8

C.-3.

owing to the fact that the veins are strong, and contain payable iron-copper sulphides when first encountered their continuance to a considerable depth with comparatively slight alteration may be reasonably looked for ; therefore the proper method to prospect this field is by deep trenches or open cut in preference to shafts or adits. Chalcopyrite occurs in every copper-field of importance ; it is the most common ore of copper, and the source of nearly 75 per cent, of the world's supply of the metal. Until development-work is carried out, no one can speak with any degree of certainty regarding this field," but'as a prospecting proposition it is most promising. A number of claims have been pegged out, and a track is being constructed to Mount Radiant from Karamea. Timber for mining purposes is plentiful. Antimony. Antimony lodes are very plentiful in New Zealand, the most important deposits being situated on the West Coast and in Central Otago. Mining operations in connection with this mineral have not, however, been very extensive, the total value of the output amounting only to £52,598. During the past year a revival of this industry has taken place, due, no doubt, to the high market price ruling for this mineral. The Alexandra Antimony-mine, after several years' idleness, has been reopened, and preparatory to resuming active operations a winding and pumping plant are being erected. Old mines are being reopened at the Carrick and Lammerlaw Ranges, and at Nevis Bluff a small quantity of the mineral has been found. At Endeavour Inlet three separate parties are engaged prospecting for antimony. Scheelite. Considerable attention in the Southern District is being devoted to this mineral, which is principally used for hardening purposes in the manufacture of steel. During the past year, from the Macrae's district, 94 tons, value £5,520, were exported. The Grlenorchy syndicate, which has resumed operations, obtained 14 tons of concentrates. Operations on a small scale are also being carried out near Glenorchy, Bucklerburn, and Lake Wakatipu. Iron. The development of the Parapara iron-field has been confined to the formation-work of a short railway connecting the field with the ocean-beach. Upon this work £1,200 was expended, and then protection was obtained. Itjis understood that this property is under option in London. The Geological Survey staff have recently conducted an exhaustive survey of this field.

VI. STATE AID TO MINING. Subsidised Eoads and Tracks. The expenditure (as subsidies) and the liabilities on outstanding authorities for the year ending the 31st March, 1907, are as follows :—

Name of Local Body. Expenditure for the Year ending 31st March, 1907. Liabilities on Authorities on 31st March, 1907. Sunbeam Gold and Silver Company Coromandel County... Public Battery, Kuaotunu Thames County Buller County Inangahua County ... Ross Borough Westland County Contingencies Compensation for accidents ... £ s. d. 71 16 6 15 0 0 419 5 3 25 0 0 215 0 0 25 0 0 100 0 0 6 15 0 158 1 9 19 2 6 £ s. a. 78 3 6 358 0 0 155 0 0 18"5 0 Totals 1,055 1 0 1,055 1 0 609 8 (i