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development has proved the deeper strata, give very encouraging promise in respect to values and dimensions of lodes. Regarding the New Inkerman Mines, much interest is taken in the tests of actual values on a commercial scale, and it is to be sincerely hoped that these will prove satisfactory in every respect, and not only reward the company for the great enterprise shown, but prove a source of steady employment to a considerable number of men for several years to come. There have been no fatal accidents during the year. HYDRAULIC AND ALLUVIAL MINING. Mahakipawa. King Solomon Gold Syndicate. —Since reconstruction of the syndicate the water-power and other important surface arrangements have undergone extensive alteration and improvement, the object being to unwater the Golden Gate shaft after a stand of several years. Notice, however, was recently received by telegraph that drainage and ventilation had been satisfactorily effected, and the work of clearing out the main level was steadily proceeding. Should the syndicate be successful in picking up the old lead formerly worked a nice parcel of gold is likely to be unearthed. Wakamarina Gorge Claim. —Charles Dimante is acting as caretaker. The prospects of further operation on this claim are practically nil. Ericon Hydraulic Sluicing Company. —Nothing further has been done on this property during the year. The terraces and river-beds contribute a living to twelve local miners. Takaka. Takaka Hydraulic Sluicing Company (Charles Campbell, manager).—Operations in connection with the progressive working of this claim continue to show satisfactory results, and the various important works connected therewith in the extension of fluming and pipe-line construction are kept steadily advancing. There are fourteen men employed. Upper Anatoki. —The few prospectors along this valley are very anxious to have a road made, as under the present conditions provisions and mining materials have to be carried four miles and a half. The returns are considered sufficient to warrant better facilities. Bartlett's Creek. —Quite a revival in mining centres has recently sprung up in this once-noted goldfield, and a party of eight have decided to prove the deeper level auriferous deposits. A shaft is sunk with promise of satisfactory results, but, on account of excessive water, mining is presently suspended pending the erection of steam-pumps. Local interest seems to be hopeful of the venture, and several shepherding parties have taken up claims awaiting further prospecting. In the Onamalutu district Mr. Chaffe is boring on behalf of an Australian syndicate; also, on the tributaries of the Mahakipawa there are nine men working with varied results. Collingwood. Parapara Hydraulic Sluicing Company (James Barrett, mining manager).—Hydraulic sluicing has been continuously and energetically pushed on at the faces opened recently in the Glengoyle and Glenmutchkin districts, but the much-felt scarcity of water during the dry season has tended to seriously impede the progress of operations. As a matter of fact, in the Parapara, as in other similar properties, scarcity of water and of gold are synonymous terms. The difficulty is greatly accentuated by the peculiar geological structure of the country, which has been much disturbed and broken up by natural movement. Hence, water in quantity is an essential requirement in order to remove in volume the excessive overburden in which the auriferous deposits are found imbedded in pockets and crevices underlying the crushed formations. Notwithstanding the difficulties contended against, the returns for the past year are considered very favourable. Quartz Banges. —This property is now under the supervision of two caretakers. Bocky Biver. —There has been no further effort made to reopen any of the mining properties in this district. Slate Biver Sluicing Company (Charles Matthews, manager).—The progressive development of sluicing operations continues to be much hampered owing to the inefficient water-supply, notwithstanding the heavy expenditure recently incurred in building large conservation-works. Further steps are now proceeding to improve this defect. To effectually drain the working-face a low-level tail-race tunnel 200 ft. in length is under construction. Karamea district was not visited. Westpoet. Old Diggings. —Further reference to this property is needless, as operations have been abandoned over two years. German Creek and its tributaries continue to afford employment to twenty-two miners. Systems of working and results are variable, however. Greenhill Sluicing Company, Fairdown. —This property has been shut down during the year. Waimangaroa Biver. —There are five parties tunnelling the banks of the river with varied success. Shildon and party's claim was under protection for six months. Golden Basin Prospecting Association. —This subsidised prospecting-tunnel has been driven a total distance of 1,442 ft., but in consequence of excessive water in the face the association has meantime suspended driving pending an increase of subsidy. Braishaw's Terrace. —E. Gillow has three men working on an extended claim, and three on a licensed holding.