WARDEN'S REPORT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 174, 8 June 1871, Page 5

WARDEN'S REPORT.

The following is the quarterly report of Mr. Warden I'yke (Dnnstan district) :—: — " Sir,— l have the honour to report respecting the progress and condition of the Dunstan district during the quarter ending 31st March, as follows :—: — Generally, the entire district has been steadily prosperous, as is demonstrated by the escort returns, hereinafter quoted. In the Clyde division, dredging and bank-sluicing have been carried on with but slight interruption and with very fair results. There is not any limit to the latter, except the scantiness of the water supply. In connection with which subject I may refer to the immense advantage which would accrue if the abundant waters of the Molyneux River were lifted for sluicing purposes — tc which end I would urge the erection of one of Thomson's water-raising machines. I may mention that the highest level of the bank above the river in the vicinity of proved auiiferous ground has been ascertained by the District Surveyor (Mr. Arthur) to be 82 feet. In the Alexandra division, new ground has been opened at the junction of the Earnscleugh, or Fraser River, with the Molyneux, and good prospects have been obtained. A mining lease for ten acres of land in the vicinity of the old camp has also been applied for and granted in the Warden's Court. And at Tucker I lill the ground formerly occupied by the now defunct " Rose, Thißtle, and Shamrock Company," has been reapplied for by some of the original shareholders — evincing at least, their faith in the ground. At Blacks, the most noteworthy subject of comment is the workings of the Ida Valley Lead Company, who continue to obtain very good wash-dirt. There cannot be any doubt that they have struck a rich " patch," and probably there are many other patches equally auriferous in the locality. The Cromwell division continues to hold its own. Some new reefs have been reported as discovered at the Carrick Ranges, and gome good crushings therefrom have been obtained. The coming season, however, is not favourable to this branch of mining, as the waters will be, if not altogether frozen, much too cold to permit of the extraction of gold from the stone. Population :- A census having recently been taken, I omit the usual approximate return, pending the publication of the returns. \ield of Gold : — During the quarter gold as under has been forwarded by escort to Dunedin : — Cromwell, 5212 ozs. 17 dwts. ; Clyde, 2762 ozs. ; Blacks, 2547 ozs. 1 dwt; Alexandra, 2209 ozs. Total for quarter, 12,730 ozs. 11 dwts., being at the rate of 50,000 ounces per annum." From the statistical tables appended to the report we learn that there are 850 European alluvial miners : 550 Chinese do. do. ; aud 150 European quartz "miners in the district. The machinery employed comprises a whip, 5 waterw.heels, 6 hydraulic hoses, 5 pumps, 72 sluice boxes,? quartz VMung machines, of 15 stamp heads, and 2 water-wheela, of the aggregate value of £30,000. There are 19 water races, giving 342 slnice headj, the construction of which cost <.rer £70,000, the- present value beiuij,£4o,2so ; 15 tail races, value £11,125 ; and 27 dams', valued at £1690 The nriea ol gold v from £3 12s, to £3