FLOODING IN MINES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20255, 15 May 1929, Page 13

FLOODING IN MINES.

NO WORK AT HIKURANGI. ANOTHER COLLIERY AFFECTED. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WHANGAIiEI, Tuesday. As the result of heavy rains floodwaters at Wilson's coalmine, Hikurangi. have caused a temporary stoppage of work. The pumps at the mine are taxed to their utmost, but it is expected mining operations will be lecommenced some time to-morrow. Mr. G.i Davidson, manager of Wilsons Collieries, stated to-day that the pumps would probably be able to hold the (low of water by to-morrow morning. Operations would be resumed as soon after that as possible. Keferring to the position at the Hikurangi mine, in which work was suspended some time ago owing to flooding, the manager, Mr. J. Makinson, stated to-day that there was 70ft.'of water in the mine. Pumping operations were discontinued last Thursday as the pumps had only been holding the water for the last three weeks and then the water commenced rising a foot a day. Apparently nothing could be done pending the cutting of the outlet channel on the surface. A contract for this work had been let, but so far practically nothing had been done. As the contract was to be completed within three months any improvement in the situation could not be expected for some time.