0.—3.

Waiotahi Mine (Waiotahi Gold-mining Company).—This well-known mine continues to give payable returns, due, no doubt, to the careful and systematic manner in which it is managed. An average of sixteen men has been employed ; and 1,096 tons of quartz crushed for a return of 1,508 oz. 11 dwt. of gold, valued at £4,109 6s. Id. Victoria Mine (Victoria Gold-mining Company, No Liability).—Boring operations were going on for some months on the seaward side of the slide, and a bore put down to a depth of 518 ft. The country through which the bore traversed was loose and full of boulders, making the work tedious and unprofitable, for now it is found that a new site will have to be selected. A few tributers have been working in other parts of the mine, but have not met with much success. May Queen-Hauraki Mine (May Queen-Hauraki, Limited). —The company have not done anything further towards developing this property, no doubt due to the stoppage of the Thames-Hauraki pump. The mine has been well worked by tributers, some of whom have had handsome and continuous returns, particularly McConnell and party. The tributers have been engaged on the reefs and leaders in that block of ground above the No. 6 level, and in the Saxon, May Queen, and Cardigan sections, which had been previously opened up by the company. lam informed that in a short time the company will resume work, directing its operations to developing the low levels. I hope this is true, for a great deal depends on the testing of the reefs at the low levels. Thames-Hauraki Mine and Pump. —This property has been under protection for the whole year, pending the reconstruction of the Standard Exploration Company (Limited), of which the company is an offshoot. May Queen Extended Mine. —This company has been working on the Hokianga reef, north and south, but the reef did not turn out as well as was anticipated, and work in this portion of the mine ceased. The old Adelaide low level was then repaired, and the crosscut extended to ascertain if the reef existed on the south side of the break. The drive has not yet reached the point where the reef should be, if it does extend on that side. ' Claremont, Karaka Greek. —This is a most valuable little mine (1 acre), owned and worked by Mr. George Bryant. It is situated some two or three miles up Karaka Creek, a locality celebrated for its specimens, which are found where the reef is intersected by what are called " flinties." The licensee obtained 1,1401b. of stone, which he crushed in his own battery, yielding the handsome return of £1,210 10s. The Inspector of Mines has visited the mine on several occasions, but he informs me he has never been fortunate enough to visit when the specimens are showing. Neiv Gloucester Mine (New Gloucester Gold-mining Company, Limited). —This claim has been worked with four men, who have been employed on Cowling's leader driving and stoping. A few pounds of picked stone was obtained. 44 tons of quartz crushed for a return of 101 oz. ldwt. ; value, £306 ss. ]od. Occidental Mine (Occidental Gold-mining Company, No Liability). —No work has been done by the company during the year. Five tributers have been employed, who crushed eight loads of quartz for a return of 28 oz. 2 dwt. Efforts are being made to raise more capital to further prospect this mine, more particularly in the North Star section, at a lower level than that in rise. Ethel Beefs Mine (Ethel Eeefs Gold-mining Company, Limited). —This ground has been under protection pending the raising of further capital. I am informed that the directors have not been successful in doing so, and have decided to abandon the ground. This company spent a lot of money in opening up and prospecting their property, but the reefs were all too small to pay to work on a large scale. Fortuna Mine (Portuna-Hauraki Gold-mines, Limited). —The company, having spent most of its capital without any payable results, obtained permission to work with a reduced number of men. Six tributers have been employed, and have crushed 113 tons of ore, which yielded 96 oz. 18dwt. of gold; value, £272 16s. PUEIEI. Miner's Bight Mine (George Greenaway and party).—The owners of the claim have been working steadily during the whole year. They have taken out several small leaders, and have been extending the low level for the purpose of getting under the workings of the upper level, when it is expected good payable ore will be found. They crushed 42 tons for 38 oz. 14 dwt.; value, £97 14s. 4d. The same party own the Union Jack Claim adjoining, and have had a crushing of 52 tons for a return of 97 oz. 4 dwt.; value, £245 3s. 2d. Puriri Gold Estates Mine (Puriri Gold Estates, Limited). —The results from this mine have been very unsatisfactory. Early in the year 135 tons of quartz was taken out and crushed for a return of 51 oz.; value, £129 13s. This did not pay expenses, so the mine was closed down. Omahu. Sheet Anchor Mine (Tilsley and party).—An Auckland syndicate have had an option over the property. A low-level tunnel has been put in 900 ft., the object being to intersect the reefs worked on the surface by the licensees, which gave very good returns. The lode may be met with any day now. Six men have been employed. Klondike Mine (Odium and party). —A low-level tunnel to intersect the lode which was opened up at the surface is being driven. It is now in 116 ft., but it is estimated that it will be 200 ft. more before the formation will be met with. Some very good returns were obtained from small parcels of ore taken from the surface. An Auckland syndicate have undertaken to erect a fivestamp battery on receiving a half-interest in the property, and are now engaged in making a road for the purpose of bringing up the machinery. If this property turns out well I have no doubt more land will be taken up and prospected. It is said there are other reefs seemingly as good as the Klondike in the vicinioy. The country is new and well worth trying.

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