C—Ba

Boss. Mont dOr Claim. —(26/10/98) : The year past has been one of success for the company, owing chiefly to the very wet season that has been experienced throughout the Coast. The yield of gold was 1,532 oz. 7 dwt. 6 gr.: value, £6,009 6s. This shows an increase on the previous year of 300 oz. During October and November water was available for forty-four days out of fortyeight, which time constitutes two months' washing. The yield of gold for that period was 656 oz 6 dwt. 12 gr. This shows that, with a continuous water-supply, the yield can be easily increased. The company's water-races, sixteen miles in length, are in good order, having been overhauled and retimbered during the year. A new pipe-line has been laid down to the upper face, which very much facilitates operations, also a line for 800 ft. of 22 in. diameter pipes laid to the lower face, which will increase the pressure and water-supply considerably. The shareholders have been paid 4s. in dividends during the year. Boss United. —(26/10/98) : Sluicing operations are still continued with twelve tributers. Prince of Wales. —(26/10/98) : This property was lately bought by Mr. C. Davey for a syndicate. The claim is now worked by eleven tributers. (26/10/98): Marchesi and Scott, Glearwater, are cleaning out an old drainage-tunnel. Two men are employed. CEMENT-MINING. Addison's Flat. Golden Sand. —(l 4/7/98): The south face, where operations were commenced, has been abandoned owing to the large quantity of boulders that were embedded in the cement. On the north side of the claim a new face is opened, from which better results are obtained. Venture Claim. —(l 4/7/98): This claim was idle owing to repairs to water-wheel. DREDGING. lluller No. 2 Dredge. —(2l/9/98): The mechanical appliances that are placed in position for the successful working of this dredge are substantial and of the most improved types. Since operations were commenced a large area of ground has been gone over, with satisfactory results. Owing to the high bank it was found necessary to lengthen the elevator; but, apart from this stoppage, the dredge has been kept steadily at work, every part of the machinery running well. The dredge is fully equipped with all the necessary safety-appliances, in accordance with the Act, for the safety of life. Matahitaki Dredge. —(l 9/11/98) : This dredge, when in full work, gives employment to eleven men and one boy, exclusive of two men who are employed by contract for the supply of timber. The dredgemaster's attention was directed to the well not being provided with a proper bridge for the convenience of the workmen. A circular was posted, calling his attention to section 29 of " The Mining Act Amendment Act, 1895," Passenger-boat and barge, to convey firewood on board, are provided. Mr. William Faithful is dredgemaster. Wakamarina Dredge. —(l 7/1/99) : Since last visited, this dredge has not done any work. Unfortunately, during the last flood the front portions of the pontoons were filled with water, consequently the dredge is virtually standing on end. Imperial Dredge. —(l 7/1/99) : This new dredge is being built to the order of a Wellington company. Mr. Gale is legal manager. The company's office is in Featherston Street, Wellington! A circular of regulations was forwarded to Mr. Eobert Cunningham, foreman. Mahakipawa Dredge. —(l 7/1/99) : This dredge is idle, and information of a reliable character could not be obtained as to future operations. Accidents and Fatalities. Fern Flat. —(l 6/5/98): A miner named Charles Deas had his leg broken by a fall of earth in his tail-race. Craig's Freehold. —(6/9/98): Three miners, named James McKenna, jun., Edward Eoberts, and David King lost their lives by a fall of roof, which was fine sand. Mont d'Or. —(4/3/99) : A miner named George Brown had his leg broken by a stone rolling from the face. Woodstock. —(23/3/99): A partner in a private claim, named Robert Douglas, had his right leg broken by a fall of reef at the face. General Remarks. Owing to Mr. Richards's (Assistant Inspector of Mines) duties being confined with Mr. Dick, Government Valuer, on the Grey River and its tributaries for the past three months, a number of small outlying properties, particularly on the Paparoa Ranges, have not been visited. The gold-mining prospects in the Westport District are not of an encouraging character at present. Judging from the advanced stage of development of the new reef in the Keep-it-Dark, together with the addition of the extensive cyanide plant that is newly erected, a very considerable increase in the output of gold may be anticipated. I have, &c, R. Tennent, Inspector of Mines. The Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington.

61