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Thames-Hauraki. —Operations in this mine were vigourously proceeded with during the greater part of the year, sixty-six men being employed. The principal work consisted of sinking the main shaft (which has attained a depth of 828 ft.—7B ft. having been sunk since my last annual report), but in the month of September a dispute arose between the May Queen Company and the ThamesHauraki Company over the contributions to be paid and the depth at which the water was to be kept down in the shaft by the latter company. Sinking was suspended and the water allowed to rise to the No. 10 level (150 ft. above the bottom of the shaft). Then another crisis arose in connection with the company's financial affairs in London, when the pumps were stopped and an application made to the Warden for six months' protection. This was granted. An arrangement was entered into between the Thames Drainage Board and the Thames-Hauraki Company, whereby the latter agreed to take over the old Big Pump and unwater the mines on the north end of the drainage area on certain conditions, and until the end of December. This arrangement was fulfilled and the pump again handed over to the Thames Drainage Board. The old pump was kept going sixteen hours a day, which was sufficient to keep the water down to the depth required. Karaka Creek. Karaka (Limited).— Work was carried on for some time, and consisted of the extension of the main cross cut from the Collarbone Creek in a north-easterly direction. This was driven a further distance of 150 ft. Seven men were employed. No returns. May Queen Extended. —This mine has been steadily worked. The shaft has been sunk to a depth of 150 ft., a crosscut driven 160 ft. from the shaft to intersect Hokianga reef, the reef driven on for a distance of 70 ft., and a rise put up on the reef to a height of 50 ft. The company's future operations will be directed in extending the drive on the reef at the 150 ft. level, and stoping out the reef as it is opened up. The shaft is sunk on the side of the creek, and is kept clear of water by a small plunger-pump, having a diameter of 4 in. and 12 in. stroke, running at the rate of sixteen strokes per minute. It is driven by a small water-wheel 8 ft. diameter and 14 in. breast, the water to drive the same being obtained from the creek. The stuff broken out of the drives, Ac, is raised to the surface by what is termed a " horse-whip." Eight men are employed. 23 loads of quartz was treated for 35 oz. of gold ; value, £98 14s. Claremont is a small holding, and consists of 1 acre. It is worked by the owner (G. Briant) with highly payable results, his attention being directed to working on small leaders, which, I am informed, junction with what is termed "flinties," where rich specimens are frequently obtained. 572 lb. of specimens were treated at his own crushing-machine for a return of 276 oz. of gold ; value, £745. Gloucester. —This mine was lately taken up by R. Martin, who is working the ground with a limited number of men. The operations consist in extending the low level to intersect the Greenstone reef. It has been worked to some extent in the upper levels, where it varies from 4 in. to 10 in. in thickness, from which I am informed good stone was obtained. Work is also being carried on at the No. 1 level on Cowling's leader with encouraging prospects. Gold is frequently seen in breaking out the quartz. 1 ton of quartz was treated for 1 oz. 14 dwt. of gold value, £4 18s. 7d. Eight men are employed. There has been some prospecting done in this locality in the Manchester and Summerhill Claims, but no important discoveries reported. Una Hill. Occidental Mine. —What is termed the North Star tunnel has been extended a distance of 230 ft., making a total length of I,Booft. In driving this tunnel four highly mineralised lodes have been cut through, varying from Ift. to 35 ft. thick—viz., the North Star, Hague Smith, Adelaide, and Duke ; also several small leaders. Most of them are still unprospected, having just been cut through in the tunnel. A portion of stone from the Hague Smith reef was saved (for about 14 ft. in width), from which assays were made showing a value of £1 15s. 9d. per ton. There has, so far, only been a limited amount of work done on this reef, although in the early days of this goldfield a good deal of payable crushing-dirt was taken out of the surface-levels. The intention of the company now is to drive on the Duke reef until it junctions with the Hague Smith reef, which will be driven through for the purpose of intersecting the Lord Nelson reef. Two men are employed on wages for the company, and four men tributing, who had 40 tons of ore treated for 31 oz. sdwt. of gold; value, £85 7s. Bd. Hape Creek. Fortuna Mine. —This holding had absolute protection in the early part of the period under review, pending a new scheme of development which was anticipated would be undertaken by the company. At the expiration of the period for which protection was granted the company were not prepared to go on with the work, and the surface portions of the mine were let on tribute. Ten men are engaged in tributing on the ground, and have crushed 17 loads of quartz for 14 oz. 9 dwt. of gold ; value, £39 19s. Bd. So far no important discovery has been reported. Ethel Reefs. —Operations, which consisted in prospecting and developing the various reefs that run through the property, were vigorously carried on in this mine up till nearly the end of the year. The principal work was driving, rising, and stoping on the Stevenson reef, which varies from 6 in. to 18 in. in thickness, and from which the greater portion of the ore treated was obtained. A good deal of development was also done on the Souvenir, Jupiter, and Prescott's lodes: but, as these are of a very patchy nature, and sufficient gold not being forthcoming to meet the working-expenses, all work that was being done on the company's account was suspended, and portions of the mine let on tribute. The company had thirty-three men employed, and 653 tons 4 cwt. of general ore and 539 lb. of specimens were treated for a return of 592 oz. 3 dwt. of gold ; value, £1,511 2s. 2d. 7—C. 5.