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the cost of the plant, besides deferring the knowledge as to whether the plant will successfully treat the substances so as to remunerate the syndicate. As it is a new industry in connection with mining in these parts, I trust the plucky enterprise will prove successful, the more so as it will be the means of employing a considerable number of men. This syndicate has spent between £7,000 and £8,000 on their plant already. COROMANDEL. In this portion of the field 2,507 acres are held as mining claims, upon some of which very little work of any kind is being done, while some of the properties which for a time looked so well and promising have absolutely died out, even the old Kapanga Company's mine now no longer exists. The machinery that was erected upon it has been dismantled, and disposed of. This mine was the oldest on the field, and for years was a promising property, producing considerable quantities of gold. A portion of the old claim has been taken up by Coromandel people, who still have faith in it. Gold is still being obtained in this portion of the district, but in much smaller quantities than was the case a few years ago. On the Kauri Block the Hauraki Mines (under the new company) continued working during the year with only moderate results from its crushings. The Bunker's Hill Mine has carried on continuous work with good results, having had some crushings of fair value. The Hauraki Freeholds, which adjoins the Bunker's property, have been following the latter's reef, and have also been driving from the Welcome Find shaft towards the Hauraki North. Tributing is being carried on around the beach below the Hauraki Mine in the Golden Pah and vicinity with various success. Messrs. Shepherd and Patterson have worked a cyanide tailings plant on the beach near here for some considerable time with payable results. In the vicinity of Driving Creek prospecting has been carried on in a section of the old Kapanga claim, now known as the South Kapanga, where some gold-bearing stone has been procured. In the New Hero a syndicate has been prospecting for some time, but so far the results have not been very encouraging. Several parties are prospecting about Paul's Creek, but have obtained nothing of much value. On the Tokatea, the Royal Oak Mine is still being worked, and getting gold. During the last few weeks several lots of picked stone have been secured, which has considerably raised the future prospects of this mine. At present, a scheme to amalgamate with other smaller surrounding holdings is mooted, so as to form a strong company, which proposes working on a more extensive scale. The Harbour View Syndicate's Claim has carried on considerable work with poor results. The Golden Spark has been acquired by a company, and the prospects appear good. The West Tokatea Mines have worked consistently through the year, but the results have not been too encouraging. During the last few months operations have again been pushed forward with renewed vigour. The New Four-in-Hand have carried on some very useful development-work with a view to thoroughly testing the ground, and are well satisfied with the results so far. I have not the least doubt this mine will again shortly be producing gold. Some very good returns have come to hand from the New Tandem Mine during the year. Kennedy Bay. —Prospecting of an encouraging nature has been carried on up the Omoho Creek, where some good stone has been obtained. Cabbage Bay. —The White Star Company are the only holders here, but the results of their workings have been so indifferent that they had to seek protection. Matamataharakeke. —The Macaronic and other claims have been worked steadily, and hopes are entertained of eventually securing large reefs of medium value. Kuaotunu. —The Waitaia and the Hamsworth are the only two properties that have been at all consistent during the year as gold-producers. The other claims in this locality have been principally in the hands of tributers with varying success. Kapowai Block, Gumtown. —The Kapowai Mine has had several fair crushings, and is still working with good prospects. Tiki. —The Progress Castle Rock and Vaughan Claims are in the hands of private individuals, who are prospecting, but the results have not been encouraging. Te Aeoha. In this portion of the field mining is extremely quiescent. Only about 270 acres are held as mining claims; of this area, 142 acres are held by Mr. Hardy, who really is the only holder who has done anything in the way of producing gold during the year. In connection with Mr. Hardy's mine there is a battery, a water-race, and other plant necessary for succesfully working a mine. Recently this property has been taken over by a company ; whether this will prove an advantage to the field or otherwise remains to be seen. The object, I understand, was to secure more capital for development purposes. The balance of the area held by other persons may be described as more or less protected. I have, &c, R. S. Bush, Warden. The Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington.