C—2

APPENDICES TO THE MINES STATEMENT APPENDIX A REPORTS RELATING TO METALLIFEROUS MINES AND QUARRIES The Inspecting Engineer op Mines to the Under-Secretary op Mines. Wellington, 21st May, 1947. Sir, — I have the honour to present my report on metalliferous mines and quarries for the year ended 31st December, 1946. ACCIDENTS During 1946 there were no fatal accidents in the metalliferous mines, at which 1,166 men were ordinarily employed. Three serious accidents occurred, causing injuries to three men. All these were in the West Coast Inspection District and took place on dredges. GOLD-MINING Production of gold for the year shows a decline of 9,093 oz. when compared with 1945. Quartz-mining output decreased by 6,452 oz., dredging by 2,858 oz., and alluvial mining increased by 217 oz. Sixteen dredges operated during the year and produced 79,228 oz.—i.e., slightly more than 66 per cent, of the total output. The Martha and Blackwater Mines continue to be the only significant producers in the quartz-mining section. MINERALS OTHER THAN GOLD The production figures for minerals other than gold are shown in detail elsewhere in the Statement. The most promising development is the steady and substantial increase in the quantity of limestone produced for agricultural use, which now amounts to nearly 1,000,000 tons per annum.

21