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levels of the mine have been principally worked by tributers, some of whom have been highly successful; others, however, were not paid wages for their work. The total quartz crushed was 1,496 tons for 4,295 oz. 10 dwt. gold. Deep Level Cross. —This mine is under the charge of Mr. James Coutts. During the early part of the year operations were carried on at the 400-feet (Big Pump) level, but these did not prove payable; also on Caledonian reef, but the run of gold on this, though payable, proved to be of no great extent. The principal work, however, has been the extending southward at the 640-feet level. This drive has now reached a distance of 1,060 feet from the Big Pump shaft. This must prove a very expensive drive, as air-courses have to be carried in all the way to the face, and a large current of air forced through to dispel the heavy and large quantity of gas that is met with at this level. The finds in the Prince Imperial reefs having attracted attention to the southern portion of this mine, the company obtained leave to work these reefs from the Prince Imperial shaft—that is, from where they leave the Prince Imperial ground and go into the Deep Level Cross. The crushings from this portion (southern) have proved very satisfactory: since January last 796| tons have been crushed for a return of 1,360 oz. of gold. It is the intention of the manager to carry down a winze from the No. 5 (428 feet) level of the Prince Imperial to meet the drive now being brought along from the Big Pump. This is a depth of 200 feet. Considerable delay and difficulty must be expected in carrying out this, on account of gas. Caledonian and Golden Calf. —These mines have been worked steadily throughout the year, with but indifferent results. Waiotahi. —Under the management of Mr. J. E. Smith this mine still continues to prove one of the most regular and best dividend-paying mines on the field. Work is still continued in the old levels, no further sinking of the shaft having taken place ; but these levels are by no means exhausted, or likely to be for a long time. Seven hundred and fifty-two fathoms of reef have been stoped for a return of 2,939 oz. of retorted gold. New Prince Imperial. —This mine, which consists of twenty-two men's ground, has been worked almost from the opening of the field ; first by the Mariner's B,eef Company, and afterwards by the Prince Imperial, with, on the whole, poor returns. As an instance of the vicissitudes of gold-mining I may mention that sixteen months ago I was about to re-enter this mine on account of non-working. The Company being unable to get in the calls they therefore sold the ground and machinery for £250. The purchasers formed a new company and appointed Mr. G. S. Clark manager, who immediately set to work, and has succeeded in bringing his mine to the front as a gold-producing and dividend-paying claim, and also being the means of helping to restore confidence in the field by proving that gold is to be found at deep levels. This company since its formation has only called up £450 of its capital. There have been 2,421 loads of quartz crushed, which yielded 7,693 oz. of gold, paying £11,250 in dividends, besides £1,200 to Mr. Robert Graham for surface,rights and liberty to mine under the township. The number of men employed is over seventy, and I have no doubt a greater number will be employed shortly. Queen of Beauty. —Under the management of Mr. George Black the operations of this mine have been very successfully carried on during the year. At the time of my last report the depth of the main shaft was nearly 600 feet. Where No. 9 level was opened in an easterly direction along the course of the reef, at a distance of 80 feet from the shaft, gold was first seen, which increased in richness as the drive extended. The run of gold was found to be about 60 feet wide, some of it very rich, going over 3 oz. to the pound. Another 79 feet has now been sunk in the main shaft, the chamber completed, and the reef is now being driven along to come under the shot or run of gold. This mine is pumped by a large turbine wheel, driven by water from the "county water-race. This, however, has to be supplemented with steam, the water-power not being sufficient. The present speed is four double-strokes per minute, lifting 13,000 gallons per hour, which is barely half the lifting capacity of the pumps. Mariner, London, and Queen of England. —Three mines recently taken up in the neighbourhood of the Prince Imperial and Queen of Beauty. These united with the Deep Level Cross, and formed themselves into a winding association. The old Crown Prince's shaft, at the corner of Upper Albert Street, has been fixed on, and winding machinery erected. Everything being nearly complete, a start will shortly be made. ■ Golden Crown. —Under the management of Mr. T. Dunlop the working of this mine has proved remunerative to the shareholders, there having been two dividends declared, amounting to nearly £2,000. During the year 3,063 tons of quartz have been crushed, yielding 2,835 oz. 17 dwt. gold, valued at £7,892 16s. Bd. The quartz was principally taken from 170 feet, 100 feet, and surface levels. Eight hundred and ninety-two feet of cross-cutting has been opened up on the various levels, 615 feet of driving along the course of the reefs, 134 feet of rises put up, 216 feet of winzes sank, and about 750 fathoms of ground stoped. During the last six months the main surface tunnel is being carried in with the view of opening and testing a large area of ground that has not yet been prospected in the Cure section of the company's ground. This tunnel is how in 500 feet: in'^hat distance two reefs have been cut, which in the upper levels were known as Nos; -I and 2. It is intended soon to begin work on these, to prove their value at this level. There fs still 700 feet to drive to the Care section, where it is expected to cut several other reefs. This company are enabled to crush low-grade quartz, they having alongside their main shaft a fine twenty-stamper battery, driven by water-power. The latter power cheapens the crushing greatly, and the handling and carting the quartz by tipping direct from the mine