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Geeat Babeieb Island. Barrier Beefs. —There has only been a little prospecting-work done in this mine during the year. A surface drive was put in on the course of a disordered lode for a distance of 54 ft., on which a few feet of rising has been done, and about 40 ft. of crosscutting at and above the same surface level. Not meeting with any success, the work above stated was stopped. A crosscut drive was also put in on a claim situated about a mile and a half west of the Barrier Reefs for a distance of 260 ft. in order to prove the value of a new reef which outcrops higher up on the side of the hill. The development-work at this place was likewise stopped, as the prospects met with would not warrant further expenditure. The average number of men employed was four. The ground, water-races, &c, have been protected part of the year. Sunbeam. —This ground has been lately taken up by Mr. Hugh McLiver, who is sanguine this mine can be made to pay. A large amount of development-work has been done in the mine, and lodes intersected and driven on, varying from 1 ft. to 3 ft. in width. It is reported that some portions of the reefs give highly payable results. 1 ton of ore was treated at the Thames School of Mines or 21 oz. of bullion, valued at £2 14s. 10d., but I am informed only a saving of 26 per cent, of the alue was obtained.

Fatal Accidents.

Sixteen other accidents were reported to this office, six being of a serious nature. The causes were duly inquired into and reported on in the usual way to the Hon. the Minister of Mines. The other ten were only of a slight character, and such as are incidental to and connected with mining-work. I have, &c, James Coutts, The Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Inspector of Mines.

Mr. R. Tennent, Inspector of Mines, Westport, to the Undeb-Seceetaey for Mines, Wellington. Sic,— Inspector of Mines' Office, Westport, 31st March, 1903. I have the honour to report as follows on the gold-mines in the Marlborough, Nelson, and West Coast districts for the year ended 31st December, 1902 : — QUARTZ-MINING. Blenheim. Wellington Mine. —With the exception of rising to connect Nos. 2 and 1 levels, further operations have been at a standstill. However, some prospecting was recently resumed on McCleod's leases. Jubilee Mine. —Mining operations have been continuous during the year, and the values recently developed in the further extension of No. 2 or low level have stimulated the management to push forward other important work, notably water-pcwer installation in place of steam for milling and berdan treatment, in order to gain increased economy in crushing and gold-saving. Water-races in connection with these works are nearing completion, and the advisability of adopting the cyanide process is under consideration. Duke of Cornwall Syndicate. —The development so far carried out on this property comprises four surface drives through the cap of the reef, and a winze sunk on a 4 ft. average thickness of stone to a depth of 53 ft., when sinking was intercepted by a strong inflow of water. Neville's Claim. —This claim, situated to the west of the Cornwall, is now being prospected by Tyrell and party, who have obtained favourable ore-prospects on the surface. Baden-Powell Syndicate. —This company has abandoned the property as the result of a recent unfavourable crushing. Just-for-Luck. — Disappointment having been the result of a recent crushing of 10 tons of stone, the property is now under twelve months' protection. Havelock. Golden Bar. —These works are shut down and the engine removed from the Gorge Company's plant. The Havelock Prospectors' Association, having presently suspended prospecting on the ranges, are taking advantage of the dry season to strengthen their monetary position by working the creek-bed. Meantime, however, the party are hopeful of picking up the main reef, and promise to resume their search for the coveted lode from which the rock-specimens found are supposed to have originated. Other mining in the Wakamarina Valley is confined to twelve fossickers, who make a varied living.

Name. Name of Mine. Cause. Date. ames Bright ... Mananu Company's Killed whilst working in a stope by a 26th May,1902. mine, Whangamata piece of rock falling on him William Griffiths New Zealand Crown Killed by falling down a quartz pass 26th June, 1902. Mines, Karangahake in preparing to clean it out