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different parts of the same intersection of the lode. Highly mineralised stone was only seen at one place on the western slope of the hill, and apparently away from the main outcrop on this side of the hill. The stone generally resembles that of the Waihi Mine, Waihi, and, like it, is undoubtedly due to hydrothermal agencies, but, as on Martha Hill so here, there is no evidence of sinter deposited at the surface. This, if it ever existed, has been removed by denudation, and only the channels filled with quartz, by way of which such reached the surface, together with the highly decomposed surrounding country, testify to the nature of the action by which the ore-bodies were formed. The curly, twisted, agate-like quartz of the higher levels of the Waihi Mine does not appear abundant on the Te Puke field ; and this, on consideration, seems to be the main difference in a mere comparison of the quartz. As regards the amount of gold present in the stone, the analysis made by the owners is the only source of information. A large number of samples would be required to determine the average yield per ton, and the time at my disposal did not suffice for the making of such a collection of specimens. The return of samples tested seem to indicate that in different parts the in value, but is scarcely ever wanting in gold; and it is confidently expected that larger parcels, when treated, will prove the paying character of the ore. On the Sisters Claim there has not been sufficient work done to prove the size of the lode or the value of the ore, but the indications clearly pointed to the presence of a lode of at least moderate size, and a sample analysed, taken from a lode cut in one of the drives, is reported to us as having afforded what may be considered an excellent" return. This, however, does not seem to have been verified by the obtaining and testing of further samples. I was shown a sample of alluvial gold which was obtained on the slope of the range north of the Sisters Claim. This was in the possession of Mr. Griffiths, of Tauranga. It consisted of a few pieces of coarse nuggety gold, of apparently considerably greater purity than the reef gold of the neighbourhood ; and, from the position pointed out as that from whence it came, it would appear that it cannot be referred to any alluvial deposit covering the low grounds and belonging to the recent period, or from a modern wash in the bed of a mountain creek. It is said to come from a bed of pipeclay exposed in the spur of the range about two miles north of Fleming's Hill, and future examination will be required to determine the true nature of the deposit in which the gold is found." Machineby. Mr. John Chambers, of Auckland, who supplies most of the mining machinery, has afforded the following information, and also gives a list of plants erected by his firm during the year : — Mining machinery : The demand for the year ending the 31st March shows a falling-off from previous year, caused by the stoppage of nearly all the local companies, the mines now being worked energetically being supplied with funds from foreign sources. We have supplied a good many of the mines with the Tangye steam-pumps ; in fact, nearly all the mines are now using them, sometimes for all purposes, but in others as auxiliary. This department has done well. Centrifugal pumps : There has been a good demand for these; for instance, we sold twelve 8 in., ten 10 in., and three 12 in., besides other sizes ; these were mostly for Otago dredging ; we have now many on order. Winding-engines: We supplied the Thames-Hauraki with a fine pair of direct-acting, cylinders 14Jin. by 28 in. stroke, with indicators to indicate position of cage in shaft. We have also sold to the Kauri Freehold Gold Estates (Limited), Maiden Mine, Opitonui, a substantial winding and pumping plant, consisting of a pair of Tangye's 10 in. by 20 in. windingengines, geared forward, with a steam-pump to throw 10,000 gallons per hour, a 25-horse-power Tangye's Cornish boiler, pit-head poppets, and other gear. Jubilee Gold-mining Company : This company has put down a small winding and pumping plant, two Tangye's colonial boilers, &c Fortuna Gold-mining Company, Thames : A small temporary winding plant, consisting of hauling-engine, with a pair of 5 in. cylinders, Tangye's vertical special pump, and colonial tubular boiler. Waitekauri Union Mine, Nebraska Section : One Tangye's coupled geared winding-engine, with pair of 6 in. by 12 in. cylinders, 10-horse-power colonial tubular boiler and steam-pump complete. Hauraki Main Lodes, Coromandel: One pair of Tangye's winding-engines, geared forward, with cylinders 10 in. diameter by 20 in. stroke, 5 ft. drums, 25-horse-power boiler, pump, &c, complete. Hauraki South, Coromandel : Small pumping and winding plant. Electric-light installations: The following batteries have been fitted up during the year:—~ Waihi Gold-mining Company's Waikino battery, Waikino ; Moanataiari Gold-mining Company's works, Thames ; Woodstock Gold-mining Company, Karangahake; Talisman Gold-mining Company, Karangahake; Crown Gold-mining Company (Limited), battery and mine; and Komata Reefs battery, Komata.