o.—B

22

3085/1, (Thames District.—Gold, 6 dwt. 7gr. per ton; silver, 18oz. sdwt. 11 gr. per ton;value, £3 Is. 9d. per ton, approximately. Copper, nil; lead, trace ; iron, I*3l per cent. ; sulphur, 1-86 per cent; tellurium, nil. 3088/1. —An island near Dpolu was the source of this specimen, which turned out to be metallic zinc. It was stated to occur in this island in volcanic rocks, but it is very doubtful if it is of natural occurrence. 3106/1, from the borehole, Kuranui Caledonia Gold-mining Company, Thames: quartz stringers and country from between 1,000 ft. and 1,100 ft. depth.—Assayed 7 gr. gold per ton, 6dwt. 17 gr. silver per ton; value, Is. 9d. per ton. This sample was not a core from a reef, but from mere stringers of quartz. It indicates the presence of gold at that depth, and being such a small sample cannot be considered as a proper indication of the value of the quartz. 3116/1, Manganese-ore for analysis.-—Total manganese, 575 per cent.; manganese as manga-nese-dioxide, 39 3 per cent., equal to 62-2 per cent, manganese-dioxide. It is the manganese existing as the dioxide which is available for the making of chlorine and for other uses. 3119/1, from the borehole, as 3106/1. —Of the same description as 3106/1. Assayed, gold, 2 dwt. 19 gr. per ton ; silver, 2 dwt. 5 gr. per ton : value, 11s. 4d. per ton. 3123/1, Waiomo district.—Gold, 6oz. 11 dwt. 2 gr. per ton; silver, 86 oz. 2 dwt. 18 gr. per ton : value, approximately, £34 16s. 7d. per ton. Museum. This is very well stocked with minerals, rocks, and mining exhibits. Several valuable specimens have been added to it during the year. It is open every Thursday afternoon from 2to 4 ; and at all reasonable times will be thrown open for visitors to the district. Governing Body. At the annual general meeting of subscribers held at the school at 8 p.m. on the 16th February, 1904, the following officers were elected : President, Mr. Matthew Paul; Vice-presi-dent, Mr. W. Baker; Treasurer, Mr. E. F. Adams; Members of Council—Messrs. G. S. Clark, George Comer, John Ensoll, H. D. Haszard, Henry Lowe, and E. F. Murphy. Mr. Albert Bruce is permanent honorary secretary. I have much pleasure in thanking the Council for their cordial support during the year, and the assistance they have given me in furthering the interests of the school. Staff. There have been no changes in the staff during the year, but Mr. E. G. Wright, temporary electrical instructor, has been appointed instructor for both the Waihi and Thames Schools, and will devote half his time to each during 1904. The staff, consisting of Mr. A. H. V. Morgan, M.A., assistant lecturer ; Mr. E. G. Wright, instructor in electricity ; Mr. T. J. Mountain, licensed surveyor, drawing-master, have all performed their duties in a very efficient manner, and I wish to express my thanks and appreciation of this and of their zeal. As usual, students have been taken trips by myself down mines, also on visits of inspection to batteries and pumping and winding plants in the district. COEOMANDEL SCHOOL OP MINES. Mr. D. V. Allen, A.0.5.M., Director. The annual report is as follows : — The annual meeting of the Coromandel School of Mines was held in the lecture-hall, on Friday evening, the 12th February, 1904. There was a very fair attendance, T. W. Ehodes, Esq., J. P., presiding. Report of the Council. The Council submitted the following report upon the past year's work: — During the past year the efficiency of the school has been increased generally, and results compare favourably with previous years. The curriculum embraces all the subjects specified by the Mines Department as essential for the several examinations in scientific mining, and the institution is replete with all necessary apparatus and appliances for instruction in the several branches. The results of both the school and the mine-managers' and battery-superintendents' examinations are very gratifying, and are proof of aptitude, attention, and regularity of attendance on the part of the students. During the year, the Council have, with the assistance of the Mines Department, been enabled to erect a grinding and facing plant, which is very advantageous in the classification of geological specimens ; the plant is enclosed in a separate building, the necessary power being provided by a Pelton-wheel, connected with the county water-supply. An additional mineralcase has been affixed in the lecture-hall; the drainage scheme has been completed and sundry additions have been made. The Visiting Committee's monthly reports have remarked favourably upon the working of the school and the deportment of the students. Instruction in electricity and magnetism has been commenced this session, and the students are showing a keen interest in the subjects; the Council interviewed the Minister of Mines, and he agreed to assist in providing the apparatus, thus enabling the class to be started with the necessary equipment. During the year it will be necessary to replenish the stock of chemicals and other materials, so essential in carrying out the full course of instruction, which will entail considerable outlay; in this connection, the Council desire to urge upon the public the expediency of according a larger measure of financial and moral support to the institution. The public battery has had a record year, thirty-seven parcels of ore having been treated during the twelve months, being an increase of fifteen upon the preceding period. The Council, with a view to increasing the usefulness of