C—2

8

The Government Geologist has been engaged in writing up notes and memoranda on matters connected with the geology of New Zealand, more especially in classifying, naming, and repacking the large and valuable collection of rock specimens which have accumulated in the Colonial Museum for many years past. The Mining Bureau continues to circulate information of general interest to the mining community. Pamphlets on " ankylostomiasis, or miners' worm disease," which has been a source of great trouble in some of the colliery districts on the Continent of Europe, have been printed and circulated in the colony. CONCLUSION. Judging from the returns of gold and silver entered for exportation during the first half of the present year, there is every indication that the yield of precious metals during this year (1904) will be quite equal to, if not in excess of, that of last year. The output of coal has steadily increased for several years past, the production for last year being the largest yet recorded, and there is every appearance of the continued expansion of this branch of the mining industry.