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4
latest quartz-mining discoveries in the Dominion, good returns have been reported, bullion to the value of over £30,000 having been obtained, of which one-half has been distributed in dividends. Some attention has recently been given to developing the Macetown and Barewood quartz reefs in Otago, and also to prospecting the Wilberforce and Cedar Creek reefs in Westland, as well as the Mokihinui reefs in the Buller district. The general prosperity of the quartz-mining industry of New Zealand is clearly demonstrated by the fact that during the year 1908 £561,833, equivalent to 38 per cent, of the bullion won, has been paid in dividends. COAL-MINING. The most important feature in connection with the coal-mining industry during the year has been the activity displayed on the West Coast bituminouscoal fields, where several new collieries are being developed and will soon be ready to place coal on the market. On the Waikato Coalfield the Taupiri Coal Company (Limited), by the acquisition of neighbouring properties and of mineral rights over private lands, have increased their extensive holdings to an area of about 15,000 acres, embracing thereby a block of land about eleven miles in length, situated in a most accessible part of the field, and traversed by the Main Trunk Railway and the navigable Waikato River. Total Pbodtjction. The production of coal for the past year is the highest yet attained, being 1,860,975 tons. The output from the three mining districts is shown in the following table: —
Comparative Statement of Coal and Lignite raised during the Years 1906, 1907, and 1908.
The comparative tonnage of the various classes of coal, &c., for the years 1907 and 1908 is summarised as follows :—
The quantity would have been very much greater had it not been for the increased annual importation of coal from New South Wales. The total recorded output of the various classes of coal, lignite, and oil-shale is now 27,122,939 tons. With the additional production from the several collieries now in course of development on an extensive scale, I anticipate a substantial reduction in the price of coal in the immediate future.
Inspection District. Output for 1908. Increase or Decrease, 1907 and 1908. Output for 1907. Increase or Decrease, 1906 and 1907. Northern West Coast... Southern I Tons. 344,927 1,063,566 452,482 Increase Decrease Tons. 27,950 11,544 9,528 Tons. 316,977. 1,052,022 462,010 Increase Decrease Tons. 15,791 89,107 3,425 Totals 1,860,975 Increase 29,966 1,831,009 Increase 101,473
Class of Coal. Output for 1908. Output for 1907. Increase or Deorease for 1908. iituminous and semi-bituminous 'itch-coal... irown coal lignite Tons. 1,205,212 17,459 539,141 99,163 Tons. 1,184,211 22,060 515,797 108,941 Increase Decrease Increase Decrease Tons. 21,001 4,601 23,344 9,778 Totals 1,860,975 1,831,009 Increase 29,966