CL—No. 4a.

8. Dunstan.- —The same remarks apply to this gold field. The new district of the Upper Manuherikia lias already been referred to in connection with " Discoveries within Proclaimed Gold Fields." I append a very complete and valuable Report on the Mount Benger and Dunstan Fields, furnished by Mr. Mining Surveyor Coates. (See page 7.) 9. Taieri and Mount Ida. —These fields have perhaps shared less than any other in the advantages derivable from the introduction of capital. Their progress has, nevertheless, been steady and satisfactory. In a very marked degree is this observable at Hamilton's and the Hogburn, in both of which districts, enterprise, aided by the introduction of water from every readily available source, and fostered by a liberal interpretation of the Mining Rules and Regulations, has latterly caused a considerable accession of population, and a corresponding increase in the Escort returns. Mr. Mining Surveyor Keenc's Report, attached hereto (see page 18), furnishes a concise and satisfactory account of these fields. 10. Wakatipu. —Probably the Wakatipn Gold Field has suffered more than any other from the West Coast ': rush," a circumstance not resulting, however, from the absence of highly payable ground, of which there is abundance in every part of the several district s. Rather I should be inclined to ascribe it to the very natural curiosity so confessedly felt, and which has in so many ways developed itself amongst the miners, to ascertain the nature of the country lying beyond the snow-clad ranges which intervene between the heads of the Arrow and Shotover Rivers, and the sea coast. But, as will be seen from Mr. Mining Surveyor Wright's very excellent Report appended hereto (see page 15), the future prospects of Wakatipu are brighter than ever. 11. NoJcomai. —The Nokomai Gold Fields, including the districts of Nokomai Proper, Nevis and Switzer's, has continued to prosper in, at least, an equal degree with other fields. The Nokomai has more than justified the expectations raised by its discovery in 18G2. The Warden's Reports published from time to time show, that with increased energy and greater experience, the miners there are securing a highly remunerative harvest. The Nevis, so isolated and remote from every centre of population, yet situated in the very heart of the auriferous belt, is just beginning to be discovered, in the sense in which that phrase is ordinarily applied. This cold, sequestered, and ice-bound region, hemmed iv on all sides, save where it opens out to the Kawarau, will probably never attract a very large population ; but that it will, for a very lengthened period, be a storehouse of wealth to the hardy adventurers who arc prepared to brave its inclement climate, there cannot be any reasonable doubt. Switzer's has somewhat declined both in yield and population. Unfortunately there has not yet been a Mining Surveyor appointed for these districts, so that I am not in possession of definite information regarding them, and the amount of capital invested is not ascertainable. 12. Mining Surveyors* Reports. —The various Reports already referred to, as contributed by the Officers of the Mining Survey Staff, are of an exceedingly valuable nature, and the diagrams by which they are accompanied furnish fresh contributions of the most useful character, affording great assistance to the miners in their search for gold, the conditions of the deposition of which have so long been only vaguely understood. 13. Quartz. —The existence of a well-defined and connected series of Quartz Reefs has been proved beyond a doubt by the discoveries of the last twelve months. Most of them contain fine gold, generally diffused throughout the stone, and averaging from 15 dwt. to 2 oz. to the ton. Capital, encouraged by a liberal application of the Gold Mining Leases Regulations, is now being invested in these lodes, and there is now a satisfactory prospect of quartz mining becoming a profitable and extensive institution in Otago. 11. Produce. —I append tables showing the total and comparative amount of gold brought down by Escort for each quarter since the discovery of Gabriel's in July, 1861. The quantity escorted to Dunedin during the twelve months ending 31st March, 18G5, was 353,555 oz. 8 dwt.; for the same period to 31st March, 1564, 500,083 oz. 9 dwt., and to 31st March, 1563, 377,137 oz. 18 dwt. The total quantity brought down by the escort from the commencement to the same date, is 1,562,326 ounces. The quantity which passed through the Dunedin Custom House is 1,699,667 ounces ; and 63,970 ounces, the produce of Otago, have been exported from trans-provincial ports. This gives a us gross total of 1,763,637 ounces, of the estimated value of £7,051,544 for three years and nine months, or an average of nearly Two millions sterling (£2,000,000) per aimuin.

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.FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO

of Gold Exported from Dux from othi edix, exclusive er Ports in N< of Gold, the produce of O sw Zealand. :ago, Exported I" 1861. 1862. 18G2. 18G3. 1863. 1864. 1864. 1865. Destination*. Aug. 1 to July 31. Aug. 1 to July 31. Aug. 1 to Mar. 31. Totals. Aug. 1 to July 31. Oz. Dwt. Gr. Oz. Dwt. Gr. Oz. Dwt. Gr. Oz. Dwt. Gr. Oz. Dwt. Gr. 'o Great Britain 13,883 11 0 202,297 13 0 82,824 7 0 11,142 6 0 310,147 17 0 'o Australian Colonies, &c •113,355 19 6 312,088 4 0 414,207 2 0 219,868 5 0 1,389,519 10 6 Totals 457,239 10 6 514,385 17 0 497,031 9 0 231,010 11 0 1,699,667 7 & In addition to the above, 63,9' a to1 70 ounces of Otagi tal of 1,763,637 02 3 Gold have been ;. 7 dwt. 6 gr., ol ixported from othe the value of £7,0! :r Ports in New Zi 54,544. md, making