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Buller River, into which Bradshaw's Creek flows, and which might, if largely increased, cause damage to the Westport Harbour. I would therefore suggest that the question of constructing this tail-race should be the subject of inquiry at an early date, with the view of stopping further litigation, and to encourage mining enterprise in an important auriferous district. With regard to the other well-known claims in the Addison's district, I have nothing special to report, excepting that the Shamrock Gold-mining Company has been to considerable expense in opening up fresh ground and removing the washing plant to a more advantageous position. Waimangaeoa. The Great Bepublie Gold-mine. —This mine, which was opened up some time in 1882, when some very good results were obtained, but as these results did not continue, and the available capital was very limited, the works were stopped, has now been taken up by Williams and party, who have been prospecting the higher ground of the claim by trenching, and believe they have discovered what they suppose to be the track of the main reef, and negotiations are now proceeding for the erection of an aerial tramway, and for putting the battery left by the original company into working order. When this is accomplished crushing will be at once proceeded with, as a considerable amount of stone, which it is believed will prove payable, is now ready for crushing. The Britannia Gold-mining Company (Limited). —The claim held by this company adjoins the Great Bepublie Company's claim on the south. Prospecting has been carried on for about nine months, and what has every appearance of a solid reef has been discovered. A tunnel has been driven along the reef 4ft. wide for a distance of 50ft., and at the end of the drive there appears to be a strong body of stone. Gold is visible in the quartz, and gives a good prospect when crushed. Westport Prospecting Association. —Prospecting has been discontinued for want of funds, and there is no probability of work being resumed. Mokihinui. The Swanston Gold-mining Company. —About £3,000 have been expended on the property held by this company in opening up the mine by adit-level, erecting a ten-head battery, and bringing in water. The yield of gold averaged 25dwt., which is very encouraging. At present work has been discontinued, pending enlargement of the company and capital. The Bed Queen Company. —This company has been prospecting their ground for some three months, with the view to proving the reef. About 4 chains of payable stone have been exposed by trenching. It is from lOin. to Ift. wide, and is estimated to be rich. Cascade Creek. Button and Party. —This party, after nearly four years' work, have suspended operations, and applied for protection. They were trying to bottom the creek where they hoped to find good gold. Owing to the want of funds, and the difficulty of getting provisions on to the claim, operations have been discontinued for the winter months. This party applied for a subsidy, and were refused, for reasons of which I have not been informed. lam of opinion that prospecting in this district should be encouraged, as if the creek should prove payable there would be room for a large number of men, as the creek would be worked for a distance of three or four miles, and the tributaries for about the same distance. Foster and Party. —This party hold ground immediately above Button and party's claim. They endeavoured to bottom by means of a shaft, but with their appliances there was too much water to cope with, and they were compelled to give up the attempt. Charleston. Brown s Terrace.— -There is now some prospect of the cement on this terrace being tested. Wilson and party have acquired a special claim of 68 acres, and have arranged to bring in water from O'Donnell's Bace at Croninville. They are now engaged in surveying the lines for head- and tail-races for construction. A good area of cement is known to exist on the ground, and it is hoped that the success that has attended the cement workings at Addison's will extend to Brown's Terrace, as the cement is apparently of similar character. Lyell. The United Alpine Company. —This claim has been steadily worked during the year, but the yield of gold has not been very great. 1,958 tons of stone were crushed, which yielded 6940z. of gold. Six men are employed in No. 4 tunnel to cut a reef 4ft. wide, which shows good gold, and which was discovered in No. 1 tunnel in December, 1895. Six contractors are extending No. 9 level for the purpose of striking the reef known as the " North Block." The future prospects of this mine are considered encouraging. The Lyell Creek Extended Company .—This company's claim adjoins the United Alpine ground, but the stone obtained hitherto has not been payable. There were three crushings during the year, viz. : 322 tons, which yielded 20oz. of gold ; 95 tons, which yielded 7£oz. of gold ; and 82 tons, which yielded 15oz. of gold. Six men are now employed in sinking on the reef, which is 12ft. wide, and showing more gold than the stone recently crushed giving the above-mentioned results. The United Italy Company. —The six tributers who had been employed in driving a tunnel 600 ft. (referred to in my last report) succeeded in striking the leader they left under foot in 1894. The leader is 4in. wide, and shows good gold. They are now employed in getting out stone, and have about 20 tons to grass, and in about a fortnight's time they intend to crush 40 tons, which they expect to yield lOoz. to the ton, and I hope their expectations may be realised. The Tyrconnel Mine.— This mine is held by a party of three, who are the lessees. There are seven men employed. During the year they crushed 34 tons of quartz, which yielded Boz. of gold to the ton. They are now employed in getting stone from a rich leader, 4in. wide, which they believe will give lOoz. of gold to the ton.