I think it is probable that a rioh quartz reef will be found at or near the head of the south- western branch, as the creek b;d gets worked up.' 1 After describing the nature of the bed rook in the district as of the same oharaoter as the Otago schists in the vicinity of Skippers and the Shotover, Mr. Gordon adds " The total number of men on the field at the time o£ my visit wasJZOO, of whom 90 held payable claims." The present known extent of auriferous country will not admit of a large population. New comers will have to prospect for themselves, but no dependence can be placed on getticg muoh alluvial gold on the silo of the range. Judging by the present prospects thero is a likelihood of a good deal of gold being got when the dry weather season sets in. The country is extremely rough, and gold will probably bo found on Mr. Oullin's property, bnt its working will be expensive owing to the large,nmoant of water to be contended with. The terms on which Mr. Cutlen at present allows the miners to prospect on the terraces are 10s per month for half an nore of ground. ~

At the Education Board the other day a letter was read from a teasher resigning his position on account of the Inspector reporting that his school w^s -in an unsatis factory state; and as it gives an insight into the working of country sahools we make the following extract from it :— " Referring to the recenfrejolution passed by your Board on the very unsatisfactory condition of this school, I beg leave to observe that the utter want of punctuality and regular attendance are serious ninder ances which exist in thin district, some being away six months at a time. Not only have the foregoing to be contended against, but on taking over the sohool I found the inability of the scholars to spell or understand the meaning of the ordinary words in daily use. The most advanced boy in the school said he never heard the w ord ( dividend,' until used by me. Whilst regretting the nature of the Inspector's report, it is gratifying for me to know that some of my ex-pupils fill places of importance and profit with credit to themselves, owing to the instruction received at my hands. 