a—6

16

—making a total value, at the end of the financial year, of mineral exports of £41,882,094 And this is only a tithe of our mineral wealth —for all practical purposes a mere sample of what in the future may be done. We should keep before us the fact that the industrial aspect of a district may be entirely changed by the discovery of a new ore, and lessening the cost of producing any valuable mineral by a small figure per ton may increase its application in manifold ways. Our *coal product is steadily increasing. The output for the whole colony during last year was 480,831 tons, showing an increase over the previous year of 59,067 tons. The quantity exported for the same period was 6,354 tons, as against 7,172 tons for 1883-84; while the quantity imported was 148,441 tons, as against 123,540 tons the previous year, showing an increase during 1884-85 of coal imported of 2i,90i tons. The total output of the coal-mines of the colony, up to 31st December last, amounts to 3,005,120 tons. As set forth by my honourable colleagues during last session, a portion of the policy they intended to follow was to give special attention to the mining industry, with the view of assisting its development more thoroughly; and I apprehend that the wisdom of such a course does not require further demonstration from me, for at the present juncture the question is of greater moment, when we find that our pastoral and agricultural products are barely holding their own in the markets of the world. It is somewhat difficult to lay down a hard-and-fast or general rule for the development and promotion of the mining industry. Each case must be dealt with on its merits and circumstances. What may suit in one locality and with one branch of the industry, may be unsuitable and inapplicable to others. I have already briefly indicated the general lines on which it is proposed to assist, and I will now summarize them, viz.:— The collection and diffusion of information regarding the mineral resources of the colony. Systematic and scientific instruction in geology and mineralogy amongst those who are best able to make practical use of the knowledge imparted to them, so that the miner may be ever on the alert to allow no substance to escape his practical eye, and no indication of an ore to be carelessly thrown aside without proper examination. Encouragement and assistance to prospecting both above and below the surface. Aid to Local Bodies to enable them to open up communication through mineral districts by roads and tracks. Aid to water-supply and gold-saving apparatus. By these and kindred means the Government believe that the mining industry will be" fostered and made prosperous, while the comfort and well-being of a large and enterprising section of the connnunity will be promoted, and the material advancement of the colony strengthened. In view of the proposed abolition of the gold duty, and the possible levying of a royalty in lieu thereof by any county, I append an approximate return showing the gold duty and goldficlds revenue collected and paid to counties, also the number "of miners employed in each mining district within the several counties, during the last financial year. In conclusion, I desire to refer honourable members to the several official reports and schedules that will be laid before the House bearing on the whole subject, and notably to Professor Black's valuable communications in reference to the lectures he has already delivered, and arrangements he has suggested for the future with the view of establishing local schools of mines and instruction to the miners at various centres. Also to the Inspecting Engineer's Report on his visit to many of the principal mines of Australia, he having been sent there by my predecessor in office. A vote has been placed on the estimates to enable the Government to carry out the recommendations of Professor Black. I commend the whole to the favourable consideration of honourable gentlemen.