In accordance with arrangements previously made, the Minister for Mines joined the Hon. Mr Mills at Blenheim, on Wednesday last, and on the following morning the Ministers, accompanied by Mrs and Miss Mills, Mr John Duncan, Mr A, W. Dillon, and Messrs Matthews and Hislop (Private Secretaries), started for the Wairau and Top Valleys. Thanks to the quality of the cattle supplied by Mr McKenzie, the first stage of the journey, to Addison’s ac commodation house, was accomplished in good time, the drive along the beautiful level road being much appre ciated by the visitors. After a short stoppage, in order to allow the ladies to “ disembark ” (they having decided to remain behind), the journey was re sumed. Soon after leaving Addison’s the road branched off and passed over private property for a considerable dis tance, the result being that a consider able amount of time was occupied in opening and shutting gates. Soon after Top Valley stream was reached, the “gantry ” of the Omdur man dredge hove in sight, and, on getting nearer, it was found that, so far as the woodwork was concerned, she was in a forward state. Very little machinery appeared, however, to have arrived. Further on was seen the Jubilee crushing mill, but, as no work was in progress, the Ministerial party did not stop, but were driven on to the end of the road, where Mr Watty met them, and welcomed them to his camp. After a substantial lunch had been partaken of, at Mr Watty’s invitation, it was decided to inspect the works in connection with the Wellington mine. The~manager, Mr Hoskin, acted as guide, and led the party first of all to the battery site, where, although it is only about five months since work was first started, ten heads of stampers and a set of gold-saving tables have already been erected. A number of men were here engaged in getting into position , an engine Mr Watty intends to utilise for working a circular saw, with which he proposes to cut timber for fluming and other purposes. The battery and its surroundings having been viewed, Mr Hoskin led the way to the winze that had been sunk to test the reef, and where a considerable quantity of stone had been got out, which the experts of the party pronounced.to be good gold bearing quartz. 