Mines and Mineral Statistics. 
14 
The following reports from the Wardens and other OfKcers of 
the Department will doubtless be read with mucli interest. 
Some of these gentlemen wore prevented by the shortness of the 
notice given to them, and the pressure of other engagements, 
from reporting upon the resources of their districts as fully 
as under more favourable circumstances they might have done. 
Some of these reports bear evidence of great care and ability, 
deserving of recognition ; — 
Mr. AVarden Clarke reports : — 
The depression, which is mainly due to the reaction conse- 
quent upon the excitement which prevailed in 1872 and 1873, 
is likely to prove only temporary. At Grrenfell the mining 
population has decreased, having been attracted thence by the 
discoveries made in the neighbourhood of Parkes and Porbes. 
An attempt is being made to re-open the “ G-renfcdl Consols 
Mine,” and if successful, it is hoped it will revive the reputa- 
tion of that field. At Burrangong sluicing operations have been 
canned on successfully during the rainy season. The absence 
of a plentiful supply of water prevents large areas from being 
worked advantageously. At Spring Creek an attempt has been 
made to work tlie wet ground, but though the yield of gold 
was encouraging, and the company displayed much determination 
and perseverance, the result was not satisfactory to the share- 
holders. A quartz reef of a very promising character w^as 
discovered at Barmedman, in the Bland country, some months 
since, but considering the richness of the stone the claim-holders 
have displayed singular apathy iu opening up the lode. It is 
stated that the endeavour to open up the quartz reefs iu the 
Muttama Grold Pield will be renewed shortly. 
^ At Adclong the quartz reefs have been worked with considerable 
vigour; some of the larger companies are erecting machinery for 
raising and crushing on a large scale ; it is anticipated they will ; 
when such machinery is completed, be enabled to work their 
mines to greater advantage and profit. On the margin of the 
Adeiong Creek near Shepardstown and Grahamstown, some very 
good alluvial ground has been opened, but the working of this 
ground is impeded by the position and extent of the land in the 
bed of the creek, held under the “royalty lease.” Some portion 
of the land held under this lease has recently been worked to 
advantage. At Upper Adeiong a large extent of ground has 
recently been operated on by means of sluicing, with very satis- 
factory results. It is surprising that such ground has so long 
remained unnoticed. The mines at Beedy Ulat continue to he 
highly productive, and the dividends therefrom have been excep- 
tionally large. At the Tnmbarumha Gold Uield some very 
extensive and costly works have been constructed, and now 
