5

H.—7

Taking all the circumstances into consideration, a careful perusal of the reports and statistics hereto attached, will, I think, prove that although a considerable depression did undoubtedly exist over a large portion of the gold fields during the year 1872, yet that the depression was temporary, and that the returns for the first quarter of 1873 show a decided revival in all branches of this important industry—a revival which I take leave to think will not be transitory, but which will, under the various most favourable circumstances of the Colony, develop into the permanent prosperity of our mining community. C. E. Haughton.

WATER SUPPLY UPON THE GOLD FIELDS. No. 1.—WORKS UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT.

No. 2.—COMPANIES WHICH HAVE RECEIVED SUBSIDIES FROM GOVERNMENT.

No. 3.—COMPANIES THAT HAVE APPLIED FOR SUBSIDIES.

Estimated Cost. Money Expended. Remarks. hames "elson Creek faimea Count Ida £ s. d. 48,180 4 10 30,466 7 0 61,235 10 2 42,13S 8 0 £ a. d. 1,042 4 10 466 7 0 1,235 10 2 2,13S 8 0 Survey finished, and plant ordered. Survey nearly finished. Survey and plans finished. Survey and plans finished; contracts in hand.

Amount of Subsidy asked for. Money Advanced. Interest raid. Refund. Hohonui Company Hibernian Company New Biver Company Arrow Biver Company £ s. d. 1,533 6 1 2,000 0 0 3,333 6 8 612 10 0 £ s. d. 1,533 6 1 1,426 14 3 1,892 16 6 612 10 0 £ s. d. 35 6 5 15 11 11 20 13 9 £ s. d. 183 19 2

Amount of Subsidy asked for. Money Advanced. Remarks. £ 8. d. 'otara and Jones Creek Company ... lolden Point Company Seaumont and Tuapeka Company ... Jarrick Bange Com3,484 10 0 1,000 0 0 Nil 5) Declined by the Company. Particulars not furnished of character of works 2,000 0 0 ?? Ditto. pany Caledonian Company lount Pisg'kh Company 5,000 0 0 )J Plans and specifications not lodged. Befused by Government. Further information required. )J J?