C.-Sa

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the quartz-crushing plant. Output of ore treated from the Ist June, 1898, to the Ist March. 1899, was 33,000 tons. Mining and developments, which embrace important connections with B shaft and Nos. 4 and 5 levels, also an extension west on No. 5 level with Progress filling in shaft, are being vigorously pushed forward. These works when completed will form most valuable factors in the future safety and economy in the working of this mine. Winzes, rises, and other works directly in connection with the faces are kept well in advance, thus the management is relieved from shortness of faces or disadvantage to the workmen. The principal centres of ore-production are the stopes above Nos. 6 and 7 levels. On No. 5 stopes sixteen men are employed one shift; this ore is raised by a shaft. On No. 6 stopes forty men are employed, and on No. 7 seventy men are engaged stoping. The stone varies in width from 6 ft. to 22 ft., and the levels, as far as they have been extended, still continue on solid stone. Sinking-operations from the bottom of B shaft were commenced on the 9th February, 1899—the previous depth was 945 ft. The management decided to sink to a further depth of 200 ft., which will make a total depth of 1,145 ft. Stations will be made at 100 ft. vertical, which will give two additional levels below the present No. 7. This work is being carried on by three shifts of four men, and the cage on the west side exclusively used for sinking purposes, while the cage on the east side raises and lowers all men and material from Nos. 6 and 7 levels. The shaft in every particular is finished as the work progresses, and the winding-cage with the truck is lowered to the bottom. The average sinking per week is 15 ft. (21/11/98) : A complaint was laid by the secretary of the Miners' Union, to the Hon. the Minister of Mines, against the inspection of this mine—that it was in a very unsafe condition. (7/12/98): A joint inspection was made by the Inspectors of this district, and a full report was forwarded to the Mines Department. The result of this inspection did not prove satisfactory to the Union ; and, at the request of the Et. Hon. the Premier (during his visit to Reefton in company with His Excellency the Governor), two practical miners were appointed by the Miners' Union to accompany the Inspector, and a full and exhaustive inspection was made of every detail connected with the workings. The report of their examinations simply confirmed my statements—namely, that the mine was safe and in a most satisfactory condition. Ventilation throughput the mine good. Mr. James Martin is mine-manager vice Mr. Greenish, resigned. Oue hundred and eighty men are employed at this mine, apart from battery and chlorination works. Reports up to date, and other provisions of the Act, enforced. Seven inspections made during the year. Wealth of Nations. —(4/2/99) : Since this group of mines was taken over by the Consolidated Goldfields of New Zealand, the works carried out have been principally of a development character —to cut off the two present winding-shafts, and to place a shaft in a more central position of the field. A new incline-shaft was sunk from the battery level to a depth of 630 ft. This shaft is being fitted with winding-gear. The 350 ft. level has been extended on the reef-track 440 ft., with a crosscut 211 ft., and winze 36 ft.; on the 500 ft. a crosscut is driven 141 ft. These crosscuts are being continued. Extensive repairs in retimbering the battery level; also the old Energetic battery level, which had collapsed, was retimbered for 300 ft. Timber repairs in the stopes have also been done. Eeports up to date. Thirteen men employed. Ventilation good. Keep-It-Dark Quartz-mine. —(24/3/99) : During the year the principal works carried on were the development of the new reef that was lately discovered about 200 ft. south-west from the main shaft. Crosscuts from Nos. 1 and 2 intersect the reef at 150 ft. and 200 ft. respectively. The stone, which averages 9 ft. in width in both levels, was found under similar conditions, and has been driven on for 160 ft. and 170 ft. Rises from No. 2 to the surface are connected and thoroughly timbered throughout with substantial ladders. The passes provide good ventilation, and in future will serve to fill the stopes from the surface dump. To prove the existence of the reef to deeper levels a crosscut from No. 3 is being driven under contract by three shifts. With the exception of No. 3 crosscut, mining operations are suspended at present until the cyanide plant by A. G. Price, engineers, Thames, is ready to treat the tailings direct from the battery. Reports to date. Hercules Quarlz-mine. —(6/9/98): Four contractors are driving an easterly crosscut on No. 7 level, 300 ft. from the main shaft. At time of my visit prospects were unfavourable. Since this contract was finished work has ceased. Ventilation was good, and all other material was in good condition. The manager was instructed to post his name at the mine. Eeports to date. Keep-it-Dark No. 2. —(28/6/98): Work at this mine is very irregular, being chiefly of a prospecting character. Since last visited No. 2 level has been repaired, and four men had driven 70 ft. out of the 100 ft. that was contracted for. (24/3/99): Work has ceased. Golden Fleece Quartz-mine. —(28/6/98) : This property is now connected with the Inangahua low-level tunnel. (12/11/98) : The intermediate on the line of the Fleece lode has been extended to a total length of 630 ft., and well timbered throughout. Ventilation is good. Travelling-ways and all other works were found in good condition. Reports are kept regular and up to date. Ajax Quartz-mine. —(28/6/98) : On this property six men are employed on surface-trenching. Sir Francis Drake Quartz-mine. —(11/11/98): From the bottom of the shaft a low-level has been driven 78 ft. along the line of reef, also a rise 130 ft., which connects Nos. 2 and 1 levels. These works are well timbered. The ventilation is very good. The manager's attention was called to the tins that were in use for carrying explosives, and this matter was strictly attended to. Twelve men were employed. Big River Quartz-mine. —(9/12/98): The principal work at present being pushed forward is driving the intermediate between Nos. 5 and 6 to connect with the winze from No. 5, which was sunk on a small block of stone. On further extension of the intermediate a compact block of rich stone was met with about 48 ft. in length by 5 ft. in width. This block is now stoped, and the crushing from this stone has given very handsome returns, Ventilation was very good. Reports w,ell kept. Twelve men employed.