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Prospecting the quartz reefs partly exposed in the Maitai slates in the narrow belt lying to the north-west of the granites of Mount Graham, near Kanieri Lake, is being vigorously carried on by men who are assisted by a private company. Nothing of value has as yet been discovered, but as the supposed source of much of the gold found at the Kanieri and other places in the neighbourhood lies within the boundary of these slates, and from the geological features of the block, there is every prospect of their striking something valuable. In view of the attention of capitalists being so strongly directed to the New Zealand goldfields, it would be well if more parties were sent on the same hnes, so that when money is available for investment we may have something tangible to show and offer. The reefs that supplied the millions of ounces of gold won and to be won from our terraces, gullies, and sea-beaches have yet to be uncovered, but only by a careful and systematic examination of the auriferous rock-formations can such discovery be made. Ross. In ordinary mining, matters are much the same as they were a year ago. The Mont dOr still maintains its reputation as a good dividend-paying claim. The last clear up gave about 3870z. of gold. I understand the company's property is under offer to a party who propose to increase the capital and extend operations ; but nothing definite has been done so far. The Ross United is simply keeping things going in anticipation of a powerful company taking the matter in hand. The company are also in treaty with the Government about the £10,000 subsidy promised. No better speculative investment is to be had on the Coast, and if properly handled, and the capital spent in developing the mine, then shareholders might reasonably hope to receive a long-looked-for dividend. The late stir in quartz-mining in the Auckland Province, and in Reefton, has had its effects here, quite a large number of special claims having been applied for in the Cedar Creek Block. Some very rich stone, said to be from a fine free reef, was found a short time ago, and has since been tested by Professor Guy, at the Christchurch University, giving phenomenal results—viz., 89oz. gold to the ton (at the rate of). Considerable excitement was caused on the return becoming known, and no doubt more will be heard of it. Mr. Zala has at last got a small battery to work on stone from his reef at Forum Creek ; result not yet known; but if pluck and perseverance deserve success Mr. Zala is the" man entitled to it. No doubt, with so much attention being directed to quartz-reefing, other discoveries will in due course be made. Mount Rangitoto is said to be under offer to an English company. With such a body of mineral, assaying as it does, we may reasonably hope to see this mine at work at an early date. Okarito and Jackson's Bay. Nothing new to report from either of the above districts. The exceptionally wet weather experienced has hindered settlement operations, but has been of benefit to the alluvial miners. Means of communication is the great drawback to this district. There is a vast and almost virgin field waiting the arrival of the energetic prospector, and no doubt South Westland will yet be heard of in the mining world. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary for Mines, Wellington. D. Macfarlane, Warden.

No. 9. Mr. Warden Keddell to the Under-Secretary for Mines, Wellington. Si B) — • Warden's Office, Oamaru, 6th June, 1896. I have the honour to report that the mining industry in the Maerewhenua sub-district has progressed satisfactorily during the past year, though there have been no new discoveries, and no notable events to chronicle. On the west side, the water-supply has been usually abundant this year, but on the Livingstone side, owing to breakages and other causes, the returns have not been so good. The Mosquito water-race has changed into more energetic hands ; it has been enlarged and strengthened at considerable expense, and miners are hopeful of a continuous and larger supply. The new proprietor has applied for a special claim of 30 acres, to be worked by hydraulic sluicing, and this application, at present unopposed, will if granted give employment to several men. The Mountain Hut Race is still persevered with, and its proprietors hope in a few months to satisfy the demands of the Government Engineer as to supply and capacity. All the available land near the Township of Livingstone has been taken up as occupation leases, and land for residence areas is at a premium. I anticipate with the increased water-supply a more successful season in the coming year. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary for Mines, Wellington. Jackson Keddell, Warden.

No. 10. Mr. Warden Hawkins to the Under-Secretary for Mines, Wellington. g IE Warden's Office, Lawrence, May, 1896. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual statistics of the mining industry in the Tuapeka district for the year ending the 31st March, 1896, and the following report of the various centres, for your information : — The year just closed is remarkable for the extreme severity of its winter, which has surpassed the record for very many years. In consequence, mining was considerably retarded during a 3—C. 3a.