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a sufficient elevation and quantity could be obtained, and some speedier process found, large areas in the vicinity, both of old and new ground, might be-worked with profit. Some Tinker's miners have recently taken levels, and state that the Manuherikia Biver can, by a race not more than thirty miles in length, be brought at a sufficient elevation. They have applied for a water-race and special claim of sixty acres. The new system of hydraulic elevating is that by which they intend to work the flat, no part of which is very deep. Black's No. 3. —Three special claims have been applied for within the last six months upon the deep lead which I have already alluded to in a previous report. About twenty years ago several claims were in operation upon this lead, and a very large quantity of gold was taken out; but in consequence of the heaviness of the ground and the immense cost of timber landed here the various undertakings had to be abandoned for the time. An effort was again made about six years ago by a small limited liability company, with a capital of £800, and, although similar prospects were obtained, the same reasons which necessitated the abandonment of the earlier effort, together with the small capital of the company, were also the means of bringing this to a close. In conclusion, I think the district is in a flourishing condition with a fair prospect for the coining year. In the immediate vicinity of Naseby a large number of claims have been taken up, and doing fairly well, consequent on the extension of the Mount Ida Water-race to Spec. Gully. I understand that that the Great Eastern Company, at Bough Bidge, have succeeded in disposing of their property, together with the Progress Company, to a London syndicate, and that the London offer has been accepted. I attach hereto return showing the number of miners' rights, &c, issued at Naseby, also the revenue collected in the Warden's office; but I cannot include the Black's office as I find I have not the data.

Return of Miners' Rights, Licenses, Registrations, &c., issued during the Year ending the 31st March, 1888.

Retubn showing the Revenue collected in Warden's Department. £ s. d. Warden's Department (including Black's)... ... ... 1,386 18 1 Rent received under deferred payment, Naseby ... ... 947 9 0 „ „ agricultural leases, Naseby ... ... 187 1 1 „ „ mineral leases, Naseby ... ... 21 14 6 Total ... ... ... ... £2,543 2 8 I have, &c, J. Nugent Wood, Warden. The Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington.

No. 16. Mr. Warden Robinson to the Undee-Secbetaey of Mines. Sib,— Oamaru, 31st March, 1888. I have the honour to report as follows upon the Maerewhenua Division of the Otago goldfields for the past year : — There have been no new discoveries of any consequence within the district since I last reported. Mining in this district is, and has been, for a long time a regular industry pursued in the same way, and mainly by the same persons, from year to year. As one claim gets worked out, other ground is taken up, and the work goes on with but little variation. There is always a little prospecting; but, as a rule, only within the limits of the ground commanded by the existing water-races. The ground is mostly heavy sluicing-ground, and takes a good deal of w rater to make it pay. The same people having remained so long in the district seems to show that a living is to t>o made ; but no brilliant successes are to be recorded. Still, there are men on the ground who have, undoubtedly, saved money. Living has, on the whole, been cheap, and most of the miners possess cattle, besides having their own little homes and gardens. Recently several have availed themselves of the privilege of taking up small areas, under section 60 of the Mining Act, for cultivation, and for dairy purposes. I have not thought it advisable to grant any such areas of more than twenty-five acres in extent. As I have had occasion to remark in a former report, the number of miners must always be limited by the amount of water available for sluicing, There has been seme talk recently of a

Nasoby. Black's. vfiners'rights, at 5s. 3usiness licenses, at £3 SYater-race licenses, at 5s.... 2s. 6cl. Registrations, at 10s. Is. ..licensed holdings issued ... Special claims granted ilining privileges applied for 768 3 171 218 2 522 13 3 471 183 Data - not to hand. 90