MR. HAUGHTON’S REPORT ON TUN GOLD-FIELDS OF THE COLONY.

Dunstan Times, Issue 698, 3 September 1875, Page 4

MR. HAUGHTON’S REPORT ON TUN GOLD-FIELDS OF THE COLONY.

\Vc extract the following interesting particulars from tlio Report:— Water Racks. On the 31st March, 1875, there were 4,365 water races, of a length of 6;823i miles, carrying 7,541 sluice heads of water ; the approximate cost of which is estimated at L 658,555, The number of tail races is 3,010, constructed at n cost of L 173,361 ; dams, 2,892, constructed at a cost of LI 4,300 ; and ground sluices, 1,603, •constructed aica cost of L 26,329. Mining Leases And Licenses. The number of mining leases in force on the 31st March, 1875, was 491 ; the gross acreage 3207 acres 2 roods 16 perches ;.-and the annual rental, L 7, 322 13s. Id. MINING COMPANIES. Under “The Mining Companies Limited Liability Act, 1865,” and Amending Acts, there are 230 registered companies, with a nominal capital of L- 9 ,622.216, and a paid-up capital of L 2,720,640 12s 2d. Under “ The Joint Stock Act,” 32 companies, with a nominal capital, L 557.625 ; •paid-up capital, L 300,153. Under “ The Mining Companies Act, 1872,” 51 companies, with a nominal capital of L 726,920; paid-up capital, L 254,699 Is lid. AGRICULTURAL (LEASES' On March 31, 1874, there were 1443 leases; acreage 88,296 acres 2 roods 14 perches. March 31, 1875, 1527 leases; acreage 104,023 acres 2 roods 5 perches. The area held at present under agricultural leases does not represent the whole amount of land which has been acquired and settled under the system of deferred payments. MINING POPULATION. The return of the number of persons engaged in goldmining shows a marked diminution for the year. Upon the 31st Mai’ch, 1874, there were 18,142, and upon March 31, 1875, 16,424. This includes Chinese, of whom there were at the latter date 4693, as against 4103 in the former year. PROSPECTS OF THE COLONY. The resolution of the House of Representation in August, 1859, expressly asks for a report upon the probable prospects of the goldfields. This is a matter upon which from the same data very different opinions may be formed, and I am afraid it is one very ■difficult to deal with, unless the political element (from entering into which ray position debars me) is introduced. I, however, take it for proven that undeveloped wealth to a great amount exists in our present goldfields, and that the mineral resources of the colony outside the present proclaimed goldfields have not yet been prospected. That there exist undeveloped mines of wealth in the Goldfields of New Zealand, there is not the shadow of a doubt, and I have appended hereto a very able and exhaustive report of Mr G. H. F. Ulrich, F.G.S., Consulting Mining Geologist and Engineer, of Melbourne, a gentleman well known for his scientific attainments, upon the goldfields of Otago, as proving beyond question the immensity of the auriferous resources of thatportion of the colony. As I write, day by day encouraging reports reach me of the newly developed goldfields in the North ; and the perusal of Mr Warden Fraser’s supplementary report enforces the conviction that tbe rich returns of the Thames in past years will sinkinto insignificance before the realisation of the future. It must, however, he admitted that goklmining under existing circumstances is not an attractive pursuit ; and many leave it for other industries ; and that the mining population is not recruited from outside, with the exception of the Chinese. It is a matter of consideration whether gohlmining—when it ceases to be a mere lottery, as in rich, newly-openel diggings it undoubtedly is—pays as a Steady industry ; whether, in fact, to raise an ounce of gold does not cost in ordinary cases very close upon its value. If this is the case—and the opinion upon the goldfields seems very much to tend this Way—and its results are admitted to be beneficial to the Colony, encouragement should be given to this industry, and some of the special burthens with which it is now weighted removed.