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to have a few amendments made in the Mining Companies Act. These amendments have been passed by the Legislature. It is proposed to ask the House to renew the vote of last session, and thus give effect to the legislation passed last year in regard to prospecting deep levels, construction of water-races and storage-reservoirs, and prospecting, as well as for compensation arising from the proclamation of streams as watercourses into which tailings from mining claims may be discharged. A considerable amount will be required this year to meet engagements already entered into. CONCLUSION. In concluding my remarks on the mining industry, I would state that the more I see of New Zealand, and the more conversant I become with the extensive mining operations carried on in different parts of the colony, the more I am impressed with the large asset the colony has in its mineral wealth, and the necessity of granting some assistance towards its development. The construction of roads and tracks will have to be proceeded with for many years to come, in order that the back country may be properly opened up. Encouragement will have to be given to capitalists to unite with the individual miner, so that both may combine in developing the mineral resources of the country, each receiving a fair share of the profits. Prospecting will have to be carried on more extensively in the future, and funds must be provided for granting assistance towards this object. Much of the land where mining is carried on is unsuitable for agriculture; but, nevertheless, the land is none the less valuable, as it is capable of supporting a large population, and of finding an outlet for surplus labour.