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It is satisfactory to note that in respect to the ventilation of metal-mines, New Zealand has taken an advanced position through the introduction into the deep mines,'by mechanical means, of large volumes of pure air. In the annua] report of the Inspector of Mines for the Waihi district it is stated that samples of mine-air taken by him from the warmest and deepest workings of the Waihi and Grand Junction Mines were submitted for analysis to the Dominion Analyst, with the result that it was found that the standard recommended by the British Royal Commission on Mines of 1909 was in every case fulfilled. Likewise, from the deepest mines in the Dominion, situated on the Inangahua Goldfield, samples of mine-air taken by the Inspector of Mines were, on analysis, in every case found to be free from impurities. As a precaution against dust from rock-drills, the use of sprays is now compulsory, but it is reported that a considerable prejudice exists amongst the miners against their use. A Royal Commission has recently been appointed, and is now engaged in taking evidence and reporting on the ventilation, sanitation, and safety of methods adopted in the working of mines. As soon as the report of this Commission is available it will be laid before Parliament, and such precautions and legislation as may be recommended will be dealt with next session. SCHOOLS OF MINES. The seven Government-subsidized schools of mines situated at the principal mining centres still continue to be made use of by the more intelligent of the miners who wish to improve themselves. At the Government examinations held in December in connection with these schools, 112 students submitted themselves for examination in some of the twenty subjects examined in. The regulations appertaining to Government scholarships have recently been amended. Six scholarships are now offered annually for competition by students attending schools of mines within the Dominion. Of these, four are for students in gold-mining subjects, and two for coal-mining subjects. The scholarships, of the annual value of £50 each, are tenable for three years, and are open to all students not less than eighteen years of age who have attended regularly a school of mines within the Dominion for two years or more. The candidates are required to pass in six out of eight subjects examined in. In past years these scholarships have been the means of bringing to the front several young men who have subsequently distinguished themselves as mining engineers or geologists in other parts of the world. WATER-EACES. During the year the Mount Ida, Alexandra, and Waimea-Kumara Government water-races have been maintained in efficient condition, and continue to be of considerable benefit to the miners of the alluvial goldfields which they traverse. The extension of the Kurnara Water-race from Larrikin's across the valley of the River Taramakau should be completed within the current year, and the Kumara and adjoining districts should be greatly benefited thereby. GOVERNMENT DRILLS. There has been a considerable demand for the diamond and keystone drills, which are lent free for prospecting or development of mines. Drilling - operations have been carried out at Waihi for gold, Orepuki for oil-shale, Seddonville for coal, and in the Alexandra and Cromwell districts of Central Otago for alluvial gold. ROADS ON GOLDFIELDS. The expenditure under the above heading during the year shows a decrease compared with the previous year. This was entirely due to the scarcity of men willing to undertake this class of work in difficult backblock and bush districts while employment was plentiful in more convenient localities. The total expenditure was £25,626, chiefly through the medium of the County Councils included within the boundaries of the several mining districts.