C—3.

Montgomery Terrace Sluicing Company .—This recently developed property employs five men hydraulic sluicing, while a large staff of men are employed constructing an extensive water-supply scheme under contract. Grey River Sluicing Company.— thrives and party continue to work this claim very successfully, with profitable returns. Gold-value was £749 Bs. 9d. Upper Blackball Creek.—This locality afforded profitable employment to six parties groundsluicing the creek-bed at low water. Bearing Meg.— This company has made no further effort to develop the property. Geey Valley. Sulky Gully (Owners, Wills and King).—A party of Chinese continue to work this claim under sub-lease rental, but so far returns are unfavourable. Waiwhero Sluicing Company,— Water-race and other important developments in connection with this extensive section of the company's holding are scientifically and substantially completed. Sluicing has been almost continuous, with a gold-value of £5,305 18s. Twenty-five men employed. • Barry town No. 2.—Mr. Alexander MacKay, Greymouth, continues operations on a large scale on the «• blow-up" (or hydraulic elevating) principle, with profitable results. Gold-value, £3,404 13s. 9d. Twenty men employed. A few hatters make a fair living on the beach terraces where water is available. KUMAEA. On a recent official inspection of the various sludge-channels and deep levels connected with the mining operations of this district it was gratifying to note that the working and maintenance conditions of such were found in a satisfactory state of efficiency. Waimea Hydraulic Sluicing and Elevating Company.- Sluicing and elevating operations have recently been commenced on the flat sections of the freehold and other mmmg properties acquired from Mr. Looker. Attention is also directed to the terraces, where a plant is under construction. Wheel of Fortune. —Mining operations are suspended pending arrival of two up-to-date elevating plants from England. Lake Mudgie is being enlarged for water-conservation, and the drainagetunnel is undergoing extensive repairs. Hokitika. Humphrey's Gully.— Completion of the extensive developments in water-supply, saving-tables, electric-light and hydraulic installation has enabled the company to commence sluicing operations on a gigantic scale. The extended water-supply scheme is capable of keeping tpozzies operating continuously night and day on the face, which rises to a height of 300 ft. Safety and economy are practically secured by the use of powerful hydraulic winches in keeping the faces clear of heavy timber and stones. Craig's Freehold.— Chesterman and Buckland are the responsible tributers for the respective sections of this property. Buckland's party have recently opened out a virgin section adjoining the original north workings. Strict attention is observed in timbering and ventilation. Goldvalue, £1,513. Twelve men employed. Kanieri Water-roce.-Tunnelling and other preparatory works connected with this extensive water-supply scheme are being actively pushed forward. Siphon and pipe ironwork ordered from Belgium will be placed in position directly on arrival. Stenhouse, Crawford, and Noble.— Continuance of payable returns is assured with the large auriferous-ore reserve in sight. Various applications have recently been made m close proximity to the drainage-tunnel. Boss. Boss United.— -This property continues to drag wearily on under the tribute system, with no definite improvement. The gold-yield was valued at £1,222 ss. Mont dOr —Credit is due this energetic company for the legitimate and enterprising system by which developments and all working appliances are kept in advance. Ihe returns (£3,557 19s. 6d.) show a decrease of £1,748 12s. 6d. as compared with the previous year. Waiho. Westland Hydraulic Sluicing Company .-Beyond a few minor works in road-construction and otherwise, developments are not important. Sinking and boring for dredging purposes employ about twenty men in the fiat. Okarito Forks.— This locality affords a living to six men, and a few more up near the lake. Wataroa.— Arthur and party are still working in the gorge, but non-construction of the Bluff Eoad is the cause of much waiting. Lake lanthe and Duffer's Creek.— Three men find a living in each district, so far; but prospects look bad when Chinese cannot live. Five-mile and Waikwpuku.-Meven beach-combers make a fair living, and at Oamaru four miners are having a good time in the terrace about four miles inland. Sinkings and borings for dredging prospects have been put down in several parts ot this region. B—C. 3.

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