0.—6

10

myself with its operations. I was informed by one of the proprietors that the washingup was performed twice a week, yielding an average of about 30oz. each time, or equal to 60oz. per week. I saw some of the gold, which was bright and pure, and inclined to coarseness. But here there is much need of improved gold-saving appliances, as much of the fine gold is lost through the heaviness of the black sand brought up with the washdirt and manipulated with it. This dredging company have two miles of the river frontage included in their lease ; and, considering that the width of the river averages, at this locality, about five chains, I came to the conclusion that the area of river-bed granted to one company was too great, and approached monopoly. I consequently communicated to the Warden of the district my opinion that one-fourth of the area would be a fairer allotment to grant in the first instance to similar dredging companies. This extent of riverbed water may perhaps be thought too small by some honourable members ; but I feel convinced that one mile ought to be the maximum in any case. The dredge referred to is anchored in the centre of the stream, and, during the months she has been at work, the proprietors have found it unnecessary to alter her position very much. Roxburgh. —l crossed the river at Alexandra and went in the direction of Roxburgh, stopping on my way to visit a reef that is being worked at a high elevation on the Old Man Range, the proprietors of which seemed satisfied with their prospects, although they had no crushing machinery as yet on the ground. I then went on to Roxburgh, where I put up for the night. In the morning I crossed the Molyneux or Clutha to inspect the mining operations being carried on opposite to Roxburgh by hydraulic sluicing in the dry portions of the bed of the river; and, to give an idea of the advantage of having plenty of water-power for this purpose, one party showed me three small specks of gold, and informed me that such a prospect to every small truck of washdirt, with plenty of water at their disposal, meant a result equal to £10 per man per week. It must therefore be evident that, even in ground moderately auriferous, it becomes only a question of ample water-supply to enable a quantity of washdirt to be made use of within a given time to recompense the miner handsomely for his labour. I proceeded on my way to Lawrence, and while passing down the river I noticed, in the vicinity of Roxburgh, towards Miller's Mat, at different localities, some half-dozen water-wheel dredges, all of which, I was informed, were doing well. Tuapeka. —l remained two nights and nearly two days at Lawrence; one of the latter I occupied by going across the hills to Waipori, a distance of about eighteen miles, and was accompanied by Mr. J. C. Brown, M.H.R. The diggings of Waipori are among the oldest of the Otago fields, and during their earlier history could boast of a large and prosperous population, but now the active workings are few, and the community small. There, too, a satisfactory revival would take place with a plentiful water-supply and some judicious aid to enable the miners to thoroughly test deep-sinking at a low level. Judging by the natural contour and appearance of the country, compared with similar configurations that I have seen in Australia and America, there are good reasons to anticipate excellent results from deep sinking. I returned to Lawrence, and next morning I inspected the Wetherstone's Flat workings and deep-sinking shaft. The latter, under the management of the Tuapeka Prospecting Association, has been sunk 275ft., with a drive of 214ft. The promoters are hopeful of their prospects, but require further moderate aid in assisting a greater development of the mine. Some very extensive mining operations in this locality are being successfully carried on by the honourable member for Tuapeka and others. I then inspected the Lawrence Drain or Sludgechannel, which seemed to be doing good work, and towards which £2,000 were voted by the House. I also visited Gabriel's Gully, Blue Spur, and the principal mining works in that locality. At no part of my tour of inspection have I seen more interesting and practically scientific hydraulic workings than those in full operation at Gabriel's Gully. To thoroughly understand them they must be seen. To see them is to appreciate the practical skill and enterprise of a mining community.