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width. Arise was put up 112 ft., and connection made with the branch-reef winze from No. 9 level. From ihis rise, at a heighi of 70 ft. above No. I' l level, an intermediate level has been driven on a reef varying in width from a Eew inches to (i ft. A second vise has been commenced to connect with the intermediate level Erom the new eastern winze below No. 9 level. Ventilation for the main level and vises was produced by means of a fan installed in the chamber at the main shaft. The completion of the second rise will open up and ventilate the mine-workings. No. 9 level (1,375 ft.): The new eastern winze was sunk to a total depth of 112 ft., and an intermediate level driven therefrom for a distance of 70 ft. on a ceef varying from a few inches to 4 ft. in width. The branch block of stone has been stoped to the floor of No. 8 level. The battery crushed 3,040 tons of quartz, for a return of 3,293 oz. 11 dwt. gold, valued at £13,343 7s. Id. Sands treated at the cyanide plant yielded 918 oz. 4 dwt. gold, of the value of £2,285. Thirty-two tons of concentrates were sold for £446 13s. 7d. Forty live men were employed. North Hi'/ Hirer. —W. Kirwan and party have vigorously prospected this claim during the year. A tunnel 150 ft. below the surface workings has been driven 530 ft., intercepting a reef-track carrying gold-bearing stone, which is being followed south to test it further. Big River South Gold-mines {Limited). A considerable amount of driving and sinking was done ;ii Ibe low level on a large reef-track. The prospects at times were very encouraging, but no continuous run of payable stone was opened tip. Six men were employed. ,S7. George Gold-mining Company (Limited).- This company commenced operations early in the year. A low-level tunnel was started on the Snowy River fall, to give from 270 ft. to 500 ft. of backs on three. Known lines of reef. This tunnel was advanced 934 ft., the last 126 ft. having been driven on a goldbearing reef-track. Ventilation of the workings is produced by an exhaust water-blast. Six men were employed. Blackwater. Blackwater Mines (Limited). The following are the principal development-works carried out during the year : The tunnel from the battery level was connected up with the main shaft. In driving this level a considerable length of payable stone was opened up. The main shaft: was sunk, and No. 4 level opened out at 615 ft. from the surface. This level was driven east from the shaft 65 ft., and proved the reef, which is being driven upon north and south from the crosscut. No. 2 level (307 ft.) was advanced into the Prohibition lease, and crosscuts put out east and west therefrom, but nothing of value was met. The surface crosscut in the Prohibition lease was extended 249 ft., making the total distance driven 1,17-1 ft. Prospect ing-drives upon leaders at 560 ft. and 730 ft. failed to reveal any payable stone. The main shaft is being sunk to a further depth of 250 ft. Timbering and filling of stupes have been attended to. Good ventilation of the mine-workings was effected by connecting the low-level tunnel with the main shaft. At the mill a Tangve gas-engine of 130-horse power, together with gas-producing plant, was installed. Four Wilfley concentrators were also erected, and an incline tram 1!) chains in length laid down between the mine and mill for the conveyance of stores. During the year 39,192 tons of ore were treated, for a yield of 23,369 oz. gold, valued at £91,331 4s. Bd. Two hundred and seventy-four men were employed. McDonald and Party. A small subsidy was granted to assist this party to prospect new country in the right-hand branch of Blackwater Creek. Driving to the extent of 292 ft. has been carried out. resulting in several reel 1 racks and small leaders being opened up. From the latter good dish prospects were obtained. Paparoa. Minerva. —A winze was stink l<) ft. on a reef averaging 3 ft. in width. Satisfactory results were obtained, and a crosscut is being driven from creek-level to give 70 ft. of backs and further prospect the reef. Mount Paparoa Syndicate [Taffy Mine). -Two prospecting-drives were made, 90ft. and 50ft. respectively, on a leader formation. In each of the drives broken country was met with, the goldbearing leaders cutting out. Surface prospecting is being undertaken to try and pick up tile leader Formation at the back of the broken country. Two hundred tons of ore were treated during the year. for a return of 74 oz. 12 dwt. gold, valued at £296 his. sd. Six men were employed. Garden Guliy Gold-mining Company (Limited). This company has commenced operations in the Croesus section of the property. A crosscut is being driven from No. 4 level (2(X) ft. below No 3 level) to cut the Croesus reef, from which good returns were secured at the surface levels. Blackball Prospecting Association. —A subsidy of £250 was granted to enable the association to prospect for reefs in tin , Pap.iroa Ranges. In the latter part of the year three parties were engaged in the work. Numerous reefs and leaders were located, but no discoveries of value were made. HYDRAULIC SLUICING AND KLEVATING. Marlborough. Enchanted Creek. The construction of a water race a mile and a quarter in length, and the installation of hydraulic elevating plant by Larkdn and party, have been vigorously carried on during the year. Further subsidies amounting to £100 were granted to assist the party in their operations. COLLINGWOOD. Quartz Ranges. —Sluicing operations have been resumed, under the management of .Mr. Charles Lammas. Work is confined to the section known as Debtor's Terrace. Five men are employed.