0.—3

24

the market in time for the 1902 cereal and green crop, which have greatly benefited by the application of the prepared fertilisers. Concurrently with this, further prospecting was done in localities easy of access, and deposits of phosphate were found to exist which, when opened out, proved quite equal to the most sanguine expectations, and fully justified the laying-down of tramways, of which two lines have been constructed, meeting at a point admirably suited for central works and roasting depot. From these quarries 2,000 to 3,000 tons have already been mined, and there is a considerable quantity in sight. The rock is of an extremely hard nature, and high explosives followed by charges of blasting-powder, are necessary to successfully carry on mining operations. The overburden is not heavy, and indications point to many thousands of tons being obtained from the present workings without opening out the more extensive deposits that exist in other portions of the property, the total yield from which it is almost impossible to estimate. The supply may now be considered assured, and as the industry develops the whole colony will reap a material benefit from the discovery of this mineral in such a convenient and accessible situation. The rock, when finely ground and subjected to chemical treatment, makes an excellent superphosphate, the results from which during the past season are reported to have given satisfaction. The prepared guano from the same material has also turned out well. Phosphate manures are largely used by farmers in New Zealand, and large quantities are imported. As the field becomes further developed and the native product better known it is quite reasonable to expect that the products of this rock will become largely used instead of the imported article. Besides this, there is the possibility of these products being exported in the future to other countries. The photographs which are reproduced show the locality of the deposit, and also the quarrying, stacking, and roasting operations. After being roasted the rock is ground and subjected to chemical treatment.

TIMBEE IN MINING DISTEICTS. I would like to draw attention to the fact that in some of our mining centres timber for mining purposes is becoming somewhat scarce and expensive, although in other districts this condition has not yet been felt. There are large areas of land which, whilst not suited for agricultural purposes, would (judging from the fact that forests formerly existed) be available for the growth of timber. In the Northern district especially, and also in parts of Central Otago, areas of considerable extent exist, which might, in my opinion, be utilised for forestry purposes. The kauri forests of the North, as well as those in various parts of the country from which rimu, totara, and many other timbers are obtained, are being extensively worked, and it is only a matter of time when New Zealand, in common with several other countries, will actually require timber which ought to be growing at the present time.