H.—26.

quarter. Another rush took place near Lake Mapourika, and I believe it will yet be found there is a large extent of payable ground there ; but the absence of a good supply of water is the great drawback at present. A third and, so far as present reports go a more favourable field, is likely to be opened up near the forks of the Okarito River. Up to date, five or six shafts have been bottomed on payable gold, and the miners estimate, from the prospects obtained, to make from £4 to £6 per week per man. It is thought this is a continuation of the lead near Lake Mapourika, and, if so, it is likely to give employment to a large number of men. A fine seam of coal has been discovered at the Paringa, which is reported to be of very good quality. There have been some fine blocks of land opened up by new roads during the last year near the Wanganui, Wataroa, and "Waiho Rivers, which 1 hope will prove a great incentive to settlement. In conclusion, I beg to state I consider the prospects of this large district at the present time are far more encouraging than for several years past, and anticipate a large accession to our population during the ensuing year. I have, &c, Feank Bied, The Under-Secretary for Gold Fields, Wellington. Warden.

No. 11. Mr. Warden Mackay to the Undee-Seceetaey for Gold Fields. Sic,— Warden's Office, Kumara, 29th July, 1880. I have the honor to report as follows on the state of the Kumara District up to the 30th June last. It is a subdivision of the Westland Mining District, and is not included in the County of Grey, being situated to the southward of the River Teremakau. It includes within its limits mining holdings in the Borough of Kumara, Dillman's Town, Blake's Lead, Dunedin Flat, Shamrock, Shallow, Zigzag, and Larrikin's Leads. The mining population, as nearly as can be ascertained, numbers 1,981. According to information received from the banks, the average yield of gold per month is about 1,600 oz. This does not, however, include parcels which find their way to Hokitika or Greymouth. The ground in the Kumara sub-district is, as a rule, of treacherous character, and requires great care in working and timbering it. The large number of stones met with also entail extra labour and expense. The sludge-channel now in course of construction by the Government will, it is believed, open up for mining a large extent of auriferous land, which but for this useful work could not be utilized. The Long Tunnel Tail-race Company's tunnel is likely to turn out a success. It commences near the River Teremakau, and is driven in the direction of the Shallow Lead. As there is little or no difference in the nature of the ground mined in anywhere in the Kumara sub-district, it is unnecessary for me to prolong this report by describing any particular claims or holdings. Taking the miners altogether, they do not appear to be discontented with their earnings, although there are undoubtedly some poor claims. There is plenty of room for more prospecting to be done, both within and without the Kumara sub-district, and an association has been formed for that purpose, aud they have commenced operations. The Government have agreed to subsidize them to the extent of half the amount of wages paid, the whole subsidy not to exceed £200. The statistical returns have been mislaid, but will be forwarded by the next mail leaving here. Since the removal of the Warden's Court from Greenstone to Kumara, I have taken measures to prevent any confusion arising between the Counties of Grey and Westland about gold-mining revenue, by still keeping separate accounts for each district. I have, &c, James Mackay, The Under-Secretary for Gold Fields, Wellington. Warden. 7f

OTAGO GOLD EIELDS. No. 12. Mr. Warden Robinson to the Undee-Seceetaey for Gold Fields. Sic,— Warden's Office, Naseby, 31st March, 1880. I have the honor to report upon the district under my charge for the past year as follows:— 1. The seasons have on the whole been favourable for mining, for, although the winter was long and severe, the quantity of snow accumulated in the mountains gave a supply of water which was very acceptable in the spring. There has been more than the ordinary average rainfall during spring and summer ; thus the supplies of water for sluicing have been maintained with unusual regularity. The miners have not failed to avail themselves of these advantages, and the season, no doubt, has been a profitable one to all those who had claims opened out. This has especially been the case at Mount Burster, where some very good washings-up are known to have been obtained. The principal item of interest in mining affairs has been the continued development of the rich ground at Vinegar Hill and Shepherds-hut Flat, near Cambrian, where a new gold-field equal to the famed Welshman's Gully may be said to be proved to exist. A considerable number of claims have been taken up, and several leases applied for, and a large water-race is being brought in from the Dunstan Creek, in addition to the numerous small races in the vicinity, most of which have been extended so as to reach the new ground. This discovery comes in very opportunely at a time when the Welshman's Gully, which has been con-

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