51

a—3a.

having a succession of poor washings were supplied with water to the value of £656 7s. 2d. by way of assistance. In all cases full inquiry was made for ascertaining the value of gold obtained during the previous six months. The total value of water supplied from the race during the year was £8,054 18s. 9d., exclusive of water for flushing the channels (thirty-three sluice-heads daily), water for fire purposes, leakage, and waste. In the months of June, July, and August, there was no water for the channels, and very little for private parties for fifty-two working-days, in consequence of long continued dry weather and severe frosts. For sixty-five working-days during the year there was no water for the channels, and the miners observed twenty-three holidays, making a total of eighty-eight working-days, or fourteen weeks and two-thirds, when the sale of water was only nominal. It may be fairly reckoned that the water supplied was only for three-fourths of the year, and the other fourth was lost from the above causes. The above quantities are exclusive of a daily supply of fully thirty-three sluice-heads as flushing-water for the channels, water-supply for fire purposes, and a fair allowance for measuring out to the various parties, leakage, waste, &c. From Christmas to the 31st March the demand for water considerably decreased, which is accounted for by some of the claims having suspended work since that date—viz., Morris and party, Trickey and party, Mcllveney and party, Corrigan and party, Hansen and party, Gibbons and party; but three of those parties will again resume work at an early date. Three claims have been worked out during the year, and three new claims have been started. The supply of water is now, and has been for months past, greatly in excess of the demand. The head-race tunnel having been widened to carry 125 sluice-heads, at least one-third to one-half more water could be supplied than has recently been sold if there was demand for it. I have, &c. Alexander Aitken, Manager, Water-races. The Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington.

No. 20. The Chairman, Mount Ida Water-race Trust, to the Hon. the Minister of Mines. Sir, — Office of Mount Ida Water-race Trust, Naseby, 25th June, 1892. I have the honour, in accordance with the provisions of section 25 of " The Mount Ida Water-race Trust Act, 1878," to forward the annual report and balance-sheet for the year ended on the 31st December, 1891. The phenomenal drought which prevailed for the last three years fortunately broke up last spring, and a good supply of water has since come in and been sold. In the early part of the year, although a good quantity of rain fell, the quantity of water delivered was small—the parched nature of the country absorbing the greater bulk of the moisture. The winter months were exceptionally severe, the sales of water in June, July, and August being particularly meagre. After the break-up of the frost a steady stream of water was delivered, which continued to the close of the year. The water-sales for the year amounted to £1,023 15s. 7d.; cash received, £922 7s. Bd.; expenditure, £1,110 13s. Bd. The value of the gold obtained through the medium of the watersupply is estimated at £10,202 10s. or 2,6500z. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Mines, Wellington. Wμ. Guffie, Chairman.

Balance-sheet of the Mount Ida Water-race Trust for the Year ended 31st December, 1891 Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. To Amount received on account of water- By Balance, Ist January, 1891 .. .. 83 12 11 sales .. .. .. .. 922 7 8 Maintenance of head-race .. .. 351 0 0 Extra labour .. .. .. 51 13 G Unpaid cheques .. 279 3 2 Cleaning head-race and extension .. 301 17 0 Balance at bank, 31st De- Maintenance of channel .. .. 78 12 0 cember, 1891 .. 7 -t 3 Timber, carpenters' and blacksmiths' 271 18 11 work, and sundry expenses .. .. 67 13 4 General management .. .. 234 0 0 Printing and stationery .. .. 819 6 Clerk's salary .. .. .. 15 0 0 Petty cash .. .. .. .. 118 4 £1,194 G 7 £1,194 6 7 Statement of Water-sales. £ s. d. & s. a. To Amount owing for water, 31st Dec, 1890 1,548 10 10 By Cashjreceived for water during 1891 .. 922 7 8 Water sold during year 1891 .. 1,057 19 11 Owing for water 31st December, 1891 .. 1,684 3 1 £2,606 10 9 £2,606 10 9 CtTT'F v F , T"F 1 N. P. Hjorring, Members ° { the Mount Ida James Mitchell, f Water-race Trust,