a8 
Mines and Mineral Statistics, 
sums are still uuproductive — the problem as to the continuance 
of rich deposits at a depth below 500 feet remaining uusoiyed. 
But as sinldng is still beiug carried on in some of the^ claims 
which are possessed of sufficient capital to continue operations foi 
that purpose, it is to be hoped that another year Avill not 
elapse without setting this important question at rest. Kot 
being aware until a few days since that a report was required 
from me, I had not prepared myself witli that detailed infor- 
mation in regard to the mining operations of my districts which 
would he necessary to complete this report, and which I cannot 
now obtain within" the time allowed, I must plead as au excuse 
for its general and somewhat desultory character. Copper mines 
are scattered over the Bathurst District, from Wiseman’s Creek 
near the upper waters of the !Mac(piaric to the vicinity of 
Cowra on the Lachlan Eiver. But liere again I am not pos- 
sessed of that statistical information or description in detail with 
regard to these mines which would enable me to report authori- 
tatively upon their extent or productivcne.ss. I may state, how- 
ever, that although no great financial success lias yet attended 
the working of these mines, a large quantity of fine copper has 
been smelted on the spot, and tliat the existence of a rich belt of 
cupriferous country only ])artially developed has hecu conclusively 
proved to exist in the Bathurst mining district, and wdth the 
advance of the railway and the conse([uent increased facility for 
the carriage of ore and coal to and from tlie coal fields at BoAveii- 
fels must evidently jirove a material source of national wealth. 
Mr. Warden Dalton reports : — 
Commencing with the Billahong Gold Pield, which is now 
virtually an extension of the Lachlan Gold Fields, I beg to refer 
to my annual report for the year description 
therein contained of such portion of tlie field as is situated ou 
the north hank of the Goobang Creek, and to wiiich mining 
operations had, up to that date, been confined. On following 
the range of hills therein described in a south-westerly direction 
froin Currajong, it becomes apparent tliat to tbc iipheaval of 
granitic masses and the welling up of trappeau products in the 
larger fissures thereby created, is due the miueraliKation of 
the. atljacent sedimentary deposits, their metamorphosed or 
altered conditions, and tlie subsequent filling of minor cavities 
and fractures, either by infiltration or hydrothermal action with 
silica and other mineral matter capable of either solution or 
sublimation. Evidence of this may be traced on the surface in 
fragments of altered sedimentary and trap formations mingled 
with ferruginous quartzites in the vicinity of a crest of granite 
boulders, with the outcrop of a reef or vein of quartz trending 
across a hill at no great distauce. 
