ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS. 43 



from one to three tons, could be crushed, thoroughly sampled, 

 and analysed. Such an analysis would enable a properly qualified 

 metallurgist to devise means for their necessary treatment. 



Establishments such as exist in Freiberg and Claussthal in 

 Saxony, which combine complete mining schools with metallurgical 

 works, where all kinds of ore are commercially treated, may 

 probably — for the present at least — be on too large a scale for 

 this country. These places are conveniently situated to the 

 greatest centres of art and manufacture in the old world, and 

 can thus adopt processes to utilize bye-products, and find a ready 

 market for them. Besides we have yet to learn more thoroughly, 

 in a practical and precise way, what minerals we have in quantity 

 and how we can make the most of them under existing circum- 

 stances. The trouble hitherto has been to arrive at the truth of 

 what the working bulk of a mine really is. With that known, 

 private enterprise could then step in and undertake on its own 

 behalf a search for the proper treatment. 



The small quartz-crushing and amalgamating machinery in use 

 in the Sydney Mint for the last twenty-five years for the treat- 

 ment of auriferous quartz in lots up to two or three tons for the 

 public, has done some good service in times past, but is not 

 adapted for treating any auriferous ores containing pyrites, etc., 

 since no appliances for roasting, or for any other treatment than 

 crushing and amalgamating are available. The time has arrived 

 for relieving the Mint of this sort of work and for the erection, in 

 connection with the Mines department, of a modern plant for 

 the treatment of auriferous ores in bulk samples. I am no advo- 

 cate of looking for everything to the helping hand of the Govern- 

 ment at the serious risk of crushing or unduly interfering with 

 private enterprise. 



Judging from the number of metallurgical patents taken out 

 in this colony within the last four years, the treatment of metal- 

 liferous ores has received considerable attention. The following 

 list gives the number of metallurgical patents granted in New 

 South Wales : — 



