a-3.

Wealth of Nations Mine (Consolidated Goldfields of .New Zealand, Limited): During the extension of levels Nos. 8 and 10 quartz of fair value was proved. The main shaft has been sunk to a depth of 1,861 ft., and development is now being carried out at this level. The reductionworks have been increased by the addition of a tube mill, five B and M agitators, also settlers and vacuum filters. This company obtained £28.359 from 15,577 tons treated during the year. Progress Mines of New Zealand (Limited): This company has re-entered the list of dividendpayers, the amount so declared during 1909 being £13,750, as the result of treating 35,414 tons for a yield of £52,030. Several large blocks of quartz of fair value have recently been developed in the upper level of the mine. Smelting-works for the treatment of concentrates, pyritie slimes, find residues from chlorination-works have been erected. New Big River Gold-mining Company- (Limited): There has been a slight decline in the annual output from this mine, but dividends amounting to £15,600 have been declared, which is equal to those distributed during the previous year. The main shaft has been sunk to the 1.575 ft. level, preparatory to active development at that level. Blackwater Mines (Limited) : This mine has opened up in a satisfactory manner, and a very long run of reef with payable values has been proved. The Joker adit tunnel, which is on the No. 2 (307 ft.) level, the main artery of the mine, is now over 2,600 ft. in length, and for the last 1,500 ft. is practically on reef. Lengthy blocks of ore have been developed by the extension of all the levels in a northerly direction. The main shaft has been sunk 77 ft. below the No. 3 (432 ft.) level, and it is proposed to continue sinking to develop several levels. A tunnel is being put through connecting the mill with the main shaft at a depth of 472 ft. in the latter, and 165 ft. helow the level of the present drainage and haulage adit (the Joker tunnel). The reductionworks have been increased by the addition of a tube mill and slimes plant consisting of four B and M agitators, also settlers and vacuum filters, and the power, at present developed by Peltons, will be supplemented by a suction gas plant of 100-horse power. A vigorous campaign is being pursued at this mine, and further discoveries may be expected at this the youngest goldfield in \i \\ Zealand. During the year this company paid £12,500 in dividends, as the result of treating 29,955 tons for a yield of £73,281. The Ventilation and Hygienic State of the Quartz-mines. During the period between the 10th October, 1908, and the 24th December, 1909, when the Workers' Compensation Act was amended by the removal of pneumoconiosis (miners' phthisis) from that Act as a disease for contracting which an operative must be compensated, the Government Accident Insurance Department accepted the risk to obviate a threatened serious disagreement between the mine-owners and their employees, yet during that period not a single claim was made, on that Department for compensation on account of the risk undertaken, which fact should set at rest any suspicion that the miners of this Dominion are affected to any appreciable exteid with phthisis, although it is possible that workers from other countries migrating to this Dominion who may be suffering from the disease in an active state may spread the infection after their arrival. To obviate this, however, the strictest precautions are taken both as regards medical examination before landing and by the management of the mines. Provision is made in the Mining Act for adequate ventilation, and for the observation of sanitary requirements, and the principal quartz-mines are following the practice adopted in large collieries by installing centrifugal fans of the Sirocco or Sturtevant type, or Roots blowers, to enable a more constant and adequate ventilation to be maintained than was possible by natural means. The Inspectors of Mines are provided with anemometers and hygrometers for recording the state of ventilation in the mines, and samples of mine air are taken and subjected to analysis when necessary. (2.) DrtEDnmt Mining. During the past year, as will be seen from the following statement, the average yield per working dredger was £2,952, being a decline of £87 on that obtained during the previous year: a decline of £46,142 has to be recorded in the value of gold-production by dredgers, and the number of working dredgers has decreased by twleve. The following statement shows the number of dredgers, the gold produced by them during 1908 and 1909, and the number of persons employed: —

8

Number oi Dre. [gem. Number of Yield during 1909. Average Yield per Dredger, 1909. Inspection District. 1908. L909. Persons ordinarily employed. Idle. At work 1 Idle. i At work. West Coast Southern 4 13 23 100 1 19 1!) 92 158 735 £ 53,179 274,497 £ 2,800 2,983 Totals 17 | 123 20 111 893 327,676 2,952