INSPECTION OF MINES (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INSPECTORS ON).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1887 Session I, C-03

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1887. NEW ZEALAND.

INSPECTION OF MINES (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INSPECTORS ON).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. Mr. Inspector McLaeen to the Undee-Seceetaey of Mines. Sib,— Inspector of Mines' Office, Thames, 12th March, 1887. In accordance with clause 59 of " The Coal Mines Act, 1886," I have the honour to report on the coal-mines in the northern districts of Kawakawa and Waikato for the year ending the 31st December, 1886. The number of mines working in these districts is the same as the previous year, but the total output of coal is nearly 7,000 tons less, the cause being a falling-off in the output of the Kawakawa Mine. The total output in 1886 was 104,794 tons; in 1885, 111,734 tons; and in 1884,103,856 tons. 1. Kawakawa Colliery. —The quantity of coal raised in 1886 was 30,775 tons; in 1885, 37,172 tons. The most of the output from this mine during the year has been from No. 2 District, being new ground, which is situated in a south-easterly direction from the former workings ; and from No. 3 District, which is to the dip of No. 2, but driven parallel to it. A new downcast air-shaft has recently been sunk to replace the one that had caved-in some months ago ; there is also a duplicate shaft, which is kept as a reserve in case of accident to the one in use. Since the sinking of this new shaft the ventilation has been very much improved in this quarter of the mine. The seam of coal now being worked varies very much in thickness and regularity, about 2ft. 6in. to 3ft. being the average thickness wrought, and this, unfortunately, intermixed with bands of clay and stone, which has to be separated before the coal leaves the workings, adding greatly to the expense. Considering the number of drawbacks in the shape of water, bad roof, thin seam, stone and clay bands, the coal is sent out of the mine wonderfully clean. The same constant caro and supervision that I alluded to in former reports is still being continued in timbering the mine and watching over the safety of the men ; and, notwithstanding faulty ground, with a bad and treacherous roof, the fact that during the twenty-two years the mine has been at work only one fatal accident has occurred speaks for itself. During my visit to this mine in January last the manager, Mr. Moody, informed me that, on account of the fore-mentioned difficulties—thin seams, &c.—the mine was not paying, and that it would either likely be closed soon, or great reductions to miners and all other employes. Since then an offer of an all-round reduction of from 10 to 15 per cent, has been refused by the men, who expressed themselves willing to take 5-per-cent. reduction. This not being accepted, work was struck on the 9th of the present month (March). 2. Kamo Colliery, near Whangarei. —With the exception of the manager of this mine all the mine managers in my districts have shown themselves most anxious to conform to all the requirements of " The Coal Mines Act, 1886 ;" but on my visit to this mine last month I found the manager, Mr. Joseph Geary, was almost entirely neglecting to carry out the new provisions required by this Act; and, as this neglect in some cases endangered men's lives, it was necessary that some decisive stops should be taken in the matter. I therefore instructed Mr. W. A. Carruih, solicitor, Whangarei, to take action against him for four breaches of the Act-—viz., clause 26, subsection (1); clause 26, subsection (15); clause 26, subsection (20); and clause 26, subsection (23). The following is a copy of my letter to Mr. Geary :— " Sic,— " Whangarei, 17th February, 1887. "I regret to find at my visits of inspection on the 12th and 14th instant that you have failed to comply with many of the provisions of the Coal Mines Act of 1886. " The following are the provisions to which I allude : — " Clause 24.—N0 register of boys or youths kept. "Clause 26, Subsection (1). —Failing to supply an adequate amount of ventilation. "Clause 26, Subsection (14). —Failing to have the method of signalling posted in a clear and legible form on a framed board. There is no such board at No. 2 or lowest level; at No. 1 level and top of shaft the lettering oil boards is so indistinct that it is with difficulty they can be read. " Clause 26, Subsection (15). —The cages are not provided with iron sloping covers, and are not hung with hinges. " Clause 26, Subsection (20). —Eopes and chains have not been tested in winding-shaft since the introduction of the Act. I—C. 3.

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" Clause 26, Subsection (23). —Cages have not been provided with suitable appliances to prevent their sudden fall down the shaft, also to prevent their coming in contact with the poppetheads. " Clause 26, Subsection (26). —In portion of the shaft ladders are fixed in a vertical position. " Clause 26, Subsection (24). —Spring-catches or automatic self-acting doors or tumblers have not been fixed on the skids or guides below the poppet-heads to prevent the cage from falling down the shaft when detached by the rope or chain over-winding. " Clause 26, Subsection (45). —Inflammable gas being found in the mine. No barometer or thermometer has been fixed near the shaft on the surface, the readings of which should be daily recorded. " Clause 26, Subsection (48). —No copy of the Act kept at office. "If you read over the Act you will find other clauses that have not been complied with. It is my duty to lay information against you for failing to comply with these clauses of the Act; but I have only done so in four cases, where there is immediate danger to men's lives through your neglect; and I trust this will be sufficient to cause you in future to act up to not only the letter but the spirit of the Act. " I have, &c, " James M. McLaben, Inspector of Mines. "Joseph Geary, Esq., Manager, Kamo Colliery." These cases were tried on the 19th February by Mr. Clendon, Resident Magistrate, at Whangarei. Mr. Geary pleaded guilty in each case. Being the first cases under the now Act I did not press for heavy penalties, my aim being to show mine-managers that they must conform to the law. A light penalty was therefore inflicted in each case, carrying, of course, solicitors' fees and all expenses. In regard to the state of the mine at the date of my visit (14th February), the ventilation was exceedingly bad—in fact, the air was perfectly dead in the mine. The upcast did not seem to be acting at all, although on the day of my visit the weather was more favourable for ventilation than it had been for some weeks. The state of the mine in this respect is shown by the fact that, within three days after I had laid the information, the men had all to be drawn from the mine. Their candles would not burn ; and it is a well-known law that where a candle will not burn a miner cannot live. I several times inquired of Mr. Geary what had been done to destroy the ventilation. His reply was, " That it was the same as it always was." But I knew there must be some cause, so I visited by myself the two surface levels to the rise of the old workings, which had been specially left open to draw the foul air from the mine. 1 found these closed, and the air stagnant. After patient inquiry and investigation I found these old workings had fired some time ago, and that both levels or drifts had been regularly built across, in order to stifle the fire. This explained the matter. The two main exit airways had been closed up, and no new openings provided. The only other upcast open is a small shaft sft. by 2|-ft. The area of the downcast shaft is 90 square feet, and the total area of this upcast to ventilate the two levels or seams of coal, containing some miles of workings, is only 12-| square feet; and no furnace, fanners, water-blast, or other artificial means being tried to force it. When I left, on the 21st instant, the manager was trying to fix a water-blast, which had formerly been in, but had been removed. If he succeeded in fixing it, it cannot have acted well, as I hear the mine was again idle for two days last week on account of foul air through want of ventilation. As regards the winding ropes in the main shaft, which is 240 ft. deep, I found one of them ripped, and both very much frayed and worn. Mr. Geary himself acknowledged in Court that these ropes were condemned, and yet he had never even taken the simple precaution required by clause 26, subsection (20), of the Act to tost the ropes to double the weight they had to carry. If any accident had occurred through these ropes breaking while men were being raised or lowered Mr. Geary would, to a certainty, be tried for manslaughter; and it is to be hoped that my action will cause him to attend to his duties in future, and thus prevent such a grave charge ever being laid against him. In the working in the No. 2or lower seam the creep has set in, and as this seam gets opened out and worked I expect serious difficulties will have to be encountered. While in the Whangarei District I accidentally learned that about December two separate accidents occurred in this mine, whereby one miner named Cadman had his arm broken and another called Ferguson was crushed about the body through a truck accident. Neither of these cases were reported, as required by clause 50 of the Coal Mines Act. The output from this mine for the year ending the 31st December, 1886, was 21,944 tons, the average number of men employed being sixty-seven. '3. Wkauwhau or Whangarei Mine, near Whangarei. —Since my last report till the beginning of the present year the whole of the work has been done to the rise; but since, the coal has been opened to the dip-workings, which had been standing for some time. The dip of the coal, as mentioned in my last report, scill continues to the north, and from surrounding indications it would appear as if the seam would ultimately join the Kamo workings, which are only about a mile distant. At the date of my last visit I found the manager, Mr. Love, had had some difficulty in regard to ventilation, and had just completed an additional 20ft. to the height of his upcast or ventilation chimney, making it a total height of 70ft. from the furnace. This furnace is only used in sultry weather, when the air is sluggish. The furnace was not lighted while I was in the mine, and, though the coal towards the dip was giving off gas freely, yet, though I examined carefully, it did not seem to lodge anywhere, the ventilation being sufficient to dispel it. In August last Mr. Love reported to me that a roadsman named Edward McGlashin had his ankle broken on the self-acting incline tramway in the mine. It appears he signalled the empty trucks up, but he thoughtlessly got in the way of the full ones when -they came down, with the result mentioned. The output for the year from this mine is 9,003 tons, and on the average fifteen men are employed. Waikato District. 4. Waikato Mine. —With the exception of a great fire that broke out in the old workings near the north-eastern boundary, there is nothing special to report in regard to this mine since my last report.

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The workings where the fire occurred were abandoned about three years ago. The heavy rains of July last caused a fall of the roof, and the water, acting on the iron pyrites existing in a portion of the strata here, caused spontaneous combustion. When first discovered only a small quantity of steam was being given off. Stops were immediately taken to build the fire in, but, owing to its being surrounded by old workings, considerable time elapsed before the whole could be made air-tight. On the second day the fire rapidly increased, and gave off large quantities of carbonic acid gas, causing great inconvenience and danger to the men, some of whom had to be carried out. It was not till the 10th of August that the fire district was finally closed in. This was done by double stoppings, one of puddled clay and the other of dry sand. At the date of my last visit (4th March) the fire seemed to be thoroughly extinguished. The workings were in good order, and the ventilation also good. As regards the former, they have been driven as far as they can be until steam-power is applied, or the coal is opened out on the dip side. This mine continues to be under the management of Mr. B. B. Taylor. The output for 1886 was 12,580 tons, the average number of men employed being thirty-eight. 5. Taupiri Colliery, Huntly. —l visited this mine last on the sth inst., and found all the workings in good order, and also the ventilation in all parts very good. With the exception of the western dips the work done during the year has been principally pillar work. To the west two down-hill headings have been driven, No. 1, with a grade of 1 in 5, fora length of 72ft., and No. 2, with a grade of lin 7, for a length of 260 ft. No. 1 runs up to nearly under the swamp, and No. 2 runs under the swamp. The thickness of coal here is from 30ft. to 35ft. A new shaft has been sunk here near the edge of the swamp, and another Tangye pump has been placed, which will act independently of the main one, and raise the water from this clip direct up to the surface. The coal under this small portion of the swamp will require to be very carefully worked, as the ground overhead appears to consist principally of running sand. Mr. Collins, the manager, has therefore agreed with me always to leave a good height of coal overhead, to form a roof. Across the arm of the swamp under which this coal exists a dam has been thrown to keep out the lake waters during the heavy winter rains. The output for the year ending the 31st December, 1886, was 30,775 tons. The average number of miners is fifty-five. General Eemaeks. The New Miranda Mine, at Maramarua, is in a forward state, and should be ready in about six weeks' time to forward coal to the market. I visited it on the 3rd instant, and found the works at the mine in a fair way to completion. The canal from the Maramarua Stream has been completed to the mine, and the steamer and barges are ready. Wharves have also been completed at the mine and at the new railway siding, the distance between the two being about twelve miles. On the wharves steam cranes have been erected to raise and lower the boxes, the principle of conveying these boxes direct from the faces in the mine to the railway wagons without tipping being that first introduced here by Mr. E. B. Taylor, manager of the Waikato Mine, near Huntly. The Taupiri Eeserve Colliery Company is a new company starting on the education reserve, about a couple of miles north of Huntly, where I mentioned in my last year's report that coal 16ft. thick had been found. Coal has now been proved from 12ft. to 20ft. thick. As far as I could learn, it seems to be thickening, and dipping under Lake Kimihia. A small prospecting shaft has been sunk near the lake, and it is probable that the mine will be opened out by an engine incline tunnel, from which the coal to the rise will be worked. A branch line of railway is now being constructed from the Waikato line round the southern boundary of Lake Kimihia to the mine ; its length will be about two miles. I understand that Mr. John Ord, late of Brunner Mine, has been appointed manager of this mine. Boring for coal has been going on for some time on private property about three miles south of Mercer, close to the railway-line, and at a little over 200 ft. deep a 9ft.-seam of coal has been struck. 1 have, &c, James M. McLaren, Inspector of Mines. The Under-Secretary of Mines, Wellington.

No. 2. Mr. Inspector Binns, F.G.S., to the Under-Seceetahy of Mines. Beport on Control and Inspection on Mines, South Island. Sir, — Dunedin, Ist April, 1887. I have the honour, in compliance with section 59 of " The Goal Mines Act, 1886," to make the following report, for the information of the Hon. the Minister of Mines : — The period dealt with is from the date of my last report (sth May, 1886,) to the 31st December, 1886. During this time my attention has been devoted to the official duties incident to my position. Attached are tables of statistics and accidents, the latter numerically considerably less than last year, and also entirely free from any fatality. The forwarding of information relative to output, &c, is now a statutory duty, and I must call the attention of those managers who have been neglectful in this respect to the penalties provided by the Act for default to comply with its provisions. 6. Wallsend Colliery, Collingwood, was visited twice during 1886—on the 17th March, prior to the date of my last report, and on the 17th October. At the latter date the air was good, and the workings well timbered. A daily report was kept by the underviewer, and a weekly report by the manager. The seam still continues thin, with shale partings. In one case 3ft. lOJin.is taken out; but of this 10-J-in. consists of shale, in three bandsr The plan had not been added to for eight months. During 1886 the output was nearly double. 7. Mokihinui Coal-mine, Mokihmui, has during the past year merely carried on prospecting works.

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8. Koranui Coal-mine, Westport, was visited on the' Bth October last, at which date the workings were pretty well supplied with air by natural ventilation. At the end of 1886 the property was purchased by the Westport Coal Company, whose present intention is not to work it, but to concentrate the whole of their energies upon the adjoining leases, where they have for some years been carrying out extensive works. 9. Banbury Mine, Westport (now known as the Goalbrookdale Mine). —During the latter part of 188G this mine continued to progress favourably as regards output, which increased during the year by 28,139 tons. On the 9th of October I made an inspection of the workings, finding that in some parts the air was sluggish, a defect through an improvement in the air-course, which was impending, and which will no doubt do something to remove. This improvement consisted in a pair of headings, and a new shaft to ventilate the south-west portion of the mine. The general timbering was good, though the same remark could not be applied to the spragging. Men and boys still continued to travel on the chain-road, which is certainly not very safe. Keports were kept, and the formalities of the Act duly attended to. A copy of the plan has also been supplied to me, through the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Nelson, as provided by the lease. 10. Murray Creek Coal-mine, Beefton. —As may be seen on reference to last year's report, the mine was in bad order; but on the 4th October the work was mostly opencast, and the mine is in better order. 11. Golden Treasure Coal-mine, Beefton. —Hardly worked during 1886, only ninety tons having been raised. 12. Lankey's Gully Coal-mine, Beefton. —On the 4th October, 1880, I visited this mine, finding nobody about. A keg of powder containing about twenty pounds was in the drive. Subsequently I met the owner and informed him that this was contrary to law. 13. Archer's Coal-mine, Boatman's. —Merely a couple of prospecting drives, which were visited in April last. 14. Inkermann Goal-mine, Beefton. —Visited once during 1886, and already reported on. 15. Phoinix Coal-mine, Beefton. —Last visited on the 4th October, 1886. Mr. J. Macquiehaum is contractor, and has driven three levels, all well laid out and timbered. 19. Brunner Goal-mine, Greymouth. —Between last year's report and the end of 1886 the Brunner Mine was visited on two occasions—viz., the 28th September and the 6th December. On the former date the workings were moderately-well ventilated, and the timbering of the road-ways, &c, was attended to. Spragging was, however, somewhat inefficiently carried out. The old guibal fan has been found inadequate for the ventilation of this mine (which is now of considerable extent), and a new 9ft. Gin. schiele fan has been ordered. At the latter date all the workings were on the in-bye side of the great fault, the main level having passed the slip for a distance of twenty-eight chains. With two exceptions, all the places were free from gas, and in these lamps were used. The saam on the other side of the fault has hardly fulfilled the expectations which were formed of it, being not nearly so thick as the old seam. At the September inspection 1 made a very careful inquiry into an occurrence which had taken place at this mine some time previously. In the Grey Biver Argus of the 12th August a paragraph appeared stating that on the 11th a miner had a fit in the Brunner Mine, and was slightly injured thereby. This paragraph was cut out and sent to the head oilice, accompanied by an anonymous letter stating that the man's injuries were due to a jig-pin coming out and allowing a truck to run over him. The letter further stated that the public were being deceived by the published account. The result of my inquiry was as follows :It appeared that the injured man, whose name is Thomas, was engaged, at about 5.45 p.m. on the day of the alleged accident, in pushing a full truck down a jig, up which his mate —George Housely —was pushing the empty. That the jig-pin came out, and Thomas shouted to Housely to get out of the way, which he accordingly did. Having thus looked after his mate, Thomas (to use his own words) " forgot himself " and retained hold of the full tub, which naturally dragged him down the incline, and, according to his account, fell on top of him. Ho continued at work until 9-45, when, so far as I can assertain by inquiry, he had a fit, and became very violent, during which he no doubt received sundry bruises. How much these bruises and the effect of the fit contributed to the soreness which kept him off work for a fortnight I cannot tell; but it does not seem to me that the injuries received from the box could have been very severe, when he was enabled immediately after to go to work. I regret to state that an explosion of gas occurred in this mine on the 17th November, an account of which will be found amongst the accident reports. 20. Coal-pit Heath Colliery, Greymouth. —On the 30th September the ventilation was very good indeed, and the bords tolerably wellregulated as regards width ; spragging somewhat neglected. The cage had been fitted witli a sloping cover opening outwards, to comply with the new law ; but the iron was only one-eighth of an inch thick, and the lid was somewhat awkwardly arranged. The plan had not been made up for twelve months, which was, I believe, not the fault of the minemanager. On the Bth and 9th Depember I made further inspections. At that time gas was occasionally seen in two places, which should have been worked exclusively with safety-lamps, instead of these being only supplied to the men, as was the case. Ventilation, very good. The workings were weighting very considerably, which Mr. Alexander attributed to the earthquake shock which occurred on the 2nd December ; but, in my opinion, no such extraneous assistance was necessary, and the weight was due solely to the smallness of the pillars, a subject about which I have frequently had cause to complain. The plan, at this date, was between thirteen and fourteen months back. Reports kept. New head-gear was being erected, the original structure having become unsafe. As regards the requirements of " The Coal Mines Act, 1886," Mr. Alexander had no proper register of the one boy employed, though a note had been made ; a signal-board at the pit top only ; one cage had a proper cover, the otrier made of iron insufficiently thick, as already mentioned ; pit bank covered in. The recently-made-up plan arrived at the mine on the 9th, but too late for me to see it. 21. Tyneside Colliery, Greymouth. —On the 29th September I looked over the new Act with

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Mr. Kilgour, owner of this colliery, and examined the surface arrangements. Though not perfectly completed, everything appeared well constructed and with due regard to safety. Mr. Kilgour informed me that Mr. John May was manager; and also pointed out that, as men would not be raised or lowered in the shaft, exemption from the safety-cage and detaching-hook portions of the Act would not be the means of endangering human life. On the afternoon of the same day I met Mr. May, who stated that he was not the manager, but merely engaged to look after the plans ; he, however, accompanied me through the workings. The report was kept by Mr. E. Lawrie, who said that he had never seen any gas. On the 7th December I again met Mr. Kilgour, and examined the mine with Mr. James Hodgson, manager. As the output of coal had not then commenced no men were below ground. A capable dam had been constructed to keep back the river when in flood, and ample pumping machinery put down to deal with the mine water. This is not the mine that was mentioned in last year's report, and visited by the Hon. the Minister in April, 1886, but the old Greyinouth-Wallsend Coal-mining Company's shaft, which Mr. Kilgour has leased from the Westport Coal Company. Mr. Kilgour having, in December, written asking for exemption from the clauses of the new Act relating to safety-cages and detaching-hooks, I forwarded his letter to the head office, and on the 22nd December received a reply that they need not be fitted so long as no men were raised or lowered. This is a very satisfactory decision, for there are several mines where the use of these appliances would not be at all instrumental in saving life, and where their adoption would be a very heavy tax on the proprietors. 22. Wallsend Colliery, Greymouth. —lt is a pity that one accident should have marred the record of operations at this mine, the cleaning-out of the old shaft and sinking of the new one having been, with that exception, carried out with perfect safety. As it was, the injuries were slight, Charles Clifford, a sinker, being injured on the 12th June, by a fall of stone from the side of the shaft, sufficiently to keep him off work for twenty-three days. On the 27th September, 1886, I examined the whole of the workings without rinding any gas. Very little work had, at that time, been done since the new shaft was sunk, though chocks and props had been plentifully set, and the pit bottom, which was a bord in the old workings, strongly arched with concrete. At this time the ventilativepower was the old 15ft.-fan, which was not running up to its full speed. Everything about the place seemed to be laid out with the greatest possible regard for safety, and safety-lamps are used in the workings. On the 7th and 10th December I again inspected. A good deal of gas appeared to be given off, but the bractice was kept well up, and no explosive mixture apparently lodged in the bords or headings. A register of boys was kept. Signal-notices were exhibited, and the cage fitted with a proper cover, but the arrangement for opening it from the inside seemed somewhat imperfect: this, however, Mr. Elliott arranged to alter. After many years' struggles this property is now in a fair way to commence putting out coal: with a plant probably unsurpassed south of the line, a splendid seam of good coal, and a rapidly-improving port the prospects should be good. The pit bank is covered in ; and Mr. Waters, the company's engineer, has laid out the workings on a plan which, if carried out, will prevent the enormous loss of coal which has too frequently, in past years and in other mines, been caused by defective working. 23. Springfield Colliery, Springfield. —During the latter part of 1888 this mine was examined, on the 23rd July and 24th September. On the former occasion I made a thorough examination of the working places, and found everything in a satisfactory condition : the reports kept, and the air good. A new drive had been commenced between Ball's drive and the old engine places, for the purpose of extracting a pillar supposed to exist; but it did not last long. On the latter occasion 1 merely examined the head-gear and pit top, with a view to arranging how the safety-cages and hooks could be best erected. There is only sft. Gin. between the top of the rope-cap and the point of contact between the rope and pulley when the cage is raised off the kips, and the head-gear itself is by no means too strong for the present load. Mr. Lindop has worked the mine without accident, and, so far as I am aware, has observed the law in every particular. 24. Zealandia Coal-mine, Springfield. —On the 13th January, 1886, I visited this mine, which now appears for the first time on the list. At that time it had been working for about six months, but some years ago operations were carried on to a small extent. The seam is 2ft. 4in. of good coal, and the ground wrought is very limited in extent. The mine is now closed, and I have been unable to obtain any record of output. In April, 1886, Mr. G. Eutherford, owner of an adjoining property, wrote informing me that, in his opinion, the workings of this mine were encroaching on his property, and asking what he should do. Of course under " The Eegulation of Mines Act, 1874," such matters were not within my duties, and an answer in accordance with this was sent. Under " The Coal Mines Act, 1886," the course is quite plain, and there is no doubt that the clause will materially simplify difficulties of this nature. 25. Canterbury Colliery, Sheffield.— Visited 30th July and 24th October, ISB6. On the former occasion the works appopjred in good order, and the report was kept; on the latter date, however, the air was very bad, and I had to request Mr. Austin to draw an air-way, which has since been done. The workings on the level are becoming exhausted, and Mr. Austin proposes putting down an engine plane, with proper machinery, and working the seam to the dip. 26. Baron's Coal-mine, Sheffield. —Ceased working on the 24th July, 1886. 27. Ilomebush Coal-mine, Glentunnel. —The output from this mine during last year was very small, only about six men being employed, who put out 1,929 tons, or 5,266 tons less than during the previous year. The workings have been inspected twice during 1886, since the date of my last report, on both of which occasions the Act appeared to be pretty well observed. The far rise workings are being pushed on, and will communicate with the surface. 28. Dalethorpe Coal-mine, Springfield, is a small undertaking on Mr. Eutherford's ground, and employing two men, who work a seam dipping at 35°. The workings, which covered a very small area, were in good order. 29. Hartley Colliery, Whitecliffs. —Last year's report described this place as being in bad order, and on the 29th July it was no better, being, in fact, nearly worked out. Mr. i'erguson, the

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manager, was too ill to accompany me round the workings. On the 9th August the men were all engaged in repairs, and the bad places had been abandoned. Mr. Ferguson keeps the report and a plan. 30. Whitecliffs Coal-mine, Whitccliffs .—On the 28th July, 1886, I visited this mine, and found Mr. W. Laming in possession, and employing altogether six men. A new drive had been made, and the workings were in good order; still the formalities of the Act were not attended to. 31. St. Helen's (No. 1) Coal-mine, Whitecliffs.—Closed. 32. St. Helen's (No. 2) Coal-mine, Whitecliffs, was inspected on the 28th July, 1886, when it w yas not in good order, the lower workings being so much crushed as to bo, in my opinion, unsafe in places. I therefore asked the under viewer to clean out a choked-up air-way as a means of escape for the men. Eeport kept very irregularly ; plan up to date ; no special rules exhibited. 33. Snowdon Goal-mine, Bakaia Gorge (26th July, 1886). —Not working. Merely a straight drive, which appeared safe. 34. Acheron Coal-mine, Lake Coleridge (26th July, 1886). —Not working. The drive had fallen in a good deal. 35. Stobivood Coal-mine, liockivood. —A small mine worked by Mr. James S. Nimmo, on the same line as the Brockley seam, the coal being unaltered. On the 27th July two men were at work, and the mine in good order. 36. Mount Somers Coal-mine, Mount Somers (4th August, 1886). —Still opencast, but, as the stripping had become very heavy, the owner proposed driving on the seam. 37. Studholme's Coal-mine, Waimate. —On the 6th August, 1886, the mine was not being worked, and a road was being constructed. 38. Wharekuri Goal-mine, Wharekuri (13th July, 1886). —Two men only employed. Mine not in very good order, and the air not constant. Mr. Cairns informed me that a boy who was then absent had the report in his possession. Subsequently I met the boy, who knew nothing about it. 39. Kuroto Goal-mine, Kurow (13th July, 1886). —I always have to complain of the bad condition of this mine, and on the above date three little boys were in the workings, which were by no means safe. The owner stated that they were not employed in the mine. 40. Prince Alfred. (No. 1) Coal-mine, Papakaio. —On the 10th July and 27th October this mine was in good order, and the air pretty good. The report is kept. 41. Prince Alfred (No. 2) Coal-mine, Papakaio. —The remarks on the preceding mine apply equally to this, which is under the same management and ownership. 42. St. Andreiv's Coal-mine, Papakaio. —lnspected on the 10th July and 27th October, on both of which occasions the mine was in good order, and the Act generally observed. 43. Ngapara Colliery, Ngapara. —Examined on the 14th July. In good order, and carefully worked. 44. Shag Point Coal-mine, Palmerston. —On the Bth July Mr. "Williams was laid up by the accident an account of which will be given subsequently. A heading was being driven to communicate with the unfinished shaft to the north. Attempts were made to get through the old workings to the shaft above the manager's house, but failed on account of the lire. Work was proceeding in the upper division of the main seam, which varied from 3ft. to sft. in thickness. The air was pretty good, and timbering moderately-well carried out; cage covered, signals all right, but rules not exhibited. On the 28th October, 1886,1 again inspected. The air in the extreme rise pillars was not good, on account of a leakage of carbonic acid from the wastes. In the other portions of the mine the ventilation was better, though it was checked occasionally. In the drive to the north for forming a communication the seam had thinned down to about 20in., overlaid by a very hard rock. Dynamite was used, and I found three plugs and some detonators close to the main road. 45. Hill's Creek Lignite-mine, Hill's Creek (27th August, 1886). —This mine continues to be worked opencast. 49. Blackstone Hill Lignite-mine, Blackstone Hill. —This was formerly on the list as Dunnmuir's. At the above date nobody was at the mine, which is, as formerly, worked opencast. 50. Cambrian's Lignite-mine (Jones's), St. Bathans. —Visited 27th August, 1886. Is still worked opencast, and well carried on. 51. Cambrian's Lignite-mine (Dungey's), St. Bathans is a new open-work mine on the same seam as the preceding, and visited on the same date. 52. Kyeburn Coal-mine, Kyeburn. —On the 28th August, 1886. This mine was not being extensively worked, recent floods having damaged the main level. Eeport kept; no rules up. 53. Perseverance Goal-mine, Kyeburn (28th August, 1886). —The owner of the mine, Mr. J. Stuart, had recently died ; but the mine was at work, and in good order, as it always has been. The coal was being brought back on the main level in a very systematic manner. 54. Archer's Goal-mine, Kyeburn (28th August, 1886). —Mr. Archer had, unfortunately, taken no pains to observe the Act, but the mine was in tolerably good order. 56. Alexandra Goal-mine, Alexandra South. —On the 21st August last this mine was working in very much the same small way that characterizes the majority of the inland Otago coal-mines. The shaft required fencing, and no report was kept; ladders vertical; workings apparently safe. 57. Macquernville Coal-mine, Alexandra Smith. —On the 23rd August last this mine was being worked by a Chinese miner, who appeared well able to take care of himself. Vertical ladders were in the shaft, which Mr. McLay, the manager, promised to alter. The shaft mouth was also unfenced. 5->. Excelsior Coal-mine, Cromwell. —This mine when visited in August, 1886, was in very bad order. The seam dips at a very high angle ; th!e workings were very wide, and much fallen, and there was no means of escape. I requested the owner to at once provide one. The old shaft by the public road, and on the other side of the river from the mine now worked, was unfenced, and I asked the owner, Mr, E. McNulty, to attend to it.

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59. Bannochburn Coal-mine, Cromwell. —Examined on the 24th August, 1886, when only one man was at work. The mine seems safe ; report kept somewhat irregularly. 60. Kawarau Goal-mine, Cromwell (24th August, 1886). —Only one man at work; mine in very good order, but Mr. Pryde, the owner, was away, so I could not inquire how far the Act was kept. Certainly in his absence nothing was apparent. 61. Clyde Coal-mine, Clyde. —Visited 24th August, 1886. No Act kept. Ladders down the shaft very badly constructed. As a fire had recently taken place in the mine the workings were closed. 62. Dairy Creek Coal-mine, Clyde {formerly known as Clyde Coal-mine). — Visited on the same date as the above, which it adjoins, being, however, worked by a dip-drive instead of a shaft. The workings were in good order, but the details required by the Act entirely neglected. 63. Earnscleugh Goal-mine, Clyde (23rd August, 1886.—The mine was in pretty good order, though the steep seam and crushed coal are not conducive to safety. Mr. Buckley had kept a report. 64. Gibbston Coal-mine, Gibbston. —On the 28th August, when I was at this mine, only one man was working at the coal, on an open face, Mr. Owens having abandoned the old workings and put in a tunnel 373 ft. in length, which was expected to reach the coal at 395 ft. The ground, being mostly moist clay, proved very troublesome and expensive, and required very close timbering. No report had been kept. 65. Robertson's Lignite-mine, Roxburgh, and 66. Jones's Lignite-mine, Roxburgh, are both open-work, and were visited on the 19th August. The former is under rather heavy cover, and Mr. Eobertson had some idea of mining. 68. Green Island Colliery, Green Island. —Inspected on the 23rd June, finding Mr. D. Marshall in charge. Weekly report kept, very few men at work, but the the air exceedingly bad, as the airway had fallen in. Plan kept, and mine otherwise in pretty good order. The manager in charge seemed to know nothing about the requirements of the Act, but " supposed a copy was at the office." On the 29th June Mr. D. Eichardson called and stated that Marshall was not manager, and on the Ist July I received a letter from Messrs. Smith and Fotheringham, the owners, stating that Marshall was only deputy-manager, Eichardson being manager and visiting the mine three times a week; also that every effort was being made to observe the Act. It will be noted that in more than one case there was an indefmiteness as to who was really manager of a mine, and it is easy to see how easily this might become a source of danger. Under the existing Act this cannot occur, owners being compelled to nominate a manager in writing. 69. Saddle Hill Coal-mine (Christie's), Saddle Hill. —On the 18th September I called at this mine with the object of seeing in how far the regulations for safety-cages, &c, could be adopted without serious difficulty. As, however, the head-gear is very low, and the arrangements generally are not laid out with any surplus of strength, it would have been necessary to put up new headgear, and spend, probably, more money than the mine was worth. As will be seen in the report for 1887, this difficulty has been satisfactorily arranged. 72. Walton Park Colliery, Green Island. —On the 30th June, 1886, I inspected the underground workings and overground arrangements at this colliery, finding that, as usual, they were in good order. Eeport kept, also register of boys; plan, dated April, 1886; air mostly good. On the 17th July John McLean was injured by a fall of coal, which was reported by Mr. London on the 19th. Subsequently I called at McLean's house, and, although he was absent, obtained information indicating that the management was not to blame for the accident. On the 18th September I made an overground inspection with a view to introducing the recently-passed Coal Mines Act. 75. Bruce Coal-mine, Milton (7th May, 1886). —The only fault to be found with this mine was that too much slack was left. In other respects the Act was not perfectly observed, there being no general rules up, and the report being somewhat backward. On the Bth June I wrote to Mr. Hardwick about the slack. 76. Real Mackay Coal-mine, Milton. —When I called at this mine in May, 1886, nobody was about. 77. Fortification Goal-mine, Milton (7th May, 1886). —The larger part of this mine had fallen in on account of an excessive proportion of coal having been extracted. A good deal of timber had been set but, of course, uselessly. I advised Mr. Eeid to leave a good large rib, for the purpose of protecting any new workings from the weight. Eules were exhibited, but the weekly report not kept at the mine. I addressed a letter on these subjects to Mr. Eeid. 78. Gannon's Lignite-mine, Lovell's Flat; 79. Paskell's Lignite-mine, Adams's Flat ; and 80. Adams's Flat Lignite-mine, Adams's Flat, were all visited on the 19th May, and found to be still worked opencast. 81. Evans's Flat Goal-mine, Lawrence. —On the 22nd December I visited this mine, which had been at work for six months, and which was immediately afterwards closed. Mr. Buchanan, the owner, informs me that operations will not be resumed during this year. This seam, which was discovered approximately twenty years ago, is 12ft. in thickness, and dips at an angle of 25°, in a northerly direction, under the auriferous gravels of Evans's Flat. Six feet is worked, a dip drive with lateral levels having been driven for a distance of 160 ft. on the full dip. Hauling is performed by a 6ft. over-shot water-wheel, which also actuates the pumps. 82. Benhar Goal-mine, Bdlclntha, has been visited, since my last report and during 1886, on two occasions—viz., the 21st May and the 18th August. At the former date the plan was nearly two years in arrear, and no general rules were exhibited. The dip-drive was at that time being continued to the dip. On the 6th August William Pringle, a miner, was injured by a piece of coal which struck him on the leg, without breaking any bones. Mr. Nelson's letter informing me of the accident was dated the 7th, but not posted until the 10th. Pringle was off work for a fortnight.

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An investigation of the accident on the 18th August elicited the information that he thought the shot had missed fire, and approached it incautiously. Though the owner and manager of this mine carries on his work with considerable caution, he does not pay sufficient attention to the details of the Act. 83 and 84. Kaitangata Railway and Coal Company's Mines, Kaitangata. —On the 6th May, 1886, I examined these mines, which may be conveniently reported on together. In the engine-plane, where the principal workings were being carried on, there were 123 men and boys. The workings were very well ventilated by a furnace, which gave, Mr. Shore informed me, 24,500 cubic feet per minute. A little gas was still being given off by the blower in the main heading, and lamps were, on this account, used in that district. In the No. lor shaft workings nothing was being done, except on the north level, which a man and two boys were engaged in extending. The place was ventilated through an old dip-drive into the original mine. On the 12th June I wrote asking Mr. Shore what were his means of second outlet, and received in reply an answer that the upcast shaft was supplied with a hand crib-winch with rope attached, a pulley fixed over the shaft and a bucket and loose scaffold all in readiness. Also that a pipe containing water was placed in the shaft, for the purpose of extinguishing the fire, in case the furnace-shaft should be used as a means of exit. Also stating that a road was being driven from the new engine-plane workings to communicate with the old stone drive near the stables, and form a travelling road apart from the engineplane. These precautions appeared to me to be very satisfactory. On the 7th July Joseph Gibson had his shin-bone broken by a fall of coal, and was off work for eight weeks. 85. Wangaloa Goal-mine, Wangaloa. —At my last visit, on the 21st May, 1886, nobody was in this mine, which seemed in good order. As may be noticed, the output appears to be merely enough to occupy one man for a few days. 86. Lesmahagow Coal-mine, Wangaloa. —The output from this mine is not much larger than that from the foregoing, w 7hich it immediately adjoins ; and the owner complains, justly, that people take coal from the foreshore at Coal Point, and rain his trade. This appears a very considerable hardship. As regards care in working the mine, reports, &c, Mr. Sewell leaves no cause for complaint. 87. Wyndham Lignite-mine, Wyndham ; 88. Sheddon and Dawson's Lignite-mine, Gore; 89. Lietze's Lignite-mine, Gore; 90. Clintoch's Lignite-mine, Gore ; 91. McPherson's Lignite-mine, Gore, and 92. McKinnon s Lignite-mine, Gore, are all open-work, and were visited in May, 1886. 94. Puherau Lignite-mine, Pukerau, is an underground mine, and was visited on the 18th May, 1886. The air was good; report kept, though not properly; General and Special Eules up. Five men were employed. 95. Mataura Lignite-mine (Beallie, Mataura; 96. Mataura Lignite-mine (Young), Mataura, and 97. Mataura Lignite-mine (Paper Mill Company), Mataura, are open-work lignite-mines, immediately adjacent to each other, and were visited in May, 1886. No. 92 has not been at work during the year. 98. Morley Creek Coal-mine, Mount Linton. —This is a small coal-mine on private land, and worked partly open-work and partly by adit. I was on the ground with Mr. E. Mackinnon, the owner, in May, 1886, at which time the works had been standing idle for some months. 99. ParraH's Lignite-mine, Wyndham, is a small open-work mine, which at the time of my visit, in May, 1886, was full of water, having been recently flooded by the Mataura Eiver, on the banks of which it is situated. 100. Nightcaps Coal-mine (No.l), Nightcaps. —The workings carried on by this company were practically the same as during 1885; but, as there were three separate mines, each having distinctive features, I have divided them, for facility of reference. No. 1 is the old dip-drive, where, in May, 1886, only two men were engaged in bringing back a pillar. The air was good, and timbering attended to ; reports kept. 101. Nightcaps Coal-mine (No 2), Nightcaps, is the level-drive in the thick seam, where seven men were working. The level is well timbered, and in the workings coal is left to support the roof, which is bad. A furnace has been built for ventilation. 102. Nightcaps Coal-mine (No. 3), Nightcaps, is a large open-work area, employing eight men, and carried on by a very complete system of sluicing, the water being brought in by a race live miles long. In places 35ft. of cover is removed. The output of the company has nearly doubled during 1886. 103. Wairio Coal-mine, Nightcaps. —Visited once during 1886—viz., on the 13th May. The workings seemed in good order. 104. Quisted's Goal-mine, Nightcaps; 105. Beed's Coal-mine, Nightcaps ; 106. Fairfax Coal-mine, Fairfax, and 107. Isla Bank Goal-mine, Fairfax, were all visited in May, 1886. They are all open-work, and on a small scale. 108. McDowall's Coal-mine, Fairfax, is a small tunnel mine, near the Fairfax pit. At the time of my visit in May, 1886, the tunnel had fallen in. 109. Orepuki Goal- and Shale-mine, Orepuki. — During the year 1886 this company has not been successful in placing much coal on the market, the output being only 1,232 tons, of which more than one-half is returned as slack. On the 12th May I examined the workings and appliances. The mine was in good order, and the general requirements of the Act complied with. Signals for moving the cage were not exhibited, and there was no plan on the works. Men were leaving the cage at the lower level, as was arranged, and mentioned in last year's report. 110. Menzies's Ferry, Wyndham. —Open-work; visited.

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PItOSPECTING. During 1886 very little of my time has been taken up by coal prospecting. The Mokihinui operations were mentioned last year, and have, I believe, been successful in showing a valuable coalfield. The Kanieri Coal Prospecting Association has been proceeding, but lam not aware with what result. In June last, at the direction of the Hon. the Minister, I visited some prospecting works on the top of the Mihiwaka Tunnel, near Port Chalmers. There are some thin seams of coal, but the locality did not appear to me to indicate any definite deposit, so operations were soon after suspended. Accidents. I have again much pleasure in reporting a decrease in the number of accidents. Instead of sixteen separate accidents in 1885, injuring seventeen persons, and twenty-two in 1884, injuring an equal number, there were in 1886 only fifteen accidents, injuring fifteen persons. The greatest improvement is, however, in the fact that, while the deaths in this Island from coal-mining accidents have averaged, for the past six years, 2-16 per annum, during 1886 there has been no fatality whatever. In addition to the accidents recorded in the accompanying table were three of so slight a character that, though reported, I have not included them. The following particulars may be of interest : — 1. This was a very unfortunate accident. A young man named Fritz Norman, who had been from the first employed on the Westport Coal Company's Incline, and who was, when hurt, one of the contractors for lowering coal, was walking down the incline when a loaded truck struck him on the back, knocked him down, and eventually went over his foot, crushing it so badly as to render partial amputation necessary. The occurrence was duly reported. 3. John Hudson had his arm caught between a slack shoot, at the Banbury Mine, and the wagons. The accident—which was not reported for three days—caused him to be off work for about six weeks. 5. Eeferred to in the report on the Wallsend (Greymouth) Mine. Though the accident happened on the 12th, the notice was dated the 14th and postmarked the 17th. 6. Really hardly worth reporting, as it resulted merely in a sprained ankle, which cannot have been very severe, as Bannerman was at work again in three weeks. 7. This was a very serious accident, and was never reported. Mr. W. H. "Williams, manager of the Shag Point Coal-mine, was intending to go up the shaft on the roof of the cage, the cage itself being occupied by a truck containing the underviewer, who had been made ill by the fumes arising from an underground fire. Mr. Williams had knocked three times, and the hammer had apparently struck; when the engine-man went to release it it struck one more, which he foolishly took for a signal from below, and proceeded to start the engine. At this moment Mr. Williams was partly on the cage, and his leg was caught by the side of the shaft, causing injuries which incapacitated him for four months. 12. This caused cessation from work for a fortnight only, and was caused by William Pringle failing to go into a safe place while he was firing a shot. No bones were broken. 14. Was a very serious accident. McCracken was repairing a road and took a prop out without setting any timber to save himself. A piece of roof fell, and caused very severe injuries. He states that no blame is attributable to the management. After being upwards of five months in the Dunedin Hospital, McCracken has left it, by no means perfectly recovered from his injuries. 15. Though the injuries received in this case were very trifling I always consider an accident from explosive gas as a serious matter, because it is very seldom that such an occurrence happens without some fault on the part of the management of a mine, or some breach of the law on the part of a miner. This occurred as follows : Between 5 and 6 o'clock on the morning of the 17th November the heading was examined by the deputy with a safety-lamp, and also between 1 and 2 o'clock in the afternoon :on neither occasion was any gas found. At 8 p.m. the deputy passed through with a safety-lamp, but did not examine for gas. This was perfectly correct, according to the Special Eules formed under "The Regulation of Mines Act, 1874," which I take (S. R. 30. " Once in every twenty-four hours, if one shift is employed, and once in every twelve hours, if two shifts are employed, the underviewer shall," &c). And these rules were, by section 31 of " The Coal Mines Act, 1886," actually in force at the time. At about 10 p.m. the deputy sent two men in to do some odd jobs, and, while one of them (Kean) was bending down to the flatsheet (I doubted this portion of the evidence, and therefore made particular inquiries, all of which tended to the belief that he was bending down) with a naked light, an explosion of gas occurred, which burned him, causing a ten days' cessation of work, though, as he informed me, he " might have been at work sooner." Of course a technical breach of General Rule 41 was committed. This enacts that the inspection of working-places in every mine in which inflammable gas has been found within the preceding twelve months, shall be made within two hours before the time fixed for the miners commencing work. Mr. Bishop informed me that the new Act had been received by him only a few days before the explosion, and that Roberts, the deputy, had never seen a copy. It also seemed to me that, as the deputy had examined the place at 1 p.m. with a safety-lamp and at 8 o'clock with a naked light, and as Kean had been in the ends of both the bord and the heading immediately before the explosion without finding any gas, and the supply must have commenced very suddenly—in fact that the occurrence partook of the nature of a sudden outburst. I therefore placed the facts fully before the department at head office, and was instructed, by your telegram of the 11th December, that the Hon. the Minister directed proceedings to be stayed. 2—a 3.

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Classification of Accidents during 1886. Below— Trucks ... ... ... ... ... 1 Falls of roof and sides ... ... ... ... 8 Powder ... ... ... ... ... 1 Gas ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 — 11 Shafts Working ... ... ... ... ... 1 Sinking ... ... ... ... ... 1 . 2 Above Trucks ... ... ... ... ... 2 2 15 Number of Men employed. The slight increase in the number of men employed—l,3ll in 1886 as against 1,224 in 1885 —is as nearly as possible proportional to the increased output. The quantity of coal got per man (above and below) is 328 tons in 1886 as against 326 in 1885. Output of Goal. The statistics for last year indicate that the steady increase in output is being maintained. For the twelve months ending the 31st December, 1886, the tonnage is 430,160 tons, an increase of 30,880 tons on the output for 1885. The principal alterations are as follow : — Increases.— Banbury, 28,189 ; Koranui, 13,630; Shag Point, 6,815; Kaitangata, 6,040 ; Nightcaps, 4,900; Coalpit Heath, 4,418; and St. Helens, 3,192. Decreases.— Brunner, 16,836; Fernhill, 5,410; Homobush, 5,266; Walton Park, 2,865; and Hartley, 2,529. NuMiiEK of Mines. For 1886 we have 105 mines on the list, 101 of which have been visited. The new mines on the list—some of which are old mines recommenced, others merely made by separating of mines like those at Nightcaps and Kaitangata, which had previously been inconveniently classed as one—are not of any great importance. The tendency is to reduce the number, owing to the greater facilities of transport, which enable the produce of large mines to be brought cheaply into outlying districts. Methods of Woeking. Worked by shaft— Steam-power used... ... ... ... ... 8 Horse-power used ... ... ... ... ... 5 — 13 Worked by adit— Engine-planes ... ... ... ... ... 10 Horsa-power used ... ... ■ ... ... ... 11 Self-acting inclines ... ... ... ... 3 Hand-power used ... ... ... ... ... 38 — 62 Open-work ... ... ... ... ~. ... 30 JLOS Compared with last year this table indicates that there is one more shaft at which steampower is used, two more engine-planes, and four more adits where horses are used; also, that the number of shafts employing hand-power has decreased by two. I have, &c, Geoege J. Binns, The Under-Secretary of Mines, Wellington. Inspector of Mines.

No. 3. Mr. Inspector Binxs, F.G.S., to the Undee-Seceetaey of Mines, Wellington. Supplementary Report on Control ami Inspection of Mines, South Island. Sic,— Dunedin, 15th April, 1887. I have the honour to make the following report for the period extending from the Ist January, 1887, to the present date : — In the first place, the following details connected with the various mines may be given (the numbers refer to the table sent in with my report dated the Ist April, 1887): — 6. Coalbrookdale Colliepy, Westport (formerly known as " Banbury.") —This mine is now, I am happy to state, putting out a quantity of coal more in accordance with the scale on which the works have been constructed. Mr. Joachim, managing director, informs me that between 11,000 and 12,000 tons is the monthly output. The main headings have been bored through to the Yellow Bluff, and a wrought-iron girder-bridge, constructed by Messrs. Kincaid and McQueen, is being

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erected to span the south branch of the Waimangaroa Eiver, the coal on the other side of which is hard and bright, and 17ft. in thickness. The directors propose to abandon the endless chain and substitute an endless rope, which will save an engine. The Granity Creek lease is being surveyed, with a view to commencing operations in that locality should the demand authorize it. 20. Coalpit Heath Colliery Company, Grcymouth. —The Westport Coal Company (Limited) purchased the property recently, and intend to open it up by driving across underneath the Grey Eiver. "When these new roads are completed the present workings in the Coal-pit Heath Mine will be discontinued, and a ventilating-fan will be placed at one of the shafts. There has been one slight accident here. Mr. E. Elliott has been appointed manager, and will supervise this and the following mine. 21. Tyneside Colliery, Greymouth. —On the 21st January the braceman at this colliery dropped dead in the engine-house. Mr. Kilgour informed me that there was no accident of any kind ; but it is always desirable to have occurrences of this nature investigated with promptitude. Mr. Gow made inquiries, and informed me that the man died of apoplexy. 22. Wallsend Goal-mine, Greymouth. —ln February, 1887, Mr. Elliott telegraphed to me that three miners had been detected taking matches into the mine, and asked for instructions. As you were at that time in Dunedin, I passed the telegram on, and Mr. J. Gow, Inspector of Mines, was subsequently instructed to prosecute the offenders. lam not aware what the immediate result of this prosecution was, but, at any rate, its deterrent effects were not what one might have expected, for within three weeks another miner unlocked and relighted his lamp at the shaft bottom, and returned to the face without relocking it. I believe Mr. Gow attended also to this. Safetyhooks and spring-catches have been, Mr. Waters informs me, adopted, but not, I believe, safetycages. 23. Springfield Colliery, Springfield. —Mr. Lindop writes that he has fitted a safety-cage, detaching-hook, and spring-catch at the side of the shaft which is used. The other cage, acting merely as a balance-weight, does not require them. 24. Shag Point Colliery, Palmerston. —On the 17th January Mr. Williams called and informed me that, as the north drive towards the shaft had gone too far up hill, he should sink a new shaft instead of continuing the level. A few days ago Mr.* Williams wrote that he had safety-hooks, but no spring-catches or safety-cages. I may mention that the safety-hooks at this colliery, which were made by Messrs. Kincaid and McQueen, have been twice unintentionally tested, with the satisfactory result that on both occasions the hook acted perfectly, and the cage remained suspended in the head-gear. 45. Hill's Creek Lignite-mine, Hill's Creek; 46. McLean's Lignite-mine, Bough Bidge; and 47. Idaburn Coal-mine, Bough Bidge, were visited on the 16th March, 1887. They are all open-work. 52. Kyeburn Coal-mine, Upper Kyeburn. —On the 17th March last, when I visited this mine, only one man was at work. The open-work mines in the Ida Valley, having greater facilities for working, appear to be gradually drawing the trade from here. The seam is crushed, and the workings consequently somewhat difficult to keep in shape. I have written to Mr. McCready about the requirements of the new Act. 53. Perseverance Goal-mine, Upper Kyeburn. —Visited on the 17th March last. As usual, this mine was in excellent order ; the seam, which dips at high angles, is being brought back on the main level, and in order to give a firm platform the debris is confined by a wall built of the clay which occurs in the mine. As the work progresses a new wall is built, and the rubbish packed behind it. The old General Eules were up, but no report;[had been kept. I wrote to Mr. Archer, the manager, giving him notice to use a safety-lamp for the morning examination, and attend to the other particulars of "The Coal Mines Act, 1886." 54. Archer's Coal-mine, Upper Kyeburn. —Still working on the same small scale. The workingplace is on a higher level now. No rules are up, but a report is kept. Wrote to Mr. Archer. Inspected, 17th April. 56. Alexandra Coal-mine, Alexandra South. —On the 11th March two men were employed below ground here ; Mr. Thompson, the owner and manager, being away. The shaft was still unfenced, and the ladders vertical, and I saw no report. A new shaft was being sunk about 190 ft. to the west of the one at present used. The air was very good, and the mine apparently safe. I have written to Mr. Thompson. 57. Macqueenville Coal-mine, Alexandra South. —When I was here on the 11th March I found that the shaft had recently collapsed, and men were engaged in drawing the timber. I was informed that a body of water had been tapped, which was supposed to come from old workings. 58. Excelsior Coal-mine, Cromwell. —The mine mentioned in my last report was, on the 14th March, entirely abandoned, and a new adit, at a lower level, had taken its place. The workings were not in good order ; the tunnel mouth requires repair ; the air is not good, as there is no return; and no attention is paid to the requirements of the Act. Howe-ver badly off the owners of some of these small mines may be there is no course open, when they persistently disregard the law, but prosecution. 59. Bannockburn Coal-mine, Cromwell. —During the early portion of the year Mr. Parcell wrote complaining that the effect of "The Coal Mines Act, 1886," would bo to close his mine. I therefore wrote to him, pointing out that special provision had been made for avoiding unnecessary expense in the case of small mines. On the 14th March the mine was in very good order, General and Special Eules (from the old Act) exhibited, and a weekly report kept. 60. Kaivarau Coal-mine, Cromwell. —As Mr. Pryde was away at the time of my visit on the 14th March I was unable to inquire whether the Act was kept as regards reports, &c. The mine workings were in very good order. A letter has been sent to the owner. 61. Clyde Coal-mine, Clyde. —The ladders mentioned in my last report were on the 12th March

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last no longer in use, work below the 95ft.-level having been abandoned. The shaft was fenced, and an unsigned report kept. Mr. Holt had done nothing towards introducing any of the alterations required by the new Act. 62. Dairy Greek Goal-mine, Clyde. —On the 12th March this mine was not at work, and there was nobody about. The workings, however, seemed in good order. 63. Earnscleugh Goal-mine, Clyde. —Mr. Buckley appears to make an effort in the direction of observing the law, and his report is usually kept. The mine is becoming worked out, and is consequently in a somewhat dilapidated condition. I recommended (when at the mine on the 12th March) that no one should be allowed to remain alone in the workings. 64. Gibbston Coal-mine, Gibbston. —This colliery is situated I,OOOft. above the Gibbston Flat, and a dray-road exists to within a few chains of the mine's mouth. Only two men were at work on the 14th March last. The tunnel mentioned in my last report is now finished, but work was delayed for a long time on account of a stratum of soft clay which had to be passed. 65. Robertson's Lignite-mine, Roxburgh, and 66. Jones's Lignite-mine, Roxburgh, were again visited on the 11th March, presenting in neither case anything worthy of remark. It will be observed, on reference to the output table, that neither of these mines has furnished the statutory return. In the former case there is some excuse, as the owner is very ill. 67. Fernhill Colliery, Green Island. —On the 25th February, 1887, I inspected this mine, which is in charge of Mr. James Gray. A weekly report was kept, but no proper daily record. The plan was properly made up. On the 4th March the usual letter was sent. 68. Green Island Colliery, Green Island. —When 1 was at this mine on the 25th of February, 1887, very little was being done. The workings were in tolerably good order, but no attempt made to observe the new regulations. Another point requiring attention was the way in which powder was kept. In a dilapidated wooden building, inclined at a considerable angle to the vertical, and having in places large holes open to the outer air, was a keg nearly full of powder ; the ground round about was thickly strewn with grains, and altogether the greatest negligence was displayed. As the powder magazine at a mine is to be constructed (General Eule 2 (a)) after a plan approved by the Minister, I reported the condition of the shed; and, on the receipt of your letter of the 18th March, wrote to Mr. Eichardson, requesting him to have a proper magazine constructed. 69. Saddle Hill Colliery (Christie's), Saddle Hill. —In the last report the difficulty of complying with the new law, in respect to safety-hooks and cages at the mine was referred to ; and, as indicated, this has been surmounted. By driving a slope a few yards in length Messrs. Christie have opened up a communication between the outer air and their workings, which is at all times available. They have therefore been exempted from the obnoxious clause. The coal from this mine has been for many years used at the Mosgiel Woollen Factory ; but, a neighbouring mine having now obtained the contract, there remains but little trade for the old firm. Consequently there were, on the 3rd March, 1887, only three or four men employed, in addition to the managing partner, Mr. D. S. Christie. The former manager, Mr. Campbell, who had successfully worked the mine for seven years or upwards, has left, on account of the diminished output, which renders it necessary for one of the owners to take his position. 70. Saddle Hill Colliery (McDoug all's), Saddle Hill, is the old Saddle Hill Quartz-mining Company's mine, which has again been commenced, this time under the ownership of Mr. McDougall. The pillars are excessively small, and the mine will probably collapse : the present lessee says this was done by his predecessor. Certainly the new work seems to be carried on in a superior manner. At the time of my visit recently nothing had been done towards observing the new Act. 71. Glenochiel Colliery, Green Island. —This mine always gives a good deal of trouble, the owners apparently taking little or no trouble to observe the law. On the 3rd March last the shaft was fenced on one side only, and that very imperfectly. The ladders in the shaft are vertical, and the cages altogether of a primitive description. I explained to the manager that unless a second outlet can be provided it will be necessary to fit up safety-cages, detaching-hooks, &o. The weekly report and the plan were said to be at tiic house, some distance from the mine. It is not pleasant to recommend prosecution of men who have not been fortunate in their mining investments, and who can ill afford the inevitable fine; but where no effort is made it appears to be the only course. 72. Walton Park Colliery, Green Island. —As no men are raised and lowered in the shaft at this mine safety-cages, &c, have not been required. On the 25th ult. Mr. Loudon called and informed me that he had tested the ropes. 73. Abbotsroyd Colliery, Green Island.- —lnspected, Ist March, 1887. Mine in good order, report kept and rules (under old Act) up. The plan, however, was nearly fourteen months old. The ventilation was to a certain extent improved by the erection of a furnace; but the outlet for the air after passing the fire had been contracted to 18 inches square, and in consequence the greater part of the current goes round the outside, and is not heated by proximity to the fire. 74. Mosgiel Colliery, Mosgiel. —The owners of this mine (which was visited on the 3rd March, 1887) have commenced in an apparently careful and workmanlike manner. The approach to the workings is by a dip-drive, and the set is drawn up by a portable engine, which also serves to lower the coal on a surface incline towards the loading stage. The ventilation reverses, being due solely to natural causes; but the manager was, at the time of my visit, enlarging the shaft, and arranging for a furnace. The General Eules from the 1874 Act were exhibited, and a very good plan by Mr. N. Paterson was on the ground, showing the workings up to the 11th November, 1886. 83 and 84 Kaitangata Railway and Coal Company's Mines, Kaitangata. —On the 10th January, 1887, the No. 2 workings (engine-plane) were alone in operation. The arrangements for drawing men from the shaft in case of accident were examined and found to be satisfactory. The ventila r

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tion on this occasion was 23,400 cubic feet per minute, and next day 26,100. The workings were in good order, and reports kept. Plan (by Mr. N. D. Cochrane) up to 6th December. New Mines. Steet's Coal-mine, Gibbston. —Situated 2,200 ft. above the Gibbston Flat. A large, highly inclined seam of apparently good pitch coal, worked opencast. Inspected, 14th March, 1887. Saddle Hill Coal-mine (Christie's), No. 2, Saddle Hill. —A new drive to the west of the old workings. Due notice was sent of its commencement. Visited, 3rd March, 1887. Accidents. During 1887 four accidents have been reported, one, which injured Hermann Erkhold, in the Greymouth Wallsend Mine, being of a very serious nature. As was mentioned, the accidents on the West Coast have been inquired into by Mr. Gow, whose appointment I may be allowed to hail with great satisfaction. The distance from Dunedin to the West Coast has always been a serious obstacle to investigation of these unfortunate occurrences, and must, no doubt, have militated against the efficiency of the department. This difficulty is now removed, and in future the ground can be visited with promptitude, and witnesses examined. Safety-hooks. During the month of September, 1886, I received from the Mines Department two of Humbles patent detaching hooks for distribution among collieries with shafts. The larger of the two (a ten-ton hook) was, unfortunately, too large for any mine in this Island, and is still in my possession. The Kaitaugata Colliery manager gave the seven-ton hook a trial, but, having found it too heavy, has arranged to substitute a lighter hook of local manufacture. Safety-cages. There are thirteen mines in this Island from which the output is raised by shafts; of these, three do not use cages, and three are exempt owing to the existence of other means of exit. This leaves seven mines where men are raised and lowered in cages—viz., (1) Coal-pit Heath, (2) Wallsend, Greymouth, (3) Springfield, (4) Shag Point, (5) Glenochiel, (6) Kaitangata (No. 1), and (7) Orepuki. Of these, Glenochiel has ladders (which are vertical), and will soon have an adit; Kaitangata (No. 1) is not at work; and Orepuki is not getting coal. So four mines remain at which safety-cages are necessary to protect life. Of these, Springfield appears to be the only one at present having such appliances, but, as this colliery has not been inspected for some months, I cannot say whether they are satisfactory. Special Bules. No Special Eules have, so far, been actually established under the Act. In December, 1886, a meeting was held at Greymouth, at which Mr. Waters (representing the Coalbrookdale Mine), Mr. Bishop, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Elliott, Mr. Kilgour, and myself were present. At this meeting a set of Special Eules was, without any dissension, arranged for the West Coast collieries. Mr. Jemison was not present, but, as the Koranui Mine is now closed, that does not matter. The rules were subsequently printed and exhibited, upon which two rules were objected to by the secretary of the Grey Valley Coal-miners' Association, on behalf of the men. These two rules have always formed part of the Special Eules, but may, I think, be advantageously altered. Plans. " The Coal Mines Act, 1886," requires, in mines employing more than seven men, that the plan shall be made every three months. I have had many applications for permission to extend this time to six months, as there are very few mines in the colony whose workings are carried on so rapidly as to require such frequent surveys. Section 18. This section requires that a notice of the name and address of the manager of every mine shall be notified in writing to the Inspector and also to the Minister. In the beginning of February, though not required by law to do so, I sent a circular to each mine, calling the attention of the owner or agent to this section. Up to the present time, however, there are still thirty-three mines which have not sent in the required notice. I must bring this matter under your especial notice, with a view to a rigid enforcement of the law. Safety-lamps. General Eule 44 of " The Coal Mines Act, 1886," enacts that—"Whenever safety-lamps are required by this Act or by the Special Eules made in pursuance of this Act to be used, such lamps shall be supplied by the owner, agent, or manager, of a pattern to be approved by the Inspector." The onus of approving lamps having thus been placed upon me, it is only natural that I should decline to approve anything but the best. Fortunately, the Royal Commission on Accidents in Mines have recently concluded, in Great Britain, their seven years' investigation, and have recommended four lamps as being as near an approach to safety as is at present known. These are : (1) Gray's, (2) Marsaut's, (3) Evan Thomas's No 7, and (4) bonneted Muesler. These, therefore, are at present the only lamps which.l shall approve. Should any owner or agent desire to use any other type of lamp, with the exception of the tin-can Davy, he can do so by proving to my satisfaction that it is safe. I have, &c, Geoege J. Binns, The Under-Secretary of Mines, Wellington. Inspector of Mines.

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APPENDIX. No. 1. Statistics of Workings in Coal-mines, 1886.

Name of Mine and Locality. Namo of Manager. So 'o w ID d a O 1 o Eh O i3 C 0 03 o S Dimensions of Shafts. Depth of Shaft or Length of Tunnel. o Output for 1886. 111 Hu ID Is! < s ill < s Number of Men ordinarily employed. 4 ft « is o a Pumps. i | w O Oi o to s .2 a I s ■e P Size of Shaft or Tunnel. Coal. Slack. Total. Kawakawa Disteict. 1. Kawakawa Collieijy, Bay of Islands 2. Kamo Colliery, Kamo .. Tons. ! Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Moody, T. P. 22 semibitum. brown 2' 6" to 15' 6' to 9' and 10' to 14' 5'to 10' 2' 6" to 15' 6' to 10' 1 in 6 bold and pillar 7' x 10' engineincline shaft 30,775 30,775 584,627 615.402J 1 91 117 engine 6' two 12" 10" 247' furnace 27/1/8' Geary, Joseph .. 10 varies 15' x 6' and 12' x 2J' C x5' 240' 21,944 21,944 104,023 125,967| 17 50 67 3' to 7' 268' natural 18/2/8' 3. Whauwhau Colliery, North Whangarei Love, Alexander 22 5' to 10' • 1,300' tunnel 9,003 9,003 45,359 54,362 12 15 horse | natural, and furnace when required natural 15/2/8' Waikato District. 4. Waikato Colliery, near Huntly Taylor, E. B. 0' to 18' G' to 18' 8' 19' and 6 1 x 6' 10' x 6' 30 yds. and 20 yds. 672' 12,580 12,580 71,337 83,917 selfacting incline engine 4/3/8' 10 30 38; I 5. Taupiri Colliery, Huntly Collins, William 11 6' to 45' 6' to 35' irregular engineincline 30,492 30,492 204,912 235,404 *7 55! 2' 6" 8" 110' 5/3/8' West Wangahui District. 6. Wallsend, Collingwood .. Walker, James .. IS bitum. I'9"to3' all W. 12° long wall adit 3,533 635 4,168 16,988 21,156 hand 17/10/81 15 24 Westpobt District. 7. Mokihinui, Westport % Prospecting mostly during 18S6 bord and pillar ISO 150 275 425 28/3/W 8. Koranui, Westport Holdsworth, W., General Manager Jamison, W., Mine Manager Brown, Thomas. . 12' to 12' 8" 16' S.E. 4' diam. 63' adit 44,170 44,170 44,430 88,600 49i 57 106 selfacting incline natural 8/10/81 9. Banbury, Westport 19' 16' varies 4'x3' 90' 49,319 75,609 236,882 312,491 endless chain fan 6' 26,290| So 227 9/10/1

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Reefton District. 10. Murray Creek, Reefton .. Trennery, J. (owner) Connolly, James, Contractor Elliston, A. J. .. 3 pitch 20' all W 12° 515 550 1,065 917 1,982 hand natural: 4/10/86 ' - 11. Golden Treasure, Reef ton 15 14' 10' E. 90l I 90 1,740 1,830 0 4/10/86 ■• 12. Lankey's Gully, Reefton 13. Archer's, Boatman's i 1 1 8' 3' all varies N. 30° W. 40° S. 70° W. 60° S. 30° W. N. 80° W. 29° E. 30° to 40° faulted 370 50 370 50 3,080 3,450 50 1 1 1 2 1 m 4/10/86 1/4/86 - .. * 14. Inkermann, Reefton Vivian, S. 2 4'6" all stoping M 340 340 1,000 1,340 2/4/88 15. Boatman's, Boatman's .. [■Ooghlan, J. I 5' 18' 6" 6' bord and pillar 37 81 14 G2 51 143 1,366 1,208 1,417 1,351 ;■ f ' 1/4/86 1/4/86 16. Burke's, Boatman's U 17. Phoenix, Reefton Macquilhaum, J. 2 20' 10' 700 700! i 160 860! 4/10/86 18. Venus, Reefton 1 20' 1 2/4/86 Gbeymouth District. 19. Brunner, Greymouth Bishop, J. ■22 bitum. 8'to 10' all S.W. 1 in 4! 68,313! 18,852 87,165 476,905 564,070 25 173 198 endless rope engine, 90 h.-p. engine fan 16' 6/12/86 20. Coal - pit Heath, Greymouth 21. Tyneside, Greymouth .. Alexander, T. Hodgson, James 10 10 16' 16' 10' x 6' 8' diam. 10' 6' x6' 11' 14' 280' 75' 116' 25' 670' 660' shaft 33,384i 2,799 4,312 1,319 37,696 4,118 146,894 2,903 184,590 7,021 21 4 79 10 100 14 3' 4' t 6" 10" 6" 11" 10" 240' 240' 40' 120' 670' fan natural! 9/12/86 7/12/86 22. Wallsend, Greymouth .. Elliott, Robert .. 10 16' 2 1,356! 150 1,506 12,123 13,629 36 100 136 5' fan 10/12/86 Malveen District). 23. Springfield, Springfield .. Lindop, A. B. brown 7' 6" all S.E. 1 in 0 to 1 in 12 S. 35° E. 22° S.E. 1 in 3 * 12' x 5' 2" 246' 2,808 931 3,7391 55,373 59,112 10 15| 22" 8" 263' steam 24/9/86 1(1 24. Zealandia, Springfield .. Voyce, J. 1 altered brown 2'4" narrow work .. adit •• hand 8" 3J" 25' natural 13/1/86 25. Canterbury, Sheffield Austin, J. 34 brown 2' and 1' 6" 2' 8" 3' 6" and 5' diam. 25' H 30 142 30,017 30,159 3 4 7 horse furnace 24/10/86 26. Baron's, Sheffield 27. Homebush, Glentunnel.. Baron, J. Mcllraith, J. A., General Manager Brown, T., Mine Manager Buck, Timoth}' .. 23 14 . 1 2 E. 10° S. 1 in 3 i „ | 1 2 6'x4' 3' 6" x 3' 3' 6 V x 3' 33' 60' 20' 16S 1,857 "72 168 1,929 80 70,471 248 72,400 1 1 5 3 6 hand horse natural . 13/1/86 23/10/86 28. Dalethorpe, Springfield .. V 3" and 2' S' 5" and 11' 7' 6" S. 65° E. 35° S. 60° E. 1 in 3* S. 52° E. 30° 107j 167 hand 31/7/86 1 altered brown 2 ■• 107 "I 2 29. Hartley, Whitecliffs Fergusson, A. 2 ■ 3' x2' 52' engineplane adit 2,399 283 2,682 18,716 21,398 3 10 13 engine, 14 h.-p. hand 15" 0" 45' 9/8/86 30. Whitecliffs, Whiteclifls .. Leeming, W. 6 brown ft 1,30* 1,304 4,952 6,256 5 5 28/7/86 ■• 31. St. Helen's No. 1, Whitecliffs 32. St. Helen's No. 2, Whitecliffs 33. Snowdon, Rakaia Gorge [ Smart, W. J Gerard, W. (owner) 3 5' 6" 3,531 3,531 338 3,869 1 8 28/7/86 2 3' 6" m .. 70| 70| 100 170 28/7/86 laltered b rown anthracite 9' 3" N. 80° W. 32° S. 45° W. 18° 4,040 50 90 26/7/86 34. Acheron, Lake Coleridge Murchison, J. (owner) 19 5' 3" 30i 30 lOo! 130 26/7/86 Two drifts. t Pulsorneter 3" delivery.

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Statistics of Workings in Coal-mines, 1886— continued.

Name of Mine ana Locality. Name of Manager. 3 h o 3 'A 3 o to 'a S5 1 ■—I o © s o Eh CO o 3 p CO to a Dimensions of i Shafts. Depth of Size of Shaft Shaft or or Length Tunnel. of Tunnel. a CD a o Output for 188G. H Q . " HI -S S3 hi I5! < 55 Number of Men ordinarily employed. Si t3 a I imps. 9 <s S3 o o © a a 2 3) S3 P Coal. Slack. Total. O o pq o EH © g ■ Malvbbn District — contd. 35. Stobwood, Kockwood Nimmo. James S. 1 brown 0' 6' S. 35° E. 78° S. 60° E. 10° adit Tons. 100 Tons. Tons. 100 Tons. I Tons. 100 1 narrow work • • hand natural! i 27/7/8( 36. Mount Somers, Mount Somers Wright, E. P. 22 24' 20' open work 170 1701 3,991 4,161 ■2 4/8/6( Timabu District. 37. Studholmo's, Waimate .. Cameron E. H. 17' 8' S. 60° \V. 10° S. 60° W. 60= N.E. 63° bold and pillar narrow work disc adit 200 200 hand natural! 6/8/81 2 1 "I 38. Wharekuri, Wharekuri .. Cairns, W. B. .. 20 25' 14' 4'x3' 80' 600 600 7,420l 8,020 2 2 4 13/7/Sf 39. Kurow, Kurow Muiz, Robert 7 18' all 50 50j 955! 1,005 1 13/7/81 Otago District. 40. Prince Alfred No. 1, Papakaio 41. Prince Alfred No. 2, Papakaio 42. St. Andrews, Papakaio .. 43. Ngapara, Ngapara VVi illetts, John ■! Nimmo, John Nimmo, James .. 17 10 I 8' 9' N. 50° E. 12 D E. 10° S. 1 in 5 E. 13° N. 5° bord and pillar 4' diam. 42' 70' 75' 26' 36' ;] 1,601 1,601 22,728 24,329 horse I , 27/10/81 27 10 '81 8 8 1 1 G' 6" 25' 7' to 8' 1 1 4' 6" x 2' 8" 13' x5' 1,130 728 1,130 728 7,096 6,256 8,226 6,984 2 1 2 2 4 3 27/10/81 14/7/81 44. Shag Point, Palmerston South 45. Hill's Creek, Hill's Creek Williams, W. II. McKnight, James 23 22 pitch 3' 6" to 5'6" 6' all E. 1 in 4 S. 20° E. 20° S.W. 25° 247' shaft 11,230 734 11,964! 170,175 182,139 40 48 engine steam 28/10/81 lignite open work I 75 I 75 295 370 1 16,3/8' 46. McLean's, Idaburn ! McLean, L, 1 14' all I " 642 6421 642| 2 16/3/8' 47. Idaburn, Idaburn 48. Ida Valley, Ida Valley, formerly Border Coalmine 40. Blaokstonc Hill, Hill's Creek, formerly Dunsmuir's 50. Cambrian's, St. Bathan's 51. Cambrian's, St. Bathan's 52. Kyeburn, Naseby McDonald, John Turnbull, George Burns, C. A. F. .. 16 16 20 a 1 1 23' 20' 12' 12' all N.w! 10° N.E. Iin3 i I I j 1,750 300 30 • ■ 1,750 300 30 13,157 599 14,907 899 30| 2 1 ■2 1 G' 2" 20' " 16/3/8' 27/1/81 27/8/81 Jones, J. E. Dungey, Caleb .. j MeCready, D. .. 25 2 13 1 25' 16' 25' 12' 12' W. 10° W. 10° S. 45° W. 40° S. 45° W. 40° 1,736 740 405 •• 1,736 740 605 7,140 200 12,178 8,876 940 12,783 2 2 - 2 2 8 27/8/81 27/8/81 17/3/8' brown narrow work 1 2' x 3' 10' adit '200 3 hand natural; 53. Perseverance, Naseby .. , Archer, C. 8 lignite / 12' 2' 3" x 6' i2' G" x 5' 50' 50' 80 10 90 4,026 4,116 1 ■2 m " 17/3/8' -

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3—C- 3.

54. Archer's, Naseby Archer, C. 4 8' 5'6" S. 45' W. 70= E. 15° 2' 50' 270 40 310 370j 680: 17,3.87 „ 55. Taieri, Hjdc, formerly Last Chance Coal-mine 56. Alexandra, Alexandra South 5i7. Macqueenville, Alexandra South 58. Excelsior, Cromwell Boulter, George .. 7 15' 15' bord and pillar 157 157 28, 1/86 'I • Thomson, William 8 brown 12' G' N. 20° E. 1 in7J 5£' x 2j' 4|' x 2J' 3' x5' 60' 50' 42' shaft 075 G75 9,009 9,684 1 ,', horse 11/3/87 McLay, George .. 6' all narrow work stoping out bord and pillar 700 700 2,923 3,623 ■J 3 11/3/87 Johnson, Robert 5 IS' 7' E. C° S. very high N. 70° W. 1 in 4 W. 1 in 4 S. 1 in 1 adit 000 600 1,102 1,702 1 1 hand none 14/3/87 59. Bannockburn, Cromwell Parcell, William 15 12' G' engineplane adit shaft 728 728J 7,040 7,768 J 1 2 engine 3' 6" 50' natural 14/3/87 60. Kawarau, Cromwell 61. Clyde, Clyde .. Pryde, John Holt, James 9 5 i i 15' 20' all stoping I j 6' x 2' 3' x 3' 6" 3' 6" x 4' 3' 6" x 4' 30' 160' 36' 36' 958 200 958 200 5,618 17,017 6,57G 17,217 1 2 1 2 2 horse 14/3/87 12/3/87 62. Dairy Creek, Clyde, late Clyde 63. Earnscleugh, Clyde 64. Gibbston, Arrow 65. Robertson's, Roxburgh .. Collins, T. M. .. 15 20' 10' S.E. 5° narrow work adit 140 5 145 3,392 3,537 2 12/3/87 Buckley, John .. Owens, E. P. Robertson, James 10 23 pitch lignite 1 i! i 14' 28' 8' 20' S.W. 1 in 8 S.W. 30° W. 1 in 7 3' x4' 32' 445 1,450 148 593! l,450| 2,678 9,720 9,480 3,271 11,170 9,486 ] ■2 4 2 5 hand 12/3/87 14/3/87 11/3/67 open work ■■ C6. Jones's, Roxburgh G7. Fernhill, Green Island .. Jones, J. Gray, William .. 16 9 brown 1 II 25' 19' 6" 20' 7' W. 1 in 7 N. 10° E. 1 in 10 room & ranee i 3'0''x4' 9" 40' x 50' adit 3^214 1,980 5,194; 2,27] 45,601 2 271 50^705 1 9 10 selfacting incline horse furnace 11/3/87 25/2/87 68. Green Island, Green Island Richardson, D. .. 14 14' 10' E. 10° N. 1 in 10 E. 1 in 10 » 4' G" x 12' 4' 4" x 8' 2' 4" x 5' 4' x8' 4' x 11' 4' 0" x 12' G" 4' x 5' 130' 2,897 2,678j 5,5(5 88,392 93,967; 10 U natural 25/2, S7 69. Saddle Hill, Saddle Hill Christie, D. L. 12 19' 6" 11' 35' shaft 1,076 2,877 4,553| 53,305 57,858 6 9 furnace 38 S7 70. Saddle Hill, Saddle Hill McDougall, M. .. 3 19' 6" G" 35' adit 255 500 755 1,326 2,081: 2 2 natural 3/3/87 71. Glonochiel, East Taieri .. 72. Walton Park, Green Island Brycc, A. London, J., General Manager Lindsay, W., Mine Manager Freeman, James 16 i i 10' 18' 7' 7' varies E. 1 in 9 i 8 48' 175' 173' shaft 15,375 4 1975 20,350j 2,42S 293,414 2,428 313,764 ■ 'A 41 horses and engine 4' G" * 11" * 175'! furnace 3/3/87 18/9/86 „ 73. Abbotsroyd, Green Island 1G' 7' E. 10° N. 1 in 10 S. 1 in 10 varies 25' adit engine ■ plane 10,392 12,747 86,686 99,483 engine 1/3/87 5* 2,355 21 25 2' 6" 6" 47' 74. Mosgiel, Mosgiel 75. Bruce, Milton Sneddon, James Hazdwick, N. .. 2 pitch i 15' 12' 6" 7' G" bord ancl pillar v \ 6' xG' 32' adit 1,100 1,322 300 22 1,400 1,344 150 11,884 1,550 13,228 4 0 4 hand t t t natural 3/3/87 7/5/86 .. 76. Real Mackay, Milton .. Young, A. 18J 25' 8' N.E. to E. 1 in 8 S. 60° E. 5° varies 385 385 12,269 12,654 i 7/5/86 77. Fortification, Milton 78. Cannon's, Lovell's Flat Reid, T. Cannon, T. 3 16 pitch lignite i 12' 20' 6' to 7' all open work 400 530 400 530 784 3,060 1,184 3,590 1 ■A 1 7/5/86 19/5/86 70. Paskell's, Adams Flat .. 80. Adams Flat, Adams Flat 81. Evans Flat, Lawrence Paskell, J. T. Reid, John 22 i 8' 8' N.E. Iin6 S. 45' E. N. 25° 24 148 24 148 246 158 270 306 1 1 1 19/5/86 19/5/86 i Buchanan, James i brown 12' G' bord and pillar .. engineplane adit 110 110 110 1 1 water wheel engine 7' 3" 80' natural 22/12/86 82. Benhar, Stirling Nelson, John 22 40' 10' S. 17° 4' x4' 48' 3,762 1,000 4,762^ 42,641 47,403 1 8 + + f + + + 18/8/8G * Tanks. tS; ihon. J Steam a jet.

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Statistics of Workings in Coal-mines, 1886— continued.

1 Name of Mine and Locality. Name of Manager. 01 a 3 o O 03 d o o a a en o ft Q I. si °£ a s Dimensions of m Shafts. t, Size of g Shaft gl or 3 Tunnel. Depth of Shaft or Length of Tunnel. > O Output for 1886. III & in ill Number of Men ordinarily employed. I I si II imps. 1 o N 3 a H a O ca a CO P Coal. Slack. Total. > o ill < B & o Otago District — continued. 83. Kaitangata No. 1, Kai- ) Watson, W. P. ( 19 tangata .Gen. Manager ' 84. Kaitangata No. 2, Kai- ,r Shore, W. M.,1 3 tangata j Mine Manager (I 85. Wangaloa, Kaitangata.. Smith, Joseph .. 6 8G. Lesmahagow, Kaitangata Sewell, R. M. .. 5 87. Wyndham, Wyndham .. Gengc, T. 9 19 pitch 1 30' all W. 45° bord and pillar I I 1 11' 9"x 4' G" 1 G' diam. 392' .210' x 10' shaft \ engine- J" plane J adit Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons, j Tons. (■ engine hand * * • fur- : «W»» nace j natural 21/5/8G 21/5/8G 14/5/86 37,059 15,248 52,307^ 288,371 340, G78 IS 114 129 1 2' 5" 250' 3 ' „ 110' to 34' 2.5' W. 1 in 4 I 6 „ 1 10' G" G' 5 , 1 5' all 9 'lignite 1 4' E. 1 in 6 N. slight open work 25 108 400 5 30 108 400 720 534 958 750; 642J 1,358 " 1 1 1 i i i .. 88. Sheddon's and Dawson's, S. and D. (owners) 9 Goro 89. Lietze's, Gore.. .. Lietzo, M. .. 8 90. Chittock's, Gore .. [ Chittoek, C. .. 4 91. McPherson's, Gore . ( j McPberson, H 92. MeKhmon's, Gore .. McKinnoia, A. .. 5 93. Chatton, Chatton .. i Pacey, W. R. .. 10 94. Pukeran, Pukeran .. ; McKenzie, James G 9 , 1 6' 3 „ 1 ,5' 4 „ 1! 5' .. j „ i 5 . 1 5' all 10 „ 1 • • 6 „ 1 1G' G' W.I in 10 bord and pillar 300 367 36 70 500 1,544 8 300 375 36 70 500 1,544 488J 300: l,834j 488 ; COO 2,209 3Gi 762 3,598' 13,791 2 1 1 2 1 •• 2 1 1 2 4 .. | 17/5/86 17/5/86 17/5/86 17/5/86 17/5/86 ■ adit .. 692 3,098' 12,247, *3 hand natural IS 5,86 •■ I Southland Distbict. 9.5. Mataura, Matanra .. Beattie, Jolm .. 11 9G. Mataura, Matanra .. ! Kelly, M. .. 1 I I 10,581 11,965 6' 15/5/86 11 , 1 12' 6" 8' 1 , 1 3' 6" 11 , 1 6' all 2 pitch 1 10' 1 lignite 6 pitch 1 2' 4" all 4 „ 1 10' 8' 5 , 1 10' all 6 „ 1 9' 0' 1 „ ] C' all -i ] N. 60= W. 5° W. 1 in 20 N.W.I in 4 N.E. 1 in 2J to 1 in 7 1 !N.E. to E. 1 in 4 to 1 in 6 E. 1 in 3 S.W. slight E. 13° open work [ bord and pillar open work bord and pillar open work i bord and pillar open work 1,384 1,384! 3" 22' ! I G" 4" ir 15/5/8G 97. Mataura, Mataura .. Culling, Thomas I 11 98. Morley Creek, Mount '.. Mackinnon, R. j 2 Linton (owner) 99. Parratt's, Wyndham .. ' Parratt and Black, 1 (owners) 100. Nightcaps No. 1, Night- ; i 6 101. Nightcaps No. 2, Night- 1B^ A7^' w- i ° r ° Gen. Manager ps fLloyd, J., Mine" J 102. Nightcaps No. 3, Night- | j Mana Ser 5 caps I 103. Wairio, Nightcaps .. Knight, J. .. 6 adit SO "so 0,746' 55| 6,746 105 ■■ i 1 hand 15/5/86 natural! 12/5/86 70 70i 70 1 .. j 14/5/86 2 6' x 4' 6' x 3' I 2 4' x 3' G' x 4' 10' x 16' 135, 50' 58' x 16' engine- \ plane adit / engine 3' 9" 6" 135' furnace 1 13/5/86 i 38,09( i: 48,090 horse , ! 13/5/86 10,000 10,1 12 ■2.0 5 6 i adit 520; 280 53 i 1,931 I 2,450 I - horse 13/5/86 natural 13/5/86 1C4 Quested, Nightcaps .. Quested, James .. 1 1 28, ... 280 2 3/5/86 I! I I

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19

10o. Reed's, Nightcaps 10G. Fairfax, Fairfax Reed, W. Todd and Graham (owners) Mclntosh, James 1 j - 8 I brown 1 1 5' to 8' 5' G" E. 8° S.W. 1 in 20 N.W. 5° 300* 685! 2o| 300 085 220 .. I 300| 3,760' 4,445: j 3,760! 3 8 •• ! •• 13/5/81 10/5/81 107. Isla Bank, Fairfax i 6 | „ 6' open work 200 220 i " 10/5/81 2 108. McDowall's, Fairfax .. 109; Orepuki, Orepuki McDowall, H. .. Shore, T. i! . 1 pitch ; 5' 13' 6' level W. 1 in 4 bord and pillar open work 1 5' x'lO' 6" 202' shaft 550 586 646 5501 1,232 550 2,105 3,337 2J105 2 3 2 ! engine V steam 10/5/81 12/5/81 h 3" 161' 11C(. Menzies Ferry, Wyndham Morris, J. 6 lignite 3' 7" all level 458 458 - 15,567| 2,015 15,567 1 14/5/81 Totals .. | 447,102 87,251 i 534,353 3, 3,480,945 4,015,298 .. I 36,062 1,254 1,480,945 1605 I . Outpt Outpi it'j .t i irom min( i-oin mini es abando es abando I .. j >ned to 1885 med in 1886 I I I t> I .. I .. I I .. .. Total Output .. 4,052,614 * Tanks,

20

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No. 2. Table of Accidents in Coal Mines during the Year 1886. SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND.

[Approximate Cost of Vapor. —Preparation, nil ; printing (1,575 copies), .£l7 19s. Cd.]

Authority: George Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB7.

No. and Date. Name of Mine. Locality. > a g a Cause of Accident, o g ~ g it $, a o ■A Name of Sufferer. ltemarks. 1. Jan. 28 2. April 8 3. May 3 Banbury Homebush .. Banbury Westport.. Canterbury Westport.. Wagon Mine truck Hand caught between wagons and shoot Fall of stone 1 1 1 1 1 Fritz Norman G. Wonacott John Hudson Foot amputated. Six weeks off work. 1 4. „ 15 5. June 12 6. „ 18 7. „ 23 8. July 7 9. „ 12 10. „ 17 11. „ 22 12. Aug. 6 13. „ 31 14. Oct. IS 15. Nov. 17 16. Dec. .. 17. „ Wailsend '.'. Banbury Shag Point .. Kaitangata .. Koranui Walton Park Coal Pit Heath Bonhar Koranui Shag Point .. Brunncr Kamo Greymouth Westport.. Palmerston Otago Westport.. Dunedin .. Greymouth Otago Westport.. Palmerston Greymouth Whangarei Fall of coal Caught in shaft .. Fall of coal Fall of stone Fall of coal Powder.. Fall of coal Fall of roof Explosion of gas Mine truck 1 | 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 \ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 J. Marshall. C. Clifford .. G. Bannerman W. H.Williams James Gibson. W. Henderson. John McLean. J. Arbuckle. W. Pringle .. Fred. Xance. J. McCracken Thomas Kean Cadman Ferguson Sinking shaft. Sprained ankle. Not reported. Two weeks off work, [juries. Very serious inTen days off work. Arm broken. Severe crush. ■■ ■• i t . 2 15 17