Q— 3.

30

Ilindman Brothers (four men). —As this party draw their water-supply from the Republic Subsidised Kite, the frequent leaks that have occurred during the year tended much to interfere with sluicing operations ; otherwise the claim is worked profitably. Orwell Creek. —Christiansen and Rossi were granted a subsidy of £70 to drive 700 ft. of tunnel. This tunnel has been completed the full distance, but values of importance were not discovered. Snobs Gully.— Subsidy of £50 was granted towards the cost of G. Askenbeck's tunnel, of which 300 ft. has been completed. Fiji Terrace.— Griffiths and Williams have driven their subsidised tunnel a further distance of 467 ft., but so far developments are not important. Fenian Creek (Dahl and party, late Lemon and party).—A subsidy of £150 was authorised to drive 1,500 ft. of tunnel, at 2s. per foot. 300 ft. has so far been driven. Brandy Jack's Creek—A subsidy of £94 was granted to Duncan Steel to drive ft. of tunnel. This work has been completed, with unsuccessful results. Cnllaghatis Creek. —Dredging has largely taken the place of mining in this old-established district. Two or three old resident miners continue to eke out a living. Maori Gully. Saunders and Party. —With the developments lately effected in additional water-race and pipeline construction, water-supply is now permanent. 'Consequently, sluicing operations on this fully equipped property have been profitably carried out during the year, the face operated on, maintaining a depth of 50 ft., overlying the brown marine sandstone; the gold is a coarse heavy sample, easily saved. Yield of gold was 352 oz. 17 dwt. 19 gr., valued at £1,392 10s. Peter Kittelty had the misfortune of sustaining a compound fracture of left leg. HOKITIKA. Back Creek Alluvial. —This active centre of alluvial mining maintains lucrative and regular employment to eight parties, which comprise twenty-six men ; and it may be interesting to note that Brooks and party were fortunate to open ground with exceptional values. In view of extending the development of this rich lead, Dean and party have sunk a shaft to a depth of 45 ft., but it is anticipated that to bottom the wash recently struck by Brooks and party sinking to a total depth of 130 ft. will be required. With respect to the working of these deep-level auriferous drifts, the natural character and trend of the deposits afford advantages favourable for driving out, which is the exclusive system worked. This shaft is assisted by the Rimu Miners' Association. The Hokitika Prospecting League, having considered that the terrace lands located abort two miles north of the Kanieri Forks Hotel had been the head source of the coarse gold so profitably worked in former days in the bed of the creek, employed Mullins and Kulsen to prospect the locality, when after twelve weeks' operations in sinking ten shafts to average depths of 15 ft., and driving 70 ft., all efforts proved fruitless. Gentle Annie Terrace. —During the three months Hooper and party have prospected this terrace they exposed by trenching several reef outcrops, which gave very poor values. Also, in one face where 2 ft. 6 in. of quartz had been driven on for 20 ft. values were not improved. Further north a small leader 6 in. wide gave fair dish prospects, but when the means of ingress and egress are considered, further prospecting in this locality is not advisable. Should it be considered expedient to extend prospecting further, there is a block of country to the north-east worthy of attention. Greeks Creek. —This locality affords employment for four men. but the result of their earnings is not known. Water is plentiful, and the gravels are easily dealt with. Governor's Terrace Drainage Board. —ln consequence of the contractors for driving the Governor's Terrace Drainage tunnel relinquishing their contract after constructing about 240 ft., the Drainage Boaid decided to get a survey made for a new tunnel a few chains westward of the old one. This was done, and tenders called for the work. Three tenders were received, at ss. 6d. per foot. Work has been started, and is making satisfactory progress. Subsidised Works. ( hows Terrace. —The Rimu Miners' Association were granted a subsidy of £500, at the rate of £1 for £1, towards the cost of driving a drainage-tunnel. Driven, 102 ft. Kanieri. —Subsidy of £50 was granted to Irwin, Wells, and party for repairs to shaft. This work has been faithfully carried out, but the values obtained can only be regarded as payable in dry ground. Lark's Terrace (George Noble and party).—This party has driven 180 ft. beyond the amount granted, but, although the gold obtained does not afford a liberal wage, the party consider it better than running about looking for wages. Arch Creek (Boyd and party).—The balance of £49 4s. on this subsidised work was authorised to be used in sinking shafts. Five shafts have been sunk, to average depths of 28 ft. A further subsidy of £50 was authorised to enable this party to complete their scheme of prospecting operations. Drivings amount to 77 ft. and sinkings to 5 ft. Dilltnanstown. —D. Ryan was granted a subsidy of £45 to assist in driving 300 ft. of tunnel. The full distance was completed, but the wash, although carrying a little gold, is not payable. " Terrace Drainage-tunnel. —Towards repairs and removal of plant from No. 3 vertical to re-erection at Taylor's shaft; cost, £54 16s. To driving and timbering 170 ft. of tunnel at 5s per foot ; cost, £42 10s.