C.—6.

1887. NEW ZEALAND.

GOLDFIELDS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

WAEDENS' AND WATEE-EACE EEPOETS.

AUCKLAND GOLDFIELDS. No. 1. Mr. Warden Stbatfoed to the Undee-Secbetaey of Mines. Sic, — Warden's Office, Thames, 7th April, 1887. I have the honour to forward herewith statistical returns for the Hauraki Mining District for the year ending the 31st March ultimo, together with a general report, which is not so full and accurate as I could wish, owing to the fact that I have been obliged to obtain the information somewhat hurriedly, to meet your urgent request that it be forwarded not later than the 10th April; and in justice to myself I feel bound to remind you that I only took charge of the district in September last, and am therefore not as familiarly acquainted with all the mining localities as my predecessor, the late Mr. Warden Kenrick, whose name I find to be revered by the whole mining community. I hope that this explanation will be accepted as an apology for my shortcomings. COEOMANDEL. In the early part of last year the mining industry in this district had sunk to a low ebb, when, through the exertions of a few persons who still retained faith in the district, the Kapanga Mine was again floated on the English market, and shortly afterwards the Union Beach Mine was sold to a London company now known as the Coromandel Gold-mining Company. These two events, together with a few good returns from various portions of the district, seem to have restored confidence, and the prospects of the place appear brighter than for years past. The Kapanga commenced operations again in August last under the management of a mining expert sent from England by the new proprietors. Both mine and machinery have had a complete overhaul, and sinking operations have been going on for some time, the intention being to open out on the underlie of the reef at a depth of 480 ft. from the surface. The shaft is now down over 400 ft., and sinking is progressing at the rate of 7ft. per week; and should the rich shot of gold from which such large returns were obtained in former times in the upper levels be struck at the depth above mentioned, the future progress of this portion of the district will be assured. Adjoining the Kapanga is a claim known as the South Kapanga. This ground was profitably worked years ago, but want of pumping-gear caused the claim to be abandoned. The present company commenced operations in November last by erecting a very compact pumping- and windingplant. A shaft has been sunk to a depth of 100 ft., and a drive of about that distance has been put in from the bottom of the shaft. As yet nothing has been cut, but it is expected that a few feet more driving will cut a reef. One or two other claims are working in this neighbourhood, but nothing worth noting has been done in them. Tokatea. —This company's low level is now in over 3,000 ft., but the rich run of gold in the upper levels has not, unfortunately, continued in this. The surface of the mine is still being worked by tributors with profitable results. The Eoyal Oak, Young American, Harbour View, and other adjoining claims have given fairly good returns for the labour expended. Waikoromiko. —This district adjoins the Whatea Block, on the eastern watershed of the main dividing-range. Gold has been got in many rich patches, but nothing permanent has as yet been found. It is a favourite locality for prospectors, and is seldom without a party or two. Within the last fortnight a well-defined lode has been discovered by a party working with aid under the Prospecting Eegulations, and stone estimated to contain over 30oz;. of gold taken therefrom; but nothing definite can be said as to the probable continuance of the reef at present. Tiki. —ln this quarter the principal mine is at present the Castle Bock claim. This mine has been worked for years with varying results. A new leader was lately discovered, from which a crushing of 6 tons was taken, yielding 13Goz. of gold. Since then another crushing of 5 tons I—C. 6.