a—3

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Kauri Block. In the Hauraki Mine operations were entirely suspended, the machinery dismantled, and the mine let on tribute. The tributers have been very successful. The mine in their hands has already produced many thousand pounds, and shows no signs of falling off. An Auckland company has bought the property, and they have erected pumping machinery, which is now rapidly unwatering this and the adjacent Bunker's Hill Mine. Much may yet be expected from this old gold-producer. The Bunker's Hill Company in the earlier part of the year suspended operations and let their mine on tribute, with the result that in two months over three thousand pounds' worth of gold was obtained; and the company are now working steadily with encouraging results, and excellent prospects. The Hauraki Freeholds property has not been very successful, but the payable reefs found in the Bunker's Hill have been proved right up to the Freeholds boundary, so that there is every reason for believing that this mine will shortly be in a way to produce largely. In the Golden Pah tributing has been carried on with fair success. Driving Creek. The Kapanga Mine has been entirely abandoned and dismantled, much of the machinery having been removed. Tokatea. The Eoyal Oak Company have continued operations, partly in proving the lower levels, with the result that bullion to the value of about £8,000 has been won. In the New Four-in-hand Company's properties operations were suspended, the claims surrendered, and one new claim, comprising only a portion of the old ground, taken up. This is now under protection. In the New Tandem, which is close to the New Four-in-hand, good returns have lately been obtained. The Harbour View Syndicate (the old Harbour View Claim) is undergoing vigorous operations by a syndicate (chiefly local), and good prospects have been obtained. The West Tokatea Mines are now under protection, after a good year's work prospecting and developing. The Hauraki Mines (Limited) have worked during the year, but with very little encouragement. Kennedy Bay. Towards the ranges above Kennedy Bay and towards Cabbage Bay there has lately been some vigorous prospecting. Many claims have been granted up the Omoho Stream, and over the ridge towards Cabbage Bay good loose stone has been obtainad, but as yet no defined reefs. Cabbage Bay. Operations have been recommenced in this district by the White Star Company. In the White Star claims prospecting and developing has been carried on successfully for several months with encouraging results, gold showing freely in the stone. Mahakirau. Prospecting and developing on the Macaronic claims have been encouraging, with the result that the owners have decided to instal a small battery, which is now in course of erection. Kuaotunu. The Waitaia mines have had payable crushings throughout the year, and have lately taken over the Juno battery. The Handsworth has also produced good returns during the year. Tributers in the Irene (Hauraki) property have had very fair returns. The Kuaotunu and Great Mercury properties are also being worked by tributers, returns being very fair. Kapowai Block. Much development-work has been done in the Kapowai claims. Good ore has been secured, and lately several payable crushings have been obtained. Other prospecting has been carried on in this district with fair results. Opitonui. Mining here is practically at a standstill owing to the Kauri Freeholds properties having been closed down. Tiki. The Progress-Castle Eock and Vaughan Claims have been relinquished by the company, and taken over by private individuals, who are now prospecting with fair success. Karaka Block. Prospecting has been carried on in this locality and good stone obtained. The public battery has continued good work during the year in treating small parcels of ore for prospectors and others. The School of Mines has also continued its course of instruction with excellent results.