C.—B

In the Upper Blackball and Healey's districts mining on the whole has been more profitable, owing largely to the favourable wet season. Upper Blackball Creek and its tributaries find employment for nine, and Healey's Gully, eighteen, miners. Bell Hill Sluicing Company continue operations with four men, who produced 197 oz. 6 dwt. of gold, valued at £771 16s. The Great Republic subsidised water-race is well maintained, and the working-face is kept in a safe and satisfactory condition. Nine men employed. New development is practically nil. Case, Hindman, and Hay's parties, who maintain their water-supplies from the subsidised race, are doing very well. Roaring Meg. —The progress of development is much retarded by the heavy character of the deposits, otherwise the fine alluvial drift is very profitable. Maori Gully. Saunder and party (four men) have acquired a lease of 20 acres, with, rights to lift ten heads of water from New Creek, and a drainage-area extending over one mile of the race. The race, when constructed, will comprise five miles and a half of open ditching, half a mile of tunnelling, divided into eight separate drivings (the longest of which will not exceed 1,000 ft.), and 20 chains of siphon. Already a quarter of a mile of race is cut, and as the survey is now completed the work will be more vigorously pushed. In the opinion of the old resident miners the prospect is considered a profitable venture, and on the completion of the works will open up a new era in the locality. Barrytown Waiwhero Sluicing and Dredging Company's Claim. —This property, situated about four miles north of Barrytown, was recently purchased by Mr. A. McKay, of Greymouth, who has since effected extensive developments. The constructed line of water-race is seven miles in length by 4 ft. wide and 3 ft. deep, through which a constant supply of thirty heads is discharged at the penstock. Leading from the penstock, the water for distribution is conveyed by an 18-in.-diameter pipe-line three miles and a half in length under a head pressure of 650 ft. The auriferous deposits are a beach-formation of sand 70 ft. in depth, which is treated over a set of gold-saving tables covering a superficial area of 2,544 ft, the system of saving being considered very efficient. Owing to a landslip from the hillside carrying away about 80 ft. of fluming, sluicing was at a standstill when the claim was visited. Barrytown Sluicing Works (Owner, A. McKay, Greymouth). —Regarding the development of the Barrytown and Mawhera sluicing properties, efficiency in gold-saving and general operations maintain a favourable standard when compared with other similar claims on the Coast. It is true, however, that scarcity of water has been much felt at the Barrytown works during the dry months of summer, but it is also pleasing to note that a scheme is under consideration whereby an additional stream can be utilised at an approximate cost of £3,000. Should this work be carried out, further difficulty in effecting continuous operations will disappear. Larrikins' Terrace. —Magee and son : Scarcity of water is the chief drawback on this terrace claim, otherwise the wash would yield profitable results. Yon Moltke Terrace. —Stering Tighter, who occupies this terrace, quarries a hard cement, which is crushed and washed during wet weather. Deadman's Creek. —Very little work is being done here. Kumara. According to the reports furnished by the Assistant Inspector, the maintenance ol the various sludge-channels, deep levels, dams, and operative works have been well maintained, as also efficiency in general equipment, including pipe-lines, &c. Kelly's Terrace Drainage-tunnel has been generally overhauled with the object of maintaining a clear watercourse, timber being renewed where required. Wheel of Fortune Hydraulic Sluicing Company (F. Boyes in charge).—This property is worked continuously when water is available, but it is nevertheless unfortunate that continuous working can only be effected during very wet seasons, the water-supply being much dependent on rainfall. General equipment and working-conditions are well maintained. Haun and party (three men) having recently acquired a mining privilege located, between the Wheel of Fortune property and Lock's freehold, work is now in progress preparatory to sluicing. The Austrians' Claim. —A complaint relative to the dangerous condition of the tail-race was lodged by the Assistant Inspector, Repairs are now satisfactorily effected. The Waimea Hydraulic Sluicing Company continue operations with lucrative returns. The general equipment of the property is well maintained. Hayes' Terrace. —Gilbert and party (four men) are opening out on the land adjoining the Austrians', water for sluicing being supplied from the Erin-Go-Bragh race : the first washing gave very encouraging results. A party of Chinese work on this terrace. Holtz and party are still on poor ground. Ryan and son are meeting with more encouraging results. The Minerals Gold-mining Company. —Work is steadily maintained, and the washdirt shows a gradual improvement as operations proceed. In blocking out, careful timbering is necessary. Hokitika. Humphrey's Gully (Mr. Greenbank, Manager). —This property is still worked on tribute ; and although operations have been continuous, the values show a considerable shrinkage compared with

55