MINES STATEMENT. BY THE HON. JAMES McGOWAN, MINISTER OF MINES.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1902 Session I, C-02

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1902. NEW ZEALAND.

MINES STATEMENT. BY THE HON. JAMES McGOWAN, MINISTER OF MINES.

Mr. Speaker,— I again have the honour to present my annual Statement to Parliament, and in doing so would call attention to the continued expansion of the mining industry as a whole. During the year 1901 the production of gold and silver, and also of coal and lignite, was considerably in excess of that of the previous year, whilst the output of kauri-gum and miscellaneous minerals shows a falling-off. The gross values of the mineral production, including kauri-gum, for 1901, however, show an increase of over a quarter of a million pounds sterling as compared with those of the year 1900, and doubtless the increase would have been greater still but for the fact that the phenomenally high state of some of the rivers interfered with gold-dredging operations during a considerable portion of the year. MINERAL PRODUCTION. The annexed Table No. 1 shows the quantity of gold, silver, coal, and other minerals, including kauri-gum, produced during the year ending 31st December, 1901. The total production of gold and silver was 1,026,695 oz., valued at 5£1,819,041, and shows an increase in value of £340,560 as compared with the production of the preceding year. The output of other minerals, including coal and lignite, has been 1,248,164 tons, representing a value of £1,136,942, or 141,680 tons in excess of the previous year. Kauri-gum to the amount of 7,541 tons, valued at £446,114, was obtained. Compared with the production of the previous year this shows a decrease oi 2,618 tons. The quantities and values of the chief mineral productions for the past two years are summarised for comparison as follow :— Year ending 31st December, 1900. Year ending Blst December, 1901. Product. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. £ £ Gold ... ... •• 373,616 oz. 1,439,602 455,561 oz. 1,753,783 Silver ... ... ... 326,457 „ 38,879 571,134 „ 65,258 Copper-ore ... ... 12 tons 45 3 tons 105 Antimony ... ... 3 „ 101 30 „ 136 Manganese-ore 166 „ 588 208 „ 614 Mixed minerals 2,126 „ 12,751 696 „ 7,775 Chrome-ore ... ... 28 „ 110 Colonial coal exported, including that used by Home steamers ... ... 112,707 „ 98,136 159,643 tons 142,176 Coke exported Colonial coal consumed in New Zealand ... ... 981,283 tons 490,642 1,067,995 tons 533,998 Kauri-gum 10,159 „ 622,293 7,541 „ 446,114 Shale ... ... 12,048 „ 6,024 Total value of production for 1901 ... ... ... £2,955,983 1900 ... ... ... 2,703,147 Total increase ... ... ... £252,836

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The total value of gold, silver, coal, and other minerals, including kaurigum, produced up to the end of 1901 was £79,060,964. It will be noticed that the output of kauri-gum has fallen off very considerably during the last year, the returns showing a decreased output of 2,618 tons (representing a value of £176,179) as compared with that of the year 1900. The following table of comparisons (compiled from Customs returns) shows that the export value of gold and silver is still slightly on the increase.

Comparative Statement of Gold and Silver entered for Export during the First Half of the Years 1901 and 1902.

GOLD-EXPORT. The quantity of gold entered for exportation through the Customs during the year 1901 was as follows: Auckland, 191,968 oz.; Marlborough, 133 oz.; Nelson, 7,212 oz.; West Coast, 113,286 oz.; Canterbury, 22 oz.; Otago and Southland, 142,940 oz. GOLD-MINING. Quartz. The work of winning gold from quartz reefs is carried on in each of the mining districts, the most extensive mines being in the Northern and West Coast Districts. In the Northern District there is no other form of goldmining to any extent. The Waihi Cold-mining Company's mine continues to be the largest producer of both gold and silver, the latter metal being associated with gold in the quartz at Waihi, as well as in other parts of the northern goldfields. At this mine there are several reefs of considerable size, and their working admits of a large output of stone. The reduction-works are also well equipped with modern plant on an extensive scale, and the company's operations now give employment to more than a thousand persons. No less than 159,325 tons of quartz was treated during last year, and £165,000 paid in dividends. It is somewhat remarkable that none of the other mining properties in the locality have, as yet, attained such marked success as that of the Waihi Gold-mining Company, and it is evident that where ores of low grade exist they must, to be successful, be worked on a comprehensive system and an extensive scale, which will admit of the fixed charges incidental to mining being curtailed as far as is reasonably practicable, and spread over the largest possible tonnage. A considerable amount of development-work has been done at mines in the neighbourhood of Waitekauri and Karangahake, and the Upper Thames portion of the goldfield may be regarded as the principal centre for some time to come. There is nothing of an encouraging nature to report in connection with the Lower Thames. So far, nothing has been done towards resuming the sinking of the Thames-Hauraki shaft to prove the deep levels, and, owing to the nature of the ground, the borehole which was being put down on the foreshore by the Victoria Gold-mining Company had to be given up after reaching a depth of 518 ft., and another bore has since been commenced. It is most desirable that the question of the existence or otherwise of gold-bearing reefs under the Thames Estuary (beyond what is known as the " Seaward Slide") should be

Half-vear ending 30th June, 1902. Half-year ending 30th June, 1901. Increase or Decrease for First Half of 1902. Amount. Value. Amount. Value. Amount. Value. Jold iilver Oz. 216,801 323,073 £ 835,562 36,707 Oz. 217,478 226,267 844,888 24,725 Oz. - 677 + 96,806 £ 9,326 11,982 872,269 869,613 2,656

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proved, and it is with this object that the boring was undertaken by the Victoria Gold-mining Company. In the interests of the industry and the district, and also in justice to the Government, the work of proving the deep levels at the Thames-Hauraki shaft (which has been substantially subsidised) should be proceeded with, and the question of payable reefs at greater depth definitely settled. Mining matters at Coromandel and the surrounding localities are quiet, several mines being closed. Development-work and additions to the plant Lave been undertaken by the Kauri Freehold Gold Estates Company (Limited), who employ about 180 men. Good results have been obtained at the Eoyal Oak of Hauraki Mine, the Four-in-hand Mine, and at some of the small properties. Since the amalgamation of the Mariposa and Kapai-Vermont Mines the shaft has been unwatered and development-works put in hand. Some excellent results have been obtained from small lots of ore from the reefs at Gumtown, but until the field is more extensively opened out it is premature to say very much as to its prospects. On Great Barrier Island work has not been very active, and a reconstruction of the company working the Barrier Beefs Mine will be necessary to develop the property at greater depths. A large lode of promising quartz has been cut. Fair prospects have also been met with at the New Great Barrier Mine. In the West Coast District work has recently been done at two small mines near Waimangaroa, from which very fair results are looked for. Some promising stone has been found in the Alpine Extended Mine at Lyell, but its extent will have to be proved at deeper levels. The comprehensive system of development which has of late years been adopted at the mines in the neighbourhood of Beefton, combined with the judicious expenditure of capital, has done much to enhance the prosperity of the place, and, so far as can be reasonably predicted, proved an assured position in regard to the future for some years to come. Most of the mines are now equipped with modern machinery and battery plant, and the adoption of the cyanide process will doubtless add to the recovery of a larger percentage of gold than was formerly the case. Very little change is to be noted in respect to quartz-mining in the Southern District. The O.P.Q. Mine at Waipori and the Achilles Mine at Bullendale have been practically standing idle for some time, but there appears some probability of the Bendigo Mine, near Cromwell, being again worked on more comprehensive lines. Several small properties are being developed in various parts of the district with varying results, but the hopes of a few years ago as to the possibilities of Preservation Inlet as a quartz-mining centre have been greatly modified, owing to indifferent returns and a consequent reduction in the scope of operations. The reef-systems of Otago do not seem to have had that attention to which, in the opinion of many people, they are entitled. Alluvial and Hydraulic Mining. This branch of the gold-mining industry may be said to be fairly steady on the whole. During the last few years the shallow diggings have become fewer and fewer, and as many of these were worked by Chinese miners it is found that their number is gradually yet steadily decreasing with the exhaustion of shallow ground. The great bulk of the working of our alluvial auriferous deposits is now accomplished by hydraulic sluicing, with the addition of hydraulic elevating (where such is necessary) to secure ample fall for the discharge of tailings, although during the past few years dredging has had a tendency to supplant hydraulic mining in many instances. During the year a somewhat extensive plant was completed and set to work at Humphrey's Gully, near Hokitika, and operations for the purpose of bringing in water to work hydraulic mining have been in progress in the neighbourhood of Lyell, and also near Hokitika. In North Otago good progress has been made in the construction of siphons for the Mountain Hut race, which will bring an increased supply of water to the

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claims at Maerewhenua, and this work is expected to be completed in time for next season's work. At Naseby gold has been found in small quantities in the " Maori bottom " (which was formerly considered the bed of the auriferous wash), and to a payable extent in a layer of wash, varying in thickness from 5 ft. to 8 ft., underlying the " Maori bottom." This discovery should prove of benefit to the locality, but to work it to advantage it may be found desirable for the holders of small claims to consolidate their interests. For a further water-supply, to admit of the extended workings of this new find, a site for a storage-dam has been secured. Arrangements have also been made for increasing the present supply by the erection of a siphon on the Mount Ida Water-race, which will cut off a length of open race now subject to accidents from surface-slips. In both the West Coast and Southern Districts work in the established centres of alluvial and hydraulic mining continues to afford employment for a large number of persons, and, with few exceptions, this condition is likely to be maintained for several years to come. Dredge mining. Many of the dredges referred to in my last Statement as being built have been completed and put to work, the number of working dredges at the commencement of the present year showing an increase of thirty-eight as compared with that of the previous year. The total number of dredges in the West Coast and Southern Districts is as follows : Working, 183; building, 59; standing (some having been sold for removal), 33; undergoing removal, 19: total, 224. It is estimated that this branch of mining finds direct employment for over two thousand persons, apart altogether from the men employed in building dredges and machinery, and in effecting their repairs. In addition to this, many industries are benefited more or less directly as the result of dredging operations, and the success which has attended the bulk of New Zealand ventures has had its effects in other directions, tending to the increased wealth of the people. It must not, however, be forgotten that much of the wild speculation which characterized the recent "boom" has affected a large number of people in a diametrically opposite direction; but this is a natural outcome of all cases of similar speculative excitement. The fact of the dredging industry gradually settling down again into a steady groove is satisfactory, and this method of winning gold from river-beds and alluvial flats is one which is destined to occupy an important position for years to come. Following the lead of New Zealand, dredge mining has taken a firm hold in several other countries, and not only have men from this colony been engaged to supervise operations elsewhere, but dredges have been built here and exported. In a former Statement reference was made to the spoiling of land by dredges working on alluvial flats. This is a question which has not been lost sight of by the Department, and is referred to in the report of the Inspecting Engineer. The most noteworthy improvements in dredge-construction which appear to have recently come to the front are a system of elevating the tailings by centrifugal force, thus dispensing with the long and heavy ladder elevator, and an adaptation of water-power (where such is available) for working the machinery, instead of by steam. Both of the arrangements named are working successfully. It is also satisfactory to note that in several instances more care is being bestowed on the saving of fine gold. THE CYANIDE PROCESS OP GOLD-EXTRACTION. The amount of royalty paid to the Government for the use of the patent rights in the colony now amounts to £5,132, or more than half of the cost incurred in the acquisition of the said patent rights. PROSPECTING. The sum of £1,509 10s. 9d. was expended in subsidies for the year ending the 31st March, 1902, to prospecting associations and parties of miners actually engaged in prospecting for minerals.

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WATERCOURSES POR TAILINGS, ETC. To meet the requirements of the mining industry in the West Coast and Southern Districts Proclamations have been issued in respect to thirteen rivers and streams other than those referred to in my Statement of last year, and the sum of £5,318 has been paid as compensation. Arrangements have been made whereby it is hoped the difficulties recently existing between the farmers and dredge-owners on the Waimumu and Charlton Creeks will be overcome to the mutual satisfaction of both parties. SCHOOLS OP MINES. These institutions continue to prove of great benefit to young men qualifying themselves for positions of responsibility in mines and reduction-works, and many students from the schools in this colony have obtained important appointments in other countries. The total expenditure on Schools of Mines in the colony, including grants to the school in connection with the Otago University, during the past seventeen years amounts to £33,580 17s. 3d. COAL-MINING. The output of coal and lignite for 1901 shows an advance of 133,648 tons as compared with the production of the previous year. To this the output of shale from the mine of the New Zealand Coal and Oil Company (Limited) at Orepuki, amounting to 12,048 tons, must be added, thus swelling the increased production to 145,696 tons, the total tonnage being 1,239,686 tons, as compared with 1,093,990 tons for the year 1900. The increases for the several districts are as follows: Northern District, 14,781 tons ; West Coast District, 75,352 tons; Southern District, 55,563 tons; and the total production for the colony is represented by an output of 754,953 tons of bituminous and semi-bituminous coal, 14,584 tons of pitch coal, 405,152 tons of brown coal, 52,949 tons of lignite, and 12,048 tons of oil-shale. It may be interesting to note that the total recorded output of coal and lignite in the colony up to the end of last year was nearly sixteen millions of tons. - In analysing the statistical returns of the several districts it is found that in the North Island the mines of the Taupiri Coal Company have the largest output, 75,742 tons being the production for the year. The Hikurangi Coal Company's mine is next in order, with an output of 39,593 tons, followed by Ngunguruand Kiripaka Mines, which yielded 17,789 tons and 15,968 tons respectively. Four other mines had outputs of over 3,000 and under 10,000 tons, and a few small mines were also worked, principally for local requirements. As usual, the West Coast of the Middle Island continues to occupy the premier position in the coal industry, the output of the Westport Coal Company's collieries alone being 433,572 tons for the year, or over 20,000 tons in excess of one-third of the total production of the entire colony. The output of Brunner Colliery was 127,016 tons, and that of Blackball Colliery 79,152 tons, whilst an output of 20,257 tons was obtained at Mokihinui by the party of miners who are working the mine. There appears, however, very little prospect of anything like this output being maintained by the party. In the Southern District the class of coal which exists does not admit of shipment, and its use is practically confined to comparatively local requirements, the extent of mining and the output of the mines being to a great extent regulated by proximity to populous centres. As producers, the collieries of the New Zealand Coal and Oil Company (Limited), at Kaitangata, take first place, the output for the year being 114,383 tons, the Nightcaps Coal Company (Limited) following with an output of 31,845 tons. The Allandale Colliery is next in order, its output being 18,469 tons, and that of Shag Point Colliery 14,584 tons. The decrease at the last-named colliery is due to the exhaustion of some of the seams and difficulties with water. Lovell's Flat Colliery produced 14,484 tons, Walton Park Colliery 11,042 tons, Freeman's Colliery 10,843 tons, and Jubilee Colliery, Fairfield, 10,577 tons. The shale-mine at Orepuki had an output of

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10,662 tons of coal, in addition to 12,048 tons of shale, already mentioned. At Bannockburn three small mines, formerly worked by separate parties but now amalgamated, produced 10,593 tons. None of the other mines in the district had an output of 10,000 tons, but it is worthy of note that at one of the opencast lignite pits near Mataura this figure was almost reached, the production for the year being returned at 9,477 tons. The number of coal-mines in the colony which were working last year is 149, giving employment to 2,754 persons. Many of the mines are very small, and are worked for purely local demands, whilst quite a number on private lands are worked for the requirements of the owners only. Owing to the somewhat increased demand for coal a considerable number of applications for leases of comparatively small areas have been made to the Department. These have been investigated and found in several instances to be for the purposes of speculation. Where the present and prospective requirements of a locality have warranted the issue of leases such grants have been made as will satisfy all reasonable demands. As our coal-areas are a national asset it is the duty of the Government to safeguard such in a proper manner. With a view to prove the continuation of the Brunner Coalfield in the direction of Greymouth, boring operations have lately been undertaken in the neighbourhood of Dobson by the Greymouth Harbour Board with very promising results. The first borehole is reported to have penetrated coal 12 ft. in thickness at a moderate depth, and further boring, which was put in hand for the purpose of obtaining additional information, has reached coal within the last few days. In accordance with the desire that the Government should possess and work its own collieries, primarily for the supply of its own requirements, a careful examination was made, by officers of the Mines Department and other experts, of several properties on the west coast of the Middle Island; and the " Cave Area " (a portion of the ground formerly held under lease by the late Westport Cardiff Coal Company, Limited, and not worked) at Seddonville, together with the property formerly held under lease by the Greymouth-Point Elizabeth Bailway and Coal Company, Limited (and forfeited for non-compliance with conditions), were selected as suitable places for the establishment of State collieries. Prospecting-works at Seddonville have proved satisfactory, the seam averaging upwards of 14 ft. in thickness, and work has been commenced with a view to the development of the property. It is intended to complete the unfinished railway to the Point Elizabeth property near Greymouth, and to open out the coalfield there. In order that these collieries may be worked economically, safely, and in an efficient manner, with the least possible amount of waste, the mistakes which have been common to some of the mines in the colony must be avoided, and the workings developed in a comprehensive and systematic manner before a large output is demanded. ACCIDENTS IN MINES. The following statement shows the number of fatalities which have occurred during the twelve months ending on the 31st December last:—

The whole of these accidents, together with several of a minor character, have been inquired into by the departmental officers and found to be of a nature incidental to mining-work. The majority of fatalities in connection with dredging operations were the result of boating accidents, although others have been caused by men carelessly oiling or examining machinery in motion, contrary to the general practice on dredges.

Class of Mining. Number of Persons employed. Fatalities. Rate per 1,000. Quartz-mines Hydraulic and alluvial mines and dredges Coal-mines 4,595 8,132 2,754 6 8 3 1-3 10 109 15,481 17 1-11

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Taken as a whole, the measure of safety which is attained by the mining industry of the colony compares very favourably with that of many other industries which are admittedly less dangerous, and bespeaks considerable care on the part of those upon whom the charge of mining operations devolves. SHALE-OIL. The new works at Orepuki have now got into full working-order, and oils of various grades, adapted for both burning and lubricating purposes, as well as other products obtainable from the distillates of shale, have been produced. Doubtless it will take a little time to find a market for the entire production of the works, but it is to be hoped that the enterprise of the company will be rewarded in the near future. SULPHUR. During the year 1901 the quantity of sulphur exported amounted to 143 tons, this being a decrease of 1,549 tons as compared with the output of the preceding year. KAURI-GUM. As previously remarked, the output for the year showed a considerable decrease, the export returns showing 7,541 tons, valued at £446,114, as compared with an export of 10,159 tons, having a value of £622,293, for the year 1900. SCHEELITE. Messrs. Donaldson Bros., at Macrae's (Otago), are the only people in the colony who prepare this mineral for the market. The mineral exists in other claims, but nothing is being done at the batteries to separate it from the quartz sands. ANTIMONY. Further prospecting at Alexandra South (Otago) has proved the continuity of the lode, and trial shipments of the ore have been exported with the object of its being tested on a fair scale. HAEMATITE PAINT. The manufacture of this is still carried on at Thames and Parapara. OTHER MINERALS. Pending the formation of a company to work the cinnabar lode near Waitahuna (Otago) operations are suspended. Nothing further appears to have been done to work copper or chrome ore. An interesting and valuable discovery of rock phosphate has been made at Clarendon, near Milton (Otago). Analysis shows this to be of a quality suited for application to land, and also for the manufacture of superphosphates. It is possible that the mineral may also be found associated with the limestone rocks in other parts of Otago. ROADS AND TRACKS. The expenditure on roads and tracks for the year was £47,573 4s. 3d., this being a decrease of £844 3s. as compared with that of the preceding twelve months. Subsidies to local bodies amounted to £2,812 3s. 7d., and the sum of £44,761 os. Bd. has been expended in direct grants for roads and tracks in mining districts. The total expenditure by the Department under this heading during the past twenty years amounts to £418,665 18s. lOd. and £101,258 17s. 9d. respectively. GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATIONS. During the year the attention of the Geologist was largely directed towards the classification of mineral specimens, and in the preparation of reports on various geological examinations. Attention was also given to the examination of the West Coast coalfields, in view of the proposal to establish Government collieries ; and a special examination of the district round Cheviot was made in connection with the seismic disturbances which occurred there during the latter part of last and the early part of the present year. A report on the latter has just been published.

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THE MINING BUREAU. The issue of the New Zealand Mines Record, which was commenced by the Mining Bureau in 1897, has been since continued. The monthly publication of battery and gold-dredging returns, and other statistics and information relating to the mining industry of this colony, which was initiated by the Bureau, is now customary in most of the Australian States. The papers on improved goldsaving processes and methods of ventilating and working coal-mines that appear from time to time are of considerable assistance to those engaged in developing the mineral resources of New Zealand. Quotations from the pages of the Record are frequently to be met with in the mining and technical journals of Australia, Great Britain, the United States, and other countries. Abstracts of geological reports and articles of special importance that appear in the Record are printed as leaflets and widely distributed. The issue of this monthly journal has also made the publication of voluminous annual reports unnecessary, as much of the general and scientific information formerly embodied in the annual reports now appears in the pages of the Mines Record. DEPARTMENTAL. The work of the Department has been efficiently carried out by the various officers, and since the appointment of an Assistant Inspector in the Southern District the inspection of mines and dredges in that, as in the other districts, has been as frequent as is either necessary or desirable. CONCLUSION. In concluding my Statement I may venture the opinion that the mining industry generally is in a healthy condition. It is true that claims become worked out year by year, and the shallow gold-diggings worked by small parties or individual miners are being exhausted; but, with improved appliances and methods for working ground and saving gold, ground which a few years ago was considered poor will yet be worked to advantage. Several gold-mining properties on which much capital has been spent in opening and development during the last few years are likely to be steady producers for some years to come. The coal-mining industry is growing, the output year by year showing a decided increase. It is to be hoped that the proposal to establish works in the colony for the manufacture of iron from the deposits of ore at Parapara and ironsand at Taranaki will be carried into effect and become a success. By this means minerals as yet unworked will be made a source of further prosperity to New Zealand.

DIAGRAM Showing TOTAL QUANTITY & VALUE of GOLD exported from N.Z. for the years 1857 to 1901.

DIAGRAM showing TOTAL QUANTITY & VALUE of KAURI GUM exported from N.Z. for the years 1853 to 1901.

DIAGRAM showing TOTAL OUTPUT of COAL from N.Z. MINES for the years 1872 to 1901.

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No. 1. Table showing the Comparison in Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Exportation, and also the Quantity and Value of other Minerals produced, for the Years ended the 31st December, 1900 and 1901, as well as the Total Value since January, 1853.

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Name of Metal or Mineral. For Year ending the 31st December, 1900. Quantity. Value. For Year ending the 31st December, 1901. Total from the 1st January, 1853, to the 31st December, 1901. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. 'recious metals— Oz. Gold .. .. .. .. .. 373,616 Silver .. .. .. .. .. 326,457 £ 1,439,602 38,879 Oz. £ 455,561 1,753,783 571,134 1 65,258 Oz. 15,064,462 2,625,942 £ 59,159,888 380,806 Total gold and silver .. .. 700,073 1,478,481 1,026,695 1,819,041 |l7,690,404 59,540,689 Mineral produce, including kauri-gum— Tons. Copper-ore .. .. .. .. 12 Chrome-ore .. .. .. .. 28 Antimony-ore .. .. .. .. 3 Manganese-ore .. .. .. .. 166 ,Hsematite-ore Mixed minerals .. .. .. .. 2,126 Coal (New Zealand) exported .. .. 112,707 Coke exported Coal, output of mines in colony (less exports) 981,283 Kauri-gum .. .. .. .. 10,159 Shale .. Tons. 12 28 3 166 2,126 112,707 £ 45 110 101 588 12,751 98,136 Tons. 3 "30 208 696 j 159,643 1,067,995 J 7,541 12,048 £ 105 "l36 614 7,775 142,176 533,998 446,114 6,024 Tons. 1,4114 5,694 3,643 19.011J 52J 21,833 1,393,161 16,370 14,387,347 229,292 12,048 £ 18,088 37,477 52,598 60,846 226 110,691 1,332,019 24,804 7,101,557 10,775,945 6,024 19,520,275 59,540,689 981,283 10,159 490,642 622,293 Total quantity and value of minerals 1,106.484 Value of gold and silver, as above 1,106.484 1,224,666 1,478,481 1.248,164 1,136,942 I 1,819,041 16,089,863 J Total value of minerals produced, including gold and silver 2,955,983 79,060,964 2,703,147

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No. 2. Table showing the Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Exportation from New Zealand for the Years ended the 31st December, 1900 and 1901, and the Total Quantity and Value from 1857 to the 31st December, 1901.

Year ending 31st December, 1900. Year ending 31st December, 1901. Increase or Decrease for Year ending 31st December, 1901. District and County or Borough. Total Quanti from Janui 31st Decei Ity and Value a,ry, 1857, to ntaer, 1901. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Increase. Decrease. Auckland — County of Coromandel County of Thames County of Ohinemuri County of Piako .. County of Manukau County of Marsden County of Whangarei Borough of Thames Te Aroha Town District Great Barrier Island County of Tauranga Oz. 15,922 12,503 129,296 975 £ 67,065 51,407 451,589 4,110 Oz. 10,543 8,853 160,696 661 £ 44,521 36,948 567,806 2,795 Oz. 31,400 Oz. 5,379 3,650 Oz. £ 314 7,592 311036 4,953 20*774 2'639 54 "l91 6,240 22 22,613 94 6,186 22 Wellington 166,342 605,398 191,968 695,551 25,626 2,807,432 10,512,866 188 706 iIablbobough— County of Marlborough 535 2,147 133 513 402 87,053 339,075 Kelson— County of Waimea County of Collingwood 89 3,629 356 14,249 168 7,044 661 27,477 79 3,415 /Vest Coast— County of Buller .. County of Inangahua , County of Grey County of Westland Kumara Borough .. Hokitika Borough Ross Borough 3,718 14,605 7,212 28,138 3,494 1,686,208 6,684,359 9,249 30,382 16,152 15,598 37,049 121,741 64,721 62,056 8,967 58,633 25,648 17,930 35,937 235,046 102,896 71,697 28,251 9,496 2,332 282 684 1,858 2,734 7,432 613 1,495 2*455 5,975 "71 363 73,923 295,733 113,286 18,528,282 jANTEBBUBY . . . 454,006 39,363 4,656,878 23 90 •2-2 8:! 97 380 )tago— County of Taieri .. County of Tuapeka County of Vincent County of Maniototo County of Waihemo County of Waikouaiti County of Waitaki County of Bruce .. County of Lake County of Wallace County of Fiord .. County of Southland County of Clutha .. Borough of Alexandra Dunedin Borough of Mataura 910 33,127 56,688 7,333 2,042 17 1,499 2,645 6,345 10,295 355 7,819 3,623 134,140 228,794 29,963 8,223 66 6,119 10,520 25,718 41,427 1,424 31,612 1,602 38,314 55,594 10,870 2,450 80 1,954 1,779 5,614 9,570 515 13,438 410 6,484 154,798 222,646 44,083 9,824 320 7,935 7,135 23,553 38,434 2,063 54,377 1,640 692 5,187 3,537 408 63 455 1,094 866 531 725 160 5,619 410 550 2,200 550 Unknown 129,075 521,629 142,940 575,492 13,865 5,826,399 23,093,391 207 824 Totals 373,616 1,439,602 455,561 1,753,783 81,945 15,064,462 59,159,883

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No. 3. Table showing the Total Quantity and Value of Gold entered for Duty for Exportation from the 1st January, 1857, to the 31st December, 1901. (This Return shows the Produce of the various Goldfields. Gold entered at Nelson from Hokitika, Greymouth, and Westport is put under the head of "West Coast," and Gold from Invercargill and Riverton under the head of "Otago.")

Auckland. Marlborough. Nell ;on. West Coast. Otago and Southland. Grand 'otals. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. Oz. Value. £ £ £ 40,422 51,272 28,427 17,585 24,552 40,386 37,120 55,841 47,030 29,643 35,918 38,396 42,524 48,692 40,056 32,700 54,786 22,158 17,866 55,862 21,092 17,223 11,424 12,223 13,039 12,494 7,724 8,002 10,337 9,979 10,829 11,320 12,310 11,049 16,896 9,604 8,187 10,634 9,016 10,333 7,055 6,882 1,571 14,605 28,138 £ £ £ 40,422 52,464 28,427 17,585 751,873 1,591,389 2,431,723 1,856,837 2,226,474 2,844,517 2,698,862 2,504,326 2,362,995 2,157,585 2,787,520 1,731,261 1,987,425 1,505,331 1,407,770 1,284,328 1,496,080 1,240,079 1,148,108 1,227,252 1,080,790 1,002,720 993,352 921,797 948,615 903,569 811,100 801,066 808,549 773,438 1,007,488 954,744 913,138 887,839 1,162,164 1,041,428 980,204 1,080,691 1,513,173 1,439,602 1,753,783 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875. 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 308 1,239 4,483 3,448 5,449 5,814 6,637 53,660 132,451 85,534 330,326 104,890 119,449 76,910 69,485 56,057 99,081 55,982 37,901 42,720 35,516 33,059 41,291 36,087 42,989 32,271 30,697 35,223 28,655 31,745 45,392 45,555 45,714 52,916 111,213 92,346 105,477 142,383 168,769 166,342 191,968 1,192 4,098 13,853 10,552 17,096 17,463 18,277 168,874434,687 319,146 1,188,708 369,341 437,123 305,068 262,156 221,905 403,627 220,454 154,295 176,416 141,326 131,007 163,618 143,564 . 170,416 128,140 121,564 139,556 113,191 125,760 181,185 183,655 186,553 211,974 430,862 350,355 392,337 527,786 624,737 605,398 695,551 24,838 7,952 469 501 404 666 1,852 1,867 2,057 1,274 1,198 1,159 450 870 404 879 1,550 1,378 1,352 636 1,079 540 404 1,041 699 5,189 6,073 5,649 3,898 2,165 2,536 2,695 916 810 781 95,231 30,814 1,818 1,978 1,616 2,664 7,408 7,468 8,228 5,050 4,748 4,636 1,796 3,197 1,617 3,460 5,650 4,531 5,400 2,524 4,306 2,160 1,451 3,759 2,547 20,167 24,285 22,576 15,429 8,644 10,123 10,771 3,588 3,195 3,003 10,437 13,226 ' 7,336 4,538 6,335 10,422 9,580 14,410 12,137 7,650 9,123 5,999 10,631 12,244 10,014 8,175 13,697 5,642 4,577 14,018 5,367 4,463 2,993 3,222 3,453 3,289 2,064 2,159 2,798 2,582 2,914 3,027 3,252 2,856 4,445 2,535 2,145 2,860 2,460 2,753 1,892 1,720 419 3,718 7,212 1,463 289,897 552,572 511,974 405,762 317,169 280,068 232,882 172,574 188,501 157,531 158,678 133,014 153,198 144,634 142,822 144,090 127,544 130,048 116,905 111,686 117,861 112,671 98,774 100,139 101,696 89,096 109,268 103,106 99,127 86,950 89,429 79,317 58,817 79,948 90,031 73,923 113,286 5,560 1,127,370 2,140,946 2,018,874 1,608,844 1,269,664 1,121,525 931,528 690,296 756,442 631, 203 635,480 531,274 612,823 578,508 571,061 575,258 509,971 519,978 467,152 446,517 471,325 446,287 395,430 400,405 406,451 356,368 437,126 412,383 396,516 347,464 357,719 317,161 235,430 319,789 360,149 295,733 454,006 ■■ 187,696 399,201 614,387 436,012 259,139 168,871 158,670 171,649 153,364 165,152 154,940 157,674 182,416 135,107 121,423 118,477 113,169 105,003 102,869 113,666 102,670 83,446 87,478 78,810 73,183 79,104 70,443 62,107 64,419 63,423 87,209 82,933 77,660 76,353 87,694 88,362 84,649 55,343 130,311 129,075 142,940 727,321 1,546,905 2,380,750 1,689,653 1,004,163 654,647 623,815 686,596 613,456 660,694 619,760 630,696 734,024 542,154 487,632 473,491 455,341 422,277 407,868 457,705 411,923 333,804 352,334 318,932 294,378 317,543 279,518 247,142 256,430 255,976 349,573 333,467 313,238 307,644 353,796 359,991 342,187 223,231 526,605 521,629 575,492 10,437 13,534 7,336 4,538 194,031 410,862 628,450 480,171 574,574 735,376 686,905 637,474 614,281 544,880 730,029 445,370 505,337 376,388 355,322 322,016 371,685 310,486 287, 464 305,248 270,561 251,204 248,374 229,946 237,371 227,079 203,869 201,219 203,211 193,193 251,996 238,079 226,811 221,615 293,491 263,694 251,645 280,175 389,558 373,616 455,561 535 133 2 1147 513 Totals .. 266,789 2,807,432 10,512,866 86,899 338,498 1,053,202 6,076,451 24,160,016 5,826,497 23,093,781 15,064,462 59,159,883 Note.— The grand totals include 273 oz., valued at £1,044, exported from Wellington, and 121 oz.,(valued at £476, from Canterbury.

C—2.

No. 4. Table showing the Total Quantity and Value of Mineral Ores other than Gold (the Product of New Zealand Mines), Coal, Coke, and Kauri-gum, exported from the Colony up to the 31st December, 1901.

14

Manganese-ore. Hematite-ore. Mixed Mineral Ores. Coal.* Coke. Kauri-gum. Total. Silver. Copper-ore. Chrome-ore. Antimony-ore. Oz. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Oz. Tons. Value. £ £ £ _£ I £ £ £ £ £ 15,972 28,864 4,514 18,5911 35,251i 20,037 20,776 9,851 9,888 11,107 27,026 60,590 46,060 70,572 77,491 72,493 111,307 175,074 167,958 154,167 85,816 79,986 138,523 109, 234 118,348 132,975 147,535 242,817 253,778 260,369 336,606 342,151 : 299,762 257,653 362,449 ! 380,933 I 329,590 378,563 437,056 517,678 510,775 404,567 418,766 431,323 398,010 586,767 607,919 622,293 446,114 10,775,945 15,972 28,864 4,514 18,591 35,251 25,066 23,501 12,883 11,708 36,850 31,344 65,500 46,060 72,287 81,419 74,680 115,100 188,082 192,715 164,982 96,321 91,957 149,272 129,372 137,711 154,687 168,001 275,799 271,623 281,016 350,086 353,024 362,779 318,783 419,844 459,301 439,260 4 67,465 544,633 614,360 598,330 487,132 516,393 516,149 495,069 675,834 738,849 772,903 662,178 £ 830 1,661 355 1,440 2,522 1,811 2,010 1,046 856 1,103 1,400 2,228 1,867 2,535 2,685 2,690 2,850 4,391 5,054 4,811 2,834 2,569 3,231 2,888 3,633 3,445 3,229 4,725 5,461 5,533 6,518 6,393 5,875J 4,920f 6,791 8,482 7,519 I 7,438 8,388 8,705 8,317 8,338 7,425 7,126 6,641 J 9,905 11,116 10,159 7,541 830 1,661 355 1,440 2,522 2,167 2,263 1,300 1,018 3,997 ■ 1,995 2,996 1,867 3,077 J 3,904 3,801 3,600 6,070 I 6,750 J 5,882 I 3,558 4,119 6,631 7,975 8,6824 12,120 12,722 17,177 15,538 14,019 14,953J| 13,071 3 51,468J 52,409| 51,686* 79,147 97,828 ! 80,287i 104,164|! 92,891 I 78,191 84,052 94,026 86,878 84,465 J 68,2531; 102,058 125,201 168,121 1853 .. 1854 .. 1855 .. 1856 .. 1857 .. 1858 .. 1859 .. 1860 .. 1861 .. 1862 .. 1863 .. 1864 .. 1865 .. 1866 .. 1867 .. 1868 .. 1869 .. 1870 .. 1871 .. 1872 .. 1873 .. 1874 .. 1875 .. 1876 .. 1877 .. 1878 .. 1879 .. 1880 .. 1881 .. 1882 .. 1883 .. 1884 .. 1885 .. 1886 .. 1887 .. 1888 .. 1889 .. 1890 .. 1891 .. 1892 .. 1893 .. 1894 .. 1895 .. 1896 .. 1897 .. 1898 .. 1899 .. 1900 .. 1901 .. •• •■ ■ I •• •• •• •• •■ 25 120 1,440 520 24,719 4,318 4,910 •• •• 351 245 137 110 51 5,000 2,605 1,590 1,300 1,024 3 8 116 52 3,843 595 768 2 1 « 2 ■" .. 281 1,315 •• 261; 973 1,027 750 1,672 1,696 990 7241 1,463] 3,385| 1,854 2,658 6,362 7,144 7,020 6,62l! 3,207, 6,522 6,104| 43,893j 46,136 44,129 68,087 86,405 69,614 91,664 78,911 69,136 75,004 85,987 79,524 76,073 56,332 89,480 112,707 159,643 .. 11,063 37,123 80,272 37,064 36,187 40,566 29,085 12,683 33,893 23,019 20,645 20,005 18,885 5,694 16,826 24,914 16,624 12,108 20,809 403 24,105 32,637 28,023 22,053 63,076 54,177 85,024 94,307 183,892 293,851 349,338 326,457 571,134 2,993 11,380 23,145 9,910 9,850 10,380 7,569 3,171 7,556 5,755 4,512 4,500 4,236 1,286 3,785 5,125 3,169 2,946 3,453 71 4,043 6,162 5,151 3,996 9,743 6,697 10,679 10,589 20,872 33,107 40,838 38,879 65,258 246 84 "7 "6 55 5 9 46 20 2,700 977 "l20 115 1,105 36 41 678 106 I I •• I •• 4 60 2 30 31 1 1 102 612 24 900 804 2,516 ' 2,140 2,611 1,271 2,181 384 318 602 3284 305 1,085 1,080 482 1,153 521 319 534 210 65 180 217 135 166 208 10,416 8,338 10,423 3,283 6,963 1,155 809 1,716 1,316 895 2,404 2,569 1,004 2,634 1,239 943 1,156 525 205 541 703 407 588 614 1 •• 'k 1 1 i I 12 " 3,180 2,366 2 2,674 1,955 2,784 22 1 [ 14,824 9,664 8 11,335 4,303 8,597 110 I 400 1,228 1,210 800{ 1,508! 1,612 855 655 1,363| 3,129 1,954 2,071 5,139 6,187 5,977 5,610 2,380 4,879 4,461 51,257 52,133 44,650 64,971 84,347 67,003 91,173 80,225 72,699 73,438 83,342 71,984 69,595 50,381 83,085 98,136 142,176 '21 87 15 53 254 85 154 87 223 275 1,430 236 267 497 183J 953 2,132 2,218 2,544 4,306 51 107 288 105 50 228 51 189 72 177 324 135 353 480 2,057 372 385 715 266 1,646 3,407 3,334 3,658 5,691 53 160 715 263 11,063 37,123 80,272 37,064 36,187 40,566 29,085 12,683 33,893 23,019 20,645 20,005 18,885 5,694 16,826 24,914 16,624 12,108 20,809 403 21,105 32,637 28,023 22,053 63,076 54,177 85,024 94,307 183,892 293,751 349,338 326,457 571,134 I •• 666 62 134 376 493 515 413 364 331 44 54 21 10 5,289 1,784 3,989 6,246 5,319 11,121 4,950 4,900 3,467 761 1,486 450 157 \ 50i '2O8 114 445 144 162 199 19 ■2 84 37 25 62 37 1,561 1,628 1,309! 2,126! 696j 993 1,846 4,142 2,955 9,985 273 6 631 650 353 880 1,335 5,892 4,792 6,591 12,751 7,775 20 "390 •• I 2 75 'i* 5 1 "oj •• 4 " "at 2 70 "9 18 "l4 9 ■• I 12 3 45 105 "28 110 •• 3 30 101 136 ..,. Totals i 5,694 37,477 52J 226 21,833 1,393,161 1,332,019 16,370 24,804 229,292 2,625,942 1,690,4684; 12,793,500 2,625,942 380,806 1,4114 18,088 3,643 52,598 19,0114! 60,846 110,691, • Total output of coal in colony (including exports) approximately estimated at 15,780,608 tons, valued at £7,890,254. Note.— "Mixed mineral ores " include sulphur, &c. Last year 12,084 tons ol shale was mined at Orepuki.

15

a—2

No. 5. Return showing the Quantity and Value of Coals imported into New Zealand during the Quarter ended the 31st March, 1902.

No. 6. Table showing the Increase or Decrease in the Production of Coal in the Colony, and Imported, Year by Year, during the last Twenty-four Years.

No. 7. Table showing the Output of Coal from the various Mining Districts, and the Comparative Increase and Decrease, for the Years 1900 and 1901, together with the Total Approximate Quantity of Coal produced since the Mines were opened.

Country whence imported. Quantity. Value. lew South Wales 'asmania Totals Tons. 25,164 Nil 25,164 £ 25,780 Nil 25,786

Coal raised in the Colony. Coal imported. Year. Tons. Yearly Increase or Decrease. Tons. Plus or Minus. Increase and Decrease. 1878 .. 1879 .. 1880 .. 1881 .. 1882 .. 1883 .. 1884 .. 1885 .. 1886 .. 1887 .. 1888 .. 1889 .. 1890 .. 1891 .. 1892 .. 1893 .. 1894 .. 1895 .. 1896 .. 1897 .. 1898 .. 1899 .. 1900 .. 1901 .. 162,218 231,218 299,923 337,262 378,272 421,764 480,831 511,063 534,353 558,620 613,895 586,445 637,397 668,794 673,315 691,548 719,546 726,654 792,851 840,713 907,033 975,234 1,093,990 1,239,686 69,000 68,705 37,339 41,010 43,492 59,069 30,232 23,290 24,267 55,275 27,450 50,952 31,397 4,521 18,233 27,998 7,108 66,197 47,862 66,320 68,201 118,756 145,696 174,148 158,076 123,298 129,962 129,582 123,540 148,444 130,202 119,873 107,230 101,341 128,063 110,939 125,318 125,453 117,444 112,961 108,198 101,756 110,907 115,427 99,655 124,033 149,764 + + + 16,072 33,778 6,664 380 6,042 24,904 18,242 10,329 12,643 5,889 26,722 17,124 14,379 135 8,009 4,483 4,763 6,442 9,151 4,520 15,772 24,378 25,731 + + + + + +

Name of District. Output of Coal. Plus or Minus. Increase or Decrease. Approximate Total Output of Coal up to 31st December, 1901. 1000. 1901. Kawakawa and Hikurangi Whangarei, Kamo, Ngunguru, and Whauwhau Waikato Mokau Miranda Pelorus West Wanganui Westport Reefton Greymouth Malvern Timaru Otago Southland Tons. 53,340 26,339 Tons. 53,298 33,757 Tons. 42 7,418 Tons. 1,189,818 467,619 + 77,191 3,433 84,086 3,513 430 + + + 6,895 80 430 1,251,254 29,534 430 711 55,183 4,181,550 90,246 3,083,288 399,484 10,657 4,362,659 670,123 1,739 380,146 4,379 207,919 14,162 2,208 455,057 6,102 206,168 16,098 + + + 469 74,911 1,723 1,751 1,936 + 266,213 59,129 289,322 89,647 + + 23,109 30,518 Totals .. 1,093,990 1,239,686 145,696 15,792,556

0.—2

16

No. 8. Table showing the Different Classes of Coal from the Mines in the Colony.

No. 9. Table showing the Number of Coal-mines in Operation, the Number of Men employed, and the Output of Coal per Man.

No. 10. Return showing the Quantity and Value of Coal imported into and exported from New Zealand during the Year ended the 31st December, 1901.

Name of Coal. Output of Coal. Increase or Decrease. Approximate Total Output of Coal up to the 31st December, 1901. 1900. 1901. iituminous and semi-bituminous 'itch .. Jrown jignite ihale Tons. 673,862 37,804 339,786 42,538 Tons. 754,953 14,584 405,152 52,949 12,048 Tons. + 81,091 - 23,220 + 65,366 + 10,411 + 12,048 Tons. 8,701,777 1,812,711 4,724,099 541,921 12,048 Totals 1,093,990 1,239,686 + 145,696 15,792,556

Number of Mines working. Number of Men employed at each Mine. Total Number of Men employed. Output of Coal during 1901. Average Output per Man. 87 30 14 18 1 to 4 men in each 5 to 10 11 to 20 21 men and upwards 173 201 210 2,170 2,754 Tons. 44,541 76,485 83,402 1,035,258 Tons. 257-46 380-52 397-15 477-07 1,239,686 450-14 149

Imported. Exported. Countries whence imported. Quantity. Value. Countries to which exported. Quantity. Value. fnited Kingdom few South Wales .. lueensland Tons. 2 149,004 758 £ 4 150,670 660 United Kingdom Victoria New South Wales Cape Colony Natal United States of America — On the West Coast Fiji Islands South Sea Islands Hongkong Western Australia Tasmania Norfolk Island Antarctio Regions Tons. 88,909 2,707 13,175 3,228 3,688 £ 85,259 1,760 12,084 3,275 4,041 1,957 7,935 9,346 18,947 5,330 4,216 180 25 1,941 5,810 8,416 12,316 3,561 3,498 189 26 Totals Totals 159,643 142,176 149,764 151,334

c—2.

No. 11. Number of Miners employed during the Years ended 31st December, 1900 and 1901.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o2.

Price 6d.]

17

Totals. Grand Totals. Alluvial Miners. Quartz-miners. Mining District. European. Chinese. European. Chinese. 1900. 1901. European. Chinese. Auckland — North Hauraki and Goromandel .. Thames Ohinemuri Te Aroha Tauranga 400 758 2,320 25 5 400 758 2,320 25 5 400 572 2,235 16 10 400 758 2,320 25 5 3,508 3,508 3,233 3,508 Mablbobough— - Havelock Blenheim Waikakaho Wakamarina 60 30 2 60 12 25 72 58 2 60 70 19 2 60 72 55 152 37 189 151 127 Nelson — Wangapeka and Sherry Takaka Collingwood Motueka Inangahua Ahaura Charleston Westport, including Addison's, Northern Terraces, Waimangaroa, North Beach, Mokihinui, Karamea, and Lower Buller Valley Lyell \ Murchison .. • • I Owen .. . • • • J 6 24 90 10 221 1,016 130 3 150 103 2 50 640 20 8 24 140 10 861 1,036 130 "3 150 103 11 24 165 6 965 1,123 140 249 8 24 143 10 1,011 1,139 130 250 •230 20 250 30 25 15 45 25 80 70 100 20 100 20 150 120 1,857 97 200 160 50 301 747 2,604 301 2,913 2,905 Westland — Ross Stafford and Goldsborough Hokitika and Kanieri Kumara Greymouth .. • • I Arnold .. • • J Okarito 50 20 70 97 200 160 50 5 50 20 70 92 400 313 345 102 250 180 120 [ 769 189 769 189 948 958 70 1 86 71 70 335 1,346 335 2,184 1,681 28 600 1,058 1,346 36 700 1,042 Otago— Hindon Tuapeka .. • • • • Clyde, Roxburgh, Black's, and Alexandra Cromwell Tapanui Waikaia Wyndham Waiau Orepuki and Preservation Roundhill and Wilson's River Wakatipu Goldfields—Arrow, Macetown, Cardrona, Kawarau, Bracken's, and Motatapu Queenstown Naseby .. • • ) St. Bathan's Hyde .. Macrae's Maerewhenua and Kurow Pembroke Gore 16 425 927 386 20 150 15 20 430 90 154 150 123 138 2 50 65 40 12 12 25 8 4 "50 "24 28 450 935 390 20 150 15 20 480 90 178 150 123 138 2 50 65 40 12 644 15 250 15 '925 *250 528 22 200 15 20 545 130 190 179 20 130 309 20 425 / 220 79 33 ( 98 90 42 153 329 250 100 50 300 100 400 90 30 232 "l2 15 90 30 232 "l2 15 90 42 247 3,414 727 303 3,717 732 5,017 4,449 SUMMABY. Auckland Mablbobough Nelson Westland Otago 152 1,857 1,346 3,414 301 335 727 3,508 37 747 3,508 189 2,604 1,346 3,717 301 335 732 3,233 155 2,91 2,18 5,01 3,508 189 2,905 1,681 4,449 303 Totals 11,364 1,368 13,50 12,732 6,769 1,363 4,595