a—s.

New Inkerman Mines. —Since Mr. G. Dixon, late attorney, left for England, the charge of these properties has been directly under the care of Mr. G. Boyd, late of Progress Mines and Consolidated Goldfields of New Zealand ; but so far developments are not important. Practically the whole work of the year continues of a prospecting character, crushing being confined to one small parcel in the early part of the year. A rise to connect No. 5 level with the old surfaceworkings has been cut the whole way in a fine body of quartz. Also, driving is continued from the winze at 226 ft. below No. 5 level to cut the lode in depth, as it showed fair size, and was driven on for about 300 ft. Twenty-five men are employed under authority from the Warden. Paparoa Eangbs. Paparoa Mount (formerly Grasus, Paparoa). —Mining operations have been chiefly confined to driving a low level in the western slope. Stone crushed in the commencement of the year valued at £414 2s. 2d. Owing to the dense fog during Mr. Eiehards's last visit to the locality, he was unable, after three Hours' search, to find the mine. Hence shortness of my information. Taffy. —Operations are abandoned at this property. Garden Gully. —The low-level adit is driven and timbered 160 ft. under contract. Preparations are being made to erect a ventilating-fan. General Ehmaeks. According to the statistical returns to hand for 1901, the favourable anticipations expressed in my report of last year are fully verified. The output of quartz gold from the Westland Mining District is the largest yet recorded for any similar period. This result is chiefly due to the substantial increases from the Progress Mines and the Consolidated Goldfields of New Zealand over the preceding year. Keep-it-Dark and Kirwan's Eeward show a fair increase, while the marked advance in productiveness shown by the Taitapu and Westport Mines is encouraging, and likely to continue. In view of the general and projected deep-level developments, coupled with the largely developed ore-reserves in sight, continuance of similar returns are not only anticipated, but with the scientific modes of ore-treatment now established in the Eeefton district increase of output is practically insured. alluvial and hydraulic mining. Mahakipawa. King Solomon Mine. —Although the persevering and expensive efforts made to unwater this property have proved utterly fruitless, we must commend the pluck and energy displayed by the company with the object of unearthing the precious metal. Negotiations are in progress for the sale of the property. Wakamarina Gorge Claim. —The works on this claim are suspended, and under the charge of Charles Dimante. Ericon Hydraulic Sluicing Company. —This company have suspended operations. No person in charge. Twelve miners make a living prospecting and otherwise in this district. Takaka. Sheepy Flat. —Two men are cutting a deep-level drainage-race, of which 12 chains is open channel, and 300 ft. of close driving is anticipated before payable ground is reached. Should prospecting prove successful a large area awaits development, as the syndicate has obtained the freehold rights of the district. Takaka Hydraulic Sluicing Company (Charles Campbell, manager).—The elevator is being re-erected on another part of the claim, the former site having proved disappointing. The full water-supply is expected early on the works. Sixteen men employed. Wangapeka and Sherry. For some months past this once important alluvial-mining district has enjoyed quite a revival, and several tail and water races are being cut. Also good results are obtained from a few drivingout claims. A few men are prospecting and working single-handed in some of the shallow creeks, with poor results. Dredging has so far made no move in this district. COLLINGWOOD. Parapara Hydraulic Sluicing Company. —Prior to Mr. Peters (late manager) leaving the. company's service early in May, operations had extended directly through the Hit or Miss Valley. It was evident then that sluicing could not be continued until the main pipe-line was shifted from the broken and loose hillside and relaid in the bed of the valley, a work which incurred considerable expenditure. However, these works are most substantially completed, and the powerful jets maintained command a newly opened face of coarse sandstone boulders at the lower end of the claim, hydraulic winches being used to lift the large stones. Quartz Banges. —Present operations are of a varied character. Washbourne's Pace, operated on by two nozzles, is the most important, and late results are considered satisfactory. Debtor's Face also employs one nozzle. Other works are chiefly developing. Sixteen men employed. Plant and works are kept in good order. Bocky Biver. —All works are suspended in this district. Slaty Biver Sluicing Company. —Sixteen men employed in dam-Construction for waterconservation. No other developments. Duggan's Flat. —Three miners employed sluicing. No returns to date. The Karamea district has not been visited.

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