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1922. NEW ZEALAND

MINES STATEMENT BY THE HON. G. J. ANDERSON, MINISTER OF MINES.

Mr. Speaker,— In presenting to Parliament my second annual statement on the mining industry of the Dominion for the year ended 31st December, 1921, I desire to congratulate honourable members and the people generally on the progress of such industry during that time, notwithstanding the acute financial position .and the fact that mine costs, including the prices of stores, have not diminished to any appreciable extent. Honourable members will be pleased to learn that the production of goldsilver bullion from quartz and alluvial gold-mines and by gold-dredges increased in quantity by no less than 77,225 oz. during the year, which speaks volumes for the efforts of those who have sunk their capital and devoted their energies to this important industry. It is with extreme regret that I have to announce that no new goldfields have been discovered during the year. It is, however, hoped that the prospectors, who arc being financially assisted by the Department, will locate a new and payable goldfield, as such a discovery would materially assist in overcoming our present difficulties, financially and otherwise. During the year the Government has assisted prospectors and mining companies with advice and money, and had it not been for the financial difficulties which have occurred much greater aid would have been granted. As the financial position improves it will be possible to increase materially the granting of subsidies and loans for prospecting and developing promising mines. The following statement shows the quantity and value of the production of metalliferous mines, stone-quarries under the Stone-quarries Act, and of coal-mines during 1921 and 1920 :—

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Gold and silver* Quicksilver .. Tungsten ore Sulphur Manganese .. Asbestos Stone Pumice Coal Totals Mineral. 1921. Quantity. Value. £ .. 551,875 oz. 547,105 $$ ton 231 38/q „ 1,785 873 „ 2,619 358,362 2,945 „ 7,958 .. 1,809,095 „ 1,809,095 £2,727,205 1920. Quantity. 474,650 oz. l^jton ""liO » 746 „ 2 „ 114 Value. £ 528,317 1,378 1,956 2,238 10 105 31.4,470 7,499 1,843,705 2,843 „ 1,843,705 „ £2,699,678 * The gold-silver bullion is generally exported unsep limited.