The Flooding of the State Mine.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 57, 12 April 1912, Page 9

The Flooding of the State Mine.

When Will Mismanagement End? SOME FACTS.

Tlio repeated assertions made by the minors of Point Elisabeth State mines that through lack of efficient, machinery tin? property was being flooded, have been scouted as often as made. Upon the last occasion the matter was ventilated the then Minister of Mines informed the press that the management assured him that the pumps were quite able to cope with the position. "The "Worker," knowing that the official reports submitted from time to time by the Mines Department wore most misleading;, investigated the case for itself, with the result that it finds that the allegations made by tho Miner's' Union are correct. In January of tho present year, Mr. K. MoKenzie, -Minister of Mines, informed a press reporter that the pumping machinery was ample to cope with tho water met with or with any contingency which might arise. In February, t-lie management, by great effort, succeeded in lowering the water IOJ inches. At that rate of progress, providing the inrush of water does not increase, and the machinery does not have to stop for repairs, <a section of the mine which has been flooded during the last 18 months will stand a reasonable chance of being unwatorcd in 33 years and 10 months. This is no exaggeration, tlie figures being taken from tile Report Book at the mine. Unfortunately, however, the machinery is beginning to bear evidence of the strain upon it, and should a breakdown occur, as may happen at any moment, tho result* would be disastrous. The comprossar engines have been run for such a length of time that they must be attended to, and that very shortly. When tfce engines arc stopped for repairs, the pumps will havo to cease—there being no auxiliary power —and tlie result must be tho complete flooding of the mine. He is a wise mine manager who hae the necessary machinery to provide for the inevitable stoppage or break-down. The management at Point Elizabeth has not that machinery. During the month of February, of the 87 shifts worked —29 days of three shifts —the lteporb Book shows that tho water was lowered on 48 shifts a total of 156 inches j it rose on 29 shifts a total of 130} inches; and it remained stationery on 10 shifts. With the water rising at that ratOj with pumps going at full speed, one can imagine what would happen if those pumps or the engines which drive the pumps had to ooasc, either for repairs w through a break-down. The gross neglect of the State Mine property shown in the past will, it is hoped, cease with the advent of Mr. Colvin to the charge of tho Mines Department. Quito recently a new seam was discovered, which dips below the present one some 85 foot. Tlie extent of that discovery, though at present unknown, is generally regarded as great. This seam, which may eclipse in quantity those, above, will be flooded, as will tlie older workings of tlie mine, unless a little common sense is exercised by those in charge. "What is needed, and needed at once, is tho installation of adequate machinery to cope with the gross inefficiency of the past. The fate of the property practically lies in tho lands of Mr. Colvin. Will he act?