three persons being killed by explosives, one by machinery, and one by a truck. The consensus of opinion, as conveyed in the reports of the Inspectors, is that the Act is a wise and necessary measure, and that it has already been the means of additional precautionary steps being taken. GOLD-MINERS' RELIEF FUND. The Gold-miners' Relief Fund, which was inaugurated by the passing of the Mining Act Amendment Act, 1910, has worked satisfactorily, the balance to credit on the 31st March last being £3,720 13s. od. During the year the payments from the fund amounted to £2,947 6s. 3d. TABLES AND APPENDICES. Attached hereto are the usual tables, and the customary reports on the goldfields and coal-mines of the Dominion appear as Appendices to this Statement. CONCLUSION. In conclusion, I desire, in a very few words, to remind honourable members of the beneficial results to the community of the establishment and progress of the mining industry. The discovery of gold in any country is the means of attracting people to its shores, and this alone has in the past brought thousands of people to New Zealand who otherwise would not have come, and although many of them have ceased to be connected with mining, they have followed other pursuits and made this country the land of their adoption. New Zealand is to a large extent indebted to the miner, who, in the early days, forced his way into the wilds where no civilized human being had ever trod before, overcoming all difficulties and dangers in order that he might wrest from nature the riches that for ages had lain hidden, and thereby causing attention to be directed to other sources of wealth. The day of the individual miner is doubtless fast drawing to a close, as the more easily won deposits have become or a: c becoming exhausted, and it is now to the geologist and chemist, as well as to the engineer, that we must look for the future development of the industry. There is, however, still great mineral wealth to be won, and abundance of opportunity for the judicious investment of unemployed capital.

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TABLES TO ACCOMPANY THE MINES STATEMENT. 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, 1910 and 1911, as well as the Total Value since the 1st January, 1853.

No. 2. Table showing the Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Exportation from New Zealand for the Years ended the 31st December, 1911 and 1910, and the Total Quantity and Value from 1857 to the 31st December, 1911.

Name of Metal or Mineral. For Year ending the 31st December, 19U. For Year ending the . rt ™£ r ' r0 1 m -„ th t e n „,„ 'ilKt npcpmlipr 19,0 lBt January, 18o3, to the dist uecemoer, i»iu. 31st Decernberi i 911 . Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Precious metals— Oz. Gold.. .. .. .. .. 455,226 Silver .. .. 1,311,043 Oz. 455,226 1,311,043 £ 1,816,782 131,587 Oz. 478,288 1,711,235 £ 1,896,328 171,562 Oz. 20,164,988 16,006,840 £ 79,253,913 1,750,109 81,004,022 Total gold and silver .. .. 1,766,269 1,766,269 1,948,369 2,189,523 2,067,890 36,171,928 Mineral produce, including kauri-gum— Tons. Copper-ore Chrome-ore Antimony-ore.. .. 20 Manganese-ore Haematite ore.. Mixed minerals .. .. *3,469JJ Coal (New Zealand) exported .. .. 223,918 Coke exported Coal, output of mines in Dominion (less 1,842,155 exports) Shale Kauri-gum .. .. 7,587 Total quantity and value of minerals |2,077,149JJ Value of gold and silver, as above.. i Total value of minerals produced, including gold and silver £ 92 4 22,104 205,008 921^078 Tons. 5 t2,088A 277,011 6 :1,920,351 £ 15 22,202 259,562 10 960,175 Tons. 1,495J 5,8G9 3,768 19.364J 76J , 36,783,%! 3,095,914 j 16,435 30,187,285 £ 19,198 38,002 54,941 61,905 444 261,494 | 2,834,381 24,877 15,001,525 395,707 81693 465,044 14,423 314,087 33,695,501J 7,215 15,809,152 34,113,134 81,004,022 1,543,993 1,948,369 2,208,154^, 1,707,008 2,067,890 3,492,362 3,774,898 115,117,156 •re, 131 tons; icneelite-ore * Including stone, 34 tons; grfenstone, 1 ton 19cwt.; auri unennmerated, 3 tons; pumice-stone, 3,151 tons; pyrites, 2 1 113 tons; unennmerated, 13 tons; pyrites, 2 tons; stone, 35 to ileiouB ore, 138 tons; nil tons. t Includini ins greensitone, 3 tons 9 c srcury-ore, 2 (o g auiifei-ous oi :\vt.; pumice-bti ins; Rcheelite-o re, 100 ions; £ one, 1,792 tons.

Year ending 31st December, 1911. Year ending 31st December, 1910. Increase or Decrease for Year ending 31st December, 1911. District and County or Borough. Total Quantity and Value from January, 1857. to 31st December, 1911. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Increase. Decrease. Auckland— County of Coromandel County of Thames County of Ohinemuri County of Piako .. Borough of Thames Great Barrier Island Borough of Waihi I ;; j Oz. £ 6,311 26,521 5,375 21,023 75,616 282,947 29 123 2,480 10,098 3 • 12 173,969 708,480 Oz. 3,259 2,160 57,235 £ 13,558 8.320 202,259 Oz. 3,052 3,215 17,381 29 Oz. Oz. £ 4,054 2 219,816 15,760 7 896,153 1,566 1 45,847 263,791 1,049,204 1286,526 1,136,057 22,735 5,426,341 20,675,662 Wellington 188 706 Marlborough— County of Marlborough 229 867 .53 212 176 90,512 252,602 Nelson — County of Waim eft County of Collingwood Cnuniy of Tnknka County of Murchison 70 1,995 24 60 281 7,971 95 239 ii7 466 70 1,878 24 60 2,149 8,586 117 466 2,032 1,726,506 6,844,862

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No. 2 — continued. Table showing the Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Exportation, etc. — continued.

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Year 31st Decc ending imber, 1911. Year 31st Dec< ending imber, 1910. Increase or Decrease for Year ending 31st December, 1911. District and County or Borough. Total Quantity 'and Value from January, 1857, to 31st December, 1911 Quantity.) Value. Quantity. Value. Increase, i Decrease.; West Coast— County of Buller County ofInangahua County of Grey County of Westland Hokitika Borough Ross Borough ' Oz. 2,921 63,217 15,561 9,816 £ 11,480 251,488 62,604 39,420 Oz. 3,837 62,278 15,431 8,812 5 1,673 £ 14,975 238,816 62,106 35,489 20 6,693 Oz. 939 130 1,004 Oz. 916 Oz. £ '888 3,553 5 785 5,690,246 22,621,813 92,403 368,545 92,036 358,099 367 Canterbury— County of Ashburton 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.. 475 16,820 30,792 5,105 1,14'5 2,189 832 3,480 3,601 18 31,024 667 1,860 67,832 124,440 20,282 4,420 8,535 3,284 14,055 14,440 71 125,684 2,711 1,274 15,755 29,823 4,534 731 1,262 372 3,751 4,643 151 35,855 1,376 5,019 64,038 119,992 17,957 2,858 5,004 1,508 15,064 18,776 593 144,897 5,685 1,065 969 571 414 927 460 799 271 1,042 133 4,831 709 96,148 387,614 99,527 401,391 3,379 7,230,343 28,754,942 Unknown 506 1,966 29 103 477 753 2,939 Totals 455,226 1,816,782 478,288 [1,896,328 23,062 20,164,988 79,253,913

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No. 3. GOLD PRODUCED, 1857 to 1911. Table showing the Total Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Exportation from the 1st January, 1857, to the 31st December, 1911. (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.")

Year. Auckland. Oz. Value. Oz. Nell 1011. Value. Marlborough. Oz. Value. £ Oz. Marlborough Value. West Coast. Oz. Value. Otago. Oz. Value. Wellington. Oz. Value. £ Canterbury. Oz. Value. £ :: :: 24 96 24 96 (irand Totals. Oz. Value. fc 10,437 10,422 18,584 52,464 7,336 28,427 4.538 17,585 194,031 751,873 410,862 1,591,389 628:450 2,431,729 180,171 1,856,837 574,574 2,220,474 735,370 2,844,517 086,905 2,098,862 637,474 , 2,504,326 614,281 2,362,995 544,880 j 2,157,585 730,029 2,787.520 445.370 1,731,261 505,337 i,987. 425 376, 388 1,505,331 355,322 1,407,770 322,016 1,284.328 171,085 1,496,080 310.486 1,240,079 287,404 1,148,108 305,248 1.227,252 270,501 l,i 251,204 1.002,720 248,374 229,946 921,797 237.371 948,615 227.079 903,569 203,869 811,100 201,219 801,066 203,211 808,549 193,193 773,438 251.996 1,007,488 238,079 220,811 913,138 221,015 887.839 293.491 1,102.164 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1802 1863 1864 1865 1866 1807 1808 1869 1870 18/1 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 ' 1,192 1,239 4,098 4,483 13,853 3.448 10,552 5.449 17,096 5,814 17,463 6,637 18,277 53,660 168,874 132,451 434,687 85,534 319,146 330,320 1,188,708 104,890 369,341 119,449 437,123 76,910 305,068 69,485 262,156 56,057 221,905 99,081 403,027 55,982 220,454 37,901 154,295 42,720 176,416 35,516 141,326 33,059 131,007 41,291 163,618 36,087 143,564 42,989 170,416 32,271 128,140 30,697 121,564 35,223 139,556 28,655 113,191 31,745 125,760 45,392 181,185 45,555 183,655 45,714 186,553 52,916 211,974 111,213 430,862 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 i 2,582 : 2,914 3,027 3,252 2,856 4,445 | 2,535 2,145 2,860 ! 2,460' I 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 .. 24,838 95,231 7,952 30,814 469 1,818 501 1,978 404 1,616 666 2,664 1,852 7,408 1,867 7,468 2,057 8,228 1,274 5,050 1,198 4,748 1,159 4,030 450 1,790 870 3,197 404 1,617 879 3,400 1,550 5,050 1,378 4,531 1,352 5,400 636 2,524 1,079 4,306 540 2,160 404 1,451 1,041 3,759 699 2,547 5,189 20,107 6,073 24,285 ! 5,649 22,570 3,898 15,429 2,165 8,644 2,536 10,123 2,695 10,77! I 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 , 575,258 127,544 " 509,971 130,048 , 519,978 116,905 467,152 111,686 446,517 117,861 I 471,325 112,671 ' 446,287 98,774 . 395,430 100,139 400,405 101,696 400,451 89,096 I 3.56,368 109,268 437,126 103,106 ( 412,383 99,127 | 396,510 86,950 347,464 89,429 357,71!) 187,696 727,321 399,201 1,546,905 614,387 2,380,750 436,012 1,689,653 259,139 1,004,163 168,871 654,647 158,670 623,815 171,649 686.596 153,864 613,456 105.152 660,694 154,940 619,760 157,574 630,696 182,416 734.024 135,107 512,154 121,428 487,632 177 173,491 118,169 155,341 105,008 422,277 369 407,868 113,666 457,705 102,670 411,923 t46 333,804 87,478 352,334 310 318,932 73,188 294,378 711,101 317.543 70.413 279,518 62,107 247,142 64,419 256,430 63,423 255,976 87,209 349,573 82,933 333,467 77,660 313,238 76.353 307,644 87,694 353.796 30 126 10 37 101 380 47 169 38 132 •52 206

a—2

No. 3— continued. GOLD PRODUCED, 1857 to 1911—continued. Table showing the Total Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Exportation from the 1st January, 1857, to the 31st December, 1911. (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.

Au( Tear. Oz. Auckland. Value. Oβ. Value. Nelson. Mb r 1 borough. West C< Oz. West Coast. 'o; >a ist. Value. Otago. Wellington. Oz. Value. Canterbury. Oz. Grand Totals J Oz. Value. o, 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 96,054 Value. 359,991 342,187 ' 223,231 ' 526,605 521,62'J 575,492 728,124 I 668,852 684,764 694,214 : 649,825 478,982 1 483,5100 484,431 401,494 389,580 Value. Oz. Value. 189b .. 92,346 1897 .. 105,477 1898 .. 142,383 1899 .. 168,769 1900 .. 166,342 1901 .. 191,968 1902 .. 201,583 1903 .. 232,681 1904 .. 223,010 1905 .. 232,215 1900 .. 295,417 1907 .. 298,101 1908 .. 296,971 1909 .. 288,614 1910 .. 286,526 1911 263,791 Totals .. 5,426,341 £ 350,355 392,337 527,786 624,737 605,398 695,551 721,977 832,334 791,529 935,602 1,195,541 1,187,079 ' 1,171,375 ' 1,142,098 1,136,057 1,049,204 20,675,662 2,753 10,333 1.892 7,055 1,720 6,882 419 : 1,571 3,718 14,605 7,212 28,138 5,947 23,649 7,962 31,710 5,040 20,141 6,469 25,862 2,944 11,746 3.893 : 15,274 ,3,196 12,783 572 10,286 117 466 2,141) 8,586 £ 916 3,588 810 3,195 781 3,003 535 2,147 133 513 601 2,404 972 3,845 473 1,890 79,317 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 92,403 £ 317,161 235,430 319,789 360,149 295,733 454,006 475,272 501,090 489,177 438,258 114,292 343,146 335,722 369,930 358,099 368,545 £ 23 22 2 £ 111 90 S3 7 263,694 251,645 280,175 389,558 373,616 455,561 508,045 533,314 520,320 520,486 563,843 508,210 506,423 506,371 478,288 455,226 £ 1,041,428 980,204 1,080,691 1,513,173 1,439,602 1,753,783 1,951,433 2,037,831 1,987,501 2,093,936 2,270,904 2,027,490 2,004,925 2,006,900 1,896,328 1,816,782 795 3,009 297 1,145 39 155 53 212 229 867 Totale .. 5,426,341 ; 20,675,662 307,087 1,213,705 90,358 352,025 7,109,819 , 28,253,547 7,230,987 28,757,447 273 1,044 123 ! 483 20,164,988 307,087 1,213,705 90,358 352,025 7,109,819 28,253,547 7,230,987 21 28,757,447 273 !8, 1,757,447 1,044 123 79,253,913 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. Prom the 1891, the gold duty was abolished in the South Island. 31st March,

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 Dominion up to 31st December, 1911.

1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 iS58 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 Year. Sib I Oz. ■• '• 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 32,037 28,023 22,053 er. Value. .. 2,998 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[ 6,162J 5,151 3,996 ! fc Copper-ore. Tons. Value. 351 245 137 110 51 246 84 *7 £ •■ 5,000 2,605 1,590 1,300 1,024 -- 2J700 977 120| Chrome-ore. Tons. Value. £ " 3 "25 8 120 116 1,440 52 520 3,843 24,719 595 4,318 768 4,910 281 1^315 :: :: Autiinony-ore. Manganese-ore. Haematite Ore. Tons Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. £ £ fc 4 102 2,516 . 10,416 2,140 : 8,338 .. 60 012 2,011 10,423 2 24 1.271 3,283 .. 30 900 2,181 6,963 .. 31 804, 384 1.15 12 318 809 . 666 5,289 602 1,716 50$ 208 62 1,784 : 328* 1,316 .. 134 3,989 305 '• 895 .. 376 6,246 1,085 2,404 498 5,319 1.080 2,569 .. 515 11,12l! 482 1,004 14 5 413 4,950 1,153 2,634 .. I 364 4,900! 521 1,239 MiXe Ore R i '"' rR ' ( '"' li <**•• Kauri-gum. J> Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. ! Value. Tons. Value. Oz. Tons. Value t fc £ fc £ 830 15,972| .. 830: 15,972 1,001 28.804 .. 1,601 28,864 3.55 4.514 .. 355 i 4,514 1,440 18.591 .. 1,440 18,591 2,522 35,251 .. 2,522 35,251 2 i .. .. 1,811 20,0371 .. 2,167 25,066 2,010 20,776 .. 2,263 1 23,501 1 2 .. 1.046' 9,851 .. 1,300 ; 12,883 856 9.888 1,018 i 11,708 1,103 11.107 .. 3,997 I 36,850 1,400 27,026 .. 1,995| 31,344 2,228 (ill.590 .. 2,996 65,500 1,867 16.060 .. 1,867 46,060 261; 100 .. .. 2,535 70,572 .. 3,077. 72,287 973 1,228 .. .. 2.685 77.491 .. 3,904, 81,419 1.027 1.210 .. 2.090 72.493 .. 3,801 i 74,080 750 .. .. 2,850 111.307 11,003 3,600 115,100 1.672 1,508 .. 4,391 175.074 37,123 6,070, 188,082 1,696 1.612 .. . 5.054 167,958 80,272 6,750 192,715 990 21 50 4.811 154,167 37,064 5,882 1 164,982 724 655 .. .. 2,834 85,816. 36,187, 3,558 96,321 1.463 1.303 87 228 2,569 79,986 40,566 4,119 91,957 3,385 3.12!) 15 51 3,231 138.523 29,085 6,631 149,272 3,180 14,824 1,854 1.951 53 189 2.888 109.234 12,683 7,975 129,372 2,366 9.664 2.65S 2,071 254 'i' 2 S. 638 118,848 33,893 8,6824 137,711 2 6,362 5,139 35 177 3.41.5 132,975 23,019 12,120 154,687 7.144 6,187 154 324 3,229 147.535 20,645 12,722 168,001 2,674 11,335 7.020 5,977 87 135 1,725 212.817 20,005 17,177 , 275,799 1,955 4,303 6,621; 5.610 223 353 5.101 253,778 18,885. 15,538 ! 271,623 2.784 8.597 3.207 2,380 275 480 5,538 260,369 5,694! 14,019 ! 281,016 22 110 6.522 1,8791,430 2,057 6.518 336,606 16,826 14,953*, 350,086 6,104 4.11.1 236 372 6,898 342.151 24,914 13,071 353,024 114 993 43,893 51,257 267 385 5,875j 299,762 16,624 51,4684, 362,779 145 1,846 16.116 52,188 497 715 l,920j 257,653 12,108 52.409J 318,783 144 4.142 44,12!) 44.65.1 188* 266 6.791 302.449 20,809 51.686J 419,844 162 2,955 68,087 64,971 958 1,646 933 403 79,147 459,301 199 9.985 86,405 84,347 2.132 3,407 7,519 829,590 21,105 97,828 439,260 19 273 69,614 67,0082,218 : 3,334 7,438 378.563 32,637 80,2874;. 167,465 2 0 91,664 91.173 2.544 3,658 8.388 137,056 28,023 I04,164f 544,633 84 631 78,911 80,22514. 306 5,691 8,705 517.678 22,053 92,891 614,360 " • "6 55 "ll5 1,105 5 9 46 20 36 41 6781 106J 20 390 "2 75 "<* •• . 4 .. '

0.—2

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, 1911— continued.

Silv< OllVt Year. Oz 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 .. 674,1961 1903 .. 911,914 1904 .. 1,094,461 1905 .. 1,179,744 1906 .. 1,390,536 1907 .. 1,562,603 1908 .. 1,731,336 1909 .. 1,813,830 1910 .. 1,711,235 1011 .. 1,311,043 Silver Value. '.(,743! 6,697! 10,679, 10,589; 20,8721 33,107! 40,838' 38,879 65,258 71,975 91,497' 112,875' 120,542; 143,572! 169,484! 175,337 J80,872 171,502: 131, 587 1 Tons. Value. . £ .. .. .. .. 2 2J 70 12 45 3 105 Copper-ore. •• "28 Tons. Chrome-ore. Value. ; £ iio 525 Tone. Value. !_ £ 331 3,467 44 761: 54 1,486 21 450; 10 157; 8 101 30 136: Auciuii ,ny-ore. Manganese-ore. Heeniatite Ore. "'"orm" 6 " 11 ' ol Value. Tons. Value Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. £ ; H £ £ 3,467 819 943 .. .. 37 650 69,136 761 534; 1,156 .. .. -lb 353 75,004 1,486 210 525 .. . 62 880 ; 86 450 65 205 .. .. 37 1,335 79,524 157; 180! 541 .. .. 1,561 5,892 76,073 217 j 703 .. .. 1,828 4,792 56,332 135 I 407 .. .. 1,309 6,591 89,480 101 166 588 .. .. 2,126 12,751 112,707 136: 208 I 614 .. .. 696 7,775 159,643 17 116 415 4,422 188,677 70 210 .. 1 625 7,014 152,332 196 570 7 ! 96 1,404 10,168 165,220: 55 165 .. .. 632 8,136 122.617; 16 40 .. .. 1,297 18,421 141,641! 2.118! 5 26 .. 5 1.492J 30,448 128,950! 73.. 1.690J 16,17'.) 100,502 60 6 29 .. .. 1,836} 11,709 201,085 15 .. .. 2.088& 22,202 i 277,011! 92 4 .. .. 3,469J# 22,104 223.918J 54,941: 19,364$ 61,905 76J 444 '261,494 3,095,914J Tons. Value. 319 943 534 ; 1,156 210 525 65 205 180 541 217 703 135 I 407 166 : 588 208 j 614 Coal. I. Coke. Kauri-gum. -I ,—- Value. Tons. Value. Tone. Value. £ £ £ 72,699 51 53 8,317 510,775 73,438 107 160 : 8,338 ; 404,567 83,342 288 715 7,425 418,766J 71,984 105 263 7,126 431,323; 69,595 .. .. 6,641 J ' 398,010 50,381 9 14 9,905' 586,767! 83,085 18 9 11,116 607,919! 98,186 .. .. 10,159 622,293: 142,176 .. .. 7,541 446,114 154,747 .. .. 7,430 450,223 128,927 .. .. 9.3.57 031,102! 139,898 .. .. 9,203 501,817 107,002 15 15 10,883 501,444 122,614 6 9,154 522,486 114,737 15 15 8,708 579,888 85,846 2 4 5,530 372,798 183,961 i-2 23 8,250 552,698 259,562 6 10 8,693 465,044 205,008 .. .. 7,587 395,707 Coke. Total Oz. Ten 63,076 78,191 54,177 84,052 85,024 94,026 94,307! 86,878 183,892 84.465J 293,751 68,253| ' 349,338 102,058 326,457 125,201 I 571, 134 1 168,121 674,196' 196,714 ! 911,914, 162,390 1,094,461' 176,030 1,179,744 134,406 1,390,536 152,113 1,562,603 139.324J 1,731,336 107,742J 1,813,830 211,806j 1,711,235 287,803^ 1,311,043! 234,994§# 16,006,840 3,493,793jS Value £ 598,330 487,132 516,398 516,149 495,069 075,834 738,849 772,903 662,178 682,008 658,874 765,424 797,381 807,139 897,316 650,512 929,452 918,395 754,502 6 123! -175 4 "l7 56 595 13 275 5 100 J. 118 73 2 60 20 92 70 I '210 196 570 55 165 16 40 5 26 6 ' 29 15 4 .. Totals 16,006,840 ,495J 19,198 5,869 1 20,854,503 16,006,840 1,750,109! 1.495J |38,OO2i 3,768 54,941, 19,364$; 61,905 •261,494 3,095,9141 2,884,88116,48524,877 (314,087 15,809,152| * The following are the prinoipal minerals included under this heading : — Scheelite-ore. Auriferous Ore. Sulphur. Mixed Minerals Year. - ' 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 190S 1909 1910 1911 Totals Tons. 32 54 39 42 17 28 55 I 137 68 . 58 143 138 813 Value. £ 2,788 2,635 83 1,^00 1,439 791 1,848 3,407 15,486 6,055 4,263 15,070 11,853 66,918 j Tone. 5 ■219 390 •231 472 977 535 1,186 1,244 654 182 100 138 Value. Tons. Value. £ t 380 1,765 4,097 153 1,227 3,483 4,450 1,692 4,824 6,663 143 360 2,560 100 175 4,449 8,898 5,997 13,940 14,650 6,993 2,450 1,538 1,419 i Tons. Value. 315 167 842 669 187 1,120 479 ■291 1,074 312 3,131 4,996 5,594 8,832

C—2".

No. 5.

Return showing the Quantity and Value of Coals imported into New Zealand during the Quarter ended the 31st March, 1912.

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 1910 and 1911, together with the Total Approximate Quantity of Coal produced since the Mines were opened.

Country whence imported. Quantity. Value. few South Wales Total Tons. 53,421 £ 53,170 53,421 53,170

Coal raiBed in the Dominiou. Coa Coal imported. tl import* ;ed. Year. Prior to 1878 L878 L879 1880 L881 L882 .883 L884 !885 .886 1887 1888 .889 !890 891 ,892 1893 .894 .895 .896 .897 .898 .899 i900 .901 .902 .903 :904 1905 .906 .907 .908 .909 .910 1911 T Yearly Increase ioub or Decrease. !_ 709,981 .. I 162,218 231,218 69,000 299,923 68,705 337,262 37,339 378,272 11,010 121,764 43,492 480,831 59,069 511,063 30,232 534,353 23,290 .. ! 558,620 24,267 613,895 275 586,445 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 60,197 840,713 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 .. j 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 2,066,073 Dec. 131,289 J Tons. 174,148 158,076 123,298 129,962 129,582 123,540 148,444 130,202 119,873 107,230 101,341 128,063 110,939 125,318 125,453 117,444 112,961 108,198 101,756 110,907 115,427 99,655 124,038 149,764 127,853 163,923 147,196 169,046 207,567 220,749 287,808 258,185 232,378 223,918 I F luerease over Decrease over Preceding Year, j Preceding Year. lue Free crease ov ceding Y< 6,664 24,904 26,722 14,379 135 9,151 4,520 24,378 25,371 36,070 38,521 13,182 67,059 ver ear. I 1 '. Pi Decrease o 'receding Y 16,072 33,778 380 6,042 18j 242 10,329 12,643 5,889 17,124 8,009 1,483 4,763 6,442 15,772 21,911 16,727 29,623 25,807 8,460

Output of Coal. Name of Coalfield. 1911. 1910. Increase. Decrease Approximate Total Output of Coal up to 31st December, 1911. Tons. Tons. Lawakawa and Hikurangi .. 105,201 107,866 Vhangarei, Kamo, Ngunguru, and ; 33,958 46,931 Whauwhau Vaikato .. 252,262 228,962 lokau ' • • 3,811 4,405 liranda .. 2,640 12,344 )rury .. .. 156 'elorus .. •• .. 120 iollingwood 23,325 28,600 Suller .. 770,291 831,200 teefton .. 13,896 14,451 trey 411,181 466,661 ianterburv 18,812 23,708 Hago .'. 282,870 291,441 iouthland 147,826 140,517 Tons. 23,300 7^309 Tons. 2,665 12,973 594 9,704 156 120 5,275 60,909 555 55,480 4,896 8,571 Tons. 2,126,083 782,173 2,848,408 77,798 117,226 1,196 831 194,702 10,652,523 204,840 6,346,977 640,277 7,364,586 1,925,579 Totals 2,066,073 | 2,197,362 131,289 131,289 33,283,199 33,283,199

C—2.

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, 1911.

No. 10. Number of Persons ordinarily employed in Mining during the Years ended 31st December, 1910 and 1911.

Output of Coal. Approximate Total Output of Coal up to the 31st December, 1911. Name of Coal. Increase. Decrease. 1911. 1910. litumitious and semi, bituminous 'itoh Irown lignite Tons. 1,858,357 4,411 601,093 102,212 Tons. 1,495,709 6,068 594,995 100,590 Tons. 1,622 Tons. 137,352 1,657 Tons. 19,908,445 1,987,082 9,905,417 1,482,255 Totals 2,066,073 2.197,362 2.197,362 131,289 33,283,199

Imported. Exported. Countries whence imported. Quantity Value. Countries to which exported Quantity. Value. I , , Tons. Inited Kingdom lew South Wales .. ,.| 187.911 Victoria louth Australia Queensland 154 J.S.A. West Coast t 186,140 9 114 United Kingdom .. Victoria New South Wales Queensland South Australia .. Western Australia Tasmania Fiji Canada Chile 8outh Seas Tons. 145,107 4,459 31,347 4,018 2,990 5,486 5,441 8,488 710 240 15,632 223,918 £ 143,680 2,704 25,375 2,789 2,800 3,771 4,508 7,149 708 240 11,284 Totals .. 188,068 ; 168,263 Totals . 205,008

Alluvial Miners. Quartz-miners. Tot ialB. Grand Totals. District. 1910. 1911. European. Chinese. European. Chinese. European. Chinese. j 1 i GOLD-MINES. .UCKLAND — Coromandel Thames Paeroa.. Te Aroha Waihi .. 135 416 764 28 1,600 2,943 ! 135 416 764 28 1,600 .. 209 135 504 416 482 764 14 28 1,979 1,600 Iablborouoh— Blenheim and Havelock 2,943 3,188 : 2,943 29 22 .51 35 61 Ielson— Wangapeka, Takaka, and Motueka Collingwood Inangahua Ahaura Westport, including Charleston, Addison's, Northern Terraces, Waimangaroa, North Beach, Mokihinui, Karamea, and Lower Buller Valley Lyell .. Murohison Owen 1 17 953 35 ' 17 953 250 35 13 38 1,040 303 17 953 285 260 V 121 2 123 84 123 22 17 22 5 I 35 17 12 35 12 188 47 411 47 989 1,400 j 47 1,633 1,447

&=#.

No. 10- continued. Number of Persons ordinarily employed in Mining during the Years ended 31st December, 1910 and 1911— continued.

Summary of Persons ordinarily employed in or about New Zealand Mines during 1911. Gold-mines ... ... ... ... 7,365 Other metalliferous mines ... ... ... 35 Coal-mines ... ... 4,290 Total ... ... ... 11,690 ,

Alluvial Minere. Quartz-miners. Totals. Kuropeftn. Chinese. Kuropean. Chinese. I European. Cliiurs... (Jrand Totals. District 1911. 1910. GOLDMINES-corcrtnueri. WestlandRoss Stafford and Goldsborougli Hokitika and Kanieri Kumara Greymouth Arnold Okatito . L2 .. 2 .. 14 150 20 .. .. 150 20 162 11 9 .. 171 II 67 12 .. 67 12 54 91 I 201 68 14 170 182 79 1 294 47 16 .. 309 17 369 356 6 .. 5 690 90 26 .. 716 806 Otaqo— Hindon Tuapeka Lawrence, Roxburgh, Blank's. Alexandra, and Clyde Cromwell Tapanui Waikaia Wyndham Waian Orepuki and Preservation Boundhill Wakatipu Goldfield s—Arrow, Maoetown, Cardrona, Kawarau, Bracken's, and Motatapu i^ueenstown Naseby St BathanV Hyde Macrae's Gore 690 ill) 90 783 16 1 16 1 17 U75 ■VA 40 .. 715 38 762 748 287 16 12 .. 299 15 316 314 200 r> 20 '.'. '.. '200 I 2(1 346 Id 220 6 ' ,49 J 24 6 .. -2M 24 ;-!09 27y 4 16 86 \ 65 90 121 7 121 138 128 ) t 56 I I 165 U 84 I .. 140 165 ', ll 306 151 190 165 1,845 115 158 .. 2,003 2,U8 158 2,003 115 2,442 SUMMARY. Auckland, Northern Inspection District Maryborough | West Coast i Nelson [ Inspection Dis- ' westland ) trict ( Otaqo, Southern Inspection District •2,943 2,943 3,188 2,943 29 411 690 1,845 22 47 989 90 26 115 158 i 51 1,400 716 2.O03 47 90 115 35 1,633 783 2,442 51 1,447 806 2,118 Totals .. 2,975 252 4,138 7,113 252 8,081 7,365

Mines Department. New Zealand. DIAGRAM showing QUANTITY & VALUE of GOLD exported annually from N.Z. For the years 1857 to 1911 .

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DIAGRAM showing QUANTITY & VALUE of KAURI GUM exported annually from N.Z. For the years 1853 to 1911.

DIAGRAM showing ANNUAL OUTPUT of COAL from N.Z MINES. for the years 1872 to 1911.

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The 30-Inch Cast-iron Flexible-joint Siphon crossing the River Taramakau, from the Shoal on the North Bank.

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The 30-Inch Cast-iron Flexible-joint Siphon crossing the River Taramakau, from the South Bank.

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Kumara Government Mining Water-race Extension. —Inverted Siphon of 30-Inch Bore, 2 Miles 1 Chain in Length, crossing the Valley of the River Taramakau, Westland.

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APPENDICES TO THE MINES STATEMENT.

APPENDIX A. REPORTS RELATING TO METALLIFEROUS MINES. Mr. Frank Reed, M.lnst.M.M., Inspecting Engineer, to the Under-Secretary of Mines. Sir, — Mines Department, Wellington, 7th June, 1912. I have the honour to present the annual reports of inspection of mines, together with reports of Wardens and other officers, accompanied by statistical information in regard to the goldflelds and the metalliferous mine 3of the Dominion, for the year ended 31st December, 1911. In accordance with the usual practice, the tables showing expenditure through the Mines Department on roade, bridges, tracks, prospecting operations, &c, are for the period covered by. the financial year—viz., from the Ist April, 1911, to the 31st March, 1912. The reports, &c, are divided into the following sections :— I. Production of Minerals. 11. Persons employed. 111. Accidents. IV. Gold-mining. (1.) Quartz. (2.) Dredging. (3.) Alluvial. V. Minerals other than Gold. VI. Ventilation and Hygiene. VII. State Aid to Mining. VIII. Schools of Mines. Annexures.—Reports of— (a.) Inspectors of Mines. (b.) Wardens. (c.) Directors of Schools of Mines. (d.) Water-race Managers, (c.) Mining Statistics. (/.) Examinations under the Mining Act, 1908, and Lists of Certificate-holders.

REPORTS RELATING TO METALLIFEROUS MINES.

Mr. Frank Reed, M.lnst. M.M., Inspecting Engineer, to the Under-Secretary of Mines. Sir, — Mines Department, Wellington, 7th June, 1912. I have the honour to present the annual reports of inspection of mines, together with reports of Wardens and other officers, accompanied by statistical information in regard to the goldfields and the metalliferous mine 3 of the Dominion, for the year ended 31st December, 1911. In accordance with the usual practice, the tables showing expenditure through the Mines Department on roade, bridges, tracks, prospecting operations, &c, are for the period covered by, the financial year—viz., from the Ist April, 1911, to the 31st March, 1912. The reports, &c, are divided into the following sections : — I. Production of Minerals. 11. Persons employed. 111. Accidents. IV. Gold-mining. (1.) Quartz. (2.) Dredging. (3.) Alluvial. V. Minerals other than Gold. VI. Ventilation and Hygiene. VII. State Aid to Mining. VIII. Schools of Mines. Annexures. —Reports of— (a.) Inspectors of Mines. (b.) Wardens. (c.) Directors of Schools of Mines. (d.) Water-race Managers, (c.) Mining Statistics. (/.) Examinations under the Mining Act, 1908, and Lists of Certificate-holders.

I. PRODUCTION OF MINERALS. The following statement shows the value of the exports from metal-mines and kauri-gum fields from the Ist January, 1853, to the 31st December, 1911.

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Classification. 1910. 1911. Increase or Decrease. Total from the Is* January, 1S53, to the 31st December, 1911. jolii silver 3ther minerals lauri-gum ... £ 1,896,323 171,5G2 2-2,227 4(55,044 46 1,816,7S2 131,5S7 22,200 395,707 £ 79,546+ 39,975+ 27+ 09,337+ £ 79,253,913 1,750,109 468,076 15,809,152 Totals 2,555,161 2,366,276 188,8S5h 97,281,250 * Increase. t Decrease.

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11. PERSONS EMPLOYED. The following statement shows the number of persons ordinarily employed in or about the metalliferous mines of the Dominion during the year : —

[11. ACCIDENTS. The following is a classification of fatal and serious mining accidents that have occured during the year at all metalliferous mines: —

Being at the rate of 0-67 fatalities per 1,000 persons employed.

Table showing Number of Deaths from Accidents at New Zealand Metal Mines and Dredges during the Years 1906 to 1911.

Summary of Persons killed at Metal Mines and Dredges during Eleven Years ended 31st December, 1911.

Classification. Northern. In« Inspection District. ispection District. West Coa4. ! Southern. Total, Bold and silver 'roii jcheelite 2,943 2,304 11 2,118 24 7,365 11 24 Totals for 1911 2,943 2,315 2,142 7,400 Totals for 1910 3,190 2,468 2,463 8,121

Expl( .sions. 1 alls °, { Ground. ins: Jliacei iafts. ou9 U grou Fnderind. Surface. About Dredges. Total. Inspection District. rt I m a* § -a § *n *5 'C to ■» <u CQ c/3 "3 5 fc. H a> x> (n t» DQ Is ° "S 'S -S "B CC , (X| •/! Northern West Coast Southern 1 5 1 2 5 1 ■2 1 1 3 1 1 : 1 ... 1 5 15 3 1 Totals 1 6 2 6 2 2 T\ 19

Cause of Accident. 190G. 1907. 1908. 1909. 1910. ; ion. En plosion ... ... ... .3 Fall of ground ... ... 3 In shafts ... ... ... ■ . 1 Miscellaneous: Underground ... ,, On surface ... .... 1 About dredges ... ... 6 2 2 3 8 2 1 2 6 1 ■2 i 8 1 o 2 o 1 5 3 4 1 2 "2 Total killed ■•■ ... 14 Number of employees ... ... ... 8,716 Rate of persons killed per 1,000 employed 1-60 7 9,389 0-84 15 8,8S0 1-69 14 7,651 1-83 15 8,121 1-84 5 7,100 067 h

Number of Persons. Rate iei Year ended 31st December. Killed. Employed. 1,000 employed. 1901 ... ... 1003 1903 ... l'JOi ... 1905 . L906 ... 1907 ... 1908 ... 1909 ... 1910 ... 1911 ... 14 14 19 15 21 14 7 15 14 15 5 12,732 11,393 10,210 10,898 9,362 8,716 9,389 8,880 7,651 8,121 7,400 1-09 104 1-86 1-37 2-24 1 60 0'84 1-69 1-83 1-84 067

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The decrease of fatal accidents during 1911 is very gratifying, and may to some extent be reasonably attributed to greater vigilance as the result of the investigations of the Royal Commission on Mines, which visited all the most important of the mining centres, where inspections were made and voluminous evidence was taken. Among the most important of the additional precautionary measures recommended by the Commission in their report are the following: The maximum height of stopes shall be 8J it., measured from the working-floor. Sufficient space shall be made in all levels, at convenient intervals, to protect men from truck Mermen and bracemen shall be always at their posts, but chambcrinen are not compulsory at each level. All ladders in mines shall extend for at least 3 ft. above the top of the shaft, platform, or landing-place. Two outlets from a mine to the surface shall be maintained, except under certain specified conditions. Shift bosses shall examine backs and sides, irrespective of the examination by miners. No tamping other than plastic clay or water shall be allowed. Where rock-drills are installed, a James or other water-blast or atomizer shall be used to allay smoke and dust caused by blasting. No greater number of holes shall be charged than it is intended to explode at one time. Penthouses shall be provided in sinking-shafts. No person shall carry tools or timber in a ladder-way or throw the same down any ladder-way. Explosives shall not be .carried with men in cages. All windingengine drivers shall be medically examined annually. In addition to the tests and examinations at present provided for, all safety appliances used on or in connection with cages shall be examined and tested quarterly by a mechanical expert, and the result entered in a special report-book. Every winding-rope shall be recapped at intervals of not more than six months. No machinery about a dredge shall be oiled, repaired, or adjusted when in motion, except those parts which cannot be so attended to except when in motion. No person engaged near to dredge or other mining machinery shall wear loose outer clothing. All mine windlasses shall be fitted with pawls and ratchet wheels.

IV. GOLD-MINES. The following statement shows the value of the bullion-production and dividends declared, also the number of persons ordinarily employed, and number of gold-mines and dredges working during the year : —

The production from the gold-mines of New Zeahand, in common with those of all the States of Australia, continues to decrease. From the foregoing table it will be seen that there has been a decline of £119,521 in the value of the bullion-production from our gold-mines, such decline being confined to quartz and dredge mines. The alluvial mines, owing to the exceptional rainfall, have been able to work for a longer period than usual, and, as a result, there has been a considerable increase in their gold-production. The decline in dividends, amounting to £106,071, may be attributed solely to the Waihi Mine, from which the dividends during 1911 were £123,978 below those of the previous year. (1.) Quartz-mining. The production of bullion from the quartz-mines of the Dominion during 1911 amounted in value to £1,375,253, as the result of treating 645,991 tons of ore, being a decline in both tonnage and value when compared with the production during the previous year ; there has been, however, a slight increase in the average yield per ton of ore reduced.

Production of Bullion, 1911.* (All mines.) ; Dividends paid, Number o f Persona ro N ," m 1J11 - ordinarily em- Working Mine., (By registered com- nloved Dredges, aud panies only.) * Cla, ms. Quartz-miuing ... Dredge mining ... Alluvial mining ... £ 1,375,253 297,900t 275.216J £ 451,969 45,3181 7,508} 4,138 775 •2,452 156 93 277 Totals, 1911 1,948,369 S04.795 7,363 526 Totals, 1910 2,067,890 610,866 8,081 555 • In addition to the gold p " bullion " is used in preference ti t The bullion production is fi reg'iFtered companies. The profit! rnenfc incomplete. } The bullion-production is fri the property of registered compan iroduced from the gold-mines, silver was obtained from them, hence the word o "gold." rom 93 dredges, but the dividends given nre only from 31 of these, the property of s of privately owned dredges and mines are unobtainable, which renders this ttatcom 277 alluvial claims, but the dividends are only ascertainabla from those that are lies.

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The decrease in production above recorded is confined to the mines within the boroughs of Waihi and Thames, and to the Province of Otago; the quartz-mines of Ohinemuri have slightly increased their annual production, and those of the west coast of the South Island have maintained their position. The following is a statement showing the tons of ore treated, the value of bullion produced, and the amount of dividends paid by quartz-mining companies in each of the inspection districts during the years 1910 and 1911.

The following is a statement of the production, working-cost, dividends declared, and the number of persons employed at the principal quartz-mines during 1911.

Inspection District. Tons of Oro ireated. (2,240 ib.) 1911. 1910. Value of Bullion. 1911. 1910. Dividends p .id. (Byrpgistercd companies only.) 1911. 1910. Jorthern Vest Coast louthern 507,280 128,244 10,467 £ 556,169 1,141,235 121,8.-2 228,512 10,658 5,506 £ 1,324,456 230,807 8,926 £ 40.1,273 50,696 £ 494,325 53,212 Totals ... 645,991 6S8.659 j 1,375,253 1,564,189 451,969 547,537

Name of Company. Quantity of Quartz treated. Duri Value of Bullion. During 1911. ring ; 1911. Avera go Valuo per Ton. Dividends paid. 'C Total to I o £ 19n End of Do- !s| 1911. i> ft Total Cost per Ton. Northern District— Waihi Gold-mining Company (Ltd.)*f Waihi Grand Junction Gold-mining Company (Ltd.)t New Zealand Crown Mines (Ltd.) Talisman Consolidated (Ltd.) Komata Reefs (Ltd.) .. Old Hauraki Gold-mining Company (Ltd.) West Coast District — Keep - it - Dark Quartzmining Company (Ltd.) Progress Mines of New Zealand (Ltd.) Consolidated Goldfields of New Zealand (Ltd.) New Big River Gold - mining Company (Ltd.) Blackwater Mines (Ltd.) Other quartz-mines throughout New Zealand iLcng tons. 316,349 94,603 20,835 47,550 7,580; 569 £ 670,179} 150,729 45,030 222,058 17,112 4,019 £ s. d. 2 2 4-4J 1 11 10-4 2 3 2-7 4 13 4-8 2 5 1-8 7 1 3-1 £ s. d. 0 17 9-4 1 1 10-l§ 1 1 5 10 2 3 0|| II £ 272,748 19,218 109,307 £ 4,230,585 19,218 70,000| 560,291 33,333 2,625 1,030 528 184 360 68 37 7,212 7,943 1 2 0-3 If 158,666 56 41,596 42,832 1 0 7-1 1 5 6 326,562 320 24,968 49,635 1 19 9 0 18 5-1 150 6,913| 28,062 4 1 2-2 If 13,200 51,600 54 44,038 33,778 92,062 45,592 2 1 9-7 1 6 11-9 1 1 6 f 37,496 87,496 11 281 1,070 Totals, 1911 645,991 1,375,253 2 2 6-9 451,969 r 4,138 * The total value of the output of this company at the end of the year was £ ;iven are free of income-tax. f In previous years the quartz crushed at these mines has been stated in short 1 mtput returned has been adjusted to a long-ton basis. I In the annual report of the directors of this company for 1911 the value of the t 1679,113, but the figures given in the table above are the official returns from thi linos. The discrepancy occurs owing to the actual value of the bullion net being kno j Including 4s. 5|d. Development Account. I Including 8s. 10d. Development Account. Unknown. ■9,785,431. The dividen ids here tons of 2,000 lb. This i year the bullion-production is stati e company to the Inspi iwn until it ia refined in E ed to be ector of England.

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Northern Inspection District. Waihi Goldfield. —Waihi Gold-mining Company (Limited) : Owing to impoverishment of the lodes at levels Nos. 9 and 10 (respectively 1,000 ft. and 1,151 ft. in depth), there has been a considerable decline in the production below that of the previous year, the decrease amounting in value to £255,921. At the deepest, or No. 10, level an enormous amount of development has been carried out during the year. The Martha, Empire, and Royal lodes have been driven upon, and have generally been found too low in grade to be payable. Better value was proved by development at the No. 9 (1,000 ft.) level, although the ore was of much lower grade than in the level above A* For the development of the lodes at greater depth, shafts Nos. 1 and 5 are being sunk below No. t lo t level, and during the current year will probably reach a depth (of 1,300 ft., where another level will A be commenced. The normal flow of water during sinking has been estimated at about 1,200 gallons per minute, which is dealt with by the B (17 in.) plunger pump installed at level No. 10 (1,151 ft.). This delivers water to Hathorn-Davey electrically-driven three-throw (12 in.) ram pumps, which work in two stages from chambers at the 1,000 and 540 ft. levels. One of the geological hypotheses advanced (considerably after the event) as a reason for the decline in value is that the country immediately adjoining the lodes has changed from massive into bedded dacite, distinguished only by a coarse texture and interbedded seams of carbonaceous matter; but from actual observation, having recently inspected the mine, I am satisfied that the impoverishment is due rather to the leaching of the ore by percolating water; but whether by descending meteoric water or ascending thermal solutions or as steam lam unable to venture an opinion. One thing is certain, however—namely, that the quartz bodies at the No. 10 level have been severely leached, and show advanced oxidation, the calcites being in a metamorphose state, and only remnants exist of the rich sulphide shoots which occured in the upper levels. The future prospects of this famous mine depend entirely upon the result of further sinking and crosscutting. The Waihi Grand Junction Mine has at last reached the dividend-paying stage, the sum of £19,218 having been so declared during 1911.* From this mine there has been an increase of tonnage and goldyield, although the ore treated is still of lower average value than that from the adjoining Waihi Mine. Development of the deepest or No. 6 (1,082 ft.) level during the year was very satisfactory, as will be seen by the report of Inspector M. Paul (Annexure A). Three lodes have been driven upon at this^level — namely, the Dominion, Republic, and Empire —and the average assay value from each shows the ore to be payable. The ore mined was obtained from eight separate lodes; during the year 8,751 ft. was driven for development. Sinking operations are being carried out at No. 1 shaft below the 1,082 ft. level, and a new shaft (No. 3), situated about 1,150 ft. to the east of No. 1, has been commenced. Extensive additions and alterations have been made for the purpose of improving the mechanical handling of ore at the mill. The operations at the Waihi Extended Gold-mining Company's mine have consisted in the sinking of the shaft to the No. 6 (1,100 ft.) level. At this depth a promising lode 6 ft. wide was proved by a short drive to the westward. At the No. 5 (960 ft.) level, development on the south-east lode proved quartz of low grade. From No. 2 drive a crosscut intersected the south section of No. 2 reef, but upon development the quartz was proved to be unprofitable. At the Waihi Reefs Consolidated Mine the main shaft was continued to a depth of 914 ft. in favourable country, but operations were suspended owing to lack of money. The Waihi-Paeroa Gold-extraction Company (Limited), formed for the purpose of extracting bullion from the tailings deposited from the Waihi and Karangahake Mines into the Ohinemuri River, having completed their large treatment plant on the river near Paeroa, the first return was obtained on the 23rd March. As the result of fourteen days' operations, £1,412 14s. 10d. was obtained from 3,845 tons of tailings treated. Karangahake Goldfield. —The Talisman Consolidated (Limited) have again improved upon their previous annual production. From 47,550 tons treated, bullion to the value of £222,058 was obtained, of which £109,307 was paid in dividends. The history of this mine during the past nine years under the superintendence of Mr. Stansfield has been a continuous success, and the developments of recent date furnish satisfactory evidence that this success will continue. At the deepest, or No. 14, level the rich ore-bodies existing in the levels above are again exposed, and carry high values. Winzes from this level have been sunk to a further depth of 62 ft. (of' 762 ft. below the VVaitawheta drainage adit), and drives therefrom at that depth expose high-grade ore. From the evidence obtained at the deepestworkings during my recent inspection of this mine, there is every appearance of the rich shoots of ore living to a considerable depth. Sinking at the Woodstock shaft is proceeding with expedition. The new Cornish electrically driven pump is working satisfactorily, but it will be a considerable time before this shaft reaches No. 14 level, where it is proposed to make a through connection between the Talisman and Woodstock shafts. New Zealand Crown Mines (Limited): The results obtained from this mine during 1911 show a considerable improvement when compared with the returns for the previous year. Operations during 1911 have been mostly confined to the upper levels of the Welcome and Crown reefs, and but little deep development elsewhere has been carried out. The machinery in connection with the treatment plant is now all electrically driven, and the Waitawheta main adit is lighted by electricity for 1,700 ft.

* During the early part of 1912 another dividend was declared.

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Thames Goldfield. —Mining operations at the once-famous Thames Goldfield during 1911 have not been very satisfactory, and the annual decline in the value of gold produced has continued. The most important operations consist in the crosscut now being driven at the 1,000 ft. level to connect the Queen of Beauty and Kuranui-Caledonian shafts. At the beginning of June of the current year this crosscut had been driven 2,000 ft., being a distance of 400 ft. within the boundary of the Waiotahi Company's ground, anil leaving a further 670 ft. to be driven to complete the crosscut to the terminal point, which at the present rate of progress should be arrived at during 1912. From the 1,000 ft. crosscut, levels have been driven upon small quartz-veins intersected in the Saxon and May Queen ground, but, although gold is reported to have been seen in the quartz, the results hitherto have been unimportant. The country, however, appears to be of favourable character, and some important development may at any time be announced. On the Coromandel Goldfield a number of small mines produced a little gold. From the Old Hauraki Gold-mining Company's mine bullion to the value of £4,019 was obtained as the result of stoping on the new reef at the 300 ft. and 400 ft. levels. In both the Thames and Coromandel Counties mining is slowly being superseded by agriculture Dairy-factories have been established, and the occupation of the people formerly engaged in mining is undergoing a gradual change. The same feature is observable on many other of the older miningfields of the Dominion which are approaching depletion —notably, on the West Coast, in Otago, and in Southland. West Coast Inspection District. New Big River Gold-mining Company (Limited) : This company experienced a very successful year. From 6,913 tons of ore £28,062 was obtained, and £13,200 was paid in dividends. Mining operations were chiefly confined to the No. 10 (1,575 ft.) level, and at its south-easterly end a short crosscut developed a lenticular ore-body of somewhat limited extent. At the northern end of the same level the reef was intersected and driven upon. Stoping was also carried out at upper levels. Progress Mines of New Zealand (Limited): The most important operations at the Progress Mine during the year have consisted in underground exploration for the recovery of the lost lode ab the No. 11 (416 ft.) level, which operations have been planned, and are being carried out, in a systematic and scientific manner ; and there appears to be a reasonable prospect of success. Operations at the Wealth of Nations Mine (Consolidated Goldfields of New Zealand (Limited)) were confined to development at levels Nos. 9 and 10 (1,611 ft. and 1,736 ft. respectively), and to etoping between levels No. 7 (1,365 ft.) and No. 10. Blackwater Mines (Limited) : The result of the year's operations has been very satisfactory, a slight increase in the production being recorded. As the result of treating 44,038 ions of ore, £92,062 was obtained; £37,496 being paid in dividends. The total cost of production was extremely low— namely, £1 Is. 6d. per long ton —comparing favourably with the cost at any mine in the Dominion. The main shaft has been sunk to the sixth level. Levels Nos. 4 and 5, 615 ft. and 765 ft. respectively, have been extended, proving the lode to maintain its average width and assay value. In Otago and Southland auriferous quartz-mining operations have been unimportant. The principal lode-mining work has been confined to scheelite, although gold also is found in the scheelite-bearing quartz. A brief report on such operations is contained in this report under the heading of " Scheelite," and a more detailed account is presented by Mr. T. Thomson, Inspector of Mines (Annexure A). (2.) Dredge Mining. From the following table, showing the result of gold-dredging during the past six years, it will be noted that, although there is a decline in the total gold-production and in the number of dredges in commission, the value of the production per dredge is higher than usual: —

Of the above ninety-three working dredges, fifteen are operating on the west coast of the South Island, and seventy-eight are in Otago. The dividends paid by thirty-one dredges, the property of registered companies, amounted to £45,318 during 1911 ; the profits of privately owned dredges are unobtainable.

Year. Total Number of Dredges working. Value of Production. Dividend-paying Dredges owned' Average by Registered Companies. Production per Dredge. Number. Dividends. "• j i |_ Number of Persons employed. 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 167 128 123 111 104 93 £ 505,199 419,631 373,818 327,676 315,237 297,900 £ 3,025 3,278 3,039 2,952 3,031 3,203 66 65 47 37 35 31 £ 103,722 89,707 75,800 56,788 51,918 45,318 1,150 1,013 893 838 775

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The following is a statement regarding the most productive dredges owned by registered companies:—

The fifteen West Coast dredges are situated in the following localities—namely, eight on tributaries of the Grey River, two on the Buller River, and one at each of the following places : Capleston, Cronadun, Brennan's Creek, North Beach (Cobden), and Waimea. The most profitable dredging operations in the Dominion were carried out by the Worksop dredge ai Antonio's Flat, which obtained gold to the value of £16,284, and paid £9,300 in dividends. The No Town Creek earned £7,486, of which £5,400 was distributed in dividends. In Otago and Southland Ihe fleet of seventy-eight dredges is distributed as follows: Waikaka Valley, 17 ; at or near Alexandra, 14 ; Waikaia, 8 ; at or near Cromwell, 5 ; Miller's Flat, 4 ; Lowburn Ferry, 4 ; Nevis, 4 ; Charlton, 3 ; two at each of the following places—Chatto Creek, Waipori, Glenore, Cardrona, Roxburgh, and Ettrick ; and single dredges are working at Island Block, Shingle Creek, Bald Hill Flat, Poolburn, Kyeburn, Waimumu, and Kelso. None of the southern dredges, the properly of registered companies, were so profitable to their owners as the two West Coast dredges quoted. The most noteworthy feature of the year in connection with the dredging industry in the south has been a renewal of activity in the Waikaka Valley, where a deep lead has been located by keystone drilling, and a dredge is being constructed by the Waikaka United Company to work the deep ground thus proved. This dredge is designed to operate to a depth of 55 ft. below water-level. Flat Gold-dredging company is engaged upon operations which constitute a depari gold-dredging practice .After dredging all the available riverflat, this company's dp orking its way up the gentle slopes of the surrounding foothills and terraces. To do t' been brought on*to the claim by a race of about two miles an half in length, and at an elevation of about 50 ft. above the river-level. The dredge floats in a " paddock " supplied by this race, and continually stacks its tailing behind, forming a dam to maintain the level of the water in the paddock. As the ground is shallow, a tailing-elevator is not required, the material being passed through a sluice-box. When first attacking the slopes it was found that the tailing embankment could not be raised with the ascent of the ground until a low dam was first built to hold the bulk of the tailing. Once started in this manner, the tailing keeps building an efficient embankment for the paddock. At present the dredge is about 30 ft. above the river-level, and it is proposed to work up to the water-race. After reaching that level, pumping will be necessary to keep the paddock full, for the proposed scheme is, if possible, to work over a low saddle at an elevation of about 50 ft. above the level of the water-race, and so into another gully down which the dredge v.-si] work its way to the river again. From the progress already made it would appear thai this mi I hod of working is quite feasible, and, though in this case it is intended to rise only about 100 I Jno reason why this method should not be applied to even greater heights, and so render available ground hitherto considered unworkable owing to the lack of high-pressure water for sluicing. The immediate future of these operations will be watched with interest.

Dividends paid by Dredges owned by Registered Companies. ~J "1V_ 5 »I J„444._ 44j Name of Dredge. Production during 1911 of all Dredges. 5 _ Registere During 1911. ed Companies. To 31st December, 1911. Vest Coast District Stafford Hessy, Cameron, and Tacon (Limited) Worksop No Town Creek Pactolus Blackwater River louthern District— Crewe (2) ... ... ■ ... Waikaka Syndicate Koputai Earnscleugh (3) Masterton Hartley and Riley Golden' Bed ... Rise and Shine (2) Rising Sun ... Magnum Bonum Electric (2) ... Paterson's Freehold (2) Otago (2) ManuheriMa Dredge No. 909 Willowbank ... 64 other working dredges (registered or privately owned) 3~723 3,859 16,284 7,486 5,144 6,728 3,908 5,180 4,338 9,193 3,767 3,559 5,896 8,607 6,439 4,368 10,922 7,244 4,512 4,924 7,251 4,491 158,586 £ 404 1,470 9,300 5,400 1,875 2,605 250 2,450 1,235 550 1.250 650 1,922 1,200 2,200 1,812 3,250 1,800 250 1,058 2,250 1,600 417 £ 3,287 4,695 15,900 34,200 62,500 11,494 6,375 22,750 12,537 24,750 31,500 83,687 15,269 35,100 16,000 8,875 126.092 15,0C0 17,375 83,445 3,750 2,000 Totals 296,409 296,409 45,198 45,198

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(3.) Alluvial Mining. The abundant rainfall during 1911 permitted more continuous sluicing operations than have been experienced during recent years, with the result that there has been an increase in the value of the gold-production from this source amounting to £86,752, the total production being £275,216, obtained from 277 claims, upon which 2,452 persons were ordinarily employed. On the West Coast the Mont dOr Mining Company, at Ross, was unfortunate, owing to the collapse of a tunnel conduit, which delayed sluicing for a lengthy period. Notwithstanding this, however, from between three and four months sluicing subsequently, gold to the value of £3,493 was obtained, and £1,800 was distributed in dividends. The total dividends paid by this company now amount to £51,600. In the neighbourhoodjbf Kumara, at VVestbrook and Maori Point, the claim-holders have been engaged in making preparations for the utilization of a greatly increased water-supply, owing to the extension of the Kumara (Government) Water-race by inverted siphon of 30 in. bore across the Taramakau Valley, a distance of 2 miles 1 chain. This siphon delivers 36 cubic feet of water per second into the distributing water-race, which traverses the higher terraces above the claims, and with its high-level storage-dam will be capable of supplying 50 cubic feet of water per second for twelve hours each day. The sluice-gates admitting water from the head-race to the siphon were officially opened on the 12th April, 1912, by the Hon. James Colvin, Minister of Mines. Some illustrations of interesting features in the main accompany this report. Details as to the year's operations at the respective alluvial claims throughout the Dominion are contained in the reports of the Inspectors of Mines (Annexure A). The following is a list of the most profitably worked alluvial gold-mining claims the property of registered companies, also the production therefrom and the amount of dividends declared :—

From the foregoing it will be seen that the profits from alluvial mines are generally inconsiderable. The theory frequently advanced that poor ground may be worked profitably if only a large volume of water is conveyed thereto has frequently proved fallacious. The construction of large and sometimes lengthy conduits to the claims often necessitates a greater capital-expenditure than may be recovered from the low-grade wash, and work is frequently intermittent, owing to the irregularity of a large water-supply, which is always dependent upon copious rainfall.

V. MINERALS OTHER THAN GOLD. SCHEELITE. The quantity of scheelite exported during the year amounted to 138 tons, valued at £11,853, as compared with 143 tons, valued at £15,070, in 1910. The main sources of supply are Glenorchy (Lake Wakatipu) and Macrae's (Otago). The following statement shows the q ad value of scheelite exported since the year 1899 : —

Durin 1911. Namo of Company. Value of Gold produced. Dividends declared. font d'Or Gold-mining Company iound Hill Mining Company lokomai Hydraulic-sluicing Company Indauntcd Gold-mining Company ladysmith Gold-mining Company rolden Crescent Sluicing Company (Limited) [avelock Sluicing Company )eep Stream Gold-mining Company £ 3,493 6,743 9,007 2,054 1,935 2,400 3,989 928 £ 1,800 1,130 600 375 496 875 1,400 312

Quantity. Valuo. Quantity. Value. Year. Year. 899 900 901 902 903 904 905 906 Tons. 32 54 2 39 42 17 28 55 £ 2,788 2,635 83 1.200 1,439 791 1,848 3,407 1907 .. 1908 .. 1909 .. 1910 .. 1911 .. Tons. 137 68 58 143 138 £ 15,486 6,055 4,263 15,070 11,853 Total 813 66,918

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N.Z. GOVERNMENT KUMARA WATER-RACE. SPECIAL FEATURES IN THE SYPHON CROSSING THE TARAMAKAU VALLEY

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The Glenorchy Mine produced 63 tons, valued at £6,080. and the Golden Point Mine (Macrae's, Otago) produced 20 tons, valued at about £1,800. The Dominion Consolidated Developing Company, near Wakamarina, Marlborough, produced scheelite to the value of £225. During 1911 there was a marked decrease in the production of tungsten throi orld, due largely to the Lack of a wide market for tool-steel, in which tungsten finds its chief use. In the United States there was produced 1,125 short tons of 60 per cent, concentrates, whic ires with 1,821 tons marketed in 1910. In New South Wales the output declined from 150-0 to 108-45 tons over the same period. During 1911 the prices varied from 18s. 9d. to £1 15s. sd. per unit, depending upon quality, quantity, and individual bargaining. At the close of the yeaT El <>s. ]od. per unit . offered. In Canada, the United States, and New South Wales scheelite is found in pockets, from \ ore is gouged. In New Zealand, especially in the Macrae's district, well-defined scheelite-quartz reefs of varying thickness have been discovered, and the scheelite is generally associated with gold : but where the finest deposits occur gold is scarce. During the year the Highlay Tungsten Mine, which was developed and successfully operated for several years by Messrs. Donaldson Bros, (the pioneers of the scheelite industry in this Dominion), was sold to a Christchurch syndicate, who have since carried out operations on a larger scale. Owing to the activity now being displayed in the development of scheelite-producing mini considerable increase in the production of scheelite may be anticipated, unless the mark continues to fall. Iron. With the exception of a few men employed putting in short drives to ascertain the thickne limonite at Parapara, little or no development was carried out on any of the ironstone leases. During the current year an experimental plant was installed at Moturoa, Taranaki, for Company for the treatment of the black-sand from the sea-beach. The plant consisted of a small blast-furnace equipped with a Root's blower driven by gas-engine, also a small briquette plant which was to be used in the preparation for the furnace of the iron-sand mixed with clay as a bond and flux. Kauri-gum. The quantity of kauri-gum exported during the year amounted to 7,587 tons, valued at £395,707, as compared with 8,693 tons, valued at £165,041:, in 1910. The total production of this fossil resin to the end of 1911 amounted to 314,087 tons, valued at £15,809,152. The market price for this mineral continues to decline slowly, and as the demand for general labour in New Zealand increases, the occupation of gum-digging upon the barren country north of Auckland becomes less attractive, and but few men are now so occupied in comparison with the number engaged during former years. Petroleum. The development of the oilfields in the Taranaki, Lake Brunner, and Poverty Bay districts has been energetically pursued, but the evidence obtained has not yet been conclusive (hat petroleum exists in sufficient quantity to be remunerative. The most promising developments have been obtained upon the areas at Moturoa, controlled by the Taranaki Petroleum Company (Limited). In addition to the flowing wells Nos. 2 and 3 (3,030 ft. and 3,797 ft, deep respectively), at No. 5 well (2,280 ft.) oil was tapped in the early part of the current year, and from the quantity already yielded by it, this appears to be the most productive well hitherto drilled. On the 3rd May, 1911, I gauged the oil won by this company and found that 266,392 gallons of crude petroleum, containing an average of 97 per cent, of distilled oils, had then been impounded. The company thus succeeded in winning the bonus of £2,500 offered by the Government for the first quarter million gallons of crude petroleum of specified quality won within the Dominion. Op 25th March, 1912, the quantity of oil won was again gauged by me, and it was found to have increased by 155,583 gallons, the yield having averaged for 325 days 479 gallons per day, equivalent to 11J ba i This oil was produced by wells Nos. 2, 3, and 5, but the latter well only became productive v few weeks before the last official gauging took place. Between the date of my last gauging on the 25th March and the 16th May, 1912, from all three wells 39.653 gallons was yielded, which represents an average of 18 barrels per day. This company has recently been refloated in New Zealand and renamed the Taranaki Oil-wells (Limited), with a capital of £400,000, 275,000 shares' of £1 each at par being subscribed for. The proposed operations consist of the erection of a refinery, drilling additional wells, and the conversion of a small local industry into a modern oilfield business, with head ffices in London. The above development is extremely satisfactory, but before a profitable oilfield business may be established it will be necessary to prove that oil in large quantity exists. Hitherto the development has proved that oil of excellent quality exists in moderate quantity; but there is reasonable possibility that an increased supply will be tapped. Drilling operations by the Kotuku Oilfield Syndicate, near Lake Brunner, have not been so successful. At a site selected by Dr. J. Wanner, an oil geologist, and recommended by the Geological Survey Department,* a hole was drilled during the year through rocks of Miocene age to a depth of 952 ft., at which depth primary rocks were reached, and drilling was discontinued, as any further attempt to secure oil at that locality would be futile. Small but regular quantities of petroleum are still yielded along the banks of Deep Creek, within the territory of this syndicate. Oil-drilling operations during the year by the New Zealand Oilfields (Limited) at Poverty Bay ba ye not produced successful results. From the foregoing it will be seen that the oil industry in New Zealand is still in the exploration stage.

* Bulletin No. 13, "The Geology of the Greymouth Subdivision," by P. G. Morgan, Director, pages 148-1 tO

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VI. VENTILATION AND HYGIENE. With the attainment of considerable depth in metal-mining operations, and consequent increasing underground temperatures, together with the more extensive use of rock-drills and explosives, the necessity for a stricter standard of ventilation than that at present established by statute appears to be necessary, and this view has been taken by the Royal Commission i which presented its report during the early part of the current year. Samples of mine-air taken by officers of the Mines Dβ] bhe mo anl mines throughout the Dominion, and analyzed by the Dominion Analyst. purity of the air, the conditions are generally satisfactory in Nγ ■■ ;ines. It was found that under the most unfavourable mining conditions —namely, when shovelling commenced after blasting— the maximum quantity of carbon-monoxide obtainabi- the Waihi Mines, 00025 per cent., and from the Eeefton Mines, 0-008 per cent; and as Dr. c recognized British authority, has stated that noticeable symptoms of carbon-monoxide poisoning were never produced with less than 0-02 per cent., since absorption ceased when the blood became saturai imj lively slight extent, it may reasonably be concluded that this gas is nol i in our metal-mines, under normal conditions, in hurtful quantities, and is never p; accompanied by carbon-dioxide. The highest percentage of carbon-dioxide—namely, 3-31 per Led at Thames from a sample taken at the 1,000 ft. crosscut, where this gas oc< lies from the rocks in considerable quantity. The maximum percentage of cai here was 0-97 per cent., being less than the standard, T25 per cent., recommended by the British Royal Commission on Mines aa a proportion up to which men may be permitted to work. It will be seen, therefore, that from the point of view of m> s, New Zealand metal-mines generally satisfactory. The question of underground temperatures, however, is, on the Hauraki Goldfield, becoming ol more importance as depth is attained. It has been found that the rock-temperature at Thames and Waihi is high, equal, in fact, "to that of Comstock, United States America, being at the 1,000 ft. level about 83° Fahr., and the increment of temperature about 1° Fahr. for every 33 ft. descended. As regards humidity, official observations taken at the surface over an extended period show the atmosphere at Waihi and Thames to be often highh ;(ions taken underground by officers of the Mines Department show the mi;: o the extent of 90 per cent, or more. On occasions when the air at the surf at, flu' impoesi bility of reducing the humidity in the mine is appan For the purpose of reducing the temperature of rock-surface c of air is necessary bhan is required to produce, from a quality stan<: ilation : but the ex underground temperature maybe reduced ;h, if the upcast shaft is centrally situated with regard to the mil much ma} ied. i he beneficial effect of constant mechanically produced ventilation reduction in th<temperature of the rock-surfaces in the lowest level Waihi, where a Sirocco fan, having a capacity of about 40,000 cubic fee mute, was recently installed to supplement intermittent natural ventilation; similar benefici Iso been obtained a 1 Thames Goldfield deep levels, where there has been installed a . of 12.000 ft. capacity. For the reduction of humidity at the Comstock ; Jon to the introduction of large volumes of fresh air, the underground crosscuts and le c existed were frequently lined with timber, and the drainage-water was conveyed in boxes, which measures were found beneficial. With the attainment of depth it may eventually be found nee; adopt similar methods here. The following proposed standard of ventilation has been recommended by the Royal Commission for metal mines in New Zealand : — " An adequate amount of ventilation shall be con dilute and render harmless noxious gases to such an extent that all shafts, crosscuts, levels, etopes, stables, and all working-places shall be in a fit state for working and pa: " The quantity of air in the main current and in c d at such may be determined by the Inspector, shall at least once in ever)- m<; ] in a book to be kept for the purpose at the mine, and the ordinary number of | i< h split a< one I inie shall also be entered in such book. " For the purposes of this section a place shall not be deer i.-jng or passing therein if the air contains more than 1 per cent, of carbon- than 19 per cent, of oxygen : Provided that the Minister of Mitics may exempt anyeiine or mines from the f< provision on the ground that they are liable to unavoidable vitiation by carbon-dioxide from the rocks during the early s of development. The maximum temperature of the air in any working-place, measured by a wet-bulb thermometer, shall not exceed 80° Fahr., unless firing of explosives has occurred in such place not more than twenty minutes previous to the observation of the thermometer, but the Inspector may, in writing, allow a higher limit of temperature if satisfied that it is impracticable to maintain the temperature below the abovementioned standard, in which case the Inspector shall notify the manager in writing to reduce the temperature of the air below the standard, and if such is not complied with within seven days he shall determine the number of hours, not exceeding six, for whicl son shall be employed in any such working-place within eight consecutive hours, and the number of hours so determined shall not be exceeded for a period of three calendar months whatever the temperature may be during that period. " Regulations under the Mining Act shall provide for the classification of mines according to the amount of noxious gases in the working-places and to the temperature of the surrounding rocks, and the amount of air passing into a mine shall be such amount proportionate to the number of men and animals employed underground in the mine as may be prescribed by the regulations respecting mines of the class to which the mine belongs

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: ' All air-measurements for the purpose of this classification shall be taken at the entrance to each ventilatmg-section, and shall there be no less in volume than the minimum statutory allowance per man and horse per minute. The total number of men ordinarily employed in any ventilating-section shall not exceed fifty. " The obligation imposed by this section shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, the obligation to provide an adequate amount of ventilation imposed by the foregoing paragraphs. " Proposed Regulations under the Mining Act. " These regulations to classify mines as follows : — " Class A : All mining operations on Thames and \\ aihi goldnelds below the 800 ft. level, 200 cubic feet of air per man per minute minimum, 500 cubic feet per minute for each horse. " Class B : Other metal-mining operations, 150 cubic feet per minutejminimum, 500 cubic feet per minute for each horse." Change and Bath Houses for Miners. —With regard to the question of providing change and bath houses at mines, i h ommission report that they found the request, for the same to be quite unanimous. The mcdi' ice also emphasized the necessity for such a provision in the interests of the general healtii and as a particular preventive against miners' phthisis. The constant exposure of men to warm temperatures underground renders a sudden change, in wet clothing, to colder co tions above ground injurious to health. It is therefore of primary importance that men should be to change their wet clothing immediately on coming out of the mines under conditions of reasonable comfort. In mining communities it is, for the most part, impossible for miners' dwellings to b< with bathing-accommodation. To meet this wan; the Commission recommend that both ohi bath-houses be provided at mines. The Commission also report that the suggestions as regards baths and change-houses givi evidence by the miners throughout the Dominion were generally favourably received by the mine-ov and managers, who recognized that the benefits accruing to the men from such facilities are in the inter of the industry. The consensus of opinion among (lie witnesses who represented the worl however, adverse to the proposal that the use of baths should be made compulsory. In order that small mines should not be unduly burdened, the Commissioners recommend that a limit should be made in the number of men employed to define where bath-accommodation should be provided, but that I should be no limit so far as change-houses are concerned. The following are the final recommendations of the Commission as regards baili and change houses :— " That bath-houses be erected at all metal-mines, excepting those employing ten men or under and all open alluvial mines. " That change-houses be provided at all mines. " That change and bath houses to be erected be in accordance, as near as possible, with the plan annexed to the Commission's report. " That the hook-and-pulley system is the best design from a hygienic point of view ami as a means of keeping each man's clothes separate. " That the floor-space in every change-room be not less than 12 square feet for each man. " That where change-houses already exist they be fitted with hooks and pulleys within eighteen months. " That bath-houses be fitted with hot and cold showers, hand-basins, with an adequate supply of water, and suitable tubs for the men to wash their clothing. " That there be one shower-bath and one basin for every five men employed underground on the largest shift at one time. " That two-fifths of such shower-baths be partitioned off to secure complete privacy. "' That the floors of every bath-house shall be of concrete and properly drained. " That the cost of erection, care, and management of change and bath houses be borne by the mine-owners. " That the change and bath houses be under the control of a caretaker, whose duty it shall be to keep the same clean and attend to the drying arrangements. " That no mine-owner shall be compelled to erect bath-houses until a vote be taken of the miners working underground in the mine, nor unless 75 per cent, of the men where the number is twenty or under, 50 per cent. where the number is fifty or under, and 30 per cent, where the number is over fifty, request the erection of the same. " That if satisfactory use is not made of the baths the manager may give notice to the workmen's inspector that he proposes to take a tally of the men using the baths for a period of one month, and if it is found that the total number using the baths is less than 20 per cent, of the men employed underground where the number does not exceed fifty, and 30 per cent, of the number who voted for the erection of the baths whe; fifty, it shall be optional with the manager whether he keeps the baths open or not. " That if the baths are closed under the powers of the preceding clause no vote shall be taken to reopen the same for at least three months. " That if a tally be taken under clause 14 by the manager full facilities shall be given to the workmen's inspector to take a similar tally over the same period." Miners' Phthisis. —From the evidence given before the Commission by medical men and by miners, also from official statistics, the Commissioners reported that it is apparent that miners' phthisis has not in New Zealand assumed such proportions as indicated by the returns from Cornwall, Bendigo, Queensland, West Australia, and the Transvaal, and they believed that if the remedial measures recommended by them were adopted thp disease might b<> much reduced, if not entirely eradicated from the Dominion.

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; is a return from the Registrar-General's Department showing the mortality per whole population of males from pneumoconiosis and miners' phthisis:— 1910. 1909. 1908. Pneumoconiosis .. .. .. .. 9 6 1 Miners phthisis .. .. .. .. 1 10 2 Totals .. .... ..10 16 3 Proportion per 10,000 males .. .. 0-19 0-29 0-059 Assuming all deceased were quartz-miners (surface or underground workers) the proportion per 10,000 would be .. .. 23-1 42-9 7-2 Preventive Measures. —Under the existing statutes the compulsory use of sprays or water-jets is necessary where machine drills are used. Improved ventilation of mines is elsewhere recommended, as is the use of bath and change houses. The prevention of indiscriminate spitting and the destruction of tuberculous sputum should be compulsory. Definite treatment of those affected with tuberculosis of the lungs in an advanced form is already provided for in this Dominion ; and the exclusion from work underground of all persons infected with tuberculosis of the lungs is advisable. In addition to the foregoing measures already in existence or considered advisable, the Commissioners were of opinion that every working-place where rock-drills are in use should be furnished with an approved waterblast or atomizer for laying the dust, smoke, and gases after a blast, and that no man should return to an end, rise, winze, or other close place until the air is free from dust, smoke. and lumes caused by blasting. Measures of Relief. —The following additional measures of relief were recommended by the Com- • : — " That miners suffering, or suspected to be suffering, from fibrosis or superimposed tuberculosis of the lungs shall have free medical advice from the Government, such advice to be given by a medical expert appointed for the purpose. " That in addition to the homes and sanatoria already established, adequate relief be provided from the Gold-miners' Relief Fund for those suffering from miners' phthisis, which for that purpose shall be subsidized £1 for £1 by the Goveernment. Ie qualifications for the above measures of relief to be five years' residence in New Zealand immediately prior to the application for relief, two years and a half of which shall have been occupied in mining underground or working at a crushing-mill in New Zealand."

VII. STATE AID TO MINING. The following schedule shows the amounts expended by subsidies and direct grants out of the Public Works Fund—vote " Roads on Goldfields " —in the different counties, &c, during the year ended 31st March, 1912 :—

Subsidies. Subsidies. Direct Grants. Whangaroa County Coromandel County Thames County Thames Borough Ohinemuri County Piako County Pelorus Road Board Collingwood County Takaka County Waimea County Buller County Inangahua County Murchison County Grey County Brunner Borough Westland County Ross Borough Mackenzie Count} Tuapeka County Vincent County Lake County Wallace County Southland County Public Works Depavan-.nl . Land and Survey Department I s. d. 262 15 0 350 0 0 130 0 0 75 0 0 139 13 2 65 0 0 17 15 0 196 0 0 100 0 0 250 0 0 2d0 0 0 £ a. d. 100 0 0 3,485 5 2 4,959 1 5 537 10 2 2,684 12 0 78 6 8 555 13 0 1,303 2 0 1,321 8 3 100 0 0 8,511 5 3 2,257 17 11 553 9 10 I,858 10 0 331 0 9 > 4,777 17 2 429 8 8 i i 800 0 0 • 904 10 2 939 0 0 442 ii 0 • 976 18 5 974 5 10 400 0 0 1 , 1,786 3 2 ! ,39,281 2 3

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Prospecting fob Gold. The following statement shows the expenditure on authorities issued in subsidies to prospecting associations and parties of minors in the different counties for the year ended the 31st Marc]'. 1912 :~ Expenditure for the Year Nbttip of County. &c ending 31st March, 1912. £ s. d. Coromandel .. .. .. .. .. .. 463 15 0 Thames jjg .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11 0 0 Ohinemuri .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 415 17 3 Whakatane .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 024 0 0 Inangahua .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 232 15 0 Takaka .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 49 0 0 Grey .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 260 2 6 Westland .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,349 7 0 Ross Borougli Council .. . . . . .. • ■ 327 12 6 Waihemo .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18 7 6 Lake .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 8 0 Prospecting associations, &c. .. .. .. .. •• 371 10 3 £3,533 15 0 Government Prospecting Drills. Three diamond drills of Schram-Harker type, with a boring-capacity of 2,500 ft., 1,500 ft., and 500 ft. respectively, also two Keystone traction placer drills of 350 ft. capacity, are lent out by the Government to mining companies and local bodies free of charge. The borrowers have, however, to be machines in good order, and pay all expenses and wages in connection therewith, including i hose of the Government Superintendent of the drill. There has been a considerable demand for these machines, and their introduction has been amply justified. Another diamond drill, of Sullivan (C.N.) type, having a capacity of 800 ft., is under order from America for this Department. The following table shows the work done by Government prospecting drills during 1911 : —

VIII. SCHOOLS .OF MINES. The decline in the number of students attending the schools of mines still continues. This is especially noticeable in the colliery districts, where but few young men attempt to better their position by a course of lectures and study. The advantages to be gained by attending the excellent schools of mines in New Zealand are clearly shown in the report of Professor James Park, Director of the Otago School (see Section VIII, Annexure C, accompanying this report). Professor Park states that at the present time thirty-seven of his old students are profitably employed in mining and engineering in New Zealand. Of these, no less than fourteen hold official appointments in connection with the Mines and Geological Department of the State. Professor Park also gives a list of nineteen old Otago graduates who are at present holding high positions in the mining industry in foreign parts. For two years in succession the forty-guinea premium presented by the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, of London (the most exclusive mining institute in the world), has been won by his ex-students —namely, Dr. A. Moncrief Finlayson, in 1911, and Mr. Alexander McLeod, in 1910. This is one of the principal awards given by this institution, and is open to its members and associate members. To those at all sceptical as to the benefits of the training to be obtained from our schools of mines I strongly recommend perusal of the report by Professor Park.

Tvne ll* ApproU- SS "li°t r£ 8upfSn°dU. To whom lent. "j"*. B»% ™* g£ Character ot Country penetrated. EHi drilled. gTS <g8,.SS Type of Drill. Name of Superintendent. To whom lent. I Ft. In. •. d. Jo. 3— W. Warburton Seddonville State Col- Coal .. 7 978 2£ ' Mudstone and grit .. 11 <H Diamond liery (SchramHarker type) Jo. 2— W.Carter .. i Romulus Syndicate, Gold 3 523 4£ ! Crushed dacite (would not core), 20 11 Diamond Waihi extremely difficult drilling (Schram- hWestport Harbour i Coal 1 334* 5J I Blue clay, containing boulders Harker Board (will not core) type) ) Jo. 1— j T. McMath .. 1 Various Central Otago Gold, al- I 23 1,161 J 6 I Gravel, mostly of schist; easy to if 2 7$ Keystone 1 i G. E. D. Seale I dredging claims luvial 1 14 668 6 i j drill (8 9 Jo. 2— : G. E. D. Seale North Westland alluvial- Ditto .. 44 1,964 fi ; Gravel, consisting of grauwacke : 4 5 Keystone mining claims and large granite boulders; very difficult to penetrate with drive_pipe * Still in progress.

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The Government annual examinations of the students attending the schools of mines throughout the Dominion (excluding the Otago School, which, being connected with the University of Otago, holds separate examinations) were held in December, 1911, the following being a summary of the results by senior students from each school, arranged in order of seniority in average marks obtained : —

Upon comparison with the results obtained at the examination for the previous year, it will be seen that the quality of the work has been about maintained, but there has been a decline of 30 per cent, in the number of students presenting themselves for examination. Ex] - of Minks. Thr following table shows the expenditure by the Government on schools of mines since then , inception, exclusive of subsidies paid to the University of Otago towards the School of Mines in connection with that institution :

. I have, &c, Frank Reed, Inspecting Engineer (if Mines.

Locality of School of Mines. awarded S nerPaner Number of Students Number of Paper* submitted examined. submitted. Total marks awarded. Karangahake Reefton Waihi Thames Coromandel Per Cent. 62-43 12 30 59-75 10 16 52-59 26 47 48-81 24 44 48-51 I 1.1 1,873 956 2,471 2,148 534 Totals, 1911 „ 1910 53-93 57-9 76 112 146 186 7,982 10,774

Chemicals Subsidie.- iov. and Apparatus, Financial the Eieotion of also Mineralogioal Scholar-Yeai-K. Schools of Mines. :nnl Specin ships. Maintenance. supplied to Schools of Minos. Total Sum e of Teachers, by the Depart;ukI Travelling- meet towards the Schools of Mines. t s. d. £ a. d. B .885-86 ... ... 36 19 9 .886-87 .. 257 16 6 409 1 4 .887-88 ... 253 15 9 253 14 i .888-89 ... 42 10 0 6 12 9 .889-90 ... 142 2 0 181 14 10 .890-91 ... 217 6 6 54 8 0 .891-92 ... 181 14 0 .892-93 ... 312 8 4 .893-94 ... 197 0 5 .894-95 . . 390 0 0 15 10 Hi .895-96 ... 820 0 0 ... 50 .896-97 ... 352 14 11 58 18 b 100 .897-98 ... 1,089 18 6 29 19 9 100 .898-99 ... 740 15 2 32 19 7 50 .899-1900 ... 990 3 4 24 3 8 50 .900-1901 ... 866 10 11 56 3 4 98 .901-1902 ... 1,155 12 3 63 5 1 49 .902-1903 .. 1,379 15 6 134 18 8 158 .903-1904 ... 1,575 15 3 88 18 8 92 .904-1905 ... 1,401 2 11 17 3 0 100 .905-1906 ... 1,806 19 5 87 2 1 49 .906-1907 ... 1,836 6 6 11 15 8 100 .907-1908 ... 2,428 19 3 94 6 2 150 .908-1909 ... 2,738 11 1 328 9 3 100 .909-1910 ... 1,882 2 6 692 2 8 100 .910-1911 ... 2,813 0 10 44 5 8 108 .911-1912 ... 1,852 19 11 38 9 9 92 fc s. d. t e. d. 1,223 9 ]0 1,260 9 7 2,716 9 3 3,383 7 1 1,714 9 8 2,221 19 4 1,139 4 1 1,188 6 10 716 3 10 1,040 0 8 620 9 9 892 4 3 689 5 9 870 19 9 670 I 0 982 4 4 858 19 4 1,055 19 9 773 17 8 1,209 8 6 849 3 0 1,719 3 0 834 12 8 1,346 6 1 780 19 0 2,000 17 3 729 10 11 1,553 5 8 52 16 3 1,117 3 3 77 7 10 1,098 2 1 69 16 4 1,337 13 8 111 0 0 1,783 14 2 109 15 10 1,866 9 9 362 19 6 1,881 5 5 440 9 4 2,383 10 10 388 18 5 2,337 0 7 345 15 11 3,019 1 4 642 9 4 3,809 9 8 587 3 2 3,261 8 4 121 9 2 3,086 15 8 126 6 7 2,109 16 3 Totals... 27,725 16 9 2,791 3 1 1. 546 17,753 3 49,816 3 1

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ANNEXURE A.

REPORTS OF INSPECTORS OF BONES. The [nspectob os Mines, \\':ihi, to the Under-Secretary, Mines aent, Wellington. Sir.— Inspector of Mines' Office, Wnihi, 31st March, 1912. 1 have the honour to present my report on the gold-mining industry in the Hauraki Mining District for the year ended the 31«t December, 1911. Wnilii Gold-mining Company [Limited) (J. L. Gilmour, Mine-manager). Tin- following is a description of the most important works carried out on bhe Nos. 8. 9. and 10 levels during the year : — No. 10 Level (1.151 ft.).—Tin 1 north crosscut from No. 5 shaft was extended from 200 ft. to 1,120 ft. from No. 5 shaft. From 670 ft. to 700 ft. is the Empire lode (M 0 ft. wide). At 1,040 ft. the Martha lode was met and proved to be 45 ft. wide. Martha lode, south section : A length of '11 \ i<. has been developed op this lode, 153 it. of which i.- east and 121 ft. west of No. 5 .shaft north crosscut. For the length so far opened up the Martha lode is poorer in quality, and much smaller in width, than the corresponding length on the No. 9 level. Empire lode: A total of 290 ft. has been developed on this lode, 135 ft. being east and 155 ft. west of No. 5 shaft north crosscut. At 706 ft. in No. 5 shaft north crosscut an irregular body of ore, called the North Branch of Empire, was followed eastward for 85 ft. At 20 ft. east it joins the Empire, and at 70 ft. is separated again by a horse of country 6 ft. wide. At this point it is 14 ft. in v. iiii b. South-south-west crosscut from No. 5 shaft has been advanced from 32 ft. to 114 ft. At 107 ft. there is quartz about 2 ft. wide, and it is anticipated that the Royal lode is a few feet ahead of the face of crosscut. The country rock is of good class. Royal lode : The level has been extended west of No. 5 shaft south crosscut from 483 ft. to 1,060 ft. No driving was done eastward, but the level has been widened for stoping from No. 5 shaft south crosscut to 325 ft. west of same. The level was also widened from 50 ft. to 110 ft. east of No. 5 shaft south crosscut. No stoping has yet been done. Frog, Boa. and Nite passes have been sunk \-.\\ distances in partly sulphide ore. Nite and Cobra passes were connected with No. 9 level (1.000 ft.). Reptile south-east crosscut : This has been extended from a point 137 ft. south-east of Royal lode bo 1,216 ft. Several leaders and reefs were intersected, one of which, cut at 1,100 ft.. waf a nice body of quart/. 13 ft. in width. This reef carried very little water, proving that it had been drained in some way by the pumping operations at No. 10 level. Work has been intermittent during the three months, owing to gas coming out of the i ks whenever the barometer fell, and, with the Roots blower giving 1,800 cubic feet of air per minute, the gas was not diluted sufficiently to allow candles to burn. Adder east crosscut was driven a total of 118 ft. from Royal lode. At 20 ft. in, what is evidently the Rex lode was cut, but it was only 15 in. wide at floor of level, and a track of the fissure in the roof. Rex lode : Cut at 92 ft. in crosscut at 350 ft. east of No. 5 shaft south crosscut. This lode was driven on 43J ft. south and 24 ft. north. Empire lode : ['List of No. 4 shaft north crosscut the level has been extended from 530 ft. to 699 ft. The face is within 63 ft. of the east boundary. Stoping is in progress between Ellis and Power passes n< 70 ft. up, and also between Rolker and Paul passes at 40 ft. up from level. Alexandra lode : East of Rata pass the level was driven a total of 94 ft., where a connection was made to Empire lode. Edward lode : This lode has been developed for its full length from Welcome junction to Royal junction, making a total length of 820 ft., 600 ft. being south of Perch crosscut, and 220 ft. north of .same. From 600 ft. the lode has a westerly course, and is evidently the Royal lode. The lode is about 4 ft. wide at this point. No winzes have been sunk throughout the length of the lode. The level has been widened out for full width of lode for 10 ft. high from the 250 ft. south crosscut to 390 ft. south. The west section of lode has been widened out to full width from Perch crosscut to 150 ft. south, and mostly timbered. South of Perch crosscut on east section a level was driven for 150 ft. north of perch crosscut to 170 ft. point, the level being widened out to an average width of 15 ft., and timbered. Stoping is now in progress south of Trout pass, the first stope over the timbers being in prog] Welcome lode, south section : The level was driven from Edward junction to No. 2 shaft north crosscut, a length of 149 ft., close to south wall. At 10 ft. east of Edward junction. Rickard crosscut was run north-west a total of 99 ft., to prove the full width of the Welcome lode. The level has been widened out to 12 ft. for stoping. rtha lode, south section westward : The level was extended from a point 843 ft. west of No. 4 shaft north crosscut to 1,010 ft., where a connection is made to No. 2 shaft north-west crosscut. EastI the level was extended from 399 ft. to 472 ft. east of No. 4 shaft north crosscut. Stoping is now in operation between Horse and Wheel No. 2 passe 3 over a length of 1,015 ft., and an average width of 18 ft. Most of the above stopes are being broken out on the rill method. North section : The only work done on this section was to prove if there was any extent of payable ore at the crosscut 200 ft. east of No. 4 shaft. The level was driven east 25 ft., and west 34 ft. Regina section : Stoping has been started, the first stope taken being 35 ft. east and 20 ft. west of Hedge pass.

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No. 8 Level (850 ft.).—Royal lode : Shrinkage stoping-blocks. In the block east and west of Reptile pass the breaking of ore has been done up to 15 ft. of No. 7 level. In the block east of Lizard pass, breaking ore is completed, and the broken ore is being drawn off. All the broken ore has been drawn off in tho block east and west of Boa pass. In the block east and west of Frog pass, breaking is completed, and the ore is being drawn off. Nite and Cobra passes have been connected to No. 9 level. Scorpion south-east crosscut has been driven a total of 1,207 ft. from Royal lode. A Roots blower, with a capacity of 800 cubic feet of air per minute, driven by a motor, was used to ventilate this crosscut. Edward lode : Stoping is in progress between Sprat pass and Welcome junction at 94 ft. up. In the shrinkage block north and south of Roach pass the ore was broken out to 15 ft. from No. 7 level, and is now being drawn off. Sole pass has been sunk to No. 8 level, the lower part being in payable ore. Empire lode: Stoping is in progress in two blocks, and a third is about to be started. Welcome lode : Stoping is in progress between Edward junction and Tulip pass at 99 ft. up. Also i and west of Thistle pass, at 75 ft. up. -Martha lode, north section : Breaking ore in the large shrinkage block east and west of Bullson No. 2 pass was completed in March, and drawing off the broken ore is now in progress. Manning pass was sunk 75 ft. in very hard partly sulphide ore. South section : Stoping is in progress between Britannia and Wheel No. 2 passes, at 30 ft. up. No. 7 Level (700ft.). —Royal lode: The level has been widened out to full width of lode from too it. west of north section junction to 535 ft. west. Reptile pass has been risen a total of 126 ft. The old shrinkage block between Nite and Toad passes is almost filled in. On No. 6 Level (550 ft.) and the levels above the blocks of ground left in to support the levels are being removed. This is being done by driving a new level in the solid country, and the ore is taken out on square sets. Shafts. —No. 2 shaft was put out of commission for hauling ore from 7th March to 5th August. The shaft was divided into two large winding compartments, so that the cage can take two trucks side by side. A new steel girder pattern head gear was erected, and the shaft is now well equipped, greatly facilitating mining operations. Telephones are installed at all the levels. A start will shortly be made to sink this shaft below No. 9 level. No. 4 shaft: This shaft was sunk 135 ft. during the year, and is now 1$ ft. below No. 10 level, or a total depth from surface of 1.149J ft. The electric pumps were put in commission on 15th May, and have run continuously since, in conjunct inn with the B pump. The further sinking of this shaft will shortly be resumed. No. 5 shaft: Sinking was resumed on 24th October, and 2o fi. I sunk, making the total depth from the surface 1,180$ ft. During the early part of the year the B pump 19 in. plunger was installed at No. 10 level, and several adjustments made to the upper pluugers, so as to make a water balance to the main rod above the 1,000 ft. level. On 25th May the pent-up water in the reefs was met, and with both pumps going at maximum safe speed, the water rose 46 ft. above No. 10 level. It was 7th July before No. 10 level was uncovered. The B pump is delivering water to the electric pumps at the 1,000 ft. level. The water has now been reduced to the normal flow, which appears to be about 1,200 gallons per minute. No. 6 shaft: This shaft lias been constantly hauling ore from Nos. 9, 8, and 7 levels. When No. 2 shaft was out of commission lit- drawn by horses from No. 2 shaft supply to No. 6 shaft. The total depth of this shaft is 1,023 ft. Api ly, 250,738 short tons of filling material have been obtained from the various filling cuttings on the surface for filling up the depleted stoping areas underground. Five passes are in use for conveying this filling underground, and Sole pass is being sunk to facilitate filling up the stopes on the south end of Edward lode and west end of Royal lode. This pass, which will ije complel ;i few months' time, is also necessary to improve the ventilation in the south-west part of the mine. At No. 10 level a considerable amount of development has been done. The Mtirtha, Empin , Royal lodes have been intersected, but unfortunately the values show a decided falling-off. The Edward and other lodes have still to be developed, and the sinking of No. 5 shaft, which up to (lute has reached a total depth of 1,230 ft., is being pushed ahead with all speed, in order to test the mine at a greater depth. At the mills very little alteration has been made, but, owing to reduced tonnage treated, the Union mill was closed down. Waihi Grand Junction Gold Company (Limited) (W. McConachie, Mine-manager). The following is a summary of the development-work done : Driving on lodes, 3,353 ft. ; Crosscutting on lodes, 849$ ft. ; rises on lodes and through country, 990 ft. ; winzes on lodes and through country, 1,795$ ft. : driving and crosscutting through country, 1,682$ ft. : shaft-sinking, 80J ft. : total, 8,751 ft. Main Shaft (No. 1). —Sinking was continued under difficulties to 1,089$ ft., an advance of 69$ ft. The inflow of water from the lode cut at 1,020 ft. exceeded 19,000 gallons per hour. A general average of samples taken during sinking gave £2 2s. 2d. per ton for a width of 9 ft. The lode dipped out of the shaft at a depth of 1,060 ft. Chambers were cut at No. 6 level, and the work of opening-up at this level was taken in hand. No. 3 Shaft (new shaft). —This shaft is situated about 1,150 ft. to the east of No. 1 shaft, and has been laid out as a three-compartment shaft, two of which are winding-compartments and one a pumping and ladder way. The shaft has been sunk 11 ft., and timbered to that depth.

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No. 6 Level (1,094 ft.). —The south-east crosscut was advanced to 176 ft. from the No. 1 shaft. At 19 ft. from the shaft it intersected the Dominion lode (Shaft reef), which proved to be 8 ft. in width, the average assay value being £2 17s. per ton. At 69 ft. another lode, the Republic, was met with, being 10 ft. in width, and with an average value of £3 Is. Bd. per ton. The footwall branch of the Empire lode was intersected at 165 ft. in the crosscut. The assays from this lode averaged £3 6s. 9d. per ton, for a total width of 7 ft. The north-west crosscut was driven to 108 ft. from the shaft, and at 21 ft. in, a lode (Wowser), 6| ft. wide and assaying 17s. per ton, was passed through. Dominion lode : The west drive was advanced 93 ft. For the first 11£ ft. the lode was 4£ ft. wide, and assayed £4 14s. 7d. per ton ; from 11£ ft. to 68 ft. it was 5 ft. 2 in. wide ; average, £1 4s. 7d. per ton ; and from 68 ft. to 93 ft. it was 3 ft. 9 in. wide, and averaged 13s. 2d. per ton. At this point the reef narrowed to 3 in. A leading stope extending from 15 ft. to 40 ft. west of the chamber, and to 17 ft. above level, gave an average assay value of £5 2s. 3d., the average width of the lode being 6 ft. 4 in. The east drive was advanced 99 ft., the lode being somewhat irregular, and at times divided and mixed up with country rock. From chamber to 46 ft. the reef was 3 ft. 10 in. wide, averaging £1 13s. Id. per ton, and from 46 ft. to 93 ft. it was 4 ft. 7 in. wide, averaging £1 14s. 10d. per ton. A crosscut from the footwall side at 45 ft. showed 4 ft. 3 in. quartz, assaying £2 10s. 9d. per ton; next 2 ft. country; next 8 ft. quartz, assaying £2 4s. per ton ; next 2 ft. 6 in. country ; next 2 ft. 2 in. quartz assaying £1 os. 4d. Republic lode : The west drive was advanced 56 ft., and the average assay values were —From south-east crosscut to 14 ft., reef 8 ft. wide, £2 18s. 3d. ; and from 14 ft. to 56 ft., reef 4 ft. 8 in. wide, £1 18s. 2d. The east drive was advanced 61 ft. The average assay value from the south-east crosscut to 61 ft. was £3 3s. 2d., and the average width of lode 4 ft. 4 in. As the drive advanced east the lode narrowed quickly, the reef in the face being now 3 ft. 10 in. wide, and dipping flatly to the north-west. Empire lode : The east drive (footwall branch) was advanced to 93 ft., and the average assay values for width of drive were—south-east crosscut to 22 ft., reef 5 ft. 3 in. wide, £2 lls. 9d. per ton ; 22 ft. to 93 ft., reef 5 ft. 1 in. wide, £1 16s. per ton. The total advance in the west drive (footwall branch) was 71 ft. The average assay values for width of drive were—From south-east crosscut to 22 ft., reef 4 ft. 8 in. wide, £4 Bs. sd. per ton ; from 22 ft, to 71 ft., reef 4 ft. 8 in. wide, £4 9s. per ton. No. 7 rise was connected with winze by rising 21 ft., the average value for width of rise being £2 10s. 4d. per ton. No. 5 Level (944 ft.). —Martha lode : The east drive was advanced 28 ft., making a total of 1,164 ft. The ore passed through was low grade. At 820 ft. east a crosscut 400 ft. in length was driven from the Martha lode to the Empire lode (at 980 ft. east). This crosscut intersected a lode, known as the Grace lode, at 16 ft. south of hanging-wall of Martha. This lode was found to be 21 ft. 4 in. in width, of which 11 J- ft. assayed £1 13s. Bd. per ton, the balance being low grade. Grace lode : Driving on this lode advanced for 100 ft., connecting with the Martha 710 ft. crosscut. On driving east the lode faulted at 160 ft., but after crosscutting 20 ft. to the south it was again picked up. From 80 ft. east to 53 ft. west of the 820 ft. crosscut the average value for full width of drive was £2 10s. 2d. In the crosscuts at 80 ft. and 150 ft. east the lode was low grade. No. 1 rise was advanced to 50 ft, above the level, the first 35 ft. averaging £1 17s. for a width of 7 ft. 10 in., and from 35 to 50 ft, was low grade. No. 1 winze was sunk to 84 ft. below the level. The values for width of winze were — From 0 to 13 ft., £3 lls. 3d. per ton ; 13 ft. to 39 ft., £1 18s. 2d. per ton ; 39 ft. to 65 ft,, £1 9s. 2d. per ton ; 65 ft. to 84 ft., £1 10s. per ton. A crosscut at 40 ft. down showed 8 ft, on footwall. worth £1 16s. The next 5 ft. was worth 16s. Bd. ; and the following 2 ft,, 10s. Bd. No. 2. lode : At 820 ft. east a crosscut was driven to the Martha lode, connecting at 1,040 ft. east. An intermediate drive at 80 ft. above the level was advanced from No. 7 rise to 49 ft. west of No. 5 rise. The average of assays from No. 7 to No. 6 rise was £1 7s. 6d. for a width of 5 ft., and from No. 6 rise to 49 ft. west of No. 5 rise, £1 Bs. lid. for a width of 4 ft. 2 in. No. 2 rise was risen 95 ft. above the level. This rise will be used as the main filling-pass. The reef in this rise was narrow and low grade. No. 5 rise was advanced 69| ft., connecting with the intermediate stopes. Empire lode : No. 1 winze was advanced 25 ft. ; average assays, £1 3s. 6d. for width of winze. No. 2 winze advanced 83J ft. The assays varied from £4 Is. 2d. to £2 ss. 2d. per ton. At 80 ft. below level the lode was crosscut, and proved to be 17f ft. wide, averaging £1 17s. 10d. per ton. No. 4 winze was sunk 60| ft., assays varying from £1 17s. Id. to £1 7s. sd. per ton. The crosscut at 80 ft. down showed lode 12J ft. wide ; average value, £1 per ton. No. 5 winze advanced 93 ft., the lode averaging from £3 2s. Id. to £2 14s. 10d., for an average width ef 3 ft. 2 in. At 80 ft. down the lode was 29J ft. wide, and assayed £3 10s. for the first 8J ft. ; 13s. for the next 16 ft. ; and for the last 5 ft., 3s. No. 7 winze was advanced 90 ft., the assays varying from £7 3s. Bd. to £5 14s. 7d. per ton. At 80 ft, down the lode was crosscut, and proved that winze had been sunk on footwall branch or " dropper " from main lode. Measuring from the winze, 4 ft. 4 in. is worth £4 Bs. 6d. per ton. No. 9 winze advanced 88 ft,; down to 62 ft. the values were low, from 62 ft. to 88 ft. assays averaged £2 7s. 4d. for a width of 3 ft. 7 in. No. 18 winze was sunk 96 ft.; the assay value varied from £7 18s. 7d. to £3 19s. Id. per ton. A rise at 900 ft. east was advanced 34 ft. above the level; the average assay value from level to 30 ft. was £3 3s. for width of 6 ft. 4 in., with no values above this point. Reef in 330 ft. crosscut west on hanging-wall side of Empire was followed for 61 ft. ; width 11 ft. ; values low. Drive east on Empire"was'advanced 92 ft.; total, 1,083 ft. The reef was 3 ft. in width and the values low. Royal lode : The 690 ft. crosscut was advanced a further distance of 56 ft. in hanging-wall country, and found only a few stringers. The 810 ft. crosscut intersected a reef at 90 ft. in. The values were low, and the country unfavourable. No. 7 winze was sunk 68J ft. A crosscut at 50 ft. down showed 11 ft, of quartz, and country with walls not properly defined, and assaying £1 lls. Id. per ton. No. 9

5—C. 2.

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winze—Crosscut at 80 ft. down proved lode to be 47 ft. wide ; average value, £3 9s. 6d. per ton. No. 10 winze was advanced 81 ft., the assays averaging from £2 7s. 10d. to £1 13s. Bd. per ton. The crosscut 80 ft. down showed 36 in. of disturbed reef, the country being also disturbed. George lode : The winze at 170 ft. east was advanced 43 ft., assays varying from £1 15s. 9d. to 14s. 7d. At 280 ft. east a crosscut was driven 85 ft. to the south. At 36 ft. from the George lode it intersected a reef 4£ ft. wide, averaging £2 3s. 6d. per ton, which, however, later on proved to be a portion of the George lode thrown to the south by a fault. This lode is now referred to as the George Extension, and was driven upon west for a distance of 89 ft. At this point the lode was cut off by a fault. For the distance of 89 ft. driven the lode averaged £2 9s. per ton. The drive east was advanced 98 ft., the country being very much disturbed. No. 1 winze was sunk at a depth of 35 J ft. below the level. The slide cut the lode off at 18 ft. below level. Assay values to this depth were £3 12s. 4d. for a width of 3 ft. 8 in. No. 4 Level (794 ft.). —Mary lode : The west drive was extended a further 77 ft. The values varied from £1 9s. 6d. to £2 ss. 5d., and the lode varied in width from 7 ft. to 15 ft. The east drive was advanced 436 ft. making a total of 562 ft. The lode showed an average width of 10J ft. of payable ore. No. 3 Level (650 ft.).—Mary lode: The west drive was advanced 89 ft, For 47 ft. the lode was mixed with the country, and assayed 15s. per ton for a width of 4 ft. 10 in. For the balance of the distance driven the lode was 18 in. wide, and low grade. The east drive was advanced 344£ ft. in payable ore. No. 2 Level (500 ft.). —The crosscut to Mary lode was advanced 135 ft., making a total of 216 ft. At 179 ft. it intersected the Mary lode. 3 ft. in width. This was followed 34 ft. east and 10 ft. west, the lode being small and low grade. Surface Filling Tunnel. —This was driven a total distance of 564 ft. and a rise put up to the surface, which greatly facilitates the handling of filling for the stopes underground. Ore mined. —The ore mined came from the following lodes: Martha, 14,295 tons;- Empire, 21,068 tons; Royal, 26,198 tons; No. 2 lode, 6,797 tons; Mary, 14,902 tons; George, 1,920 tons; George Extension, 577 tons ; Grace, 1,233 tons : total, 86,990 tons. Development produced 19,266 tons of ore, making the total output of mine 106,256 tons. The total quantity of broken ore lying in the shrinkage blocks at end of year was 33,310 tons. The surface paddock contained 1.867 tons at end of year. General Mine Equipment. —The installation of the winding-engine, winch, boilers, &c, for sinking No. 3 shaft has been completed. The erection of the large capstan engine was also completed. An electrically driven rock-breaker was installed to reduce mine samples before sending to the assay office. A new circular saw was erected in the mine carpenters' shop. During the year under review a large amount of capital has been spent in improving the mechanical handling of the ore in the mill, so as to reduce manual labour to a minimum, ft has been found after lengthy practical tests that a very large proportion of the comparatively coarsely crushed ore is sufficiently fine to liberate its value, provided proper hydraulic classification and concentration is adopted. As a result of these exhaustive trials, plant has been designed and erected to separate 20 to 25 per cent, of the total ore crushed as sand. It has been arranged that these sands, which are as poor as the ordinary slimes, are washed by percolation of water and then settled in extensive pits, and after thorough draining used for filling in the mine. During the year a considerable tonnage of sand was used as mine-filling. Comparison of costs, &c.: Mining—l9lo, 7-595. ; 1911, 7-81s. : milling—l9lo, 6-245. ; 1911, 6-325. : general expenses—l9lo, l-395. ; 1911, l-38s. : redemption of development account—l9lo. 4s. ; 1911, 4s. : total—l9lo, 19-225. ; 1911, 19-51s. Ore milled : Value—l9lo, £1 15s. 10d. ; 1911, £1 12s. Bd. : tons crushed—l9lo, 84,313 ; 1911,105,956: extraction of gold—l9lo, 89 per cent. ; 1911, 89-7 per cent. : extraction of silver —1910, 75-9 per cent. ; 1911, 63-7 per cent. : extraction of value— 1910. 87-5 per cent. : 1911. 87 per cent. : tons crushed per stamper—l9lo. 7-68 : 1911,9-35. Waihi Extended Gold-mining Company (Limited) (F. Stewart, Mine-manager). The principal development carried out in this mine for the year has been the sinking of the shaft to No. 6 level, 1,100 ft. from the surface. A large chamber was excavated, and the main southeast crosscut was driven for 90 ft. in good country. A drive has also been advanced west for 65 ft., and a lode 6 ft. wide has recently been cut. The lode looks very promising, and should open out better when driven on. At No. 5 level (960 ft.) the drive on the south-east lode was extended to 175 ft. east of the main crosscut, proving the lode for a distance of 200 ft., the ore being low grade. A winze has been started on this lode, which will eventually be connected with No. 6 level, in order to assist the ventilation. From No. 2 drive a crosscut was driven 120 ft. and the south section of No. 2 reef was met, and driven on for a distance of 90 ft. Although some value was obtained, it was not sufficient to be payable. An average of fifteen men have been employed. Pride of Waihi Gold-mining Company (Limited) (F. Stewart, Mine-manager). This mine has been under protection for the past twelve months. The syndicate having an option over this property are endeavouring to raise capital in London for the purpose of developing it. Waihi Reefs Consolidated (W. Morrison, Mine-manager). Work in this mine during the year has been confined to sinking the main shaft, which at the end of September had attained a depth of 914 ft. The funds becoming exhausted, protection was applied for, and work has been suspended since the above date. The manager states that the bottom of the shaft is in a favourable class of country. Fifteen men were employed up to September.

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W'tihi Standard Gold-mining Company (James Thomas, Mine-manager). This property, after lying idle for a number of years, was taken over by the present owners in J ury last. At that time there was a Tangye oil-engine for hauling water and quartz. After repairing the ladder-way in the shaft down to No. 3 level, 167 ft. from surface, it was discovered that then- was 7 ft. of water in this level. Baling-operations were at unce proceeded with, and it was found that about 700 ft. of driving had been done. This part of the mine was well sampled, and the results therefrom gave the present owners sufficient encouragement to procure a more powerful winding plant and boiler. New headgear was erected, and the equipment is working satisfactorily. New guides and cages have also been installed, and the shaft unwatered to No. 4 level, 257 ft. from surface. A start has been made to break out a trial crushing. Wnihi Beach (fold-mining Company. This mine has been under protection during the year. Romulus Syndicate (G. M. Stocking, Attorney). This claim is owned by a syndicate, who have endeavoured to test the country and reef systems by a series of diamond-drill bore-holes. Several holes were put down shallow depths, but, owing to the broken nature of the country, the venture was not a success, and work was therefore suspended. Waitekohe Syndicate. Very little work has been done in this mine during the year. In the main drive another small vein was intersected showing gold, but, owing to the hard nature of the country, it would not be profitable. Owharoa. Rising Sun Gold-mining Company (H. Goldsworthy, Mine-manager). The low-level tunnel has been driven a total distance of 1,820 ft. Several lodes, carrying low values, have been intersected, but it will be necessary to drive a further distance of 160 ft. to connect with the winze sunk from upper level in which good ore was said to have been obtained. Seven men were employed. Waitekauri. New Waitekauri (laid-mi mug Company (B. Gwilliam, Mine-manager). Owing to want of funds, very little work has been done during the year. The Horn level has been repaired and kept in working-order, in anticipation of further capital being raised to drive a crosscut to the eastern boundary. The property is a) present under protection. The battery is used as a public crushing-plant when needed. Muoriland Gold-mining Company (W. Christie, Mine-manager). At the intermediate level, 75 ft. below No. 3 level, a distance of 83 ft. south has been driven on payable ore. and stoping commenced. The width of the lode in the stopes averages 18 ft. In a rise put up from the low or No. 4 level, a large body of ore was intersected and crosscut for 35 ft., giving an average value of 6s. per ton. The low level is being extended for the purpose of intersecting the Young New Zealand and No. 4 reefs. 1,272 tons of ore treated produced gold to the value of £2,834 Is. sd. Jubilee Mine (F. J. Hollis, Mine-manager). Operations in this mine during the year have been devoted to prospecting on the different levels and repair-work. A good deal of trenching and open cutting has also been done on the surface, but nothing of importance has so far been discovered. Sea/ la Mine. This has been under protection during the year. Golden Cross Mine (Thomas Johns, Mine-manager). The No. 1 or battery level, on the west branch of the Golden Cross reef, has been extended 100 ft. and two rises put up to Corbett's level for the drive south on the Fiery Cross reef repaired and cleaned up. The lode averages 6 ft. in width. The outcrop of reef on surface has been stripped, and has been broken out for 40 ft. in length by 18 ft. in height by 9 ft. in width. A ten-head stamp battery, cyanide plant, hoppers, and water-race have been completed, and crushing operations commenced. 421£ tons of ore were treated, for a total of £1,457 17s. lid. An average oi eighteen men have been employed. Si nth-Western Syndicate (F. Butcher, Manager). In this claim work has been confined to driving a low level for the purpose of intersecting the lode discovered on surface, and carrying payable values. A distance of 220 If. has been driven, and fair prospects have been obtained in a lode passed through some distance back from the face. Prospectors. Two men (O'Brien and mate) are engaged prospecting between Waitekauri and Karangahake, but, so far, have not discovered anything of a payable character, although fair dish-prospects ran be obtained.

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A miner named William Nicholl has also been sluicing in Diamond Gully, for the purpose of tracing the source of gold found in the creek. The results are encouraging. Karangahake. Talisman Consolidated (Limited) (J. Rickard, Mine-manager). No. 12 Level (200 ft. below Waitawheta adit-level). —The north drive has been extended to a point 1,332 ft. north of the Talisman shaft. This progress has disclosed a few shoots of payable ore, but the average for the whole distance traversed is low. No. 13 Level (400 ft.). —The south drive was extended to a point 2,016 ft. south of shaft. The reef varies in width from 3 ft. to 10 ft., and for a horizontal length of 280 ft. the Dubbo ore-shoot gave good values. These values were followed upwards by No. 16 rise, and they persisted for l.°>o ft. above the level. No. 6 winze was sunk to a depth of 135 ft. (the random of proposed No. 14 level). The vein for the distance sunk runs from 4 ft. to 5 ft. in width, and gives high values. From bottom of winze, drives have been put out north and south, showing good ore for the whole of the distance, the lode varying in width from 3 ft. to 5 ft. No. 12 winze is now 212 ft. below No. 13 level, and 02 ft. below the random of No. 14 level. The widths and values for the distance sunk during the year have been very satisfactory. The drives off No. 12 and No. 6 winzes at the random of No. 14 level show an ore-body of good quality for a horizontal length of practically 1,000 ft. An effort was made to sink the Talisman shaft during the latter half of the year, but after getting it down 31 ft. deeper, the water became too strong, and further sinking was stopped until No. ]2 winze should get deep enough to take some of the water now making in the shaft. The Woodstock shaft lias been sunk 20 ft., and the first set of Cornish pump-workings is now practically in place. The boilers and engine for actuating the new pump are erected, and practically ready for work. A new change-house, 30 ft. by 70 ft., lias been erected at the mouth of the Woodstock No. 5 level, and will be equipped with hot and cold shower-baths and steam-heat for drying clothes. During the ensuing year it is intended that the south drive off No. 12 winze shall be extended until the Dubbo ore-shoot is intersected. The north drive off No. 6 winze will also be carried into the Talisman section, and from this drive a crosscut will be put out to the No. 14 level chamber in Talisman shaft. (When this is finished the-whole of the drives mentioned will constitute the No. 14 level.) It is also intended that the Woodstock shaft shall be sunk to the level of No. 14 level, with a view of finally making a connection with same. The only new treatment machinery installed during the year are two grinding-pans for fine grinding of the concentrates. These concentrates were formerly sent to London for realization, but are now being successfully treated here. An average of 360 men have been employed. New Zealand Crown Mines (Limited) (G. N. McGreur, Mine-manager). The following shows the footage of development-work in this mine on the Welcome and Crown reefs : — Welcome Reef. —From five levels above Waitawheta level and four levels (from main shaft) (450 ft.) below same, 1,586 ft. driving, 861 ft. rising, 76 ft. sinking, 491 ft. crosscutting and stoping produced 13,265 tons of ore. Crown Reej. —From Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 levels above Waitawheta, 1,553 ft. driving, 1,022 ft. rising, 44 ft. sinking, 596 ft. crosscutting produced, with stoping, 6,677 tons of ore. Talisman section : In NO3. 1 and 2 crosscuts 380 ft. of crosscutting was done. The total tonnage treated at the mill was 20,835 tons, and the yield of gold was £45,030 10s. 6d., which shows an average recovery of £2 3s. 3d. per ton. During the year the following improvements have been carried out: — Mine. —At the Waitawheta main adit-level the electric light has been installed for a length of 1,700 ft. along the level, and a horse is now used here for trucking purposes. In the main shaft the north skipway has been equipped from the brace down to No. 5 level, and both cages are now being run for general winding. Mill. —All the machinery in the mill is now being driven by a 250-horse-power electric motor, which is working very satisfactorily. A transformer has been installed in the power-house, which enables the electric power to be used for working small motors, and a 9£-horse-power motor now drives all the fitting-shop machinery. Electric power is also used for hoisting ore from the tram-line to the top of the mill buildings. Dominion Mine (H. J. Hyde. Mine-manager). The eastern low level has been extended a further distance of 302 ft. in hard country. A considerable amount of water is issuing from the face, which the manager considers is an indication that the reef sought for is near at hand. The western low level is being continued for the purpose of intersecting the lode followed down by a winze, and in which good value is said to have been obtained for a width of 7 ft. in the upper level. The crosscut is now in a distance of 300 ft., and should, according to survey, intersect the lode sought for in another 150 ft. of driving. The country penetrated is of a very favourable nature. Karangahake Mine (H. James, Mine-manager). Work was suspended in this mine in the early part of 1911, as the prospecting-work in the Taukani section did not turn out as anticipated.

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The Ooinstock, Silver Hill, and Grown Royal mines have also ceased operations. Waihi-Paeroa Gold-extraction Company (R. M. Aitken, Manager). A new plant has been erected at Paeroa, capable of treating 500 tons of coarse sands per day, and is practically an improved reproduction of the Waihi plant on a much larger scale. It has been designed to work the " all slime " cyanide process, all alterations and improvements added being the outcome of practical experience gained whilst working the company's Waihi plant. Care has been taken to save labour in every department, and at the same time maintain efficiency. Parts subject to breakage or wear are made easy of renewal, and duplicates stocked where necessary, to enable the plant to work continuously. A wharf, with a jib crane capable of lifting 10 tons, is erected on the river, and all plant and material may be landed by steamer at this site. Smithy, store-buildings, &c, are erected, and a complete system of tram-lines connects from wharf to main road, where unloadinggear is also provided. From the main tram-line branch lines run in and about the works, so that everything can be conveniently and cheaply handled. Power. —The power plant consists of four Babcock and Wilcox boilers, fitted with mechanical stokers, Green's economizers, feed-water heater, feed-pumps, and other necessary accessories to work at a pressure of 160 lb. per square inch. The boilers are arranged in two batteries, slack coal being used as fuel. The boilers supply steam to two compound condensing-engines, No. 1 being a cross compound, of 630 horse-power, by Hicks, Hargraves, and Co., and No. 2 a 150 horse-power tandem by Yates and Thorn. No. 1 will be capable of driving the whole plant, with a small overload, and the No. 2, besides acting as a spare, will be able (when the tube-mills are not running) to operate the balance of the machinery on Sundays. The shafting and clutches are so arranged that either engine will take the load exclusive of the mills, or both engines may be worked together. In the latter case the smaller, or No. 2, engine will drive the generatoi (for power-lighting), and air-compressing, and fitting-shop gear. The power is transmitted by cotton rop». to two main lines of shafting, and also to the intermediate shafting. From each main line of shaLing ten tube mills are driven, two by belting with fast and loose pulleys on the pinion shaft, and the other eight arranged in pairs, one on each side of the shaft, each pair being driven from one steel pinion with friction-clutch on the shaft for starting and stopping. The river plant consists of an air-lift dredger capable of lifting 80 tons of sand per hour, with four 65 ton barges for sand, which when filled are unloaded by means of double-bucket belt-elevators capable of lifting 100 tons per hour, and designed to be raised or lowered to allow for variable height of river or barges. Komata. Komata Reefs Gold-mining Company (Limited) (J. Benny, Mine-manager). At No. 4 Level (600 ft.) crosscuts east and west were projected. In the eastern crosscut, at a distance of 405 ft., Livington's reef was intersected, and proved to be 50 ft. wide, but unfortunately the ore was low grade. The western crosscut was extended a total distance of 234 ft., and cut two lodes, only one of which was of any value. Both crosscuts have been discontinued. A little work was also done on Hartridge's leader and No. 2 and 4 lodes on this level. No. 5 Level (500 ft.). —Driving south on No. 2 reef was continued for 112 ft., when the reef pinched and became poor. A winze was also sunk south of the shaft, which proved the reef to be 3J ft. wide, worth £8 10s. per ton. Stoping at this level produced 5,452 tons of ore from a reef averaging 6J ft. in thickness. A little stoping was also done at Nos. 6 and 7 levels. The average value of the ore before treatment was £2 6s. lid. per ton, and the residue averaged Is. 9d., which is equal to an extraction of 962 per cent, of total value. The average number of men employed was sixty-eight. Marototo. Silver Stream Mine (T. Corbett, Mine-manager). The Silver Stream load was cut at a distance of 700 ft. in the low level. At the point of intersection, however, the lode was small, and the level was continued for another 50 ft., without any signs of quartz. The lode referred to has been driven upon for 250 ft., connections have been made with the upper level, and a stope carried for 90 ft. and 30 ft. in height. 1\ tons of selected ore, shipped to Australia, yielded bullion worth £209 3s. Bd. A crosscut is now being put in to intersect the Silver Queen and Comolla lodes, from the face of drive on Silver Stream reef. Telluride Proprietary (J. Williams, Mine-manager). The principal work carried out in this mine during 1911 has been the extension of the low level in the Gordon section. Four lodes have been intersected, varying from 1 ft. to 6 ft. in width, but in each case the value was low. The crosscut is still being continued for the purpose of intersecting the Silver Stream lode. A small air-compressor and drilling plant have been installed, which greatly facilitates the work, as the country is very hard. An average of twenty men was employed. Walker's Marototo. This claim has been under protection during the year. Te Aeoha. Hardy* Mmea (Limited) (\V. Greening. Mine-manager). Work has been confined to driving 400 ft. a low level to intersect the Vulcan lode in the Premier section. The lode should be intersected in about another 150 ft., when it is intended to put up a rise, and connect with the winze from the upper level. 9 cwt. of ore from the winze treated at Thames produced gold to the value of £12 16s.

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Rendiqo Mine (T. Galvin, Mine-manager). The new ten-head stamp battery was completed, and crushing operations commenced. The ore on hand, however, did not prove to be as good as the trial crushing. The mill also required certain alterations to secure a higher extraction. Work in the mine has therefore been suspended pending these alterations being made. Westralia Mine (J. Tallentire, Mine-manager). in this mine the No. 1 level was driven for 175 ft. on a reef of favourable appearance, and a rise put through to the surface, the stone showing gold freely. To facilitate the handling of the ore, a low level to connect with the county tram was also put in, and a rise connected with No. 1 level. The lode is between 6 ft. and 7 ft. wide, highly mineralized, and the ore is being stored for treatment. During the year the company purchased from Hardy's syndicate a 20-head battery with mill-site and water-races. This treatment plant is now being put in order, and cyanide-vats erected, and it is anticipated that the necessary alterations will be completed and crushing commenced early in April. COROMANDEL. Four-in-Haml Gold-mining Cmnpany (Limited) (T. Radford, Mine-manager). At the low level a fail , amount of driving was done on the lode worked with such successful results on the upper levels. The prospects met with, however, proved most disappointing, and work was suspended at the end of November. From 70 Ib. of picked stone treated a return of £200 4s. was obtained. Roi/al Oak Gold-mining Company (Limited) (G. Edwards, Mine-manager). The upper levels in this mine becoming exhausted, work was confined to the lowest level, but the results did not come up to anticipations and, the capital being expended, work was suspended, and the mine let on tribute. An average of six men have been employed. I ton I owt. 58 lb. of stone treated produced gold valued at £127 Ids Pride of Tokatea Gold-mining Company (A. J. Prescott, Mine-manager). During the year GOO ft. has been driven in the Harbour view section of this mine, on different leaders. Small pockets of payable ore have, been met with, and 5 tons and 260 Ib. treated, for a return of £429 19s. 3d. An average of three men was employed. Exalt Mine. Prospectors treated 1 cwt. of ore from this mine, valued at £4 2s. 6d. The lode operated upon is small, and encased in hard country, and being situated so far from a battery, would not pay to work. Monte Ghristo Mine (F. Jones, Mine-manager). The low level was extended and the Swedish Crown lode intersected, but as the ore won was of low value, and the funds became exhausted, work was suspended. I ton of general ore and 6 Ib. picked stone produced gold valued at £18. Mount Welcome Mine (J. W. Barker, Mine-manager). The main drive has been extended a total distance of 656 ft., and a considerable amount of stoping done. The ore becoming low grade, it was then decided to sink a winze below this level, and at the time of my visit good results were being obtained. Gold valued at £815 was won during the year, from 18 tons of ore. Kapanga Mine (S. Carlyon, Mine-manager). The principal work undertaken in this mine was unwatering by baling down to the 1,000 ft. level. The 1.000 ft. level was repaired for a distance of 805 ft. Subsequently, the manager reports, the face was reached and the lode sampled. The results proved so disappointing that further capital was unobtainable. Protection was granted and the mine closed down. 7 tons of ore won from the 900 ft. and 940 ft. levels yielded gold valued at £17 Bs. The tributers crushed 41 tons for a return of 78£ oz.. valued at £229 3s". 4d. Sootty's Claim. This mine is owned and worked by McNeil Bros., ,who treated 24 tons of ore from surface leaders for gold valued at £30 Is., and are now engaged driving a low level to get under the point where the gold was obtained. GaUant Si/ndicate (A. H. McNeil, Mine-manager). A winze was sunk to a depth of 55 ft. on Scotty' reef, and a drive south at this depth was driven 42 ft. with encouraging results. Four men were employed. Venture Mine. This claim is being worked by Regan Bros., and from a stoall leader 4 in. in width, discovered on the surface, half a ton of ore produced gold valued at £21 3s. sd. Success Mine (J. McGregor, Mine-manager). Work in this mine has been chiefly of a prospecting character. The lodes being worked are small, and the values are contained in clay pockets. During the year gold valued at £16 7s. 3d. was obtained by puddling.

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Old Hauraki Qold-mining Company (Limited) (11. F. Shepherd. Mine-manager). During the year operations have been confined to developing and stoping on the new reef, on the 400 ft. and 300 ft. levels. On the 400 ft. level this reef has been driven on for 460 ft., making the total distance 800 ft., and 370 ft. of stoping has been done. At the 300 ft. level, 190 ft. has been driven, making the total length 420 ft. The stopes on this level are 260 ft. in length, and another block is being opened up. 569 tons of quartz and 1,039 lb. picked ore was crushed, for a return of 1,353 oz. 19 dwt.. valued at £4.019 12s. 9d. The average number of men employed was thirty-three wages-men and four tributers. Hauraki Reefs (Limited) (J. W. O'Sullivan, Mine-manager). At No. 4 level (400 ft.) the main crosscut has been advanced 352 ft., and a number of reefs and leaders passed through. The principal reef, known as No. 4, has been opened up 100 ft. east and 20 ft. west, and strong dabs and colours of gold seen in the quartz, which, on the whole, has a very promising appearance. The other works in progress, from Welcome Find shaft, consist of driving and stoping on the Golconda reef, but the results, except in a winze sunk 26 ft. below the level, were unsatisfactory. An average of fourteen men has been employed, and 113 tons of ore and 103 Ib. picked stone treated produced gold valued at €706 15s. Id. • Golden Pah Mine (E. F. Reynolds, Mine-manager). Work in this mine has been chiefly confined to prospecting at the 80 ft. level, from the Union Beach shaft, but as nothing payable was discovered, and the funds becoming exhausted, work was suspended. Armstrong Gold-dredging Company (Limited) (S. L. Wilson, Uredge-master.) This syndicate purchased a gold-saving dredge constructed to work to a depth of 35 ft. and remove 100 cubic yards per hour. Its erection was completed by Bth December, and a trial run was made, with. I am informed, satisfactory results. Union Hauraki Gold-mining Company (A. Jamieson, Mine-manager). At the 200 ft. level the crosscut was continued for the purpose of testing the country towards the Old Hauraki Aline. Several lodes were intersected, but in each case the value was low. Seven men were employed. Bremner's Freehold (James Coll. Mine-manager). The low level in this mine intersected No. I reef from which the winze sunk from the upper level produced rich specimen-stone. Unfortunately, the gold did not continue downwards, therefore the men were removed to the upper levels. Several lodes are being tried, and. although colours of gold are seen, little or no picked ore is being obtained. An average of six men were employed. Fourteen tons of ore and 200 lb. picked stone produced gold to the value of £263 11s. 3d. Lucky Hit Syndicate. Two men have been engaged prospecting, but so far nothing of importance lias been discovered. Coromandd Claim (J. P. Prescott, mine-manager). A low level has been driven on the Magnet and Fitzgerald lodes. Colours of gold were seen, but nothing payable was discovered. Matamataharakeke. Mills's Reward (J. Davis, Mine-manager.) On Mills's Reward lode the drive has been extended 102 ft. north, and a winze sunk to a depth of 24 ft. The lode averages 1 ft. in thickness, and gold is freely seen in the ore broken out. Smith's lode has also been driven on for 90 ft., giving good dish-prospects, and a considerable amount of surface prospecting has been carried out during the year. Kuaotuni'. Hmidsworth United Gold-mining Company (J. S. Wilson. Mine-manager). In the Otama section, a stoping-block 130 ft. in length has been opened up. Small pockets of rich specimen-ore are occasionally obtained. In the Handsworth and Irene sections a considerable amount of driving has been done on the different leaders, with encouraging results. New Waitaia Gold-mining Company (R. Inglis, Mine-manager). In the low level the reef was intersected early in March, after driving 1,155 ft., and has been driven upon 420 ft. north. By crosscutting the reef was located, carrying high-grade ore, which has been followed 50 ft. to the present face. In the upper level two winzes 300 ft. apart have been sunk to a depth of 76 ft. and 20 ft. respectively, gold being visible in the ore. Mountain King Gold-mining Company (H. P. Hornibrooke, Mine-manager). The new low level has been extended from the Waitaia No. 5 level. After driving 600 ft. the Mountain King boundary was reached. The reef varies from 8 in. to 3 ft. in width, and carries highgrade ore, gold being freely seen for the last 50 ft. driven. Stoping has also been done on the upper levels. Twenty men are employed, and 607 tons of ore treated during the year produced gold valued at £1,849 Bs. Id.

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Mercury Bay. G. A. Jackson and son are prospecting north of Whenuakite River. South-west of Trig. D, Rangitoto, they have driven ] 00 ft. on a reef formation, without, however, discovering anything of a payable character. New Discovery Claim. This is situated at Mahakirau, and is owned by Cashel and party, who have been receiving prospecting aid. This party are working near the public battery, tracing the source of a small parcel of rich specimen-stone found by them on the surface. Great Barrier Island. Barrier Reefs Gold-mining Company (J. G. Vivian, Mine-manager). Work in this mine has been confined to prospecting at No. 3 level, but, as nothing of a payable nature was discovered, it is now intended to at once proceed with a low-level tunnel to test the lodes at a greater depth. # Mackytown. Ascot Cinnabar Claim. This company ceased operations early in 1911, in consequence, it is stated, of the unsatisfactory working of the reduction plant. It is now proposed to reconstruct, to enable certain alterations to be made to the plant, and a drive carried under the present workings. It is anticipated that a start will be made at an early date. Taranaki. Taranaki Petroleum Company (Limited), New Plymouth. Mineral oil has been known to exist at New Plymouth since 1838, the first bore being sunk in 1866. Several small companies have been formed since that date, but, owing to the want of sufficient capital, the results were practically ml. In 1906 the Taranaki Petroleum Company was formed, with a nominal capital of £150,000. This company put down five wells at Port Moturoa, New Plymouth, and oil was obtained from four of them. This company obtained the Government bonus for 250,000 gallons of marketable crude petroleum of specified quality obtained in New Zealand, and have offered to sell the property to the British Empire Oilfields (Limited), who have proposed to immediately erect a refinery. The total quantity obtained, according to the lastest information, is 421,975 gallons, and from present indications this company will shortly be in a position to claim the second bonus of £2,500 offered by the Government for the production of the first half-million gallons of marketable crude petroleum. The depth of the three bores now flowing is as follows : No. 2 well. 3,000 ft, ; No. 3 well, 3,500 ft, ; No. 5 well, 2,280 ft. Inglewood. A company was formed and registered in London in June last, with a capital of £100,000, to test what is considered by indications to be oil-bearing country situated about a mile from the railwaystation. Some years ago a borehole was started, and put down to a depth exceeding 1,000 ft., but, owing to a mishap, it was abandoned. The present company had this hole cleaned out, and resumed boring, but after reaching 635 ft., owing to the nature of the country, it was considered advisable to suspend boring and procure casing. The management consider the indications favourable, and have acquired options over a large area. ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES. Fatal. Waihi Grand Junction Gold-mining Company (Limited). 16th January, 1911 : A. C. Anderson killed by fall of stone in stope. 24th August, 1911 : H. Bullock killed by explosion of gelignite in the bottom of a winze. Waihi Gold-mining Company (Limited). 17th May, 1911 : James Samson killed by fall of stone in stope. k Non-fatal. Waihi Grand Junction Gold Company (Limited). 19th January, 1911 : W. Moran, both eyes destroyed, through drilling into unexploded charge. 15th April, 1911 : T. Franklin, lost his left arm in blasting accident. 30th May, 1911 : Peter Martin, had his leg broken by a fall of ground. 26th July, 1911 : H. McKernon, skull fractured by a rock falling down a pass. 15th September : G. Pitcher, leg broken by a fall of quartz. Waihi Gold-mining Company (Limited). 17th April, 1911 : G. Faulder, badly cut about the back and head by a blasting accident. 18th April, 1911 : D. Smeaton, had his leg broken by a fall of mullock on the surface. 24th May, 1911 : W. Hill, lost sight of one eye, other seriously injured by blasting accident. 24th June, 1911 : Sam Thornally, ribs broken by fall of earth in surface cutting. 18th October, 1911 : W. Cardwell, eyesight injured by blasting accident. 22nd November, 1911 : W. Ridings, skull fractured in the Waihi mill.

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Four-in-hand Gold-mining Company. 7th August, 19] I : W. Jones, leg broken through slipping on ladder. Old Hauraki Gold-mining Company. 10th May, L911 : H. Colthurst, leg broken by fall of ground. Rising Sun Gold-mining Company. 2nd November, 1911 : Thomas Goldsworthy, had his teg broken by a fall of ground. I have, &c, Matthew Paul, Inspector of Mines.

The [nspectob op Minks, Thames, to the Under-Secretaby, Alines Department, Wellington. Sir,— Thames, 27th March, 1912. 1 have the honour to present my report on the gold-mining industry in the Thames district for the year ended the '51st December, 1911. Mai/ Queen Mine (YV. Baker, mine-manager).—No. 10 (1,000 ft.) level (Thames-Hauraki shaft): Work at that level lias chiefly consisted of driving on the Queen of Beauty reef, and crosscutting to intersect the Bright Smile lodes. Driving has also been done on the Exchange reef. The Queen of Beauty reef was driven on for 300 ft. in a southerly direction, when the reef pinched to a few inches after having maintained a fairly uniform width of I ft. The ore is heavily mineralized ; bul the indications were not favourable, and a crosscut was then driven a distance of .'575 fr. in the direction of the old Bright Smile Company's shaft. So far no reefs of a payable character have been encountered, although the country passed through appeared favourable. The temperature in this crosscut is always high, averaging about 80° Fahr. (dry). The ventilation is. however, good, being maintained at the rate of 200 cubic feet of air per minute per man. The Exchange reef, which was cut through by the main deep levels crosscut, has been driven on for a distance of alum! 270 ft. The ore for the whole length has been gold-bearing, and a little picked .stone lias been occasionally secured. The drive is timbered, and stoping is now being done. With a view to testing the value of the ore-body, a rise is being made to connect with No. 9 (717 ft.) level, a distance of -2'>:) ft. This will also provide a second means of exit from the deep levels. The temperature in the drive is 80° Fahr. (dry), and the number of cubic feet of air per minute per man is 171. No. (i level (750 ft.) (May Queen shaft) : Stoping is being done on the quartz leaders on t he walls of No. I reef, which reef has been worked out at t his level. The working-places were found in good order by me. The temperature was reasonable, and the ventilation adequate. During the year the company treated 156 tons I qr. 23 11). of quartz and specimen-ore for a return value of £1,(171 I Is. Bd. Twenty-five men were employed. Thames Deep Levels (K. Cartwright, manager). —Good progress was made with the extension of the crosscut, which has now passed through the May Queen and Saxon grounds, and entered the Moanataiari Claim. The distance driven at the end of the year was 1,591 ft., made up as follows : Main crosscut, 1,241 ft. ; subsidiary crosscut for the Saxon Company, 350 ft. The drive has passed through some very hard country. Since the installation of the Roots blower the ventilation has been very satisfactory, the quantity of air delivered in the face of the drive being at the rate of about 300 cubic feet per minute per man. The temperature averaged about 80° Fahr. (dry), and 78° Fahr. (wet). An analysis of the mine-air in the return gave as follows: CO 2 , 2-71 per cent. ; oxygen, 20-44 per cent. An analysis of the air in the Saxon subsidiary crosscut resulted : CO 2 , 0-55 per cent. ; oxygen, 20-89 per cent. Thames-Hauraki Pump. —A. C. MacDiarmid (Manager and Engineer to the Thames Drainage Board) reports as follows : " During the year just closed the whole of the machinery has run in a most satisfactory manner. We have had no serious breakdowns or accidents. The most important incident was the discovery of fractures in the teeth of the large cast-iron pinion-wheel on the pumping-engine. In order to preserve the life of the pinion, we have lined up the engine crank-shaft, so as to take the stress off the portion of the pinion where the fractures have occurred. In January a new pulley, larger than the previous one, was installed at the collar of the shaft, to receive the capstan-rope ; by so doing, the life of the capstan-rope should be materially extended. In August the capstan-rope was replaced by another, which is giving every satisfaction. One of*the large quadrants at the collar of the shaft was lifted out of its bearings, and its journals and bearings were overhauled and adjusted. The four bearings at the top ends of the pump-rods were opened up and adjusted, new oil-grooves being cut in all the brasses. The levers, links, and brasses, on the high-pressure valve-gear were overhauled, repaired, and adjusted. The links and brasses of the main air-pump were overhauled and adjusted. The main air-pump was cleaned out and overhauled, new valves being fitted wherever necessary. The slide valves of the high-pressure engine were examined and reset, and the condenser was washed out. One set of new bi'ake-blocks was fitted to the winding-engine, and several small repairs were carried out. The cross-head brasses of the blower-engine were overhauled and adjusted, and several other small repairs were attended to. During the year ten pump-valves were changed and repaired, and on five occasions draw-lift buckets were changed and repaired. The .speed of the blower-engine was forty revolutions per minute at the beginning of the year, bul at the end of the year it was 200 revolutions per minute. At different times during the year the capstan and blowing-engines and the three cages were thoroughly overhauled and repaired."

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Saxon Mine (E. Cartwright, mine-manager). —The deep-levels main crosscut passed through the Saxon ground daring the year, and a subsidiary crosscut has been driven for a distance of 350 ft. on the Saxon reef. The main crosscut was driven through several quartz reefs. Three reefs were driven on for short distances, and, lam informed, gold was seen in the quartz. It is the company's intention to continue their crosscut until it reaches a point under their shaft, when the shaft will be sunk to connect with the 1.000 ft. crosscut. The shaft has now been enlarged and retimbered down to within 30 ft. of the deepest level. The work has been hindered by occasional outbursts of CO 2 . The engine. boiler, &c, have been put into working-order. Rules and signals posted. The average number of men employed was four. Victoria Mine (G. W. Horn, mine-manager).—Work has been mostly of a prospecting nature to test the small quartz leaders in the hanging-wall of the No. 4 reef at No. 2 (143 ft.) level. The results were unsatisfactory, and. having tested the small reefs at No. 3 (243 ft.) level with no better success, the company applied for and was granted six months' protection. The company will assist the Waiotahi Company in sinking their shaft to the 1,000 ft., where a subsidiary crosscut will be started to connect with the shaft. The Victoria. Company propose to drive from the Waiotahi shaft to cut a reel believed to exist in their claim at that depth. These companies will work conjointly for economy. Dining the year the company treated 13 tons of ore, for a return value of £16 2s. 7d. Six men wen , employed. Waiotahi Mine ((J. Warae, mine-manager). -The Waiotahi shaft has been sunk a further depth of 100 ft. At a depth of - r )22 ft. the No. 7 level chamber was opened, and a crosscut driven a distance of 300 ft.. when the footwall dropper from the main reef was penetrated, and found to lie '!}, ft. wide, and of hard quartz. Driving has been done on the reef from both sides of the crosscut, and colours of gold have been seen. The driving will he continued until a junction is made with the main reef; a rise will then be made to conned with No. 6 level (428 ft.). A little stoping has been dm i i he footwall dropper at No. 6 level. When the mine is drained by the passage of the main (1,000 ft.) crosscut, the company will deepen the Waiotahi shaft to 1,000 ft., and from thence prospect. The mine was inspected several times during the year and found satisfactory. Ventilation was fail , . The manager is making arrangements for the installation of a Sirocco fan, with a capacity of 50,000 cubic feet of air per minute, to ventilate the mine-workings below No. 6 level, and the shaft while being sunk. .Copies of rules and new signals are posted, and gates have been put on the cages. 204 tons of ore was treated, for a return of £640 14s. 2d. Eleven men were employed. Moanataiari Mine (W. Baker, mine-manager).—The only work done at this claim was the extension of the deep-levels main crosscut through the ground, in which several reef-formations were intersected. Kuranui-Caledonian Mine (G. W. Horn, mine-manager).—The mine has been protected for the year, pending the deep-levels main crosscut reaching the company's ground, when it is hoped that the '.ncmnd will be sufficiently drained to permit of the shaft being sunk to the 1,000 ft. level. Four tributers working in the mine secured 29 tons 2 qr. 27 lb. of ore, which yielded £266 16s. 3d. Refill nee (G. Comer, mine-manager).—Having exhausted their capital in unsuccessfully prospecting the Reuhen Parr reef, the company was granted protection. The mine has been closed the whole year. Thames Mine (James Sheehan, mine-manager). —Early in the year the mine-ventilation was found to be defective, and the company was prosecuted for a breach of the Mining Act. A large amount of capital had been expended on prospecting-work, and, being unable to raise further money to provide for adequate ventilation and to continue prospecting, the company was granted protection. Point Russell (Christie, mine-manager). —After a considerable amount of unsuccessful prospecting to locate a reef, the company closed the mine. Albumin Mine (11. Kendall, mine-manager). —Prospecting has been done on the Sons of Freedom reef at the low levels (Alburnia shaft), also at a greater depth from the Moanataiari level on the same reef. A winze was sunk on the reef to a depth of 30ft. below the floor of the tunnel : but, the ventilation proving defective, the company was prosecuted and fined. Being unable to provide the means of producing ad squate ventilation, the company obtained protection. Kuranui Mine (.lames Hayes, mine-manager). —Battery level (150 ft.): A rise was made on a well defined reef varying in width from it in. to 15 in. Gold was observed at times, but not in sufficient quantity to be payable. A crosscut was driven at a higher level, and the lode intersected and driven on for some distance, when a connection was made with the rise from the battery level. Towards the end of the year an old drive was reopened in the northern portion of the claim, which it is proposed to extend. Four tons of ore was treated, for a return of £31 13s. Six men were employed. Waitangi Mine (\\. .1. Adams, mine-manager).—During the year the No. 4 Beach level (100 ft.) was driven a further 1,831 ft., making a total length of 3,010 ft. Two reefs have been cut, the first being 2J ft. wide, and the second (the Waitangi reef) 60 ft. wide. This low level has been driven in less than two years, and is well timbered where necessary. Drainage and ventilation have been well attended to. At No. 3 level (150 ft.) the No. 2 winze has been sunk 2it ft. on the hanging-wall of the main reef. Rules posted at the mine, and reports entered in report-book regularly. Sixteen men were employed. Watchman Mine (H. A.. Hill, mine-manager). — Charter level (250 ft.): Crosscutting for the Windfall reef was stopped, and a rise was made to intersect the reef in the winze which was sunk from the Sunbeam Creek section. For the remainder of the year mining has been confined to driving on the Windfall and City of Dunedin reefs, the former being a strong body of quartz of satisfactory assay value. The Dunedin reef has been driven to connect with a crosscut drive driven from the Sunbeam Creek low level. A connection was made between the Charter and Sunbeam levels, where the ventilation is now good. The Dunedin reef is a strong, well-defined ore-body of considerable width. Early in the year the ventilation was defective, and the company was prosecuted and fined. 130 tons of ore was treated, for a return of £203 14s. Id. Seventeen men were employed.

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Bonanza Mine (W. J. Adams, mine-manager). —The Beach level (400 ft.). in passing through the claim, cut through several lodes, the largest of which was 2| ft., heinji a hard well-defined body of quartz containing colours of gold. It is proposed to prospect this and other lodes believed to exisl in the property. New Day Dawn and Norfolk Mines (W. J. McCormick, manager).— The drive on the City of Dunedin reef was extended 500 ft., making a total length of 4,300 ft. ll is estimated that the California!) and Norfolk reefs will be met with when another 800 ft. has been driven. If reefs are encountered (here may be a large block of ore for stoping up to the old mine levels. At a point 350 ft. from the lace a rise was made connecting with the old level driven in from Tinker's Gully which permitted ventilation by a section of 9 in. air-pipes and exhaust air from the rock-drills. The drives are all in good order, and well timbered. 390 tons of ore was treated, for a return of £308 1 Is. 9d. Twelve men were employed. Dixon's Consolidated Mine (Christie, manager). —Mining has been carried on al Nos. I and 2 levels. No. 1 level (100 ft.) : 120 ft. of driving was clone, when a strong lode formation was eul into and driven on some distance, when the Watchman boundary was reached. No. 2 level (180 ft.) : A rise was put up to a height of 50 ft. on the reef. It is proposed to conned thet wo levels and improve the system of ventilation. Some general prospecting has been done, bul no important discovery has been made. The claim is now under protection. 30 lb of stone was t reated, for a return of £3 15s. 7d. Four men were employed. New Sylvia Mine (S. G. Baker, manager). —Battery level (350 ft.) : Rising, driving, and stoping have been done on the Sylvia reef for a distance of 360 ft.. the width of the ore-body varying from 4ft. to 6ft. The quartz is soft and friable, and the stopes require close timbering. Stoping has also been done on the Cross reef for a distance of 60 ft. No. 3 level (200 ft.) has I n repaired and the old mine-shaft relined. Low level (450 ft.): The total length of this level is 1,109 ft., towards the Sylvia reef. In order to reach a point under the battery level, a shaft will lie necessary to conned the two levels. The low level will then be used as a drainage and ventilation drive. The company was prosecuted early in the year for the defective ventilation i>l the mine. The ventilation is still inadequate, but the manager is making an effort to improve it. 4,395 tons of cue was treated, Eor a return valued at £7,946 15s. 10d. Thirty-six men were employed. Ajax Mine (E. O'Sullivan, manager).—An adit has been driven a distance of 120 ft.. with a view to cutting into one or more of the reefs believed to exist in the claim. At the time of my visit the drive was passing through altered andesite rock. Several valueless stringers have been cut. Shortly alter my visit the mine was closed down, and no work has been done since. Two men were employed. Tararu Mines (J. Jobe, manager).—A considerable amount of work was done at the low level. The Vulcan reef was driven on for some distance, but the value was too low to meet working-expenses, consequently the mine was closed down. Monowai Mine (J. Sheehan, manager).—No. 4 level (300 ft.) : Stoping was done on the huge reef No. I level is being extended (in the reef, which is strong and highly mineralized. The mine ventilat ion was good. 1 examined the surface tramway and the milling-plant, and found them in good order, the machinery being well fenced and [adders provided where necessary. 2,000 tons of ore was treated, for a return of £1,226 16s. 6d. Twenty-five men were employed. Zeehan Consolidated (A. E. Plummer, manager).—The winze has been deepened, and a connection made between the new low level and the upper level. At the low level the reef had split into two strong veins. The quartz is highly mineralized, and said to carry good value. The company, having exhausted their capital, have been granted protection, with a view to reconstructing. Four men were employed. Crown and Golden Crown Mini- (S. T. Williams, manager).—The Big reef. 10 ft. in width, has been driven on for several hundred feet, and stoped to a height of 50 ft. The work proving disappointing, a cross-cut was driven about 200 ft., but the reefs were proved to be of little value. In the Consolidated section, which was worked by a previous company, Nos. I and 2 drives were cleared out and retimbered for about 500 ft. A winze was sunk from No. 1 level (70ft.) to a depth of 30 It. The reef will be prospected at No. 2 level (120 ft.) Several large trial samples have been put through the mill —270 tons of ore returned £50. Nine men were employed. /'iirliii Special Quartz Claim (W. Moorecraft, manager). —The reef is well defined, ami varies in width from il in. to 15 in., carrying fail- value. The ore is conveyed from the mine to the battery by aerial tram, one man keeping the battery supplied with material. 50 tons of ore was treated, for a return of £459 17s. 3d. Two men were employed. Kapowai Mine (R. Tierney, manager). —The reef was cut into several times by driving, and 21 tons of payable ore was secured and treated, for a return valued at £62 ss. 3d. The c pany is now in liquidation. Nonpareil Mine (A. Sawyer, owner). —The owner did a fair amount of prospecting-work and secured 20 tons of ore, which gave a return of £833 10s. 2d. Ballarat Claim (M. Britt, manager).—The owner, by diligent prospecting, secured 3 tons 1 cwl . 8 lb. of ore, which gave a return of £310 19s. Golden Drop Mine (G. Fisher, owner). —The owner lias commenced a new adit level on the southeast of the claim, and hopes to cut a reef at a greater depth. (rood Hope Claim (C. A. Taylor, manager). —Work on the O'Sullivan reef at the Karaka level (250 ft.) having proved unprofitable, a winze was sunk on the reef a few feet when colours of gold were seen. The mine shaft has been cleaned and drained, and operations have been started at the low level. where the O'Sullivan reef has been driven on for some length. The drive will be continued on the reef until a point under the winze in the creek is reached, when rising and sinking will be done to connect the levels. At present the low level (350 ft.) is ventilated by a line of 0 in. air-pipes assisted by a water blast. 68 tons of ore was treated, for a return of £222 lls. Bd. Six men were employed.

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New Magnet Claim (James, manager). —Stoping has been done on the main reef near O'Sullivan's rise from No. 2 level (250 ft.). Four men were employed. Halcyon Mine (E. C. Keven, manager).—Driving and stoping have been done on the reef at the lowest level (250 ft.). In several places good value was obtained, and samples of ore were treated at one of the mills for a return of £77 17s. 9d. Two men were employed. Karaka Mines (Limited) (E. A. Daldy, manager).—ll is proposed to deepen the shaft, and commence prospecting. The Auckland level (80 ft.) has been restored, and a small reef driven on for some distance. A steam winding-plani Lβ being obtained and a change-room and oilier buildings have been erected. Occidental Mine (I. Caisley, manager).—To overcome the ventilation difficulty, the company cleaned up the main level tor some distance, and sunk a winze on the Occidental reef, thereby establishing a connection with the Loyalty reef and the low-level crosscut. The work done (in the Loyalty reef has been very satisfactory, and specimen ore has been occasionally secured. A new change-room, with sanitary arrangements, has been provided. 34 tons of ore was treated, for a return of £413 4s. Gd. Eight men were employed. New Cumbria Mine (W. T. McGregor, manager).— A strong quartz reef has been driven on in one "I i'ne surface levels, with encouraging results. Three men were employed. Lord Nelson Mine (J. Middleton, manager).—Little work has been done, but some rich ore was obtained, which yielded £1,144. Otanui Mascotte (R. Otto, manager). —Several quartz veins have been proved in the main crosscut from the shaft chamber. Work at the low level (100 ft.) proved very disappointing; the main reef either pinched out or was displaced by a fault. Ventilation was dull. Champion Mine (.1. Collins, manager).— Operations m the north section of the claim were suspended early in the year, and the mine was subsequently protected. Towards the end of the year work was started in another section, the battery level being opened. The milling-plant has been reconstructed, and has been working, but no returns are yet available. Twelve men were employed. Kirikiri Consolidated (J. J. Williams, manager). — The low level (250 ft.) has been extended on the reef a further 100 ft., and a rise of 170 ft. has been made. At 70 ft. up the winze an intermediate level was driven 50 ft. on the reef, and the reef was stoped out for some height. The ore, however, proved unprofitable. Six men were employed. Golden Bell Mine (A. A. Adams, manager).— Work has been confined to the main low level (250 ft.), where two rises were made. The place is ventilated by a line of 1) in. air-pipes. Near the rises a winze was sunk on the reef to a depth of 45 ft., and then stopped owing to an inrush of water. The millingplant and aerial tram have been overhauled and repaired. 316 tons of ore was treated, for a return of £807 ss. lOd. Twelve men were employed. Tairua Monarch (Charles Hansen, manager).—At the time of my visit in June four men w< re driving on a reef in the upper level (60 ft.), and the milling-plant was running. The results proved very disappointing, and the company applied for protection. 400 tons of ore was treated, for a return of £304 I Is. Four men were employed. Tairua Oolden Hills (-1. .lobe, manager). No. 3 low level has been driven a short distance to a point \\ hen the reef should be intersected at any time. Owing to a serious defect in the machinery, the milling plant has been idle, and the engineers are reconstructing the greater part of the plant. The mine was in good order. Twenty-nine men were employed. Tairua Mines (Jame.-s Carroll, manager).— The Knight reef has been driven on at the shaft low level (350 ft.), and stoped out for some distance. The ore was treated at the battery, and having proved low grade, the company obtained six months' protection. 750 tons of ore was treated, for £718 15s. 6d. Twenty-five men were employed. West Coast Claim (R. Ross, owner). —The present owner purchased the claim from the trustees of l In , estate of Ihe late John Northy, and has done a limited amount of prospecting. Thames Foreshore Dredging-ivorks (H. H. Adams, supervisor). —The company have energetically worked their claim, but the returns are poorer than those for last year. 9,000 tons of tailings were treated by cyanide at the Moanataiari battery for a return of £881 14s. Id. Ten men were employed. Puhipuhi District. —A metalliferous quartz formation one and a half miles long and 20 chains wide was discovered by Mr. Mitchell about five miles from Whakapara. Picked samples were assayed at the Thames School of Mines, with the following results : Mercury, 8-96 lb. per ton ; gold, silver, and manganese, traces; iron, 54 per cent. A parcel of iron-ore has also been sent to the smelter-works at Preservation Inlet for treatment. Hniiiia ( Waikato District). —A quartz reef was found outcropping on the property of Mr. Morrison, about five miles from the Township of Hunua. 1 examined this reef in July, and found that a tunnel had been driven a distance of 50 ft. on the reef: a lower level was being started to cut the reef at a greater depth. Mr. Morrison informed me that a sample of the ore had been assayed, and gave very results. The drives were timbered, but not securely. Two men were working on contract. I have, &c., B. Bennie, Inspector of Mine.-.

The [nspectob of Minks. Reefton, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir, — Inspector of .Mines' Office, Reefton, 23rd March, 1912. I have the honour to present my report on the gold-mining industry in the West Coast Inspection District for the year ended 31st December, 1911.

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QUARTZ-.M I N I NG. Marlborough. Dominion Consolidated Developing Company (Mr. Oats, mine-manager). —Tin's company has claims si I ualed two and a half miles from Deep Creek, Wakamarina, covering an area of 83 acres, which are held under special quartz claim license, also 100 acres held under a prospecting license. The capital of the company is £15,000, and the operations consist of mining for gold and scheelite. During the year an average of twenty-one men have been constantly employed. The total value of minerals won is £1,358 7s. 6d., as follows : Gold, £1,133 7s. 6d. ; scheelite, £225. The total expenditure for the year was £3,517, which amount has been spent principally in development, as follows : Mine-development, £1,519; water-races, £490 ; mining and treating quartz, £1,108 ; sum hies, £400. The value of equipment is estimated to be £1,780. The development for the year has provided an ore reserve, ready for stoping, which is estimated to be worth £3 per ton, gold and scheelite. The New Zealand Mines Trust (Limited), have been appointed consulting engineers to the company. During the last two months Air. Hopkins, metallurgist of the Wailii Gold-mining Company, and Mr. Rhodes, manager of the Mine Trust, have visited the mine, and thoroughly inspected and sampled the various ores. On their advice, the installation of a twenty-stamp mill, capable of treating 1,200 tons per month, is being proceeded with, and provision will be made for further extension as developments warrant. Jubilee Mine, Top Valley (owners, the Wairau Valley Gold-mining Company; manager, Mr. Jackson). —Two men have been employed for the year extending the low-level crosscut, the work being .subsidized by the Government at the rate of ss. per foot. No reef has yet been found at this level. The workings were safe when visited on the sth August. Morayshire Scheelite Claim (owners, Messrs. Dowman and Bradcock). —In this property a 3 ft. reef carrying scheelite is being developed, and prospects appear to be good. Nelson. Golden Blocks Mine (Ah , . Annear. manager). -During the year a shaft has been sunk 90ft. below No. 3 level, with satisfactory results. The battery was destroyed by lire, bill was replaced by one of more modern type, and crushing was resumed in November. A 25 in. Sirocco fan has been installed at the mine for the purpose of ventilating the lower workings, and will be capable of providing efficient ventilation for a long time to come. Lyell. New Alpine Mine. —This mine is now the property of a private syndicate, Mr. D. Cadigan being in charge. During the year a rise was put up from the intermediate level above No. 7, and intersected a block of quartz in the footwall of the main reef. A trial crushing of 70 tons yielded very favourable results, and further work is now being carried on to prove the extent of ore available. Victory Mine (owners, the Victory Gold-mining Company ; manager, Air. G. W. Turner). —This mine, which has lain idle for many years, is now being prospected at a deeper level, and the owners are also prospecting several other reefs which had not been previously tried. A Government subsidy at the rate of ss. per foot for 1,000 ft. of driving (£250) has been granted for the purpose of opening these reefs by means of tunnels, and this work has been started. In the event of this prospecting proving successful it may lead to further operations in the practically untried field between the Lyell and Mokihinui. Westport. No quartz-mining operations have been carried on in the neighbourhood of Westport during the year. Capleston. Jutt-in-Time Mine (-1. Bolitho, manager). —Operations have been confined to prospecting at the 400 ft. level. The main crosscut was driven east 120 ft., cutting two ceef-tracks. The first of these was driven on for 322 ft. For the first 200 ft. boulders of gold-bearing quartz were met with, but for the last 100 ft. the quartz was poor. From the end of this drive a crosscut has been driven 125 ft. to the west, and is being continued. Welcome and Fiery doss Mines. —Thie group of once payable properties is still lying idle. It does not appear that anything less than 1,000 ft. of sinking would, if successful, open up the mines to any advantage, and so far the holders have not been successful in raising sufficient capital for this purpose. Golden Arch Mine (Tripoli Syndicate, owners). —Two tributers were employed for a portion of the year, and treated 30 tons, for a return of £129. The reef is very small, and the value is uncertain. No work was done for the last few months of the year. Victoria Range Syndicate. —Two men have been employed in the neighbourhood of the old Kirwan's Reward workings, and a drive was put in 500 ft. to intersect the solid reef, but met with no success, being in very faulted and disturbed country the whole way. Knight ami Party. — Two men were employed for the greater portion of the year driving on a reef outcropping on the ridge north of Kirwan's Reward. The reef was narrow and poor for the whole distance driven —350 ft. —and towards the end of the year work was suspended. Reefton District. Buj River Mine (owners, New Big River Gold-mining Company ; manager, ■). H. McMahon). — During the year operations in the mine have been chiefly confined to No. 10 (1.575 ft.) level workings, and the rise from such level is now connected with the New Eastern level, thus assisting the ventilalation of the mine-workings. In the south-eastern end of No. 10 level a crosscut was driven a distance

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of 30 ft., and a block of quartz was cut, which is now termed the south-western block. This has been driven on for 90 ft., the reef varying from 1 It. to 10 ft. in width. A winze has been .sunk from No. 10 level on this block for a vertical depth of 23 ft., but the reef gave out, and the sinking was discontinued. From the 580 ft. flat sheet the No. 10 level was extended 25 ft. in a northerly direction, and the reef was cut (which is imu termed the north block). This stone has been driven for a distance of 75 ft., the reef varying from 1 ft. to 28 ft. in width. A rise (from No. 10 level) on this block lias been put up and connected with the north end of the western intermediate level a vertical heighi of 70 ft. Stoping has been carried out over the different levels of the mine, the reef varying from a lew inches to '2U ft. in width. A tunnel, which will be 1,534 ft. in length, has been started on the Deep Creek side of the main shaft. When completed this tunnel will connect with No. 2 level. The battery crushed 6,913 tons of quartz, for a return of 6,626 oz. 18 dv, t. oi gold, valued at £25,927 12s. 2d.; 3,950 tons of sand treated at the cyanide plant yielded 680 oz. 9 dwt. of bullion, valued at £1,695 6s. 9d. ; and 38 tons 10 cwt. 2 qr. of concentrates were sold for £526 10s. 6d. St. George Gold-mining Com pant/ (J. Rodden, manager).—The follow ing development-work has been carried out during the year: The main level has been continued along the central line of reef 881 ft.. making a total length of 1,834 ft. Crosscuts have been driven east and west from the level 125 ft. and 180 ft. respectively. In the west crosscut, what is believed to be the west line of lode was cut at 106 ft., and this was driven on north for 40 ft. In the main level boulders of quartz were frequently met wil h. and nearly all carried values which would be payable in a solid reef, but, unfortunately, no continuous ore-body has been met with. Big River South. —Two men were employed for tin; first half of the year in further prospecting in the low-level tunnel, but, no payable ore-body having been disclosed, operations were discontinued some months ago. North Big River (W. Kirwan and party).—Prospecting operations were discontinued early in the year. Progress Mine (R. R. Morrison, manager). —Development-work in this mine for the year has been chicHy devoted to the recovery of faulted portions of the ore-body in No. 11 level. A considerable amount of rising and driving has been done, but no information as to actual distances or result has been furnished by the management. From about the middle of the year the returns fell off considerably, and the number of men employed was largely reduced ; but the mine still contains big reserves of low-grade ore, and has valuable assets in the shape of accumulated concentrates and slimes. There is every reason to believe that with good management the mine has still a long life before it. An average of 320 men were employed during the year. 41,596 tons of ore were treated, for a return of £42,832. Bonanza (W. J. Morris and party). —Since operations were given up by an English syndicate, who held an option over this property, no further work has been done. A subsidy of ss. per foot for driving was granted to the owners, but. so far, they have not commenced work. The claim has given prospects which appear to be worth following up, and no doubt work will be undertaken in this direction early in the new year. New Discovery (Messrs. Billet and Bierwith, owners ; manager, N. Lawn). —Early in the year the abandoned Morning Star Claim was taken up by Messrs. Bierwith and party, and a drive was started on the track of a small leader immediately under the old underhand stopes. Development-work, consisting of surface trenching, driving, and sinking, has been vigorously carried on ; but, although the leader carried high gold-values in places, the amount of ore disclosed is very small, and the results have not been very encouraging up to date. Driving on the track of the reef is still being continued. Keep-it-Dark (manager, John Ellery ; information supplied by Mr. J. H. Hindmarsh, secretary). — After thirty-seven years of profitable work, and the payment of 184 dividends, amounting to £158,666 13s. 4d. on a paid-up capital of £8,708 6s. Bd. in cash, equal to Bs. 8-12 d. per share, the shareholders of the company (the Keep-it-Dark Quartz-mining Company (Limited)) agreed to go into liquidation, and reconstruct the company under the name of the " Keep-it-Dark Mines (Limited)," with a nominal capital of £10,000 in 20,000 shares of 10s. each, and a sum of £2*,750, or 2s. 9d. per share, has been called up, with the prospect of no further capital being required to carry on operations, and the payment of dividends in the near future. The new company, since its registration on the Bth February, 1911, has carried on the following work : Stoping from under No. 7 level on the block of quartz known as the Never Find uprise from No. 7 to No. 6 level for ventilating, and con! raci ing for the sinking of the main shaft a further depth of 150 ft., making in all I.I 'JO ft. This work was expeditiously carried on by means of an air-winch, and the No. 8 chamber constructed, and-No. 8 level extended to the line of reef. The company has crushed for the year, to the 31st December, 7,212 tons of quartz, the battery and cyanide returns giving a result of 2,415 oz. 15 dwt. of bullion, valued at £7,943 19s. lid. Wealth of Nations (R. A. Stewart, manager).—Development-work for the year was chiefly confined to the extension of Nos. 9 and 10 levels, and stoping was carried on at all levels between Nos. 10 and 7. An average of 150 men were employed for the year, and 24.968 tons of ore was treated, for a return of £49,635 Bs. 4d. Golden Fleece Mine (J. Oats, manager).—This mine (the property of the Consolidated Goldfields) was worked on tribute by J. Oats and party for the first two months of the year. Thirty men were employed, and 329 tons was treated, for £1,306 4s. 4d. Bolitho Bros. —This party carried on operations during the year in their mine at Lankey's Creek. The auriferous material consists of a firmly compacted layer of conglomerate, which carries alluvial gold. This is crushed by means of a light five-stamp battery driven by water-power, and the gold is saved on mats. 981 tons were mined and treated during the year. Four shareholders work the claim, without employing labour. Murray Creek Gold-mines. —Early in the year a company was formed in Wellington, with a capital of £12,000, to take over and reopen the Victoria-lnglewood group of mines. Mr. James Meehan was

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appointed manager, and commenced work in July. A crosscut has now been driven 210 ft.. and a chamber cut out 30 ft. by 10 ft., from which a main shaft is to be raised and sunk. A winding-engine, boiler, and air-compressor are now on the ground, and are being prepared for working. Willis and parly are still driving their crosscul from the Black's Point Road, in the hope of striking Anderson's reef, the work being subsidized by the Government and the Inangahua County Council. The total distance to be driven is estimated at about 1,000 ft., of which 500 ft. have now been completed. New Ulster Quartz-mining Company. —During the year this company has been employing two men in extending the crosscut to the east from the No. 2 level. Nothing of value lias been disclosed. Golden Point (G. Perotti, owner). —The main shaft has been sunk 100 ft. (hiring the year, and is to be continued to 200 ft. before a crosscut is driven to the reef. Blackwater Mine (J. T. Hooker, manager).—During the year the main shaft was deepened to the No. 6 level, and Nos. 4 and 5 levels were driven, with satisfactory results, the reef maintaining its average width and value. An average of 281 men were employed ; and 44,038 tons was treated, for a return of £92,062 os. 7(1. h'isr and Shine Claim, Blackwater Creek. —Donald McDonald and party have carried on prospecting operations during the year. The main crosscut has been extended, and now measures 253 ft. A promising reef-track, carrying up to 3 ft. of stone, was passed through at about 173 ft., and has been driven on for 140 ft. The main crosscut is to be further extended to intersect a reef which outcrops on tin , surface, and'there are good reasons for believing that this property will develop into a mine. Saraty Syndicate. —This party has been prospecting a reef in the Blackwater Creek to the west of the Rise and Shine ; operations being hindered l>v the depth of alluvium which covers the rock. The outcrop of the reef a! one point is 2 ft. wide, and it appeals wort liy of a little further development. Eldorado Syndicate. In this claim there is a reef 8 ft. wide, and a smaller one of from 6 in. to 2 ft. Both have been driven on during the year, but without disclosing payable values. McVicar and party have driven two levels on a highly mineralized ore-body lying half a mile to the east of the Blackwater mines. Some fair assays have been obtained, but further development is required. Blackwater South (Christchurch syndicate ; D. Absalom, manager).—This claim adjoins the south boundary of the Blackwater mines, and efforts are being made to pick up the southerly extension of that highly payable reef. Some 400 ft. have been driven, and two reef-tracks have been passed through. One of these has been driven on for some 70 ft., and looks promising in the face. The main crosscut is to be driven another 50 ft., and at that point it is expected to meet the Blackwater line. Me.Coll and Absalom's Lease. —This claim lies to the east of the Blackwater South. An outcrop carrying good assay values was discovered by the prospectors, and an option over the claim was taken by the Blackwater Company, who installed drilling plant, and are now crosscutting to intersect the reef lower down. Danks mid Morgan (Millerton syndicate ; W. Cartner, manager).—ln this claim, situated about a mile to the west of the Blackwater mines, a promising reef has been discovered, and traced by surfacet renching for half a mile. Ft is of an average width of 2 ft. 6 in., and carries payable values in gold. A tunnel is now being driven from the level of the Snowy Creek along the strike of the reef, and is now in nearly 100 ft. Paparoa Rangks. The Minerva, Croesus, Taffy, and Garden Gully Mines have been practically at a standstill during the year, and nothing but surface prospecting has been undertaken in this locality except a little crosscutting at No. I level in the Croesus. Reefs abound in these ranges, and every creek has yielded alluvial gold and rich quartz specimens, but as yet no payable reef has been discovered. ( rENERAL REMARK . Early in 1911 the prospects of quartz-mining in the Reefton and Blackwater districts appeared to be brighter than usual. Extensive additions to plant were being made at the largest mines, and increased returns were confidently expected. At the same time, there was a keen interest taken in prospecting in the Blackwater district, and several new discoveries were reported. Unfortunately, about half-way through the year an attempt was made by some of the mining companies to introduce the system of working stopes by contract, and the refusal of the workmen to entertain the proposal led to very strained relations between employers and men; large numbers of men were discharged, and almost as many more left the mines of their own free-will. Without discussing the merits of the dispute, one cannot but deplore the effect it has had upon the industry and the prosperity of the district generally. During the year there have been the usual number of slight accidents, but, happily, no very serious ones, and none fatal. The number of young men who became affected by miners' disease, however, calls for an improvement in the working-conditions of the mines, and with this object steps have been taken to enforce the provision of more adequate ventilation. In the writer's opinion, the Act might be amended so as to give Inspectors power to order water-jets to be provided for the purpose of laying dust in all dry mines, and not, as at present, only where machine-drills are in use. alluvial gold workings—sluicing and hydraulic elevating. Marlborough. Larkin and Parly, Enchanted Creek. —At this claim the water-race was completed, and the hydraulic elevator was started to work during the middle of the year. The race is a mile and a quarter long, and carries six heads of water 260 ft. above the surface of the wash. On the 6th August the lift was

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43 ft., and the bottom was not then in sight. With such a small quantity of wafer the work was necessarily very slow, and the results proving unsatisfactory, operations were temporarily stopped, with a view to attaining a better method of working. Nelson and Mayo, Wahamarina. —These two men have carried on sluicing operations during the year, with payable results. It is proposed to turn the claim over to a company who will open out on a larger scale. CoLLINGWOOn. Quartz Ranges. —Five men were employed till Juno. 1911, since when no wort has been done. The yield of gold for the period was only 27 oz. Parti pa in Hydraulic Sluicing Company (J. Bassett, manager). —Operations have been steadily carried on throughout the year ; ten men were employed, and the gold won amounted to £2,475 13s. 6d. The ground being worked is very dec)), and the tailings have been elevated from 80 ft. to 90 ft. in one lift, using thirteen heads of water under a pressure of 350 ft. ; five heads additional water being used to sluice down into the pit. Mr. Bassett estimates that lie has been handling by this means 3,000 yards per week. and. taking into consideration the depth and nature of the ground, and the quantity and pressure of the Water, this is very good indeed. Aorere Hydraulic Sluicing Company (11. F. Logan, secretary and manager).—This claim of 87 acres at Slate River has given employment to live men for the year. Fourteen heads of water are used for sluicing From two nozzles under a head of 400 ft. The face is 50 It. high, wash tightly cemented, and bottom stones very heavy. The tail-race discharges through a tunnel driven 270 ft. through very hard schist rock. Quantity of material operated on for the year, 47,875 cubic yards ; average yield. '2.\(>(') grains per yard ; total yield, 216 oz.. valued at £848. Walker Maruia Sluicing Company.— This claim has been worked by the tributers, Mr. Dwan and party, throughout the year. The bottom wash is exceedingly heavy, and a tremendous number of stones have to be handled by means of a winch. The tributers are making fairly good wages. Horse Terrace Claim (R. W. Richardson and party). —Three men have been steadily employed for the year, and 60,000 yards have been put through the tail-race. The value of gravel in the claim does not exceed I I gr. per yard, but with a good water-supply and good methods of working, a payable result is obtained for the owners. Matakitaki Sluicing Company, Mammoth Claim. —Sluicing was carried on only for three months of the year, and 15,000 yards were treated for a return of 46 oz. 7 dwt. I2gr. of gold. Workis at present suspended, and it is proposed to extend the race live miles down the river, for the purpose of selling water to miners. Rappahannoc Claim (Dr. Warneford and party).—lntermittent work has been carried out during the year, with unsatisfactory results. Thompson Maruia Sluicing Company. —This company has acquired an area formerly held by Messrs. Thompson and sons. A water-race is being constructed nine and three-quarter miles in length. to carry thirty-five heads of water. It is hoped thai by treating very large quantities of material this property can be made to pay a fair interest on the capital involved. If this can be done, there is a big area of ground of a similar nature available. Buller River. Very little sluicing is now being done along this river. A few small parties are making wages, but no work of any magnitude is going on. What little gold is being obtained is extremely fine, resembling that found on the sea-beach. Addison's Flat. Millikiii anil party have worked throughout the year on their cement claim, and crushed 5.000 yards, with payable results. Addison's Long Tunnel Claim. —Four men were employed until August, when operations ceased, and the company went into liquidation. McKnigM and Party. This claim has employed five men during the year, and sluicing operations have given fair results. Cannoih/ and Party. —This party (of eight men) has been continuously employed in sluicing and elevating, and has had fairly payable results. McCann and Party, St. John's Terrace. —Sluicing has been carried on during the year, with three men. Shamrock Claim. —Eight men have been employed in driving the tail-race tunnel, which, when completed, will be considerably over a mile in length. This is expected to be finished and actual sluicing started in a few months' time. Charleston. No work of any importance has been carried on during the year. Powell's claim has been closed down, and only one or two fossickers have been at work. Grey Valley. Lake Hochstetter Water-race Syndicate. —The whole of the tights and properties of the syndicate have been under offer during the year to an English firm of brokers, and it was hoped a company would have been formed to construct the race, and that the large area of auriferous country in the Ahaura, Callaghan's, and Nelson Creek Valleys would have at last been brought under the command of an adequate water-supply. Unfortunately, the flotation has not been accomplished, and what appears to be a thoroughly legitimate undertaking is still awaiting the necessary capital.

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Bell Hill Syndicate. —After lying idle for nearly the whole year this claim has now been let on tribute. No returns are yet to hand. Goio's Creek Sluicing Company. —The driving of the tunnel tail-race has been continued during the year, but actual sluicing has not yet been started. Healey's Gully. —Three men were employed during portion of the year, but with very poor results. Montgomery's Terrace. —6] ,440 loads of wash were treated in the early part of the year for a very small return. Sullivan's Lead. —This claim was worked by two men for the whole year, and gave a fair profit. Grey River Sluicing Company kept three men employed for the year, and gave a fair return. General Remarks. Alluvial-gold mining is very fast becoming a thing of the past throughout the district. The easily worked deposits have, of course, become exhausted, and the well-known diggings which supported thousands of men some thirty or forty years ago are now deserted, except for one or two isolated individual miners and a few Chinamen. Attempts have been made to work some of the extensive low-grade alluvial deposits by bringing a large volume of water to bear on them and operating on a large scale, but, unfortunately, none of these attempts has been an unqualified success. In some cases the ground has undoubtedly been too poor to be payable ; in other cases the water-races, though large compared to those in olden times, have still been not large enough ; and in almost all cases the management, legal, and other expenses have swallowed a large amount of the gold obtained, as is shown by the fact that several claims which never paid the companies who owned them have been very profitably worked by tributers. Notwithstanding these failures, there is still a lanre area of alluvial land which is sufficiently auriferous to be sluiced profitably on a large scale. DREDGING. In all, twelve dredges have been in operation during the year—two on the Buller River, one at Capleston, one at Cronadun, and eight on the tributaries of the Grey River. With the exception of one or two, these are all paying interest on the capital invested, the success being due to careful management, powerful machinery, and thorough prospecting of the claims before commencing dredging operations. A fairly large amount of prospecting if now being done and probably during the current year new machines will be put into commission. METALS OTHER THAN GOLD." As mentioned under the head of " Quartz-mining," the galena-bearing lodes of Wangapeka and Mount Owen are receiving attention from speculators. At Parapara some tunnelling has been done to prove the extent of the iron-ore body, some nine men being employed in this work. Copper and asbestos have been left severely alone for the year. ACCIDENTS. Only two accidents were reported, neither being fatal. Two men, named D. Tennant and A. Neagle, working in the Progress Mine on the 2nd September, drilled on to a charge of gelignite. This exploded, but both men escaped with a few cuts and bruises. James Cooper, dredge hand, while striking in the smith's shop at the Hessey-Cameron dredge, was injured by a small piece of steel, which, flying from the anvil, severed an artery in his thigh. GOLD-MINERS' RELIEF FUND. Sixty-one applications were dealt with under the Gold-miners' Relief Fund for the half-year that it was in operation, and certificates were issued totalling £287 ss. 2d. Most of these were on account of minor accidents, strains, bruises, &c. Three applications for the full sum of £50 were granted to sufferers from pneumoconiosis, and three other claims from the same cause are now being investigated. T have, &c, T. 0. Bishop, Inspector of Mines. The Inspector op Mines, Hokitika, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir.— Inspector of Mines' Office, Hokitika, 30th March, 1912. I have the honour to present my report on the mines and oil-prospecting operations in my district during the year ended the 31st December. 1911. PETROLEUM. During December, 1910, a survey was made of the Kotuku district by Dr. Wanner, geologist, accompanied by Mr. P. G. Morgan, Director of Geological Surveys. As a result of this survey, a powerful drilling-plant and two Galician drillers were at once sent out to prospect the locality. In order to reach this depth in unknown territory, casing of large diameter had to be used, and the well was started with a diameter of 16 in. Before 600 ft. had been reached the hole had to be reduced to 12 in., on account of the difficult nature of the strata encountered. At a depth of 952 ft. the well was discontinued, the primary rocks being met with, and any further attempt to secure oil would have proved futile. The shallow oil-wells situated along the banks of Deep Creek still continue to yield small but regular quantities of oil, and in the near future it is probable that the syndicate will turn its attention to this shallow production. At the present time the rig is being dismantled and will shortly be shifted to another site.

7—C. 2.

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QUARTZ-MTNES. POERUA AND WILBERFORCE QUARTZ-MINE DISTRICTS. Poerua Gold-mining Company (John Phibbs, mining-manager). —Throughout 1911 the leases have been further prospected with from six to twelve men, and, having proved sufficient quartz of payable grade, a ten-stamp mill was obtained and is now in course of construction. The method of treatment for the ore will be all sliming and cyaniding with air-agitation. During the year the Department, through the Grey County Council, has constructed a dray-road to the battery-site. All development-work underground is of a substantial character. The management is to be complimented on providing such excellent ventilation. King Gold-mining Company, Wilberforce (John Hewer, mining-manager).—The average number of men employed during the year is seven. 300 ft. have been driven, and fully timbered where required. Full ventilation has been maintained on a close day by the aid of a fan. Wilson Reward Syndicate (John Hewer, supervisor).—Two men employed in prospecting operations. Callaire and Bauke. —During the year, which has been a very unfavourable one, 110 ft. has been driven on a nice reef-track, but so far no gold has been found. Ross. Osmers and Party. —This party have been engaged upon development-work, and have not produced any ore of sufficient value for battery treatment. The subsidized tunnel at Jones Creek drivon br Messrs. Aitken and party has not as yet developed anything of a payable character, although on the surface the leader carries nice gold by dish prospects. DREDGE MTNING. There were only three dredges actually employed during the year. On the North Beach dredge the regulations have received strict attention. The year's production has been curtailed, owing to the shortage of water during the dry season. The Stafford dredge continues to yield a profit on the year's operations. At the Success dredge the returns have not been as large as could be desired, but have been payable, and as dredging is carried up the creek the gold returns increase. The Mining Regulations have been generally complied with. ALLUVIAL MINING. Gibbs and Friend, with two men, continue sluicing in their area at Omerua. As developments continue they prove very satisfactory. More capital is required for development. On Peter Hende's area, situated at an altitude of 3,500 ft., owing to the very inclement season and the owner's ill health, little or no work was done. Gallery Gorge. Only two miners ventured into this gorge this past season. They only remained three weeks, but were well repaid for their time, and intend returning next season if it is favourable. Five-mile Beach. Dominion Gold-mining Company. —For the first six months of the year this company had four men employed in preparing the pipe-line from the beach up to Lake Alfrine ; also raising the bank of the lake. For reasons best known to themselves, work was suspended, and a suit for cancellation instituted. The cancellation was in favour of the applicants. Other than three beachcombers, there is no gold-mining in the district. Okarito District. The three prospecting-areas recently held on the north bank of the lagoon have been surrendered, the holders having failed to form a company with sufficient capital to develop the areas. Okarito Forks, South Westi.and. Messrs. Tail and Munn. —This party, assisted by Government subsidy, have succeeded in opening what to all appearances is a new gold-lead ; they are now constructing a water-race thereto. Duffer's Creek. Two men have been prospecting in this locality, but they have not met with any payable results. Ross. John Smith and party, Cedar Creek, have had a more successful year for their sluicing operations. As developments are advanced the yield of gold per yard increases. The level from which they are now working is too high, so it is proposed to commence a low level. Luckie and party, after having sunk their shaft and driven 200 ft. (assisted by a subsidy), found the water so heavy that they suspended operations, and have not restarted. The Mont dOr Gold-mining Company obtained gold to the value of £3,493, of which £1,800 was paid in dividends. A very bad start was made at the beginning of the year. A very long tunnel that connects the water-race with the main supply-pipes broke down completely, and slid away into the

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gully, making it necessary to remove the connecting-pipes from Robinson's Creek side of the range to Jones's Creek side. This proved an expensive work, and prevented the use of the rainfall for a considerable time. Immediately the work was finished between three and four months of very dry weather was experienced. The expenditure on svater-racea lias been heavy for the year. The washdirt in the faces is looking well. With a good supply of water a good return for the coming year may be expected. Ross Goldfields. —No work was done this year, the company being in liquidation. Trettl mill lives. —After continuing their water-races and erecting Californian pumps they excavated a large paddock of washdirt considered to be highly payable ; a drainage-tunnel was driven 250 ft. (assisted by Government subsidy), when some soft decomposed sandstone was met with, also a continual discharge of water. Driving is now suspended, pending the drainage of the water. Richard and Denia, assisted by subsidy, drove a tunnel 700 ft., and passed through three different layers of payable wash. Having connected with the shaft, there is ample ventilation for driving and blocking-out. Although the surrounding ground has all been applied for, real development has not been started. Rimu and Back Creek. Hiudman and Thorpe still continue to be very successful, each washing giving a nice profit. J. E. Wells and party of three, after doing a good deal of preliminary work, have been sluicing satisfactorily. Cooper and party, four men. still continue to work, blocking-out with payable results. All works are in a satisfactory condition. Brooks and party, of four men, are working with profit, and could do much better if a better supply of water for sluicing purposes was available. These remarks apply to all the sluicing claims on this field. Messrs. Boyd and party have been successful in opening up a payable body of washdirt. At present there are four men employed. All works are in a satisfactory condition. Bryant and Party. —The development in this subsidized tunnel has been encouraging. Six men omployed. All workings are in uood order. Knowles and party (four) were engaged developing an area of 114 acres. There are several other areas held in this district, where development is now being carried out. Kanieri and Tucker Flat District. Marks and Culson, G. Head and party, and Macluggage and party are still driving their subsidized tunnels, which should soon reach their respective washdirt. Hutcheson Bros, continue to carry on sluicing operations with profit. The Kanieri Gold-mining Syndicate have taken up a claim of 42 acres and sunk three shafts, obtaining good prospects. They propose to further test the ground by Keystone drill, which, if successful, will greatly encourage other mining in the locality. The Mahinapua Gold-mining Company have been engaged sluicing and elevating on their claim between the lake and ocean-beach. Blue Spur District. Feeney and party, of five men, still continue to obtain payable returns when water is available for sluicing. Every precaution is taken to prevent any sudden falls from the high faces. Humphrey's Gult,y. J. Harris and party, of six men, are working on tribute, with fair results. A costly item is the maintenance of their very long tail-races. There are still a few aged men fossicking about in the creeks and low terraces, who obtain a fewpennyweights every year. The Old Montezuma Claim has been taken up again by Lincoln and party, who have installed a Kirshaw pump. They have ample table-accommodation, and plenty of water for washing. Stafford axd Goldsborough Districts. Red Jack's. —This ground is worked by Inge and party, of seven men. The returns have been indifferent. The great drawback is the want of a sufficient water-supply. Munday's claim continues to employ three men. Operations at this claim have been badly hampered by inadequate dams for the storage of water during the rainy season. Pimpernell and party employ six men, with profitable results. The extension of Government water-race has been a great success in the development of German Gully. Sullivan and Party. —This party of five men worked for the first nine months of the year successfully, but, owing to some friction with the shareholders, work has been suspended for some time. The drainage-tunnel has just received a thorough overhaul by the Westland County Council; it is now in very good order. James Shannon has had a successful year's sluicing. Being the only miner now sluicing into the Waimea main tail-race, he finds the upkeep a very serious item. Coronation Claim. —Mr. Carmini has completed his long tail-race, and obtained three very successful washings.

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CaLLAGHAN's. J. Manzoni continues to drive his low level. This will be quite a boon to the district as soon as it is completed. Havill Brothers are a very energetic party, and have brought in a long tail-race to enable them to work their deep ground. Cook and Honey employ four men, which could not have been done had they not been assisted in their long tunnel tail-race. Dillman's, Kumara, Cape Terrace, and Hayes Terra i Garner's Claim. —G. Garner employs four men sluicing. He is now opening up his face, and should be in a position to deal with the washdirt on an extensive scale. The channel works well. The Kumara Long Tunnel Company, for the first part of the year, continued to sluice, with profitable results, employing five men ; towards the close of the year the channel unfortunately collapsed. Pug Hill continues to employ nine men, with payable results. Extensive repairs are being made to No. 4 channel, to permit of some of the deeper ground being worked. Evendon and G. Lawrence continue to sluice with profit, employing three men. Evendon and Court continue to sluice with profit, with three men. All workings are in good order. Bell and party, of five men, when water is available, continue to sluice. As the water slackened off they made everything ready for a steady supply from the new Kumara water-race extension. Fenson Brothers (three).—For the period when the water was available their washing was of a profitable character. Loman and Party (five).—By conservation of water, this party has been enabled to work with profit. Since Loman purchased Burr's rights everything has worked much better. DUNGANVILLE. Irving ami McCracken (subsidized tunnel).—The material passed through in repairing their tunnel and its extension yielded 28 oz. 8 dwt. 19 gr. of gold. The air became so impure that I had to order a cessation of wori mil il proper ventilation was obtained. This is now being attended to. There are seven other aged men known as " hatters " in this district getting a few pennyweights of gold annually. Barrytown. This once rich district is now almost deserted by miners. They have given their attention to pastoral 2>ursuits, with the exception of Messrs Kay and White, who, by dealing with the extensive deposit of sand on a large scale, find remunerative employment for fifteen men. Whitcombe Pass. The prospectors, Messrs. Singer and North, have dissolved partnership. After pegging out a prospecting-area of 100 acres they left the district, as they could not get capital to develop the property. ACCIDENTS. Ist June, 1911.—Florence O'Brien wrenched his back whilst trucking in the Gold-mining Company's mine, Wilberforce. He was attended to by Dr. Teichelmann: 15th June, 1911.—Charles Heil was killed in the Wheel of Fortune Mine, Stafford, by the breaking of the elevator ladder. An inquest was held at the Courthouse at Stafford, the verdict being that death was due to an accident which could not be prevented, and that no blame was attached to any one. 10th .July, 1911.—Enoch Growcott, miner, whitlow caused by a jar whilst lifting a stone at Back Creek. 29th August, 1911.—John Holley had his leg dislocated by a fall of debris whilst working in the mine with his brother, William Holley, South Spit. 6th September, 1911.—Albert William Upjohn, injury to side and chest by falling into washdirt paddock, claim known as Cooper's. 25th September, 1911.—Alfred Richards, whilst working in Havill's claim at Callaghan's, was injured by a stone coming out of the face. 18th October, 1911.—Walter Thomson was knocked into the race by a stone at Mont dOr, Ross, and washed down to the tail. At first it was considered very serious, but the injured man recovered. I have, &c, A. H. Richards, Inspector of Mines.

The Inspector op Mines, Dunedin, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir, — Office of Inspector of Mines, Dunedin.. 30th March, 1912. I have the honour to present my report on the gold-mining industry in the Southern Mining District for the year ended the 31st December, 1911. QUARTZ-MINES. Barewood Gold-mining Company (Limited), Barewood (H. S. Molineaux, mine-manager).—ln the early part of the year the principal work in progress was the driving of the crosscut at No. 6 level a depth

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of 400 ft. The crosscut was driven a distance of 110 ft. and cut the reef. The lode proved to be low grade, and after some distance was driven along the strike in both directions the mine was shut down. No further work has been done, and the water has been allowed to accumulate in the shaft-workings. The battery is now removed, and is in course of erection at the Maritana Claim, Macrae's Flat. No quartz was mined during the year. Three men were employed on surface and ten underground. Mount Highlay Gold and Scheelile Mining Company, Hyde (Fink and Party; J. H. Evans, minemanager).—Some work had previously been done on this property before it was acquired by the present owners. The battery is now located about three miles from the mine, and connected by a horse-tram line. A suspension bridge spans the gorge, over which the tramway is carried to connect with the mine. The reefs are very flat and ill denned, the quartz appearing to occur in bunches. Adit levels Nos. 1 and 3 have been driven in more or less quartz. The main battery supply was drawn from No. 3 level. What was supposed to be a new reef discovery was opened up, being driven on for some distance. This section is called the Lady Annie. The mine has not been worked for the last few months of the year, pending reconstruction of the company. Quartz crushed, about 400 tons ; average number of men employed, 19. Highlay Tungsten-mine, Mount Highlay (The Gold and Scheelite Proprietary Company (Limited), late Donaldson Bros., owners; D. B. Waters, mine-manager).—This property changed hands during the year, the company now in possession having purchased from Donaldson Bros. The ore required to keep the mill—ten stamps —going has been mainly procured from the surface cut on the outcrop. This supply is, however, becoming exhausted, and the present company are expeditiously prosecuting underground work necessary to create new supplies for the mill. The adit known as the tramway level is being driven to connect with a winze sunk from the level above preparatory to stoping out the block. The ore then available will be a block 100 ft. long, 40 ft. deep, and average reef-formation (quartz and mullock veins) of 20 ft. The ground is heavy, and requires to be securely timbered. Fourteen men employed on the average. Macrae's. Maritana Mining Company (Gold and Scheelite; D. B. Waters, mine-manager). —This company was floated during the year, and commenced operations on the property adjoining the Golden Point Mine. The outcrop of the lode was stripped for some distance, and then a level, No. 1, 50 ft. lower down, was driven 150 It. and connected with the surface. No. 2 level was started 60 ft. below No. 1, driven 260 ft., and connected with No. 1. The lode-formation varies in width, assuming in some parts extensive dimensions. The company have purchased the Barewood battery, which is in course of erection. Four men are employed underground. Golden Point Quartz-mine (The Gold and Scheelite Proprietary Company (Limited), owners ; D. B. Waters, mine-manager). —A change has taken place in the ownership of this mine, the present holders having purchased from Donaldson Brothers. A considerable amount of driving has been done on the property, extending over many years of work. There are three known reefs in the ground, all running very flat, and separated by 40 ft. to 60 ft. of rock. All of these lodes have been more or less worked for ore of gold and scheelite, the main supply coming from No. 3 reef, where three stopes are in progress ; and a large extent of blocked-out ground exists. Owing to a large proportion of pyrites, some difficulty is experienced in recovering the scheelite in a marketable state, owing to the almost equal specific gravities of the two. The ore is reduced, and treated in a ten-stamp battery and cyanide plant at the mine. The battery motive power is a gas-engine, the supply of gas being generated by a Cambridge gas-producer fed with lignite coals. The mining and treatment costs being low, due to cheap power and transport, and cvi ry advantage being taken of the natural facilities available, it is found possible to mine and treat ore of an exceptionally low grade. The quantity of auriferous scheelite-ore dealt with for the year was 4,798 tons, for a return of £2,340 18s. lid., an average value of 10s. per ton. About thirty men find regular employment at this mine. Goldfinch Quartz-mine (White and Party). —This syndicate, consisting of some six working-men, took up this property and did some prospecting on a reef 2 ft. thick. Two winzes were sunk on the reef to a depth of 30 ft. The prospects were so encouraging that mining ceased, and the whole efforts of the party centred on the construction of a mill to treat the stone. A ten-stamp mill driven by a Cambridge gas-producing plant has been installed, and just at the close of the year commenced treating the stone grassed by the preliminary prospecting operations. It is intended to recommence mining as soon as the reduction-works are in good running-order. The values are mainly gold. Golden Bar Quartz-mine. —A company is supposed to be formed to open up this property, which is located six miles from Macrae's Township. Two men are employed making a road. Coronation Reef (Thomas and Orr, owners). —This reef, discovered by Thomas and Orr, is located three miles from Mount Highlay. The outcrop has been stripped in places for a mile along its strike, and shows an average width of 2 ft. Two trial crushings were made, the ore being treated at Donaldson's Golden Point battery. The first, of 18 tons, gave a return of gold £3 7s. 6d. per ton, and scheelite £1 Is. per ton. The second, of 50 tons, taken from three different places extending over half a mile of the course of the outcrop, gave a return of gold equal to £2 6s. 6d. per ton. No development-work has yet been undertaken. Fraser and Gaytan Scheelite-mine. —Four men are employed prospecting on a series of small leaders, 1 in. to 6 in. thick, carrying a high percentage of scheelite. The battery of six stamps at Golden Point is run at intervals. The ore is carted from the mine to battery. Waipoei. Canton Reef, Mitchell's Flat (R. J. Cotton, owner). —This property purchased by E. J. Cotton from the original owners, adjoins the O.P.Q. lease. The shaft is down 180 ft., and is unwatered by a

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6 in. pump operated by a water-wheel. Operations are carried on at the 70 ft. level, and consist of driving a level on the northern-strike of the reef, which is 18 in. wide. There is a battery of five stamps, which is run at intervals, the number of men employed and quantity of ground opened not being capable of keeping it continuously running. The treatment process consists of crushing and amalgamation. Cox's Reef. —This holding was sold by auction during the year, and purchased by Messrs. McKnight. Bald Hill Flat. Advance Mine, Obelisk Range (R. T. Symes, owner). —The 4 ft. reef operated on lies very flat, and the country is much broken. The ground is heavy, and consequently requires careful timbering to keep it open. A small battery of three stamps and a Wifley table compose the reduction-works. Pyrites are saved, and shipped to Australia for treatment, and show a profit. Two men employed. Bannockburx. Carrick Gold-mining Company (J. E. lies, mine-manager).—This quartz claim is situated in the Carrick Eanges, about three miles from Bannockburn, and is being actively developed. Three reefs, averaging about 2 ft. in width, exist on the property, and are known as the Royal Standard, White Horse, and Caledonia. The principal mine-development consists in the driving of three low-level tunnels to cut the separate reefs. During the year reduction-works have been erected and the most modern appliances installed for the thorough treatment of the mine ores. Various attempts have been made in previous times to deal with these ores, but their refractory nature has baffled the means adopted to extract the values. The new crushing plant consists of a ten-head battery, stamps 950 lb. each, mortar-boxes of the Homcstake pattern, and Hoscur self-feeders are employed. Electroplated-copper plates, 6 ft. by 12 ft., are used in front of the mortar-boxes, and inside amalgamation is dispensed with. The pulp, after passing over the plates, goes into a conical separator, 10 ft. deep by 6 ft. in diameter. This cone has a jet of water entering at the bottom, and a good separation is anticipated. From the cone the sand passes to the cyanide-tanks. There have been erected four leaching-vats, 6 ft. high and 25 ft. in diameter, two sumps, and one solution-tank, 3 ft. high and 20 ft. in diameter. These tanks are all made of mild steel, bottoms J in. and sides ,:, in. plate, and are stiffened by 2.1 in. by 2£ in. by § in. steel angle irons. Two precipitation-boxes are in position, and preparations are made to place in position two tables to carry amalgamating-plates for the tailing to pass over before finally being deposited in the creek. Three pumps and a small vertical engine have been installed, but various details yet remain to be completed. The mine is connected with the battery by a tramway of about half a mile and a self-acting incline. A few hundred tons of old tips, sulphide, and about 70 tons of sulphide ore from the White Horse reef have been crushed, the treatment of which is not yet completed. Evans and Ledingham's Quartz-mine. —This property on the Carrick Range has been developed to some extent with, it was understood, very encouraging prospects. A small battery, driven by an oilengine, has been erected, and a small amount of stone treated. Small quantities of very rich specimen stone are supposed to have been obtained. 38 tons of ore was crushed for £130. Crowmell. Cromwell Gold-mines Development Company (T. Cooper, mine-manager).—A low-level tunnel is being driven to cut the reef-system at depth. Several reefs are supposed to traverse the property, on which more or less work has been done at shallow depths. The tunnel, which will hole into the bottom of the existing shaft, will give free drainage, and enable the prospecting of the mine to be carried on at much less cost. The face, is now extended to 600 ft., and two small leaders have been intersected. Nine men are employed. Alacetown. New Zealand Consolidated Mines (Limited) (L. O. Beal, attorney, Dunedin). —No mining of any consequence has been carried out by this company during the year. A little work was done in the early part of the year in the Homeward Bound Mine. A battery from the O.P.Q. Mine at Waipori is erected on the property. The intentions of the company, it is understood, are to commence active mining operations for the development of their properties at no distant date. Hamilton and O'NeiVs Quartz-mine. —Preparations were made to convey 9 tons of stone from an outcrop on the property to the battery for a trial crushing. General. —The other known reefs in the district were not worked during the year. Shotover. The numerous mines in this district have commanded no attention throughout the year Glenorchy. Glenorchy Scheelite Syndicate (George Reid, managing director). —The mining properties held by this syndicate have been actively developed during the year. Glenorchy lode : The principal work has been the extension of levels 5 and 6 and a rise from 3to 5. This connection has made the ventilation very much better. The total amount of driving done in the mine is 2,400 ft., and rises and crosscuts aggregate 1,350 ft. The output from this lode was 33 tons scheelite concentrate (72 per cent. WO 3 ), most of which came from the stopes in No. 5 level. An average of ten men employed during the year. Junction lode (J. J. Lynch, mine-manager): Very little work was done on this lode during the year, the total driving amounting to 400 ft. since the mine was opened. A fair body of low-grade ore

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has been disclosed. Owing to transport, difficulties, the ore cannot be properly worked at present. A short aerial tramway (20 chains) has been erected, and it is proposed to send the best ore for treatment. Kelly's lode (J. J. Lynch, mine-manager): Prospecting has been carried on continuously during the year. About 300 ft. of driving has been accomplished, making a total of 617 ft. driven in the mine since commencement. No ore was sent to the mill for the period. The prospects are considered encouraging. Four men on an average were employed. The Glenorchy Scheelite Syndicate's treatment plant has been in steady work during the year, dealing with the ore supplied from the company's own mines and that purchased from outside mining parties in the district. A total of 643 tons of ore was dressed, and yielded 63 tons 6 cwt. 78 lb. scheelite concentrate (72 per cent. WO 3 ), of an estimated value of £6.080. An average of five hands employed at the works. Mount Mclntosh Scheelite Syndicate (R. McTntosh, mine-manager).—This mine is located on the summit of Mount Mclntosh, at an elevation of 4,000 ft. The ore, obtained from an outcrop of the reef on the property is sledged down the mountain-side, and carted into the Glenorchy Scheelite Syndicate's reduction-works. No permanent development-works have been undertaken by the party. Bonnie Jean Scheelite Mining Company. —This mine has been idle during the year. The battery worked a short period to treat some 13 tons of ore brought from the Alaska Mine. The amalgamation of these two properties is considered likely to eventuate. General. —Some six other parties are out prospecting on various lodes in the district. The ore produced by all operators is brought into Glenorchy and treated at the syndicate's mill. The output from these various and scattered propositions amounted during the year to about 30 tons of 72 per cent. WO,, valued, approximately, at £2,900. Southland. Preservation Inlet. Tarawera Gold-mining and Smelling Company (C. E. Storrie, mine-manager).—This company's property is situated on Isthmus Sound. A smelter has been erected for the reduction of the ores from the mine. The present holders have not done much development-work in the mine. The vendor company sunk a shaft 76 ft. deep, and crosscut into the reef. There was a trial run of 35 tons obtained from the outcrop, from which no return was made. The reef is 3 ft. wide on the surface. The works closed down indefinitely after the trial, and have not been reopened. Alpha Gold-mining Company (Longuest and Party). —This syndicate are driving on a small leader varying in thickness from 1 ft. to 1 in. The drive is in 86 ft. Mortar tests of quartz show splendid prospects. Morning Star Gold-mining Company (D. McKenzie, mine-manager).—This company has persevered with the prospecting of this one-time gold-producing mine. A low-level tunnel has been driven 1,000 ft. and a fine body of stone, 6 ft. wide, has been intersected. This level is 115 ft. below any of the existing old workings. Preparations are being made for a trial crushing, and sanguine expectations are entertained about the result. Seven men are employed. General Remarks. Natural ventilation is the means adopted to ventilate the mines. Strict regard being had for close and rapid connections, the air in the mines is good. Other conditions are equally satisfactory. HYDRAULIC SLUICING AND ELEVATING. Concerning this branch of mining, the most notable feature is the total dependence on the watersupply. The early part of the year was exceedingly bad for water, but this last summer has been much more favourable, as copious rains have fallen. The expansion of the industry is somewhat hampered by the concentration of the available water on the deep alluvial beds that are being operated on. Large areas of auriferous ground still exist. The shallower portions have been exhausted, and the remainder is almost, generally speaking, deep ground ; concentration of water is therefore necessary. During the year there were 160 elevating and sluicing plants at work throughout the district, employing 650 men. In the following reports only the, more extensive mines are dealt with. Tuapeka. Blue Spur and Gabriel's Gully Consolidated Gold Company (Limited), Blue Spur (J. Howard Jackson, general manager ; J. Uren, mine-manager).—There is little of interest to report regarding the working of this mine during the last twelve months. It suffered disastrously from absence of water for the first seven months of the year, and for the remaining five months only a very moderate supply was forthcoming. This state of affairs was brought about by an inadequate snowfall in the catchmentarea for five winters. The works have been carried to the gutter (bottom level) of the cement deposit, and this has neces itated the use of about 4 per cent, of the total water-supply for pumping to keep the works clear. The cement dealt with, owing to its hard character and level, is difficult and expensive to work. Golden Crescent Sluicing Company, Wetherstones (W. R. Smyth, in the cement, a continuation of the Blue Spur deposit, is now being carried out. The demand for water for lifting purposes is rapidly increasing.

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Waipori. Bakery Flat Gold-mining Company (Limited) (J. T. Johnson, manager).—The change of weather supplying the much needed water has enabled the bottom (deep lead) to be taken up. Elevating has been carried to a depth of 90 ft. The deep levels have been uniformly remunerative throughout. The Golden Point Company's plant and water-race were purchased and added to the efficiency of the plant at this claim. The water-races in connection with the lately acquired rights have been completed to the Burnt Creek dam. The construction of the outflow-race from the dam is in progress, and will be completed during the autumn, when a permanent supply of about twenty-five heads is expected to be available. Lammerlaw Flat Hydraulic Mining Company (Knight Bros.). —Owing to the continuous spell of dry weather during the first five months of the ypar, the output of gold for 1911 fell short of that for the previous year by £269. Fourteen paddocks, 17 ft. deep, and averaging 1 square acre each, have been taken out since operations were commenced on this property. Three other plants are at work in this district. Island Block. Island Block Dredging and Sluicing Company (R. T. Stewart, manager).—The supply of water being too low to permit of work being carried on at the claim during the early part of the year, an extensive overhaul of the races, flumes, and dams was made. The principal sluicing operations were carried out on a strip of unworked ground lying between the old workings and the main road. The depth ranged from 40 ft. to 51 ft., the deepest ground being found nearest the road-line. The bottom, composed of a soft schist, continued to dip in the direction of the road. There still remains untested a width of 4to 5 chains between the limits of the workings and the foothills. The gold is obtained from a thin layer of wash lying almost on the bottom, in many places not more than a few inches in thickness. This company hold the mineral rights over a very large area of freehold, and have entered into an agreement with the New Golden Run Dredging Company to work a portion of this area on a royalty basis. The use of the Keystone boring plant was obtained, and with it some very rich ground was located a short ilistance ahead of where the dredge now lies. The dredge, which was driven by water, has undergone, the necessary alterations for the use of steam power. Roxburgh. The large claims in this district continued to be worked as they have done for many years. Last year, however, did not prove so profitable, owing to the slackness of the water-supply. This is evidenced by the much reduced quantity of ground treated by the Ladysmith Gold-mining Company. The amount removed in normal years averages 5 acres, while only 3 acres were removed during the last period. The normal water-supply required is twenty heads. The gold won by this company for the year was valued at £1,883 4s. 6d., and the expenditure in wages totalled £1,131 15s. Galloway. The Little Valley Sluicing Company have undertaken the construction of a water-race over five miles of very rough country ; some three miles is about completed. The company was floated during the year. Cromwell. The Quartz Reef Point Company went into liquidation owing to a shortage of capital with which to carry on, and the claim was purchased by a private syndicate in September. One or two wash-ups have taken place, and, though nothing sensational has been struck, the results are considered very encouraging. LUGGATE. The New Luggate Hydraulic Sluicing Company (H. Ravenwood, manager) was brought into existence during the year, and acquired the Luggate Creek Sluicing Company's claim and plant. It is expected that operations will be successful. The wash is very rough, and the consequent cost of removal high. Electric light is installed for use in night-work. The face is 36 ft. high, and the bottom is rock. Pressure used, 250 ft. Seven men employed. Arrow River. b Arrow Falls Sluicing Company (J. Hamilton, manager).—This claim and plant were at the end of the year put up to auction, and found a purchaser. The new party have not vet commenced operations. New Arrow Gold-mining Company (Robert Mclntosh, mine-manager).—This syndicate has brought water on to a claim situated in the river Mosp to Arrowtown. Prospecting has been vigorously carried out, and an elevating plant, erected. Arrowtown. Shamrock Sluicing Company (A. Hamilton, manager). —Sluicing operations are conducted on the usual lines. The face is 60 ft., and the available pressure ; s only 120 ft., as the claim is situat°d at a hisrh elevation. Macetown. Macetown Sluicing Company (T. Reid, manager).—Face, 43 tt. ; pressure, 150 ft. Four men. Other small alluvial claims are worked, more or less, in the district.

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Shotover. Alluvial mining is carried on in parts over a long stretch of the course of the Shotover River, being mainly confined to the bed of the stream. The depth of alluvium to the rock bottom is, on an average, 15 ft., with occasional deeper patches. About forty men find employment. The most important features to be noticed are the deep terraces ground-sluiced by Davis Bros, and the Skipper's Sluicing Company, the height of face being considerably over 100 ft. Arthur's Point Gold-mining Company have successfully diverted the river into the tunnel, and made available for working several chains of the original river-bed. A small paddock in which 60 square feet of bottom was cleaned gave a return of 90 oz. of gold. Caedeona. The only mining of any importance is that carried out by the Criffel Lead Sluicing Company. The work is considerably hampered by the continual slipping-in of the back reef. The claim requires very careful management. Matakanui. Undaunted Gold-mining Com/iany (Limited) (T. C. Donnelly, manager).—The ground worked is that overlying the Maori bottom. The face is 40 ft. in height, and the wash very stony. The waterpressure is 480 ft. Large areas of deep ground thought to be gold-bearing remain to be worked. Tinker's Gold-mining Company (Limited) (W. Norman, manager). —This claim is deep and difficult to work. The ground is very stony, and the high back reef treacherous. Elevating 80 ft., with a pressure of 500 ft. St. Bathan's. Scandinavian Water-race Compuxy (Limited) (O. Moen, manager). —Very little work was done in the deep levels in the early part of the year, owing to the exceptionally dry weather. Since the winter the water-supply greatly improved, and a fair amount of work was done in the deep levels, with a fair remuneration. Elevating 120 ft. in one lift; water-pressure, 650 ft. Work at the Surface Hill section of the company's property has been confined to removal of headings in preparation for elevating at sonic future date. The works are carried on in a first-class manner, with due regard to safety and efficiency. Electric-lighting plant is in course of erection. United M. & E. Water-race Company (Limited) (P. O'ltegan, manager). —Work Ims been carried on us usual in this mine, which adjoins the Scandinavian property, [t is assuming greater dimensions in depth. Neil Nicholson is prospecting a piece <>f ground in the Muddy Channel. Livingstone. Mr. .1. Christian still operates in this district. He has elevated and treated a considerable quantity of tailings from the old ground-sluices, with profitable results. This is accounted for by the fineness of the gold, and the consequent loss that took place in first working. Maerewhenua. Thirteen claims are being worked in this area ; all ground-sluicing, excepting one which is elevating as well. Thirty-seven men all told are engaged. The faces in most instances are fairly high, but the pressure afforded by the Mountain Hut Water-race allows of the directors being kept a good distance back from the face, and renders the working reasonably safe. Naseby. There are upwards of forty men mining on this field. Twenty plants at work. The greater portion of the water is supplied from the Government water-race. The average depth of ground is 15 ft., and the working-requirements of each plant is five heads and a half, at the available pressure of 150 ft. Hamilton's. Hamilton's Sluicing Company (H. Eaton, manager). —The greater portion of the year has been devoted to stripping. The overburden is between 200 ft. and 300 ft. high. A paddock cleaned up in September gave a return of 200 oz. for a fortnight's work. Later returns maintained a fair average. Electric light is to be installed. Pateaeoa. Two parties continued to obtain good returns for their work. Nevis. Of the nine hydraulic claims at work in the Nevis Valley the most important from the point of magnitude of operations are Ellis and party's claim, which has a face 70 ft. high, and water-pressure equal to 425 ft. ; and Graham and party's claim. The latter has a face of 20 ft., and is considered to be one of the richest claims in the district. This district has a good water-supply, work in normal times being suspended for only a few weeks in the middle of winter. Waikaia. Muddy Terrace Gold-mininy Company (Limited) (C. C. Rawlins, superintendent; J. Moffat, minemanager). —This company's operations are on an extensive scale. The lower ground on the flat is elevated, two elevating plants being installed, while the higher levels or terraces are ground-sluiced,

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depository being found for the tailings in the worked-out portions of the flat. The treatment of 17 acres of ground varying in depth from 6 ft. to 60 ft. constituted the year's work. Tho average value per cubic yard was l - 88 to 3-5 grains. Twenty-five men were emj>loyed. During the first two months (if the year the mine was totally idle for want of water ; quarter-time was worked in the next four months, and for the remaining part of the year the mine was in full running. 174 full days' water (including Sundays) was obtained. Arqyle Sluicing Company (J. Bradbury, mine-manager).—This claim is worked very steadily, with varying success. Ground shallow. Winding Creek Claim (Round Hill Mining Company, owners: J. Shanks, mine-manager). —The drought, unprecedented for the last three or four years, hampered this company's work to a great extent in tho early months of the year. The depth of ground worked from surface to bed-rock is about 220 ft. The first 140 ft. is ground-sluiced, leaving the balance to be elevated. About a quarter-acre of bottom was taken up. The auriferous wash runs in thickness from 5 ft. to 12 ft., but the best gold is found on the bed-rock. For the. past two or three years the water-supply has been too limited to allow stripping inn! elevating to be carried on together. Qow's Creek Sluicing Company (•). Allen, manager). —A good deal of prospecting-work has been done in the bed of the creek. As a result of this work, the company extended their water-race one mile, and purchased a complete new elevating plant. They are now engaged in opening out a paddock. NOKOMAI. Nolioitnu Hydraulic Sluicing Company (Limited) (G. Garrett, manager). The three claims held by this company were worked as regularly as the water-supply would permit. The depth of ground varies from 62 ft. to 75 ft. Available pressure from the se\ era! water-races, 217 lb. to 278 lb. per square inch. Forty-one men employed. Work conducted in a very efficient manner. The following information has been supplied by Inspector Green : — Round Hill. Round Hill Mining Company (Limited) (F. Hart, mine-manager). —Owing to the previous dry season and shortage of water, work in No. 1 paddock was suspended. About 16 acres have been worked in No. 1, and there is about six months' work left, after which the plant will be shifted on to the claim upstream. No. 2 paddock : Some 20 acres have been worked by hydraulic elevating, there being some twelve months' work left, after which the plant will be removed to the claim down-stream. (Both new claims have been tested by boring.) This paddock has one elevator working eighteen hours out of twenty-four. The average depth of the ground is 15 ft., and elevators are lifting 65 ft. to 70 ft. The auriferous wash occurs in seams, chiefly within 10 ft. of the bottom (diorite). In addition to the pipe-lines already in use (main line 64 chains of 27 in. and 26 in. pipes, and other lines of 120 chains), a new line of 50 chains of 18 in. 10-gauge pipes is being made at the workshops on the works. An average of thirty men usually employed. Magazine approved for storage of explosives. Ourawera Qold-mining Company (Limited) (J. Coullng, mine-manager).—Area of paddock, about I acres ; face, 60 ft. to 70 ft. ; and ground very rough, with boulder stones and buried timber. 574 ft. of new pipe-line laid. The water-driven aerial carriage stone-conveyer continues to do good work, and without it the claim would be unpayable. In common with other claims, the water-shortage is such that the paddock has scarcely been kept dry. Orepuki. A. M. Daivson's Claim. —Five men sluicing on the site of old Undaunted Gold-mining Company. Magazine approved for storage of explosives, which are used for breaking up the hard clay seams overlying auriferous wash. Fortune and Sons' Claim. Two men sluicing. Explosives carefully handled. Mowati ami White's Claim. —This claim having been worked up to the, road boundary, an adjoining property has been purchased, and future work will proceed in that direction. Explosives carefully handled. The smelting-works erected at Orepuki some two years ago are still idle, and the expert, Mr. Wild, has left the district. As a consequence, the black-sand claims taken up along the western beach are now mostly abandoned. Little or no work was ever done on them. DREDGING. This branch of mining has maintained the even tenor of its way, without anything in the shape of new developments of a sensational character having eventuated. The public companies interested in this business are gradually becoming fewer, and the dredges are passing into the hands of small private parties. The state of the Molyneux River during the season has been exceptionally favourable for this work, consequently the dredges in the gorge below Alexandra have had a fairly good run. The greatest drawback to dredging in this part appears to be the inadequacy of the machines employed to cope with the changes of circumstances so easily and frequently brought about, a very small rise in the river putting the majority out of reach, and a period of enforced idleness follows until conditions are more favourable. The most important development has undoubtedly taken place in the Waikaka Valley, where a revival is noticeable. No doubt this is the outcome of the success that has attended the efforts of Messrs. McGeorge in dealing with the deep lead long known to exist. The Waikaka United Gold-dredging Company have in course of construction a new and up-to-date machine, fitted with all the newest improve-

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ments, to be engaged in deep dredging. The principal dimensions of the dredge are : Length of pontoons, 120 ft. ; breadth over all, 30 ft, 6 in. : depth, 7 ft. ; width of well, 5 ft. 6 in. ; length of ladder, 89 ft. (c. to c.) ; height of poppet from deck to centre top tumbler, 24 ft. ; freeboard, 3 ft. 3 in. ; size of buckets, 7 ft. ; number of buckets, 45 ; horse-power of Marshall's compound condensing-engine, 25 ; total weight of ladder when in working-order, with buckets, belt, &c, 66 tons. This dredge will be capable of dredging to a depth of 55 ft. below water-level, and is well lighted by electricity. Messrs. McGeorge have been engaged boring to test deep ground in Peterson's Freehold, over which they hold an option, with n view to working the ground if prospects warrant. Boring prospecting hiis also been extensively carried on with the Keystone drill by the Golden Bed Dredging Companj at Ettrick, and some rich ground lias been located ; also at the upper end of the Island Block Flat. The new Golden Run dredge is being converted from water-power to a steam-power dredge,with a view to commencing to work this ground on a royalty basis agreement with the Island Block Company, who hold the mineral rights over the freehold. A dredge was placed on the Dome Creek, Waikaia, during the year, but after a short run closed down. The Mystery Flat dredge, floated by race-water, lias, by a system of locking, successfully dredged up the slope of the rising reef, elevating itself to a height of fully 35 ft. The very determined efforts to raise the sunken Rise and fthine dredge No. lat Lowburu have failed. The company are now considering a proposal to place another dredge on the claim. Probably the most noteworthy incident of the year was a return from the Electric No. 1 dredge, on the Kawarau River, of 326 oz. 18dwt. for I] 7 hours' work. Taking the industry as a whole, the regulations have been well complied with, and there has been no serious accident in actual dredge-work. During the year there were in active operation throughout Otago and Southland eighty-three dredges, affording direct employment to 640 men. MINERALS OTHER THAN GOLD. SCHEELITE. The production of scheelite for the year amounts to 85 tons, valued at £8,034. Glenorchy and Macrae's districts are the main sources of supply. Copper. Some little attention has been paid to the lode occurring at the head of Wet Jacket Arm, Dusky Sound, but no work has been done. Antimony. The Antimony Mining Company's mine at Alexandra South was kept unwatered until August, 1911, when pumping was discontinued, and the water permitted to rise. Since then the company have realized on the property. Limestone. 51,100 tons of stone was produced from the Milburn Lime and Cement Company's lime-works at Milburn and Dunback. Marl. This is chiefly obtained from Burnside, near Dunedin, and the quantity produced during the year was 6,600 tons. Phosphate. The Ewing Phosphate Company treated 10,000 tons of this mineral during the year. ACCIDENTS. Hydraulic and Alluvial Mines. Fatal. 17th April, 1911 : Joseph Bates and Francis George Smith, miners, accidently drowned in Round Hill Mining Company's claim at Round Hill, through Bates's foot being caught in suction-pipe at elevator. Non-fatal. 9th March, 1911 : Martin Trainor had his leg broken by a rolling stone striking him while walking down the face at the Arrow Falls Sluicing Company's claim at Arrowtown. Gold-dredges. Fatal. 10th January, 1911 : Diver Tood, engaged by the Rise and Shine Gold-dredging Company to examine the sunken Rise and Shine dredge at Lowburn, lost his life while making an examination of the pontoons. The Coroner's jury brought in a verdict of " Death from natural causes (heartfailure)." GOLD-MINERS' RELIEF FUND. Since the commencement of this benefit, the amount of £120 3s. 2d. has been recommended for payment as relief to miners and dredgemen who have met with accidents. I have, &c, Thomas Thomson, Inspector of Mines.

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ANNEXURE B. REPORTS OF WARDENS. Mr. Warden Frazer, Whangarei, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Blß,— The Warden's Office, Whangarei, 22nd May, 1912. I have the honour to present my annual report on the Puhipuhi Mining District for the year ended the 31st December, 1911. There has been increased activity in the mining industry in this district. Twenty-nine miners' rights were issued, as against twenty for 1910, while nineteen ordinary prospecting licenses were issued, as against one ordinary prospecting license and one prospecting warrant during 1910. Three applications for special quartz claims were granted, as against none during 1910. The revenue from fees (exclusive of fees on the issue of miners' rights) increased from £1 14s. in 1910 to £10 3s. in 1911, and rents and royalties increased from £2 in the former year to £54 during 1911. In regard to coal-mining, however, there has been a fall in rents and royalties collected, the amounts being £324 16s. 6d. during 1910, as against £140 during 1911. During the past year some attention was given to cinnabar, and samples have been forwarded for analysis. Some activity prevailed a few years ago in this branch of mining, but owing to lack of funds the work then carried out was inconclusive. More thorough investigation is now being undertaken. I have, &c, F. V. Frazer, Warden.

Mr. Warden Frazer, Thames, to the Uxder-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— Warden's Office, Thames, 6th June, 1912. I have the honour to present my report on the Hauraki Mining District for the year ended 31st December, 1911. The result of the operations in the Hauraki district during the period under review shows an increase in the yield of gold in the Ohinemuii and Piako Counties, and a decrease in the yield in Coromandel County, Thames County and Borough, and Waihi Borough. There has been a decrease in the yield of the district as a whole, amounting to £183,220 13s. Id. in value, the figures being—for 1910, £1,324,456 Is. sd. ; and for 1911, £1,141,235 Bs. Id. Notwithstanding the above decline in gold-production, the position cannot be regarded as altogether unsatisfactory, for though the Waihi Company's mine alone shows a decrease of over £224,000, this amount has been set off to the extent of nearly £40,000 by the excess of increases over decreases in the yields of the other mines. The anticipation of a falling-off in the Waihi Company's yield, owing to the diminished richness of the famous Martha lode, has unfortunately been realized ; but the £40,000 net increase in the production of the other mines is a source of gratification. The most important development in the mining industry for the past year was the completion of the Waihi-Paeroa Gold-extraction Company's plant at Paeroa. The works are designed for the recovery and treatment of the coarse sands and tailings from the Ohinemuri River, and are most complete and modern in construction. They should add considerably to the output of the district. In the Thames subdistrict the chief interest centres upon the deep-levels crosscut, which at the end of the year had progressed 1,241 ft., with a further 350 ft. on the Saxon Company's subsidiary crosscut. The completion of the crosscut will enable important work to be done in developing the lower levels of the field, and sanguine hopes are entertained of the results that will follow. As I have only recently assumed the temporary charge of the district, I cannot furnish more than a general report, but from what I have been able to gather from a perusal of statistics and other documents at my disposal, and from my own observations made when visiting the different parts of the district, I am satisfied that the results of the year 1911, though not so succcessful as those of past years, afford justification for encouragement and hope for the future. Steady development is progressing, and interest in the field is well maintained. I have, &c, F. V. Frazer, Warden.

Mr. Warden Evans, Nelson, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir — Warden's Office, Nelson, 10th May, 1912. I have the honour to report on the mining industry in the Nelson portion of the Earamea Mining District for the year ended the 31st December, 1911. Nelson. The only business transacted in the Warden's Court has been the granting of prospecting licenses in or about Wangapeka. Some of these are renewals of grants made last year. The total number granted during the year is eleven.

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Prospecting has been carried on on these holdings, but none of the licenses have been converted into claims. MOTUEKA AND TaKAKA. In Motueka Court several prospecting licenses have been granted over lands in and about Mount Arthur. Prospecting-work is being carried on. but no permanent claims have been taken up. There is nothing at all doing in Takaka. Colijngwood. In this Court the number of grants is small. The old-established claims in the district are carrying on apparently with payable results. The position of the Parapara Ironworks Company is tii■ last year. The company is carrying on preparatory works with a reduced number of men, but no satisfactory progress can be made until a large amount of capital is forthcoming. The Onekaka Iron Company (T. A. Turnbull and party) are moving in the direction of commencing operations. A mineral lease has been applied for over a large area, and next year shouM something done in the way of erecting plant to treat the iron-ore with which the district abounds. Generally, in the whole district more attention is being given to prospecting, but otherwise the industry is not very vigorous. I huve, &c, J. S. Evans. Warden.

Mr. Warden Florance, Blenheim, to the Under-Secretary. Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— Warden's Office, Blenheim, 2nd April, 1912. I have the honour to report that during the year ended the 31st December last the quartzmining in my district has not attained to much success, but work seems to be steadily proceeding, especially at Wakamarina Valley, where the claims hitherto held by Messrs. Humphries Bros, have now been amalgamated, and are being worked under the title of " The Dominion Consolidated Developing Company (Limited)," with a capital of £15,000, all shares in which are sold. This company is ;nining for gold and scheelite, and is reported as having realized £1,358 — i.e.. £1,133 worth of gold, and the balance in scheelite. Their total expenditure for the year amounted to £3,517, of which over £1,500 has been spent in development. This latter expenditure has resulted, it is stated, in the opening-up of a considerable ore reserve for treatment by a twenty-stamp mill, now being installed, having a capacity of about 1.200 tons per month. Mes.srs. Nelson and Mayo are. also constructing a considerable length of water-race foi sluicing at their claim in the same valley. These two companies are showing considerable enterprise in their endeavours to develop their property. A few other quart/, claims are held, and alluvial mining is being carried on. Messrs. Larkin and party installed hydraulic elevators at Enchanted Creek, and attempted to bottom some alluvial wash in the bed of the Wairau River, but without success. The average number of men employed at this place was four. The yield of gold was 5 oz., valued at £19 7s. 6d. ; and the expenditure £1,315. The Wairau Valley Gold-mining Company, at Top Valley, employed two men driving a prospecting-tumiel at the old Jubilee Mine in search of the reef at a lower level. A total distance of about 900 ft. was driven, but without success. Messrs. Bowman and party, Morayshire Claim, at Top Valley, with the aid of two men, sank a winze on an outcrop of a scheelite-bearing quartz lode about 3 ft. wide, and produced 2 tons of handpicked scheelite. This claim appears to be worthy of a little development-work to prove the extent of the lode. At Cullensville, Mahakipawa, £300 has been spent in bringing up a race. It is anticipated that £700 would need to be expended to enable Mr. Morton to drain the selection and get down on the gold. Coal. In the neighbourhood of Picton some prospecting for coal has been proceeding, but no returns have come in yet. William Lucena and party held a prospecting license granted on the 2nd November, 1911, in respect of 17 acres in this district. At Endeavour Inlet, Queen Charlotte Sound, where some twenty years ago a considerable thickness of antimonite was known to exist, no recent operations have been carried on for the purpose of reviving this industry, and the land had been thrown open for selection under section 190 of the Land Act, 1908. Generally, no serious accidents have been reported. I have, &c, R. Stone Florance, Warden.

Mr. Warden Rawson, Westport, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— Warden's Office, Westport, 25th March, 1912. 1 have the honour to report as follows upon the gold-mining industry in the Karamea Mining District for the twelve months ended the 31st December, 1911.

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Westport Subdistrict. Ten prospecting licenses, ten alluvial claims, one quartz claim, and one dredging claim were granted during the year. The Britannia Gold-mining Syndicate employed two men during the greater part of the year, and foui' men for the remainder, prospecting, with indifferent success. The Long Tunnel Sluicing Company has ceased operations. Millikin and party extended their operations, and continue to earn about £4 per man per week. The Westland Gold-mining Syndicate lias nearly completed the long tunnel (nearly two miles in length) which is lining constructed to cany away the tailings when work is commenced at the old Shamrock Claim. Some trouble was experienced in constructing the necessary ventilating-shafts, owing to the wet nature of the ground. A uovel method —a kind of combination of elevator and suctionpipe—was employed in this work. McNeight and party were not so successful as they anticipated, but are apparently now in good ground. The Carthage Gold-mining Company has commenced operations, and the initial " wash-up" justifies the belief that the company has secured a valuable property. Further developments are being awaited with much interest. If the results are such as are anticipated, I have no doubt a number of claims will be taken up in the neighbourhood. Mr. Powell, who has adopted a similar principle in connection with his own sluicing claim near Charleston, is-now engaged in installing the combined elevator and suction plant 1 have referred to above, modified to suit the different conditions existing on the company's claim. MURCHISON SUBDISTKICT. Owen. —A marked improvement in reefing matters was noticeable during the past year. Early in 1911 a Nelson mining company, the Mount Owen Rising Sun Mineral Company, took up a prospecting license on the eastern slopes of Mount Owen, at an elevation of 4,700 ft. above the sea. Samples taken from the outcrop, when subjected to analysis at the Dominion Laboratory, Wellington, nave excellent results. Subsequently rim syndicate sent 2 tons of ore to Sydney for treatment. The concentrates from this parcel gave a return of £12 12s. sd. per ton. A Sydney firm of mining speculators, it is stated. at once offered the holders of the property £15,000 in cash and "26.000 paid-up shares lor an out-and-out sale. The directors are considering the offer, but the majority are unwilling to sell at the. price. Several other mining privileges have been applied for during the past few months, and it is the general opinion here that mining developments on a large .scale will take place in the Owen district in the near future. Upper Matakitaki. The Mitakitaki Hydraulic Sluicing Company went to a big expense last pear in repairing and extending the old Mammoth Water-race, but the results of its mining operations were so discouraging that the directors deemed it advisable to shut down pending the decision of the Mines Department on an application for a loan of £5,000 to the company for the purpose of assisting ii to extend its water-race to some likely-looking gravels below O'Rourke's Hotel. RappaAannock. — This time last pear the Etappahannock region gave very fair promise of becoming an important mining centre, and a large number of mining privileges were taken up by persons interested in the mining industry. The results, however, have been very disappointing, and it seems that, although gold of an excellent quality exists in that part of the district, it is very unevenly distributed ; on the whole, the opinion of local miners is that the cost of obtaining the metal will far exceed the value of the gold won. Taylor's Creek. —This part of the district carried quite a number of miners in the early days, bul has been abandoned for many years. Last year Messrs. Wameford, Fairhall, and Rogers took up a 75-acre prospecting license in the locality, and, besides doing a good deal of surface-prospecting, drove a 60 ft. tunnel into the western side of the ridge between Taylor's Creek and the Matakitaki River. The results were very encouraging, a good deal of the wash carrying 1 dwt. to the yard ; and the hillside to a height of 200 ft. was also proved to be payable. The holders are now making arrangements for the construction of a pipe-line from the Eight-mile Lake for the purpose of working the ground by hydraulic sluicing. Pea Soup Creek. —A reef carrying, it is stated, about 4 dwt. to the ton was discovered in this part of the district last year by Mr. T. O'Brien, and he intends driving upon it, in order to satisfy himself that the reef lives down. Warwick. —A discovery which may lead to important developments was recently made by Mr. G. A. Swanson in this quarter. Besides containing, it is stated, between 3 dwt. and 4 dwt. of gold to the ton, with small quantities of silver, some of the samples sent by Mr. Swanson to Invercargill yielded 69 per cent, of copper. The discoverer is now driving on a lode 21 ft. in thickness, and is very hopeful of success. Warwick Junction. —A race about ten miles in length is now in course of being constructed by the Thomson Maruia Hydraulic Sluicing Company, for the purpose of commanding the auriferous terraces on the east side of the Maruia River opposite the ground held by the Walker Maruia Mining Company. About a mile and a half of the race has been completed, and it is anticipated that sluicing operations will be in full swing well before Christmas. Seddonville. —Very little mining is being carried on in this district, but there ate indications of increasing activity. The proprietors of the Red Queen property have temporarily suspended operations until they have proved the property owned by the Carthage Gold-mining Company, in which they are largely interested, when they propose to vigorously prospect the first-named.

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A company has been formed with a view to prospecting the Lady Agnes reef. Work is to be commenced shortly. Karamea. —Mining is practically at a standstill in this district. A prospecting party is at work up Fenian Creek. Charleston. —The beachcombers on the Rahui Beach have been working fairly steadily, but they complain that the beach is getting poorer every year. Norris and Butterworth are reported to be doing well. A claim at Brighton was taken up by J. Watson, but the results are not yet to hand. Four prospecting licenses to prospect for mica were taken out. A Christchurch company holds two of the areas, which are being prospected by Mr. Dennehy, who has discovered some very rich seams. Two tons of the mica has been sent to England, with a view of testing the market. Lyell. —A slight improvement in the number of mining applications was noticeable. The New Alpine Syndicate, at Lyell Creek, with eight men, has been prospecting the various levels during the past year, and has lately struck a payable reef between levels Nos. 6 and 7. A few crushings have been taken out and pul through, with good results. The Victory Gold-mining and Development Company (Limited), a Christchurch company, is still prospecting the old Victory Mine and the adjoining country thereabouts, but, so far, has met with little success. The Crown, an old abandoned mine situated about a mile from the Lyell Township, has been taken u|> liv Wellington investors, who paid £50 for the old battery. Two men have been employed during the past six months driving on the lower level, but have nothing yet to report. A few parties have been out prospecting, but also have nothing to report. Two dredges (Old Diggings Dredge and the Buller .function), belonging to Hansen and Smeaton's dredging syndicate respectively, have been working steadily during the past year, with fairly good results. I have, &c, E. Rawson, Warden.

Mr. Warden Hewitt, Hokitika. n> the Qnder-Secretary, .Mines Department, Wellington. Sir, Warden's Office, Hokitika, 30th March, 1912. I have the honour to present my report on the mining industry in the Westland District for the year ended the 31 st December. 1911. Hokitika Subdistrtct. AUuvial Mining. Operations have been carried on steadily throughout the year in the Back Creek Terrace, Seddon's Terrace, Governor's Terrace, and Arch Creek districts, the miners engaged, in most cases, making good wages. At Commissioner's and Tucker Flats a fair quantity of gold has been won. Some difficulty has, however, been experienced in getting to the bottom of the wash in one of the claims. Steps have been taken to overcome this difficulty, and I anticipate a steady return from these localities for years to come. In the Mahinapua district a considerable area has been worked by means of a " blow-up." This method is adopted at Mahinapua only at the present time, but as time goes on I expect to see it introduced to work the sea-beach in several parts of the district, and it should prove the means of getting the fine gold which is known to exist in our beaches in fair quantities. The general outlook in connection with alluvial mining is perhaps more full of promise now than it lias been for a number of years past. The result of prospecting operations in the Kanieri district during the closing months of the year by means of a Government Keystone drill prove very encouraging. The locality is commanded by a water-supply sufficient to enable the working of the ground on a considerable scale, and, as it is possible to bring the water into the field without the expenditure of a large amount of capital, active mining operations should be proceeding there at no distant date. Much has been said from time to time with reference to the extensive rimu flats and Han Hau ; but nothing has been done on the ground since my last annual report beyond further prospecting in several places, the result of which is such as to lead me to hope that capital will be forthcoming with which to bring in a water-supply commanding the country. Dredging. Dredging operations are now confined entirely to the Success Gold-dredging Company (Limited) at Hau Hau, from which fair returns have been obtained. Quartz-mining. A considerable amount of development-work has been done at the quartz-mines at Wilberforce, in which district further prospecting is being carried on. ROSS SUBDISTRICT. There is little to report from this subdistrict. The quartz-mine at Donnelly's Creek closed down during the year. Prospecting operations were carried on in Jones's Creek, but met with little success. Driving operations for a reef in Redman's Gully were commenced.

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A considerable amount of work was done on a drainage-tunnel by Luckie and party, which had to in- abandoned owing to lack of sufficient capital to complete it. A dredging claim held by Robertson and party was prospected by means of a Government Keystone drill, but apparently proved too poor to warrant providing a dredger to work the ground. A number of small claims have been taken up at Squatter's Creek, but little work has been done there except perhaps by Denia and Richards, who are reported to have "been handling good wash. Trent and Eves have worked steadily at the development of their claim at Donnelly's Creek, but have experienced considerable difficulty in driving a drainage-tunnel, which they have been compelled to abandon on account of the nature of the country met with in their driving operations. Other means of draining this claim are to be adopted, and the success of any scheme brought forward is hoped for, as there is a considerable area of ground in the vicinity of the claim which will doubtless be worked if the drainage difficulty is overcome. The Ross Goldfields (Limited) completed the unwatering of their mine in the opening months of the year, and carried on mining operations for a short period. These were, however, brought to a close by a mishap to the company s power-line, which culminated in the flooding of the mine. The company subsequently went into liquidation, but has since been reconstructed. Additional plant [a to !»• obtained, and mining operations recommenced as soon as this is erected. Okarito Subdistrict. Mining operation in this district are practically at a standstill. There are several individual miners working at different places along the beach, who appear to be making little more than a bare living. At Omeroa some work has been done, but whether profitable or otherwise 1 have no knowledge. Prospecting operations have been carried on at the Haast, but the result of these is not known. Stafford and Goldsborough Subdistrict. Mining has proceeded steadily in this district, the value of the gold won being at least equal to the return for the year 1910. A new claim at Goldsborough was opened by Messrs. Carmine and party upon the completion of the construction of a costly tunnel tail-race early in the year, the actual mining operations having produced satisfactory results. Two claims have been succesfully worked ai Middle Branch Flat. The deviation of the main Hokitika Kumara Road, which passes through the middle of this flat, was commenced during the year. the deviation being taken over worked ground. This will render the ground occupied by the original road available for mining : and as the claims lying along each side of the road formerly provided good returns, the miners who secure the ground thrown open m consequence of the deviation are assured of profitable employment in mining it. Mining has proceeded steadily at all claims ;it Callaghan's with the exception of that of Manzoni; where the construction of an extensive tunnel has rendered the suspension of mining operations necessary. Mining has proceeded at Tunnel Ten-ace and German Gully so far as the limited water-supply available would permit. The claims in this f:«l<l draw their water-supply from the Government water-race ; but the quantity of water available is not sufficient to enable all the claims to be vigorously and continuously worked. The Wheel of Fortune Company has proceeded with the mining of its claim at Kelly's Terrace. Operations in this locality by Sullivan and party have been suspended for the present. The Stafford dredger has been working throughout the year, but I have no knowledge as to the results. KI'MAKA SUBDISTBICT. Alluvial Mining. Tin; Kuniam Long Tunnel Company carried on sluicing operations during the firsi nine months of the year, when, as a result of a break in the Xo. .'i channel, mining operations were suspended, and the men were engaged in effecting the repairs to that channel. McGrath and parly sluiced for the first six months of the year, when attention had to be given to the timbering of No. i channel, through which the company will proceed to sluice, in consequence of their having ran out of fall with their original tail-race. The party has also completed the tunnel tail-race at the head of Larrikin's, and will be actively mining again by the end of March, 1912. The party has a huge claim, and provides work for a%iumber of miners. The result of Garner and party's operations during the year is not known. Mining has been carried on since May. At Westbrook and Quinn's Terrace eight new claims have been taken up. and some of the existing claims in the locality are being worked, others being held pending the completion of the extension of the Government water-race across the Taramakau River. Some twenty-six miners have been profitably employed at Cape Terrace and Westbrook, where mining is still proceeding. Dredginr/. Dredging operations have been confined to Greenstone Creek, where little work has been done, owing to the extensive repairs to the one remaining dredger. The Keystone drill has been used for prospecting both in Greenstone Creek and Taramakau River with the object of employing some new dredgers.

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Prospecting. A considerable amount of prospecting has been done during the year in the beds of the Taraniakau River and Greenstone Creek, and also in the vicinity of Griffin's Range and the Rough Wainihininihi. At the latter places two mineral prospecting warrants over areas containing in the aggregate 4,000 acres have been granted for the term of five years. These areas are to be prospected for greenstone and other nephritic rocks. [ have, &c, J. George L. Hewitt, Warden. Mr. Warden BARTHOLOMEW, Dunedin, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— Warden's Office, Dunedin, 30th March, 1912. I have the honour to present my report for the year ended the 31st December, 1911, on the mining district under my charge. Lawrence. Waipori, and Waitahuna. In the Warden's Court at Lawrence the following business was transacted : Miners' rights issued, 260 ; applications received, 84 ; registrations, 61. Twelve new claims were granted, nearly all to existing holders, who surrendered their old titles to take up unworked and adjoining ground. At Waipori there was some friction between the local miners and the Dunedin City Corporation over the latter's applications for additional storage-dams for their electrical-power works at Waipori Falls. The Corporation withdrew two of the applications objected to, and obtained rights to three additional dams in positions where the mining industry would not be interfered with. Nothing of note has occurred in the development of mining during the year. The increased supply of water during the latter half of the year, consequent on the wet season, has enabled sluicing operations to be carried on more advantageously and profitably than for several years past. Roxburgh. No new discoveries have been made in this portion of my district during the past year. The hydraulic-sluicing companies have taken advantage of the increased water-supply, and may be said to have had a prosperous year. There are about twelve dredges carrying on operations in the river between Shingle Creek and the Island Block, and while no phenomenal returns have been reported, the favourable condition of the river has enabled them to put in more than the average working-time, with consequent payable results. During the past year a considerable number of small areas have been taken up under the occupation-lease system for fruitgrowing purposes, and probably the attention of the rising generation and others having been attracted to this important and profitable industry has prevented the outlying portion of this district obtaining the amount of prospecting its auriferous nature warrants. Hence the absence of new discoveries. The following details represent the business transacted in the Warden's Court: Rents and royalites, £503 Is. 3d. ; fees and fines, £25 9s. ; ordinary applications, 90 ; general registrations, 95 ; waterrace licenses, 14 ; and miners' rights, 142. ' have, &c, J. R. Bartholomew, Warden.

Mr. Warden Haselden, Naseby, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir, — Warden's Office, Naseby, 22nd January, 1912. I have the honour to present my annual report on the mining district under my charge for the year ended the 31st December, 1911. During 1911 there has been little advance made in the gold-mining industry, but the standard of recent years has, on the whole, been maintained. At Macrae's Plat there has been fresh enterprise, especially in scheelite or tungsten mining, and if the hopes entertained at present are realized satisfactory results will be obtained. The property formerly owned by Messrs. Donaldson Bros, has been acquired by a registered company, and both gold-bearing quartz and scheelite are being obtained. Gold-mining in quartz, alluvial, and dredging has kept up fairly well throughout the districts,, the demand for water being a gauge of activity. During the early part of the year water was very scarce, but has been more plentiful of late. A change is gradually taking place throughout the districts, and agriculture, sheep-farming, and fruitgrowing are making progress, but are retarded by want of water, and by a plethora of rabbits. Notwithstanding the efforts of Inspectors, the rabbit nuisance is a very formidable enemy to the settlers. The question of granting irrigation rights is a very serious one, and requires attention. It is plain that if the water available over a large area is granted to the occupier of a small holding, the larger area will remain a desert. The area in my districts is so large that it is impossible for me to personally obtain any thorough knowledge of the different localities, and I have to depend somewhat on information acquired from the Mining Registrars and the police officers attached to the Courts ; when reporting on applications to purchase land, where practicable I have inspected the area myself, but this has not always been possible. I have, &c, W. R. Haselden, Warden.

\li-. Warden Young. Queenstown. to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— The Warden's Office, Queenstown, 30th March, 1912. I have the honour to present my report for the year ended the 31st December, 1911. on that portion of the Otago Mining District under my charge.

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Drepotng. The number of dredges continues year by year to decrease. Twenty-six were at work, being five less than in the previous year. Three in the Waikaia Valley and the remaining two in the Waimumu ceased operations. Good returns were obtained from the fourteen at work in the WaikakaVVfllley ; the deep-level dredging having been very successful, future prospects of tin's field are assured. Alluvial Mining. Alluvial mining remains in much the same condition as last year. Scarcity of water during the greater part of the year hampered operations, and retarded new ventures. Development-work was actively carried on in and about the Waikaia Valley, the Shotover and Arrow Rivers. Copious rains during the last quarter enabled most of the claims to be worked to the full capacity, causing increased interest to be taken in these fields. Quartz-mining. Prospecting operations were carried on in connection with the reefs at Macetown and Skippers, but nothing worthy of note was disclosed. SCHEELITE. A good deal of attention continues to be directed to the scheelite-bearing lodes on the ranges at the head of Lake Wakatipu. and several prospecting parties were at work. Nine licenses were granted over new ground. The Glenorchy Scheelite Syndicate continues to be the principal producer, and paid royalty on 643 tons of ore from the lode. I have, &c,

H. A. Young. Warden. Mr. Warden CruICKSHANK, Riverton, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department. Wellington. Sir, Warden's Office, Riverton. 18th April, 1912. 1 have the honour to present my report on the subdistricts under my charge for year ended the 31st December. 1911. Round Hill. The only miners' claims being worked here are those of the Round Hill Company and the Ourawera Company. The latter company has had a. disappointing year. Instead of being a dividend-payer as of yore, the company made a loss of £160 on the actual working. This is attributed to poor wash, want of water, and rough ground. The Round Hill Company have their No. I elevators working in ground which it is stated will take five years to work out. No. 2 elevator will shortly be shifted to a new position, which, it is stated, will permit five years' sluicing without its removal. The total amount of gold won during the year was about 1.800 oz., tin' value being £7,170 12s. Bd. The working-expenditure during the year was almost as much, being £6,913 10s. Ltd., so there was no dividend. The company are employing thirty-eight men. Both companies suffer from the irregular nature of the water-supply. Pahia. Messrs. Hueklebridge and party have just shifted their plant, and are now commencing work in ground that promises to be payable. Wyndham. Ln this district there is usually nothing to report, but this year there are signs of increasing activity. A syndicate has taken up two claims at Long Beach beyond Waikawa, and has brought in water at considerable expense. Sluicing operations are just beginning, seven men being employed. Between Fortrose and Waikawa the only mining is the work carried on in the claims of Messrs. Brunton and Bennett. Preservation. During the past year there has been more activity in mining than for some years past. The Tarawera Company, at great cost, erected a large smelting plant, but the initial trial was not a success, and the company has had to go into liquidation. The shareholders, however, are pluckilv arranging to give the venture another trial. The Morning Star has been working steadily all through the year. Several other small private parties are working with varying success. From what 1 hear from the various miners interested the district is one worthy of thorough prospecting, being rich in minerals of all kinds. The Sound is twenty-eight miles long, the country is precipitous and heavily wooded, and the climate is very wet and severe. 1 have, &c, (J. Cruickshank, Warden.

ANNEXURE C. REPORTS OF DIRECTORS OF SCHOOLS OF MINES. Professor James Park M.lnst.M.M., M.A.1.M.8., P.G.S., Director of the Otago University School of Mines, to the Dndbr-Secbetary, Mines Department, Wellington. BIK, Otago University, 17th April, 1912. I hay he honour to present my report on the work done at the Otago School of Mines during the year ended the 31s December, 1911. The mining school for the session of 1911 showed an attendance of twenty-nine students, of whom twelve were entered for the full associate courses, and four for the surveying course, the remaining twelve attending the classes in geology. At the annual examinations one failed in mathematics, one in senior surveying, and three in computations. As a result of the New Zealand University Examinations, James Allen Thomson, B.Sc, Oxford. A.0.5.M.. obtained the D.Sc. degree ; and William Andrew Alexander first-class honours in"physics and the Senior Scholarship in geology.

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Dr. A. Moncrief Finlayson, A.0.5.M., was awarded the forty-guinea premium of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, London, for his thesis on " The Secondary Enrichment of the Copper-ore of Rio Tinto. Spain.'' [n 1910 this prize was awarded to Alexander McLeod A.0.5.M., for a paper on " The Efficiency of Steam-condensation." Air. E. Fletcher Roberta and E. Gordon Wilson passed the examinations of the New Zealand Surveyors Board of Examiners, and obtained their diplomas as licensed surveyors. Hie former standing at the top of the list for the Dominion. The number of important appointments secured by old graduates exceeds that of any former year, and in Mil I. as in Hi 10. the demand for men who have just graduated is greater than the supply, which is mainly due to the small number of students annually entering the Mining School. At the present time thirty-seven old students are profitably employed in mining and engineering in New Zealand : of these, no less than fourteen hold official appointments in connection with the Mines and Geological Departments (if the State. Among the more important appointments obtained by old graduates during I'.H I are th following : —(1) G. W. Thomson. A.0.5.M., mill-superintendent, the Tends Kerning Mining Company, Cobalt, Ontario: (2) H. A. Farquharson, A.0.5.M., petrologist to Geological Survey of Western Australia; (3) Robert Lee, A.0.5.M., general manager, Kaitangata Collieries : (4) Percy (!. Morgan, M.A., A.0.5.M., Director of the Geological Survey of New Zealand ; (5) J. Allan Thomson. D.Sc, A.0.5.M., Paleeontolo gist, .New Zealand Geological Survey; (6) John Henderson. D.Sc. A.0.5.M., Mining Geologist, New Zealand Geological Survey; (7) John A. Bartrum, Assistant Geologist, New Zealand Geological Survey: (8) T. (). Bishop, A.0.8.M., Inspector of Mines, West Coast Inspection District. New Zealand : (i>) William Gibson, 8.E., A.0.8.M., Director. Karangahake School of Mines : (10) EL Lovell. Director, Ooromandel School of Mines: (II) John F. McPadden, Director. Reefton School of Alines; (12) Otto •Fried lander. A.0.5.M., sampler. Messrs. Bewick, Moreing, and Company, Kalgoorlie; (13) A. Gordon Macdonald. H.E.. A.0.5.M.. Govemmeni Inspector of Mines. Malay Settlement: (II) F. W. Thomas. A.0.5.M.. mine-surveyor, Abbontiahoon Mines. Gold Coast Colony: (15) E. D. E. Isaacson. A.0.5.M., assistant manager. Congo Mines. Upper Congo; (16) <>. Gore Adams. A.0.5.M., mining engineer to Compania btanifera El Acre, Bolivia: (17) A. Walker. A.0.5.M., assistant manager, Grand Junction Alines. Waihi : (18) Harold Hamilton, A.0.8.M., assistant geologist to Mawson Antarctic Expedition; (lit) Philip McDouall, R.K.. A.0.5.M., mine-surveyor, Wealth of Nations Aline. Reefton. Laboratory. During 191 J the number of samples forwarded by the public for examination and valuation by assay or analysis showed an increase over that of HMO. being as follow : Number of lots. [38 ; total number of samples, 273. The samples included quartz and quartz ores for the determination of gold and silver, scheelite for tungstic acid, coals, oils, shales, rock-phosphate, limestones, fireclays bullion, and various ores ol iron, copper, &c. The new machines for testing cement, iron, and wood in tension and compression were elected during the early part of 1911, and have already proved of immense value to the classes in mining, engineering, and applied mechanics. I have, iV-c.. I \mi:s I'ark. Director.

Air. A. H. V. Morgan, M.A.. Director of the Waihi School of Alines, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sfr. Waihi. 21st .May. Hi 12. I have the honour to present my annual report upon the work done at the W.iihi School of Alines during 19] I. The average attendance of students during the year was seventy, with an average class attendance of 135. These numbers, while still satisfactory, and far in excess of those of any other school of mines in the Dominion, show a slight falling-otT from the record attendances of the previous year. This is no doubt due. to some extent at least, to the less prosperous slate of the mining industry, and the unsettled feeling prevalent in the district. At the annual examinations conducted liy bhe Mines Department lasi December thirty-nine students presented themselves for the written papers, and eight for the practical tests, with the satisfactory result that sixteen first-class, fifteen second-class, and nineteen third-class certificates were obtained, and eight passes were recorded in the pr.fct ical examinations. In addition. Iwo students (S. Darby and X. Carless) qualified for the bullion-assayers' certificates issued by the Department of Trade and Customs. The gold medal presented by the president (Air. T. Gilmour) for the highest aggregate in any four subjects was ihis year won by E. Johnson. .Mr. .1. Livesey's medal for mining subjects was won by -I. R. Thomson. The gold medal presented by Mr. Al. F. Haszard lot surveying was won by H. Langdon. At the last examination for Government certificates, held m .March. H»ll. lour students <>l this school (11. Langdon, W. L. Dutton, 1.. Moore, and 11. A. De Lautour) gained certificates in the h'rstektss metal-mine managers , examination, and one (.1. R. Thomson) obtained ■~ partial pass. bul has since completed the examination and obtained the certificate. In the examination for batterysupcrintendents one student (T. T. Andrews) was successful, and two (.1. G. Goosman and C. Kingston!) obtained partial passes. The latter has since completed his examination. At the 1912 examinations W. K. Brown passed the examination for battery-superintendents. Altogether thirtythree students of this school have obtained certificates as first-class metal-mine managers, two a.- first - class coal-mine managers, forty-three as battery-superintendents, and twenty-one as assayers of bullion under the Customs Department. Electrical Engineering Classes. —This department continues to lie well patronized on account of its increasing importance in mining and metallurgical practice, and the consequent necessity of all

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engaging therein becoming more or less acquainted with the subject. Under Mr. Ellis'? continued able supervision this department continues its good work. The further additions to the machinery anticipated last year were duly received and installed during the year, with the result that this branch of the school is well equipped with apparatus for practical demonstration and use. During the year, as the result of suggestions made at the annual meeting on the matter of arranging a system of examinations be more suitable Council considered the matter carefully, and agreed to certain recommendations, which were duly forwarded to the Minister of Mines. The chief recommendations were that the annual examinations in December might be made to serve for the mine-managers' and battery-superintendents' certificates also, thus avoiding two setsjof examinations, and that students might be allowed to take their examinations for the certificates in stages. The matter i.s in abeyance in the hands of the Mines Department, pending an intended conference of the latter with the Directors of the schools of mines. I have to acknowledge with thanks receipt of a number of specimens for the museum from various gentlemen, including a valuable piece of pitch-blende from Mr. R. E. Williams, and a beautiful specimen of Coromandel gold donated by Mr. Frank Shepherd. Thanks are also due to Messrs. Thomas Gilmour, Haszard, and Livesey for their gifts of handsome gold medals, and to the proprietor of the Australian Mining Standard for donating prizes for mining and metallurgy. 1 desire also to take this opportunity of recording my appreciation of the ability and enthusiasm displayed by the members of the staff, and the co-operation and assistance of the Council and secretary. I have, &c, A. H. V. Morgan, Director.

Mr. W. H. Baker, B.Sc, Director of the Thames School of Mines, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— Thames, 19th March, 1912. 1 have the honour to present my report on the work done at the Thames School'of Mines during the year 1911. Attendance. —As mining prospects did not materially improve during the year, so the school attendance remained practically the same as during the previous year. The average number of individual students was 89, of whom 38 were registered students, 38 elementary science students, and 12 members of the teachers' science class. Examinations. —Sixteen registered students presented themselves for examination, and obtained six first-class, ten second-class, and six third-class certificates. Twelve students in the elementary science class were also examined, and obtained one second- and two third-class certificates. The practical examinations in assaying were this year very disappointing, as only two students succeeded in obtaining passes. The President's medal, awarded by the Hon. James McGowan, was won by W. H. J. Cropp, who sat for examination in nine subjects, with the average result of 62-5 marks. Mr. E. F. Adams's prize for metallurgy wax won by L. Stevenson, who obtained the highest number of marks in this subject throughout the Dominion. In the elementary science class, J. Lyes was awarded the Council's prize, and five others obtained prizes for attendance. Battery and Experimental Plant. —Various improvements, including the renewal of an elevator and the addition of a slimes-sump, were made to the plant, and everything now works satisfactorily. Five parcels of ore were treated, and satisfactory tests carried out. In one parcel from Te Aroha silver telluride was proved to exist abundantly, aud the plant gave very valuable data for the future treatment of so refractory an ore. Assay plant: During the year 228 assays were made for the public from all parts of the Dominion. Museum. —Many valuable additions have been made to the mineral collection during the year, including typical samples of the Bonanza ore-shoot of the Talisman, nodular quartz from the Watchman, and Westralian specimens from Mr. McLean. The thanks of the school are tendered to the donors of these and other specimens to the museum. Library. —The library has been further extended by books supplied by the Mines Department. The lending library instituted by the Department is very much appreciated by the students and staff. In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation of the work done by the staff, and my thanks for the interest and support of the Council in furthering the interests of the school. I have, &c, W. H. Baker, B.Sc., Director.

Mr. H. Lovell. Director of the Coromandel School of Mines, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— Coromandel, 23rd April, 1912. I have the honour to report as follows on the work of the Coromandel School of Mines for the year 1911. The average number of individual students in attendance for the year was eleven, with a classattendance of thirty-five. Instruction was given in the following subjects : Mathematics, chemistry, assaying, geology, mining subjects, surveying, mechanical drawing, and electricity. During the year 100 assays, consisting mostly of ores for their gold and silver contents, were made for the public. Four students presented themselves at the annual school of mines examination, aud obtained the satisfactory average of 48-5 per cent, of marks in the eleven subjects in which they sat. I have, &c, H. Lovell, Director.

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Mr. W. Gibson, 8.E.. Director of the Karangahake School of Mines, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,- Karangahake, sth March, 1912. I have the honour to present my report upon the work of the Karangahake School of Mines for the year ended the 31st December, 1911. The attendance at the main school showed the number of students to be as follows : First term, 31 ; second term, 29 ; third term, 26. The class-attendance was 53 for eight classes, 59 for nine classes, and 51 for nine classes in the successive terms. This shows an average of nearly two classes per student. The attendance of students, with one or two exceptions, was very regular. The regular students showed up most prominently in the annual examinations. Annual Examinations. —The students of this school did very satisfactory work, as is shown by the certificates gained, which are sixteen first-class, six second-class, and four third-class. The school topped the list in senior practical chemistry, junior dry assaying, senior wet assaying, junior wet assaying, surveying, junior mathematics, and drawing. In the practical examinations the results obtained were: three passed in bullion assaying, one in senior dry assaying, one in junior dry assaying, one in senior wet assaying. Two students, Messrs. G. Hyde and F. Small, are entitled to receive H.M. Customs certificates for bullion assaying. The Presidents (Mr. K. M. Barrance) prize was won by Mr. G. Hyde, with the highest aggregate in three classes, and the Council's two prizes for the highest aggregate in two classes were won by Messrs. John Shore and A. McLean. The total number of gold and silver assays put through during the year was 127, of which four were done free of charge for prospectors. In conclusion, I have to thank the members of the Council for their unremitting interest in the school's welfare, and their efforts to make it attractive to students. I have also to thank Messrs. B. C. Hurdsfield, A.M.8., Assistant Director, and H. C. Tempest, electrical instructor, for the zeal and ability they have displayed in their work. I have, &c, W. Gibson, Director.

Mr. W. F. Worley, Director of the Nelson School of Mines, to the Under-Secrbtary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— Nelson, 15th March, 1912. I have the honour to present my report on the Nelson School of Mines for the year ended the 81st December, 1911. Blowpipe Analysis Class. —Fourteen boys joined this class in the beginning of the year. The class met thirty-six times, and the average attendance was II"). Most of the boys were quite new to the work, but made good progress, as a result of good attendance and a keen interest in the work. An examination for proficiency in elementary blowpipe analysis was held in December. No boy is allowed to sit for this examination unless he has had a two years' course of training. Edward Blechynden was able to satisfy this condition, and passed the examination with credit. Assaying. —During the year fifteen assays were made for prospectors and the public. This number, though small, is considerably higher than for the previous fear, and is indicative of more interest in prospecting. Popular Lectures. —Seven of these were given during the winter months—three in Nelson City, one at Spring Grove, one at Wakefield, one at Wai-iti, and one at Lower Moutere. The subjects were earthquakes, volcanoes, and the mining industry of New Zealand. The latter was repeated five times, and was well received on each occasion. As in previous years, bare travelling-expenses ' was the only charge made for these lectures. Geology. —A paper on the Flax Moor, Kaka Ridge, dealing with the igneous rocks of Brook Street, was published in the May issue of the " Nelsonian." A ropy of this paper is enclosed with this report. 1 have, &c, W. F. Worley, Director.

Mr. J. F. McPadden, Director of the Reefton School of Mines, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,- Reefton, 29th April, 1912. I have the honour to present my report on t!he work of the Reefton School of Mines for the year ended the 31st December, 1911. Attendance. —The average number of students during 1911 was 33, with a class attendance of 61. Examinations. —Ten students sat for the annual Government examinations held in December, and obtained five first-class, six second-class, and four third-class passes. At the examination for Government certificates held in March last, five students sat —four for battery-superintendents' certificates, and one for first-class mine-manager's certificate. Waiuta School. —ln August last classes were commenced at Waiuta, instruction being given every Friday afternoon and evening. The attendance at this school averaged fourteen during 1912. Assays. —During the year 260 assays were made, forty-five of which were made free of charge to prospectors. Library. —Books to the value of £10 were added during the year. General. —Thanks to the efforts of an energetic Council and Secretary, the sum of £51 was raised locally. This amount is being spent in purchase of books and general repairs to the school. I have to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of various minerals from Messrs. F. Shepard (Coromandel), T. 0. Bishop, A. Sutherland, P. Callan, and G. Gofton. I have, &c, .1. F. McPadden, Director.

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ANNEXURE D.

REPORTS OF WATER-RACE MANAGERS. Mi. James Roohford, Manager of the Waimea-Kumara Water-races, to the Under-Secretary. Mines Department, Wellington. Sir. Kumara, 14th May. 1912. I have the honour to present my report mi the Waimea-Kumara Water-racee for the financial year ended the 31st March. 1912. Waimka Race. i The cash received for sales of water from this race for the year ended the 31st March. 1912. was €837 15s. 6d.. and tl spenditure for the same same period on gauging, maintenance, and repairs amounted to £599 Os. Bd.. showing a credii balance of £238 I Is. lOd. on the year's transactions. The average number of miners supplied with water from bhe race during the year was 32-16, an increase of 0-83 on the previous year: and the approximate quantity of gold obtained by them was 1.702 oz., having a value of £6,637 I (is. The sales of water for the year amounted to CS2'.i 2s. lid., or t25 ss. :i<i. less than the previous year. The cash received for sales of water was £9 I Is. 9d. less, and the expenditure on gauging, maintenance, and repairs was £10 12s. 7d. greater than during the previous year. A serious break occurred in one of the tunnels between Goldsborough and Stafford during the month of February, which materially reduced the revenue from the Stafford section of the race : but there is no indication of a faUing-off in the demand for water in this locality. The Waimea Hydraulic Sluicing Company worked steadily during the year in their claim on Scandinavian Hill, and I am pleased to say that the returns showed a decided improvement on the two previous years. This party deserve the highest praise for the strenuous efforts they have made in the face of adverse circumstances to thoroughly test and develop their property, and it is to be hoped that the satisfactory conditions now obtaining will continue for many years to come. Linklater and party worked their two claims during the year with highly satisfactory results, and purchased water to the value of £235 17s. lid., making the total value of water purchased by them since the siphon was constructed to Lower German Gully (about three years and a half ago) £770 2s. lOd. At Tunnel Terrace six parties bave been supplied with water from the race throughout the year, with satisfactory results, and I am satisfied that there will lie no faUing-off in the sales of water in this locality for some years to come. There was a good supply of water during the year. the. Waimea siphon being practically full all the time : but. notwithstanding this fact, the demand for water was considerably in excess of the supply. The water was off for rive days (hiring the year through breaks in the race. Authorized free water to the amount of £18 13s. 9d. was supplied from this race during the year. The following is a summary of the revenue and expenditure of the H ahnea Water-race for the year ended the 31st March. 1912 : Sales of water, £829 2s. lid.: cash received, £837 15s. 6d. ; expenditure, £599 os. Bd. : approximate value of gold obtained, £6.637 His. ; average number of miners employed. 32-Hi. Branch Race to Callaghan's and Middle Branch. The cash received from this race during the year ended the 31st .March. 1912. was £443 9s. lOd., and the expenditure, on gauging, maintenance, and repairs for the same period amounted to £485 11s. 2d., showing a debit balance of £42 Is. Id. on the year's transactions. The average number of miners supplied with water was 15*66, a decrease of one as compared with the previous year; and the approximate quantity of gold obtained was 1.191 oz.. having a total value of £4,644 18s. The sales of water amounted to £434 Is. Bd.. an increase of £81 12s. Id. on the previous year; and the cash received showed an increase of £84 os. 3d. The approximate quantity of gold obtained by the miners was 167 oz. greater than during the previous year, representing an increase in value of £651 6s. The expenditure on gauging, maintenance, and repairs was tls 6s. 2d. greater than the proceeding year, and the races have been well maintained, and are now in good order. Carmine and party sluiced steadily throughout £he year in their new claim above (xoldsborough with highly satisfactory results, and purchased water to the value of £129. There was only one party sluicing into the Waimea main tail-race during the year, but the deviation of the Hokitika Kumara Road on to the old workings at Middle Branch Flat, which is now about completed, will give an impetus to mining in this locality, by throwing open a fairly large, area of highly payable ground : and the demand for water from the Middle Branch race for the next two or three years will be considerably in excess of the available supply. At Callaghan's Plat, Elavil] and party worked their claim all the year. and. although the quantity 'of water purchased was small. I am given to understand that the returns for the year were fairly satis factory. The sluicing operations of this party are greatly retarded by the small quantity of water available from their high-level dams to break down tin: auriferous wash, which is so hard that the limited pressure from the Callaghan'e Water-race lias little or no effect upon it. Cook and Honey did a large amount of work in their claim during the year, and purchased water to the value of £151 3s. 9d. Although the returns [or the year were satisfactory, they did not altogether oome up to the high expectations of the party ; but this can be accounted for by the many difficulties met with, which are always contingent upon opening out deep ground with limited pressure. However, the claim is

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now in excellent working-order, and, judging by present indications, this party should in the next year or two be highly recompensed for the large amount of capital expended in developing their property. Owing to the want of fall in his original tail- face, Mr. Manzonidid uoi purchase water during the year : but contractors have been at work during the Inst fifteen months in driving a tunnel tail-race ai a lower level from Manukau Creek, to open up and thoroughly develop this valuable property. The, tail-race is about I.OOOft. in length, and for the first 500 ft. or 600 ft. passes through a conglomerate rock of marine formation, which is extremely hard and difficult to work. This greatly increased the cost of construction, and Mr. Manzoni is to be congratulated on carrying out to a successful issue such a big undertaking ; and it is to be hoped that he will be richly rewarded in the near future. The tailrace is now Dealing completion, and Mr. Manzoni will soon be ready to open out his claim, and the sales of water from the Callaghan's race should show a still greater increase during the ensuing rear. The following is a summary of the revenue and expenditure of the Callaghan's Water-race for the year ended the 81st March, I 111 2 : Sales of water, £434 Is. Bd. ; cash received. £443 9s. 10d. ; expenditure, £485 lls. 2d : approximate value of gold obtained, £4,644 18s. ; average number of men employed, 15-66. Kumara Race. The cash received for sales of water from tins race for the year ended the 31st March, 1912. was E93 ss. sd. ; and the expenditure on gauging, maintenance, and repairs was £433 18s.. showing a debit balance of £340 12s. 7d. on the year's transactions. The average number of miners supplied with water was ,H-I(i. an increase of 0-16 on the previous year ; and the approximate quantity of gold obtained by them was 339 oz., of the value of £1,322 2s. The sales of water for the year amounted to £153 17s. 3d., a decrease of £176 ss. 7d. on the previous year ; and the cash received shows a decrease of £258 2s. 6d. The approximate quantity of gold obtained was 302 oz. less than the previous year, representing a decrease in value of £1,177 16s. The expenditure on gauging, maintenance, and repairs was £70 14s. 6d. greater than during the previous year. This increased expenditure was caused by a break in the Kapitea Hill Race, and the No. 1 Kapitea Dam. and the construction of a new by-wash at the head of the Dillmanstown Kumara siphon. The break in the No. I Kapitea Dam was a very serious one, a large quantity of water broke through the top of the embankment, and came out in the creek under the timber foundation. The dam was running over at the time, and. although the gauge-bos was opened up to its full carryingcapacity, it took several hours before the water was reduced below the cavity in the embankment; and for some time it appeared impossible to save the structure. As soon as the water was sufficiently reduced, horses and drays were procured, and a large number of men were put on, and the repairs were carried out day and night. The embankment was dug out for over 60 ft. in length, and from 18 Et. to 20 ft. deep ; refilled with good material, puddled, and faced with stone paving. Had a flood occurred during the progress of the work flit; probability is that the whole structure would have carried away, and a new distributing-dam would have to be constructed to supply the miners on the north bank of the Taramakau River. The sales of water for the year from this race were the lowest ever recorded, or likely to be recorded for many years to come, and showed a falling-off of tl7(i ss. 7d. as compared with the previous year. This falling-off was entirely due to a break that took place in the No. 3 channel on the 28th October. 1911. which prevented the Long Tunnel Company from sluicing during the last five months of the year. and the value of water purchased by this parts was £19] (Is. Id. less than during the year ended the :51st March, 1911. Although the cash received was £60 I Is. |od. less than the sales of water for the year, the whole of this outstanding amount is recoverable. A large, amount of work was done in the Head-race Tunnel during the year, 180 sets of timber, and over 19,000 ft. of lining and lathing being placed in position. The work was difficult and expensive in places, owing to the bad nature of the ground, but repairs hud to be effected before the parties on the north bank of the Taramakau River could be supplied, and the tunnel is now capable of carrying 140 heads of water. Garner's and Murchie's were the only two private races supplied with water during the year. McGrath and Co. completed then tunnel tail-race to their Upper Larrikins claim in February. This tunnel was started about seven years ago ; it is 2.970 ft. in length, and cost about £3,000, and is the biggest work of its kind ever carried out in this district by one party. They are now ready to start sluicing, and have made an application for thirty heads of water for five hours daily. This will materially increase the sales of water from the Kumara Race, and it is to be hoped the venture will prove an unqualified success, and that McGrath and Co. will be well rewarded for their energy and enterprise. The most encouraging outlook, however, for the continued life of the Kumara field is afforded by the completion during the year of the 30 in. inverted siphon crossing the Taramakau Valley, and the construction of a storage dam and 130 chains of ditching on the ninth bank of the Taramakau River. This important scheme is capable of supplying the miners with at least fifty heads of water for twelve hours daily, and commands an extensive area, which has given most satisfactory prospects for profitable working for many years to come. Authorized free water to the amount of E4!l 10s. was supplied for opening up new claims. The usual quantity of flushing water authorized by the Department was supplied when the No. 3 channel was working, and to the Kumara Borough for fire-brigade and other purposes, free of charge. The following is a summary showing die revenue and expenditure of the Kumara Race for the financial year ended the :51st March. 1912 : Sales of water. £153 17s. 3d. : cash received. £93 ss. sd. : expenditure. £433 IHs. : approximate value of gold obtained, £1,322 25.: average number of men employed, 8-16.

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Waimea-Kumara Water-races. The following is a summary of the revenue and expenditure of these races for the financial year ended the 31st March, 1912 : Sales of water 11,117 is.lOd.; cash received, £1,374 10s. 9d.; expenditure, £1,518 9s. 10d. : approximate value of gold obtained. £12,604 16s.: average number of men employed, 56. It will be seen by the above summary that the value of the sales of water from the combined races for the year was £1,417 Is. 10d., as against £1,537 Is. Id. for the previous year, thus showing a decrease in the value of sales of water of £119 19s. 3d. The total expenditure on gauging, maintenance, and repairs was £1,518 9s. IOd., as against £1,421 16s. 7d. for the preceding year, an increase in the cost of maintenance and repairs of £96 13s. 3d. ; but it must be remembered that the expenditure for the year ended the 31st March, 191 1, was the lowest on record, and showed a decrease of £400 6s. 8d. aa compared with the year ended the 31st March, 1910. The cash received during the pear was £1,374 10s. 9d., as against £1,568 Is. fld. for the previous year, thus showing a decrease in revenue of £183 14s. Comparing the sales of water with the expenditure on management, maintenance, and repairs the combined races show a loss of £101 8s. Eor the year : but now that the Taramakau Valley Extension is completed, and McGrath and Co. have started sluicing operations, the revenue from the Kumara Water-race should steadily increase, and the combined races should show a substantial profit over working-expenses for a considerable number of pears. Wainihinihi Water-race. There was a good supply of water from this race, and, together with the Kawhaka supply, the Waimea siphon was kept practically full all the year. No breaks occured, and the race is now in excellent repair. 1 have, &c, Jakes Rochford, Manager of Water-races.

Mr. Robert Murray, Manager of the Central Otago Water-races, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sik, Naseby, 22nd April, 1912. 1 have the honour to present my report on the Mount Ida and Alexandra Races for the year ended the 31st March. 1912. Mount Ida Water-rack. The total sales of water from this race during the year amounted to £1,206 3s. 6d., an increase over those of last year of £387 8s. The expenditure on maintenance and repairs for the same period was £1,211 15s. 6d., a decrease on the previous year's expenditure of £134 10s. 6d. The total cash received was £1,206 3s. 6d. On account of payment in advance, free water to the value of £5 11s. Id. was supplied, and free water for washing up was also supplied, to the value of £100 4s. 3d. The total value of water supplied from this race during the year amounted to £1,311 18s. IOd.. an increase on that of the previous year of £421 4s. lid. The average number of minora supplied with water was thirty-four, a decrease of two on that of last year. The approximate quantity of gold obtained by the parties using water from this race was 1,584 oz., valued at £6,098 8s., an increase as compared with last year of £409. With the exception of the months of April, July, and August, the year has been a good one for water, severe cold weather with falls of snow having been experienced, giving a full supply for nine months of the year. On account of hard frost, the water had to be turned out of the race during the first week in July. On the 10th August, a slight thaw set in, when two heads were turned into the race to cut out the snow and ice, and on the 14th I was able to make a start with the cleaning. After reaching the 40th mile, I turned the water on to the whole of the miners on the 26th ; from thence to the 31st March there was a full supply. A small slip occured in Butcher Gully on the 7th September; obtaining plenty of assistance I had it repaired, and the water on again on the 9th. On the evening of the 6th March heavy rain set in, continuing for twenty-seven hours. This caused the heaviest flood over the whole length of the race during the last twenty years, filling up the whole of the race, creek, and crossings from the 40-mile with heavy boulders and rough rock and mountain shingle, and a considerable length of race was destroyed. The damage was very heavy. Prom the 40-mile inward towards Naseby very little damage was done, as the race is situated a considerable distance from the foot of the range. During the year several gauge-boxes were renewed, and small repairs were effected to the distributing races. Ai.kxanura Water-rack. The total sales of water from this race during 1911 amounted to £204 18s. 4d., the total cash received being £193 6s. 2d. The total expenditure upon this race during the same period was £446 0s. 6d. To enable the W'allis dredge at the Poolburn end of Ida Valley to tin- south to keep afloat anil work, water was bought from the Alexandra Race in January to the end of this pear. Messrs. R. Campbell and Sons, owners of the Galloway Station, in February purchased water for irrigation, both these customers being allowed a month's free water to start with, of a total value of £24 13s. Id. The total value of water supplied from this race during the year was £229 11s. 8d.. a decrease on that of last year of £150 17s. 4d. Owing to the wet and cold season the farmers, the principal consumers of water from this race, used but little compared with the quantity they in ordinary seasons would require. The permanent men on the race maintained the race in good order during the year. There were no sales of water from the Blackstone Hill Race. I have, &c, R. Murray, manager.

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ANNEXURE E.

MINING STATISTICS. Table 1. Statement showing the Revenue of the Goldfields collected in the several Districts of the Dominion of New Zealand for the Period from 1st January to 31st December, 1911.

10—C. 2.

District. Miners' Rights. Business I Licenses, Mac!line and \ Residence Sites. Water- , Gold-mining races, : Leases, Rents, Sluices, : and &c. Royalties. Registration. Fees and Fines, Wardens' Courts. Misoellaneous. i'.'tals. Auckland. £ s. d. loromandel .. 50 5 0 'e Aroha .. 25 5 0 •aeroa .. 102 15 0 ?h«mes .. 127 5 0 'uhipuhi 7 5 0 'auranga 15 0 Vaihi .. 101 5 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. 6G 5 0 601 17 4 23 10 0 138 i io: 0 15 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 370 18 11 5 5 0 3 19 0 8 15 6 505 8 5 334 14 6; 19 15 0 7 0 0 5 10 1,077 2 10 1,222 16 2 .. 60 9 0 148 11 3 1,672 13 3 976 12 1; 21 9 0 44 14 0 130 1 0 1,300 16 1 54 0 Oi .. 10 3 0 .. 71 8 0 10 0 2 11 0 1,467 16 6 27 12 0 40 10 0 265 2 11 2,574 13 7 i - ' i 672*7 2 '.'. Totals ..i 415 5 0 1, Totals ..i 415 5 0 1,538 11 41 ,538 11 4] 24 5 0 4,426 18 74 1 0 166 15 0 ; 558 17 8 i 7,204 13 2 Nelson. Wangapeka .. 8 10 0 Motueka .. 2 5 0 Collingwood and 12 10 0 Takaka Westport, Seddon-1 106 0 0 ville.and Granity Charleston .. 22 0 0 Ahaura .. 48 0 0 Reefton .. 110 10 0 Lyell and Mur- 14 0 0 ohison 8 10 0 87 0 0, 0 15 0 2 8 0 0 5 0 92 18 0 2 5 0 15 0 257 5 11: 2 10 0 50 14 0 4 13 0 331 2 11 86 12 6 .. 554 8 0 19 16 0 61 1 0 157 3 1 '135 (i in 0 10 0 20 5 6 .. 4 9 0 0 7 0 17 l 1 6 15 10 0 1 15 0 272 6 4 2 15 0 27 18 0 712 17 0 1,081 1 4 21 1 0 .. 919 8 0 9 14 0 54 15 0 306 19 I) 1,425 7 0 70 4 6 0 1 0 1 4 0 I 32 11 0 118 0 6 Totals 323 15 0 73 9 0: 3 10 0 2,180 18 3 35 11 0 ! 202 9 0 1,214 15 4 4,039 7 7 . 1 Marlborough. Havelock 1 15 0 Blenheim 12 0 0 Totals .. 13 15 0 0 1 °i —i — 23 7 6 121 10 9 — — 1 2 0 1 8 0 6 15 0 8 13 0 33 0 li 143 11 9 o i o; 144 18 3 2 10 0 15 8 0 176 12 3 Westland. Hokitika Greymouth .. Boss Stafford and Goldsborough Okarito Kumara 37 0 0 90 5 0 24 15 0 22 5 0 0 0 0 79 10 0 0 15 0 , 432 10 0 15 18 0 28 1 0 . 0 5 0 8,065 13 4 4 1 0 ! 24 13 0 363 11 3: 6 19 0 13 14 0 412 2 9; .. 18 9 0 17 - 0 531 6 0 51 10 2 8,236 7 6 88 is I) 442 17 3 153 16 9 t'o 0 1 11 Oi 6 10 0! 2 0 0 225 5 9 ; 1 4 0 3 9 0 6 5 0: 864 0 10 11 4 0 21 1 0 10 0 240 9 9 30 4 11 1,024 15 II Totals .. 259 15 0 9 1 0 9 5 0 jl0,363 3 11 39 6 0 39 G 0 109 7 0 139 15 1 10,929 13 0 109 7 0 | _ i Canterbury. Ashburton 0 15 0 -• \ 1)15 ll Otaqo and Southland.j Miildleiuarch Hindon Naseby Tapanui Black's I Alexandra Clyde Roxburgh. Anow own Cromwell Queenstowti Lawrence Orepuki Riverton Pembroke Waikaia Wyndham Gore 2 15 0 17 10 0 35 10 0 1 0 0 99 15 0 10 15 0 54 15 0 46 0 0 60 15 0 18 0 0 •21 0 0 3 5 0 4 5 0 3 0 0 9 0 0 0 15 Oj .. 28 3 0 j 0 5 0 54 9 6 0 6 01 .. ",05 1§ 10, 21 4 1 12 5 0 ! 1,614 18 6 3 8 0 .. 231 16 6 1 0 0 ; 0 10 0 598 8 6 113 0: .. 312 7 1. 8 2 6 2 5 0; 430 6 10; 34 13 11 171 17 9 0 8 0 . . . . 32 1 0 0 7 0 0 4 0 0 18 0 73 13 (i 43 1 0 , 584 15 10 10 0 17 11 0 57 12 0 0 110 1,823 16 7 4 0 0 5 0 0 .. 254 19 ti 56 15 0 26 2 0 737 10 6 6 0 0 9 9 0 110 376 10 1 4 4 0 16 10 0 28 16 1 556 19 5 0 16 0 1 .. 2 14 (I 56 3 11 2 7 0 .. 34 7 :i 229 12 0 0 9 0 1 12 0 .. 5 6 0 2 16 0 12 10 0 2 17 0 324 14 3 0 8 0 16 0 .. 16 16 0 0 7 0 12 0 1 1 0 i 127 10 1 39 13 0 102 0 0 141 8 4 5,201 8 8 8 ■ 0j 2 5 0 296 16 3 10 0 11 2 0 116 0 1 Totals 387 5 0 39 13 7 18 10 0 i 4,412 18 9 ' Grand totals . . 1,400 10 0 1,665 15 11 55 10 0 -21,528 17 4 188 11 0 | 643 1 0 2,070 4 5 1-27,552 9

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Table 2. Statement showing the Revenue of the Goldfields collected in the several Districts of the Dominion of New Zealand for the Period from 1st January to 31st March, 1912.

District. MinersRights. Business w t Licenses, ; " l Machineand 8 lt5oes Residence *„ Sites. <EC - Gold-mining Leases, Rents, Registraand tiou. Royalties. Fees and Fines, Wardens' Courts. Miscellaneous. j Totals. i Auckland. £ s. d. Coromandel .. 5 15 0 Thames .. 18 5 0 Te Aroha .. 5 10 0 Paeroa .. .. 13 0 0 Puhipuhi .. 0 10 0 Tauranga 0 10 0 Waihi .. 20 10 0 £ s. d. 5 15 0 18 5 0 5 10 0 13 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 0 20 10 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. 17 4 8| 10519 o: 62 7 0 £ s. d. , £ a. d. 178 1 11 1 17 0 268 17 3 4 6 0 8 13 2 10 £ s. d. 178 1 11 268 17 3 8 13 436 6 11 44 17 0 £ s. d. i 4 5 0 4 15 0 ; 4 15 0 £ s. d. 4 5 0 13 13 6 i 161.2 8 £ s. d. 211 8 7 309 16 9 126 6 8 673 6 7 46 17 0 0 10 0 778 0 3 436 6 11 : 44 17 0 i io o .. 129 19 61 537 17 9 i 5 2 0 537 17 9 4 0 0! 80 11 0 Totals 64 0 0 315 10 2, 1,474 2 1 1 19 5 0 i ! i 260 2 2 2,146 5 5 13 6 0 Nelson. Wangapeka 2 15 0 Collingwood and 1 10 0 Takaka Westport, Seddon- I 20 0 0 Tille, and Granity Charleston .. 5 15 0 Ahaura .. 13 15 0 Reef ton.. .. 15 15 0 Lyell and Mur- 0 5 0 ehison Motueka .. 0 5 0 010 00 5 0 121 1 1 ' 12 4 4 .. 265 1 3 2 13 9 9 12 6 1 0 0 211 6 11 | 8 0 0 .. 388 I) 5 2 10 11 ; o io o | 5 6 0 I 0 18 0 15 13 0 1 15 0 20 9 0 10 0 0 s _7 o : 33 8 ll 209 16 6 42 7 11 10 2 0 2 15 0 128 11 1 387 7 7 10 3 9 467 8 11 466 9 4 12 17 11 1 9 0 i 2 6 0! •' .. 5 0 0' 0 2 0 10 0 •• (i 7 n Totals .. 66 0 0 I . ■ i 60 6 10 15 0 995 14 4 ! ! 9 18 0 49 15 0 j j 299 6 5 1,482 0 7 Marlborough. Havelock Blenheim 3 10 0 14 1 9 41 16 0 ' 2 7 0 0 4 0 4 5 0 2 5 0 20 13 1) 47 15 0 i : i Totals 3 10 0 | Westland. Hokitika .. 12 10 0 I Greymouth .. 19 15 0 Ross .. .. 3 0 0; Stafford and Golds- 5 10 0: borough Kumara .. 10 0 0 Okarito .. .. 2 10 0 —I sb 17 ci ; 55 17 9 I ii 10 0 102 8 11 j 2,408 6 4 ! 157 16 0 0 5 0 .. 306 12 3 i 55 17 9 ■I < 3 5 onio 0 15 0 8 17 0 119 0 6 9 0 11 19 0 2 11 0 46 4 0 6 1 0 5 2 0 6 10 0 68 8 9 175 18 11 2,440 14 4 173 16 0 324 6 3 6 0 0 .. 65 8 3 0 5 0 16 16 5 ; 6 5 0J 0 15 0 3,057 3 2 ,16 0 3 2 0 0 3 0 12 0 2 (I 0 87 17 ■■: 20 16 5 Totals .. 53 5 0 0 5 Oj 0 18 0 j 39 10 0 ; 59 13 0 3,223 9 2 . | 1 1 j Canterbury. Ashburton I Otaoo and Southland. Hindon .. .. 6 0 0 Naseby .. .. 7 15 0 Roxburgh > Alexandra ,. ,, ,. „. , 10 15 0 Clyde .. Black's .. ) Arrowtown . . 2 8 0 Pembroke 10 0 Cromwell 11 10 0 Queenstowu .. 8 10 0 Lawrence 7 15 0 Waikaia i 5 0 Orepuki .. 3 5 0 Kiverton .. 5 15 0 Wyndham 0 15 0 Middlemarch 0 15 0 Gore .. 1 10 0 1 11 5 0 0 2 0 .. 169 18 2 0 2 01 0 2 0 5 12 0 17 7 0 183 7 2 7 2 0| 7 2 0! 3 15 0 j 516 6 1 4 15 0 4 10 0 547 3 1 0 1 01 .. 61 0 6 0 1 01 0 14 0 112 0 0 1 0 i 0 6 0 ! 10 18 6 i 2 19 0 2 9 0 0 15 0 3 3 0 1 16 0 3 4 0 0 10 9 11 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 65 12 6 1 7 0 276 3 5 141 3 11 187 17 10 59 7 5 12 10 11 112 16 0 2 17 9 0 15 0 49 19 2 I 8 0 II 5 0 253 14 11 18 0 .. 124 15 11 n 5 0 0 15 0 152 2 4 0 5 0 52 17 5 8 19 11 50 10 0 1 18 9 1 2 0 23 2 6 0 5 0 47 0 0 16 3 2 0 6 0 0 14 0 16 0 Totals 68 15 0 8 18 0 4 15 0 |l,449 12 2 8 18 0 68 15 0 21 0 0 27 0 6 78 7 6 1,658 8 2 Grand totals .. 255 10 0 255 10 0 391 0 0 6 18 0 j7,032 9 6 50 17 0 !138 1 6 703 19 1 8,578 12 1

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Table 3. Statement showing the Quantity of Quartz crushed and Gold obtained in the Hauraki Mining District for the Year ended 31st December, 1911.

Locality and Name ol Miuc. Average Number of Meu employed. QaartZ mushed. (iold obtai Amalgamation. lined. Cyanide. Kstiliiatoi Value. WaihiWaihi Grand Junction Sundries from various sources Waihi Borough. Tons cwt. qr. lb. Oil. dwt. 1,030 '316,349 0 0 0 129,086 0 528 *94,603 0 0 0 cleaning up 115 14 1,558 410,952 0 0 0 129,201 14 ' 1 i__ Oz. dwt. 938,346 0 146,529 0 1,084,875 0 S a. d. 670,179 11 3 150,729 10 0 107 17 0 821,016 18 8 410,952 0 0 0 129,201 14 1,084,875 0 821,016 18 8 Ohinemuri County WaitekauriNew Waitekauri Maoriland Golden Cross .. Ohinemuri County. 2 | 42 10 0 0 , 15 1,272 0 0 0 484 4 18 421 10 0 0 525 12 ______ —— — - 2 15 18 42 10 0 0 , 1,272 0 0 0 121 10 0 0 484 4 525 12 119 9 532 4 475 0 —-—— — j — 119 9 532 4 475 0 127 2 4 2,834 1 5 1,457 17 11 127 2 4 2,834 1 5 1,457 17 11 Karangahake— Talisman New Zealand Crown 35 1,736 0 0 0 1,009 16 | 360 47,550 0 0 0 36,562 18 ■ 184 20,835 0 0 0 360 184 86 47,550 0 0 0 20,835 0 0 0 1,736 0 0 0 36,562 18 1,009 16 1,126 13 185,316 19 ' 19,015 2 185,316 19 ' 222,058 1 3 19,015 2 45,030 10 6 1,126 13 4,419 1 8 222,058 1 3 45,030 10 6 4,419 1 8 Komata— Komata Reefs .. 544 j 68,385 0 0 0 36,562 18 ; 68 7,580 0 0 0 3,702 4 544 68,385 0 0 0 36,562 18 204,332 1 14,243 18 204,332 1 267,r88 11 9 267,C88 11 9 17,112 13 2 68 7,580 0 0 0 3,702 4 14,243 18 17,112 13 2 Marato'O— Silver Stream 10 7 4 2 6 Sold in i Australia. 209 3 8 10 7 4 2 6 Sold in Australia. 209 3 8 Totals .. 657 77,708 4 2 6 41,274 18 219,702 12 219,702 12 288,829 10 8 288,829 10 3 657 77,708 4 2 6 41,274 18 Waiorongomai— Bendigo Hardy's Mines .. - Piako County. 10 750 0 0 0 104 13 6 0 9 2 22 16 750 9 2 22 104 13 104 13 3 14 3 14 3 14 221 19 0 12 16 0 234 15 0 221 19 0 12 16 0 16 750 9 2 22 104 13 3 14 234 15 0 Waikorpmiko— Four-in-Hand Coromandel County. 6 0 0 2 14 68 0 lOHOMANDEL COUNT 200 4 0 6 0 0 2 14 68 6 200 4 0 Tokatea— Royal Oak Pride of Tokatea Exalt Mount Welcome Monte Christo 6 112 2 49 0 3 5 2 18 158 8 2 0 10 0 18 6 18 0 0 0 281 9 i 2 10 0 6 6 14 ! 6 8 6 2 112 2 5 2 18 0 10 0 18 0 0 0 10 0 6 49 0 158 8 1 8 281 9 6 14 - 127 10 0 429 19 3 4 2 6 815 0 0 18 0 0 127 10 0 429 19 3 4 2 6 815 0 0 18 0 0 Kapanga— Kapanga Venture Success Sootty's 19 20 2 2 2 19 25 4 3 16 196 19 20 I 48 0 0 0 ■ S4 10 2 0 10 0 ii 7 8' 2 2 15 0 o 5 15 ! 2 2 10 0 0 9 1 25 4 3 16 48 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 2 15 0 0 2 10 0 0 496 19 S4 10 7 8 5 15 9 1 —__—L 1,394 11 9 246 11 4 21 3 5 16 7 3 30 1 0 1,394 11 9 246 11 4 21 3 5 16 7 3 30 1 0 26 Hauraki Block — Old Hauraki Hauraki Reefs 26 53 15 0 0 j 106 14 1 ■ 37 569 9 1 3 1,353 19 14 113 0 3 19 j 248 12 37 14 569 9 13 113 0 3 19 53 15 0 0 1,353 19 248 12 106 14 314 3 0 4,019 12 9 706 15 1 4,019 12 9 706 15 1 314 3 0 Bremner's FreeholdProspectors Bremner's Freehold Lucky Hit 51 682 10 0 22 1,602 11 2 Dish washings, ic. 17 1 6 14 1 8 1 95 11 2 2 0 0 0 3 17 I , _ _ 51 2 ii 2 Dish washings, L vc. 14 1 3 4 2 0 0 0 682 10 0 22 1,602 11 17 1 95 11 3 17 4,726 7 10 45 18 0 263 11 3 14 0 0 4,726 7 10 45 18 0 263 11 3 14 0 0 Kuaotunu — Mountain King Handsworth New Waitaia 10 16 1 3 4 116 9 20 607 0 0 0 260 14 8 100 0 0 0 553 0 12 76 0 0 0 210 19 40 783 0 0 0 1.024 13 10 20 8 12 607 0 0 0 100 0 0 0 76 0 0 0 16 1 3 4 116 9 260 14 553 0 210 19 391 1 L 391 1 891 I 323 9. 3 1,849 8 1 1,338 13 9 618 5 0 3.806 6 10 1,849 8 1 1,338 13 9 618 5 0 323 9. 3 10 783 0 0 0 1,024 13 391 1 3,806 6 10 Totals .. iU 783 U U U i,U_:_ 13 152 1,560 12 2 0 3,415 12 dtfl i 391 1 | 391 1 ; a,ouo o iu 10,765 2 8 10,765 2 8 152 1,560 12 2 0 3,415 12 ' Quartz crushed at these lines was shown in previous reports as short tons o: 2,0001b. dry weight.

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Table 3— continued. Statement showing the Quantity of Quartz crushed and Gold obtained in the Hauraki Mining District for the Year ended 31st December, 1911— continued.

Locality and Name or Mine. AverageNumber of Men employed. Quartz crushed. Gold obtained. Amalgamation. Cyanide. Estimated Value. Thames Thames County and Boh Touscwt. qr. lb. 3 24 0 0 0 Gumtown Kapowai .. THAMES 8 UOUNTY AND DOROUG1 Touscwt. qr. lb. 24 0 0 0 IUGH. IH. Oz. dwt. 25 6 Oz. dwl. 46 s. d. 62 5 3 Oz. dwt. 25 6 Oz. dwl. £ s. d. 62 5 3 Mata Creek Tapu— Portia.. Puru— j— Crown and Golden Crown Waiomio — Monowai Tararu— Day Dawn and Norfolk Mines Svlvia Watchman Dixon's Moanatairi — — Kuranui-Caledoniau Thames Foreshore Point Russell Thames — i : 2 9 ! 25 12 36 17 4 4 10 1 1 1 0 0 0 20 50 0 0 0 270 0 0 0 2,000 0 0 0 390 0 0 0 4,395 0 0 0 130 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 4,915 0 1 2 | 29 0 2 27 6,504 0 0 0 40 10 0 0 5 10 0 24 ! . . _ _ _ i 0 0 0 20 26 5 151 9 19 2 65 12 .33 2 1 3 99 17 108 5 "2 9 29 2 1 26 5 2,339 0 j 85 7 18,900 0 36 0 19,021 7 605 3 67 17 9 459 17 8 50 0 0 1 226 16 6 308 14 9 7,946 15 10 203 14 1 3 15 7 8,463 0 3 266 16 3 881 14 1 6 10 7.8 14 10 67 17 9 2 50 0 0 0 151 9 459 17 3 9 270 0 0 0 19 2 ! 50 0 0 25 2,000 0 0 0 2,339 0 1 226 16 6 65 12 .33 2 1 3 85 7 18,900 0 36 0 308 14 9 7,946 15 10 203 14 1 3 15 7 69 4,915 0 12 99 17 19,021 7 8,463 0 3 16 6,579 0 3 23 139 16 605 :'. 605 3 1 .9.33 fi 2 1,288 6 2 Kuranui- j — Kuranui Wai' tabi — : — Waiotabi Ballarat Noupariel Punga Flat Cambrian Golden Drop 1U 6 11 2 4 1 3 1 11 2 4 1 3 1 6 U , -J I J U O &0 4 0 0 0 204 0 0 0 3 10 8 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 69 0 1 23 110 0 204 0 0 0 3 10 8 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 69 0 1 23 110 0 4 0 0 0 13a 10 13 3 278 19 117 5 315 14 3 2 101 8 1 16 278 19 117 5 315 14 3 2 101 8 1 16 13 3 ouo 1, too o s 31 13 0 640 14 2 310 19 0 833 10 2 8 11 8 270 10 6 4 3 6 640 14 2 310 19 0 833 10 2 8 11 8 270 10 6 4 3 6 31 13 0 Graiiamstown — — Victoria Waiokaraka- ! — May Queen Karaka— — Claremout Halcyon Good Hope Occidental .. .. Neck or Nothing .. .. ! Una Hill 22 6 25 3 2 6 i 8 1 2 22 25 6 IS 3 2 6 i 8 1 2 297 2 3 1 13 0 0 0 456 1 0 23 3 2 14 51 0 0 0 68 0 0 0 34 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 13 10 0 0 ■156 1 0 23 3 2 14 51 0 0 0 68 0 0 0 34 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 13 10 0 0 297 2 3 1 466 1 0 23 13 0 0 0 , 818 4 5 16 718 3 860 10 28 12 78 2 160 11 1 14 3 17 718 3 550 10 28 12 78 2 160 11 1 14 3 17 818 4 718 3 5 16 ; 1,971 11 8 96 12 6 77 17 9 222 11 8 413 4 6 3 15 0 10 0 6 2,068 9 0 16 2 7 1,971 11 8 96 12 6 77 17 9 222 11 8 413 4 6 3 15 0 10 0 6 2,068 9 0 16 2 7 ■ Hape Creek — Lord Nelson Summer Hill .. .. .. Adventure .. .. Dart .. Comstock Daisy 22 2 1 1 5 4 1 22 16 > 12 1 4 3 4 0 25 8 0 0 14 10 0 0 •18 2 3 14 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 169 12 1 4 823 6 473 14 23 3 1 3 260 16 35 0 7 9 823 6 824 1 11 1,144 6 8 56 11 4 2 18 6 750 10 6 105 0 1 16 18 11 824 1 11 2 1 1 8 1 1 3 4 0 25 8 0 0 14 10 0 0 •18 2 3 14 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 173 14 23 3 1 3 260 16 35 0 7 9 1,144 6 8 56 11 4 2 18 6 750 10 6 105 0 1 16 18 11 Kirikiri— — Kirikiri Neavesville — — Golden Belt Tairua — — Tairua Mines Tairua Monarch L 14 6 14 6 12 25 4 29 12 45 7 1 27 20 0 0 0 B i 316 0 0 0 750 0 0 0 400 0 0 0 1,150 ooo: 316 0 0 0 i 45 7 1 27 20 0 0 0 801 5 274 16 ! 306 10 111 8 417 18 801 5 274 16 3 9 82 10 56 9 27 17 84 6 82 10 2,076 6 0 7 2 3 807 5 10 718 15 6 304 11 0 1,023 6 6 2,076 6 0 807 5 10 7 2 3 25 4 750 0 0 0 400 0 0 0 306 10 111 8 56 9 27 17 718 15 6 304 11 0 29 1,150 0 0 0 i 417 18 84 6 1,023 6 6 Waihi Borough Ohinemuri County Piako County Coromandel Count} Thames County and Borough 1,558 4 657 16 152 267 SUMMARY. 410,952 0 0 0 li 77,708 4 2 6 750 9 2 22 1,560 12 2 0 16,309 5 0 16 SUMMARY. 410,952 0 0 0 77,708 4 2 6 750 9 2 22 1,560 12 2 0 16,309 5 0 16 129,201 14 41,274 18 104 13 3,415 12 4,337 15 .29,201 14 1,( 41,274 18 ! 104 13 3,415 12 4,337 15 1,084,875 0 219,702 12 3 14 391 1 22,132 6 ! — 084,875 0 8: 219,702 12 21 3 14 391 1 22,132 6 ! 821,016 18 3 288,829 10 8 234 15 0 10,765 2 8 20,389 1 11 1,141,235 8 1 J21.016 18 3 288,829 10 8 234 15 0 10,765 2 8 20,389 1 11 Totals, 1911 i— 2,650 5 2,650 507,280 11 3 16 1^ 507,280 11 3 16 178,334 12 1,327,104 13 .78,334 12 1,1 327,104 13 1,1 L41.235 8 1 : Totals, 1910 2,881 2,881 *5 "556,169 4 2 13 556,169 4 2 13 li 155,749 6 1,798,947 12 .55,749 6 1,' 798,947 12 1,3! 1,324,456 1 5 124,456 1 5 Increase ( 22,585 6 22,585 6 Decrease 231 231 48,888 12 2 25 t 471,842 19 11 183,220 13 4 183,220 13 4 48,888 12 2 25 471,842 19 • Last year these figures were given as 61 and Grand Junction Companies was reckoned ong-ton bnsis of 2,210 lb.i 18 612,553 tons 3ned in short 12,553 tons 41 id in short to 4 cwt. 2qr. 13* lb.; th< i tons of 2,0001b. dry wi cwt. 2qr. 13Jlb.; then (a ons of 2,0001b. dry weigh m (and previously) the quartz crui aight. (The figures are now shown and previously) tb at. (The figures ahe quartz crushed ire now shown cnli shed by the Waihi calculated on the -~~, _—.. __. d by the Waihi Iculated on the

C.—2

Table 3 — continued. Statement showing Quantity of Quartz crushed and Gold obtained in the Marlborough, Nelson, and Westland Mining Districts for the Year ended 31st December, 1911.

Locality and Name of Minn. Average Gold ' NU Men r of ! Quartz crushed. i employed. I Amalgamation. Gold obtained. obtai bine ed. Cyanide. Estimated Value. Estiniati Marlborough. Wakamarina— Dominion Consolidated Tons. Oz. dwt. gr. .. : 20 1,659 327 9 0 ! ! Oz. dwt. gr. S, s. d. j 1,133 7 8 j 1 COLLINGWOOD COUNTY. Taitapu— Golden Blooks 17 448 1,133 16 0 4,388 3 2 4,388 3 2 I l___ Buller County. Lyell— New Alpine ... 6 70 I 40 0 0 181 0 0 181 0 0 Inangahua County. Boatman's — Golden Arch.. Reefton— Keep-it-Dark Wealth of Nations Golden Fleeoe Progress Lankey's Creek 2 30 19 0 0 56 7,212 1,332 9 0 150 24,968 9,164 15 0 30 329 294 14 0 320 41,596 8,435 15 0 ..4 981 215 14 0 14 0 0 813 6 0 3,321 1 0 85 12 0 2,689 2 0 129 0 0 J _____ 7,943 19 11 49,635 8 4 1,306 4 4 42,832 7 4 868 16 2 7,943 19 11 49,635 8 4 1,306 4 4 42,832 7 4 868 16 2 , j 560 75,086 19,443 7 0 75,086 19,443 7 0 6,909 1 0 6,909 1 0 102,586 16 1 102,586 16 1 Big River— New Big River Waiula— Blackwater ——— .—j——— __.,_-.., . -• 54 6,913 6,637 7 0 281 44,038 20,205 2 0 54 6,913 6,637 7 0 680 0 0 3,851 15 0 680 0 0 28,062 0 5 92,062 0 7 28,062 0 5 44,038 20,205 2 0 3,351 15 0 92,062 0 7 " Totals 897 126,067 46,804 16 0 126,067 46,304 16 0 1< 10,954 16 0 10,954 16 0 222,839 17 1 222,839 17 1 l SUMMARY. Marlborough Colli ngwood County Buller County Inangahua County 20 1,659 327 9 0 17 448 1,133 16 0 6 70 40 0 0 897 126,067 46,304 16 0 ll 10,954 16 0 1,133 7 8 4,388 3 2 151 0 0 222,839 17 1 1,133 7 8 4,388 3 3 151 0 0 222,839 17 1 10,954 16 0 Totals 940 128,244 47,806 1 0 940 128,244 ', 47,806 1 0 li 10,954 16 0 L0.954 16 0 228,512 7 11 228,512 7 11 Totals, 1910 1 930 121,832 49,171 17 0 930 121,832 49,171 17 0 1 11,037 9 0 L1.037 9 0 230,806 14 2 230,806 14 2 Inorease .. 10 6,412 10 6,412 Decrease .. 1,365 16 0 82 13 0 2,294 6 3 2,294 6 3 1,365 16 0 82 13 0 fc

0.—2

Table 3 — continued. Statement showing the Quantity of Quartz crushed and Gold obtained in the Southern Mining District for the Year ended 31st December, 1911.

Locality and Name of Mine. .Number of Men employed. I Average Number of Men employed. Quartz crushed. Quartz crushed. Gold obtained. Estimated Value. umpiuyeu. __! ■ Fiord County. Preservation Inlet — Morning Star Alpha 6 .. I 4 10 Tous. 55 55 —I - Oz. dwt. 5 0 5 0 | . s. d. 17 10 0 17 10 0 10 55 5 0 17 10 0 Lake County. Macetown— United Goldfields of New Zealand Hamilton and Reid 12 4 16 250 14 264 250 14 98 10 22 13 121 3 98 10 22 13 383 11 1 67 19 0 451 10 1 383 11 1 67 19 0 16 264 121 3 451 10 1 Vincent County. —!— ient County. Carrick — Carriok Good Chance 30 4 30 4 200 45 200 45 — i — 38 2 33 17 38 2 33 17 123 0 7 130 6 5 123 0 7 130 6 5 Totals Bendigo— Cromwell Bald Hill Flat— Advanoe 34 12 2 31 12 245 115 245 — I - -- — — 71 19 139 0 71 19 253 7 0 535 8 0 253 7 0 115 139 0 535 3 0 48 18 360 360 210 19 210 19 788 10 0 788 10 0 Maniototo County :oto County. i. HydeMount Highlay N.Z. Gold and Tungsten 19 14 33 19 14 361 3,536 3,897 361 3,536 71 2 177 0 248 2 71 2 177 0 257 13 4 667" 2 9 924 16 1 257 13 1 667' 2 9 38 3,897 248 2 924 16 1 Waihemo County. [kmo County. Macrae's— Golden Point Maritana .. .. .. . r Golden Bar Goldfinch 30 5 5 6 46 30 5 5 6 4,798 300 5,098 4,798 300 603 9 :: 79 11 683 0 ! 603 9 :: 79 11 2,840 18 11 310 0 0 2,340 18 11 310 0 0 2,650 18 11 46 5,098 683 0 j 2,650 18 11 Taieri County. - _| shi County. Barewood— Barewood Canton Reef 15 4 15 4 695 98 695 98 46 0 135 15 46 0 135 15 171 10 1 501 18 5 171 10 1 501 18 5 19 19 793 793 181 15 181 15 673 8 6 673 8 6 SUMMARY. MMARY. Fiord County Lake County Vincent County Maniototo County Waihemo County Taieri County 10 16 48 33 46 19 10 16 48 33 46 19 —I 55 264 360 3,897 5,098 793 55 264 360 3,897 5,098 793 5 0 121 3 210 19 248 2 683 0 181 15 5 0 121 3 210 19 248 2 683 0 181 15 17 10 0 451 10 1 788 10 0 924 16 1 2,650 18 11 673 8 6 17 10 0 451 10 1 788 10 0 924 16 1 2,650 18 11 673 8 6 Totals 172 172 ! 10,467 10,467 1,449 19 1,449 19 5,506 13 7 5,506 13 7 Totals, 1910 118 118 10,658 10,658 2,284 4 2,284 4 8,926 8 11 8,926 8 11 Increase 54 51 Deorease 191 191 834 5 3,419 15 4

C—2

Table 3 — continued. Statement of Value of Bullion won from Quartz crushed for all Districts for the Years ended 31st December, 1910 and 1911.

Table 4. Gross Totals and Value of Bullion purchased by Banks for the Year ended 31st December, 1911.

Table 5. Return of Gold Duty credited to Local Bodies for the Year ended 31st December, 1911, and the Quarter ended 31st March, 1912.

Mining District. Year ended 31st December, 1910. Year ended 31st December, 1911. Hauraki Maryborough, Nelson, and West Coast Otago and Southland... £ 1,324,456 230,807 8,926 £ 1,141,235 228,512 5,506 Totals ... 1,564,189 1,564,189 1,375,253

Bank. Bullion purchased. Value. Bank. Bullion purchased. Hauraki Mining District {Northern Inspection District). Oz. dwt. gr. £ s. d. Bank of New Zealand ... ... ... 220,157 19 0 237,12117 0 Bank of New South Wales ... ... ... 3,489 4 20 7.587 14 5 National Bank of New Zealand ... ... 1,108 11 0 2,906 2 1 i 224,755 14 20 247,615 13 6 Marlborough, Nelson,, and Westland Mining Districts {West Coast Inspection District). Bank of New Zealand ... ... ... 25,777 0 7 101,533 12 3 National Bank of New Zealand ... ... 10,469 10 13 40,54113 4 Bank of New South Wales ... ... ... 6,62110 9 26,418 11 6 Union Bank of Australia ... ... ... 2,274 19 2 8,789 7 11 i 1 45,143 0 7 177,283 5 0 Otago and Southland Districts (Southern Inspection District). Bank of New Zealand ... ... ... 50,754 15 7 196,516 12 2 Bank of New South Wales ... ... ... 5,867 17 8 22,862 14 7 National Bank of New Zealand ... ... 27,560 13 9 106,739 2 3 Bank of Australasia ... ... ... ... j 5,526 17 0 21,465 6 6 Union Bank of Australia ... ... ... j 957 6 17 3,685 4 10 Private buyers ... ... ... ... 222 7 19 853 12 3 ■ 9U,«H9 IV 6&A,VM 15S 7 90,889 17 12 352,122 12 7 . Totals 360,788 12 15 777,021 11 1 777,021 11 1 Totals, 1910 335,587 0 0 775,111 0 0

Local I Body. For the Year ended ! For the Quarter euded 3lBt December, 1911. 31st March, 1912. Local Body. Counties — Coromandel Ohinemuri Piako .. Thames Boroughs— Thames Waihi Totals .. £ s. d. £ s. d. 631 0 2 7,561 10 8 1,223 17 3 2 17 10 .. j 320 15 4 216 14 2 284 2 11 15 18 8 17,396 18 0 3,662 2 7 26,197 4 11 5,118 7 8 26,197 4 11 5,118 7 8

0.—2

Table 6. Return of the Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Duty* for Exportation from New Zealand from 1st April, 1857, to 31st December, 1911.

Table 7. Comparative Return for the Years ended 31st December, 1911 and 1910.

Produce of the Goldfields ik County or Borough. Distriot. During the Entered for „ T ° t " enti ! Quarter ended 31st Exportation to the importation December, 1911. 30th September, 1911. .,, E * LAND 31st Decemi Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Oz. £ Oz. £ Oz. ■HE ed31st 1911. ENTERED pok Exportation to the 30th September, 1911. Total ent: Exportation Zealand 31st Decem EHED FOB prom New TO THE ber, 1911. »'alue. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. I I County of Thames .. \ Ohinemuri.. Coromandel „ Piako .. Borough of Thames .. Waihi Ureat Barrier Island .. I 2,167 7,963 24,599 ! 94,194 1,217 ; 5,101 h[ 29 123 157 659 41,737 168,282 fig nnfi 9.7fi 39.2 s.ssfi.4«s 90 a<wi a4n s 49k ,<ui £ 7,963 94,194 Oz. £ Oz. £ 5,101 123 659 68,282 Wellington County of Marlborough Marlborough By.UOt) 270,322 0,306,435 20,3yy,340 5,426,341 .... .. 188 706 188 j 122 439 90,390 i 352,163 90,512 69,906 276,322 176,322 439 829 5,356,485 20,399,840 188 706 90,390 i 352,163 1,726,299 6,844,033 5,426,341 188 90,512 1,726,506 20,675,662 706 352,602 6,844,862 122 439 Collingwood Nelson 207 829 1,726,299 i 6,844,033 1,726,506 | 207 829 County of Buller .. . Inangahua.. Grey Westland .. -West Coast Borough of Kumara .. Hokitika .. I Ross .. / • 107 420 12,514 49,666 940 3,789 j 784 3,203 j 14.345 57.077 5.675.901 22.564.736 s fiMO 94fi 107 12,514 940 784 420 49,665 3,789 3,203 49,665 a 780 3,789 • 3,203 U, _VSLr 14,345 57,077 57,077 5,675,901 ! 22,564,736 5.690,246 22,621,813 Canterbury 14,340 07,UVY 0,070,MU1 : 22,004,730 O.6HU,246 .... .. 99 ' 387 i 99 99 ' 387 i 99 387 County of Taieri .. 1 Tuapeka Vincent Maniototo .. Waihemo .. Waitaki Lake .. \- Otago Wallace Waikouaiti .. Bruce Ciutha Fiord Southland .. J Otago f 119 463 2,799 11,282 6,959 27,903 872 : 3,548 343 t 1,298 550 2,226 964 ' 3,857 1,083 ! 4,331 "307 1^231 222 916 2 8 8,155 ' 32,937 22.375 1 90.000 7.207.968 28.664.942 7.230.343 119 2,799 6,959 872 343 550 964 1,083 463 11,282 27,903 3,548 1,298 2,226 3,857 4,331 307 222 2 8,155 916 32,937 7,230,343 Unknown I aU,UUU 1,451.11,300 zo,oo*,y4z I ,20U,040 93 I 370 660 2,569 753 22,375 90,000 i 'JO,OOO 7,207,968 28,664,942 7,207,968 28,664,942 7,230,343 28,754,942 93 370 370 660 2,569 660 2,569 753 753 2,939 Totals 107,048 425,037 20,057,940 78,828,876 20,164,988 107,048 425,037 20,057,940 78,828,876 20,164,988 79,253,913 ♦Duty payable on gold South Island, ad. per oz. V exported, the produce 'itle sections 1 and 2 of 3 of the Nortl the Gold Oui 1 Island. 2s. 3d. per oz.; duty payable 011 iy Act, 190H, and section IB of the Miuiug ild exported, the it Amendment A< produce of the it, 1910.

Produce During the Quarter ended Totals por Year 1911. Totals for Year 1910. OP THE Goldfields ; in the 31st March, 30th June, 30th Septem-31st Decern- -_._«_, vd,,*, n„„r,t;f,. v.i.,-. District of | 1911. 1911. ber, 1911. ber, 1911. Q uantlt y- j Value Quantity. Value. Auckland Marlborough.. Nelson West Coast .. Otago Unknown Oz. Oz. Oz. Oz. Oz. £ Oz. £ uckland .. 57,465 70,175 66,245 69,906 263,791 1,049,204 286,526 1,136,057 [arlborough.. 30 46 31 122 229 867 53 212 [elson .. 1,511 205 226 207 2,149 8,586 117 466 .est Coast .. 27,437 20,763 29,858 14,345 92,403 368,545 '.12,036 358,099 itago .. 31,148 13,589 29,036 22,375 !Ki,148 387,614 99,527 401,391 inkuown 7 271 135 98 506 1,966 29 103 Oz. 57,465 30 1,511 27,437 31,148 7 Oz. 70,175 46 205 20,763 13,589 271 Oz. 66,245 31 226 29,858 29,036 135 'otals for 1911 117,598 105,049 125,531 107,018 455,226 1,816,782 'otals for 1910 113,975 110,004 148,290 105,419 478,2S8 1,896,328

C.g-2

Table 8. Return of the Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Duty* for Exportation from New Zealand from 1st April, 1857, to 31st March, 1912.

Table 9. Comparative Return for the Quarters ended 31st March, 1912, and 31st March, 1911.

11—C. 2.

Produce op the Goldfields in During the j Quarter ended !31st March, 1912. Entered for Exportation to the 31st December, 1911. Total entered for Exportation from New Zealand to the 31st March, 1912. County or Borough. District. Qu'ntity! Value. District. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Oz. 1,965 12,238 £ 7,302 45,440 Oz. £ Oz. £ County of Thames Ohinemuri .. Coromandel.. . P.ako Borough of Thames Waihi Great Barrier Island i-Auckland 36,'621 147^567 20,675,662 5,477,165 20,875,971 Wellington 50,824 200,309 5,426,341 County of Marlborough Marlborough 188 706 352,602 188 90,591 706 79 316 90,512 352,918 County of Collingwood .. , Murclnson .. \ Nelson -( 677 22 2,695 88 1,726,506 6,844,862 1,727,205 6,847,648 699 2,783 County of Buller Inangahua .. Grey Westland Borough of Kumara Hokitiki lioss -West Coast - 1,114 12,660 4,850 3,144 4,100 49,926 19,285 12,633 303 1,212 22,708,969 Canterbury 22,071 87,156 5,690,246 22,621,813 5,712,317 99 387 99 387 County of Taieri Tuapeka Vincent Maniototo Waihemo Waitaki Lake Wallace Waikouaiti .. Bruce Cmtlia Fiord Southland Otago 142 6,125 6,827 2,967 454 751 1,240 519 565 24,598 27,476 11,673 1,778 2,945 4,997 2,075 28,865,811 383 334 1,327 7! 835 31,899 Unknown 27,567 110,869 7,230,343 28,754,942 7,257,910 135 447 753 2,939 888 3,386 79,655,793 Totals .. 20,266,363 101,375 401,880 20,164,988 79,253,913 * Duty payable on gold expc louth lamud, 3d. per oz. Vid* s, irted, the produce of iCtioua 1 i.uil 2 4>f the ;he North Island, 2s. 3d. per oz.; dui Jold Duty Act. 1H0», and section 16 o ty pavable on f if the Mining Ai [old exported, tl :t Amendment ie produce of the let, 1910.

Quarter ended 31st March, 1912. Quarter ended 31st March, 1911. District of Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Auckland Wellington jlarlburough .. kelson West Coast Canterbury 3tago Unknown Oz. 50,824 £ 200,309 Oz. 57,465 £ 229,571 79 699 22,071 316 2,763 87,156 30 1,511 27,437 120 6,011 109,315 135 lio]869 447 31,148 7 125,564 80 Totals .. 101,375 401,880 117,598 470,641

C—2.

Table 10. Return showing the Average Prices of Provisions on the Goldfields for the Year ended 31st December, 1911.

District. a* « I . \-i 4.-S 3).fi 2 4. « » Per lb Per lb. r_ o a) £ o 3 e li c._ 'grit Mrat. d o Per Per Hi. lb. £ «' ** m _ 3 QO t Per lb. Per lb. Per lb. Per 1001b. Per Im. bushel. Per lb. Per qt. Per lb. Per lb. Per Hi. Per lb. Auckland — Thames Paerot.. Coromandel Tauranga Te Aroha Waihi .. Puliipuhi Nelson —,! Wangapeka Collingwood Motueka Karamea Lyell Murchison Westport Charleston Ahaura Westland — Stafford and Goldsborough Hokitika Boss Okarito Greymouth Kumara Reefton Otago— Hindon Cromwell Clyde .. \ Alexandra Koxburgh Black's .. ) Lawrence Nasebyi .. | Macrae's St. B.than's .. J Queenstown .. Arrow (Wakatipu Goldfieldl P mbr ke .. Waikaia Riverton and Orepuki .. Gore .. Wyndham d. 2 2 2 2 2 li 2 1/2 l/l 1/2 1/3 1/1 1/2 1/2 n /IO /IO /ll /IO /ll 1/ d. 7 7 8 7-9 7 9 84 1/10 1/6 1/6 2/ 1/6 1/11 1/8 11/6 15/ 13/6 10/6 15/ 11/ 10/6 4/6 ■4/9 4/6 |I 5/3 : 4/9 4/6 5/ 5 6-8 5-11 6 6-8 7 5 d. 5 6-8 5-10 6 j 6-8 7 5 d. 4 6 4-7 5-6 6 6 5 d. 6 64 7 6 6J 6 6 il. 4 3 4 4 3 4 3 d. 24 24 3 24 3 24 d. 4 1 1 l 1 1 1 d. 3 2 24 3 2 3 i 24 1/6 1/8 1/-3/6 1/6-2/6 1/8 2/ 1/6 2 2 81 2? 2J li 2 2 1/3 /9-1/1 1/2 1/2 1/3 1/1 1/2 1/3 1/2 1/ /8 1/ /H 1/ 9 8 9 9 10 9 8 8 8 2/ 1/10 2/ 1/6 2/ 1/6 1/9 2/ 2/ 17/ 11/6 12/6 13/ 13/ 16/ 11/ 12/ 15/ V 5/3 5/ 4/6 6/6 6 5 7 6 6 6 5 7 6 6 44-64 64 6 6 5 4 4 6 6 5 7 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 5 10 6 8 4 4 4 3 5 4 4 5 4 4 3 2} 34 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 14 2 1 1 2 4 24 24 3 34 4 24 3 34 2/ 1/2-2/6 1/2-2/ 2/ 1/6-2/6 2/ 1/9 2/ 2/ 1/ 1/ 1/ 5/ 6/ .6/ 44-6; 6, 6 6 il 2 3 2 2 2 1/3 1/2 1/1 1/3 1/2 1/2 1/1 1/ 1/ l/l 1/ /IO 8 8 8 9 8 8 9 1/9 1/6 1/6 1/9 1/9 1/6 1/9 14/ 13/6 11/ 17/6 11/6 13/6 13/ 6/ 6/ 5/ 7/ 6/ 6/6 5/6 6 0 6 5, 6 6 7 6 6 6 54 6 6 7 6 6 6 54 5 6 7 8 8 6 6 7 6 7 6 5 4 4 6 4 2 2 2i 4 at 3 3 2 1 1 1 ii 1 1 3 24 2J 34 3 24 . 24 2/ 1/6-3/ 2/ 2/1 2/ 1/6-2/ 2/ 2 2 1/ 1/1 /io 1/4 8 8 1/9 1/6 14/ 12/9 4/ 5/ 6 6 6 6 5-04 3 5* 6 4 4 3 3 14 1 3 at 1/3-2/ 1/-2/ H 1/3 1/3 8 1/9 10/ 4/6 5 5 4 6 5 2 1 2 1/9-2/ H j « /H 8 1/10 10/ 4/0 6 54 5 3 1 3 1/9 2 ii/i /H 8 1/8 13/ 5/ 6 5 8 4 3 1 3 1/6 1| 2 2 2 If ii ij i/ i/ 1/5 1/2 1/ 1/3 /10 /IO 1/4 1/2 1/2 /IO 1/2 8 8 8 10 8 8 8 1/9 1/6 2/ 2/ 1/7 1/8 1/9 10/ "/ 10/6 16/ 12/9 12/6 10/9 3/ 8/ 3/ 6/ 4/ 4/6 4-6 6 6 1 6-8 5 6 4-6 54 5 6 5 4 6 6 6 6 6 J-U 64 64 3 2 4 5 5 3* 4 3 n 8 4 21 21 3 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 3 8 3 8 3 1/10 1/10 2/ 1/10-2/10 1/10 1/6 1/8

C.—2

Table 11. Table showing the Average Rate of Wages per Week for the Year ended 31st December, 1911.

General Manage™. Legal Managers. Mining Managers. Engineers. Engine- * drivers. Labourers, j Boys. Agricultural Labourers. Domestic Servants. District. Stokers. Blacksmiths. Carpenters. Miners. Chinese. Auckland — Paeroa £ s. d. | £300tO4ei-200j per annum £1,000 p.a.! £ s. d. £3 to £i £ s. d. £4 to £10 £ S. d. £4 to £7 £ s. d. £2/10-£3/3 £ s. d. £2/5-£2/8 £ s. d. £2/15 to £3 £ s. d. £3 to £4 £ s. d. £2/12-£3/10 £ s. d. £2 to £2/10 £ s. d. £1 to £2 £ s. d. ! 15/-35/ found 12/6 to 22/6 Thames Te Aroha Coromandel £500 10 46600 per annum' 10 0 10 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 £16 io £30 per month 3 6 0 £16 p.m. 3 0 0 £2/10-£3/3 10/ p.d. 2 14 0 £2/5-£2/8 9/ p.d. 2 17 0 £2/15 to £3 10/ p.d. 3 6 0 £3 to £4 10/ p.d. 2 14 0 £2/12-£3/10 S/6 to 9/ p.d. 2 8 0 £2 to £2/10 8/ p.d. 1 13 0 £1 to £2 6/ p.d. •* • £2 14s. 15/-35/ found 25/ and found 15/ 12/6 to 22/6 10/ to 12/6 Tauranga Waihi |£2;oto 481000 15/ p.d. 4 10 0 12/ p.d. 3 9 0 11/ p.d. 2 10 0 11/ p.d. 2 17 0 12/ p.d. 3 6 0 £2/14 to £3 10/ p.d. 2 10 0 15/ to 20/ 15 0 30/ and foun 25/ and found 15/ to 20/ 10/ Nelson— Reefton Collingwood Charleston Westport Lyell Ahaura Wangapeka Murchison Motueka Seddonville £8 to £10 I - .. 2 0 0 £500 p. a. 10/ to 20/ 3 0 0 £1 to £2 6 0 0 £8 to £10 4 0 0 4 0 0 6 0 0 5 0 0 £4/10 to £5 £3/10 to £4 4 10 0 4 0 0 3 10 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 10 0 3 10 0 3 0 0 £2/10 to £3 2 14 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 10 0 3 10 0 3 12 0 3 0 0 3 12 0 3 12 0 4 0 0 £3/ to £3/12 3 12 0 3 12 0 3 12 0 3 12 0 3 12 0 3 6 0 11/8 p.d. 3 6 0 3 0 0 £2/17 to £3 2 8 0 2 14 0 3 3 0 3 0 0 3 10 0 3 0 0 10/ p.d. 3 12 0 £2/10 to £3 2 14 0 2 8 0 2 8 0 3 0 0 2 8 0 2 8 0 3 0 0 7/tol0/p.d. 2 14 0 1 16 0 15 0 1 10 0 18/ to 25/ 1 10 0 I I 1**6 0 I 25/ and board £2 to £2/10 £2 8s. 125/ and found |20/-25/ foun. [30/ and founc £2 8s. | 6/to 7/ p.d. £2 14s. 12/6 to"20/ 15/ to 30/ 15/ 12/io20/ 15/ to 20/ 15/ to 20/ 15/ 15/ 10/ to 20/ 20/ - - - - 3 0 0 11/4 p.d. 3 12 0 17 0 0; - - - i £300 p.a. 3 6 0 3 0 0 Westland — GoMsborough & Stafford Hokitika Ross Kumara Greymouth Okarito 14 0 0 6 0 0 2 0 0 1 10 0 1 10 0 10 0 £1 to £2 5 0 0 £4 to £5 5 0 0 4 0 0 £5 to £7 5 0 0 1 1 4 0 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 3 0 0 3 12 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 3 10 0 3 0 0 2 10 0 3 0 0 8 3 0 3 12 0 3 0 0 3 15 0 3 10 0 3 18 0 3 12 0 3 12 0 3 10 0 12/ p.d. 3 0 0 2 14 0 3 6 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 10/ p.d. 3 0 0 2 14 0 2 14 0 8 0 0 2 14 0 10/ p.d. 1 10 0 1 10 0 2 0 0 10 0 10 0 •• £1 and found 20/ and found £1 16s. 12/6 10/ to 20/ 15/ 15/ to 20/: 7/6 to 30/ 15/ to.20/ • - .. 20/-30/'found 30/ ana found OtaoC a ? d Southland—. Hindon .. Cromwell Clyde .. | Alexandra .. I Black's Roxburgh .. j Lawrence Naseby .. \ Macrae's St. B.tthan's .. Mount IJa Waikaia Orepuki and Riverton .. Arrow Queenstown Pembroke Gore Wyndham 1 I .. 6 0 0 12 0 0 5 0 0 £30 p.a. 3 0 0 £4 to £5 5 0 0 5 0 0 , 5 0 0 j 4 0 0 4 io 0 £4 to £5 4 0 0 9/ p.d. 3 0 0 £3 to £3/12| 3 0 0 i 3 0 0 i 2 14 0 10/ p.d. 3 12 0 3 10 0 3 0 0 3 10 0 3 10 0 3 10 0 3 7 0 8 12 0 8/ to 10/ p.d. 3 0 0 3 0 0 2 8 0 2 14 0 8/ p.d. £2/8 to £2/14 2 8 0 2 8 0 2 8 0 10 0 10/ to 15/ 0 15 0 10/-15/ found i io 0 10 0 1 6 0 j 20/-25/ found 25/ and found 25/and found 25/and found 25/-30/ found 15/ 15/ 15/ 8/ to 15/ 5 0 0 5 0 0 " 4 0 0 4 10 0 4 0 0 £4 to £7 £4 to £7 4 0 0 4 10 0 4 0 0 3 12 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 3 0 0 9/ p.d. 2 16 0 3 10 0 3 10 0 4 0 0 8/6 p.d. 2 9 0 2 10 0 2 10 0 3 0 0 10/ p.d. 2 14 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 5 0 9/ p.d. 11/ p.d. 2 14 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 12 0 9/ p.d. 2 8 0 2 10 0 2 10 0 3 0 0 8/ p.d. 2 10 0 2 8 0 2 8 0 2 8 0 7/ p.d. 2 8 0 0 15 0 10 0 10/ to 25/ 10/ to 25/ 0 15 0 15 0 1 16 0 £1/5 to £1/10 £1/5 to £1/10 27/6 found 30/ and found 25/and found 25/and found 30/and found 25/ and found £2 8s. 18/ 10/ 8/ to 20/ 6/ to A)/ 15/ 15/ 12/ 6 0 0 " 3 6 0 2 8 0 •■ .. •• •• •• ••

0,-2

Table 12. Statement of Affairs of Mining Companies, as published in accordance with the Companies Act, 1908— continued.

; 1 \»nu>n, C.iiiijmi,,. Registra- 8 c B^_* d Amount Value of Scrip Date of a n i vu . rih of given to ShareRegistra- Capital holders on tion. i-apnai. ac t U ally which no Cash paid up. paid. Number »__-» „„ of Shares A ™° U J 1 ( L? aid allotted. I** Share - v „_i, . o -a Quantity and Value of TMoi Arrears <5s_£. |g| Gold and Silver produced Kx ™fit ore of Calls, holders at g-S-a since Registration. since present. = S i Eegistration. 55 • Quantity. Value. Total Amount of Dividends paid. Amount of Debt* owing by Company. I AUCKLAND DISTRICT. £ Albumin Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 2/9/10 1 7,800 Bendigo Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 26/3/08 | 14.3116 Bonanza Gold-mining Company (No Liability) .. 22/10/06; 10.000 Bremner's Freehold Gold-mining Company (Ltd.) 5/8/10 10.000 Dixon's Consolidated Gold-mining Company (Ltd.) 22/6/08 I 4.500 Dominion Gold-mining Company (No Liability).. 8/9 II IS.760 Four-in-Hand Gold-mining Company (Limited). . 4/6/09 17.971 Golden Cross Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 12/11/06 10.175 Good Hope Gold-mining Company (No Liability) 10/11/10 12,975 Handsworth United Gold-mining Company (Ltd.) 27/7/09 14.000 Hare-Ratjen Copper Company (Limited) .. 5/4/07 7,600 Hauraki Reefs (Limited) .. .. .. 28/4/10 20.000 £ 1,615 S.173 3,260 534 1.022 782 5,029 £ £ b. a. ; 155.994 j 2d. & 2jd. ; 1.424 143,958 ,014! 100.000 0 0 9100.000 0 0 2 500 100.000 i 1/, lid., I0d.. &9d. 187,600 0 0 1 3.500 89.857 2/. 1/10,& ' , 1/7 325 101.750 lid., 1/, 2/ 1..622 129.746 0 0 5: 1,000 140.000 0 0 7 6,600 7.600 1 0 0 5.083 175.000 9d.. 4d., & 2/ 375 96,800 3Jd.,ld..£d. 460 1.470 1 0 0 750 105.250 0 14 7.500 150.000 0 17 3.450 89.575 0 4 4 1 114.505 0 10 1,000 30,900 94d. & 1/ 83,260 0 0 6$ 106,100 2/& 6d. 26,767 256.000 0 3 10 1,126 126.500 0 0 6 179.596 0 0 114 100.000 I 0 2 1 2,000 ; 120,000 0 16 750 68,500 - 0 0 6 458 100.000 4d., 4Jd., 2d., & Id. 100 50 I 37 10 0 3,746; 113,860 i3/,2/5, 2/6 100,000 : 14d., 2d., & 24d. 375 60.200 5d.,4Jd..4d. 1,208 ; 300.000 0 1 8 2,500 1 150.000 0 1 3 1,500 100,000 1/34 & 1/94 3,500 200 25 0 0 in 66 299 31 34 100 353 131 14 30 204 27 1,433 59 282 222 100 122 92 150 156 105 92 100 145 63 125 92 123 20 486 40 98 70 26 88 66 40 24 200 527 60 223 65 160 51 120 24 79 75 32 330 133 103 29 4 4 2 20 6 9 15 I 1 6 6 4 15 23 1 1 25 21 I 5 Oz. 164 440 158 1,422 79 1,571 540 4,954 2.283 457 240 1.220 461 2,874 221 3,829 1,552 43 1,888 142 13,916 1.646 6,330 i T 31S 1 1.645 5.507 3.314 1.647 3.969 247 1,905 11,209 1.417 5.926 1,318 5.753 776 1,244 6.053 3,92(1 17,269 4.006 474 2,192 22,965 44.259 1,916 7,984 15,898 13.3701 2.570 i. 1,134 20 42 26 150 I . 292 570 156 30 (0 169 43 50 831 268 932 10 8,085 2.500 164 30 25 9.750 1.235 3.083 1,000 1.604 . Imperial Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. ! 20/10/09 | 4,840 Kaipara Copper-developing Coin puny (Limited). . 25/6/08 j 1,470 Karangahakc Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. | 6/9/07 : 10.525 Kirikiri Consolidated Mines (Limited; .. 2/9/09 15,000 Kuranui Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. ! 12/9/95 22.394 Lanigan's Antimony and Minerals (Limited) .. ! 20/8/07 5.725 Lord Plunket Gold-mining Company (Limited).: 20/6/05 3.100 Luck-at-Last Gold-mining Company (Liinited) .. 25/8/09 2,255 Maoriland Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 15/6/06 10.600 May Queen Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 15/5/07 64,000 Missouri Mines (Limited) .. .. .. 7/10/08 12.650 Moanataiari Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 7/12/09 22.449 Monowai Gold-mining Coinpanv (Limited) .. 21/9/09 | 25,000 Mountain King Gold-mining Company (Limited) 12/2/08 12.000 Mountain Queen Gold-mining Company (Limited) 18/8/09 j 6,850 Mount Welcome Gold-mining Company (Limited) 1/7/09 ! 5.000 906 1,010 6.220 4,022 16,073 3.172 433 2,228 6.400 20.867 1.925 8.323 10.417 7.000 741 1.262 New Champion Gold-mining Company (Limited) : 21/9/11 2.500 New Comstock Gold-mining Company (Limited) i 23/11/09 28,750 New Magnet Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. ' 14/7/10 5.000 1,700 1,084 919 12 4 2 44 15 1 "35 25 18,751 674 1,105 105 71 9,769 1,810 1 1.305 120 I . 193 1.291 1.045 1.777 33.7411 8,002 10,181 2,492 50 120 435 28 705 New Success Gold-mining Company (Liinited) .. 29/10/09 ! 5,227 New Sylvia Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 2/10/05 30.000 New Waitaia Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. j 25/2/09 15.000 New Waitekauri Gold-mining Company (Limited) j 12/9/06 12,500 New Zealand Cinnabar Company (Limited) .. . 2/6/10 5,000 1.977 25,000 6.875 7,203 1,500

c—a

Occidental Consolidated Gold-mining Company 3/8/09 5,397 3,583 .. 107,938 5d. & lOd. ; 197 (No Liability) Old Hauraki Gold-mines (Limited) .. .. 3/8/07 21,000 11,375 .. 210,000 0 11 Pride of Tokatea Gold-mining Company (Limited) 12/7/09 6,000 2,022 417 90,000 0 0 5$ Pride of Waihi Gold-mining Company (Limited).. 15/1/01 50,000 2,917 1,250 100,000 0 0 10 Reliance Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 20/12/06 5,500 4,366 .. 110,000 lld.,9d., 8d. 675 Rising Sun Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 11/12/08 16,500 4,423 2,229 110,000 0 0 9 223 Royal Oak Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 22/3/04 12.500 2,062 6,875 100,000 0 18$ Saxon Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 2/12/07 35,000 5,420 13,333 200,000 9d. & lOd. 740 Scotia Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 11/9/09 1.036 1,022 1,000 102,150 0 0 4 Seddon Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 13/8/09 10,000 1,257 375 100.000 0 0 4 34 Silver Stream Mines (Limited) .. .. 7/7/09 43,950 5,220 35,200 43,950 Various 403 Tairua Gem Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 11/9/09 11,300 1.659 875 113,000 0 0 5$ 119 Tairua Golden Hills (Limited) .. .. 6/12/11 26,881 8 26,873 159,249 Tairua Mines (Limited) .. .. .. 9/3/11 17,295 3,603 8,647 172,950 0 0 5 Tairua Monarch Consolidated (Limited) .. 27/4/08 23,750 16,439 .. 190,000 0 0 7 186 Tauri Tomtit (Limited) .. .. .. 14/12/10 3.750 2,172 250 25,000 0 3 0 845 Tellurides Proprietary (Limited) .. .. 2/11/09 26,200 7,632 1,550 262,005 0 10 193 Te Puke Gold Beefs (Limited) .. 4/5/98 12,865 ' 12,865 .. 101,478 : 0 2 6 Thames Foreshore Dredging Company (Limited) 16/5/08: 5,000 5,000 .. 10,000 0 10 0 Thames Gold-mining Company (Liinited) .. 16/12/05 15,000 12.812 .. 150,000 0 18$ Union Hauraki Gold-mines (limited) .. .. 9/10/09! 9.794! 4,813 850 78,350 Oil 212 Victoria Gold-mining Company (No Liability) .. 8/12/06 I 29,523] 8,267 .. 147,615 , 0 11 344 Waihi Extended Gold-mining Company (Limited) 12/8/95 149,967 I 47,927 5,498 149,967: 0 7 1$ Waihi-Paeroa Gold-extraction Company (Limited) 4/3/10 125,000:39.947 .. 125,000, Various 2,578 Waihi Beefs Consolidated (Limited) .. .. 26/10/09 172,250! 7.500 164,750 172,250 10 0 Waihi Standard Gold-mining Company (No 20/11/11 20.000 708 5,000 200.000 0 0 1 126 Liability) w Waitangi Consolidated Gold-mining Company (No 23/10/08 146,833 7,217 .. 169,800 i 1/1 & 8d. 213 Liability) Waitawheta Gold-prospecting Company (No 21/12/07 7.250 3.200 750 145.000; 352 Liability) Waiotabi Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 28/7/71 18,000 15,000 240,000' 0 13 Watchman Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 4/12/11 2 Zeehan Consolidated (Limited) ' .. .. 23/8/10 11.300 2.354 3.700 150,000 2/& 5d. 45 . . j . Totals . .. 1,514,855 423,124 357,040 8,019,873 .. 11,074 97 320 113 221 50 138 165 350 74 44 83 40 86 280 145 40 298 103 10 151 54 269 423 101 242 11 227 151 620 70 9,303 97 320 113 221 50 138 165 350 74 44 83 40 86 280 145 40 298 103 10 151 54 269 423 101 242 11 12 33 6,467 2 1 4,081 6 381 301 3 10 1,500 29 '.'. 25 363 4 .'. 17 io 3,412 60 11 1 1,025 13 60 15 116 20 6 7 "2 563 53,226 33 2 8 1 6 3 10 29 25 ••. 4! 17 j io ii 13 60 15 6,467 4,081 381 301 1,500 363 3,412 60 1,025 il6 416 4.140 19,251 24,948 428 2,325 3,248 4,345 4,392 11,154 15.960 109 8,964 393 1,432 I . 237 209 4,996 1,561 166 719 3,581 305 6.311 1,754 8,855 12,996 i 3,435 12.451 177 12,979 4,767 2,869 11,137 48,824 63,163 12,801 108 360 1,369 ! 14,610 38 3,280 673,735 268,876 ', '.'. 2,931 768,186 819,916 416 4.140 19,251 24,948 428 2,325 3,248 4,345 4,392 11,154 15.960 109 8,964 393 1,432 1,237 209 4,996 1,561 166 719 3,581 305 6.311 1,754 8,855 12,996 3,435 12,451 177 12,979 4,767 2,869 11,137 48,824 63,163 12,801 108 360 •• 2,625 " - •' 4^545 .»w 140 15 42 100 75 325 23 10 325 40 1,733 50 241 4 8,563 109 •' ! 17 264 2,278 6,042 442 227 20 1,369 ! 14,610 151 38 3,280 402 6 620 7 70 • I 673,735 268,876 j 400,800 23 13 20 "2 2.931 •• _^L_ 407,970 39,271 I 1 NELSON DISTRICT (INCLUDING WEST COAST). £ 35 C £ I £ i £ s. d. £ Big River South Gold-mines (Limited) 22/7/09 15,000 3,000; 750 30,000 0 2 6 Blaokwater Biver Gold-dredging Company (Ltd.) 27/4/00 9,475 5,892: 3,000 0,475 0 18 0 Blue Creek Gold, Silver, and Lead Development I 14/11/10 25,000 1,913 15,000 25.000 0 4 0 87 Company (Limited) Dominion Consolidated Developing Company 18/1/11 15.0(10 2.538 8,000 15.(100 10/ & 6/1 337 (Limited) Just-in-Time Gold-mil ling Company (limited) .. 6/8/10 6,425 2,828 1,000 12.850 10/& 4/6 156 Keep-it-Dark Mines (Limited) .. .. 8/2/11 10,000 2,429 .. 20,000 0 2 5 321 Mahinapua Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 11/12/09 5,385 4,354 900 5,385 20/& 5/ Matakitaki Hydraulic Sluicing Company (Limited) 16/4/10 5.(MM) 4.344 5,000 10,000 17/6,18/9, 37 & 2/6 66 90 220 32 66 43 79 103 Oz. i2 12,479 4 20 327 7 56 1,775 7 174 2 45 £ £ 3,588 49,222 42,019 1,792 1,133 3,618 2,921 6,593 11,016 666 9,292 178 4,715 11,494 ■ 60 185 154 3,500 297

(\ ±

Table 12 — continued. Statement of Affairs of Mining Companies, as published in accordance with the Companies Act, 1908— continued.

Amount Date of Subscribed of * Name of Company. Registra- B r 3,i Capital tion. lApit-ai. actlla u y , paiil up. . Name of Company. Value of Scrip | ! mh o -rj ll _____r £_£_ -"Paid' A™. oVpl ||| « which no Cash allotted. P" Share. of Calls, holders at ag* paid. j P resent - | | Quantity and Value of T „. , t„*„i Aniott.04 ' since Registration. sim . p Dividends Registration. paid. Quantity. Value. Amount of Debts owing by Company. NELSON DIST: RICT (INCLUDING WEST COAST)— continued. £ £ s. d. £ 12,000 0 18 0 ; 42 12 16,000 26,210 j Various .. 199 4 2.000 12,000 0 4 11 37 60 2 24,000 0 0 6 .. 66 54 2,000 6,500 i 1 0 0 .. 100 9 1,250 10,730 0 7 7 28 26 2 3,500 12,000 10 0 .. 118 10 1.250 12.500 ; 0 15 0 .. 131 10 20,000 40,600 I £1,5/, 12/ 150 60 10 28,000 19,787 0 7 6 2,416 172 31 43,750 70,000 : 2/6 & 2/ 845 253 • 2 1,734 2,023 | 1 0 0 .. 7 7 3,000 24,300 ! 10/ & 5/6 41 81 8 1,500 6,000 j 1 0 0 .. 85 11 Oz. £ £ £ 35,793 | 137,547, 99,726, 51,600 1,492 2,209 i 27,069 i 107,672 55,257 ' 51,600 6,873 i 27,065 28,868 4,550 241 : 882 4,739 19,648 : 76,223 48,000 34,200 33,118 i 131,043 75,020 j 62,500 12,446 | 47,872 69,551 ! 5,753 1,299 6,090 i 23,725 19,501 3,287 4,972 9,354 j 35,904 23,130 15,900 £ £ Mont d'Or Gold-mining and Water-race Company 25/7/82 12,000 10,800 (Limited) Mount Owen Rising Sun Mineral Company (Ltd.) 21/9/11 10,210: 1,592 Mun ,iv Creek Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 30/5/11! 10,000 '. 2,462 New Big River Gold-mining Company (Limited) 19/8/07 6,000 600 New Trafalgar Dredging Company (Limited) .. 13/4/04 6,500 2,500 New Ulster Quartz-mining Company (Limited) .. 11/3/08 5,260 3,808 1 No Town Creek Gold-dredging Company (Limited) 9/3/00 8.500 8,500 Pactolus Gold-dredging Company (Limited) .. 30/8/99 8,125: 8,125 Parapara Hydraulic Sluicing and Mining Company 18/6/92 : 50,600 I 26,210 (Limited) Poerua Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 20/10/10 19,787 5,660 Ross Goldfields Reconstructed (Limited) .. 7/2/11 70.000 7,905 Stafford Gold-dredging Company (Limited) .. 17/5/05 ! 289 289 St. George Gold-mining Company (limited) .. 9/10/09 12,150 ! 4,992 Worksop Gold-dredging Company (Limited) .. 20/3/07: 4,500 4,500 £ 29 48! 44£ 18C lit 27' Hi , 157,634 406,360 | .. 4,455 2,099 ! Totals .. i .. | .. 315,206 !l!5, 241 . 315.206 115,241 I i 280 j 165,432 . 645,725 j 518,378 235,131 6,857 :__ I i l. OTAGO Arthurs Point Gold-mining Company (Limited) 22/10/09 6,480 2,840 Bakery Flat Sluicing Company (Limited) .. 10/9/96 2,500 2.012 Carrick Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 22/2/10 j 18,385 8,285 Chicago Gold-dredging Company (Limited) .. 1/11/99 5,000 6,750 Crewe Gold-dredging Company (Limited) .. 7/9/02 2,000 2,000 Deep Stream Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 19/11/06 2,500 500 Earnscleugh Gold-dredging Company (Limited) 15/7/01 8 8 Electric Gold-dredging Company (Limited) .. 2/9/99 26,000 Gabriel's Gully Sluicing Company (Limited) .. 2/5/07 600 180 Golden Bed Dredging Company (Limited) .. 5/5/99 11,000 10,694 Golden Crescent Sluicing Company (Limited) .. 26/11/98 3,500 3,500 Golden Sun Dredging Company (Liinited) .. 1/12/10 2,000 1.987 Golden Treasure Dredging Company (Limited) .. 11/7/93 I . 500 1,384 Good Chance Dredging Company (Limited) .. 24/3/09 1,250 779 Hamilton's Sluicing Company (Limited) .. 8/6/10 j 6,000 4,000 Hartley and Riley Beach Dredging Company (Ltd.) 14/7/97 6,500 6,300 Havelock Sluicing Company (Limited) .. 3/3/08 i 4,000! 3,400 Hit-or-Miss Water-race Company (Registered), 19/6/67 .. * Mount Ida OTAGO 22/10/09 6,480 2,840 10/9/96 2,500 2.012 22/2/10 : 18,385 : 8,285 1/11/99 5,000 6,750 7/9/02 2,000 2,000 19/11/06 2,500 500 15/7/01 8 8 2/9/99 26,000 2/5/07 600 180 5/5/99 11,000 10,694 26/11/98 3,500 ' 3,500 1/12/10 2,000 1.987 11/7/93 1.500 1,384 24/3/09 1,250 779 8/6/10 | 6,000 4,000 14/7/97 : 6,500 : 6,300 3/3/08 | 4,000 ! 3,400 19/6/67 j . . * : DISTRICT (INCLUDING SOUTHLAND). 6,480 Various .. 73 2,500 , 0 18 6 .. 28 10,000 18.385 10 0 .. 132 2,500 5,000 ; 1 0 0 .. 57 3,000 5,000 J 1 0 0 .. 19 2,000 2,500 10 0 .. 7 10,992 11,000 10 0 .. 14 26.000 26.000 10 0 .. 293 600 0 6 0 .. 6 2.000 12,794 i 1 0 0 .. 143 3,500 ! 1 0 0 .. 23 2,000 10 0 12 35 1,500 3,000 j 1 0 0 .. 42 1,250 ; I 0 0 .. 61 2,000 6,000 10 0 .. 34 200 6.500 ; 1 0 0 .. 314 600 ] 4,000 10 0 .. 11 301 20 0 0 .. 3 7 94 4,330 22 61 7 10,394 14 9,184 4 1,205 35 : 39,250 21 53,930 4 1,443 10 15,689 7 6,365 1 400 9 19,334 8 1,748 440 8 : 32,203 6 2,486 * 361 3,422 16,416 17,148 1,062 197 10,732 40,346 34,114 8,964 35,380 30,391 6,375 4,644 4,913 1,125 150,447 ; 127,615 24,750 208,467 86,813 126,092 5,544 i 4,281 1,335 60,652 I 47,829 15,269 24,749 I 19,245 8,137 1,555 3.563 74,504 53,404 23,871 6,845 7.321 625 1,658 5,384 124,627 : 44,917 83,687 9,550 ! 11,981 1,400 * * * 520 159 2.286 161 318 144 1,132 1,286 130 250 20 405 768 196 107 40 75

0.—2,

Island Block Gold-dredging and Sluicing Company 26/2/00 24.030 12,030 (limited) Jutland Hydraulic Dredging Company (No , 28/6/01 5.000 4.100 Liability) Karaunui Dredging Company (Limited) 12/10/09 5,115 2,765 Kia Ora Victoria Gold-dredging Company (Ltd.) 10/8/01 9,100 5,915 Koputai Gold-dredging Company (Limited) .. 9/1/06 3,200 3,200 Lady Roxburgh Gold-dredging Company (Limited) 3/3/00 9,000 5,166 Ladysmith Gold-dredging Company (Limited).. 19/4/00 12,000 3,964 Lammermoor Mining Company (Limited) 6/7/08 4,950 4,950 Little Valley Sluicing Company (Limited) .. 26/5/11 2,775 1,320 Lowburn Dredging Company (Limited) .. 26/1/09 2,000 2,000; Lower Nevis Dredging Company (Limited) .. 29/9/06 600 600 Magnum Bonum Gold-dredging Company (Limited) 1/3/06 2,500 2,500 j Manuherikia Gold-dredging Company (Limited).. 1/8/99; 12,000 6,000 : Manuka Mining Company (Limited) .. 26/5/04 , 200 200 Maori Gully Sluicing Company (Limited) .. 8/4/09 6,400 Masterton Gold-dredging Company (Limited) .. 6/1/04; 5,000 3,500; iYIolyneux Hydraulic Dredging Company (Limited) 25/5/00 5,896 5,896 ! Mount Morgan Sluicing Company (Limited) .. 2/7/02 800 800 j Muddy Terrace Sluicing Company (Limited) .. 4/10/06 14,400 14,400 j IVIystery Flat Gold-dredging Company (Limited) l«/7/00 5,512 4,512 Naseby Dredging and Hydraulic Sluicing Company 16/10/97 5,000 2,287 ; P (Limited) Nevis High Lead Sluicing and Elevating Company I /7/08 1,470 1,470 9> (Limited) New Luggate Hydraulic Sluicing Company (Ltd.) 5/12/08 2,000 500 Ngapara Gold-dredging Company (Limited) k .. 9/9/11 909 Gold-dredging Company (Limited) .. 6/10/09 3,000 3,000 Nokomai Hydraulic Sluicing Company (Limited) 26/3/98 24,000 7,000 Olrig Dredging Company (Limited) .. .. 13/3/99 9,955 8,955 1911 Gold-dredging Company (Limited) .. j 13/5/11 2,500 2,375 Otago Gold-dredging Company (Limited) .. 20/5/95 5,000 2,000 Ourawera Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 23/5/95 3.000 3,000 Paracale Gold-dredging Company (Limited) .. 7/12/06 6,233 6,233 Patterson's Freehold Gold-mining Company (Ltd.) 15/7/99 12,000 8,000 Phoenix Water-race Company (Limited) (Regd.) 12/10/67 1,500 1,500 Rise-and-Shine Gold-dredging Company (Limited) 24/2/00 10,000 9,746 Rising Sun Gold-dredging Company (Limited) .. 16/2/01 8,000 5,500 Round Hill Mining Company (Limited) .. < 30/7/02; 28,245 6,753 Roxburgh Amalgamated Mining and Sluicing 2/3/89 : 29,152 13,121 Company (limited) Sailor's Bend Dredging Company (Limited) .. 1/9/99 8,000 6,500 i Sailor's Gully (Waitahuna) Gold-mining Company 3/6/96 2,000 200 (Limited) Sandy Point Gold-dredging Company (Limited).. 20/2/03 j 3,000 8.000 i Scandinavian Water-race Company (Limited) . . 10/12/07 7 7 Shetland Consolidated Sluicing Compa ny (Ltd.).. 16/8/07 2,400 2,317 Skipper's Sluicing Company (Limited).'. ... 20/11/11 3,450 214 Success Gold-dredging Company (limited) 25/6/10 10.000 8.000 12,000 900 2,350 300 2,000 3,000 i 1,000 1,100 1.350 600 6,000 6,400 1.500 2,000 5.550 1,000 2.000 1,300 2,400 17,000 1.000 125 3,000 1,200 4.000 2,000 2,500 21,492 15.000 1,500 1.800 9,750 ! 1,200 3,105 2.000 25,000 1 0 0 5.000 10 0 5,115 1 0 0 9,100 0 13 0 3,500 i 1 0 0 11,000 0 15 0 14,500 0 10 0 5.950 1 0 0 2,775 0 16 0 2,000 1 0 0 1,200 1 0 0 2.500 1 0 0 12,000 1 0 0 200 10 0 3,200 5,000 10 0 5,896 1 0 0 2,800 1 0 0 19,950 1 0 0 5,512 1 0 0 5,000 0 15 3 2,100 0 14 0 2,000 10 0 3,000 0 16 0 3,000 1 0 0 24,000 1 0 0 9,955 1 0 0 2,500 1 0 0 5,000 1 0 0 3,000 10 0 6,233 10 0 12,000 10 0 1,000 1 10 0 12,000 10 0 8,000 10 0 5,649 5 0 0 29,152 0 18 6 19 20 254 112 I 9 ... 1)7 35 44 98 78 25 17 8 7 9 166 7 14 76 85 11 136 91 24 24 10 9 63 70 14 52 16 42 t 32 18 156 81 180 171 8 7,806 7 5,420 10 1,869 16 23,424 7 8,108 6,593 9 7,960 5 182 29 10 1,681 7 2,749 8 6,280 9 17,830 I 434 5 935 8 14,178 8 12,723 3 I 1,516 25 ! 4,017 8 14,520 4 4.100 7 221 901 7 208 10 3,119 43 28,699 8 8,013 9 322 8 23,245 9 11,243 54 10,507 17 16,908 1 10 i 30,743 10 14,871 38 35,849 14 28,185 30.423 37,133 20.846 21,830 ' 6,657 12,434 94,940 66,288 31,838 22,318 25,327 28,747 30.692 26,55!) 704 5,529 1,813 6,467 9,575 , 10,579 10,547 i 24,995 17,424 68,367 38,467 1,683 1,950 3,780 3,541 55,909 27,400 48,968 55,114 ' 5,838 5,672 15,841 42,805 ; 57,357 35,445 ! 15,791 16.192 740 1,580 3.534 4.640 ' 800 832 i 12,199 9,669 107,913 82,984 30,592 32,595 j 1,237 3,029 ■ 89,965 . 80,441 44,808 ! 35,148 36,469 42,702 67,631 59,695 1,207 i 119,552 90,900 57,501 41,616 I 143,296 142.535 105,579 ' 86,779 2,403 3,250 34,352 12,537 3,593 8,436 960 i 8,875 33,445 320 31,500 7,076 210 26,595 3,500 3,750 28,884 4,173 17[375 13,615 15,000 8,442 35,100 16,000 7,626 32,430 1,371 341 2,031 158 600 184 458 491 980 256 190 175 103 59 12^564 184 43 25 370 320 475 464 45 300 3|891 12 584 88 275 189 25 370 320 475 464 45 300 3^891 12 584 88 275 189 8,000 10 0: 2,000 10 0 8,000 10 0 9,757 10 0 3,600 1 0 0 3,450 0 10 0 10,000 10 0 "30 j 165 10 44 22 9 30 121 8 5,050 4 3,462 11 I 11,217 14 ' 3,959 .. j 53 6 | . .. 11 1,020 19,486 22,749 i 13.111 9,891 j 43,714 45,957 15,096 15,863 209 2,264 j 195 I 4,039 13,292 3,587 3,600 7,200 73 58 1,428 5,089 80 60 1,505 73 58 1,428 5,089 80 fin no 1,505 * No record.

C—2.

Statement of Affairs of Mining Companies, as published in accordance with the Companies Act, 1908-continued. Foreign Companies.

Table 12—continued. Statement of Affairs of Mining Companies, as published in accordance with the Companies Ac t, 1908-continued.

paiil paid. & - Quantity. Valtie. I OTAGO DISTRICT (INCLUDING SOUTHLAND)— coniinned. £ £ s (I £ ! Ofc £ £ £ £ Tallaburn Hydraulic Sluicing Company (Limited) ' 3/12/04 1,200 1.200 12 100 0 0 .. 7 4 356 3 68 .. Teviot-Molyneux Gold-mining Company (Limited) 24/ 2/09 0,000 10,000 0,000 „ .. 34 2>wl 03 Tinker's Gold-mining Company (Limited) .. 29/10/10 1,600 11,600 .. 11,300 100 g 5 Undaunted Gold-mining Company (Limited) 1/3/98: 15.000 16,000 1.500 10 0 J I ig . e 3 United M. and E. Water-raee Company (Regd.).. 23/4/72 7,600 -,600: .. ou u . 5 .. 11,264 10,7:54 1,050 M.8 Vinegar Hill Hydraulic Sluicing Company (Ltrl.) 23/9/00 b.OOO 6,000 .. b,000 U « •• 9 9 570 .„ 830 27,919 i 13,475. 286 Waikaia Gold-dredging Company (Limited) .. 20/10/03 3,oOO ,-oO 1,760 3,500 0 0 4 g tf . Waikaka Syndicate (Limited) .. .. 20/12/01 7 000 3,000 4,000 7.UW i « « 34 24 26,025; 102,799 69,723 39,760 2.513 Waikaka United Gold-dredging Company (Ltd.) 11/ 4.-00 4,700 6.500 o u gg ]9 045 2813 27 Waipori Consolidated Gold-dredges (No Liability) 22/3/99 2,500 2,275 225 2,500 0 0 22 605' 2,330 4,251 2,104 20 Waitahuna Dredging Company (Limited) • 22/2/02 ,380 .380 . 1,380 1 0 0 g g 1359 u',246 3,850 240 Waitahuna Hydraulic Sluicing Company (L.mited) 10/11/04 2,000 1,400 ■• • ;— — Totab — J 486,993 |300,92»> | 222,689 335 4,017 | 743 667,869 B.602,258 2,121,317 W.W | **.*» " a ' '' , -i^F^ri^r^r : fl l B .^l___ v ' IS.864 15.«9 : l.SSe ' 886,527 '4,016,169 3,459.611 1,423,762 1 100,487 (jranu totalis • • - ■ ; ' ■ ■ -■ 335 4,017 743 ! 667,869 2,602,258 2,121,317 780,661 j 54,359 I 15,864 15,419 ; 1,586 886,527 '4,016,169 1,423,762 ' 100,487

. I Date of Registration of Office in Dominion. I Amount ; y a)ue 0 , Scrip Number Subscribed Capital ! of Share . s on Capital. , actually : wh ™ Cash Dominion i paid up in I whic n a n id OS, Renter. J Dominion.j >' ' Amount paid Arrears per Share, of Calls, Dominion Dominion Register. | Register. Number of Shareholders on Dominion Register. & SSI I Quantity and Value of Gold and Silver produced since Registration. Total Expenditure since Registration. Total Amount of Dividends paid in Dominion. Amount of Liabilities of Company in New Zealand. Name of Company. Quantity. Value. £ s. d. £ J ! 1 I I 135,771 £ £ 2.359 Blue Spur and Gabriel's Gully Consolidated Gold Company (Limited) New Zealand Crown Mines Company (Limited) .. 1/2/88 9l,2t>6 .. 48.2KK 22 Oz. i £ 51,415 196,314 376 160 32,320 34,031 915 5/7/10 60,000 10,023 40,000 ; 161.166 J 151,266 10.023 88.268 | 161.166 0 4 0; Totals 370 182 51,415 228,634 169.802 3,274

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ANNEXURE F. EXAMINATIONS UNDER THE MINING ACT, 1908. Questions asked at the 1911 Examination for First-class Certificates of Competency as Mine-managers. Subject A.— The Laying-out and Construction of Shafts, Chambers, Main Drives or Levels, Uprises, and Sto pes. 1. (a.) A vertical shaft to be sunk I,oooft. situated 50 ft. to the north-west of outcrop of a lode striking north-east and south-west and underlaying to south-east 12° from the perpendicular; the shaft to be 14 ft. by 6 ft. in clear of timber; to be timbered with framed sets and struddles, iind divided into three compartments, one for pumping and two for hauling ore, &c. (b.) Give the size you would make each compartment in the clear, also the size of timber you would use (the country being of medium hardness) for sets, struddles, and dividing-pieces. (c.) Make a sketch-plan showing how you would fit the timbers, hang the sets, and the distance apart you would place them from centre to centre. (d.) How far would you have to crosscut from Bottom of shaft to reach the lode? (a.) Give the height of backs on course of reef from floor of level to surface. (c.) On opening up the lode for stoping (provided it is 10 ft. wide) give the most suitable distances you would adopt between the levels, (b.) Give the height of chambers you would open and size of timbers you would use. (/.) Having driven the levels, state how far apart you would sink winzes or put uprises to faqilitate tilling up worked-out stopes and ventilation. Subject B. — The Timbering of Shafts, Adits, Main Drives or Levels, Passes, Stopes, and generally the Systems of timbering Mives and filling up Old Workings. 1. In stoping or beating out a lode (say, 10 ft. wide), state how far apart you would fix the ore-passes; describe how you would timber them; also the size in clear to avoid broken ore hanging up. 2. State where you would place ladder-roads, how far you would have them apart in the level, how you would timber them, and what size is the most convenient for travelling in. 3. Show by a sketch how you would timber stopes where the lode is friable and 20 ft. wide. To what height would you stope before filling in? 4. Where the output of ore is 200 tons per eight-hours shift, how many lines of rails would you have in crosscut, from chamber to level on lode, where timber is required? State size in clear sets would require to be to admit double line of rails, 2 ft. gauge. 5. Give the different systems of stoping in mines. Describe the shrinkage method fully. 6. State how you would timber a level where the walls are soft. Give a sketch showing how you would fit the sots, and the size and description of timber. Would you use sills? 7. What is the breaking-strain in tons of a limn cap-piece uniformly loaded 18 in. diameter and 6 ft. span? Give the size of legs of same material 7 ft. to equal cap-piece. Subject C- — The Ventilation, of Mints and Composition of Gases. 1 Prepare a chart or table for fire-damp, white-damp, and black-damp, under the following headings: Proper name; Chemical formula; Specific gravity; Character; Effect upon man; Explosive-proportions; Caused by; Test for; Where found. 2. How and where would you test the quantity and quality of air circulating in a mine which was reported to be inadequately ventilated? State the minimum velocity which an anemometer will correctly register. . . 3. Describe and sketch a " Sirocco " fan; state the special advantages claimed for this fan, and how the ventilation may be reversed when using/me. 4 \ current of 25,000 cubic feet of air is split into three airways, .\, B, and C, having the following dimensions: A, area 6ft. by 9ft., length 700 yards; B, area 6ft. by 10ft., length 800 yards; C, area 4ft. by 10ft., length 300 yards- how will the quantity divide itself among these splits if no regulators are used and all splits are subject to a common pressure? Subject D.— -Tapping Water in Mines, and the Mode of constructing Dams in Underground Workings to keep the Water back. 1 In approaching old and extensive lode-workings containing 300 ft. of water, for safety (independent of statutory provisions) what should be (a) the maximum width of the drive, (b) the minimum length and greatest diameter of the boreholes, (c) the angle of and distance apart of flank-holes, (d) the position of the flank-holes, (c) the discharge of water in gallons per minute when tapped by the borehole? , 9 Describe and illustrate by sketches how you would prepare the site and construct an underground dam to resist a preasure of water due to a static head of 1,000 ft Calculate the thickness of such a dam if constructed of hardwood having an ultimate crushing-strength of 10,0001b. per square inch.

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3. Calculate the capacity in gallons of an excavated tank which is 100 ft. square at the bottom; three sides have a batter of 2to 1, and the fourth side has a batter of sto 1; the depth of water is 10 ft. when the tank is full. Subject E. — Blasting and the Use of Explosives 1. (a.) Do explosives exert an equal force in every direction ? (b.) In what direction do they take effect? (c.) At what point of the charge does that direction begin? (d.) How does the necessary qeantity of explosive vary? 2. Describe and illustrate by sketch a dynamo or magneto-electric firing-machine. State (a) what precautions are essential when using it, and (&), if electrical missfires or hangfires are possible. 3. What are the chief differences between the three classes of explosives used in mining? Give examples of one of each, with their respective compositions; and describe the special precautions which should be taken with each class. 4. After blasting in a place where rock-drills are used, how may the dust and smoke caused by such blasting be immediately allayed without the aid of ventilation, and before any person returns to the place? Subject F. — A Knowledge of Arithmetic ami the Method of keeping Mining Accounts. 1. If 30 gallons of water run in and 22£ gallons per hour run oui of a cistern capable of holding 200 gallons, in what time will the cistern be filled? 2. Divide an income of £1,350 into two parts so that the income-tax on one part at 9d. in the pound may be three times the income-tax on the other part at Is. in the pound. 3. The cost of keeping 25 horses being at the rate of £11 6s. OJd. per week, what will be the cost of keeping 13 horses during September and October? 4. Draw out a form for a monthly sheet in connection with a gold-quartz mine which, when filled up, will give at a glance such quantities find costs as a board of directors is likely to require. Subject G. — Practical Elementary Electricity. 1. Define concisely the meaning of "direct current"; "alternating current"; "series, shunt, and compound dynamos." 2. What is "pressure drop"? Calculate what would be the P.D. for each 100 yards of a cable one mile in length wherein a current of 80 amperes is flowing ;m<l the resistance is 0"5 ohm per mile. 3. Give a brief description of tliu principle of transformers; and, as an example, the transforming of a voltage of 3,000 and a current of SO amperes to meet the requirements of twenty motors of 14 horse-power at 500 volts. 4. Give the relative advantages and disadvantages of steam, compressed air, and electricity for driving ventilating-fans at the surface, and for operating pumps in deep mines. Subject I.— Pumping Appliances and the Drainage of Mines. 1. Describe the action and illustrate by sketch a three-throw plunger pump. State (a) the usual piston-speed, (b) revolutions of crank-shaft per minute. Compare pumps of this type with Cornish and turbine pumps for the drainage of metal-mines. 2. Describe and illustrate by sketches, beginning at the collar of the shaft, a single-acting Cornish pumping system suitable for a vertical shaft 1,000 ft. deep, and adequate for dealing with 2,000,000 gallons in twenty-four hours. State (a) the diameter of the pump, (b) the type and B.H.P. of the engine, (c) the number and type of the valves, (d) the over-all efficiency of the engine and pumps. 3. Describe the action and illustrate by sketch Davy differential valve gear. For what purpose is it employed with both the single and double system of rods? Subject 3.—The Haulage in SJuxftx and on Underground Planes, also the Strength of Haulage Ropes and Chains. 1. What size and type of winding-engine would you employ for raising 125 tons of mineral per hour from a depth of 1,800 ft., with a boiler-pressuiv of 1001b. per square inch? 2. What is the truck drawbar pull, at the moment of starting, when the load to be hauled is 15 loaded trucks of 3,000 lb. each, on (a) a level track, (l>) an incline of 10 per cent. ? (c.) What is the horse-power required to haul this load up the incline, 3,000 ft. long, at a speed of 10 miles an hour, the haulage-rope weighing 15 lb. per foot, and taking rolling friction at one-fortieth of the load. (Allow 13 per cent, of the weight of the load for the resistance of rope and pulley, and 50 per cent, of efficiency for hauling-engine.) 3. What size of plough-steel winding-rope would you put in a shaft 1,950 ft. deep to wind 150 tons of mineral per hour? Describe and sketch the form of capping you would use, and say how often you would recap. Subject K. The Effect that Faults, Slides, and Mullock-bars have on Lodes, and how to ascertain the Direction of Slides and Heavals. 1. Explain the meaning (that is, give definitions) of the following terms: Normal fault; reversed fault; throw; heave. Give diagrams to illustrate your definitions. 2 Quote two or three examples of faults occurring in New Zealand mining-fields, and briefly state what you knew about each.

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3 A lode apparently terminates against a fault. After an attempt to pick up the lode beyond the fault has failed, the theory is advanced that the fault is older than the lode, and therefore that the lode probably does not continue beyond the fault. State how you would ascertain whether this theory is correct or not. and in particular detail the class of evidence you would look for in order to help you in coming to a decision. Quote any cases of apparently faulted lodes known to you that seem to bear on the point. Subjkct L.— A Knowledge of Underground Surveying, and of making Plans of the Underground Workings, showing the Dip or Inclination and Strike of the Reefs or Lodes. 1. A drive terminates at A : how far must it be continued to reach the boundary at B? The distances are given in links.

3. Compute the area in acres, &c, enclosed when Stations 1 and 6 are joined. 4. Required the solid content, in feet, inches, and parts, of a round mining prop 20 ft. long, its mean girth (after allowing for bark) being 2 ft. 11 in. 5. Name the different instruments used for angular work in underground surveying. Subject M.— A Knowledge of the Different Rocks where Gold, Silver, Tin, Copper, Zinc, Lead, and Antimony are found, and the Formation of Lodes and Leads. [Candidates need not answer more than three questions.] 1. State clearly the chief points of difference between a mineral-bearing lode and a bedded deposit, such as coal. 2. Give an outline of some theory accounting for the formation of mineral lodes, and state how far it accounts for the known facts, or, in other words, to what extent you consider it to be proved. 3. State what you know regarding the occurrence of " shoots " or large patches of ore richer than the average in gold-quartz veins. In your answer give references to mines and mining districts with which you are familiar. 4. Gold-miners find by experience that in a given district certain characters of enclosing rock (" country ") and of vein-stone indicate the prrfbable presence of profitable ore. Discuss the matter with reference to some mining district of which you have knowledge, and state how far you consider experience gained in one district of value in another district. Questions asked at the 1911 Examination for Battery-superintendents' Certificates. Subject A. — The Different Modes of reducing and pulverizing Ores. 1. Show by neat sketch general plan and cross-section of a modern quartz-crushing mill, with 30 heads of stamps of 1,100 lb. each, stone-breakers, Challenge ore-feeders, quicksilver-tables, tube mills, &c. Give dimensions in figure? on both plan and section ; also describe fully all details in regard to foundations and dimensions of timber required in the erection of stamps. 2. As a battery superintendent, give an estimate of the cost of a crushing-battery as described in the foregoing question, and show in detail how you arrive at the amount. 3. Describe fully the dimensions of what is known as Brown's Towers for treating crushed ore with cyanide-of-potassium solutions, the method of keeping the solution and pulp in circulation, and atao the method of charging and emptying the towers. 4. If the stamps in a crushing-battery liad a drop of 8 in., show arithmetically the maximum number of drops that a stamp could make per minute without the tappet striking the cam.

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Subject B. — Amalgamation Machines, . 1. What is meant by the amalgamation of ores containing gold and silver ( How is amalgamation produced, and how are the metallic contents collected and made into c marketable condition ? 2. Describe the mechanical appliances that are used for amalgamation : (a) The quantity that each pan can treat in twenty-four hours; (5) the speed that each has to be driven at, and the quantity of quicksilver charged in each, g 3. In using a pan for amalgamating purposes, what effect, if any, is produced by the use of salt and sulphate of copper in amalgamation of gold ? 4. How is amalgam removed from pans that are used for amalgamating purposes, and how are the metallic contents made into a marketable condition ? Describe fully. Subject C. — The Use of Quicksilver, and Methods of using it in connection with the Extraction of Gold and Silver from Ores. 1. How is it ascertained when quicksilver is not in a fit state for the amalgamation of gold or silver ? What means should be taken to effect a remedy ? 2. What effect has the treatment of concentrates containing gold, silver, lead, antimony, and copper on quicksilver used for amalgamation, and how are the different metals separated ? Explain fully. 3. Describe how copper plates are coated with quicksilver, also how they are kept in good condition and the amalgam removed. 4. In using copper plates to cover amalgamating-tables, give the minimum thickness of plates you would use, and give reasons for same. 5. If crushed auriferous ore containing antimony were treated by amalgamation on amalgamatingtables, what effect would be produced by a current of electricity in contact with the quicksilver in the ripples 1 Subject D. — Cyanide, Chlorination, and other Chemical Processes of recovering Gold and Silver from Ores. 1. What is meant by the recovery of gold from ore by using cyanide solutions ? How is this effected ? (a.) How is the ore prepared to be in a fit state to be treated with KCN solutions ? (b.) How are KCN solutions made ? (c.) How do you ascertain the best strength of KCN solutions to use, and the length of time the ore requires to be treated with such solutions % 2. In using 216 lb. of crude cyanide containing 75 per cent, of KCN in a sump solution containing 0-012 per cent. KCN, required the quantity of solution it would need to make up a solution of 0-2 per cent. KCN. 3. If 40 tons of sump solution contained 0-08 per cent, of KCN, required the quantity of stock solution containing 11 per cent. KCN to make up the sump solution to 0-15 per cent. KCN. 4. How is bullion extracted from KCN solutions, and how are the solutions separated from the gangue ; also, how is the bullion made into a marketable condition ? Describe fully. 5. If a circular vat had to be constructed to hold 200 tons of pulverized ore to a depth of 6 ft., required the diameter of the vat, taking the weight of the ore at 112 lb. per cubic foot. 6. If any of the workmen were suffering from hydro-cyanide poisoning, what steps would you take to alleviate the sufferer, and what antidote would you use ? Describe fully. 7. What is meant by the chlorination of ore containing gold ? How is it affected (a) by the Plattner process, (b) by ths Newbury-Vautin process; (c) how is the gold recovered and made into a marketable condition ? 8. What effect, if any, has the treatment of raw concentrates on KCN solutions ? What do you consider the most effective and economical method of extracting the gold from pulverized iron and arsenical pyrites ? Subject E. — Sampling and Testing of Ores. 1. Describe the better-known methods of sampling, for assay, the quartz as it comes from the mine. 2. Describe the fire assay of a sample of quartz, and explain the chemistry of the various processes involved. How would you modify the assay if the sample consisted mainly of galena? '■i. How would you estimate tin in a sample of low-grade ore? 4. What tests would you make in order to detect the following elements when occurring singly in rocks: Silver, lead, antimony, tin, chromium, zinc? 5. How would you prove the presence of the following elements in a sulphide ore: Arsenic, iron, mercury, bismuth? Subject F. — A Knowledge of Arithmetic and the Method of keeping Battery Accounts. 1. The weekly wages in a crushing-mill, where 30 men and 11 boys are employed, amount to £150 7s. 6d.; each boy gets of the wages of each man : how much did each man and boy receive ? 2. A Lancashire steam boiler is 30 ft. long and 7 ft. in diameter, having two furnace-tubes through it 2 ft. 6 in. in diameter : when lying horizontally how many imperial gallons of water would it take to fill the boiler to within 21 in. of the crown ? 3. A Pelton water-wheel 6 ft. in diameter under a head of 150 ft. is required to develop 40 horsepower : allowing the wheel to give 80 psrcent. of the theoretical power of the water, how many cubic feet of water is required to give the horse-power, and what diameter of nozzle will it take to deliver this quantity on the wheel ? 4. The value of bullion is £13,450 16s. 7d.; it contained gold 0-3437 fine, the balance being silver: taking gold at £4 3s. 6d. per ounce and silver at 2s. Id. per ounce, how many ounces of gold and silver did the bullion contain ? 5. Show arithmetically the cube root of 0-00413 squared.

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LIST OF MINE - MANAGERS. BATTEEY - SUPERINTENDENTS, AND DREDGEMASTERS WHO HAVE OBTAINED CERTIFICATES UNDER THE MINING ACTS. FinsT-CLASs Mine-managers' Certificates. Certificates of Service issued under the Mining Act, 1886, without Examination. Adams, H. H., Waiorongomai. 'Greenish, J., Reefton. 'Nasmyth, T., Reefton. •Anderson, P., Thames. 'Greenville, W., Ohinemuri. Newman, W., Naseby. •Andrews, X., Coromandel. 'Hall, J. P. "Northey, J., Thames. Andrews, T., Tliames. 'Hansen, P. C, Thames. 'O'Sullivan, D. E., Thames. Barclay, T. H., Thames. "Harris, J., Owen's Reefs. Polton, A., Karangahake. Bennett, J., Alexandra. Harrison, R. H., Coromandel. Porter, J., Waipori. •Benney, J., Coromandel. 'Hicks, T. 8., Thames. "Purvis, G., Ross. Black, T., Waiomio. *Hilton, G. P., Bendigo. Quinn, E., Te Aroha. •Bollersley, N., Boatman's. "Hodge, P., Coromandel. 'Radford, T., Thames. •Bradbury, M., Reefton. Hollis, W., Thames. Ralph, J. G., Thames. Bray, Jolin, Lyell. Hunter, R., Thames. 'Ranger, J., Reefton. Burch, W. H., Thames. James, P., Thames. Rasmussen, C. L., Mokihinui. Byrne, J. F., Stafford. Jamieson, A., Coromandel. Rasmussen, C. P., Mokihinui. Cameron, A , Macetown. Jenkins, M., Wakatipu. Reid, P., Coromandel. •Cameron, E., Te Aroha. Johnstone, H., Bluespur. Resta, L., Macetown. Chapman, J. A., Dunedin. 'Julian, J., Boatman's. 'Roberts, E., Ross. •Clarke, G. S., Thames. Kelly, J., Lyell. Rooney, P., Reefton. •Comer, R., Thames. Kerr, J., Thames. Scott, T., Waiorongomai. Conradson, M., Lyell. *Lawn, E., Black's Point. "Searight, A., Reefton. *Corin, \V., Thames. 'Lawn, H., Boatman's. 'Senior, J., Tliames. •Comes, C. A., Karangahake. 'Lawn, J., Reefton. Smith, J. E., Thames. 'Coutts, J., Tliames. "Littlejohn, W., Karangahake Stone, F., Karangahake. Crawford, T. H., Thames. 'Lowe, E. W., Thames. 'Steedman, J. 8., Ttiames. •Crowley, C, Reefton. 'Malfroy, J. M. C, Ross. Sturm, A., Waipori. ♦Cummings, W., Reefton. 'Martin, W. G., Thames. Taylor N., Thamea. Davis, J. E., Queenstown. 'McCallum, J., Reefton. Todd, C, Heribt. 'Davey, C, Ross. McCullough, R., Tliames. Treloer, J. S., Reefton. •Donald, J., Cromwell. McGruer, G. N., Karangahaki' Tripp, R. S., Arrowtown. •Dryden, S., Thames. 'Mellhaney, J., Thames. Vivian, J. G., Thames. 'Dunlop, T. A., Thames. Mclntosh, D., Bluespur. 'Vivian, S., Reefton. Edwards, J., Skipper's. McKay, J., Ross. 'Waite, C. D., Thames. Elliott, J., Macetown. 'McKenney, J., Reefton. 'Waite, E., Thames. •Evans, F., Skipper's. 'McKenzie, W., Thames. Walker, J. W., Thames. Evans, J. H., Skipper's. "McLeod, G., Coromandel. Watson, T., Reefton. "Fitzmaurice, R., Reefton 'McLiver, P., Thames. 'Wearne, J. E., Endeavour Inlet. Frewen, J. 8., Queenstown. - 'McLiver, H., Thames. Wearne, T., Endeavour Inlet. Gavin, T., Te Aroha. McMaster, J., Reefton. "Wilcox, J., Thames. •Gilbert, J., Reefton. Moore, H. W., Thames. Williams, J., Skipper's, Gilmour, 1., Thames. 'Moore, J. H., Thames. Wright, G., Boatman's. •Giles, G. F., West Wanganui. 'Morgan, R., Otago. Wylie, W., Ross. Glass, W. M., Naseby. Morrisby, A. A., Glenorchy. Young, G., Skipper's. 'Goldsworthv, J., Waiorongomai. Issued after Examination under the Mining Act, 1886, and Amendment Acts. Adams, 8., Thames. Crawford, J. J., Thames. Hosking, G. F., Auckland. Baker, W., Thames. 'Camming*, W., Reefton. Kruizenza, W., Reefton. Black, G., Reefton. Donaldson, W., Otago. 'Lawn, T., Reefton. 'Caples, P. Q., Reefton. Fleming, M., Thames. Logan, H. F., Wellington. •Carter, J., Thames. Gardner, W. P., Reefton. Mangan, T., Thames. •Casley, G., Reefton. Harris, W., Thames. Mouat, W. G., Dunedin. Cochrane, D. L., Reefton. Horn, G. W., Thames. 'Truseott, G., Thames. Colebrook, J. D., Coromandel. Home, W., Coromandel. Watkins, W. E., Reefton. Coombe, J., Reefton. Hornick, M., Thames. "Wilkie, J., Reefton. Issued on Production of Certificate from a Recognised Authority outside the Dominion under the Mining Acts 1886, 1891, 1898, 1905, and 1908. Argall, W. H., Coromandel. Evans, A. W., Reefton. Hall, E. X, Reefton. Beckwith, L. H.,Wellington. Gillick, James, Kamo. McKenna, Thomas, Dunedin. Br. ok, R. H. T., Reefton. Griffiths, A. P., Auckland. Molineaux, H. S., Gore. Cock, W., Waiomio. Griffiths, H. P., Auckland. Rich, F. A., Auckland. Datson. J., Manaia. Hailey, R. C, Dunedin. Williams, W. H., Auokland. Dodd, William, Milton, Issued after Examination under the Mining Act, 1891. Agnew, J. A., Thames. 'Hughes, D., Thames. 'Prince, F. H., Reefton. Annear, William, Reefton. 'James, T., Thames. Robertson, D. 8., Stafford. Arcoit, R.. Wnihi. Keam, P. E., Thames. Ross, Richard, Thames. Bennett, E. P., Thames. Lane, J., Reefton. Russell, Murray, Dunedin. Boydell, H. C, Coromandel. Lawn, C. H., Capleston. Shepherd, H. F., Thames. Bradley, R. J. H., Te Puke. Linck, F. W., Thames. Stanford, W. J., Macetown. Bray, E., Reef too. 'Marshall, F., Reefton. 'Steedman, J. G., Thames. •Bruce, Malcolm, Thames. Morrison, R., Thames. Sutherland, Benjamin, Reefton. Carroll, J., Lvell. McDermott, J., Thames. Tierney, R., Thames. Cartwriglit., E., Thames. McDermotc, G., Thames. Vialoux, F., Coromandel. Crabb, J., Reefton. McDermott, W., Thames. Warne, George, Thames. 'Dobson, J. A., Auckland. McGregor, W. T., Thames. Waters, D. 8., Skipper's. Evans, H. A., Wellington. McKenzie, H. J., Coromandel. Watt, J., Thames. •Fahey, P., Reefton. McPeake, J., Thames. White, G. H., Thames. •Flannigan, Francis, Reefton. O'Keeffe, M. D., Thames. Whitley, A., Thames. Gilmour, J. L., Thames. Paul, Matthew, Thames. Williams, C, Capleston. Hodge, J. H., Thames. Paltridge, Henry, Thames. * Deceased since issue of certificate.

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First-class Mine-managers' Certificates— continued. Issued after Examination under the Mining Acts, 189S, 1905, and 1901. Allen, Henry, Waihi. George, M. T., Waihi. Moye, Michael, Reefton. Autridg j , L. E., Thames. Goldsworthy, C, Karangahake. Oats, John, Blink's Point, Reefton Baker, S. G., Thames. Goldswonhy, \V., Coromandel. O'Sullivan, J. W., Thames. Barker, 8., Thames. Gordon, J. A., Taames. 'Rube, John, Tnames. Barrance, K. M., Karangahake. Grayden, P., Tbame3. Rimmer, J. C, Helensville. Bell, 0., Waihi. Greening, W., Karangahake. Rjdden, John, Reefton. Bennie, Boyd, Waihi. Hitchcock, VV. E., Barewood. Saunders, W. H., Reefton. Bishop, ThomasOuo, Skipper's,Otago.Hooker, John, Coromandel. Sheehan, D., Kara,ngahake. Blenkhorn, C, Coromandel Irwin, Samuel, Waihi. Smith, Walter, Karangakake. Bolitho, Joseph, Reefton. Jackson, G. T., Waibi. Spearing, J. R., Waihi. Bower, J. W., Coromandel Johnson, J. H., Coromandel. Stewart, F., Waihi. Broad, R., Waihi. Katz, C. A., Waihi. Stewart, R. A., Reefton. Buddie, Frank, Coromandel. Langdon, H., Waihi. Thomson, J. R., Waihi. Bull, C. W., Waihi. Langford, G. S., Waihi. Thomson, Tbomas, Waihi. Caisley, John, Karangahake. Lautour, H. A. de, Waihi. Thome, G. M., Waihi. Carroll, A. M., Reefcon. Lawn, Nicholas, Reefton. Tucker, E. S., Coromandel. Curroll, John, Kuaotunu. Lewis, Ralph Reginald, Waihi. Turner, G. W. E., Reefton. Carter, K. P., Waihi. Mackie, Portland George A., Waihi. Turnbull, E. V., Coromandel. Clouston, R. E., Kaitarjgata. McConachie, W., jun., Waihi. Turner, C. E., Murchison. Cooper, J. H., Thames. McDonald, H. M., Table Hill. Ulrich, G. A. C, Waibi. Cooper, Thornhill, Waihi. Mac Duff, R. 8., Thames. Watson, J. L., Thames. Cordes, F. M., Karangahake. McGruer, A., Karangahake. Webber, J. H. A., Reefton. Comes, J. G., Waihi. MacLaren, J. A. J., Coromandel. Weir, Thomas, Waihi. •Daley, John William, Waihi. McMahon, J. H., Reefton. 'Whyte, N. McG. H., Waihi. Docherty, W. H., Coromandel. McMahon, T., Reefcon. Williams, C, Thames. Dutton, W. F., Waihi. Mitchell, William J., Barewood. Wilson, Allan, Thames. Ellery, John, Reefion. Moore, L. 0., Waihi. Wood, P. H., Reefton. Fry, S., Waimangaroa. Morgan, William, Waihi. Wotherspoon, James, Waihi. Evered, N. J., Waihi. Morrison, William, Waihi. Issued under Section 313 of the Mining Act, 1891. •Edwards, George, Westport. Rickard, John, Thames. Trelease, J. H., Thames. Hornibrooke, H. P., Coromandel. Snow, Thomas, Huntly. Williams, John, Kuaotunu. Martin, James, Reefton. Thomas, James, Thames. White, John S., Karangahake. Certificates of Competency granted to Holders of Provisional Warrants under Section 32 of the Mining .let Amendment Act, 1896. Alexander, Thomas, Deep Creek. Harvey, A. G., Coromandel. Moorecraft, Walter, Coromandel. Argall, A. E., Coromandel. 'Howard, Samuel, Karangahake. Morgan, William. Owharoa. Battens, H., Coromandel. James, Robert, Thames. Moyle, Thomas, Thames. "Begley, Thomas, Reefton. Jamieson, John, Reefton. Patton, William, Macetown. Bennett, Charles Henry, Kuaotunu. Johns, Thomas, Waihi. Pearce, Francis, Reefton. Bunney, Joseph, Waihi. Kennerley, W. H., Thames. Potter, William H., Thames. Campbell, Alexander, Cullensville. 'Langford, James, Coromandel. 'Rabe, Henry, Karaka. Carlyon, Samuel, Coromandel. McCombie, John. Karangahake. Rillstone, Charles, Waipori. Comes, C. A., jun., Karangahake. Mac Donald, H., Coromandel. Somervell, John, Thames. Daldy, Edward Arthur, Coromandel. McEnteer, James, Tararu. 'Stackpole, Robert, jun., Karangahake Draffin, Samuel, Waitekauri. McFarlane, Charles M., Tokatea. Thomas, Archelaus, Tapu, Thames. Farmer, C. S., Waitekauri. McLean, Benjamin J., Waitekauri Turnbull, Thomas A., Whangamata •Goldsworthy, Thomas, Tokatea. McLean, Charles, Thames. 'Willets, Henry, Thames. Goldsworthy, William, Karangahake.'McLean, James, Tararu, Thames. "Wilson, James R. S., Kuaotunu. Govan, Joseph, Thames. Meehan, James, Westport. Issued to Inspectors of Mines by virtue of Office wider the Mining Acts, 1886, 1891, and 1898. Binns, G. J., Dunedin. 'Gow, J., Diinedin. McLaren, J. M., Thames. Cochrane, N. D., Westport. Green, E. R., Dunedin. Tennent, R., Westport. Gordon, H. A., Wellington. Hayes, J., Dunedin. 'Wilson, G., Thames. Second-class Mine-managers' Certificates. Certificates of Service issued under the Mining Act, 1891. Adams, W. J., Thames. Corbett, T., Paeroa. Harvey, William, Reefton. Agnew, J. A., Coromandel. 'Cowan, Hugh, Kuaotunu. Hetherington, William, Thames •Allen, Richard, Reefton. Crabb, Thomas, Reefton. 'Hicks, W., Tnames. Argall, A. E., Coromandei. Daniel, P. F., Greymouth. Hill, Alexander Grey, Waikakabo. •Beard, W. T., Reefton. Dobson, Johu Allen, Kuaotunu. Hollis, Frederick J., Waihi. •Begley, Thomas, Reefton. Edwards, George, Westp* Hore, John, Wellington. Bennett, C. H., Coromandel. Ellery, John, Reefton. Hornibrooke, H. P., Kuaotunu. Blair, Thomas, Kuaotunu. 'Flannigan, Francis, Reefton. Jamieson, John, Reefton. Bolitho, James, Reefton. Foster, Thomas, Wellington. Jobe, James, Thames. Bone, William, Reefton. 'Gale, C. W., Coromandel. Johns, Thomas, Thames. •Borlase, J. H., Capleston. Gemmings, Charles, Thames. Johnstone, William, Collingwood. •Bowler, John, Thames. Gill, George, Thames. Kendall, Henry, Thames. Bray, Edwin, Reefton. Glasgow, T. M., Thames. Kerr, George, Kamo. Bremner, John, Coromandel. Goldsworthy, Henry, Thames. Kirker, Thomas, Thames Brokenshire, James, Thames. Groldsworthy, William, Mauku, Auck- Laughlin, David, Thamo~ Brown, John, Macrae's. land. Law, John, Thames. Brownlee, Thomaa James, Thames. Govan, Joseph, Thames. 'Lough, H , Thames. Bunny, Joseph, Thames. Gribble, James, Norsewood. Loughlin, S., Thames. Byrne, John, Karangahake. 'Griffin, Patrick, Thames. Mackay, William, Nenthorn. *Caird, Alexander McNeil, Reefton. Griinmoml, Joseph, Ross. Martin, David, Black's Point. •Campbell, J., Kuaotunu. Gutlirie, John, Wellington. Martin, James, Reefton. •Climo, Noah, Coromandel. *Gny, Robert, Kuaotunu. Mayn, John, Coromandel. Comer, W. W., Thames. Hardman, James Edward, Thames. McCombie, John, Karangahake. Comer, George, Thames. 'Harris. R., Thames. 'McCormick, Charles, Coromandel.

* Deceased since issue of certificate.

C—2

SrooND.CL4.SB Mine-managers' Certificates— continued. Certificates of Service issued under the Mining Act, 1891 —continued. ' McEwen, James, Reefton. Page, John, Lyell. Shaw, James, Karangahake. "McLean, James, Thames. 'Parkiss, Joseph W., Reefton. Sligo, Alexander, Nenthorn. McLean, Alexander, Coromandel. Peebles, Alexander, Kuaotunu. Thomas, James, Thames. McLean, Charles, Thame3. Pettigrew, Robert, Sydney. Thomas, A., Thames. 'McNeill, Daniel, Thames. 'Phillips, W. H., Thames. Thomson, John, Dunedin. McNeill, George, Upper Kuaotunu. 'Pollock, John, Thames. 'Tregellas, James, Reefton. McLoghry, Archibald. Karangahake. Potts, W. H., Thames. 'Tregoweth, William, Thames. 'McQuillan, John, Reefton. Primrose, J., Kuaotunu. "Wells, Charles Lewis, Thames. Meagher, John, Karangahake. *Rabe, Henry, Thames. 'Willets, Henry, Thames. "Mills, George, Thames. "Radford, Thomas, Thames. Williams, James. Thames. •Milne, John, Thames. Reid, Thomas Groat, Thames. Williams, John, Thames. Morgan, William, Upper Thames. Rickard, John, Thames. 'Wilson, James R. S., Kuaotunu. "Moorecroft, Thomas, Thames. Richards, A. H.,Kuaotnnu. Wilson, J. G., Thames. Movie, Thomas, Thames. 'Rogers, Charles Henry, Reefton. Whisker, Charles, Thames. •Naysmith, James, Reefton. Rogers, William Henry, Kumara. White, John S., Kaiangahake. Newdick, Alfred, Thames. 'Ross, J., Thames. Woodcock, James, Thames. "Notman, Alexander, Reefton. "Rowe, James, Thames. Worth, Robert, Waihi. O'Keefe. M. W. D., Thames. Issued after Examination under the Mining Acts, 1891 and 1898. Benney, J., jun., Paeroa. Draffin, S., Waitekanri. Mathewson, A., Hyde. Bennie, Biyd, Coromandel. Dunkin, T., Coromandel. McNeil, A. H., Coromandel. "Cahill, T. M., Upper Kuaotunu. Evans, H. A., Skipper's. White, F. H., Kuaotunu. Carroll, John, Upper Kuaotunu. "Gatland, V. V., Coromandel. White, G. H., Thames. Christie, William, Waitekauri. Issued under Section 313 of the Mining Act, 1891. Connon, William, Thames. Edwards, E., Coromandel. McCormick, W. J., Waitekauri. "Coran, Henry, Thames. "Kelso, Archibald, Coromandel. Certificates of Competency granted to Holders of Provisional Warrants under Section 32 of the Mining Act Amendment Act, 1896. Allen, W. J., Coromandel. Gardner, James, Waimangaroa. Martin, William, Tararu, Thames. Barney, Montague T., Waitekauri. Howe, Albion S., Waitekauri. Murphy, Joseph, Coromandel. Brownlee, Henry, Thames. Johnson, Frank H., Collingwood. O'Brien, John, Westpirt. Collins, Charles, Waitekauri. Kirwan, William, Ruefion. PrescoSt, Arthur J., Cororaandel. Curtis, Charles, Taylorville. "MoDjnald, John. Tairua. "Radford, Samuel, Waihi. Davis, James, Coromandel. Mclnnes, John, Puriri. Ruffin, Richard, Manaia, Coromandel. Certificates of Service issued under the Mining Amendment Act, 1910. Adams, Albert Augustine, Thames. Hansen, Charles Hans, Puketui. Raid, George, Glenonhy. Aiam*, R. W., Thames. Hayes, James, Thames. Reynolds, Edmond Francis, OoromanBarker, J. W., Coromandel. Hill, Harrold Alexander, Thames. del. Urabvn, John, CUrendon. Hyde, John, Karangahake. Sheehan, James, Thames. Butcher, F. J., Waitekauri. lies, E. J., Bannoekburn. . Tal'entira. John, Waiorongomai. Donaldson, George, Macrae's Flat. Inglis, Robert, Kuaotunu. Williams, John Paul, Puriri. Giilan, Thomas, Thames. Kell, Arthur, Karangahake. Grace, Pierce, Waitekauri. McKenzie, D., Georgetown. Battery-scperintendents' Certificates.' Issued under the Mining Act 1891 Amendment Act, 1894, without undergoing Examination. Aiams, H. H., Wailii. Hope, John S., Waitukauri. 'Napier, James, Karangahake. Aitken, R. M., Reefton. Hutchison. William, Karangahake. Noble, James R., Karangahake. Banks, Edwin Gripper, Waihi. Margetts, Frederick Ernest, Kuao- Park, James, Thames. Barry, Hubert Percy, Waihi. tunu. Shepherd. Henry Franklin, Waihi Goldeworthy, Henry, Kuaotunu. McKenna, T. N., Tararu. Situs, C. F., Tararu. Goldsworthv, John, Kuaotunu. MuLellan, William, Waitekauri. Walker, James A., Knaotunu. ilreenwav, H. Howard, Auckland. "Mellett, Richard Sheridan, Waite- Wilson, Arthur E., Waihi. Heard, G. St. Clair, Waihi. kauri. Wilson, James Kitchener, Auckland. Issued after Examination under the Mining Act 1891 Amendment Act, 1891. Adams, A. A., Thames. Doveton, G. D., Thames. McMicken, S. D., Thames. Allen, F. 8., Thames. Fleming. G. C. S., Thames. Morgnn, P. G., Thames. Allom, H. 0., Thames. Fuller, J. P., Kuaotunu. Morrin, W. S., Thames. Ansley, Comyn, Paeroa. Gray, J. W., Waihi. Noakes, H. L., Waihi. Ansley, Walter, Thames. Hayward, F. W., Komata. Raithby, R. W., Reefton. Banks, J. H., Waihi. Horn, G. W., Kuaotunu. Robinson. J. R., Waitekauri. Bowers, W., Thames. Jaokson, J. H., Paeroa. Stafford, B. H., Wailii. Brown, A. E., Thames. Jones, Achison, Waihi. * Taylor, C. H., Tararu. •Carter, Samuel, Thamec. Kidd, F. D.. Thames. Thorpe, A. H., Thames. Clarke, J. L., Thames. Laurie, D. 8., Karangahake. Vercoe, R. 8., Tnames. Clarke, R., Waitekauri. Lee, J. W., Reefton. Wingate, H. M., Maratoto. Clarke, W. J., Waihi. Macdonald, W.. Waihi. Winslow, G., Thames. Day, A. T., Thames. McKenzie, H. J., Thames. Williams, A. G. R., Thames. Dixon, Clement, Waihi. Issued after Examination under the Mining Acts, 1898, 1905, and 1908. Adams, J. H., Coromandel. Banks, E. J., Thames. Brown, F. M., Karangahake. Adams, Ri hard W., Tararu, Thames. Barrance, K. McK., Kirangahake. Brown, J. E., Komata. Adams, J. H., Tnames. Barrett, J. J., Karangahake. Brown, W. E., Retfton. Airey, Hubert, Karangahake. Barron, Will am E., Waikino. Burns, Wiil am, Waiomio. Aitken, Alexan ier Hugh, Waihi. Baskett, E. G., Karangahake. Bush, E. F., Parawai. Allen, D. V., Thames. Bell, L. M., Waihi. Bush, George Arthur, Karangahake. Allen, H. E., Wellington. Bidlake, A. E., Waiomo. Bush, H. R., Thames. Annerson, David, Waihi. Bird, A. W., Toames. Campbell, C >lin. Tnames. Andrews. T. T., Wailii. Bishop, T. 0., R efoon. Carpenter, W. E., Karangahake. Auld, J. 8., Crushington. Blackalder, William, Crushington. Noel, Waihi. Baker, W. H., Thames. Bradley, R. J. H., Karangahake. Carter, S., Waihi. B»nk. j , C. A., Waihi. Browne, E., Waitekauri. Carroll, John, Kuaotunu.

•Deceased siuce iebutt oi ceitilicate.

C.—2

Battkrv Superintendents' Certificates— continued. Issued after Examinition under the Mining Acts, 1898, 1905, and 1908— continued. Chappell, G. A., Karangahake. Hay, Adam, Karangabake. Orbell, O. S., Waikouaiti. Clark, John L., Waibi. Harsant, C, Puketui. Paltridge, F., Thames. Clarke, Thornae, Waihi. Hazard, T. E. C Waitekaun. Pond, H. 0., Auckland. Ooote, J. M., Thameß. Hindmarsh, 8., Bepfton. Porteous, J., Crushington. Corbett, G. L., Waitekauri. Hitchcock, W. E., Barewood. Quick, J. N., Thames. Couper, J., Thames. Hogg, 8., Karangabake. Eeid, J. E., Greu Barrier. Cowles, R. X., Crushington. Hogg, T. E., Karangahake. Reynolds, E. A., Auckland. Crompton, H., Maratoto. Horn, G. W., Kuaotunu. Roberts, H. C, Waihi. Croucher, Herbert, Waihi. Gillooly, T., Roxburgh. Rodden, William, T.yell. Dawson. 8., Ellerslie. Gillstrnm, Carl A., Berlin's. Rosewame, R. H., Thames. Donnelly, Thomas, Waihi. Hutchison, R. M., Karangahake. Royse, W. G., R»efton. Donovan, Willie, Waikino. Johnson, Edward, Waihi. Sanford, A. G.. Waihi. Praffin, Eugene, Kuaotunu. Jones, R. D., Karangahake. Shaw, D. S., Wakino. Eaton - Turner, Geoffrey William. Kidd, R. 8., Wnitekauri. Snaw, L. J., Waikino. Waihi. Kingsford, A., Karangahake. Stephens, H., Dunedin. Ellis, L. L., Waitekauri. Kingsford, C , Waibi. Sutherland, J. A., Roefton. Empwn, J. 8., Karangahake. Langford, G S., Waikino. Thomson, G. W., Bendigo. Evans, G. C, Waihi. Launder, G. H., Waitekauri. Thurlow, J. R., Coromandel. Evans, J., Waibi. Lawless, L. J , Paeroa. Tomlinson, A., Karangahake Evans, W. 8., Reefton. Littlejohn, W. D., K*rangahake. Tomlinsin, David Mitchell. Burewood Ewen, H. F., Auckland. Lovelock, J. E., Crushington. Tomlinsin, W. F., Dunedin. Fletcher, H. T., Katikati. Mackay, John. Crushington. Tumbull. E. V., Waihi. 'Fraser. J. M., Reefton. Mxltman, A., Reetton. Ulrieh, G. A. C, Koraata. Fry, Sidney, Westport. Mann, C, Westport. Qlrich, Herstall, Wtmneapoua. Fuller, John P., Kuaotunu. Matheson, A. M., Barewood. Walker, Alfred James Dickson, Waihi Fyfe, A., Dunedin. Maxwell, W. L., Waihi. Waters, D. 8., Wa.hi. Gardner, E. A., Reef'on. McDonall, P. H., Waihi. Waison, A. 8., Waitekauri. Gibson, William, Waihi. MeEwin, J. A., Repfton. Watson, A. P., Crushington. Gilpin, J., Waihi. McKinlay, John, Waihi. Watson, J. R., Reefton. G>w, E. A., Crusliington. McNeil, A. R., Karangahake. Watson, J. P., Rdefcon. Grayden, J , Waicekauri. MoPadden, J., Uoromandel. Watson, W. A , Crushinpton. Grayden, PeW, Thames. Melrose, P., Waihi. White, A. S. H., Karangahake. Grumitt, P. H., Thames. Montgomery, A. E., Opitonui. Williams, A. C, Waihi. Gwilliam, Beniamin, Karangabake. Morgan, Robert James, Waihi. Williams, James, Reefton. Halliwell, L. V., Karangahake. Motherwell, William, Waihi. Williams, William Eustace, Waihi. Hargraves, E. P., Waihi. Moyle, W. T., Upper Tairua. Wilson, A. P., Crushington. Dredgemasters' Certificates. Issued without Examination under the Mining Act, 1898, and Amendment Acts, 1901 and 1903. Allen, Charles, Alexandra. Herbert, J., Beaumont. Nicholson, W. E., Alexandra. Anderson, \i. C., Alexandra. Hewitt. James, Clyde. O'L-arv, D., Waiau. Andrews, Ralph, Canvastown. Hogg, Thomas, Cromwell. Olsen, Cnarles, R;xburgh. Briker, J. It., Alexa dra. H iskms, Tlioma-*, Maori Point. Parsons, J. D., jun., Ciyde. Ballantyne, D., Miller's Flat. Hoy, Samuel. Alexandra. Percy, John, Clyde. Barnes, T. J., Beaumont. Inwood, W. J., Kocklanda Beach. Perkins, A. C., Dunedin. Barry, Thomas, Clyde. Johnston, E. A., Alexandra. Pettigrew. George, Nelson Creek. Bradley, Neil, Alexandra. Johnstone, Alexander, Cromwell. Poulter, G. W., Alexandra. Bennett, George, Gore. Keen, Thomas. Clyde. Pringle, John, Miller's Flat. Bennett, James, Kumara. Kennedy, Angus, Alexandra. Ray, J. C, TotaraFlat. Blue, G. P., Alexandra. Kitto, Edward T., Miller's Flat. Rseder, Philip, Bald Hill Flat. Brand, Peter, Waikaka. Kitto, Francis, Lowburn, Rennie, Andrew, H ixburgh. Brennan, Philip. Palmerstou S. Kitto, John F., Miller's Flat. Ross, Alexander, Cromwell, Bremner. A. P., Lower Shotover. Kitto, W. H., Cromwell. Ross, Ribert, Alexandra Brice, William H., Cromwell. Kloogh, N. P., Lowburu Ferry. Richmond, J., Gibustm. Bringans, D., Alexandra. Larson, Edward, Dunedin. Ritohie, J. S., Waitiri. Brown, T. G., Ahanra. Ledingham, J., Bannockburn. Sander- 1 , H. P., Clyde. Bunting, James, Murchison. Lee, George, Collingwood. Sanders, John, Cromwell. Busbririee, P., Gore. Lidicoat, H. H., Fern Flat. Sanders, Thomas, Alexandra. Butler, Ewen, Roxburgh. Louden, Alexander, Clyde. Schaumann, H., Alexandra. Butler, M. J., Kanieri. Luke, S. J., Alexandra. Scott, M. G., Alexandra. Cimeron, Samuel, Alexandra. Magnus, A., Roxburgh. Scott, Rohert, Capleston. Clarke, Edward, Port Chalmers. Magnus, Olaf, Box 130 a, Christchuroh. Shore, T. M., Queenstown, Comp on, Albert, Dobson. Mailer, John, StilWvater. Shore, William, Gore. Cormack, W., Greymouth. Maitland, A. E., Miller's Flat. Simonsen, Charles, Alexandra. Cornish, J. T., Miller's Flat. 'Maxwell, John, Dunedin. Skilton, A. G., Old Diggings. Coutts, Henry, Miller's Flat. McClure, F. C, Rongahere. S igo, N. X., Alianra. Cowan, Alexander, Scillwater. McConnell, J., Cromwell. S'neaton, S. H., Inangahua Junction. Cowan, JameH, Nelson Creek. McCormack, D., Kanieri. Sini h, Alfred, luangaiiua Junction. 'Crooksion.W. L., Three-channel Flat. McDonald, E. A., Waitiri. Steel, Archibald, Kawarau Gorge. Crowley, J. 8., Edendalg. McDonald, J.,Sofala. Steel, Thomas, Dunedin. 'Cumming, J. C., Beaumont. McDonald. John, Cromwell. Templeton, Ivie, R inaahere. Cunningham, George, Kanieri. MoGeorge, J., Dunedin. 'Thompson, J., Alexandra. Curtis, Charlen, Stillwater. McGeorge, Alexander, Dunedin. Thompson, T., Miller'n Flat. Cntten, W. H., Dunedin. McGregor, D., Kanieri. Tough, John. Miller's Flat. Deniston, R. A.. Ciomwell. McGregor, G. R., Alexandra. Troy, G. C. Cnunwell. Dewar, Jolin. Alexandra. Mclntosh, D. J., L nvburn Ferry Turnbul , , W. D., Cmvastown. Donaldson, J. G. A., Greenstone. 'McLay, George, Cromwell. Tyson, John, Itongaln re. Edmonds, A. R., Nelson Creek McL»an, D., Waitiri. Yon Haa-t. J. H., Oivde. Faitliful, William, Greymouth. MoMath, D. C, Ross. Wallace. John A., Miller's Flat. Foohy, J. M., Al xandra. McMath, Thomas, Alexandra. Watt, John, Cromwell. Gibb, William, Oroydon Siding. 'McVcear, Peter, Roxburgh. Weaver, Charles, Alexandra. Gibson, A.. Island Block. Mills, Edward, Murohison. Williamson, R., Millar's Flat. Goodger, G. W., Waenga. Mitchell, D. A., Dun<?din. Williamson, Walter, Miller's Flat. Graham, J. M., Gore. Morel, C. G , Inangahua Junction. Wilson, S. \\\, Waikaka Valley. Giogan, William A., Miller's Flat. Morris, G. S., Cromwell. Wood, R. M., Cromwell. Hansen, Willi im, Alexandra. Murray, D., Clyde. Woodli .use, W. S., R xburgh. Hay, James, Dunedin. Murray, Madget, Cromwell. Young, Andrew, jun., Roxburgh. Hedley, A., Cromwell. Neilson, S., Miller's Fiat.

* Deceased since issue of certificate.

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Dredgkmasters' Certificates— continued. Issued after Examination under the Mining Acts, 1898, 1901, 1002, I'lO.j, and 1908. Anderson, Andrew, Alexandra South. Holden, Charles, jun., Cromwell. Nicholson, Charle* S. G., Mataurj. Anderson, Bertram, Maori Point. Holden, John, Cromwell. Noble, William, Alexandra. Anderson, G. 8., Roxburgh, Hepburn. D. 0., Alexandra. Olsen, Hans, Alexandra. Archer, D. J., Ngakawau. Hughes, John L., MilWs Plat. Omond, Thomas, Nevis. Baird, William G., Clyde. Johnston, John, Maori Gully. Orkney, H. E., Cromwell. Bardsley, John James, Cromwell. Johnston, Louis, Beaumont. Orr, H. T., Cromwell. Bishop. Hugh Arthur, Collingwood. Jones, David Rowland, Island Block. Orr, William W., Oromwell. Blair, G., Jones, T. R., Miller's Plat. Parker, P. R., Roxburfih. Borthwick, Robert, Alexandra. Junker, Prank J., Paterson, J. 8., Miller's Flat. Bourke, John, Clyde. Kane, William, Clyde. Patterson, J., Clyde. Brent, C. D., Cromwell. Kean, P. P., Waikaka Plumb, E H., Maori Point. Briegans, Thomas, Alexandra. Kellett, C. H., Dunedin. Poppelwell, William, Alexandra, Briggans, William, Alexandra. Kennedy, A., Ophir. Rait, Hume, Albertown. Broderiek, T., Lyell. Kitto, Henry, Alexandra South. Ray, J. P., Bannockburn. Bruce, J. A., Kawarau Gorge. Kitto, John, Clyde. Ray, Robert Marshall, Bannockburn. Burley, J. P., Westport. Linnpy, William, Island Block. Reiderer, Kdward, Cromwell. Burnside, Walter, Alexandra. Livingstone, D., Alexandra. Reynolds, T., Greymouth. Burton, A. P., Miller's Plat. Lloyd, Arthur, Inangahua Junction. Ritchie, William John, Cromwell. Callaaban, E., Three channel Plat. Lloyd, Hubert, Lyell. Roberta, G.. Throe-channel Plat. Campbell, G. W. T., Alexandra. Mac Donald, C. J., Cromwell. Robertson, D. J., Alexandra. Carnegy, A., Three-channel Plat. MaoGinnis, J. A., Cromwell. Robertson, W. R.y Alexandra: Carr, W., Alexandra. MacGinnie, M. P., Alexandra. Roonpy, J. 8., Roxburgh. Carter, W. W., Sandy Point. MacLaren, Jolm, Alexandra. Rumble, Charles, Ngahere. Chapman, Robert, Maori Point. M uklund, C. 0., Lowburn Ferry. Ru-nble, Joseph, Miller's Plar. Clark, D., Callaghan's Creek. Mathews, James Hulbert, Miller's Sanders, W. J., Ahaura. Clarke, R. S. 8., Alexandra S. Plat. lers, G. 8., Cromwell. Coup, George, Albertown. Matthews, A. A., Three-channel Flat. Sawle, J., Cromwell. Cox, R. D., Alexandra. Mavne, W. C, Nelson Creek. Sawyer, J. P., Alexandra. Craig, D. A., Shag Point. McDonald, C. J., Wai Sherwood. T, W., Gruymouth. Croawell, James, Three channel Plat. McDonald. G., Alexandra. Smip-on, Edward R>liert, Cromwell. Curno, C. 8., Alexandra. McCallum, W. S., Alexandra. Sparrow, J. A., Upper Nevis. Dalton, J. R., Threech»nnel Plat. McGregor, Dougald S., Alexandra. Spooner, A. E., Alexandra. Donaldson, John, Lawrence. MoKenzie, John, Roxburgh. Steele, Thomas, Alexandra. Downie, Henry, Totara Plat. McKinnon, John, Alexandra. Steele, W. H., Miller's Fl u. Eaton, Edgar W., Alexandra. McLean. John Roxburgh. Taylor, Alexander, Alexandra. Elder, D. D,, Roxburgh. Melvin, J. R., Roxburgh. Taylor, J. T., Dunedin. Paohe, S. C, Gore. Merchant, Isaiah, Cljde. Theyers, C, Alexandra. Faithful, Alfred, Bannockburn. Milne, John A., Roxburgh. Theyers, J. W., Alexandra. Farmer, Nathan C, Miller's Plat. Moffitt, R. W., Miller's Plat. Vickerman, E. M., Cromwell, Parquharson, George, Alexandra. Mollison, William, Stiliwater. Walker, J. J., Alexandra South. Findley, David, Dunedin. Moncrieff, Henry, Miller's Fhv. Wasserbrenner, M., Alexandra. Fisher, Hurtle, Miller's Flat. Mon-on, C. H.. Miller's Flat. Wat hen, James, Miller's Flat. Filippi, S. de, Westport. Morel, A. E., Noble's. Watson, E. H., Collingwood. Porno, D., Inangahua Junction. Morel, L. H., Inangahua Junction. Weaver, P., Alexandra. Fraser, W. J., Roxburgh. Morgan, Harol.i, Roxburgh. Weir, R., Gore. French, T, E. X., Three-channel Flat. Morgan, John, Alexandra. Weir, T. R., Cromwell. Gibson, William H., Cromwell. Morris, V., Cromwell. Weir, W., Nevis. Graham, Thomas Arthur, Gore. Mouat. W. G., Greymouth. Wescombe, Alfred L., Island Block. Gunion, R. A., Alexandra. Munro, C. T., Waitiri. Westcott, P. A., Miller's Flat. Gunn, W. E., Beaumont. Munro, Hugh, Alexandra South. Williams, Frederick, Alexandra. Guy, Donald, Cobden. Munro, R. P., Ross. Wilson, George, Marsden. Guyton, James, Dunedin. Murray, H. 8., Cromwell. Wilson, Stephen L., Inangaiiua JunoHarming, G. J., Clyde. Murray, Robert John, Canvastown. tion. Hansen, H. C, Turee-channel Flat, Nelson, Edgar, Brunuerton. Wood, W. W., Cromwell. Harden, J., Stafford. Nelson, George L., Brunnerton. Woodhouse, F., Bannockburn. Harliwick, Matthew, Roxburgh. Newick, Albion Edgar Charles, Ban- Woodhouae. G. G., Waitiri. Hewetson, Sydney, Nelson Creek. nockburn. Wylde, G. R., Inangahua Junction. Hogg, J., Nevis.

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APPENDIX B. INSPECTION OF COAL-MINES. Mr. Frank Reed, M.lnst.M.M., Inspecting Engineer, to the Under-Seoretary fob Minus. Sir, — Mines Department, Wellington, 3rd May, 1912. I have the honour to present the annual reports of inspection, together with statistical information in regard to the coal-mines of the Dominion, for the year ended 31st December, 1911. The reports are divided into the following sections : — 1. Output of Mineral. 11. Persons employed. Til. Accidents. IV. General Remarks. Annexures — (a.) Inspectors' Reports. (b.) Mine Officials' Examinations, and List of Certificate-holders. (c.) Miners' Baths. (d.) Statistics of Working Collieries. SECTION I.—OUTPUT OF MINERAL. The output of the several classes of coal mined in each inspection district is summarized as follows : —

From the foregoing it will be seen that there has been a decrease of 131,289 tons in the output as oompared with the previous year. The output during 1910 was unduly high, owing to the Newcastle (New South Wales) strike, which caused orders to be diverted to New Zealand, so that the decline for 1911 should not be regarded as serious, for the year's production was considerably greater than the output during any year prior to 1910.

Class of Coal, &c. Northern District. West Coast Southern Total District. District. Bituminous and semi-bituminous coal ... | Pitch-coal ... Brown coal... Lignite Totals for 1911... Tons. 139,159 258,713 397,872 Tons. Tons. Tons. 1,218,693 505 1,358,357 4,411 4,411 342,380 601,093 102,212 102,212 1,218,693 M9,508 2,066,073 Totals for 1910 ... 400,664 400,664 1,341,032 455,666 2.197.362 1,341,03-2 455,666 2.197.362

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The production from, and the number of persons employed at, the principal collieries of the Dominion are shown in the following table : —

SECTION II.—PERSONS EMPLOYED.

SECTION III.—ACCIDENTS. The following is a summary of coal-mining accidents during 1911, with their causes.

Name of Colliery. Total | ftnlm ,, m Total Output N "™ ber Locality. Class ol Coal. I U ""P"; Ior to 31st De- D ot "*"• cember, 1911. F , e . rson ; s ordinarilyemployed. I Northern District. Hikurangi Taupiri ... Northern Kiripaka Tons. Tons. ... Hikurangi... Sejmi-bitu- 64,657 767,449; 82 ininous ... Huntly ... Brown ... 252,262 2,574,413 495 ... Hikurangi... Semi-bitu- 40,503 408,676 75 minous .-, Kiripaka ... Ditto ... 32,554! 278,007 45 West Coast District. Coalbrookdale Westport-Stockton State Coal-mines .. Blackball I Millerton ... Bituminous 299,64213,431,993, 565 i Deiiniston „ 323,368 1 6,045,799: 608 ... Mangatini „ 87,236| 332,129' 180 | Seddonville „ 60,045; 400,104 106 Point Eliza- „ 188,89211,413,463 519 ( beth ... Blackball... „ 156,82111,469,946 240 Southern District. Kaitangata Nightcaps ... Kaitangata Brown ... 134,829' 2,714,18L 322 ... Nightcaps ... 64,250: 788, 100 Other collieries, in all districts Various ... 361,014 12,672,886! 953 Totals ... 2,066,073 33,297,621 4,290 4,290 !_

Average Number of Persons durine 1911. Average Number of Persons employed during 1911. Inspection Distriot. 4 auring mil. Above Ground. Below Ground. (hnvft firnnr» ,rl Tnl.nl id. a id. Total. Total. ■lorthern Vest Coast iouthern 137 951 277 595 1,659 671 732 2,610 948 Totals, 1911 1,365 2,925 2,925 4,290 4,290 Totals, 1910 1,136 3,463 4,599

i Fatal Acoidents. Non-fatal Accidents. Number of „ , , Separate Fatal N " mb ,l r ° f Accidents. Deaths - [ Number of Persons Number of Sepa- i injured, including rate Non-fatal ! t»o.ein]ured by Accidents. Accidents which proved Fatal to their Companions. Ixplosions of firedamp ... 1 1 'alls in mine ... ... 11 11 liscellaneous —Underground... 1 1 On surface ... 1 1 Totals ... ... 14 ii 1 1 8 8 11 11 ... 20 20 14 14 20 20

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1 regret to report thai the number of acoidents ;it coal-mines has again been high, owing, as in previous years, to falls in the mines, principally during pillar-extraction. Notwithstanding the precautions taken, accidents from tiiis cause continue to occur, and their prevention is a difficult problem to deal with. A Royal Commission d during the year to inquire into and report on the conditions relating to the health and safety of the of New Zealand and the administration of mining laws; also to make recommendations for endment of these laws which might he considered necessary. One of the subjects which this Commission was ordered to inquire more particularly into was, Whal steps could be taken for the better prevention of accidents, particularly those from the use and firing of explosives, falls from roof and side, also accidents in shafts and from machinery. In the repori presented by the Commission certain recommendations were made, the mosi importani of which arc in brief, as follows:— (I.) 'That the lifts in pillar-workings be restricted to 10ft. in height, and that the Inspector of Mines have power to determine the height at which the remaining coal shall be taken out, subject to tlie right of appeal. (2.) Thai ■-■ in its modern adopted—viz., that distances should be fixed for the regular setting of props, sets, and chocks, and that such distances should not be exceeded. (3.) That the maximum widths of bords and cut-throughs, where the bord-and-pillar system is followed, should be 12 ft. and !) ft. respectively for a distance of 2 yards when opening out or breaking away ; thereafter thai the maximum widths be 18 ft. and 12 ft. respectively. (4.) That no timber should be withdrawn except by lever and chain or blasting. (5.) That the use of chains be prohibited on all but face-jigs, and that wire ropes be sub stituted therefor. (6.) That the use of water should be compulsory in all ways in a dry and dusty mine where the dust cannot otherwise be conveniently removed. (7.) That the provisions of section 6 of the British Statutory Rules and Orders of the Explosives in Coal-mines Order, dated 17th December, L 906, be incorporated in the New Zealand mining statutes. (8.) That the inspector of Mines should have power to prohibit the use of electricity in any mine or part of a mine where, on account of the risk of explosion of gas or coal-dust, such use would be dangerous. (9.) That workmen should be withdrawn from any place where the proportion of inflammable gas exceeds 2£ per cent. (10.) That all winding-engine drivers should be medically examined annually for heart weakness, liability to lits, and defective hearing and vision. (11.) That every winding-rope should be recapped at intervals of not more than six months, and that the section of the rope last cut should be held available for inspection or for testing purposes by the Inspector of Mines or Machinery. (12.) That a coal-miner should have had experience in coal-hewing and timbering for two years and a half before he has charge of a place. (13.) That all deputies or firemen who examine the mine before the first shift starts should remain at a convenient station near the entrance of the mine, in order that each man entering might have an opportunity of obtaining a verbal report as to the condition of his place. (14.) That a committee should be set up at each mine with power to make, alter, and from time to time amend additional special rules, such committee to consist of the mine-manager, the Inspector of Mines for the district, and a representative appointed by a majority of the workers in the mine. The above and other recommendations it is proposed to incorporate in a Bill to amend the Coal mines Act, 1908, and if this becomes law, and is conscientiously observed, there should be a material reduction in the number of mining accidents. i

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The following statement shows the tons of mineral raised (coal and shale), persons employed, lives lost, &c, from 1878 to 1911 :—

SECTION IV.—GENERAL REMARKS. Mining Opekations. Al the Hikurangi Colliery the old sections—-Non. I and 2—have been closed owing to the exhaustion of the coal. Mining during (he year lias been concentrated on section No. 3, of limited area, being the new dip underlying the limestone rocks at Waro. This company, having imported a Sullivan diamond drill, are boring for coal in the vicinity of Grahamstown Wharf, Whangarei Harbour. The output for the year slightly exceeded that for 1910. At the Northern Coal Company's mine operations have been principally confined to the extraction of pillars, which are being exhausted rapidly. The life of the mine has been estimated at about two years. At the Kiripaka Colliery pillar-extraction alone has been carried out. This mine also is approaching exhaustion. The company have located a valuable seam of coal distant about two miles from the present mine, and it is proposed to lay a tramway thereto from the Government railway, and to develop the property. The Taupiri Coal-mines (Limited) : The long drive connecting the Taupiri West with Ralph's Mine has been converted into a haulage-road, from which it is proposed to work the coal from the Lake llotoiti district. The output should be materially increased thereby. The company have recently installed a powerful Tangye winding-engine, together with other important additions to their plant. At this company's Extended Mine, haulage-roads have been constructed in a westerly direction. Preparations are being made to drain the mine by a Cameron pump, with which it is proposed to force the water to the surface through a borehole of 5 in. diameter and 500 ft. in depth.

Year. Prior 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 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 Totals ... ... < | Tons of Persons employed. Mineral Tong o{ . ,s lost ■ Output of raised pet m , , , per Number > T . r , ouch Per- . , i ■ of M '" eral - son em raised per , per each p -• - ~ bonem- Life ]osfc . Life lost. ' Deaths. Above. Below. ! Total. P lo >' pd Un " employed. derground. I 709 931 162'218 147 ■ 366 513 443 i 4,771 15 6627 l 34t 231,218 802 ... 115,609 401 249 2 299,923 1,038 ... 149,961 519 192 2 337,262 963 ... 337,262 963 104 1 378,272 1,043 ... ; 189,136 521 1 91 :> 421,764 361 888 1,249 < 475 i 210,882 624 1-60 ± 480,831 393, 890 1,283; 540 ; 160,277 421 234 511,063 : 338 ' 1,145 1,483 \ 456 : 170,354 494 2-01 3 534,353 392 ! 1,213 1,605 440 ■ 0 558,620 388 1,111 1,499 503 ; 139,655 375 j 2-66 4 613,895 414 1,275 , 1,689 481 153,474 422 236 I 586,445 466 \ 1,251 I 1,717 261 146,611 313 237 4 637,397 512 1,334 1,846 477 79,674 231 433 8 668,794 416 ; 1,277 j 1,693 523 167,198 423 236 4 673,315 485 1,196 1,681 563 673,315 1,681 066 1 691,548 590 1,298 1,888 533 138,309 377 2 64 5 719,546 506 , 1,393 1,899 516 119,924 316 316 6 726,654 525 1,274 ! 1,799 618 145,331 MOO 333 5 792,851 590 1,347 1,937 588 12,013 29 3407 66] 840,713 531 ! 1,381 1,912 609 210,178 478 : 209 4 907,033 556 \ 1,447 2,003 627 907,033 2,003 049 1 975,234 554 j 1,599 2,153 609 325,07s 717 139 3 1,093,990 617 i 1,843 2,460 593 273,497 615 162 1 1,239,686 688 j 2,066 2,754 600 413,228 918 109 3 1,365,040 803 ! 2,082 \ 2,885 655 682,520 1,443 069 2 1,420,229 717 2,135 2,852 665 355,057 713 140 4 1,537,838 763 2,525 3,288 609 384,459 j 822 1-21 4 1,585,756 833 2,436 3,269 651 264,293 546 j 1-83 6 1,729,536 ; 1,174 2,518 : 3,692 17 288,256 615 1-62 6 1,831,009 ! 1,143 2,767 3,910 662 152,584 326 3-07 12 l,8b0,97o 992 2,902 3,894 641 372,195 778 ', 1-28 5 1,911,247 1,159 3,032 4,191 , 633 273,035 599 179 7 2,197,362 1,136 3,463 4,599 634 137,335 283 355 16 2,066,073 1,365 ! 2,925 4,290 , 706 147,577 306 : 3-26 14 33,297,621 ... ... ... ... 247 I Totals... 33,297,621 247 " No life loat. ' No life loat. t Year of Kaitangata explosion. \ Year of Brunner explosion. t Year of Kaitangata explosion.

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Waipa Railway and Collieries (Limited) : This company have acquired coal-mining rights over some 6,900 acres at Te Akatea, in the Raglan County, as shown in the plan accompanying my annual report for 1910. The coal is of similar quality to that at Taupiri, and the quantity available has been estimated at several million tons. In order to transport the coal to market the company are constructing a branch railway, five miles and three-quarters in length, built to Government standard, laid with 55 lb. rails, and connecting with sidings at the Ngaruawahia Railway-station. This branch line winds up the valley on the road to Waingaro Hot Springs, and is fairly difficult of construction. The present contract for the form ml bridges is being pushed ahead. The contractors are Messrs. Donald Mel.can and Co., and the amount of the contract is £27,200. From the railway terminus at Te Akatea the mine will be approached by an endless-rope incline 25 chains in length, with an average grade of 1 in 10, the screening and loading arrangements being at the foot. So far no work has been done in developing the mine beyond exposing the outcrops and driving a heading for about 100 ft. Mr. Ashley Hunter, M.lnst.C.E., is the engineer in charge of the works. A neighbouring property, the Pukemiro Freehold, upon which several fine outcrops of coal are exposed, has been further prospected, under the direction of Mr. E. S. Wight, M.1.M.E., but mining operations are in abeyance pending the construction of a bridge across the Waikato River. On the Buller Coalfield the Westport Coal Company have, from their Millerton and Denniston collieries, slightly increased their annual output. At the Millerton Mine the workings to the westward of the Mine Creek section have proved a large area of excellent bituminous coal. In the Mangatini section the south headings have developed favourably, and those to the westward expose hard coal of good quality. A powerful hydraulic brake has been installed for the purpose of operating the area at the rise side of tin , Lower section. At the Coalbrookdale section of the Denniston Colliery development to the dip continues satisfactory, and a large area of excellent coal has been proved. In the Glasgow section the output has been obtained from pillar-extraction; the Wareatea haulage drive has been extended to the westward, in connection with which a haulageengine is in course of erection. At the Ironbridge section, headings in a southerly direction have developed an extensive area of coal of considerable thickness. The Westport-Stockton Coal Company have been less successful, and a considerable decline in their annual output has to be recorded. The narrow lint lengthy strip of coal situated to the eastward of the Westport Coal Company's Millerton lease, which constitutes the I!. (', and D tunnels of the Stockton Mine, is rapidly approaching exhaustion. It is reported tin! this company have recently proved, by boring by diamond and other drills, a workable area of coal near their eastern boundary, and it is sincerely to be hoped that they will now be rewarded I'm their enterprise. At the present time the Geological Survey Branch of the Mines Department, under Mr. P. G. Morgan, Director, are making a geological survey of the locality in which the boring is being carried out. The output of the Seddonville State Colliery shows a slight decline, due to the approaching exhaustion of marketable coal. The output was obtained almost entirely from pillar-extraction. In connection with this colliery, a considerable amount of attention lias been devoted to the Charming Creek Valley, which is included within the State coal reserve, and is situated to the south-west of the present mine-workings. A borehole (No. 1), 2i in. in diameter, was put down on the banks of Charming Creek, at a distance of 57 chains above its junction with Reed's Brook, and at a depth of 91 ft. a2O ft. seam of hard bituminous coal was pierced. As a result of this discovery it was decided to systematically bore along the Charming Creek Valley from the Ngakawau River to near (Miasm Creek, as coal-measure rocks, consisting of sandstone, grit, and mudstone, together with a thin overlying coal-seam, were found to outcrop over an area of approximately 10 square miles, and the prospects of the large seam underlaying a considerable portion of this area appeared reasonable. The diamond drill was therefore transported to Watson's Mill, near the junction of Charming Creek with the Ngakawau River, a distance of ■J miles 28 chains from the successful borehole No. 1, and a borehole was there put down through inudstone and grit; at a depth of 280 ft. the underlying conglomerate (the base of the coalmeasures on the West Coast) was reached, and at 370 ft. gneiss was penetrated, the large seam being non-existent. The plant was then removed up the stream about 46 chains, and another hole was drilled, the results obtained being somewhat similar; at 475 ft. the conglomerate was penetrated, and at 525 ft. the gneiss. These two bores (Nos. 3 and 1) would, if successful, have saved a considerable amount of intermediate boring; but as the results were negative the plant was again moved further up stream, and a series of bores, as shown in the map accompanying this report, were put down between the successful No. J borehole and the Seddonville Mine. Altogether sixteen holes were drilled, aggregating in depth 3,120 ft., at an average total cost of about £1 per foot, including transport of plant through a rough and roadless bush. These operations were carried out systematically after preliminary geological survey, md the management thoroughlytested the locality, as, with the approaching exhaustion of the old Seddonville Mine and no other discoveries being made, the outlook for the Seddonville Mine was not bright. In four boreholes altogether—namely, Nos. 1, 5, 8, and 10—the 20 ft. seam was proved, but none of the remaining boreholes showed the seam to maintain that thickness, and the total area of workable coal — i.e., a seam exceeding 5 ft.—was proved not to exceed 190 acres, which at the present time would not be of sufficient extent to warrant the expenditure necessary to lay down a mine to work this area, either as an extension of the Seddonville Mine or as a separate concern to be connected with the railway system at Ngakawau. No doubt in the distant future, when coal becomes scarce, and commands a higher price, attention will be given to the lens-shaped coal-deposit proved by these operations, and it is for this reason that I have described what has been done by the Mines Department. For most of the geological data shown on the map I am indebted to Mr. P. G. Morgan, Director of

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I lie Geological Survey of New Zealand, who personally made a geological survey of the locality. The limited area occupied by the thick lower seam in comparison with the extensive area of the thin and valueless upper seam appears to indicate that the former is a basin-shaped deposit of drift coal. The coal proved by the boreholes is generally harder than that worked at the Seddonville and Mokihinui Mines. In the event of this deposit eventually being worked, a shaft sunk to a depth of 95 ft. near borehole No. 5, being the lowest part of the deposit, would be the most convenient point from which to open a small mine. Owing to the frequency of faults and soft coal areas in this portion of the Buller Coalfield, an estimate of the quantity of coal available must be approximate only, consequently I have not furnished any. From the fact that artesian water was tapped in borehole No. 2, it will be necessary to install pumps before this area may be worked. The briquette manufactory at Westport, which for about three years was worked in conjunction with the Seddonville Colliery, was closed during the early part of the year, owing to the high cost of manufacture. One of the subjects inquired into and reported upon by the Royal Commission on Mines of 1911 was the profitable utilization of the soft bituminous and lignite coals of the Westport district, and in connection with this briquette manufactory the Commission reported as follows : " The cost of manufacturing briquettes with a pitch bond precludes the briquettes from competing in the market with coal as a fuel. . . . The proportion of pitch used in the production of briquettes or eggettes at Westport was approximately 8 per cent. The. average cost of pitcli imported was £ I 12s. per ton. This, on an 8-per-cent. basis of pitch, <rivos (lie cost of pitch per ion of briquettes or eggettes at 7s. 7'9Bd. The total cost of manufacture is 16s. 6"69 d. To iliis must be added the cost of freight, handling, general trading-expenses, interest, ami depreciation, amounting (o I Is. 3'5d., making a total cost of £1 7s. 9 - 16 d., leaving a loss of <>s. I'-Sil. per ton. If does not appear to us that any material saving can be effected in the manufacture. ... It, has not been shown to us that any other bond is available which will allow briquettes to compete successfully against coal." The above remarks appear to be conclusive, briquetting having been proved to be a failure in Xew Zealand as in .Australia and other countries where the pitch necessary for a bond must be imported from foreign parts. The character of Xew Zealand coal is not suitable for hriquetting without a bond or agglomerant, as are some of the lignites of Germany and America ; therefore. there appedrs to be no other use to which the soft bituminous coal and slack may be put than its utilization for coke-manufacture, as bunker coal, or for firing in a new type of boiler which at present lias not been introduced into the Dominion. On the Grey Coalfield operations at the Point Elizabeth State Colliery No. 1, under the superintendence of Mr. James Bishop, M.1.M.E., have mostly consisted of pillar-extract ion. This has been somewhat restricted by an influx of water which has been difficult to deal with, as the two dip sections are approached only by means of lengthy haulage-roads, and therefore pumps operated by compressed air conveyed for considerable distances have not proved efficient. It is proposed to install an electrically driven pump of l?ees Returbo type to deal with the increased influx of water. At the Point Elizabeth No. 2 State Colliery, situated towards the head of the Seven-mile Creek, the construction of the branch railway and haulage inclines is approaching completion, and by the end of the current year this mine should have reached the output stage. The property has been developed by a main haulage-road driven for a considerable distance into a coalseam of about Hi ft. in thickness, and although a fault or " roll " was encountered, the strata was not displaced, and this obstacle was passed through. The face of the heading on the occasion of my inspection exposed a hard scam of bright bituminous coal of high quality. Extensive storage-bins, hydraulic brakes, bath and change houses, and other necessary equipment and buildings are at present being erected or installed. The Paparoa Colliery, during intermittent work, produced only a small output until the 21st October, when operations were discontinued. An endeavour has since been made to obtain more capital. The coal from this mine has hitherto been of a very soft and friable nature, although of high quality, owing to the proximity of faults, and for such coal there has been a limited market. At the old Brunner Mine pillars have been extracted from the St. Kilda section. A considerable quantity of the small coal has been utilized for the production of coke from ovens erected upon the property. At the Blackball Colliery there has been a sligfit decline in the annual output. This mine is worked in panels, owing to liability to spontaneous combustion. Development and exploration have proved this to be both a permanent and valuable property, and since the abolition of the aerial tramway and the extension of the Government railways nast the mine, a considerable reduction in working-costs has been effected. Tt lias been proposed thai the Government reopen the old Wallsend Mine at Brunnerton which was closed in 1800 owing to the unprofitable character of the coal then being produced. The workings are entirely enclosed by serious faults —namely, the Kimberley fault (downthrow to the south 180 ft.). the Taylorvillfi fault (downthrow to the westward 250 ft.), and the Dobson fault (upthrow to the south-east of 400 ft.). The coal mined was of inferior quality, and mining operations were hazardous owing to the presence of firedamp. The whole of the plant, machinery, and head gear was dismantled and removed. Tt therefore appears inadvisable at the present time to hazard both capital and human life in the endeavour to work this limited and faulted area, especially at a time when the profits on coal-mining have been reduced to a negligible quantity. I personally surveyed this mine in 1888 prior to the suspension of operations. I can therefore report from actual observation regarding the underground conditions.

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In Otago the Kaitangata Colliery has aboul maintained its output. Development to the south and eastward has proved the continuity of the coal for a considerable distance, and the reserves in sight appear to be larger than formerly. The ventilation and safety precautions at this mine are satisfactory. It is proposed to further improve the ventilation by the installation •if an electrically driven Sirocco fan. A new main haulage-road is new being driven, which, when cbhipletecl, will materially shorten the distance by which the coal is delivered at the railway. There has been an increase in the output at the Nightcaps Colliery (Southland). At No. I mine all underground work lias been concentrated on the upper, or 18 ft. seam, the two lower seams being reserved for the future. Al No. 2 mine work has been confined to the middle and upper seams. The numerous lignite-pits in Otago and Southland have slightly increased their aggregate output, but in brown coal there has been a small decline. As this coal is used only for local consumption, it is reasonable to suppose the output will increase slowly as the districts become more settled and local industries are established. Ventilation and Sanitation. In the repori of the Royal Commission on Mines the Commissioners staled thai thej were pleased to find ihat the majority of the collieries of the Dominion were we}] ventilated, which conclusion was, in their opinion, substantiated by the fact thai during the previous fifteen years only one life had been losi as the result of an explosion of firedamp. Thej. however, reported thai they had in a few instances observed inadequate distribution of air by splitting, insufficient use of air-stoppings and brattice. At all collieries but those of insignificant proportions they found thai ventilation was produced by fans of modern type, thirty of such being then installed. The above complimentary remarks must be very gratifying to the Inspectors of Mines and colli* igers of the Dominion. One of the most important subjects which the Commission were instructed to consider was the ventilation and underground sanitation of mines. In their recommendations the Commission propose that the existing sections as regards ventilation in the Coal-mines Act be amended by substituting, with slight alterations, the provisions contained in the British Coal-mines Act of 1911, as follows: Proposed Standard of Ventilation for New Zealand Coal-mints. " An adequate amount of ventilation shall be constantly produced in every mine to dilute and render harmless inflammable and noxious gases to such an extent that all shafts, roads, levels, stables, and Workings of the mine shall be in a tit state for working and passing therein, and in particular that the intake airways, up to within 100 yards of the first working-place which the air enters, shall be kepi normally free from inflammable gas; Provided always that an abandoned road or level not used in connection with the working of the mine shall, if properly fenced off, not be deemed to be a road or level within the meaning of this section. " In the case of mines required to be under the control of a manager the quantity of air in the main curie lit and in every split, and at such other points as may be determined by the regulations of the mine, shall at least once in every month be measured and entered in a book to be kepi for the purpose at the mine, and the ordinary number of persons and horses in each split at one time shall be entered in such book. " For the purpose of this section a place shall not be deemed to be in a lit state for working or passing therein if the air contains either less than l!> per cent of oxygen or more than 1 per rent of carbon-dioxide: Provided that the Minister of Mines may, by order, exempt any mine or mines from the foregoing provision on the ground that they are liable to spontaneous comInistion of the coal, but subject to any conditions specified in the order. " Special rules under the Act shall provide for the classification of mines according to the amount of inflammable and noxious gases in the main return airway, and the amount of air ing into the mine shall be such amount, proportionate to the number of men and animals employed underground in the mine, as may be prescribed by the special rules with regard to mines of the class to which the mine belongs, but in no case shall less than Ir>o cubic feet of air per minute be provided for every person, and 000 cubic feet of air per minute for every horse, while employed underground. "All air-measurements shall be taken at the entrance to each ventilation-section, and shall ili re be not less in volume thai' the minimum statutory allowance per man and horse per minute. The total number of men employed ordinarily in any ventilation-section shall not exceed fifty at one time. "The obligation imposed by this section shall lie in addition to, and not in substitution for, the obligation to provide- an adequate amount of ventilation imposed by the foregoing section." The Commissioners also recommended as follows: That a ventilation plan be kept at all mines. That dumb drifts be constructed at all existing underground furnaces, but that no fire or furnace shall be placed underground at any new mine in future. That the principal mechanical ventilators be not placed underground, and that means be provided for reversing the air-current at fans. As regards sanitation, recommendations were made for necessary hygienic improvements, , and ilie establishment of change and bath houses for miners is recommended, such houses to be built to a specified design in the manner followed on the Continent of Europe and being established in Ureflt Britain.

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SEDDONVILLE STATE COLLIERY PLAN SHOWING THE POSITION OF BORE-HOLES IN THE CHARMING CREEK VALLEY.

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COAL-SHIFFING PORTS. The following is a summary of the principal items of interest in connection with the coalshipping ports of Westport and Greymouth during 1911 :— Wcstport. Greymouth. Receipts (ordinary) ... ... ... ... £91,190 £35,59? Expenditure (ordinary) ... ... ... ... £71,916 £21,091 Goal exported (tons) " ... ... ... ... 770,410 379,004 Coko exported (tons) ... ... ... 2,397 Steamers visiting ... ... ... ... 1,116 739 Sailing-vessels visiting ... ... ... ... 9 18 Aggregate tonnage ... ... ... ... 711,881 382,427 Average depth of water on bar at high tide during the whole year ... ... ... ... ... 24 ft. 3 in. 20ft. 3 in. Average depth of water in river at high tide during the whole year ... ... ... ... ... 25ft. lin. Total rainfall in inches ... ... ... ... 7136 94-77 I have, &c, Frank Reed, Inspecting Engineer and Inspector of Mines.

ANNEXURE A. REPORTS OF INSPECTORS OF MINES. The Inspector of Mines, Northern District, to the Undkk-Secketary, Minos Department, Wellington. Sir,— Inspector of Mines' Office, Thames, 12th March, 1912. In compliance with section 78 of the Coal-mines Act, 1908, I have the honour to present my report on the coal-mines in the Northern District for the year ended 31st December, 1911. Hikurangi Coal Company (Limited), (W. R. Dunn, mine-manager). — No. 1 section (old mine) : This section has been exhausted of coal, and the rails have been removed for use elsewhere. No. 2 section (Crown lease) : This section was also exhausted during the year, and the plant has been removed. No. 3 section (new dip) : This is a small section situated between Nos. 1 and 2 sections, and underlying the limestone rocks at Waro. The main levels have been driven to the boundary, and the pillars are being drawn, also the top coal is being cut down. The work is being carefully carried on, and there is a plentiful supply of timber on hand. The water having been drained off in the No. 1 section of the dip workings to No. 3 mine section, there is no danger of flooding. Natural ventilation having proved at times inadequate, the company are installing a Waddell fan of 27,000 cubic feet per minute capacity. If the distribution of the air is properly attended to there should be no cause for complaint about the ventilation. During the year two air-shafts were sunk, one being used as the return airway, and the other as a travelling-way or second outlet from the mine. No. 4 section (Ciown lease) : Very little work was done during the year. The section being some distance from the loading station, the coal is conveyed thereto by horse tram. The coalseam is thin in places, and consequently the section is not profitable. I am informed that the company is boring for coal on the shores of the Whangarei Harbour, in the vicinity of Grahamstown wharf. The mine was visited by me periodically, and everything except the ventilation (which is now being remedied) was found satisfactory. The output of coal for the year was 64,657 tons, being an increase of 1,817 tons over that for the previous year. An average of eighty-two men were employed. Northern Coal Company (Limited), (Mr. William Morgan, mine-manager).- —Drainage section: The section is still in the early stages of development. The timbering is , satisfactory, and the ventilation has been adequate. Nos. 5 and 6 districts : The pillars are fast being exhausted, and the life of the mine may be estimated at about two years. Ventilation has been adequate, but owing to the nature of the work it was often most difficult to distribute the air into every place as adequately as might be desired. The company has acquired other areas of coal in the district, and has bored with satisfactory results. One of the new sections adjoins the old Phoenix Mine. The output of coal for the year was 40,503 tons, a decrease of 4,121 tons as compared with the previous year's. An average of seventy-five men were employed. 14—C. 2.

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Kiripaka Colliery (Mr. E. W. Tattley, mine-manager). — Work during the year consisted chiefly of pillar-extraction, and every reasonable precaution was taken by the manager and men. A high percentage of pillar coal has been extracted, and the company has also done some useful prospecting, a valuable seam of coal being located about two miles from the present mine. It is the company's intention to lay a tram-line connecting the new section with the railway, and to develop the property. This discovery may encourage more extensive prospecting than has hitherto been carried out. The mine-ventilation has been satisfactory, and a good supply of timber has been maintained. The output of coal for the year was 32,554 tons. An average of forty-five men were employed. Whangarei Collitry (Mr. A. 11. Taylor, mine-manager).—As the main dip was driven it was found that seams Nos. 1 and 2 junctioned, having a thickness of 6 ft. A little work has been done off the main dip at levels Nos. 1 and 2, but owing to the coal being thin and much faulted it was decided to continue the main dip for some distance, where it is expected that the coal will widen to 10 ft. and improve in quality. The output for the year was 1,404 tons. An average of eighteen men were employed. Taiipiri Coal-mines (Limited). —Ralph's Mine (Mr. J. Fletcher, mine-manager): The drive connecting the Taupiri West shaft with Ralph's Mine has been converted into a subsidiary haulageroad, in order to deal with the coal won from under Lake Rotoiti. During the latter three months of the year coal has been obtained from this area. Preparations are now in progress to considerably increase the output. The haulage is by the main and tail rope system, and when the section is fully opened out it is expected to act as a great feeder to the main endless-rope haulage by which the whole of the output is transported underground. The main rope road dip heading has been advanced 6 chains, 2 chains of which is through coal. A connection has been made between the little dip and Xo. 7 north sections, the result being improved ventilation. Several additions were made to the plant during the year; a new winding-engine (Tangye) has been erected, having direct motion, 14J in. cylinders, with 28 in. stroke, and having steam reversing gear. The displaced winding-engine was utilized for a main and tail rope haulage for the Taupiri West Mine. The pumps and all the haulage engines below ground are driven by conipressed air, and have pressure-gauges attached. The damaged pillar area has been further strengthened, and the pillars are not showing any signs of crushing. The mine officials examine the sections from time to time, and record their reports as required. The ventilation has been adequate, averaging about 300 cubic feet per minute per man. The travelling-roads and working-places are generally in good order. The output for the year was 108,740 tons, being an increase of 11,401 tons. Extended Mine (Mr. W. Wood, mine-manager) : Headings have been vigorously pushed ahead to develop the various sections. The principal work of the year consisted of the completion of the west heading stone drive, 12 chains in length, driven to specified grade to intercept the coalseam proved by surface boreholes. The north-west heading was driven 7 chains in highly inclined coal, but operations were suspended during the latter half of the year until the back ventilating heading, parallel to the dip, was completed. A water-lodgment has been constructed having a capacity of 5,000,000 gallons, to be drained by a Cameron pump, which will force the water to the surface through a 500 ft. borehole of 5 in. diameter. A well-equipped engineer's shop has been erected at the mine. During the year I made several inspections, and found that the air was well distributed in the mine in the proportion of 300 cubic feet per minute per man. The roads and working-places were well timbered, and generally in good order. No fatal accidents occurred during the year, although there were several of a minor character. The mine-cages, ropes, chains, etc., were examined during the year. The output for the year was 143,522 tons, being an increase of 13,710 tons. An average of 252 men were employed. Union Collieries (Mr. F. J. Tattley, mine-manager). —The mine having proved unprofitable to the then-owners, it was closed down in the early part of the year, but subsequently was acquired by a new company, who intend to reopen it at an early date. Kawakawa Collier;/ (Mr. W. H. Cullev, mine-manager).—An adit has been driven, and several pillars of coal left in by the old company were located, but the extent of pillar coal available is unknown. The mine was examined, and the timbering and ventilation found satisfactory. Waipa Colliery. —No work has been (lone during the year. A contract for the construction of the railway-line from Ngaruawahia to the mine lias been let, and is being proceeded with. Pul-emiro Collieries (Mr. E. S. Wight, mine-manager). —No work has yet been done at the mine. Plant and material are being sent out from England; and when the railway and traffic bridge over tlie Waikato River is available the plant will be conveyed to the ground. Mangapapa Colliery (Mr. William Lennox, mTne-manager). —Since the installation of the small exhaust fan, of local design, the ventilation of the mine has been satisfactory. In October I found that 12,000 cubic feet of air was supplied for eight men and one horse. The mine was inspected, and found to be in good order. The output of coal was 3,811 tons, being a decrease as compared with that of the previous year. I have, &c, B. Bennie, Inspector of Mines.

The Inspector of Mines, West Coast District, to the Undkr-Secretart, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir, — Inspector of Mines' Office, Westport, Ist February, 1912. I have the honour, in compliance with section 78 of the Coal-mines Act, 1908, to present my renort on the coal-mines in the West Coast Inspection District for the year ended 31st December, 1911.

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Point Elizabeth State Colliery No. 1 (James Bishop, M.1.M.E., mining engineer and certificated manager).—During 1911 the output amounted to 188,892 tons, being 23,997 tons less than that obtained during the previous year. This decrease was probably due to slackness of trade during the earlier part of the year and to the delay in shipping owing to the unsatisfactory state of the Greyinouth bar towards the close of the year. No. 1 section (J. Coulthard, manager) : With the exception of a very small quantity obtained during the development of the area on the inside of the fault lying to the east of the main dip, the output from this section has been obtained from pillar-extraction. The prospecting dip heading is a continuation of the crosscut, and is running south-east, and up to the present a good deal of faulted ground has been encountered, while the pitch of the seam is abnormal, lying about 1 in IJ. An east level has been turned away, and the possibility exists that a fair block of coal may be won therefrom. No. 2 level: This section has also contributed a small amount from solid workings. These workings, however, are thinning, and before long it is anticipated that the remainder will be won by longwall method. No. 3 level : The output from this section was from pillar-extraction, and practically all the coal is extracted with the exception of a strip left to support the edge of the fault. No. 1 level east : Workings in this level are also confined to pillar-extraction, and are fast becoming exhausted to a point where it will be necessary to stop in order to protect the main crosscut and return airways. The percentage of coal won from this level has been very high, almost the whole of the coal in the pillars being won. No. 1 level west: The whole of the available coal has been won from this section; sufficient, however, has been left for the stability of the main haulage-road. No. 3 level west : The pillars on the inside of No. 1 bank are being worked, and a good percentage of the coal has been extracted. During the year the water has risen to within half a chain of the third level, but it is anticipated that this portion will again be unwatered when the preparations that are in hand are completed. These consist ol installing a beam pump, to be driven by steam, to unwater No. 2 section. The surplus of compressed air will then be available for the extra pumping in No. 1 section, when the few available pillars in the section known as the flat will in all probability be won. The ventilation I have found to be satisfactory, the quantity of air circulating on my last visit being 50,700 cubic feet per minute, which is split into two currents and well directed round the workingplaces. The mine is well timbered throughout, a large number of substantial chocks being built along the roadways, in addition to systematic propping of the roof. Safety-lamps are exclusively used for lighting in the workings, whilst all shot-firing is strictly in accordance with special rule 25 (<l). No. 2 section (W. Muncaster, deputy manager).—Two seams of coal are being worked in this section. The top seam, which varies in thickness from 10 ft. to 13 ft., is separated from the bottom seam by strata consisting of strong sandstone varying in thickness from 20 ft. to 30 ft. The whole of the output from the top seam is being obtained by pillar-extraction, a large proportion of the coal being successfully won. The bottom sections of the seam from the extended dip upwards to the second level are rapidly becoming exhausted, and by the end of the incoming year all the available coal will probably be extracted; while the pillars in the top level east will have reached a point where it will be necessary to suspend operations until the second level and the section of coal lying to the westward of the main haulage-road have been worked out. The bottom seam in the second level has been standing for some time, it being considered advisable to stop operations until the pillars overlying in the top seam were extracted. When this is done the bottom seam will be worked again. A large quantity of coal is being got from the bottom seam in the rise; a fault running east and west was encountered in the heading lying to the east of this section. The coal shows signs of thinning to such an extent on the western side of the main heading that in all probability it will prevent the profitable working of this portion. On striking the fault pillar-extraction was commenced, and still continues. The coal on the west side thinning to such an extent, it was considered advisable to alter the method of work from bord and pillar, and win the remaining coal by a long wall. Advancing midway between these two portions of this section the coal is still being worked in the solid, and from the appearance of the abovementioned fault it is possible that one of the headings now being driven in the solid will miss it altogether. The fault shows indications as the workings expose it to the westward that it is rapidly becoming less formidable. Heating was found to have commenced during the year in the goaf between the second and third levels east, a smell indicative of fire being easily detected in the air along the second level. This has compelled the management to erect brick stoppings across the two innermost openings along the low side. Towards the end o£ the year the aforementioned evidence became palpably stronger, compelling a series of stoppings to be built from the extended dip upwards, with the object of sealing this portion off altogether. Sufficient coal will be left to protect these stoppings, and pillar-extraction will be again commenced. The ventilation has been well maintained, a current of 49,750 cubic feet per minute entering the mine on the above date, while the working-places were adequately supplied. Timbering consists of substantial chocks, combined with a plentiful supply of props to support the roof. Point Elizabeth State Colliery No. 2 (James Bishop, mining manager). —Operations here consist solely of development-work, consisting of connecting the mine with endless-haulage system to the bins which are in course of erection at the terminus of the railway-line. The whole of the tunnelling in connection with this haulage system has been holed and thoroughly secured with substantial timber, and a matter of a few months ought to see the remaining viaduct, which is in course of erection at the upper end of the work, finished, as well as the permanent line of rails laid. The main level, which is situated on the right hand of Tarara Creek, has been driven a distance of 12 chains in good hard bituminous coal 14 ft. thick, while the rise heading has been extended to the outcrop a distance of approximately 6 chains. At the extreme end of the

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ui<un level faulting occurs, so that a great deal of coal is not expected to be won from this small section. A stone drive has been set away off this level in a south-east direction in order to win the coal lying to the eastward of Coal Creek, where it is estimated a large field of coal exists. This drive will be approximately 20 chains in length, and is being driven 11 ft. by 7 ft. in the clear. A drive 4 chains from the outcrop has been driven in this section, and shows the coal to be of a very superior quality. In all probability these drives will be pushed ahead, so that when the outside developments are completed the mine will be ready at once to supply a good output. The prospects for dealing with a large output are very promising, owing to the fact that coal can be won from various sections on either side of the main haulage-road. A good deal- of delay in the completion of the bins, &c, has been caused by not being able to get the material required when wanted, on account of the railway-line under the Public Works Department not being completed. However, this difficulty will soon be overcome, and completion of the necessary surface arrangements will be pushed on with expedition. I'aparoa tollitry (J. Hayes, mining engineer; D. S. A. Patterson, mine-manager). —The output from this mine was 21,218 tons, a decrease of 15,378 tons as compared with the previous year's output. This is accounted for by the fact that the mine ceased operations on the 21st October for an indefinite period, and previous to that date it was woiked very intermittently on account of want of trade. The operations during the year were principally confined to development and the establishment of a permanent system of ventilation for the mine. This consists of splitting and supplying eaoh seam with a fresh current of air, the splits again uniting in one main current before reaching the fan. The result is effected by connecting the various seams by stone drifts. The ventilating-current is produced by a Sirocco fan running at moderate speed, the quantity of air circulating varying from 55,000 to 65,000 cubic feet per minute. During the year coal of very good quality and hardness, with a thickness of 16 ft. and upwards, has been reached across a fault in No. 2 seam, and this may be expected to thicken as the workings proceed towards the rise, as the seam is known to attain to 20 ft. in thickness at some of the outcrops. Surface prospecting in the Mount Davy section has also proved this seam of great thickness, over 30 ft. being exposed in one place without bottom being readied. The prospects, so far as this seam is concerned, are promising. Very little work has been done in Nos. 1 and 3 seams, and the coal there has the appearance of having undergone severe crushing. Safety-lamps are used in seams 1 and 2, whilst naked lights are used in No. 3. An appreciable amount of methane is given oft in these seams, and every precaution is taken to thoroughly dilute it with fresh air, so as to render it harmless. All shots in Nos. 1 and 2 seams are exploded electrically. The mine is being kept in good working order, an underviewer and deputy being employed for the purpose, while an enginewright is engaged on the surface. The fan is run at intervals to prevent any accumulation of noxious gases. Brvnner Mine, £>t. Hilda Section (11. Alison, mining manager; J. Armstrong, minemanager). —(19/12/11) : A considerable proportion of the output has been won from the north heading, where, owing to a large fault, it has become necessary to begin pillar-extraction. This part of the mine is nearing exhaustion, the remaining coal being in a long narrow strip between two faults. The lower level has been driven a distance of 22 chains, and is still in coal, which continues to be of a very friable and soft nature. From the old Brunner Mine about 5,000 or 6,000 tons of excellent coal lias been won, this being ob tamed by driving adits into the side of the hill and extracting the few stumps of pillars that were left in order to support the face of the clifi above. A large amount of excellent fireclay has also been won from this section. During the period under review the oilengine used for driving the fan lias been discarded and a Pelton wheel erected and connected direct to the fan-shaft, thereby producing improved ventilation. On my first visit to the mine the ventilation was sluggish, owing to the unsatisfactory running of the oil-engine, but since the installation of the Pelton wheel the ventilation has been entirely satisfactory. Future developments must necessarily be directed to the dip where a block of coal, extending probably a distance of about 10 chains, is expected to be opened up. Already a dip haulage-road has beer, completed as far as the lower level, and it is proposed to prospect this block of coal very shortly. The output for 1011 was 31,406 tons, a decrease of 8,284 tons compared witli 1910. A large amount of small coal from this mine is used in the production of coke. No serious accidents have been reported during the year. Blackball Colliery (W. Leitch, mining manager; J. Hamilton, mine-manager).—The output for the year was 156,821 tons, being a decrease on the previous year's operations to the extent of 9,684 tons. Two shifts of workmen are employed. The output from this mine has been won from banks Nos. 14 to 17 inclusive, and 19 with the addition of a little from the dip. The method of mining is to extract the pillars as soon as the ordinary bord has been driven. The bords are driven to meet from the pair of banks. When the pillar has been brought back to within 7 yards of the bank a tight stopping is erected and the goaf effectually sealed off. This process is continued until the whole of the bords in the bank have been driven and the pillars extracted. Ihis is an excellent method to work a seam of coal like the Blackball, which is exceedingly liable to spontaneous combustion. Not only does this method allow of the winning of the coal in a minimum time, but the pillar is extracted while the first timber is yet strong, and the coal itself and the roof-rock are less liable to become crushed and broken. Developmentwork to the east and west of No. 17 incline has proved the coal to be of very good quality throughout. The incline itself has been standing owing to its being so far in advance of the present workings. There is still 20 chains of coal ahead before it reaches the outcrop, and this probably will be developed during the coming year. Dip section : This section has not been opened out to the extent that was anticipated at the beginning of the year, owing to the large quantity of water which found its way into the work-

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ings through fissures in the roof. Horse-haulage only has been employed to cope with the output. An Evans three-throw electric pump h.is been installed, capable of dealing with 200 gallons of water per minute. When first set to work it required to be operated continuously for fifteen hours per day, but the water has now decreased to such an extent that the pump can deal with it in twelve hours. The dip heading is driven approximately 11 chains, and is showing good coal 14 ft. thick at the face. A pair of levels will be turned away on either side of the dip, running east and west, as soon as the present preparations, consisting of installation of electric haulage, are completed. This will doubtless be a very important section as regards output in the very near future. For this reason it is absolutely necessary that the dip headings should be kept well in advance of the general workings, so that some idea can be formed of the extent of coal ahead to cope with future demands. During the year a contract was let to enlarge the main heading through the fault. The distance driven is 4J chains. At this point it was expected to win the full height of the seam, but expectations were not realized, and further driving will have to be done. Workshops; surface works: During the year new workshops, consisting of blacksmiths', carpenters', and engineers' shops, have been erected, and all necessary machinery installed. These will obviously prove of economic value, as previous to the installation all repairwork had to be sent to Greymouth. Near the end of the year a I (lolmrse-power electric generating plant was installed to provide power for haulage and surplus power for pumping in the dip section. Heating has been a source of considerable annoyance, several fires having broken out. These have not been confined to any particulai par! of the mine, but have occurred throughout the whole of the workings. The probable explanation of these outbreaks is that the roof overlying the bottom seam is of a very soft clayey nature, and when this is dropped to enable the top seam of coal to be won, it carries with ii .i quantity of coal which has been left to form the roof in the first workings. So completely does this clay form, as it were, a blanket over the coal, that the heat generated canimt escape, and with an increasing temperature a more rapid absorption of oxygen is induced, ami the beating soon develops into a fire. The workings are carefully examined in order to deteel this beating, am! every precaution taken to cope with a lire ii' it should break out. Ventilation baa been maintained, and the Act generally well observed. NoiHh Brunntr Colliery (George Smith, mine-manager). —(14/12/11) : The output from this mine for the period under review totalled 12,784 tons, being an increase over ilie previous year's output of 1,862 tons. The output was obtained in the first eighi months; during the remainder of the year the mine was closed down. Seventy chains of levels and bords were driven during the year, and it was hoped that as development proceeded a better class of marketable coal would be opened up, but up to the time of closing down the operations proved disappointing. The seam proved to be of a varying thickness, averaging about 5 ft., and of a very soft and friable nature, quite unsuitable for handling in shipments. In August the main level, which has been driven some 6 chains, came against a fault, the same faulting being met with in No. 3 road, while it is thought that No. 4 is through it; but the coal at this point is lying at an abnormal pitch —viz., 1 in 2—and from this it would appear that the disturbance is not yet penetrated. Owing to the market for the North Brunner coal being so dull, it was decided to close down until the return of the general manager from England, the only work that lias been done since being the loading of coal for local sale from stock kept in the bins. When operal ions are again commenced in the mine in all probability they will chiefly be confined to the pushing-forward of the main headings through the faulted ground to prove the extent and quality of the coal on the other side. Ventilation and general safety of the mine are satisfactory. Louc/hlan's Mine (owner, R. L. Kearns; R. L. Kearns, manager, by permit). —The main level is continuing in a north-east direction skirting the hill, drivages being holed to the surface for the purpose of ventilation. The coal is in thickness 5 ft., and is lying very steep. This property has been purchased from Mr. Bierworth during the year, and lias produced 2,760 tons of coal. The ventilation and general safety of the mine have been well maintained. Preparations are being made during slack times to work the coal lying to the dip of the present workings level, which is driven as low as possible to ensure free drainage. Rules posted and reports up to date. Four men are employed. Golden Point Mine (It. L. Kearns, owner; R. L. Kearns, permit). —Very little coal has been won from this mine during the year, on account of slackness of trade, the output being only 540 tons. This has been produced almost exclusively from the level, which is running in a northeasterly direction. Lankei/'s Creek Mine (Progress Goldfields of New Zealand (Limited), owners; F. Knight, permit). —This mine has produced 2,011 \ tons of coal during the year, almost the whole of which was won within the first eight months. A good deal of small coal was filled from the old workings that had been left during previous operations, this being mixed with the round coal. The mine has been practically closed for the latter four months of the year, the owners having decided to construct a tramway about 97 chains along the sideling, so as to more economically supply the Progress and Energetic Mines. The tramway is nearing completion, and operations in the mine will soon be in full swing again. The seam is 8 ft. thick, and of excellent quality, producing a large percentage of round coal. Watson and Moyle's Coal-mine, Murray Creek (W. Watson, permit).—Operations consist in driving a pair of headings going south, and separated by about 60 ft. with stentons connected for the purpose of ventilation. No. 1 heading has been driven 24 ft. for the year, while No. 2 has been driven approximately 100 ft. A patch of faulted ground was met with, and when driven through the coal was found on the other side. The roof in the mine is very strong and well protected. Natural ventilation is well maintained.

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Phcenix and Venus Coal-mine, Murray Creek (owners, J. Knight and Co.; W. Knight, permit).-—During 1911 a new drive going west from the surface was put in for a considerable distance. The coal proved to be very soft, producing very little round coal, and the small has been stacked on the sideling for sale, providing a market for this class of coal can be obtained. Ou my last visit the coal showed a decided improvement. Operations have been intermittent, owing to no demand for the coal. The fire-area on the south side of the workings is still burning, smoke issuing freely from several places. The ventilation and timbering have been maintained satisfactorily. Two men are employed underground. Golden Treasure Coal-mine, Murray Creek (J. Billet, permit). —This mine has practically been abandoned, tha only output being a few tons of coal won by the open-cast method at the beginning of the year. Lockinyton's Freehold, Deep Creek (E. Lockington, owner; E. Lockington, permit).—Nearly the whole of the output from this mine has been obtained by open-cast work. For a considerable distance along the sideling very little cover exists over the coal. This has been stripped, and the coal afterwards mined, until a face 15 ft. :'n height has been bared. From this point a drive has been started in the coal to connect with the inside Avorkings. The coal in the drive is clean and hard, producing a fair percentage of round. When this connection is made it will improve the ventilation and shorten the trucking distance. Four men are employed. Burkes Creek Coal-mine (Gibson and Harris, owners; J. Thompson, manager).—Operations have been chiefly confined to No. 1 North area, where the level has been extended over 6 chains. For a distance of 40 ft. the coal was very thin, and of a very soft nature; subsequently it pinched out. After driving approximately 80 ft. further the coal made again, and continued to open out until a good seam of hard bright coal, varying from 12 ft. upwards, was exposed. These faults have been a source of trouble, causing the ventilation at times to be rather dull until connections could be made; however, this will shortly be remedied by increasing the size of the return airway through the faults until a rise heading can be driven to the surface which will ensure a good circulation of air. The output was 2,928 tons. Waitahu Coal-mine (James Jude, permit). —(6/12/11) : The output for 1911 was 540 tons loewt., a considerable proportion being derived from pillar-extraction. The pillars skirting No. 2 level have been extracted for a considerable distance. Ventilation has been well maintained. A good deal of coal is still standing on pillars to the rise, but, being of a soft nature, it makes a good deal of small. Archer's Freehold, Capleston (F. W. Archer, permit).—This property contains two seams of coal, varying in thickness from 10 ft. to 12 ft., and separated by about 60 ft. of sandstone. At the beginning of the year a holing was made into the rise heading, and the old drive cleaned of falls, ensuring a good ventilation. The main level in the bottom seam has been continued for some distance, and has met with faulted ground, which will necessitate some prospecting. This will be done when opportunity offers. The condition of the mine is satisfactory. Coghlan's Freehold, Capleston (J. Coghlan, owner; permit). —During the year operations have been almost exclusively confined to No. 2 level, there being very little sale for coal during the first few months. This enabled the level which was being driven in sandstone to be continued until the coal was reached. The coal in this level is proving to be of superior quality, and the prospects are promising. The output for the year was •'564 tons. Ventilation is obtained by holings into the rise. Rocklands Coal-mine, Butter Road (G. Walker, owner; J. Burley, permit).—The output was 257 tons. The main south heading has lieen standing, and another heading in the same direction has been opened on the rise side of the former workings. This has proved of great advantage, by rendering the transport of the coal for carting much easier and the distance shorter. The demand for this coal depends upon the dredge working in the Buller River. The ventilation and general safety conditions are excellent. Whitecliffs Coal-mine, Buller Road (Job Lines, owner; permit). —At the commencement of the year a new tunnel lying to the west of the old tunnel had been started, but on driving a distance of about three-quarters of a chain it was found impossible to keep clear of the creek and maintain a free drainage. This tunnel was therefore abandoned, and preparations are being made to exploit the coal on the rise side of the old tunnel. The output from this mine for the year was 189 tons. Seddonville State Colliery (I. A. James, mine-manager). —The output for 1911 was 60,045 tons, showing a decrease on the previous year's operations of 2,669 tons. This output was entirely from pillar-extraction in. the cave combined with dropping of top coal. The pillars in the extreme west of the cave section have produced a fair proportion of hard coal, but are rapidly becoming exhausted. The soft coal that overlies the main seam, being unsaleable, was left in the old workings, and as a result heating rendered it imperative to stop these workings off, to prevent the gases reaching the present workings. Another portion on the eastern side of the same section was similarly dealt with. In both places the stoppings have proved effectual. West section : Operations in this section consist of the satisfactory development of a block of coal known to exist to the north-west, where coal of excellent quality and thickness has been proved, and the prospects in this part of the colliery are promising. A holing has been effected at the outcrop, which has secured the ventilation of the workings to the northward. The ventilation and general safety conditions of the mine have been well maintained, timber being plentifully used to support the sides and roof. No fatal or serious accidents have been reported during the year. A considerable amount of boring by diamond drill has been done in the Charming Creek area, the operations have been confined to the area between Chasu\ and Charming Creeks. The results so far have only been moderately satisfactory.

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Denniston Collieries (Westport Coal Company, Limited, owners; J. C. Brown, local mining manager). —During the year the output for the Denniston Collieries was 323,368 tons, which was obtained from the mines working single shift. The development in both collieries has been kept well in advance of requirements. Coalbrookdale Colliery (Nicholas Milligan, mine-manager). —The development in the dip area continues to produce excellent results, and the winning headings have been pushed forward in a north-east direction, proving a large area of coal of excellent quality. In some parts of this area the superincumbent rocks are of a very treacherous nature, while water freely finds its way into the workings, causing no small amount of anxiety to the officials. Timber is, however, freely used. Glasgow section : For some considerable time the output from this section has been produced from the extraction of pillars, and, taking into consideration the serious amount of crushing the pillars have undergone, the percentage is very satisfactory. Pillar-extraction has been continued during the year in the following sections : No. 9 bank and the right-hand side of No. 8 bank, also Wallace section on the left-hand side of the main haulage-road. To open a fairly large area of virgin coal to the south of the present terminus of the Cascade haulage-road, a drift is being carried. The coal in this area is from 10 ft to 12 ft. in thickness, and of excellent quality. This drive, however, has been standing for some considerable time. Development lias been adequate in other parts of the mine. The Wareatea haulage-drive to the westward has been driven to reopen Bradley's section, which had been standing pending the completion of the haulage way. A haulage-engine is in course of erection for this section. Further developments connected therewith will necessitate a drive for a considerable distance to open up a new area. Heating occurred in Bradley's and the Glasgow sections, but this appears to have been overcome. The outlook for this mine is encouraging, and, should trade be forthcoming, a substantial increase in the output will in all probability occur. Ironbridge Colliery (A. G. Marshall, mine-manager). —Operations in this mine have been carried on in a satisfactory manner. The headings going south and south-east in Kruger's section are opening up a large area of excellent hard coal of considerable thickness. During the year a narrow heading was driven towards the old shaft section, from which water was drawn by a borehole in the roof of the drift. The shaft section is being worked to connect with the Kruger section, for the improvement of haulage and ventilation. Pillars are being extracted from the in-by end homeward. No. 2 section, Dundee dip (being the bottom seam and the headings going north-east) : These are being pushed forward, and are proving a seam of excellent hard coal, varying from 10 ft. to 12 ft. in thickness. A series of boreholes have proved a large area of workable coal, and the prospects of this part of the mine are encouraging. During the year the big pillar sections have been extracted to a point necessary to maintain the stability of the roadways. A stone drive is being carried towards the compressors to form a main return airway for a new ventilating-fan to replace the existing fan, situated some little distance from the power-house. Kiwi section : Most of the output from this section is from pillars. Deep Creek section : The average thickness of the coal is about 15 ft. or 16 ft., of good quality. During the year a small Schiele fan has been erected. Old shaft section : Pillar-extraction has been continued, and a high percentage of round coal obtained. The Port Arthur section, which has been standing on pillars some considerable time, is showing signs of severe brushing. Preparations are being made to remove these pillars. Good ventilation has been maintained in the various districts, while the general safety has been satisfactory. Millerton Mine (Westport Coal Company (Limited), owners; W. Dunn, local mine-manager; Wm. McCormack. mine-manager).—The output during 1911 was 299,642 tons, an increase of 30,826 tons on that of the previous year. In five cases legal proceedings have been taken by the company against persons for breaches of special rules. Mine Creek section : The workings to the westward have been considerably developed during the year, and have proved a large area of hard coal of excellent quality. On the eastern side of the main haulage-road, known as No. 10 and No. 4 pillars, a large amount of coal has been won by pillar-extraction exclusively. The prospects of this section are encouraging. Mangatini section : During 1911 the south headings have been driven forward, and a good deal of prospecting has been done from these headings, with reasonable prospects of a good seam of coal being proved. The headings going to the westward are showing hard coal of good quality. A few pillars have been extracted on the north side of the west heading in the dip section. Lower section : Preparations are being made to obtain an output from the rise side of this section. A new brake-house has been completed, and a powerful hydraulic brake installed to control the lead on the new tunnel haulage-road. Ventilation has, genernlly speaking, been well maintained. The stoppings controlling the fire area are daily inspected, and arc showing no signs of extra heating. Smoke is, however, discernable issuing through the broken ground on the surface. Wherever practicable the fractures in the rock are filled in to prevent the air from feeding the fire. • W estport-Stockton Coal Company's Mine (Westport-Stockton Coal Company (Limited), owners; F. H. Chamberlain, managing engineer; H. McAvoy, mine-manager).—The output for 1911 was 87,236 tons, being a decrease of 64,715 tons below that of the previous year. The bulk of the coal won has come from B and C tunnels, only a small percentage having been derived from D tunnel. In B tunnel operations have born confined to solid workings. Development on the eastern side of the main lay-by was discontinued owing to the coal proving soft, and thinning to 4 ft. Coal of good quality was found further to the south on the same side of the

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haulage-road, while on the west side good coal is opening all along the barrier pillar which separates the above property from the Millerton Colliery, but it will not be long before pillarextraction will have to be commenced, as the solid workings are nearly all completed in this section. A water drive has been constructed for use during pillar-extraction. C tunnel: The whole of the workings in this section are in the solid, but pillar-extraction will begin shortly. The seam varies from 12 ft. to 16 ft. in thickness. • D tunnel : Operations in this tunnel were discontinued during July. The heading going soutli is standing in faulted ground. The workings on the west side are in soft coal 10 ft. thick. Prospecting with a diamond drill and three hand-boring plants lias been carried out on the eastern sections known as "E " and " F," comprising some 1,600 acres. It is reported that a large area of hard coal of workable thickness has been proved. Boring is still in progress. Surveys are being made to ascertain the best route for haulage from the newly developed area. The ventilation of the various sections I have found to be satisfactory. Puponga Colliery (Puponga Coal Company, Limited, owners; R. McEwan, mine-manager).— During the year four inspections were made, the last being on the 7th November. The output for the year shows a decrease of about 8,000 tons. This is accounted for by the very poor trade during the lirst four months, combined with a stoppage of eight days during the coastal shipping dispute, and seven days for repairs to boilers. With the exception of the above stoppages the mine has worked full time since the property changed hands on the Bth May. The main dip has been extended for a distance of 3 chains, and converted into a water-lodgment. The main haulage dip was deviated about 45 degrees to the eastward, on account of the faulty ground that gradually encroached from the westward. This deviation has developed good coal, and present indications point to the possibility of a valuable field being proved by further development, but no advance boring lias been done. No fatal accident occurred during the year; minor accidents only numbered seven, compared with seventeen for previous year. The ventilation has been excellent, 39,550 cubic feet of air per minute being circulated on my last visit. The timbering of the roadways and working-places has been generally found satisfactory. Considerable alterations are proposed, the intention being to work the pumps electrically, so that the compressed air will be available for the coal-cutting machines. A new boiler is being installed. The last two levels, No. 14 and No. are both in excellent coal, and should the dip continue as at present the outlook is good for an increased output. There are four coal-cutting machines in operation, producing a good percentage of round coal. The machines are solely confined to the solid working. A few pillars are being extracted to the eastward of the main haulage dip. North Cape (Joal-mme, Taupata Estates (A. Forbes, permit). —This property has opened out very well, and is still showing a satisfactory face of hard coal, in thickness about 4 ft. The main heading has advanced about 12 chains. The output for 1911 was 1,700 tons. A staging has been erected on the mud-fiat, so that small vessels can load when the tide is in. Good ventilation has been maintained by keeping a parallel heading well up to the main heading, and connecting them by stentons. The timbering in this mine is excellent. The output should considerably increase, as it is intended to put more men on as soon as there are better facilities for shipment. Marble Creek Coal-mine, Collinguood (James Young, manager). — This property is under development. The seam of coal which is being opened out varies from 3 ft. to i ft. in thickness, and dips about lin IJ. Drives are set away about 30 ft. apart, and connections made to ensure ventilation. The coal at present is being stacked on the surface, awaiting completion of surface developments, when it will be refilled and sent to market. The coal is of bituminous class, and, as far as developed, is of good hard quality. General Remarks. The total output from mines in the West Coast Inspection District shows a decrease of 122.339 tons compared with the output for 1910. The principal cause of this decrease was the small demand for coal during the first few months of the year. Three small mines—viz., Merrijigs, Kearns. f.nd Enner Glen —have been closed down the whole of the year, and of the larger mines North Brunner and Paparoa have temporarily ceased operations, the former in August and the latter in October. The North Cape Coal-mine, Puponga, has been added to the productive mines, and should show a substantial increase in the output next year. No. 2 Point Elizabeth State Mine and Marble Creek Coal-mine, both under development, will possibly be winning coal before the close of 1912. Of the larger mince, .Millerton shows an increase of 30,826 tons, and North Brunner 1,862 tons. The following mines show decreases: Point Elizabeth, 23,996 tons; Blackball, 9,684 tons; Paparoa, 15,378 tons; Brunner. 8,284 tons; Denniston, 24.351 tons; Westport-Stockton, 64,715 tons; Seddonville, 2,669 tons; Puponga, 6,975 tons : total, 156,052 tons. The returns from the smaller mines worked under permit show that about half of them slightly increased their output, whilst the others show a decrease. Ventilation : At all the collieries under the management of a first-class certificated minemanager the ventilation of the workings is produced by exhaust fans, which are giving satisfactory results. In the smaller mines circulation of the current of air by natural ventilation is produced by holing to the surface. Accidents. Thirteen accidents were reported, nine of which were fatal and four non-fatal, as follows : — Fatal. Point Elizabeth State, Mine No. 1. — (3/3/11) : T. Whyte, miner, killed by a fall of coal from roof. (3/8/11): T. McOahan, miner, killed by a fall of coal from roof. (2/9/11): G. Fullick, deputy, killed by a fall ox stone when drawing timber.

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Point Elizabeth Statt Mine No. 2. —(9/1/11) : J. Dunn, miner, killed by an explosion of firedamp. MiUerton Mine. — (7/3/11): J. H. Campbell, trucker, killed by a runaway tub on jig. (17/3/11) : W. Young, miner, fall of stone from roof. Wesiport-Stockton Mine. —(l 3/3/11) : Julius Marx, rope-boy, died from effects of getting leg crushed between tubs. Denniston Mine. —(2/5/11) : M. Brosnic, miner, fall of coal from roof. Blackball Mine. —(ls/6/11) : T. Auld, miner, fall of coal from roof. Non-fatal. Point Elizabeth State Mine No. 2 —(9/1/11): P. Kodden, miner, explosion of firedamp (severe burns). Westport-Stockton Mine. —(2B/7/11): J. Auld, trucker, jammed between trucks; left wrist broken. (7/6/11): D. Livingston, miner, jammed between trucks; wrist crushed. Blackball Mint. —(15/6/11) : J. Duggan, miner, collapse of timber at face causing shock. The total number of persons employed in and about mines under the Coal-mines Act, 1908, was 2,610, and shows a decrease compared with the year 1910 of 199. Of the total number, 1,659 were employed below ground and 951 above ground. The actual decrease in persons employed below ground is 138, while the number employed above ground shows an increase of 239. Omitting the number of persons employed in development of new mines, the coal raised per person employed underground was 7554 tons, and the coal raised per person employed above and below ground 485 - 9 tons. I have, &c, James Newton, Inspector of Mines.

The Inspbotob of Minks, Southern District, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sift', — Office of Inspector of Klines (Southern District), Dunedin, 14th March, 1912. In accordance with the requirements of section 78 of the Coal-mines Act, 1908, I have the honour to present my report on the coal-mines in the Southern Mining District for the year ended 31st December, 1911. Canterbury. Broken River Coal Lease, Broken Hirer (Crown lease; W. J. Cloudesley). —(8/7/11) : It has been reported to me by the owner that operations at this mine will be vigorously prosecuted at an early date. S/iringfield Colliery, Springfield (Christchuroh Brick Company, owners; J. Taylor, permit, manager). —This pit is chiefly worked for production of fireclay, of which 1,563 tons were mined .luring the year for manufacture at the pottery works in Christchurch. . Springfield Fireclay Mine, Springfield (Christchurch Gas, Coal, and Coke Company, Limited, owners).—Some 235 tons of fireclay were produced. The mine is temporarily closed down. Sheffield Fireclay Mine, Sheffield (J. Austin, owner). —Dining the year 867 tons of fireclay were mined 'ind railed to Christchurch for manufacture at the pottery works there. Acheron Anthracite Coal-mine, Lake Coleridge (K. Murchison). —After being discontinued for a number of years a few tons of coal were recently produced from the seam in the river-bed. Homebush Colliery, Glentunnel (J. C. Campbell, mine-manager). —(8/11/11) : Powder-maga-zine kept in good order; change-rooms and sanitary and bath arrangements attended to. Old main workings, No. 1 level, pillars now quite exhausted. Main seam : The old dip workings almost closed. The crosscut put down will enable the last of the pillar ribs to be drawn. Engine seam south : The seams are found close together, there being only a small clay parting between, and making 11 ft. of coal at this place. Keep-it-Dark, or No. 3 Mine, pillars are being withdrawn. A new outlet is being laid off for the engine seam, which will furnish the bulk of output in the near future. Ventilation is good, and the requirements of the Act generally well observed. The Keystone boring-drill in the gully having proved the seam to be split, it has been removed to a solid-looking ridge, where prospecting operations are now being conducted. The pottery works for the manufacture of sanitary pipes and ware from fireclay and clays obtained on the property is an important adjunct to this colliery. Thomas Patterson, forty-eight, miner, died on the 8th September from injuries sustained by a fall of stone from the low roof to which he was setting a prop. The Coroner brought in a verdict of "Accidentally killed." St. Helens Colliery, Whitecliffs (Crown lease; Levick and Thin; W. Thin, permit, manager). —(10/7/11): This mine is temporarily closed on account of noxious gases being given off from spontaneous fire in the dip workings, where the few remaining pillars have been abandoned. A new mine is being opened, but has not yet reached the output stage. Woohhed Creek Colliery, Mount Somers (Crown lease; Mount Somers Coal Company; Wm. Hutchison, sub-lessee) —(13/7/11) : Not being worked at present. Coal to rise in this mine being practically exhausted, will necessitate development to dip if output to be maintained. Subsequently a few tons of coal were produced towards the end of the year. Mount Somen Colliery, Mount Somers (Mount Somers Coal Company; W. Dixon, minemanager).—(13/7/11) : Spontaneous heating in the waste of rise pillar workings necessitated a line of stoppings, which, while cutting off half the mine area and limiting the production of 15—C. 2.

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pillar and head coal, has the effect of confining the heated area, and being well constructed leakage of gases is not reported or discernable. Development to dip has become imperative, and a small steam boiler and winch are being erected for that purpose. One effect of the fire is that workings are perforce withdrawn from the area held under a Crown lease. Albury Colliery, Albury (Crown lease; Robert Riddle; 6. C. Kidd, sub-lessee; permit). — Seam, 12 ft.; Bft. worked bord and pillar; air-shaft not secured by timber, and sludge lying at bottom. It is proposed to drive 1J chains, and sink a new air-shaft on the other side of the hill. Air good. Dalgety Coal-pit, Hakataramea (New Zealand and Australian Land Company, owners). —Coal mined for station requirements. North Otago. Wharekuri Coal-pit, Wharekuri (Crown license, A. Shanks). —Only a small quantity of coal produced during the year. Some prospecting is being carried on. Awakino Coal-pit, Kurow (D. Scott).—(24/6/11) : A small output only now being won. St. Andrew's Colliery, Papakaio (Thomas Nimmo, permit, manager and owner). —(5/12/11). Mine-workings in excellent order. Places are driven to the boundary for future pillar-drawing. To the south-west a fault was found, and the stone-band thickens. A substantial ladderwa\ is placed in third-outlet shaft. Seam, 7 ft. On the fault line the brown coal for a short distance is altered to a light coking class by natural drainage of water from the seam. Prince Alfred Colliery, Papakaio (A. Beardmore, permit, lessee and manager).—(s/12/11) : The incipient fire burning on my last visit is effectually stopped off. Mine is in good order, and the ventilation good. The fault to dip interferes considerably with proper developments. Ngapara Colliery, Ngapara (William Nimmo, permit, owner and manager). —(5/12/11) : In good working-order; ventilation good. Powder-magazine approved. Broadleaf Coal-mine, Shag Poiwt (George Brooke, permit, lessee, and manager).—(6/12/11) : Seam 5 ft., work on a form of longwall. A band of stone in the seam provides convenient stowing. Instructed permit-holder that the brattice required extension to provide efficient ventilation where men were working. Shag Point Colliery, Shag Point (Shag Point Coal-mining Company, lessees; C. Clasen, permit, manager). —(6/12/11) : New second outlet and air-course are now connected. Seam, 3 ft., being worked on a modified long-wall system. A band of dirt affords convenient holing. Ventilation fair, and working-places fairly well timbered. A band of stone provides convenient packing. An effort is being made by the owners to reopen t lie branch line of railway formerly in use by the old Shag Point Coal Company. Allandale Colliery, Shag Point (Allan Mclntosh, lessee and mine-manager). —(6/12/11) : Extraction of pillars from old workings continues. Ventilation good, except the low level, where men were temporarily withdrawn on account of an exudation of black-damp, due to unfavourable atmospheric conditions, and the stenton not being through. I traversed intake and return air-courses to upcast air-shaft. Timbering well attended to. Some prospecting was carried on at Double Hill, near Waitati, during the year, and a small seam of brown coal was located, but is not yet being worked. South Otago. Fernhill Colliery, Ahbotsford (James Gray, owner and manager). —(27/11/11) : Air good. Mine-manager's report-book kept. The Dunedin City Corporation's Sjlverstream water-race, originally an open ditch, which traverses the coalfield above the coal-workings, is now being piped for some distance with 30 in. riveted steel flange pipes. Several settlements to the surface have occurred in the vicinity of the race, where coal had been previously mined. Some smell is discernible from stoppings built to old workings on account of underground spontaneous heating in the waste. Freeman's Colliery, Abbotsford (Freeman's Coal Company, owners; A. S. Gillander.s, minemanager). —(27/11/11): I entered this mine by workmen's travelling-way, thence proceeded to all working-faces and other places underground. Places are mainly driven narrow for future pillar-workings. Nos. 7 and 8 dip sections provide output, No. 6 dip is stopped temporarily, and No. 5 dip section is closed altogether, the coal being withdrawn. No. 7 dip, lower lift, is now practically worked out; a creep is crushing pillars, and the floor is rising badly. The final extraction is taking place, and only easily got coal is being taken. The fan, at 380 revolutions, is cheuLiting 22,500 cubic feet of air per minute. The brown-coal producer-gas plant for the fan-power is working satisfactorily, and requires a minimum of attention. Rules posted. Report-book and plan kept. James R. Walker, miner, was killed on the 20th July by a fall of coal and stone from the roof. The place was narrow, but a smooth back to a rough parting in the roof was subsequently visible. The roof had been previously examined; timber was also used. This was the first serious accident in this mine during a period exceeding forty years. Green Island Colliery, Green Island (Green Island Minerals Company, owners; T. Barclay, jun., mine-manager). —(2/5/11) : The roof in this mine is bad, and great difficulty is experienced in maintaining the places after they are driven a little distance. An inflow of water from a fault on the right-hand side of the dip has increased the hours of pumping. Every care seems to be taken for the safety of the employees. Jubilee Colliery, Saddle Hill (Jubilee Coal Company, owners; T. Barclay, mine-manager).— (28/11/11): Still retreating on pillars and head coal. That part of the mine towards the dip south-eastward is now practically exhausted, and, owing to faulted nature of strata, and the

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bad roof, it has fallen heavily to the edge of the workings. As the rise pillars are drawn in the line the roof breaks well, and the work continues to be safely conducted. Falls in which heal is detected are surrounded with substantial ash-stoppings. No. -i air-shaft, being overtaken by the waste, is now abandoned, and No. 2 shaft is restored for ventilation satisfactorily. The air is well conducted around the working-faces by brattice. A new drive is being put in to reduce haulage to the main line of railway. Saddle Hill No. I Colliery, Saddlt Hill (Christie Bros., owners, W. \V. Ogilvie, minemanager). —(28/11/11): Extraction of pillar and head coal continues; work safely conducted, and ventilation fair. Briok and sand stoppings on the line of waste effectively rinse the heated area. A brick furnace is being built at the new upcast air-shaft. Saddle llill Sα. ..' Colliery, Saddle Hill (Christie Bros., owners; Robert Hill, mine-manager). —(28/11/11): Ihe dip area is blocked off meanwhile on account of incipient spontaneous fires, and the creep is causing inoonvenience, making frequent brushing of roads and airways necessary. Brattice is oarried close to working-faces. I traversed the air-courses, which -were low in places, but there exists a good current of air. Fan ventilation is satisfactory, without which the mine would have been practically unworkable owing to the large quantities of black-damp given off from the waste, which is conducted direct to the upcast air-shall. Lauriston Colliery, Brighton (Crown lands; .Tames l{. Walker, permit, Lessee and manager). (27/4/11) : Mine in good working-order. Brighton Colliery, Brighton (D. L. McColl; A. McColl, permit, manager).—Old mine finished, and a new drive has proved coal at a point to the northward of old workings. Communication with the latter will effect free water drainage. Warned manager against an accumulation of water or damp which might be present in the older workings. Ferndale Coal-pit, Taieri Bench (S. H. Fairbairn). —A small quantity of coal was mined tor local use. Waronui Colliery, Milton (Bruce Railway and Coal Company, owners; James Carruthers, mine-manager). —(l 9/10/11): The new dip seam having turned out well, systematic develop merit is now being carried out. Intake air-ventilation is conducted to the foot of the dip, and from thence it is split, being returned around the working-faoes direct, and from thence to the fan-drift. Places are driven narrow in the first sections opened, the intention being to work out comparatively small blocks on a panel system arid a maximum extraction in the first work ing, then to seal off. The mine is in good working-order. Tail-rope system of haulage is acting satisfactorily. Mc&ilp's Goal-mine, Milton (J. J. Cooper, permit, Lessee and manager). —(19/10/11): On the occasion of my visit of inspection I found the gate to tin , mine locked, and no person on the premises. Alexander McLuckie, miner, was killed on the 4th March by a fall of coal from roof, where a diagonal greasy back was subsequently seen on the side, with a rough parting on the top. The roof had been previously examined. There was no other fall from roof in the mine, which was in good order, and timber was available for use if considered necessary. Good's Coal-mine, Johnston, Waitnhuna (James Brown, owner; William Good, permit, lessee). —A small opening at Johnston for the supply of local requirements. Lakeside Coal-pit, Lakeside, Lovell's Flat (G. E. Royds). —A small quantity of coal is here mined for private use. Tfirnfii Colliery, Taratu (Sargood and Cheeseman, owners; Thomas Shore, mine-manager). — (20/10/11): The shaft-working is discontinued, and the water has risen to within 100 ft. of surface. The coal-output is now obtained from pillar and head coal in earlier surface-workings. Ventilation is good, and explosives arc carefully handled; <>ne place in which a missfire shot had occurred was properly fenced. Two prospecting boreholes are being put down to test other parts of the field for coal of better quality . Hawthorn Ben Coal-mine, Kaitangata (T. Cunningham, permit, lessee). —(20/12/11) : A small mine, worked for the supply of local farming requirements. Longridge Coal-mine, Kaitangata (Nesbil Mackie, permit).—(22/11/11): Driving parallel levels in an upper seam (4 ft.) of the Kaitangata series. Ventilation good, and workings in fair order. Kaitangata Colliery, Kaitangata (New Zealand Coal and Oil Company (Limited), owners; \V. Carson, manager). —During the year Nos. 1 and 2, the winch heading sections, north side district, have been cut off, consequently the general air-circulation is much relieved. Owing to the roof and side pressure, the air-course areas became unduly constricted. Development in the solid to the south and eastward continues. Xo. 21 dip is driven several hundred feet in the solid in a westerly direction, and tends to prove continuity of the coal-deposits now exposed in the faces. There is probably a larger tonnage of coal undisturbed by faulting now in sight than at any former period in the history of the colliery. The low dip angles at which the seam now occurs an' advantageous, requiring only a minimum supply of compressed air for dip haulage and pumping, an important factor considering that compressed-air transmission is now conducted up to fully one mile from its base at the mine-mouth. The method adopted for pillar and head coal extraction by the panel or sectional system continues, by which means the highest tonnage output per acre is maintained with a minimum accident rate, while workmen receive improved ventilation at lowei temperature than formerly during any pillaring system hitherto practised. The sections are likewise opened and worked in a manner favouring almost complete closure by ash fire-stoppings, so that drawbacks from spontaneous ignition (to which this mine is peculiarly liable) are reduced to a. minimum. The register of daily air-measurements shows that an average of 30,000 cubic feet per minute is maintained at the intake. Equal quantities of fresh air are conducted from the main split at the cabin underground for distribution around either side of the mine-workings, to meet again at the return airway to the upcast fan-shaft. The fan is

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run continuously; three shifts of workmen are constantly engaged—two shifts for output and night shift on repairs—as owing to liability to spontaneous ignition the mine is not considered c left unattended. A number of samples of mine-ail , were collected us occasion required in different parts of the mine for determination of mine-gases by the Dominion Analyst, and a series of Jivgrometer readings were also taken, results of both of which were utilised for the betterment of working conditions. Lamp-station notices are posted near underground cabin No. 1, beyond which point only safety-lamps are allowed, and the provisions of General Rule 46 are applied so far as practicable. Systematic searches of persons for breaches of the latter part of the rule are not in vogue, but workmen and others are warned by notices posted Dot to have prohibited combustible and other articles in their possession, and are also warned by the qii< being asked from time to time by the mine officials. Permanent fire-stoppings on main roadways continue in good condition. Water-supply pipes are laid for suppression of incipient spontaneous fires in any part of the workings. The telephone system is in use underground, but electricity for [lower or lighting purposes has not been introduced below. Fan and second outlet air-shaft alterations and repairs have been carried out, rendering the winding plant effective, which, being used bi-weekly, is kept in good order for cases of emergency if required. The explosives magazine on the sill face has been approved, the surface and loading-bank arrangements are in winking order, and the mine-manager's and other mine officials' report-books are duly kept. The rules are posted, and copies of the mine-plans are returned quarterly. On the 21st August a slight dull explosion of firedamp occurred, presumably ignited at an underground fire produced in a level driven off No. 5 dip, and which had been stopped at a " roll " giving off gas. When the explosion happened stoppings were being put in at the intake and outlet. No one was injured and very slight damage was done. The mine-manager, assistant manager, underviewer, and two other officials were engaged at the work. By the extension of Mundy's dip, No. 5 dip, the aircirculation became direct, and symptoms of firedamp disappeared. Two fatalities occurred during the year, in each case, unfortunately, within a minute or two of work being suspended. John McGhie, miner, was killed on the loth May by a fall of coal from the side and roof, and Joseph Carson met his death by a fall of stone from roof while repairing timber in the main roadway. Mr. Carson was the holder of a mine-manager's certificate of the second class. The prospecting drive, referred to in last annual report, dipping at 1 in 3, met the main seam south at 1,023 ft. from surface. A main haulage-way, to be known as No. 2 mine, is being driven, 10 ft. 6 in. by 6 ft. 6 in. in the clear, and is now down 650 ft., or half-way, at a dip of 1 in 5. The former drive will be utilized for a travelling-way and return airway. A Sirocco fan to be electrically driven is being obtained, and endless-rope haulage will be installed for delivery of output to the surface screens and loading-bank at the No. 1 mine. Crixthi Hill Colliery, Kaitangata (New Zealand Coal and Oil Company (Limited), owners; W. Carson, mine-manager).—(23/11/11) : No. 7 dip section and return airways and working-places in good order. Ventilation good. Inside pillar waste now being stopped off. Jordan's seam working-places in good mile' , . A pair of levels are driven northward, and stentons being driven at intervale. Ventilation good. I traversed the intake and return airways to furnace-shaft; ventilation, 15,000 cubic feet per minute; thermometer —return air 70£° dry, 68J° wet bulb. The man-hoisting apparatus at the second outlet shaft appeared to be in working-order, as reported by the engineer, who makes periodical examinations and tests of the lift. Btnha.r Colliery, Stirling (P. and Sons, owners; James Walls, permit, manager). —(22/11/11) : The present workings are on the western side of the dip towards the outcrop. The air is good; blasting-powder is carefully handled. An air-shaft to the rise is now required, and will receive attention on receipt of plan, a survey having recently been made. Seam, 25 ft. ; places worked, 12 ft. wide by 8 ft. high. Mount Wallace Coal-mine, Stirling (William Coulter, jun., lessee). —Mine reopened towards the end of the year, and a few tons taken out. Mainholm Coal-mine, Waipahi (D. Dickison, owner; W. Lischner, permit, manager). —Opencast pit, from which 2,270 tons of lignite were produced during the year. Acton Adams Coal-mine, Clydevale (A. Acton Adams, owner). —A few tons taken out foi station requirements. Central Otago. Coal Creek Collieries, Coal Creek Flat (Crown lease; Barber and Shaw; J. Barber, minemanager). —(15/4/11): The water introduced for flooding purposes has been drained off, and heavy clay stoppings erected against the fire area. Opencast work is still being carried out, but the quantity of heavy stripping renders work A prospecting-shaft further down the gully proved a coal-seam of average quality, but owing to water in the shaft the thickness of coal was not ascertained. McPherson's Coal-mine, Coal Creek Flat (Crown lease; McPherson Bros.; R. McPherson, permit, manager). —(15/4/11): The level drives are still being made, the dip working not yet being undertaken. Several soft patches occur in the seam, but as yet there are no falls, and as all dross is removed there is no present indication of that heating to which this seam appears to be particularly liable. The seam is generally strong, and a minimum of timber is required. (14/12/11): Coal is being won mosth from the opencast; most underground places are driven across the coal-seam to clay; the coal apparently dips underfoot. Indications of spontaneous heating in bottom level section were observed, and immediately dealt with. Perseverance Coal-mine, Coal Creek Flat (Crown lease; James Craig; S. E. P. Vernon, permit, manager).—(ls/4/11): The dip drift is extended, and a new low level has been turned westerly. Ventilation is obtained by driving stentons to the footwall, thereby connecting with the level above. Working-places are in good order. (14/12/11): Solid work in bottom level; ventilation good; mine in good order.

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Alexandra Colliery, Alexandra South (Crown lease; Mathias Bros, and Co.; D. Mathias, permit, manager) (13 12/11): Six men underground. Ventilation good. The output is obtained from pillar-extraction. An error having been discovered in the relative positions of the mine-workings nnrl surface on the plan, a chain or so more ground can be taken out at the bottom of the dip without endangering the mine and the overhead water-race. New [lexandra Coal Company , * Colliery, Alexandra South (Crown lease; New Alexandra Coal Company ; James Pollock, mine-manager). —(13/12/11): The old workings are standing ly, the water being up to the sump-level. The brick dams are apparently doing their duly, owing to whioh, and by a rearrangement of the pumping plant, the hours of pumping are reduced liv forty-two weekly, thus effecting a good saving in fuel and charges. Working-places are being extended in the easterly part of the lease in solid coal of good average quality and thickness, as proved by the boreholes in the ioof, which arc regularly pul up a 1 intervals of 20ft. iii headings and 30ft. in all levels or working-bords. The necessary liars required at the stagelanding at pit-bottom should be kept in place. The second outlet for airway and ladderway is in excellent condition. Rules posted; repori books and plan kept. A new roof break occurred on the 29th December near the bottom of the upcast air-shaft, '[lie break cannot be reached or seen, but a quantity of clean gravel has come therefrom, and is giving "20,000 gallons of i water per hour. Five cement dams are being put in, with the objeel of holding the water back. Coal sides, roof, and floor being fairly solid, success is anticipated. A satisfactory feature is that the first proper break in the roof in the history of the pit—some twelve years —has occurred, and the result shows that a sudden flooding of the workings from overhead strata is unlikely to happen. Welshman's Gully Coal-pit, Cambrian (Crown lease; Mrs MoGuckin; J. McGuckin, manager). —An opencast pit. Output considerably reduced during later years. Laudervale Coal-pit. Cambrian (Robert .lones). —Opencast pit. from which an ordinary output is maintained. St. Bathau's Goal-pit, St. Bathan's (James Enright). —An opencast pit. from which a small output is being obtained. Beck's> Idaburn Goal-pit, Oturehua (Crown lease; Mrs. M. Beck; W. Beck, permit, manager). —Opencast pit. Usually kept in good working-order. White's Idaburn Coal-pit, Oturehua (Crown lease: ,1. White, permit, lessee and manager). Opencast. Water drainage rather troublesome. Oturehua Coal-pit, Oturehua (l>. Thomas). -Opencast pit. Shallow working. Gimmerburn Coal-pit, Gimmerburn (C. Dougherty). Opencast pit. worked in a small way for local use. Dillon's Coal-pit, Blackstone Hill (J. Dillon).- Small quantity mined for private use. The Gold ami Scheelite Proprietary Coal-mine, \hi<-rin.< Flat (Gold and Seheelite Proprietary Company, owners). —(19/5/11): An opencast pit, worked for supply of steaming-coal to the scheelite-mine. Clyde Collieries, Clyde (Crown lease; Verooe and Co.; G. I , '. Turner, mine-manager). — (18/8/11): When I visited the mine a recent thunderstorm had caused considerable inconvenience bj lilling the lower levels with silt and water, which poured down an old drive in the dry creekbed; otherwise the few working-places were in good order. All lire-stoppings in against tin pillared area except one were in good order, and no leakage of escaping damp could be detected from any of them; but I found one of the stoppings leaking, and directed the manager's attention to the necessity of keeping them in good order. Cromwell and Bannockburn Collieries, Bannockburn (Crown lease; Cromwell and Bannockburn Collieries Company (Limited); John Hodson, mine-manager). —(22/8/11): The new Shepherd's Creek Mine, between Thorn's and Par cell's Gullies, is turning out well. The coal is of fair thickness, and clean. Drives are being taken narrow at first working. This system, it is believed, will result in a higher percentage of pillar coal being won eventually. Until the dip is driven to the boundary, and a lodgment made, a few hours' pumping on Sundays will be necessary to prevent the water rising and damaging the mine. Ventilation good. The second outlet was in a good state of repair. In December a fresh inflow of sand and water had occurred in the lower level. A temporary stopping drawn across easily stopped the influx. Cairnmuir Colliery, Bannockburn (Crown lease; Cairnmuir Coal Company ; A. W. Whittlestoiij mine-manager).—(22/8/11) : The old mine is nearly finished. Pillars under Bannockburn Creek are being left in to prevent flooding. The seam in the new drive across the fault is very steep, but the coal is strong and of good quality. Levels are being broken away off the dip at the usual intervals. Cardrona Colliery, Cardrona (Crown lease; It. McDougall, permit, lessee and manager).— (7/11/11) : Opencast; four men. Rules require posting. Removing a large amount of overburden fallen during the winter. The seam appears to be about 16 ft. thick, including numerous bands of stone aggregating about 9 ft. The coal-output will be small for some time. Gibbston Colliery, Gibbston (Crown lease; J. Duncan, mine-manager).—A fair output continues to be maintained from this mine, which is situated at an altitude of 3,350 ft. above sealevel. The coal is lowered down the mountain-face on a single line of tramway. Nevis Colliery, Lower Nevis (Crown lands; I!. Toms, permit).—(ll/5/11): Drive extends 30 ft. in length. A working mate to the one man employed is necessary, and the provisions of the Coal-mines Act should be carried out regarding examination with a safety-lamp before starting work. Ryder's Colliery, Lower Nevis (Crown lands; R. Toms, permit).—(ll/5/11): Pillaring and dropping head coal. Report-book not up to date. Safety-lamp out of repair, and requires replacing. Nevis Crossing Collirn:, Nevis (Crown lands; Robert Ritchie, permit).— (ll/5/11): Face, 15 ft. high. Stripping top burden off by water, and afterwards lifting coal

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Southland. Pukerau Coal-mine, Pukerau (J. Hamilton, permit, manager).—(l 6/11/11) : New crosscut drive to dip 1 in 4; seam, 10 ft. Worked 13 ft. by i> ft. high. A stenton nearly through at dip lace will allow direct air-circulation. Nelson's Coal-mine, Pukerau (J. 11. Nelson, permit).— (l 6/11/11): Work here not vigorous. The coal lies to the dip, and water is troublesome. The windmill pump is not effective. Heff crnan's Coal-mine, East '■'arc (G. B. Paterson and Co.; Joseph Hoffman, permit). — ( l.'i/10/ll) : Levels driven to right-hand side of dip. Seam. 20 ft. thick, of which about 15 ft. is worked by the bord-and-pillar system. Green's Goal-mine, Gore (Thomas Green, owner; W. C. Johnston, permit). — (11/10/11): The (an ventilation is good. Dip drive is extended, and a new lift of east and west levels is being driven in the usual way. Daily report-book and plan kept. Bushy Park Coal-pit, Groydon, (Sore (J. and R. Tait, owners; George Flett, permit, manager). (11/10/11): Stripping, 2 ft. to G ft., is kept well back. Report-book required to be kept; copy of general rules should be posted. The old mine is completely abandoned. The shale-seam is still smouldering, but no damage is being done. Burundi i'mil-pit , Chatton (D. Cameron, permit).—(l 3/10/11): .Not at work on the occasion of my visit, and apparently nol much doing. In good working-order. Chatton Coal-pit, Cluitton (Ramsay Bros., lessees; V,. Ramsay, permit). —(13/10/11): In good working-order. A ooi ction having been made with Cameron's pit adjoining, ventilation is improved, a straight underground connection being advantageous to both mines. Pacey's Freehold Coal-pit, Chatton (Ramsay Bros., lessees; Robert Burgess, permit). — (13/10/11): Seam. 20 ft. to 25 ft.. of which 15 ft. is worked bord and pillar. Ventilation is good. Vertical clay backs, more or less open, occur in the seam, but are not dangerous in working. The powder magazine is in good order. Springfield Coal-pit, Waikaka Valley (I!. Mcc Chang, permit, lessee). —(16/11/11): Seam, 17 ft.; formerly worked opencast, but now driving underground. I condemned an iron tank used as a powder-magazine, it being perished and defective. A new 400-gallon iron tank is being obtained for storage of blasting-powder. Wittowbank Colliery, Waikaka Valley (G. B. Paterson, owner; E. Charles, mine-manager). —(12/10/11): The ventilation is good; the air is conducted around working-faces. The faults met with on either hand are now converging. A fresh dip drive is laid off to prove the field. Pillar-drawing on the northern fault boundary is well conducted, a good roof-break having been obtained. Glenlee Coal-pit, Waikaka Valley (D. 'I. MoGill, permit). —(12/10/11): A good area stripped in advance of working-face. Edge's Coal-pit, Waikaka Valley (A. A. Edge, lessee: \Y. Molvor, permit, sublessee). — (12/10/11): In good working-order. Landslip <'mil-mine Waikaia (William Kyle, permit, lessee). —(27/10/11): Workings are now conducted on the seam, where it assume* -,\ high inclination. Levels are driven and bords taken out to the walls on either side. The ground is bad holding, and a large proportion of the seam has to be kept in for support. Rossvale Coal-mine, Waikaia (Craig and Wilkes, lessees; T. Knuckey, permit). —(27/10/11): The ventilation is satisfactory, and the mine in good working-order. Waikaia Coal-mine, Waikaia (Alexander Cain, lessee; J. McLelland, mine - manager).— (27/10/11) : The heating on the north side of the dip had slightly increased, so that close attention to the stoppings was necessary where ;ishes ami clay wen. tamped and where leakages of black damp occurred. A general creep has affected the workings where the roof and floor are meeting rapidly. A new second outlet air and travelling way is now required, and was promised at an early date. Muddy Terrace Coal-mine, Waikaia (Knuckey and Junker, lessees; F. A Junker, permit).— (27/10/11): Withdrawing pillars; one man at work, underground. This property is being prospected by an Invercargill syndicate to prove the shale. Six bores have been put through the shale, and 35 acres proved. The deepest hole, 62 f£., contained 14 ft. of shale; other holes have proved seams of from 9 ft. to 19 ft. of shale. Argyle Coal-pit, denary, Waikaia (C. H. Hutton, permit).—Opencast pit, worked for local requirements. Anderson's Coal-pit, Wendon (P. Radford).- -A small output was derived from the highly inclined seam during the early part of the year. Waimea Coal-pit, Kingston Crossing (Johnstone and Shore, lessees; J. E. Johnstone, permit). —(27/11/11): Opencast work has been suspended at this mine, and underground driving is being carried out. The workings are in good order. Seam, 6 ft. Lynch's Coal-pit, Kingston Grossing (Mason and Sons, lessees; E. A. Mason, permit). — (27/11/11) : Seam, (i ft. The workings are in good order. I'rinchester Creek (late Beir'x) Coal-pit, The Key (W. O. Kempthorne, lessee). —The present lessee is making a good effort to supply coal for local requirements. Mutaura Collieries, Mataura (Mataura Collieries (Limited) : James Broome, mine-manager).— (14/10/11): The ventilation is good, and powder smoke is removed thereby in reasonable time. The workings are in good order. New concrete powder-magazine has been elected. Mataura Lignite I'll*. Mataura (Beattie, Coster, and Co., owners; W. Coster, permit, manager). —(14/10/11): The workings are opencast. The stripping is kept well in advance of the working coal-face. Powder-magazine approved. Boghead Coal-mine, Mataura (('. I. Sleeman and Co., lessees; C. P. Sleeman, jun., permit). ■ — (14/10/11) : Opencast work, stripping is kept well ahead. The working-face ir in good order.

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Waimumu Coal-mine, Waimumu (G. W. Williams, owner). — (11/10/11): Now worked as an opencast pit, only one man at work. Clarke's Goal-mine, Wyndham (Samuel Clarke, owner; George W. Clarke, permit).—Opencast pit. Gravel stripping kept well ahead of worlung-face. Ota Creek Coal-mine, Ota Creek (E. Genge, permit). —Shallow opencast working. Robin Hood Coal-mine, Pine Bush (Mrs. Couser, owner; W. Couser, permit). —Opencast pit, worked for local sales. Graham's Coal-mine, Fairfax (P. S. Graham). —Shallow underground working on a small scale. Ardlowie Coal-mine, Fairfax (E. Poole). —Opencast working, for lignite used locally. Nightcaps Colliery, Nightcaps (Nightcaps Coal Company (Limited), owners; W. Barclay, mine-manager).—-(13/12/11): A substantial iron change-house has been erected near the mineniouth with two baths in separate compartments, hot and cold water laid on. No. 1 mine: lure-stoppings are constructed on the line of waste. The temperature of air has been lowered to 59° in the warmest place, due to substitution of compressed air for steam at the haulage-winch-pumps and fan-engine No. •'! dip has been driven 14 chains in the solid. The working-places are not yet developed. No. 4 dip recently set away is 200 ft. to the face. All underground workings are driven in the upper (18 ft.) seam. Nos. 2 and 3 seams are reserved for future working. No. 2 mine: Pillaring and extraction are being carried out in the middle and upper seams. A prospecting-shaft has been sunk in the floor; at 60ft. this penetrated a 6ft. seam of coal. A little heat is noticeable in places on the fringe of the waste. Substantial stoppings are inserted, confining the noxious gases to the gob. A large supply of mining-timber is available in the mine. The requirements of the Act are generally well observed. No serious accidents occurred during the year. Wairaki Coal-pit, Nightcaps (L. Dillon, permit).- —The new drive is being carried to the dip, and levels are being opened up. The seam is 7 ft. thick. An upthrow fault was proved at the Tare of the level. Ventilation is good. 11.8. Coal-mine, Nightcaps (R. McDowell, permit). —(12/12/11) : Work is suspended, the coal-seam being now practically exhausted. Beattu inn! Tinker's Coal-mine, Nightcaps. —A lignite li<vns<> recently granted. No output has yet been produced. New Brighton Coal-mine, Nightcaps (McKenzie and Co., lessees; J. McKenzie, permit). — (J3/12/1I): A magazine has been approved for the storage of blasting-powder. Headings have been driven to the boundary preparatory to return on pillars and head coal. The seam is 12 ft. to 20 ft. in thickness ; the ventilation is good. H'riirio Coal-mine, Nightcaps (Wairio Coal Company, owners; M. MeKenzie, permit).— (13/12/11): Preparations are being made for increasing the output. Beaumont Coal-mine, Nightcaps (Moss Bros., lessees; T. Moss, permit). — (l3/12/11). —An opencast pit on Ohai Stream, which is fulfilling district requirements. Mount l.inton Coal-in i nt. Nightcaps (William Smith). — (13/12/11): Opencast pit sunk on a highly inclined seam 20 ft. it. thickness. A steam-driven centrifugal pump keeps workings unwatered. Stripping is well ahead of the working-face. Bush Siding Coal-pit, Seaward Bush (I. W. Raymond, owner; F. R. Bowden, permit).—A reduced output is now being obtained from this opencast pit. Hogan's Lignite License, Orepuki (C. Hogan).—The license has been renewed. Orepuki. —Contrary to expectations, work was not renewed here during the year. The old mine is filled witli water, and the surface plant is kept in good order. Remarks. The condition of all horses employed under and above ground can only be described as good, and they appear to receive proper treatment and consideration. At Kaitangata Mine about thirty-five horses and ponies are usually employed. The substitution of compressed air in lieu of steam for pumping and dip haulage at Nightcaps Colliery has had a marked effect in reducing the temperature, 59° Fahr. being the highest record in the warmest working-places within the mine. Accidents. A total of 101 separate accidents, affecting %s many persons, were reported and inquired into during the year. Of these, five resulted fatally, three of the victims being miners killed by falls of head coal from unseen smooth partings in roof; the two others were roadsmen, fatally injured by falls of stone while setting timber to roof in roadways. Of the remainder, two might be termed serious accidents, and the balance were mainly reported in connection with claims on the Coal-miners' Relief Fund, four of which were subsequently disallowed. Full reports on the several serious accidents were subsequently submitted to you. Fatal. 4th March, 1911. —MeGilp's Coal-mine, Milton: Alexander McLuckie, thirty-nine, miner.— Killed by fall of coal from roof while dropping head coal. 15th May, 1911.—Kaitangata Colliery: John McGhie, twenty-nine, miner.—Killed by a I all of coal from side and low roof in pillar-workings. 20th July, 1911. —Freeman's Colliery: James R. Walker, thirty-two, miner.—Killed by a fall of coal and roof in his working-place. In connection with this fatal accident, Mr. A. S. < :illanders, mine-manager, was proceeded against, and pleaded guilty, and was fined £2 and

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costs £3 10s. for non-compliance with special rule No. 17 under the Coal-mines Act of 1908, in that he did not see that the underviewer or his deputy remained underground while two men were on shift during the evening of 20th July, being the occasion when James R. Walker was killed by a fall of roof. 17th August, 1911.—Kaitangata Colliery: Joseph Carson, twenty-five, roadsman.—Fatally injured by a fall of stone from roof while timbering roadway. 7th September, 1911. —Homebush Colliery: Thomas Patterson, forty-eight, miner. —Fatally injured by a fnl! of si one from low roof on roadway while setting timber thereto. Non-fatal. Kaitangata Colliery (7/7/11) : John Hale, roadsman, sustained a fractured leg by being caught between a bos ami prop owing to the sprag coming out on the heading. Kaitangata Colliery (21/7/11): William Christian, roadsman, sustained a fractured rib and contusion of back owing to being struck by a piece of stone i'rom roof while repairing timber. COAL-MINBRS' JiELIKF FUND. Contributions by coal-owners to the Coal-miners' Relief Fund amounted to £889 lls. Id., while payments from the fund aggregating £604 Is. 3d. have been recommended on account of accidents which ocourred during the year in and about coal-minis in the district. f have, &c, E. R. Gbben, Inspector of Mines.

ANNEXUEE B. QUESTIONS ASKED AT THE 1912 MINE-MANAGERS' EXAMINATION FOE FIESTCLASS CEETIFICATES OF COMPETENCE. Subject I.— Prospecting, Boring, Shaft-sinking, and Opening m<l << Colliery. 1. Describe how you would proceed to examine and test a coalfield prior to spending capital on development; also describe appliance.-; for boring with which you may have had experience, ami the conditions under which you would use same. 2. How would you secure a main trucking-road with heavy side pressure- and soft roof, the road to be 8 ft. wide by 6 ft. high in the clear.' (Jive sketch of sets and sizes of material you would use. 3. What are the chief point- to he considered before deciding a system of working (bord-and-pillar, longwall, or any modifications of these) a seam of coal? + . Describe fully the plant necessary for the sinking of shafts to considerable depths, and the special appliances and means usually adopted to ensure the safety of men employed at such work. Subject 2. — Working Goal ami Timbering underground. 1. Give sketches of (a) bord-and-pillar on the panel system, (b) general arrangement of longwall workings, with figured dimensions of size, of pillars, width of bords and trucking-roads, also the distance between the gates in longwall (assume normal conditions). 2. Enumerate the conditions which govern the size of pillars. .!. Show by sketches how you would proceed in extracting pillars in a steeply inclined seam, and describe special means (if any) which you would adopt to avoid accidents. 4. What rules would you lay down with the object of preventing accidents from falls of roof and sides, also from shot-firing? Subject 3. — Mine-gases, Spontaneous Combustion, ami Ventilation. 1. Prepare a chart for fire-damp, white-damp, and black-damp under the following headings : Proper name; Chemical formula; Specific gravity; Character; Effect upon man; Explosive proportions; Caused by; Test for; Where found. 2. In the general body of the air in a working-place what percentage of CH 4 would you consider sufficie'iitly dangerous to warrant the withdrawal of the men (a) where safety-lamps are used? (b) where naked lights are used? Also state the minimum percentage of oxygen and the maximum percentage of CO 2 in which miners should be permitted to work. 3. How and where would you measure the quantity and take samples of the quality of air in mine-workings which were reported to be inadequately ventilated? What is the minimum velocity which an anemometer will correctly register ? 4 k current of 25,000 cubic feet of air is split into three airways, A, B, and C, having the following dimensions: A—Area 6ft. by 9ft., length 700 yards; I?— Area 6ft. by 10ft., length 800 yards , C Area 4 ft. by 10 ft., length 300 yards. How will the quantity divide itself amongst these splits if no legulators'are used and all splits are subject to a common pressure? ', If 2 horse-power produces 10,000 cubic feet of air per minute in an airway 10 ft. by 10 ft., what'horse-power will be required to produce the same volume of air in an airway 10 ft, by 75 ft. ? (Assume both airways to have the same length.)

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6. Ventilate the accompanying plan, having due regard to the requirements of haulage. Use the conventional reference signs to indicate your method. Subject 4.— Dealing with Old Workings and other Sources of Danger. 1. Describe how you would build a dam in a drive against a possible static head of 1,000 ft. It is found that the only place in the drive where it is possible to build the dam is in faulted and broken ground near a dyke: what special precautions would you use in such case, and how would you provide for the safety of your men during the building of the dam and after its completion? ftive sketches. 2. In approaching old and extensive coal-workings containing 50 fathoms of water, for safety what should be — • (a.) The maximum width of the drive; (b.) The minimum length and largest diameter of boreholes; (c.) The angle of and distance apart of flank-holes; (d.) The quantity discharged in gallons per minute from such borehole when the water is tapped, if — h = static head \ d = diameter of hole I in feet; I = length of hole J v — velocity of water at the point of issue (in feet per minute) = 2837-5/y/^ 3. To prevent accidents from falls — (a.) To what height should the first lifts during high-pillar extraction be limited? (6.) What should be the maximum width of bords and out-throughs respectively, both when breaking away and subsequently? Subject s.— Steam Boilers and Engines used about Mines. 1. Give a sketch of the kind of steam-boiler you consider suitable for colliery-work. Show fittings in respective positions on boiler, arid give the name of each. Also state the requirements of the Coal-mines Act regarding boilers. 2. The area of the piston of a steam-engine is 450 in.; the mean effective pressure is 451b. per square inch; length of stroke, 60 in.; speed, 40 strokes per minute : state the H.P. 3. Find the working-pressure of a steam-boiler 6 ft. diameter made of half-inch plate (steel), double-riveted. 4. Assume the weight of cage and full tubs of coal, and find size of rope required to raise the load from a depth of 800 ft. Subject 7. — Geology, Surveying, and 'making Plans. 1. Describe the methods by which you would make a survey so as to ascertain the approximate amount of coal in a lease of 1,000 acres, situated in mountainous country (2,000 ft. to 3,500 ft. high), and showing numerous coal-outcrops. 2. In going up a gentle slope from east to west on a New Zealand coalfield the following data, among others, are obtained : At 1 chain, 6 ft. of coal dipping 10° to the west outcrops; at 3 chains is a strong, well-marked fault dipping at 75° to the east; at 3J chains is 6| ft. of coal dipping 9° to the west; at 12 chains is 7 ft. of coal dipping 25° to the east; at 21 chains is 7 J ft. of coal dipping 8° to the west. In each case the rocks above and below the various coal-outcrops are much alike; the roof being coarse sandstone or grit, and the floor shale. Make a rough sketch embodying these data, and state how many coal-seams are probably present. 3. The underground workings of a mine are given in the figure below : compute and tabulate the co-ordinates of the stations, giving the total distances on the meridian and perpendicular from Station A; and give the bearing and distance between Stations E and A. The distances are given in links.

4. Compute the area in acres, &c, of the above figure. 5. The angles of elevation from Station D, allowing for height of instrument and signals, are 3° 43' to Station C and 2° 15' to Station E : give the difference of height between Stations C and E in feet.

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6. How would you ascertain if there are any local variations affecting the needle of your compass? 7. Required the contents in oubic yards of a shaft 8 ft. in diameter and 15 ft. deep. Subject 6. — Mine Drain-age and Haulage, ami Appliances for name. 1. What arrangements are necessary for renewing the wearing pails of mine-pumps and generally for keeping the shaft-work in order? 2. Give sketches showing —(a) A lifting-set or bucket pump; (6) forcing or plunger pump, and give sizes of either kind you would adopt to pump 500 gallons a minute from a depth of 600 ft. 3. Having to haul 600 tons a day of eight hours from a depth of 500 ft. up an incline plane (lipping at the rate of 1 in •'!, show by sketches the arrangements you would adopt, and state power of engines. 4. Having to wind 800 tons per shift of eight hours from a depth of 1,000 ft., give weigh) of cage-tubs, coal, and rope, and show by calculation size of engine you would use, with size of drum and pulleys. Subject 8. — Practical Elementary Electricity. 1. Having a plant producing 500 electrical horse-power at a pressure of 260 volts, what is its resistance, and what is the current in amperes? 2. What are the dangers to be guarded against in connection with the application of electricity to mining? State why such precautions are necessary. ■"i. Having to erect electrical machinery to raise 500 gallons a minute to a height of 600 ft., show by calculation the horse-power required to do the work; and, with the electrical pressure at 220 volts, give the amperes and electrical horse-power, allowing 85 per cent, efficiency. 4. What pressure must a machine have in order that 20 horse-power may just maintain a current of 100 amperes? 5. State what experience you have had in connection with electrical Rhot-firing, what dangers may arise in connection with it. and what you would do in the event of n missfire under this system. Subject o.— Arithmetic, and a Knowledge of the Coal-mines Act, 1908, and Amendments; also First Aiil to the Injured. 1. A coal-bearing area of 400 acres contains an average thickness of 13 ft. 6 in. of coal, with a specific gravity of 1-26 : calculate the tonnage of coal in the area. Supposing 25 per cent. to be lost. in mining, what tonnage will be extracted ? 2. A coal-mine employing 220 hewers and 130 other employees was worked for 265 days in the year ; the total output of coal for the year was 344,500 tons : what was the average daily output (a) for each hewer, (6) for each employee ? 3. Explain as fully as you can how you would keep the mine accounts so as readily to ascertain the cost of production per ton of coal, and be able to check undue expenditure, in any direction. 4. The head of water above the centre point of a dam is 350 ft. : what will the pressure-gauge indicate as the pressure in pounds per square inch ? If the dam is 8 ft. by 9 ft., calculate the total pressure upon it. (The candidate may assume that a cubic foot of water weighs 624 lb.) 5. What is the weight in pounds of a log 14 ft. long and 16 in. in diameter if the wood of whii-h it is composed has a specific gravity of 0-81 ? First Aid to the Injured. 1. State your practical experience in connection with first-aid work. 2. How would you render first aid in the case of a fractured thigh ? 3. How would you deal with a person who has been rendered insensible by venturing into an atmosphere containing < arbcn-monoxide (CO) ? 4. Give a brief description of the circulation of the blood, and of the organs connected therewith. Explain how a knowledge of blood-circulation is of use in rendering first aid where a blood-vessel has been severed. 5. Describe a form of ambulance stretcher suitable for mine use. How would you improvise a stretcher from materials commonly found in a, coal-mine ?

QUESTIONS ASKED AT THE 1912 EXAMINATION FOE SECOND-CLASS CERTIFICATES OP COMPETENCY. Subject I.— Prospecting, Boring, Shaft-sinking, find Opening out a Colliery. 1. Describe the necessary fittings required for the starting of a new shaft, and explain the operation of sinking to the stonehead, and give the kind of timbering you would use in supporting the sides of the shaft until the walling is put in. 2. What do you consider a good method of shots in a sinking shaft, and what precautions are necessary to prevent accidents in connection with shot-firing? (live particulars of any improved method of firing of which you have had experience. •'i. What means are generally adopted t.. make certain of getting solid beds for walling-rings in sinking a shaft?

PROPOSED INCLINE RAILWAY. FROM FOOT OF BLUFF TO SERVICE TRAMWAY.

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Subject 2. — Working Coal and Timbering wyiergrQund, 1. Describe the mode of working any seam of coal with which you are acquainted, and show by sketches the position of the main levels and branch headings. 2. The greater number of accidents in coal-mines are due to falls of roof and sides: slate what in your opinion is the cause of such accidents, and the steps you would take h> prevent them. 3. What precautions should be adopted to prevent miss-shots? 4. In what system of working coal are chocks used in preference to props, and what are the advantages of using timber in this form I Subject 3.— Mine-gases, Spontaneous Combustion, and Ventilation. 1. What do you understand by the term "diffusion of gases," and what instances do you know that appeal , contrary to that principle? 2. A mine " damp " is composed of 5 per cent, of C0 2 and !>."> per cent, of N : what damp is this, and where would it lodge in the mine? 3. A mixture of air and CH 4 , in the most explosive proportions (no dust being present), passes along an airway 8 ft. by G ft. at a velocity of .'i ft. per second : what quantity of fresh air should be added so as to render it impossible to detect the gas by (he Hame of an ordinary safetylamp burning mixed colza and mineral oil? 4. A given mass of air occupies 2 cubic feet at 60° Fahr. : what volume will it occupy at 90° Fahr., and what is the weight of the above mass of air if the barometer stands at 30 in. ? 5. State what is the general efficiency of fans. If the horse-power of an engine is 5284 and the water-gauge 47 in., what quantity of air would you expect to obtain? 6. Describe, with sketches, how you would erect a regulator in an airway. Under what conditions would you require it, and where should it be placed? 7. An underground fire has broken out, the result of a fall in your bord-and-pillar workings; the fire is situated near the intake; in the mine is a full shift of men, several of whom have been "gassed " : state what precautions you would take during your examination of the fire. AVhat would be your method of procedure to overcome it, and how would you treat those men who were affected by the gas? 8. Ventilate the accompanying plan, having due regard to the requirements of haulage. Use the conventional reference signs to indicate your method. Subject 4.— Dealing with Old Workings and other Sources of Danger, 1. Describe how you would build a dam in a drive against a possible static head of 1,000 it. It is found that the only place in a drive where it is possible to build the dam is in faulted and broken ground near a dyke: what special precautions would you use in such case, and how would you provide for the safety of your men during the building of the dam and after its completion? Give sketches. 2. In approaching old and extensive coal-workings, containing 50 fathoms of water, for safety what should be— (a.) The maximum width of the drive; (6.) The minimum length and largest diameter of boreholes; (c.) The angle of and distance apart of flank-holes. 3. To prevent accidents from falls, — (a.) To what height should the first lifts during high-pillar extraction be limited .' (6.) What should be the maximum of width of bords and cut-throughs respectively, both when breaking away and subsequently? Subject s.— Mint- Drainage mid Haulage, and Appliances for Same. 1. What are the conditions which would cause you to decide to wind water from a shaft in preference to pumping? 2. What are the conditions rendering the fixing of a direct-acting pump at shaft-bottom preferable to putting a pumping-engine on the surface I 3. Give your experience of the haulage of eoaf by mechanical appliances, and describe the system which you consider the best under such conditions as are usual in mines. 4. Give sketches of the lay-out of a self-acting incline, and the appliances used in connection with such means of haulage. Subject G. — Practical Elementary Electricity. 1. State the conditions under which you would consider the use of electrical machinery dangerous in a mine, and name the precautions which should be strictly observed by those employed in operating electrical plant. 2. Show by calculation the electrical horse-power required to drive a centrifuge! pump raising 200 gallons a minute to a height of 250 it. 3. Give your experience in connection with the firing of shots by electricity, and state what yon would do in the event of a shot missing fire under this system. 4. How many units per hour and how many horse-power are developed in a circuit where 1,500 amperes are driven by 150 volts.

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Subject 7. — Arithmetic, and a Knowledge of the Coal-mines Act, 1908, and Amendments; also First Aid to the Injured. 1. If 1 ton of coal when burnt produces on the average, 69 lb. of ash, clinker, &c, what weight of ash will be produced in a year of 365 days by the coal burnt under a set of boilers requiring 7001b. of coal per hour ? Give your answer in tons. 2. Extract the square root of 718567 correct to two places of decimals. 3. If 48 trucks require 6 pints of oil per day, how much oil will be needed for 256 trucks during a month of 26 working-days ? Answer to be in gallons. 4. A rectangular field is 220 yards by 176 yards. What is its area in acres ? If it is underlain by a coal-seam 7 ft. thick, calculate the tonnage of coal on the assumption that 1 cubic foot of coal weighs 80 lb. First Aid to the Injured. 1. Why is a knowledge of first aid desirable in mine officials ? 2. How would you render first aid in the case of a broken lower arm ? 3. Carefully describe one of the approved methods of artificial respiration. 4. What is meant by the terms (a) simple fracture, (6) compound fracture ? 5. Give a brief description of the circulation of the blood, and of the organs concerned therewith.

List of Persons who have obtained Certificates under the Coal-mines Acts. First-class Mine-managers' Certificates. Issued under the Coal-mines Acts, 1886 and 1891. Aitken, T., Wendon. Gray, J., Abbotsford. 'Redshaw, W., Whangarei. Alexander, T., Brunnerton. "Harrison, J., Brunnerton. Reed, P., Westport. Austin, J., Sheffield. Irving, J., Kaitangata. 'Richardson, D., Abbotsford. Binns, G. J., Dunedin. Jemison, W., Waimangaroa. Shore, J., Kaitangata. Bishop, J., Brunnerton. 'Kenyon, J., Shag Point. Shore, T., Orepuki. •Brown, T., Westport. Kerr. G., Kamo. 'Shore, W. M., Kaitangata. Brown, T., Glentunnel. 'Lindsay, W., Otago. 'Smart, W., Ghristchuroh. Cameron, J., Denniston. Lloyd, J., Invercargill. Smith, A. E., Nelson. Campbell, J. C, Pairfield. 'Louden, J., Green Island. Smith, T. P., Nelson. Cochrane, N. D., Dunedin. Love, A., Whangarei. Sneddon, J., Mosgiel. Collins, W., Taupiri. Mason, J., Nightcaps. Swinbanks, J., Kawakawa. Dando, M., Brunnerton. May, J., Greymouth. Taylor, E. 8., Huntly. ♦Elliott, R., Wallsend. Moody, T. P., Kawakawa. Thompson, A., White Cliffs. 'Ferguson, A., White Cliffs. Moore, W. J., Springfield. Walker, J., Collingwood. 'Freeman, J., Green Island. 'Nelson, J., Green Island. Williams, W. H., Shag Point. •Geary, J., Kamo. Ord, J., Huntly. Issued under the Coal-mines Acts, 1886, 1891, 1905, and 1908, after Examination. Armitage, P. W., Auckland. Fletcher, James, Granity. McCormack, W., Denniston. Armstrong, J., Brunnerton. Pox, R. A., Denniston. McEwan, Robert, Coromandel. Barclay, T., Kaitangata. Fry, Sydney, Waimangaroa. MoGeachie, J., Mokau. Barolay, W., Kaitangata. Gibson, John, Westport. Milligan, J., Denniston. Bennie, Boyd, Waihi. Gillanders, A., Shag Point. Milligan, N., Westport. Bishop, T. 0., Reefton. Gowans, W., Millerton. Morgan, William, Waihi. Brown, J. C, Denniston. Green, E. R., Abbotsford. Murray, T., Westport. Campbell, Peter, Fairfield. Green, J., Brunnerton. 'Newsome, P., Denniston. Carruthers, J., Shag Point. Hamilton, J. S., Burnett's Face. Newton, James, Brunnerton. Carson, W., Kaitangata. Herd, J., Brunnerton. Shore, Joseph, Kaitangata. Coombe, J., Waihi. Heycook, C. R., Nightcaps. Smith, George, Fairfield. Coulthard, J., Taylorville. Hill, Robert, Abboteford. Sowerby, H., Denniston. Dixon, C. W., GraDity. Hosking, G. P., Auckland. Tattley, E. W., Huntly Dixon, W., jun., Kaitaugata. Hughes, D., Preservation Inlet. Tattley, P. J., Mercer. Duggan, George, Burnett's Face. "Jebson, D., Canterbury. Taylor, A. H., Waikato. Dunn, Andrew, Denniston. Johnson, W. P., Thames. Thomson, Thomas, Denniston. Dunn, W., Brunnerton. Leitoh, J., Blackball. Turner, G. F., Shag Point. Dunn, W. R., Thames. Leitch, W., Blaokball. Westfield, C. H., Fairfield. Elliott, R., jun., Denniston. Marshall, A. G., Denniston. Young, James H., Waimangaroa. Fleming, J., Kaitangata. McCaffrey, Patrick, Perntown.

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Issued wider the Coal-mines Act, 1886, on Production of English Certificate. Binns, 6. J., Dunedin. *Garrett, J. H., Auckland. Macalister, J., Invercargill. Black, T. H., Waipori. Hayes, J., Kaitangata. *Nimmo, J., Oamaru. Broome, G. H., Ngakawau. Hodgson, J. W., Boss. 'Straw, M., Westport. Cater, T., Auckland. *Lindop, A. 8., Springfield. Tattley, W., Auckland. Cochrane, N. D., Dunedin. Issued to Inspectors of Mines by virtue of Office, under the Coal-mines Acts of 1886 and 1891. •Coutts, J., Thames. 'Gow, J., Dunedin. "Wilson, G., Thames. Gordon, H. A., Wellington. McLaren, J. M., Thames. Issued under the Coal-mines Acts of 1891, 1905, and 1908, on Production of Certificate from a recognized Authority outside tlie Dominion. First Class. Alison, R., Greymouth. James, Isaac Angelo, Westport. Pollock, James, Green Island, Otago. Clark, W., Blackball. 'Jordan, B. S., Kaitangata. 'Proud, Joseph, Wanganui. Davidson, Gavin, Blackball. Kirkwood, D., Coromandel. 'Scott, Joseph, Ngahere. 'Dixon, J., Weetport. Lamont, J , Devonport. Tennent, 8., Brunnerton. Fletcher, George, Westport. Lewis, W., Blackball. Twining, C. E., Dunedin. Frame, Joseph, Kaitangata. Mark, W. S., Kaitangata. Watson, James, Greymouth. Goold, A. L., Auokland. McAvoy, H., Christohurch. Wight, B. S., Auckland. Irvine, James, Dunedin. Paterson, D. S. A., Kawhia. Wood, William, Mokihinui. Second-class Mine-managers' Certificates. Issued under the Coal-mines Act, 1891. Carson, M., Kaitangata. "Love, Alexander, Orepuki. 'Boss, John, Kawakawa. Collier, Levi, Kamo. Jlelntosh, Allan, Shag Point. Sara, James, Beefton. Clarke, Edward, Shag Point. McLaren, J. M., Thames. Smith, Charles, Whangarei. Elliot, Joseph, Coal Creek. "Marshall, J., Ngakawau. Thomas, James, Springfield. Harris, John, Denniston. Murray, Thomas, Denniston. Wallace, William, Huntly. Herd, Joseph, Brunnerton. 'Nimmo, George Stewart, Ngapara. 'Willetts, John, Papakaio. Howie, James, Kaitangata. Radcliffe, William, Reefton. Willetts, John Morris, Papakaio. •Leeming, William, White Cliffs. 'Roberts, John, Brunnerton. Young, William, Waimangaroa. Lobb, Joseph, Mokau Issued under the Coal-mines Acts, 1886, 1891, 1905, and 1908, after Examination. Austin, W. 8., Sheffield. Duncan, J. E., Kaitangata. Milligan, J., Denniston. Barber, John, Shag Point. Duncan, John, Lovell's Flat. Mills, Walter, Huntly. Barclay, T., Kaitangata. Ferguson, G., Roa. Neilson, J., Bunanga. Barclay, T., jun., Kaitangata. Fox, B. A., Blackball. Neilson, Moffat, Abbotsford. Barolay, William, Kaitangata. Harris, A., Saddle Hill. Newburn, S., Kaitangata. Barnes, A. E., Shag Point. Heyes, T., Kaitangata. Ogilvie, W. W., Saddle Hill. Broome, J., jun., Gore. Heycock, C. 8., Nightcaps. Orr, Hugh, Fairfield. Brown, Robert, Kaitangata Hill, 8., Abbotsford. Parcell, W., jun., Bannockburn. Cadman, J., Hikurangi. Hodson, John, Kaitangata. Penman, C. P., Kaitangata. Campbell, Peter, Fairfield. Holden, J., Nightcaps. Price, F. J., Burnett's Face. Carruthers, J., jun., Nightcaps. Hughes, Job, Boa. Scoble, E. J., Blackball. •Carson, Joseph, Kaitangata. ' Hunter, A., Southland. Snow, T., Mercer. Charles, E., Glentunnel. Kells, F. H., Denniston. Tattley, F. J., Mercer. Cherrie, R. C, Mokau. Kirkland, H. S. S., Nightcaps. Taylor, Joseph, Collingwood. Christie, James, Saddle Hill. Lewis, David, Puponga. Thompson, Joseph, Blackball. Clemo, G., Whangarei. Lewis, J., Nightcaps. Todd, T., Nightcaps. Craig, John, Coal Creek Flat. Lindsay, J. 8., Orepuki. Waldie, A. 8., Mokau. Dale, E. G., Kaitangata. MoAUister, Neil, Kaitangata. Watson, A., Soldier's Creek. Dixon, W., jun., Kaitangata. McLelland, J., Kaitangata. Westfield, C., Fairfield, Otago. Doel, G., Lovell's Flat. McLelland, A. C, Kaitangata. Whittleston, A. W., Shag Point. Duncan, James, Kaitangata. MoNeill, D., Fairfield. Issued under the Coal-mines Acts of 1891, 1905, and 1908, on Production of Certificate from a recognized Authority outside the Dominion. Brownlie, T., Huntly. Grenall, S., Granity. MoGuire, P., Mount Somers. Burt, A., Huntly. Inglis, A., Huntly. McGuire, William, Seddonville. Burt, W. Huntly. Jones, T., Kimihia. Parsonage, W., Dunollie. Clarkson, S., Kaitangata. Lennox, W., Springfield. Penman, A., Huntly. Dickinson, W., Gore. Little, W., Wellington. Robertson, J., Granity. Dodd, W., Granity. Littlewood, G. G., Denniston. Sneddon, J., Blackball. Dowgray, 8., Granity. Longstaff, H. C, Kaitangata. Strachan, J., Dunedin. Eyeington, G., Huntly. MoCall, John, Wellington. Tennant, D., Paparoa. Greenwell, R., Huntly. MoGeachie, J., jun., Mokau. Talbot, H., Huntly.

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Undbbvibwers' Cebtificates. Issued under the Coat-mines Amendment Act, 1909. Allan, James, Puponga. Hawthorn, James, Puponga. Newlands, George, Brunnerton. Attrill, Charles Waterford, Mercer. Hunter, Peter, Ngakawau. Nimmo, Thomas, Papakaio. Bond, John, Waikaia. Johnston, William Crowan, Gore. Nimmo, William, Ngapara. Boustrage, T. Hubert, Brunnerton. Johnstone, Thomas, Denniston. Penman, John, Denniston. Broome, James, Gore. Leviok, Harry, White Cliffs. Proctor, William, Kaitangata. Clough, Henry, Millerton. Mann, William, Granity. Robertson, William, Mosgiel. Davidson, William, Mine Creek. Marsh, Charles George, Glentunnel. Todd, Thomas, Nightcaps. Davis, William, Runanga. Muncaster, William, Runanga. Walker, John, Blackball. Donaldson, James, Kaitangata. McAlister, Robert, Kaitangata. Williams, William, Kaitangata. Palconor, Andrew, Abbotsford. McGrane, Reginald, Seddonville. Wilson, Daniel, Kaitangata. Plynn, John, Bannockburn. McKenzie, David, Nightoaps. Winter, John, Denniston. Green, Richard, Abbotsford. McNeill, William. Pairfield. Issued under the Coal-mines Amendment Act, 1909, after Examination. Brown, Charles Henry, Dennistou. Johnston, C. M., Seddonville. Poarson, William, Burnett's Face. Dowgray, John, Millerton. McDonald, Thomas, Ngakawau. Turner, Alfred, Kiripaka. Hunter, Peter, Stockton. Peacock, Thomas, Dennistoc. Issued under the Coal-mines Amendment Act, 1910. Beardsmore, E., Denniston. Jones, David, Nightcaps. Mason, Edward, Kingston Crossing. Cuthbertson, Robert, Fairfield. Jones, Morris, Nightcaps. Mitchell, Alexander, Runanga. Evans, William, Abbotsford. Jones, W., Waikaka Valley. McCaughern, John, Kaitangata. Fisher, T., Westport. Kitto, Richard, Kaitangata. Naill, S., Kawakawa. Gibson, M., Abbotsford. Manderson, P., Runanga. Newburn, S., Kaitangata. Greene, M., Kaitangata. Mann, D., Granity. Statham, Robert, Kaitangata. Hadcroft, J., Runanga. Marshall, J. W., Westport. Walker, J. R., Brighton. FIBEMEN AND DEPUTIES , CERTIFICATES. Issued under the Coal-mines Amendment Act, 1909. Aitken, George, Glentunnel. Glover, Richard, Runanga. McGhee, William, Kaitangata. Allan, A. George, Abbotsford. Gray, Thomas, Abbotsford. McGill, Douglas Thomas, Waikaka. Allan, Charles, Brunnerton, Oribben, John, Kaitangata. McGill, John, Huntly. Beardsmore, Edward, Denniston. Headcroft, James, Runanga. McKenzie, James, Nightcaps. Berry, Albert Henry, Huntly. Hamilton, John, Hikurangi. Newburn, Robert, jun., Kaitangata. Blaney, James, sen., Kaitangata. Hargreaves, Charles, Millerton. Newburn, Samuel, Kaitangata. Boyd, Robert, Waronui. Harris, John, Reefton. Nicholas. William, Kaitangata. Bradley, Robert, Denniston. Harris, Joseph T., Saddle Hill. Oliver, William, Kaitangata. Buchols, Joseph, Waikaka. Hartley, John, Denuiston. Parcell, Henry Clyde, Bannockburn. Burgess, William Charles, K. Gore. Hay, James, Denniston. Park, Francis, Stirling. Callagban, Frederick, Kiripaka. Heron, Ralph, Kimihia. Peokham, Henry William, Huntly. Campbell, Samuel, Millerton. Higgins, Thomas James, Denniston. Penman, Robert, Kaitangata. Chamley, William, Millerton. Hislop, William, Denniston. Richards, James, Brunnerton. Clausen, Emil P., c/o J. Worthington, Holden, Samuel, Granity. Rodgers, Edwin, Kaitangata. 33 Hiropi Street, Newtown, Wei- Housley, Benjamin, Huntly. Sanderson, John, Kurow. lington. Howe, George Charles, Shag Point. Soott, Charles, Nevis. Connelly, Michael, Denniston. Jackson, Samuel, Millerton. Scott, John, Runanga. Connew, John, Puponga. Jarvie, William Marshall, Kaitangata. Skellern, John, Huntly. Coppersmith, John, Denniston. Jaspers, George F., Denniston. Smith, Edwin, Springfield. Coulthard, Thomas, Brunnerton. Jenkins, James, Ngakawau. Smith, William, Huntly. Cowan, Robert Black, Gibbston. Johnston, C. Mouutier, Seddonville. Smith, William, Seddonville. Cuthbertson, Robert, Fairfield. Jones, David, Nightcaps. Sneddon, James, Blackball. Darby, James, Huntly. Kaye, Charles, Runanga. Southward, John, Runanga. Davis, Evan, Denniston. Kitto, Richard, Kaitangata. Statham, Robert, Kaitangata. Deeming, William, Hikurangi. Leeming, J. T., South Malvern. Taylor, David, Roa. Dellaway, Archibald, Denniston. Lutton, William, Millerton. Taylor, James, Springfield. Dickson, Richard, Hikurangi. Mann, Duncan, Millerton. Thin, William, White Cliffs, Dillon, Lawrence M., Nightcaps. Mason, William, Denniston. Travis, James, Alexandra South. Duncan, Frank, Huntly. Mears, Andrew David, Runanga. Tripp, Albert, Kaitangata. Duncan, Hugh, Kaitangata. Monorieff, Thomas, Nightcaps. Wallace, John, Mataura. Evans, John, Granity. Moore, Thomas, Mangatini. Wardrope, Francis, Hikurangi. Evans, William, Abbotsford, Morganti, Charles, Ngakawau Watson, Andrew, Roa. Findlay, Charles, Denniston. Murdoch, Colin McColl, Stirling. West, George Thomas, Waronui. Foot, Frederick Ernest, Denniston. MoCaffrey, James, Seddonville. White, James, Roa. Fullick, George, Runanga. McCoughern, John, Kaitangata. Whorsky, John, Huntly. Gibson, Matthew, Abbotsford. McDonald, John T., Millerton. Wilson, Walter William, Springfield, Gibson, Robert, Millerton. McGarry, Isaac, Millerton. Young, Thomas Gardner, Waikaia. Gilmour, William, Millerton.

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Issued under the Goal-mines Amendment Act, 1909, after Examination. Allan, James, Brunnerton. Hawkins, Joseph, Burnett's Face. O'Brien, Martin, Millerton. Anderson, Walter, Blackball. Hendry, John, Millerton. Parker, Andrew, Greymouth. Berry, T., jun., Huntlv. Hicks, J. 8., Kiripaka. Parr, Joseph, Burnett's Face. Birchall, J., Burnett's Face. Hilton, Thomas, Dennistou. Paul, James, Seddonville. Blair, Peter, Huntly. Honey, Archibald John, Denniston. Pearson, Samuel George, Burnett's Boddy, Archibald John, Runanga. Hopkinson, Joseph, Seddonville. Face. Broadbent, Samuel, Huntly. Innes, Andrew, Runanga. Pearson, William, Burnett's Face. Brown, J., jun., Denniston. Johnson, J. H., Hikurangi. Reed, W. H., Hikurangi. Buchanan, William, Millerton. Johnson, Thomas, Huntly. Ruston, Edwin Walter, Huntly. Burdon, George, Denniston. King, Thomas Henry, Granity. Seddon, William, Huntly. Burt, T., Huntly. Lander, Matt Currie, Runanga. Smith, J. A., Seddonville. Burt, W., jun., Huntly. McAvoy, William, Ngakawau. SmitrT, Thomas W., Millerton. Carson, Frederick. McDonald, Thomas, Burnett's Face. Southward, William, Runanga. Clark, W. S., Dunollie. McKernan, John, Millerton. Strongman, Charles James, Cobden. Connolly, John, Runanga. McMillan, John, Huntly. Sweeney, John Lewis, Runanga. Connolly, John Joseph, Runanga. McMillan, John, Kaitangata. Tate, Anthony, Seddonville. Curran, James, Ngakawau. Maddison, W., Huntly. Taylor, Christopher, Millerton. Cuthbertson, Jolm, Glentunnol. Makepeace, Henry, Runanga. Thawley, William, Denuiston. Danks, Peter, Millerton. Mitchell, A., Seddonville. Thomson, Thomas, Mine Creek. Darby, W., Huntly. Morganti, Louis, Millerton. Vurlow, Frederick Alexander, DenDavidson, Thomas, Mine Greek. Morelaud, 8., Hikurangi. niston. Davis, Oliver James, Runanga. Mosley, J. T., Denniston. Wallwork, Moses, Runanga. Dowgray, John, Millerton. Moye, John Patrick, Denniston. Wear, Daniel, Huntly. Downes, William Norbury, Cobden. Myers, Richard, Millerton. Webster, Oliver, Huntly. Duggan, Francis, Runanga. Newton, Charles, Runanga. White, Edward, Granity. Dutton, John, Granity. Nicholson, David, Huntly. Wood, W., Huntly. Fox, Henry John, Blackball. Niven, Peter, Ngakawau. Worthington, T., Millerton. Griffen, James, Kaitangata. Nolan, John, Granity. Young, Thomas, Granity. Hall, R. H., Huntly. O'Brien, Denis Quinlan, Millerton. Issued under the Coal-mines Amendment Act, 1910. Broadfoot, W., Millerton. Halsey, W. J., Saddle Hill. Molntosh, A. 8., Shag Point. Burgess, H. 8., Waikaka. Hartshorne, W. C, Brunnerton. Mclvor, W., Waikaka. Cain, Alexander, Waikaia. Hodgetts, 1., Burnett's Face. Nelson, J. H., Pukerau. Cameron, D., North Chatton. Hunt, William, Shag Point. Ramsey, George, Waikaka. Churchill, S. G., Alexaudra South. Junker, F. A., Waikaia. Robineon, R., Ngakawau. Clasen, Charles, Shag Point. Kidd, G. C, Albury. Russell, H. C, Bannookbnrn. Crabbe, George, Alexandra South. King, J., Granity. Saunders, W., Denniston. Cumming, J. S., Dennieton. Lee, S., Nightcaps. Stevenson, J., Shag Point. Cunningham, Thomas, Kaitangativ. Mackie, N., Longridge. Thomas, 8., Denniston. Dixon, A., Nightcaps. McAuley, John, Kaitangata. Tinker, G., Nightoaps. Garrey, W., Kaitangata. MoClimont, John, Mount Somers. Whittlestone, G. F., Abbotsford. Gray, Hugh, Dunedin. MoDowell, R., Nightcaps.

ANNEXURE C. MINERS' BATHS. By 11. I-'. Bulmajs and W. B. Wilson. [Head, 10th February, 1912, before tke North of England Institute of Mining and Mecltanicul Engineers.] Of all the changes made by the new Coal-mines Act none, perhaps, has attracted more general interest than the proposal to provide facilities for miners to wash themselves and to change and dry their clothes at the pit-head. This provision seems likely to be a benefit to the miner in promoting not only his own personal comfort but also that of his home, and in relieving his womenfolk of much of their present household-work. There is no doubt that many of the miners at the present moment dislike the idea, but experience in other countries, where the system has been in force for a number of years, shows that when once the miner becomes accustomed to changing his clothes and washing at the pit lie much prefers the innovation, and would strongly object to revert to the old custom. In Belgium the practice is being increasingly introduced, and in a paper by Mr. Euss, Inspector of Mines, it is stated that at Ist April, 1910, of 278 collieries .it work, forty-two, employing 21,560 men underground, were piovided with spray-baths of modern construction. The workmen quickly grasped the benefits which these baths prooured Eor them, and of these 21,560 men 16,650, or 773 pei rent., voluntarily made use of the baths in 1909. In the north of France, where the use of baths is also voluntary, the experience is similar; and in Westphalia, where the measure was made compulsory at all collieries by a decree dated 12th March, L9OO, it is carried <mt to the mutual satisfaction and approval of both employers and workmen. Thfi information embodied in the present paper was gathered by the authors during a visit in May. 1911, to some of the Largest and newest installations of bathe at collieries in Westphalia, Belgium, and the north of France.

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Washing-apjjaralus. —The actual washing arrangement always takes the form of a fine shower or overhead spray of pleasantly heated water from a rose about 7 in. in diameter, placed 7 ft. or 8 ft. above the floor. Under such a shower the dirtiest man can easily and comfortably, with the aid of a piece of soap, make himself quite clean within ten minutes. Ihe advantages of this form of bath in comparison with others are manifest. It affords a rapid, effective, and pleasant method of washing all over, and the water tailing on the floor is at once conducted away by a simple system of drainage; as the pipes and rose are overhead they occupy no floorspace and comparatively little room. The bathing-place can also be cleaned up readily with a douche from a hose. ( onsumption of Water. —The amount of water required for ench bather is comparatively small. Mr. Kuss states that for collieries in Belgium it averages Ci gallons per man per bath. The figures given at some of the collieries visited were higher, a colliery in Belgium allowing 77 gallons, while one in the Pas de Calais allowed ,S-8 gallons. The supply is regulated by an attendant, who stands on a raised platform at one end of the building, and has at hand a series of taps, eacli tap controlling the supply to perhaps eight or ten of the showers, according to the number attached to eacli branch pipe. In Belgium and France each shower is installed in a separate little cabin, in order to insure privacy to the bather during the operation of washing; and, in addition to the main controlling taps, there is a separate tap in eacli cabin for the use of the bather. In Germany the men wash all together, and it is not unusual to see one man helping another by scrubbing his back. The orderly, quick, and rapid vay in which a large shift of some hundreds of men got through the business of bathing is verj remarkable. At some of the German collieries the boys are housed in a separate part of the building, but there are not separate cabins for each bather, and the water-supply is controlled enti. '\ by the attendant. As eight and ten of the showers are controlled by one tap, they must all i i nt running, or all stopped together, and this probably tends to a greater consumption of water than would be the case if each shower were separately controlled. The authors were informed t! ;i an average daily consumption of water at bathingestablishments in Westphalia, including '.! •■ officials' baths and the water used in cleaning up the place, was 33 gallons per man. ll Viiter-heating. —The water-heatiiig apparatus is placed near the controlling taps at one end of the building, so that one attendant can manage everything The water is generally heated by exhaust-steam from the colliery engines, though in some cases live steam is employed. For mixing the steam and water together injeotors are sometimes employed, and in some instances this is effected by bringing together the steam ami water in an old boiler or other similar receptacle, in the same way as boiler-feed water is often heated. The heated water is cooled down to the desired temperature, usually 98° to 100° Fahr., by an admixture of cold water from a separate tap. Storing and drying Clothes, —The ordinary method of storing and drj'ing the clothes is by suspending them in separate bundles from hooks fixed in the upper part of the building, where they are exposed to the drying effect of the heated air. For this purpose the building must be spacious and lofty; the side walls are usually 20 ft. to 30 ft. in height, the roof sloping upwards from them to a central ventilator running the whole length of the building. In cold weather they are heated artificially by steam-radiators to a temperature of about 70° Fahr. Different forms.of suspenders are in use, the most common consisting of three or four hooks projecting radially from a central vertical stem (Fig. 1), while another is in the form of a stirrup opening in the centre (Fig. 2). In Westphalia a little metal dish to hold a piece of soap is added, usually fixed above the hooks (Fig. 3). Each man provides his own soap and towel. Where there are separate bathing-cabins, as in Belgium, the soap-dish is placed in the cabin. To each

Forms of Suspenders.

suspender is attached a metal plate bearing a number, and every man using the bathing-establish-ment appropriates one of them, and thus knows his suspender by its number. As many suspenders as there are men to bathe are provided. Each suspender is hung at the end of a cord or chain or wire. A small-linked chain, about Jin. across, which runs easily round small pulleys, appears to stand the test of experience best. At the level of the top of the walls of the building there are fixed a series of light steel-joists, 3 in, or 4 in. wide, horizontally spaced at intervals of about Ift 4 in. apart, and carrying small

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pulleys (Fig. 4). From each suspender the chain rises t,o a pulley, around which it passes, thence travelling to a second overhead pulley, from which it descends, to be tethered to a metal pin projecting from a fixed stand on the floor of the building. Each pin has a metal plate bearing a number corresponding to the number of its suspender. The length of chain must be sufficient to extend from the pin around the two overhead pulleys down to the suspender when it is lowered to allow the man to get at his clothes. When the bundle of clothes is raised, which is effected by pulling in the chain at the pin, there is some length of loose chain to dispose of, and there must also be some means of fastening the chain when the suspenders have been raised. This is in some cases done by attaching to the chain at the right point, say, 8 ft. from its end, or at whatever height the suspender is to be raised, a ring (Fig. 4), which is put on to the pin, and this holds the chain with its suspender in the desired position. The loose chain is allowed to hang in folds from the pin, which is fixed at a height of 4 ft. or 5 ft. from the floor, while sometimes a lower row of pins is provided, and the loose chain looped round the two (Fig. 5).

Fig. 4.—Pulleys for raising and lowering the Suspenders.

Fig. 5. —Method of looping up the Loose Chain of the Pulley.

The newest and neatest arrangement consists of a metal box, about 10 in. high, 4 in. wide, and 2 in. in outside dimensions (Fig. 6). The loose chain is lowered into this box, and is held by a circular stud fixed to the chain at the required point, the stud being passed under a catch on the top of the box, which holds it safely. The pins may be made with eye-holes at their outer ends, so as to carry a padlock (Fig. 4). and the boxes just described are provided with a similar arrangement. Thus, by inserting a padlock, after pulling in and fastening his chain, a man may prevent others from interfering with his clothes. In most establishments very few padlocks were in use, and none in some of them, showing that they were not necessary, and that men may be trusted, as one would expect, not to meddle with each other's clothes. Ihe position of the suspenders is determined by the position of the pin-stands ami of the overhead pulleys; where the stands are set again the sides of the building, with their backs, so to speak, to the wall, the pins and suspenders must be all on one side. It seems better to place them so that each stand has its set of suspenders extending from it on either side. Each adjacent chain is carried 16 in., or whatever is the distance between the overhead joists carrying the pulleys, further or shorter than its neighbour, so that the bundles of clothes are spaced evenly (Fig. 4). The amount of vacant space around each bundle depends upon the distances between the pulleys and the relative height to which they are raised. In Westphalia a fair allowance of superficial space is considered to be 1 square metre (10f sq. ft.) for every four suspenders—that is, a square measuring half a metre, or, say, 20 in., to each suspender—and it should also be observed that the suspenders are not all hanging at the same level. In addition, there are vacant spaces around each set of suspenders, according to the position of the pin-stands, so that there is plenty of room for currents of air to play about the clothes and to dry them. It is the rule that every man must take away his clothes at the

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week-end. Anything that is left behind is sent to the boiler fires, and a thorough cleansing of the whole building is carried out during the week-end. It is, of course, open to any man to take away any of his clothes and bring others whenever he likes. Buildings. —ln the design of the buildings the chief points to be kept in mind are cleanliness, ventilation, light, and spaciousness. The floor and the inside walls, to a height of 7 ft. or so, should be of some material that can be easily washed clean by a douche from a hose-pipe, and nothing is better* for this purpose than glazed bricks or tiles. Crannies and corners where dirt can accumulate should be avoided as much as possible, and in the upper parts of the walls there should be ample window space for light and ventilation. In the best designs the roof slopes upwards from the side walls to a central raised structure of glass, with ventilators running the whole length of the building, thus ensuring thorough ventilation and more light. For artificial lighting electricity is, of course, the best medium. The finest buildings in Westphalia were those at Khein-Preussen and New Ickern Colliery, not very far from Dortmund. The latter is a new colliery now being laid out on the most modern lines. A handsome building, just completed, providing for 2,500 men, is built mainly of concrete, and cost for the structui'e alone, without fittings, £3,000. The general design of this building is similar to the one at Rhein-Preussen (Fig. 7). The water-pipes and roses are placed in two side aisles, or wings, running upon either side and the full length of the building, each side aisle or wing being separated from the main central portion by a wall with numerous archways. The central portion is devoted to drying and pressing purposes, and contains the pin-stands and the suspenders for hanging the clothes.

Fig. 6.—Metal Box for holding the Loose Chain of the Pulley.

Fig. 7. —Sketch showing General Design of Bathing-hall.

Fig. 8. —Pin-Stand for Suspension Chains.

Rhein-Preussen Colliery. —The length of the building at this colliery is, roughly, 180 ft., whilst the width is about 84 ft., including the aisles, which are each about 12 ft. wide. In these •ide aisles are fixed 144 showers, arranged mostly in sets of eight. To each set of eight showers a foot-rest is provided, about lft. in height and 6 ft. long, to assist the men in washing. This foot-rest is made of wood at Rhein-Preussen; but at Ickern it is made of concrete. In the main building, which has an area of 1,200 square yards, there are twelve pin-stands (Fig. 8), placed parallel to the width of the building, six on each side, each stand occupying a length of 24ft. They each consist of five stout metal posts, 5 ft. high, to which are fastened metal bars about 4 in. wide, one on either side, to hold the pins. There is a lower set of bars and pins, to allow the loose chain to be lapped nround the upper and lower pins rather than lo hang- in folds. The posts also carry projecting brackets, on which are fastened wooden planks, forming a seat on either side. The authors were informed that there was accommodation for 4,000 men, divided over three shifts. This allows for the future development of the colliery. The total number of underground workmen employed at present is 2,400, the greatest number coining out in one shift being 985, and the average daily output of coal was 2,000 tons. The actual time occupied in washing and dressing was about fifteen to twenty minutes'per man, the time under the shower being not more than ten minutes. The building is heated with live steam by steam-radiators to a temperature of about 75° Fahr. A covered way connects the building with the pit-head, so that the men are not exposed to the weather until they have washed and changed their clothes. Adjoining the bathing-hall is a waiting-room. J)riitscher-Kaiser Colliery. —At this colliers the total accommodation provided was for 5,000 men. These comprise 4,300 adult miners, 2")(> youths, 250 surfacemen, and 200 officials. Separate rooms are provided for the four different grades. At present the number employed underground is 2,400, and they are divided into three shifts —namely, 1,100 in the morning-shift, 900 in the afternoon-shift, and 400 in the night-shift. The showers at present provided are as follows : For adult miners, 130; for youths, 6; and for surfacemen, 12: making a total of 148. The arrangement is such that the number of sliowers and of suspenders can be increased to provide for a total of 5,000 men, as the development of the mine progresses. The length of the building for the underground workmen is about 294 ft., the width being about 60 ft., and the showers provided are all contained in one aisle at one side of the building, and arranged in pairs on either side of a pipe running the whole length of the building. To increase the accommodation for drying

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and dressing, a second story, reached by a spiral staircase, has been built above the aisle where the showers are provided. The pin-stands are set lengthways down the building, and light and air are obtained through large windows in the wall opposite the washing side. Other Installations. —At another colliery in Westphalia there are similar arrangements, accommodation being provided for 2,000 men in three shifts. The building measures about 132 ft. by 51 ft., and there are fifty-four showers, all placed on one side; the pin-stands are set lengthways down the building. In Belgium an excellent installation of baths is to be seen at one of the pits of the Monceau Fontaine Company, near Charleroi. At the Quesnoy Pit of the Bois dv Luc Company, Belgium, the bathing installation comprise* two separate buildings, one for washing and the other for dressing, communicating with each other by a short passage. About 500 men are at present using the establishment, and the bathing hall is 69 ft. long, 46 ft. wide, and 23 ft. high. There are eighty showers, arranged in sets of ten, from eight branch-pipes, each pipe being about 15 ft. in length, and carried out from the side walls in a direction parallel to the width of the building. From the branch-pipe five short

Fig. 9.—Sketch-plan of Bathroom, showing Arrangement for Eighty Showers.

Fig. 10. —Bathing-cabin with Door.

Fig. 11. —Bathing-cabin with Wooden Swing Door.

pipes, each about 2 ft. in length, project at right angles on either side, terminating in the roses for the showers. The eighty cabins (Fig. 10) are made of painted sheet iron, and are grouped in sets of ten, one to each shower. The dressing-hall is 75 ft. long, 46 ft. wide, and 41 ft. high. The suspender-pins are fixed along the side walls, and it is considered that there is room for 1,000. Twelve wooden benches are arranged about the hall. Mr. Kuss gives the cost of this installation as follows : — Dressing-hall. Washing-hall. Total. Francs. .Francs. Francs. Ground ... ... ... 1,785 1,765 3,550 Buildings ... ... :.. ... 26,000 25,600 51,600 Fittings ... ... ... 7,078 17,548 24,626 34,863 44,913 79,776 (£1,395) (£1,796) (£3,191) This total sum of £3,191 is the first cost of this installation of eighty showers and 800 suspenders, equal to about £4 per suspender or per man using the baths. Mr. Kuss considers that £4 to £4 16s. (100 to 120 fcs.) per suspender is the average cost of a new installation of any importance in Belgium. At one of the newest collieries (Fosse No. 13 of the Lens Company, Pas-de-Calais) an installation of baths has been recently carried out. A fine brick building, well lighted and ventilated by large glass windows running continuously along its two sides in the upper half of the walls, is provided. It is 78 - 7 ft. long, 36 ft. wide, and 21 ft. high to the top of the wall, the total height to the roof-ridge being 33 ft. The building provides for 650 men in two shifts, there being 650 suspenders and fifty-sis showers; the latter are placed around the walls of the building, with a separate cabin for each shower. The cabins of white glazed bricks (Fig. II) are 'i!)| ft. wide, 5 ft. long, and 6J ft. high, with no separate oompartment. The entrance to each cabin is provided with a wooden door, arranged so as to turn easily around its central vertical axis on pivots fixed above and below. To one side of the door are fixed four hooks for hanging clothes, which can thus be turned outside to avoid getting them wet when the bather is washing, and inside when he wants them. The central portion of the building is used for changing the upper garments, and for keeping and drying the clothes that are left, in the manner already described. It is evident that the number of showers provided must depend upon the largest number of men coming out in one shift, and on the time which tlie\ take to come out, as a man cannot be expected to wait for his bath very long. The number of suspenders must equal the total number of men using the establishment.

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Discussion Professor Louis said that the authors mentioned that the washing arrangement always took the form of a fine shower or spray. It might be interesting to point out that that was not the original form. At first, in Germany, plunge-baths were used, but it was found that contagious diseases, particularly of the eye, were communicated by this means, and therefore the law made the use of the shower-baths compulsory in Germany. In view of the possibility of baths beinjr adopted in this country, it would be well to remember that the Germans had gone through that experience. In one or two collieries in Westphalia, where he had seen the arrangement, there were seats made of enamelled cast-iron or concrete in front of the sprays, so that the men could sit down when washing. Another point was in regard to very few padlocks being in use. That did not altogether agree with what he (Professor Louis) was told. He had been told that they had a great deal of trouble in Westphalia owing to thieving going on, so that they instituted a rule that every chain must be padlocked, but that each miner must provide his own padlock and key. Finally, he would like to draw attention to the fact that in all the metal mines in this country it had been the custom for a great number of years to have what was called a " dry." In all the Cornish mines, and in most of the lead-mines and ironstone-mines, and, indeed, he thought all the mines under the Metalliferous Mines Act, a " dry " was provided in which the man changed his clothing. Mr. C. Herman Merivale said one of the difficulties was to ensure privacy for the men. They would not wash in a crowd, they would want privacy, and that meant partitions. Tiles were made now with locking joints, very narrow, not more than an inch wide, and there would be no difficulty in making partitions in tile slung from wire rods, which would not occupy much space, and that would overcome the difficulty of considerable extra expense in making partitions. He had tried to get the men at Middleton to adopt the bath system, and had offered them partitions, but they objected to the whole thing. Mr. J. H. Merivals indorsed what Professor Louis had said. His experience of baths went back forty years. In Belgium they did not use the spray at all; each man had a little separate bath. The last time he had to speak on this subject was in a different atmosphere, where they were strictly commercial, and that might be his excuse for saying he was the only man who approved of compulsory baths. Looking in the direction in which things were trending, he was inclined to think that they would have to supply their men with baths; for many reasons, he thought, it would be an excellent thing if they did, and unless they made such arrangements as had been described they would have to put baths in the workmen's houses. His experience corresponded with what the paper said as regards the cost — £i or £5 per man employed—but he did not think they could put baths into the existing houses at anything like that figure. There were two other reasons which inclined him to be favourable to baths; one was it made it much more comfortable and convenient for the women, and, again, they all knew the miner, with very few exceptions, had a longer expectation of life than any other working-man, the reason, he believed, being that he had plenty of work, plenty of food, and plenty of washing. But he suffered more than others from bronchial troubles, and he (Mr. Merivale) believed that that was very largely due to standing about after coming out of the mine in a heated condition. The President (Mr. M. W. Parrington) said that one point which struck him was as to the nature of the water. One might get oneself fairly clean with 6J gallons of Newcastle water, but he was doubtful if they could accomplish that with 6J or even 8J gallons of the limestone water in Durham.

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STATISTICS OF WORKINGS IN COAL-MINES, 1911.

ANNEXURE D.

18—C. 2

Name of Mine and Locality. 1 o Name of Manager. > 'o 1 CO 1 d ■r. oa I CO 3 o 3 a a o = CO 3 SI a Dimensions of Shafts. I O Coal. Slack. Total. Output for 1911. to il ■as a = 3 Number of Men ordinarily employed. o 5 S < M H CO -r] S3 I 3 Pumps. 1 s 9 > d at 1 "Si Depth of Size of Shaft Shaft or or Length Adit. of Adit. i NORTHI ;N INSPECTION DISTRH IT. Kawakawa District. Kanakavta Mine semihitum. ditto .. 3'to 5' I 1 in 3 5J' x 3J' 200' Tons. no Tons, work Tons, done Tons. 74,392 Tons. 74,392 Kawakawa Colliery .. Oiilley, W. H. .. * 1 8' 8' 1 in 5 bord and pillar 6' x 4' 180' horse 41 41 41 2 horse natura 18/11/1: Kamo Histrict. Whangnri i Mine .. Tnylor, A. H. .. 2 6'and 4' 6'and 4' 1 in 4 ditto 12' x 6' 106' shaft 9' x 6' 100' 1,404 1,404 1,644 3,048 steam 6" *¥ exharst 22/U/i: 14 is: 100 , HiKURANoi District. Mine . Dunn, W. B. .. 1 2' to 14' 2' to 12' Iin8 dip 1,200' rail and 6' x 6' vessels 9' x 6' 1,850' adit 6J' x 6' 475' 64,657 64,657 702,7921 767,449 latur <i 27/u/i: 19 12 70 82] 55' Northern Collierv NOUSOI'IIU DlSTBIOT. Kuipaka Colliery .. .. Morgan, W. .. Tat lev, E. W. .. 11 1 3'to 9' 3'to 9' varied 7 40,503 40,503 368,173 408,6761 1-2 69 75 free drain age fan 21/11/1: 18 113' to 20' 13' to 20' 1 in 6 9' x 6' 220' 8' x 6' 200' 32,554 32,554 245,453 278,007 20 25 45' 10" 10" 6" 65' 20/1 l/i: Waikato District. Taupiii Extended .. .. Wood, W. 21 brown 110' to 34' 20' 1 in 10 10' diam. 166' shaft 10'diam. 209' 9' x 5J' 190' 8J'diain. 140' 9' x 5J' 230' 93,826i 49,696 143,522 1,139,296 1,282.818 42 210 252 2-12" 5" 5" ■2 -5" •2 -0" 1-6" 2 -5" 6" 6" 204' 1/12/1: Ralph's Taupiri .. Fh-tclier, J. ■1-2 a> 110' to 60' 20' 1 in 10 80,855 27,885 108,740 845,597 954,337 43 ■20(1 243 12" 18" 12" 10" 10" 400' 190' 380' 23.' 1-20' 120' 1/12/1] Miranda D18TK.CT. Union (Jiiliirriea .. Tattley, T. J. 10 1 30' to 50' '20' to 30' varied 6' x 6' 700' adit V x 4' 90' 9' diam. 130' 2,640 2,640 113,093 115,733 3 exhamt elo-ed .1 i.vii in April. •icim Dhury District. Drur; Colli ry 14' 1 in 5 5' x 6' 700' no work done 2,689 2,689 MOKAU OlUTlUCT. M 'i gap"p>» Mine .. .. Lennox, W. 27 I 1 6' to 8' 6' to 8' 1 in 10 ' I 9' x 6' I 1,752' 3,811 3,811 69,775 73,586 horse I Ml 19/9/11 n O tpnt of mines included in pr< ivious statements at tiich operations are suspends d or abe .ndonei i .. ! l,992,12s| 1,992,128

C—2.

Statistics of Workings in Coal-mines, 1911— continued.

134

Name of Mine and Locality. Name of Manager. 5 M o 4. 8 a y. "5 o 0 a © 4. I DO y. s. o ■Si si rS rC i _ © © r9 te a - 5 a a o © -a a o a 9 O rr -— — 0 4. © S a y. Dimensions of Shafts. a ■a © E Output for 1911. 4I4; a © CD M "3.2 If &3C4 a,— 1 ■< a © aj cp ©4J aw 2*3 Number of Men ordinarily employed. .a © o OS a -a 4. 10 o3 a C 4. B ©,a %rt rH imps. a a 3 o '5 o 03 a 40 03 "4. o 44 © ©.2 a Depth of Size of Shaft Shaft or or Length Adit. of Adit. "© ■a a Pi a O Coal. Slack. Total. 11 - K © 7. © p 33 ■VEST CI ST INSP 'ECTION DISTR1 CT. CoLLINGWOOD. Puponga McEwan, R. bitum. 8 7' 6" 7' 6" 1 in 3J bord and pillar 6' 6" x 9' 31 cb. adit Tons. Tons. 16,825 4,800 Tons. Tons. 21,625 114,071 1,700 Tons. 135,696 25 45 70 steam 14" 8" 12" 6" 7" 179' 172' 225' fan 6/11/1] North Cape Marble Creek Forbes, A. Young, James .. 1 4' 6" (Und 4' 6" er develo 1 in 3J pment) ditto 7' x7' 13 oh. 1,700 .. 1,700 2 4 10 10 12 horse natural 6/n/i: 6/n/i: •• Wkstport. Seddonville State Colliery .. James, I. A. bitum. 12 12' variable bord and pillar 6' x 12' (shaft) 7' x 10' (tunnel) B 8' x 7' C13'x8' 013'x7' 150' (shaft) 72 oh. (tunnel) 65 oh. 26 ch. 13 ch. endless rope 25,225 34,820 60,045 340,059 400,104 steam Free d fan 27/11/11 23 88 106 rain .ge Westport-Stockton McAvoy, H. 10' av: 6'to 14' ditto endless rope and electric locomotives endless rope 42,100 45,130 87,236 244,893 332,129 50 130 1801 electrical & gravit'n Freed rain age 20/12/1: Millerton McCormick, \V... 10' x 6' 10' x 6' 11' x 7' 12' x 7' 12' x 7' 10' x 6' 33 ch. 45 oh. 72 eh 53 ch. 11 cb. 76 ch. (tunnel) 44 ch. 28 ch. (tunnels) 250' 6 oh. 299,642 3,132,351 3,431,993 gravit'n 90 4' to 40' 12' (approx.) 245,144 54,498 111)454 565 Free d rain age 22/11/1: Ironbridge, Dennistou Marshall, A. G... all ditto \ ad it Coalbrookdale, Denniston .. Milligan, N. 20 SI 3' 6" to 20' 4'to 20' 10' x 5' •240,832 82,536 323,368 5,722,431 •• 6,045,799 219 80 299 229 80 309 steam Free d Free d rain rain age 22/11/1: age j age " 22/n/i; Buller Road. White Cliffs Rocklands Burley, James H. Burley, John P. (permit) 11 10 1 1 16' to 20'! 27' 10' to 14' 8' 1 in 4 1 in 10 8' x 10' 8' x 10' 189 .. 257 .. 189 257 6,661 6,147 6,850 6,404 J horse Free d Free d age ii age natural _8/n/i: 18/n/i: o .. 2 2 2 rain rain Boatman's. Archer's Freehold Coghlan's Freehold Reefton. Burke's Creek Lockington's Freehold Archer, F. W. (permit) Coghlan, J. (permit) 16 15 10'each 12' 10' 10' all 8' 8' 6' 1 in 6 1 in 3 lin 4 1 in 4 7' x5' 6'x4' 12' x 8' 6' x 5' 900' 520' 200' 400' 1,400! .. 304 60 - t 60 1,400 364 13,881 3,769 15,281 4,133 1 1 1 1 manual Free d Free d rain rain age age age age age 7/7/1: 7/7/1: Thomson, Andrew Lookington, E. (permit) Billett, J. (permit) 10 10 1 1 2,853 75 209 .. 75 t 2,928 209 t 8,800 1,851 11,728| 2,060| 1 0 2 2 7 4 horse manual Free d Free d rain rain 6/12/1: 6/12/1; Golden Treasure, Murray Creek 32 12' all variable open face •• 14 671 671 685 27,042 27,727 Free d rain 13/9/1: J .. 2

135

0.—2

Phoenix and Venus, Murray Knight, W. (per- 30 „ I 2 10' 8* Creek mit) Reefton Mine .. .. Billett, Jas. (per- 9 „ 1 8' 6' mit) Watson and Moyles .. Waison, W. (per- 2J 1 9' 8' mit) Golden Point .. .. Kearns, R. L. (per- 3.16' all mit) Waitahu .. .. •• Judd, James (per- 9 „ 2 12'and 8'to 6' mit) 6' Lankey's Creek .. .. Knight, F. .. 9 . 12' to 20' 2'to 12' 30 9 2i 3 1 in 2 bord and .. 5' 6" X 300' pillar 4' 6" 1 in 3 ditto .. 6' x 4' 600' 1 in 10 . .. 6' x 4' 300' 1 in 2 open face 1 in 4 bord and .. 12' x 7' 700' pillar 10' x 6' 1 in 20 ditto .. 6' 6" x 350' 5'6" variable „ .. 6' x 5' 130' adit 6831 .. | 28 1,331 540 .. .. i 683 .. 1,331 1,359 .. 540 27,295| 3,915 1,375 208 27,978 3,915 2,734 748 1 2 21 2 ■2 Free dj Free d Free d Free d | rain rain rain rain age age age age 13/9/11 13/9/11 18/10/11 6/12/11 2 9 adit 540 .. 5401 2,976 3,516 2 Free d rain |age 19/10/11 9 2,012 .. 2,012 15,195 17,207 Free d rain age 18/10/11 Loughnan's Mine .. .. Kearns, R. L. (per- 6.16' all mit) 6 2.730J .. 2,730 5,689 8,419 Free d rain age 18/10/11 Gbeymouth. Paparoa.. .. .. Hayes, J. .. 3 | . 3 4' to 20' variable • Blackball.. .. .. Hamilton, J. S. .. 22 „ 2 19' 15' Brunner .. .. .. Armstrong, J. .. 47 . 1 12' 12' 1 in 3 . 1 10' x 7' 3,000' 6" 1 in 6 , 2 9' x 6' 1,232' 10' x 7' 600' 1 in 4 „ 2 12' x 10' 22 oh. 10' x 8' 1 in 3 . ..9'6"x6'6" 100' 1 in 4 „ .. 10' x 7' 726' 1 in 5 . .. 10' x 7' 792' opment) 2 endless 10,13911,079 rope ditto 119,86336,958 adit 13,36418,102 11,079 21,218 36,958156,821 18,102 31,466 43,795 1,313,125 2,265,465 65,013 1,469,946 2,296,931 30 60 45 195 15 40 90 240 55 gravit'n steam Free d 6" 9" Freed rain 4" 9" rain age 90' 90' age fan 14/12/11 15/12/11 19/12/11 North Brunner .. .. Smith, George .. 2 . 1 6' 6' Point Elizabeth No. 1 Section Coulthard, J. .. 7J „ 1 8' 8' Point Elizabeth No. 2 Section Muneaster, W. 7$ 1 8' 8' Point Elizabeth No. 2 State Bishop, James (Under devel Colliery 1 1 1 8,296 4,488 28,352 28,351 66,095 66,094 4,488 12,784 28,351 56,703 66,094 132,189! 10,922 642,793 581.778 23,706 6119,496 713,967 45 65 37j 127J 52 213 50 40! 110 164 265 90 gravit'n steam Free d 33" 36" rain ] 8" 12"! jage ;380' ]520' 14/12/11 8/12/11 11/12/11 .. •• •• •• •• •• h operations are suspended or abandonded 829,694 388999 388999 1218693 : 14536487J15755I80 1534959 1 1534959' 151 1659! ,2610; Output of mines included in previous statements at whic) t I I 4 SOUTHERN INSPECTION 1 i i ii i )I STRICT. i i Canterbury. Springfield, Springfield .. Taylor, James (per- 35 brown 2 2' all mit) and flreday 1 5' 4' Springfield Fireclay, Spring- Christehurch Gas, 11 ditto l 2' all field Coal, and Coke 1 10' Co. (owners) Sheffield Fireclay, Sheffield.. Austin. John .. .. fireclay 18' Homebush, Glentunnel .. Campbell, J. C. .. 39 brown 3 5' 7' 4' St. Helen's, Whiteoliffs .. Thin, W. (permit) 30 . 4 8' 5' 4'6" 1 in 6 bord and 1 6' x 4' 80' pillar shaft 314 .. 91,098 91,412 exhaust from steam pump ditto i 35 314! 6 steam direct st -act earn >»g 11 1 1 1 1 in 6 ditto 14' 6" x 8* 50' 6' x 5' ! 200' .. adit j .. 472 472 horse steam -pu mp I I 39 1 3 1 in 10 in 3 . 1 6' x 3' 6" 50' 7' x 6' 40 ch. 6'x6' 7ch. 1 in 3 pillar, 1 4' x 3' 80' stope, 6' x 5' 5 ch. and wall 1 tunnel 12,008 l^SO 13,488 254,420 267,908 11 2 31 2 .. 42 steam & horse 2< 42 furnace 8/11/11 30 adit 491 .. 491 19,6681 20,159 ! 3 steam exhaust steam from pump natural 10/7/11 Mount Somers, Mount Somers Dixon, W. ..10 „ 1 20' 10' 10 south bord and 1 5' x 4' 25' 1 in 4J pillar 7' x 6' 10 ch. jig25ch. 2,340 1,318 3,658 39,386 43,044 steam it self- I aoting horse 13/7/11 Woolshed Creek, Mount McClimont, J. (per- 45 . 1 40' 15' Somers mit) Albury, Albury .. .. Kidd, G. C. (per- 20 . 1 12' 8' mit) Elephant Hill, Waihao Downs Riohards, E. ..43 . 1 14' 8' 45 20' Iin9 ditto .. 1 in 4 . 1 4' x 3' 6" 68' I 50| .. 718 .. 50| 718 57,826 57,876 11,6261 12,344 1 13/7/11 43 lin6 . .. 6'x5' 20 ch. . ! .. I .. ! 668[ 668 hand

C.-2.

Statistics of Workings in Coal-mines, 1911— continued.

136

Name of Mine and Locality. Name of Manager. •a 4. o 00 4. Ol 4. © a y. o a © 00 a 6 y. _ a i ca CD a rH O CO CD ■ '- 5 O a Q ■a O it fir* 7. z y. Dimensions of Shafts. zz -r © Coal. Slack. Total. Output for 1911. ■w fa 3 CD O <d CD *3 fa a.— -i 44 g ° a 31 © © o © _5 P.C--Number of Men ordinarily employed. u ' & r4 .a © o cd fa CD — CO 3j fa B Is IPS. © 4. 7. a a o 4a a '© H 3 a © ■s. a © rr a" a. r--tx fa CD a Q Depth of Size of Slnilt Smift or or Leii;th A.lit. of Adit. z. 5 © o CC SO JTHERN NSPECT 'ION DI! STRICT— I I ■ontinut id Canterbury — continued. Private Pits. Acheron, Lake Coleridge Dalgety, Hakataramea Murchison, K. .. Ensor, C. W. .. 29 30 bitum. brown 1 1 4' 30' all semivertical narrow bord and pillar adit Tons. 2 91 Tons. Tons. 91 Tons. 503 2,964 Tons. 505 3,055 1 1 1 1 natural horse . North Otago. Wharekuri, Wharekuri Kurow, Kurow ,. Shanks, A. Sanderson, J. 40' 30' 13' 30' vertical levels stoping 6' x 4' 8'x6' 4' x 4' 6' x 2' 6" 4' x 3' 6' x 6' 4' x 3' 5' 6" X 6' 4' x4' 6' x 6' 6' x 5' 3ch. 20' 150' 53' 60' 51' 5 ch. 50' 10 ch. 150' dip drive 2,579 4,415 2,585 4,639, hand horse 15 1 1 1 6 224 61 224! I 1 1 1 1 - 24/6/11 . Awakino, Kurow .. St. Andrew's, Papakaio Scott, D. Nimmo, T. (permit) Beardsmore, A. (permit) Nimmo, W. (permit) Brooke, G. W. (permit) Clasen, C. (permit) Mcintosh, A. 26 33 1 1 15' 7' 7' 6' 1 in 8 bord and pillar ditto 1 1 adit 20 1,432 20 1,432 5,788 44,829 5,808 46,261 i 1 4 1 5 furnace 24/6/11 5/12/11 Prince Alfred, Papakaio 42 9' 7' lin 9 ■ 873 873 55,166 56,039 1 2 3 nat ural 5/12/11 Ngapara, Ngapara 33 4 25' 8' 1 in 7 682 682 27,077 27,759 5/12/11 Broadieaf, Shag Point 3 pitch 5' all lin 10 854 854 1,182 2,036 3 hand 6/12/11 Shag Point, Shag Point 3 3' lin 6 ongwall 6'x5' 150' 1,495 1,495 2,693 4,188 4 horse 6/12/11 Allandale, Shag Point 24 7' lin 4 bord and pillar & longwall 5' x 4' 6'x5' 60' 300' incline tunnel 3,557 3,557 313,110 316,667 11 steam furnace 6/12/11 South Otago. Fernhill, Abbotsford Gray, James ■a brown 10' " lin 10 bord and pillar ditto 4|'x4£' 0' x6' I 5' x 4' 6' x5' 7'x7' 30' level 27 1,218 1,245 149,554 150,799 4| 10 selfacting steam & horse natural fan 27/11/11 Freeman's, Abbotsford Gillanders, A. S. 31 7' to 14' 1 in 7 150' 1,400' 264' dip incline drive adit 18,380 3,734 22,114 427,546 449,660 31 37 27/11/11 Green Island, Green Island .. Barclay, T., jun. 24 10' 8' lin 10 1,775 1,775 115,004 1 116,779 ditto Ta ng ye exhaust steam from pump furnace 2/5/11 Jubilee, Saddle Hill Barclay, T. 17' all lin 10 I 4'x3' 6' x3' 6' x 4' 5* 10" x 4'6" 25' 5 ch. 6 ch. 100' 10 ch. 17,421 189,613 210,824 28/11/11 14 3,790 21,211 25 32 Burnwell, Saddle Hill Saddle Hill (No. 1), Saddle Hill Saddle Hill (No. 2), Saddle Hill Harris, A. Ogilvie, W. W. .. 30 39 1 1 20' 20' 10' to 15' all 1 in 9 1 in 10 1 4 tunnel inclined drive adit 216 3,198 4,760 216 7,958 69,198 191, 706 69,414 199,664 2 3 11 4 14 furnace 28/11/11 Hill, Robert 10 22' 10' lin 14 5,476 12,030 17,506 137,582 155,088 19 29 fan 28/11/11 i •• 10

137

C—2

Lauriston, Brighton Walker, J. R. (permit) McColl, A. (permit) Fairbairn, S. H. .. Carruthers, J. .. •25 I 6 ' I 5' 6" I lin 20 " 48' tunnel 1811 1811 7,752 7,933 21 horse natural! Brighton, Brighton 24 4' all 1 in 20 4'x3' 30' x 4' 10' x 8' 6' x6' 48' 174 174 2,986 3,160 2 band 27/4/11 Ferndale, Taieri Beach Waronui, Milton 2S 7 1 1 10' 18' 8' 7' 1 in 7 1 100' 12 oh. level 34 10,518 3,593 34 14,111 973! 68,17l! 1,007 I 82,282 1 15 21 1 36 electric tail rope horse fan 19/10/11 I McGilp's, Milton Cooper, J. J. (permit) Good, W. (permit) Shore, Thomas .. 7 22' 15' lin 6 adit 3,251 409 3,660 5,768' 9,428 2 3 natural 19/10/11 Good's, Johnston, Waitabuna Taratu, Taratti, Lovell's Flat 1 10 lignite brown 1 1 20' 12' to 20' 1 in 10 open bord and pillar ■2 6'x 4' 13' 6" x 5' 2" 185' 200' open shaft 48 4,268 1,253 48 5,521 139,456! 48 ; 144,977 1 11 is 1 29 hand steam "Ta ugy •• e fan 20/10/ 11 Port Arthur, Kaitangata Penman, R. (permit) Cunningham, T. (permit) Smith, J. 10' all ditto 66' level 219 219 672' 891 hand natural 20/12/1 1 7 Hawthorn Den, Kaitangata.. 3 9' open open 82 82 211 293 20/12/11 Wangaloa, Wangaloa 30 10' 6" 8' lin 6 bord and pillar ditto adit 18 18 2,026; 2,044 1 natural 20/12/11 Longridge, Kaitangata Mackie, N. (permit) 3 4' all 100' 748 748 ! 7811 1,529 3; 3 22/11/11 Kaitangata, Kaitangata Castle Hill, Kaitangata f Carson, W. -{ Murdoch, C. (permit) Coulter, J. W. Acton-Adams, P. Liscbner, W. (permit) 35 18 50'in aggregate 50' in aggregate 25' 1 in lfi to 1 in 4 linlj to 1 in 4 10' x 7' 8'x4'6" U'x6'6" 9' diam. 4' x4' 6' x6' 12'xl2' 51 ch. 580' 45 oh. 526' 50' 5ch. 4 ch. incline 186,440 48,389 134,829 2 579 352! 2,714,181 03, !259l 322 I steam & compressed air ditto steam 2' 6"| thre 6" e-th pum 6" 280' row fan 19/12/11 ditto ps 500' furnace natural 23/11/11 22/11/11 Benhar, Stirling 48 lignite 12' incline 4,685 913 5,598 130,499 136,097 7 Mount Wallace, Stirling Adams', Clydevale Mainholm, Waipahi 10 3 26 1 1 1 20' 4' 20' 12' all open adit open 30 15 2,270 30 15 2,270 8,688 170 54,525 8,718 185 56,795 1 3 1 1 1 3 horse hand horse I I '• trifu -dr gal iven » •• .. oen steam Private Pit. Lakeside, Lovell's Flat Royds, G. E. 11 4 brown 10 10 1,163 1,173 •• Central Otago. Coal Creek, Coal Creek Flat.. MoPherson's, Coal Creek Flat Barber, J. McPherson, R. (permit) Vernon, S. E. P. (permit) Mathias, D. (permit) 41 41 lignite 1 1 50' 80' open bord and pillar ditto open adit 2,279 2,133 2,279 2,133 53,837 54,011 56,116 56,144 3 2 2 2 5 4 horse si | pho n jnatural 14/12/11 14/12/11 - •• •• Perseverance, Coal Creek Flat 24 30 75' 14' 70' 7' 1 in 3 lin 7 6'x7' 1 |5' x 2' 6" 6' x 4' 500' 60' 15 oh. 2,500 3,413 2,500 3,413 48,386 75,182 50,886 78,595 Pelton wheel steam hyd Sno raul t pu w p io mp ump exhaust steam from pump steam & exhaust from pumping engine 14/12/11 13/12/11 Alexandra, Alexandra Molyneux (New Alexandra Coal Company), Alexandra Pollock, J. 13 28' 9' lin 20 6' x4' 5' x4' 6080" shaft 6,240 798 7,038 100.705J j 107,743 13 16! 3-thr pump P ow r & S ump am now 13/12/11 Cambrian, Cambrian Welshman's Gully, Cambrian McGuckin, J. McGuckin, J. (permit) Jones, Robert Enright, J. Beck, W. (permit) White, J. (permit) Thomas, R. (permit) 9' 30' all open open 14,488 33,189 14,488 33,284 horse 20 50 1 1 1 1 •• I - 95 "95 Laudervale, Cambrian St. Bathan's, St. Bathan's .. Rough Kidge, Oturehua Idaburn, Oturehua.. Oturehua, Oturehua 7 14 25 41 indefinite 35' 20' 7' 15' all 216 234 684 758 480 216 234 684 758 480! 434 5,038 25,838 41,311 825 650 5,272 26,522 42,069 1,305 1 2 3 2 2 1 2 3 2 2 draina jge t| unnel •• t* . . •• two P waterDou um| dri iglas Ips ven ..

C—2

138

Statistics of Workings in Coal-mines, 1911— continued.

Name of Mine and Locality. Name of Manager. ■a 3 G to © a y. o o a z- © ZZ is a o 2! s. X 3 ■r. CD o rz © O ■1 to © a zc © o s a s CD C o - CD o co 4» Depth of ° Size of , Shaft 0 Shaft ■ or * or Length 3 Adit. of £ , Adit. ■t. _ Dimensions Of Shafts. .0 3 5 Coal. Slack. Total. Output for 1911. 44 4i = © ©44 Is CSS 3 CD ® _■ xS 0-2S Number of Men ordinarily employed. o I 1 < B En S3 "it o ■- — ■ IS PL, *© o imps. a o o '© o 5 o ■ a 4^ t_ C O © 44 zr. SOi JTHERN 1: ASPECT 'ION DIE \TRIGT—continued. Central Otago — contd. Gimmerburn, Gimmerbum .. Clyde, Clyde _ . I I Dougherty, C. .. 55 Turner, G. F. .. 39 Hoilsim, J. (Croui- j 34 well and liannockhurn Collieries Co.; T. K.I Harty, managing director) < jg Whittles tone, 9 A. VV. Hodson, J. .. 1 McDougal, R. (per- 27 mit) Duncan, J. .. 25 lignite brown 1 2 1 12' 40' 8' all 14' 7' 1 in 2 1 in 4 open levels bord and pillar •• 4' x3' ! 6' x 6' I 34' 897' 200' Tons. Tons. Tons, open 48 .. 48 dip 1,702 .. 1,702 incline incline 5,642 .. 5,642 Tons. Tons. 3,061 3,109 1 .. 1 hand 55.923 57.625 1 4 5 steam 65. 65! > 71, H01 4 11 15 4 steamsteam dri -dr' ven I. lven natural exhaust steam from pump 18/8/11 Shepherd's Creek, Bannock- \ burn Excelsior, Bannockburn I Cairnmuir, Bannockburn 5' 10' 1 in 4 1 in 1 to 1 in 2 1 5' x 5' 6" 11 steam steam 22/8/11 22/8/11 22/8/11 ! 6' 20' ditto levels & headings ll 2 20 ch. adit dip 3,217 .. . 3,217 incline 59,202 59,202| j 20,885 24,102 2 9 11 9 -dr dr iven |iven natural , Ranfurly, Bannockburn Cardrona, Cardrona 1 36' ail vertical i •• 22 oh. 30' open 298 .. 298 adit 901 136 1,037 35 .. 35 792 .. 792 654 654 ' 24,349 24,617 3 .. 3 horse 17,757 18,794 1 2 3 steam •• 22/8/11 7/11/11 open • ■ •• I •• I Gibbston, Gibbston li 1 15' 20' 45' bord and pillar ditto 2 natural Nevis, Nevis Ryder's, Nevis Toms, R. .. 15 Toms, R. (permit) 11 4 « vertical semivertical ditto 5,589 5,624 1 .. 1 band 6,078 6,870 it 2 3 2 11/5/11 11/5/11 " Nevis Crossing, Nevis Ritchie, R. (per- 8 mit) 1 II 1 ; open open : 874 .. 874 7,964 8,838 3 .. :■! 1 I •• " 11/5/11 Private l'its. Gold and Scheelite Proprietary (late Donaldson's), Macrae's Flat Gold and Scheelite 5 Proprietary Go. (D. B. Waters, mine-manager) Dillon. John .. 14 1 10' 1 • I i I 665' .. 665 1.373 2,088 2 .. 2 horse wat er-b ox 19/5/11 Dillon's (late MoKnight's), Blackston Hill 14 lignite 1 12' 14 .. 14 201 215 hand •• •• Southland. Pukerau, Pukerau Hamilton, J. (per- 31 mit) Nelson, J. H. (per- 22 mil) Hoffman, A. (per- 33 mit) Johnson, W. C. 23 (permit) Flett, G. (permit) 6 1 16' 9' 1 in 4 bord and pillar ditto 8'x 8' 11 ch. I .. 36,260 37.171 .. 3 3 horse natural 16/11/11 , 11 ch. adit 911 .. 911 146 .. 146 " I 81 '22 1 1 1 16' 10' 911* 146 4,262 4.408 ..1 1 - wi ndml ill Nelson's, Pukerau 16/11/11 * Heffernan's, Gore 88 1 1 20' 15' 6' x 5' 5ch. inoline 1,157 .. 1,157 tunnel ditto 11,573 .. 11,573 1,157 49,637 50,794 112 Snol |w p ump 13/ 10/ 11 - Green's, Gore 23 1 1 17' 12' 1 in 20 10' x 8' 5ch. 11,573 103,017 114,590 1 6; 1 13,561 15,491 2 .. 2 T ang ye fan 11/10/11 Bushy Park, Croydon 6 1 1 20' all open • ■ open 1 1.930 .. 1,930; 1,930 stea m p ump 11/10/11 Burnwell, Chatton .. Cameron, D. (per- 12 mit) Burgess, R. (per- 8 mit) 12 1 1 20' 12' 1 in 10 _4l j bord and pillar : ditto 20' x 12' 100' 100' adit 4,07'2 .. 4,072 4,072 23,480 27,552 12 3 stea m p m p ump natural 13/10/11 Pacey's freehold, Chatton .. 8 I 1 20' 15' ,. 4.316 .. 4,316 4,316 37.709 42,025 lj 3 4 steam stea m p m p ump 13/10/11 1

139

C.-2

Chatton, Chatton .. .. Ramsay, G. (permit) Springfield, Waikaka Valley Mee Chang, R. (permit) Willow Bank, Waikaka Valley diaries, E. 9 18 15 18 .. 1 1 1 1 i JU 1 17' 8' 1 in 5 " ' I 1,3071 ■ : 2,708] ' 1,307 10,987! 12,294 1 2,708 22,HO! 24,824 1 1 2 horse 3 3 3 2 3 steam pump steam- d r ijven m pump d r i ven sm all p u tnp s ph on 13/10/11 16/11/11 1 15' 10' open ' ; 6.610J 522 6,610 52.044 58,654 1 522 11.697 12,21!) 1 5| 6 steam 5 two s m al 1 steam puitnpe 12/10/11 Glenlee, Waikaka Valley .. McGill, D. T. (permit) Edge's, Waikaka Valley .. Mclvor, W. (permit) 1 landslip, Waikaia .. Kyle, W. (permit) 12 . 20 „ 1 1 1 14' 1 16' 10' 12' open bord and .. pillar ditto 1 2 12'xl2' adit 60' incline tunnel 100' adit dip incline open 100' level open adit open 3,681 1,200 1,966 ! 1,938 1,006 113, 292 . 897! 900 139 9,255 11,308 3,719! 258 550 3,681 25.935J 29,616 1 ! 1,200 34,8281 36,028 .. 1,966 21,141 23,107 1 ! 1,938 11,468 13,406 1 1,006 17,542 18,548 1 118 3,712J 3,825 1 292 5,435 5,727 2 897! 1.252! 2,149 .. 900 900 1 139 835 974 1 9,255 125,319 134,574 3 11,308 94,794] 106,102 8 8,719 12,729 16,448 2 258j 29.714J 29,972 1 550 15,174| 15,724 1 1! horse 3 4 steam - 3 1 4 .. , .. .. si p h on natural 12/10/11 12/10/11 1 17' all 2 2j . 2 steam- d r i ven d r i ven 27/10/11 Rossvale, Waikaia .. .. Knuekey, T. (permit) Waikaia, Waikaia .. .. Cain, A. (permit) Muddy Terraoe, Waikaia .. Junker, F. (permit) 8 ,. 4 „ 3 lignite and 1 shale 20 lignite 1 1 i 1 i 1 10' 1 10' 1 14' 1 1 8' all 7' 1 in 4 6' x5' 6' x4' 1 1 2J 3l horse 2 3 steam 1 2! horse : 3| 3! ■2 .. steam- driv en steam .. .. driv en earn 27/10/11 27/10/11 27/10/11 .. •• Argyle, Upper Waikaia .. Hutton, C. H. (permit) Anderson's, Wendon .. I Radford, E. Waimea, Kingston Crossing.. 1 Johnstone, J. E. (permit) Lynch's, Kingston Crossing .. Mason, E. (permit) Princhester Creek (late Beer's), Kempthorne, W. 0. The Key Mataura Collieries (Limited), Broome, James .. Mataura Mataura Lignite, Mataura .. Coster, W. (permit) l 1 20' all open ..! 1 hand 3 „ 3j . 1 1 18' r 6' : 10' all vertical lifts [.. bord and .. pillar ditto .. 2 2 2] 2 drain natural 27/11/11 1 . 9 .. 1 1 1 6' 1 2 3 . 27/11/11 .. ; .. 1 6' irregular open 1 7 10 steam 8 horde 2 1 .. 15 .. 1 1 17' 12' bord and .. pillar open i.. stea m -dri ven .natural 14/10/11 35 1 1 18' all centr ifugal steam - dri ven centr ifugal steam -dri ven steam- pum p 14/10/11 Boghead, Mataura .. .. Sleeman, C. P., jun. (permit) Waimumu, Matauia .. Wallace, J. (permit) Ota Creek, Wyndham .. Genge, E. (permit) 18 ., 12 1 1 1 16' 1 9' 7' a 14/10/11 11/10/11 31 1 1 6' 5' ..! 1 . I " Clarke's, Wjndham .. Clarke, G. W. (permit) Robin Hood, Pine Bush .. Couser, W. (permit) Graham's, Fairfax .. .. Graham, P. S. . 5 1 1 12' all 1.474 1 83 1 1,474 7.342; 8,816 2 88 3,105! 3,188 1 2 centrifugal pump 30 1 1 14' .. 1! . 38 1 1 6' 1 in 20 bord and ■. pillar open 6 cb. adit 87 87 16,459 16,546 .. 1 1 hand natural •• Ardlowie, Fairfax .. .. Poole, E. 9 . 1 ll open 14 14 887 901 1 1 1 Nightcaps, Nightcaps .. j Barclay, W. 30 brown brown i 3 3 36' in 34' in aggregate variable to 1 in 7 open and 3 bord and pillar 10' x 10' 9' x6' 5' x5' 32 oh. open and 254 cb. adit 60' levels I 64,250 64,250 724,325 788,575 28 28 72 100 compressed air and hori-e 2 3 horse : 2 comp less ;edair !driv en Tangyej pujmp fans (2) 13/12/11 3 aggregate 1 7' 12/12/11 Wairaki, Nightcaps .. Dillon, L. N. (permiti H.B., Nightcaps .. McDowell, R. (permit) New Brighton, Nightcaps .. McKenzie, J. (permit) The Willow, Nightcaps .. Ross, D. (permit) I 11 13 J 1 7' all bord and .. pillar open adit open 1,005 1,097 1,005, 9,901 10,906 1 1,097 10,431 11,528 1 oil-eug ine and p um p natural 12/12/11 1 20' bord and .. pillar open .. adit 4,642 I 4,642 8,041 12,683 1 7 8 ..2 .. .. .. natural 13/12/11 12 1 14' 1 17' open 96 96 2,405 2,501 2 sip hon 13/12/11 Wairio, Nightcaps .. .. McKenzie, M. (permit) 6 * 9' bord and .. pillar | 8' x8' 2 ch. adit 352 352 3,580 3,932 .. 2 2 steam Fair Gou Id's p umps 5" 5' 12' umps 12' natural 13/12/11 j

C—2

140

Statistics of Workings in Coal-mines, 1911— continued.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1912.

Price 3s. ]

Approximate Colt of Paptr. —Preparation; not given; printing (1,800 copies), including plans, diagrams, and illustrations, £142.

Name of Mine and Locality. Name of Manager. 9 3 3 .a 3 Q o D ■a 9 M u 0 § a d 55 e 5 a M 3 ■r. O 3 Q o if 01 •a «. ox si 7. - a 55 Ditneusiotis of Shafts. >> 1 0 5 Coal Slack. Total. Output for 1911. PS S.5S xl 3 o-a Ie.2 Number of Men ordinarily employed. sis a 'S O Hi - imps. S o ID 0Q d o or. in a o > 8 a! s IB Q Depth of Size of i Shaft Shaft or or : Length Adit. ; of Adit. 0 SOUTHERN I! PECTIO] DISTRICT— c, i mtinued. Southland — continue d. Beaumont, Nightcaps Moss, T. (permit) 3 brown 20' 15' 1 in 4 open open Tons. 1,023 Tons. Tons. 1,023 Tons. 1,257 Tons. 2,280 S centr pu ifug mp ,al 13/12/1: Morley, Nightcaps Beattie and Tinker " Mount Linton, Nightcaps .. Smith, William .. 17 20' 8' semi- open vertical 804 804 701 1,505 2 2 steam centr pu ifug a al 13/12/1: Wildbush, Riverton Bush Siding, Seaward Bush Bailey and Roderique Bowden, P. R. (permit) 4 9 11' 32' all 20 178 20 178 536 6,435 556 6,613 1 1 1 1 horse " Private Pits. Wellwood Park, Pukerau Mason's, Pukerau Otikerama Station, Pukerau Smith's, E*st Gore.. Riverview, Gore Ford's, Chatton Thomdale, Waikaka Perkins's, Wendon Valley .. Tuaeh's, Waimumu McBride's, Nightcaps Linwood, Te Anau Mason, A. M. W. Mason, A., jun. .. Voigbt, W. J., jun. Smith, H. Nieol, J. and J. .. Ford, M. W. Cunningham, T. Perkins, G. A. .. Tuaoh, J. McBride, A. Rob rts, T. (N.Z. Tourist Dept.) 10 14 7 20 31 12 10 5 2 11 lignite 7' 7' 22 15 "32 22 5 15 "32 202 27 285 47 1,724 1,284 8,162 87 63 13 1,520 224 32 300 47 1,756 1,284 8,168 102 75 13 . 1,640 - 10' 7' 6 15 12 •• J 6 15 12 horse brown lignite 10' 7' 120 120 Output of mines included in previous statements at which operations are suspended or abandoned •• 1,779,019 1,779.019 Totals, Southern District, Middle Island Totals, West Coast District, Middle Island Totals, North Island 365,687 83,821 449,508 9293291 9742799 277 671 948 829,6941 (388,999 1218693! 16071446 17290139 951 1659 2610 320,291 77,581 397,872' 5555032J 5952904 137 595 732 Grand Totals -• 1365 2925 4290 1515672 550,401 2066073 30919769 | 32985842 Output of mines included in statement for 1890. but whose operations were suspended prior to 1890 (less three, which are again included in body of statement— namely, Hill's Creek, 779 tons ; Lovell's Flat, 323 tons ; Wyndham, 1,988 tons: total, 3,090 tons) .. .. .. .. 132,732 Output of mines included in former statements, but whose operations were suspended prior to 1889 .. .. .. .. .. .. 172,529 Output of Wctikrika, Adam's Flat, and Waimea Mines, inserted twice in statement for 1891 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. I 6,518 33,297,621|

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MINES STATEMENT, BY THE HON. JAMES COLVIN, MINISTER OF MINES., Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1912 Session II, C-02

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MINES STATEMENT, BY THE HON. JAMES COLVIN, MINISTER OF MINES. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1912 Session II, C-02

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MINES STATEMENT, BY THE HON. JAMES COLVIN, MINISTER OF MINES. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1912 Session II, C-02

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Pages 1-20 of 147

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MINES STATEMENT, BY THE HON. JAMES COLVIN, MINISTER OF MINES. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1912 Session II, C-02

Using This Item

No known copyright (New Zealand)

MINES STATEMENT, BY THE HON. JAMES COLVIN, MINISTER OF MINES. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1912 Session II, C-02

Using This Item

No known copyright (New Zealand)