THE STATE COAL MINES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2561, 6 May 1903, Page 59

THE STATE COAL MINES.

(Fbou Oith Own CoBBEsroNDEXT.)

WELLINGTON, May 4,

In a recent report t.he manager of tho StaU coal mines stated that the tunnel at the Seddonviflo colliery, which is expected to reach coal at a {listauco of 24^ eha-ivs, ■was in 144 chains. Good progress had bee a made with the sinking of the shaft, which should be sunk 149 ft to reach the level of the tunnel. This waa down a depth of 110 ft. Tho shaft which i* being sunk at the 22-chain t>eg will, in v ' lition to act-ing as a ventilating shaft, exp.. .Me tho driving of the tunnel, as from tho bottom of the shaft the tunnel can bo driven both ways at the same time. Tho formation of tho incline was almost completed, and tho repairs and alterations to the bins are being pushed along. A start, was made last month in falling and clearing the bu?h for tho loop line. Good progress lias been mado at the Point Elizabeth State colliery. At the end of March th© estimated distance to reach the coal seam in No. 1 tuiinel was 693 f t: th« tunnel was driven 403 ft. The estimated distance to reach the coal in No. 2 tunnel was 504 ft; tho tunnel was driven 302 ft. The estimated distance to reach the coal in No. 3 hinn*l was 528 ft; the distance driven wa3 256 ft. These thre« tunnels wre being driven continuously day and night, three shifts of men being employed No 4 Itunnel, on th» north 6ide of the Seven-mile Creek, had only to Ec driven a few chains to reach coal. A, good dea-1 of surface work as required b/»o in clearing away bush and clips. Men were engaged in falling and blearing timber on the proposed route of the Tope tramway. As 6oon.as surveys were" completed the formation work woukl l>e 6tarted.

It is proposed to start a pipe band at Hakataramea.