OE NEW ZEALAND.

35

G—No. 4

River dredging is not now, with the present appliances, considered a very profitable undertaking in consequence of the accumulation of gravel in the river beds, which is caused by the discharge of tailings into the river. No doubt is entertained of there being large deposits of gold in the rivers yet to be procured, and attention is being directed towards obtaining some more efficient machinery for dredging with than that at present in use. With this object a steam-power dredge is being constructed and will be brought into use during the coming winter. Other projects are also on foot for increased water supply for mining purposes, and in other ways to devolop the auriferous resources of the district. Miners wages are from £3 to £3 12s. a week, about the same rate as for some years past, while the price of provisions and clothing has been much reduced within the same time. . Agricultural settlement has made some progress, but the dry season in this distnct has been an unfavorable one for this interest. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary for Gold Fields. E. H. Caeew, Warden.

No. 21. Mr. Warden J. B. Boeton to Undee-Seceetaey for Gold Fields. gIE _ Eoxburgh, 2nd April, 1872. In accordance with instructions contained in your letter, I do myself the honor to report as follows upon the present state of the Mount Benger gold fields. The district may be considered as divided into two portions, first—the auriferous gullies and spurs on tho high southern slope of the Old Man range. The first-named portion is for the most part wrought by box-sluicing, and some 160 sluice-heads of water are daily brought to bear on the various terraces along the Clutha Eiver. The gold obtained is exceedingly fine, so much so, indeed, that a considerable quantity is continually being lost. Many of the claims have been in constant work for many years past, and, in some instances, the gold deposits have been followed into the bank a distance of 150 yards from the frontage without any perceptible diminution m the yield, lhat part ot the district which is situated on tho sonthern side of the Old Man range comprises a greater extent ot payable auriferous ground than is found on the low land, but the severity of the weather and the great natural obstacles to be overcome by the construction of deep tail races and tunnels deter many from setting in to work there. The yield of gold from this portion of the district is good ; I have heard ot none who, after giving it a fair trial, were obliged to leave unsuccessfully Vw* *.. In some places, and these of very considerable area, the supply of water is the only obstacle to the securim of a competency by all those working there, and, were this one difficulty removed, there is plenty of ground which would yield from 10s. to 20s. per day per man. _ The gold found in Campbell's, White Comb, and the neighboring parts is coarse and heavy, very littie fine gold being obtained there. The mode of working is by wing dams and ground sluices ; and only a comparatively few boxes are used. ... c -n. The summer season alone is the time when the workings can be carried on, ra consequence ot the severe frosts • and as the low-lying workings are most active in the winter when the rivers have but little water, a semi-annual emigration is constantly going on from the hills to the flats in winter, and vice versa in summer. No quartz reefs have hitherto been discovered, if I except one at the lourteen Mile Beach on account of which, the discoverers have applied for a prospecting claim; specimens shown me from the reef are good, but it is at present impossible to speak decidedly as to the results. Some thousands of acres have been taken up under the Agricultural Leasing Eegulations, and if an equal amount of good land were available, as much more would be taken up ra the course ot twelve months. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary for Gold Fields. J- B. Boeton, Warden.

No. 22. Mr. Warden Beetham to Undee-Seceetaey Gold Fields. Warden's Office, „ _ Queenstown, 3rd May, 1872. In forwardino- my Eeport for the year ending 31st March, 1872,1 have the honor, in the first place to point out the large increase of gold produced during the past year compared with previous ones,'this increase amounts to 5,6370z5. Bdwts. 12grs. It will be useful, for purpose of comparison, to give the yield of the Wakatipu gold held tor the past three years, it is as follows :- -,o fi q ... 22,203 ... £86,056 12 6 ?n '" '" ... 35,074 ... 131,599 18 9 1871 '" '.'.'. '.'.'. ••• 40,712 ... 152,670 5 6 These figures show that a steady increase in the produce of gold is taking place. The total number of ounces escorted during the year 1871 nearly doubling the yield of 1869 Moreover the produce has been seriously interfered with during the past four months by the unprecedented dryness of the weather, which has, even in this district, materially interfered with the water supply The decrease in the amount of gold received in the quarter ending 31st March, 1872, as