(J.— 2

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United M. and E. Company (St. Balkan's). —Sluicing and elevating auriferous quartz drift from a depth of 50 ft., which is the greatest depth that can. be worked with the available hydraulic head. Morgan Bros. (Cambrian). —The seam of auriferous quartz drift opened up by this party is yielding payable returns. Naseby Claims. —Sixteen small parties of miners were engaged in sluicing operations in the several gullies in this locality. The rainfall was more regular and the water-supply better than for some years past. Most of the claims are supplied from the Government water-races. WAITAKI COUNTY. Maerewhenua and Livingstone. —Mining in these localities has remained almost stationary for the past three years. During 1918 fifteen men were employed. VINCENT COUNTY. Undaunted Tinkers Gold-mining Company (Malakanui). —This company has been concentrating the whole of its water-supply upon one face in shallow blocks of recent gravels, with better results than when two faces were worked. Nevis Claims. —Six claims were in operation in this part of the district. Of these Graham and party were the most successful. An average of four men was employed in each claim. LAKE COUNTY. Alluvial mining in the Arrow River and its branches has practically ceased. Eight claims were working within the watershed of the Shotover. Campbell and Murray, operating in the gorge of the, Shotover below Moke Creek, obtained gold. SOUTHLAND COUNTY. Nokomai Hydraulic Sluicing Company. —This company has kept two elevators working in Victoria Gully with two shifts of men throughout the, year, but scarcity of labour has hampered operations considerably. A. Mutch (Alhol). —Four heads of water have been brought on from Dome, Creek to work the alluvial deposit on the high terrace between the Mataura and Nokomai Rivers. Muddy Terrace Sluicing Company (Waikaia).— Sluicing operations were carried on in Maori and Long Gullies and at Amanda Hill. Three faces were, worked, varying in height from 5 ft. to 50 ft. WALLACE COUNTY. Ourawera Gold-mining Company (Round Hill). —A new paddock has been opened up in Italian Gully, and a new set of gold-saving tables installed. Eight men were employed. Round Hill Gold-mining Company. —Floods in March considerably damaged the company's water-races. Owing to this cause, and the scarcity of labour, only one claim has been kept in operation throughout the year. Dredge Mining. This branch of the mining industry continues to steadily decline. Six dredges were dismantled during the year—viz., Electric No. 2, at Cromwell; Olrig, at Alexandra; New Golden Run, at Island Block ; Rosedale and Star, at Waikaka Valley ; Charlton Valley, at Charlton Creek. The Electric Gold-dredging Company, which was wound up during the year after having been in active operation for a period of nineteen years, was the most successful dredging company in the Dominion, This company's two dredges, working on the Clutha, and Kawarau Rivers in the vicinity of Cromwell, obtained a good return of gold. Minerals other than Gold. Scheelite. —A decline in the production of this mineral is recorded from all scheelite-producing localities throughout the district. The output for the year amounted to 116 tons, valued at £25,663. No discovery of importance has been made during the year. Accidents. 21st November : John Wrightson, winchman on the Rise and Shine Company's No. 2 dredge, was killed through being caught in the cog-wheels of the winch. In the Southern Inspection District no serious non-fatal accident occurred during 1918.