8

0.-2

CONCLUSION. In concluding my annual statement I am pleased to be able to state that arrangements are now progressing satisfactorily for the working of the deep quartz levels at tTe Thames and the deep alluvial leads at Ross, in Westland During the past wenty years the importance of working these deep levels and leads has been discussed by the mining community, and various schemes; have fromt time, tc.time been outlined for their development. I think it may be that definite action will shortly be taken for testing these deep levels at the> Thames and Westland. Increased attention is now directed indifferent parts of colony to the development of cupriferous ores, and the recent discovery at Mount Badumt is a hopeful indication of what may be anticipated from the opening-up of the mouncountry on the West Coast by roads and tracks Never m the histo yof New Zealand has quartz-mining been in a more healthy condition; c°ahnnning is attracting capital for large operations ; efforts are being made for testing out petroleum-deposits ; and shale-mining is likely to be shortly resumed Taking a general review of the mining industry as a whole, it may be said to be m a very satisfactory condition.