C—2

6

An important discovery of copper has been made at Mount Radiant, which is situated about twelve miles south-east by bush track from the Harbour of Karamea, and at the head-waters of the Mokihinui, Little Wanganui, and Granite Rivers, all of which enter the Karamea Bight, on the west coast of the South Island. Ores of copper, and those of other metallic elements associated with the copper, have been already discovered for a distance of about five miles along the general trend of the veins, and for a distance of a mile and a half in"«the opposite direction. Several claims have been taken up, and the discovery is attracting considerable attention. If these properties maintain their ore-values upon development the find may be regarded as a valuable one. Attention is also being given to this branch of mining in other parts of the colony, so that it is reasonable to anticipate, at no distant date a considerable increase in the output of copper. IRON. At Parapara, near Collingwood, where extensive and valuable deposits of haematite ore exist, a light railway is in course of construction between the property and the ocean-beach, and it is hoped that active operations will be shortly commenced to work this valuable property. PETROLEUM. No further discoveries of petroleum have been recorded since that at Moturoa, near New Plymouth, referred to in my last annual Statement. Several companies have been formed, and boring operations are being actively carried out; but up to the present time no considerable supply of high-pressure oil has been proved, although the quality of that flowing at the prospecting company's well is satisfactory. Prospecting operations are also being carried on at Kotuku, near Lake Brunner, on the west coast of the South Island. / INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. The mining exhibits at the International Exhibition at Christchurch were adequately representative of the mineral resources of this country, and bore ample evidence of the value of the same. It is to be regretted, however, that a considerable proportion of the mineral exhibits was displayed in the various provincial and district courts instead of being brought together in one comprehensive array, as were the excellent and imposing exhibits of the Dominion of Canada. The Mines Department court was extensively patronised, and was awarded a number of gold and silver medals. The mineral exhibits in the Auckland and West Coast courts were of exceptional merit. . . An illustrated " Mining Handbook" was prepared and distributed to those desirous of obtaining reliable information regarding the mining industry. SCHOOLS OF MINES. The Schools of Mines, which have now been established twenty-two years, continue to contribute to the education of mining and metallurgical students at the principal mining centres. _ . . • Including the grants made to the School of Mines in connection with the Otago University, at Dunedin, the expenditure on behalf of these institutions during the past year 'amounted to £2,837 Os. 7d., and the aggregate expenditure since their initiation totals £42,613 4s. Bd.