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From the following table (which is compiled from returns by the Customs) it will be seen that for the seven months ending the 31st July, 1906, there is an increase in the value of gold exported as compared with the corresponding period of the previous year :—

Comparative Statement of Gold entered for Export during the Seven Months of the Years 1906 and 1905 respectively.

GOLD-EXPOET. The quantity of gold entered for exportation through the Customs for the year 1905 was as follows : Auckland, 232,215 oz.; Nelson, 6,469 oz.; West Coast, 109,704 oz.; Otago and Southland, 172,098 oz.: total, 520,486 oz., valued at £2,093,936. GOLD-MINING. QIJAETZ. Quartz-mining, being practically the only form in which gold is won in the North Island, continues to maintain a high degree of production. The Waihi Mine retains its premier position amongst the mines of the colony, and from the magnitude of its operations and its output of gold is entitled to rank among the largest gold-mining properties of the world. During last year 298,531 short tons (2,0001b. to the ton) were treated for a yield of £693,671, equal to an average of £2 6s. 5"7 d. per ton, and dividends to the amount of £322,339 lis. were paid, the total amount of dividends paid since the mine was opened being £1,924,617 16s. 6d. There are 330 stamps engaged in crushing operations at the company's three mills, and there are also tube mills, filter presses, and other appliances for the efficient treatment of the ore. It is very satisfactory to note that the ore-bodies continue to maintain their characteristic sizes at the lowest levels yet reached, and that a very large output is assured for a long period. The underground workings of the Waihi Grand Junction Gold-mining Company have evidently been satisfactory, as the erection of extensive machinery of an up-to-date character is now being proceeded with, and it is hoped that when this is completed the company will take its place among the leading gold-producing mines. The Waihi Syndicate and the Waihi Grand Junction are jointly sinking a shaft for drainage and prospecting purposes, and this venture, if carried out in its entirety, will be of considerable service in further proving the resources of the goldfield. Mining at Karangahake is extensively carried on by the New Zealand Crown Mines (Limited) and the Talisman Consolidated (Limited). Some 359 persons have been employed by these two mines. The output from the Talisman Mine was 44,725 tons of quartz for a value of £129,088 Bs. 10d., averaging £2 17s. B'4d. per ton. £30,000 was paid in dividends during the year, and other dividends have since been declared. The Crown Mines treated 17,541 tons of ore for a value of £36,516 Bs., or an average of £2 Is. 7 - 6 d. per ton. The value of the ore from the Talisman Mine has shown a considerable increase, and that from the Crown Mine a moderate increase. The Komata Keefs Mine employed 140 men during the year, and produced 16,820 tons of ore, having a value of £42,432 10s. 7d., and dividends amounting to £13,333 6s. Bd. were paid. The company will be installing additional plant soon, when it is expected that the returns will be considerably increased.

Seven Months ending 31st July, 1906. Seven Months ending 31st July, 1905. Increase, 1906 Period over 1905. Quantity, Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. -old Oz. 327,928 £ 1,324,445 Oz. £ 293,572 1,184,219 Oz. 34,356 £ 140,226