STATISTICS OF QUARTZ-MINING.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1328, 31 October 1872, Page 2

STATISTICS OF QUARTZ-MINING.

Now that quartz-mining has assumed a very "important phase in this colony, it^is very desirable that the statistical returns of the production. of gold presented to Parliament should distinguish the quantity derived from quartz and alluvial workings respectively, so as to enable a correct opinion to be formed of the relative importance of these two branches of gold mining. The Hon. Mr Gisborne, when Colonial Treasurer, communicated on 27^11 May last with. th.c head officers of the various banks in the Colony, inviting the co-operation of the banks in obtaining the desired particulars. Mr Gisborne pointed out that in Victoria the banks cordially assist the department of mines in the preparation of statistics by supplying the quantities of each kind of gold purchased by them. It is satisfactory to observe that the various banks in New-Zealand have expressed their willingness to assist the Government, although in s.ome in? stances doubt is expressed as, to the probability of giving absolutely accurate returns. According to a paper laid before Parliament the only baulks who have been able to furnish any statistics are the Bank of Oiago and the Bank, of Australasia. The Bank of Otago has not purchased any quartz gold during the six quarters ended June 30, 1872. The Bank of Australasia had purchased four times as much quartz gold as alluvial. . The Bank of New Zealand promises returns, bnt the Bank of New South Wales, through its inspector, leads it to be inferred that it cannot furnish any return without very great difficulty, and then that the return could not correctly specify the respective kinds of gold purchased, but the bank will assist as far as it is able. The Union Bank states that no separate record is kept of the two kinds of gold, and that it is therefore impossible to furnish the information applied for. The f c Wellington Independent " suggests that if our mining statistics are to be of any value at all, steps should be taken for securing their accuracy by law. Probably the easiest method would be to compel exporters to declare whether the gold they were shipping was quartz or alluvial gold. It commends this matter to the attention of the Government.