C.—4a

10

8. Oriental Quartz-mine. —Not at work. 9. Welcome Quartz-mine. —I was at this mine on the 21st August, but was unable to descend into the workings, as the main shaft of the engine had broken a few days previously, and the air-compressors could not be worked ; consequently, the air in the levels was unfit for respiration. It appears by the papers that work has just been resumed. 10. Fiery Cross Extended Quartz-mine. —20th August, 1885.—At this date no stoping was going on, but from the 450-feet level two winzes were being sunk, one of which was 123ft. deep, and the other, which carried stone nearly all the way down, 133ft. The latter was imperfectly ventilated by a fan, driven by hand-power. Dynamite was taken down in 5-pound packages. Special Rules were exhibited, but no General Rules. The manager, who had been appointed since Mr. Gordon's visit, had no copy of the Act. It was proposed to wind from the winzes with a single rope, carried on pulleys from the main drum, a distance of 1,250ft. Signals were fixed for ringing up and down the shaft; also a wire for the new winding-gear. Cage-covers not used. 11. Hopeful Extended Quartz-mine. —21st August, 1885.—The mine mentioned by Mr. Gordon is closed; and at this date a tribute-party (Hoare and Co.) of six men were working on a block of surface-stone. 12. Eureka Extended Quartz-mine. —On the 21st August, 1885,1 was at this mine, but did not descend, as there was nobody at work below-ground. Only three men altogether were employed, and very shortly after the works were closed. No report was kept, nor were any Special Rules exhibited. Dynamite was taken down in 5-pound packages. It is a matter for great regret that the perseverance and enterprise displayed by this company in going on so far with a well-executed and substantial piece of work should be so ill rewarded. They have driven 2,400ft. in search of the reef without finding it. A revival of mining in the locality would enable them to proceed further. 13. Just in Time Quartz-mine. —21st August, 1885.—The manager who had charge of this mine at Mr. Gordon's visit was still there at the above date. There was no stoping going on. A cross-cut 500ft. in length cut the line of reef; but it was necessary to drive 600ft. to the north, and then a thin block only was found. The air-pipes were out of repair. Dynamite was taken down in 5-pound packp»ges. Timbering moderately good. Special Rules were exhibited and distributed ; but not the General Rules. No weekly report was kept; the pit-mouth was unfenced; there was no signal down the shaft; the cages were uncovered ; there was no plan at. the mine, nor any indicator on the engine. A communication has been formed with the Reform Quartz-mine (late Imperial). The detaching-hooks have been taken off, and were lying rusting on the flat-sheets. The manager acknowledged that Mr. Gordon had told him to keep to the Act, which he appears to have disregarded with considerable completeness. Six men were employed below, and two above. 14. Reform (late Imperial) Quartz-mine. —21st August, 1885. —This mine is under the same management as No. 13. Rules were not distributed, nor were the General Rules posted up. No report was kept. Vortical ladders were used in the old Imperial shaft; but very shortly after my visit (it was expected) the main shaft would be used as a means of egress from and ingress to these workings. 15. Caledonian Quartz-mine. —Not at work. 16. United Alpine Quartz-mine. —Ist September, 1885. —This mine was in very good order ; the ventilation, which was faulty at the time of Mr. Gordon's visit, being excellent; the timbering also is good. This was one of the few mines in which I found any care exercised with regard to the use of explosives. Dynamite was taken below-ground in proper warming-cans, containing 51b. (which is too much;, and detonators were kept in a securely-locked wooden box. Stoping was carried on above No. 6 level to a height of 65ft. The six tributers mentioned by Mr. Gordon, between Nos. 4 and 5 levels, are not at work. A good changing-house for the miners is near the entrance to the drive. Special Rules were said to have been posted up, but had disappeared. A working-plan, made up from time to time by the manager, was at the mine. The battery is now driven by a 5-feet Pelton turbine, with a 50-feet fall. Forty-five men are employed below, and four above. 17. United Victory Quartz-mine. —Not at work. 18. Phoenix Quartz-mine. —Not at work. 19. Inglewood Extended Quartz-mine.- —18th August, 1885. —A shaft has been sunk 120ft. from the level mentioned by Mr. Gordon, and at 100ft. from the top of this shaft a cross-cut has been driven 40ft. to cut the reefs, of which there are two, separated by about 4fc. The ladder-way is well constructed, but inconveniently small. The ladders are sloped, and fitted with platforms. Dynamite was taken down in properly-constructed tins. No plan was kept at the mine. It was intended to continue the present shaft to the surface (128ft.), and put down a windingengine to raise the quartz to the level, whence it will be taken to the battery. There was no plan at the mine. 20. Inkermann Quartz-mine. —19th August, 1885.—There are three levels at this mine, Nos. 1, 2, and 3, having 100ft. between each, and being all connected below-ground. In the No. 1, or top level, miners were engaged in the somewhat dangerous operation of removing a block of fallen stone; but due care seemed to be exercised. Below No. 2 Level twelve men were engaged stoping in a reef 12ft. to 30ft. wide; but filling-in was well kept up, and the place