C.-2

15

CINNABAE. Some prospecting work has been carried on on a lode containing cinnabar which had been discovered at Mangakirikiri, in the Thames District, but no appreciable quantity has yet been recovered. THE MINING BUEEAU. The publication of " The New Zealand Mines Record " has been continued since August, 1897, by the Secretary of the Mining Bureau. A great deal of valuable information, more particularly with regard to improved mining processes and machinery, is collected both inside and outside the colony, the publication of which in the " Becord " should tend to the advantage of the mining industry, and give investors a better idea of the varied mineral resources of New Zealand. CONCLUSION. It is satisfactory to state that the mining industry continues on a sound basis. There has been an increased gold production, and capital is being judiciously expended in the development of mines, erection of new machinery, construction of dams and water-races, and especially in the building of new dredges. _ Towards the further development and the extension of the industry it is imperative to continue the construction of roads and tracks, water-conservation, and aid to deep-level prospecting, and substantial votes for these purposes are necessary. That mining in this colony has entered upon a new era of prosperity, I have little doubt, for the latest records of gold and coal production afford a clear indication of the continued progress and the more stable basis on which the industry now rests, but I would again direct attention to the injury done to legitimate mining by rash speculation. *>

No. 1. Table showing the Comparison in Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Exportation, and also the Quantity and Value of other Minerals produced, for the Years ending the 31st December, 1897 and 1898, as well as the Total Value since January, 1853.

For Year ending the 31st December, 1897. For Year ending the 31st December, 1898. Total from the 1st January, 1853, to the 31st December, 1898. Name of Metal or Mineral. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. 'recious metals — Gold .. Silver .. Oz. 251,645 183,892 £ 980,204 20,872 Oz. 280,175 293,851 £ 1,080,691 33,107 Oz. 13,845,727 1,379,013 £ 54,453,325 235,831 Total gold and silver 435,537 1,001,076 574,026 1,113,798 15,224,740 54,689,156 lineral produce, including kauri-gum— Copper-ore Chrome-ore Antimony-ore Manganese-ore Haematite-ore Mixed minerals Coal exported Coke exported Coal, output of mines in colony Kauri-gum .. ~ Tons. "l0 180 l^561 76,073 £ 2 157 1 541 5,892 69,595 Tons. 2J 217 1,828 56,332 9 850,701 9,905 £ 70 "703 4,792 50,381 14 425,350 586,767 Tons. 1,396 J 5,666 3,610 18,502 J 52J 17,702 1,031,331 16,352 11,452,315 200,475 £ 17,938 37,367 52,361 59,237 226 83,574 1,008,622 24,795 5,726,157 9,099,619 6,641 382,320 398,010 Total quantity and value of minerals Value of gold and silver, as above 849,105 856,517 1,001,076 918,9943: 1,068,077 1,113,798 12,747,402| 16,078,338 54,689,156 Total value of minerals produced, including gold and silver 1,857,593 2,181,875 70,767,494