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compensates for the smallness of the lode, and in this particular has to be looked at favourably in comparison with the greater mass and poorer ore of the lona lode. Fgerton's Claim. —This lies next to and adjoins the western boundary of Ryan's Freehold. The lode, rich in silver, may pass from Ryan's Freehold into this claim, and efforts are being made to cut an extension of it further west. As yet only small leaders carrying a little silver have been found, and it seems likely that the southern boundary of the claim may be reached without cutting the rich lode that shows further to the east. Mount Argentine and Mount Argentine Extended. —Prospecting has been carried on at various places within these claims, but so far no very rich ore has been found. The manager reported that in one adit a reef 12 ft. in thickness had been cut, and that this was silver-bearing, but at date of the claim being visited the drive had fallen in, and could not be examined, while the new adit at a lower level has yet to be driven some distance before reaching forward to the line of reef. In this lower aditlevel three or four small leaders had been cut, in which but a trace of silver could be found. Over the area of Mount Argentine a great deal of loose quartz escaping from a very large reef was scattered on the surface of the ground. These are mostly composed of platy quartz, and are white and hard and barren-looking. The Great Barrier Excelsior. —This surrounds on three sides the Proprietary and Premier Claims, as shown on plan, and was not specially examined. The Argyle, Bonanza, Comstock, Barrier Junction, Barrier Beefs, Great Barrier East, Silver King and Great Eastern Claims cover a considerable part of the area east and south-east of Te Ahumata, but it is doubtful whether they all lie within the silver-bearing area. The Argyle may be considered as occupying the best position, as it adjoins the lona on its east side. Alexander McKay. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given : printing (3,175 copies), £6118.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB97. Price Is. 6d.]