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During the coming season, 1906-7, it is proposed to conduct detailed geological explorations in the Parapara Subdivision of Nelson District, in the Cromwell Subdivision of Central Otago, in the Mikonui Subdivision of North Westland, and in the Coromandel Subdivision of the Hauraki Peninsula. The Parapara Subdivision contains large deposits of iron-ore and other mineral features of commercial importance; the Cromwell Subdivision contains extensive alluvial gold deposits and quartz reefs; the Coromandel Subdivision exhibits many auriferous reefs; while the Mikonui Subdivision contains various features of economic interest. In addition to these detailed explorations, it is hoped to conduct a reconnaissance survey in South Westland, in order to ascertain the potentialities of that little-known area. SCHOOLS OP MINES. The expenditure in connection with schools of mines, including grant to the Otago University, shows an increase for the year of £502 over the previous twelve months. The value of these institutions cannot be overestimated from a miningpoint of view. The course of instruction is gradually being extended, and now embraces the following : — Mining engineering Mathematics Land and mine surveying Mechanical drawing Metallurgy of gold and silver Practical astromony Practical and theoretical assaying Petrology and chemistry Physics General and mining geology Mechanics and hydrostatics Mineralogy and blowpipe determi- Electricity, nation MINEEAL PEODUCTION. The annexed Table No. 1 shows the quantity and value of gold, silver, and other minerals (including kauri-gum) exported during the year ending the 31st December, 1905, and also the quantity of native coal consumed in the colony during the same period. The amount of gold entered for export was 520,485 oz., valued at £2,093,936, and of silver, 1,179,744 oz., valued at £120,542, making a total value of gold and silver amounting to £2,214,478, this being an increase of £114,102 as compared with the export returns for the previous year. Other minerals, including coal, lignite, and kauri-gum, represent a value of £1,408,308, or an increase of £69,450 as compared with that of the previous year. The quantities and values of the chief mineral products for the past two years are summarised for comparison as follow :— Year ending 31st December, 1904. Year ending 31st December, 1905. Product. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. £ £ Gold ... ... ... 520,323 oz. 1,987,501 520,485 oz. 2,093,936 Silver ... ... ... 1,094,461 „ 112,875 1,179,744 „ 120,542 Copper-ore ... ... ... ... 4 tons 17 Manganese-ore ... ... 196 tons 570 55 „ 165 Mixed minerals ... ... 1,404 „ 10,168 632 „ 8,136 Colonial coal exported, including that used by Home steamers ... ... 165,220 „ 139,898 122,817 „ 107,062 Haematite... ... ... 7 „ 96 Colonial coal consumed in New Zealand ... ... 1,372,618 „ 686,309 1,462,939 „ 731,469 Kauri-gum ... ... 9,203 „ 501,817 10,883 „ 561,444 Coke ... ... ... ... ... 15 „ 15 Total value of production for 1905 ... ... ... £3,622,786 1904 ... ... ... 3,439,234 Total increase ... ... ... £183,552 The total value of gold, silver, coal, and other minerals (including kaurigum) produced up to the 31st December, 1905, was £92,875,260.