STATE COAL-MINES (REPORT ON THE WORKING OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1946

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1946 Session I, C-02a

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1946 NEW ZEALAND

STATE COAL-MINES (REPORT ON THE WORKING OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1946

Prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 184 of the Coal-mines Act, 1925

The Superintendent, State Coal-mines, Greymouth, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington Sir, — 31st May, 1946. I have the honour to submit my annual report on the workings of the Liverpool, Strongman, Blackball, Wallsend, and Dobson State Coal-mines for the year ended 31st March, 1946. Liverpool Colliery Coal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 122,107 tons 11 cwt., an increase of 378 tons 17 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (977 tons 11 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (3,700 tons) there remained for disposal a net output of 117,430 tons. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1945 —- Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard . . 2,921 3 1 Stock on wharf .. .. 391 17 3 3,313 1 0 Add net output for year .. .. 117,430 0 0 120,743 1 0 31st March, 1946 — Less stock in bin and yard .. 4,813 6 3 Less stock on wharf .. .. 609 3 0 5,422 9 3 Total disposed of .. .. 115,320 11 1 Disposals Shipped .. .. .. 68,740 7 2 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. 38,973 7 3 Railway sales .. .. .. 1,643 1 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 4,582 19 0 Sales to workmen and free issues.. 1,380 16 0 115,320 11 1 The gross output from the colliery since its inception totals 4,168,979 tons 11 cwt.

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Days worked.—The colliery worked 216 days out of a possible 242 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 2 back Saturdays, 1 agreement holiday, and 1 statutory holiday, making the total days worked 220. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 216, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, wet weather ; 3 days, slip on railway-line ; 2 days, power failure ; 2 days, funerals of employees ; 2 days, Strongman heating dispute ; 1 day, YE celebrations ; 2 days, dispute re railway trolley ; 2 days, YJ celebrations ; 1 day, dispute re appointment of bins foreman ; 2 days, dispute re rates of payment for YJ days ; 3 days, dispute re Labour Day payment; 1 day, hewers did not work; 4 days, Strongman tonnage dispute. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 317 men and 15 boys, made up as follows—Underground : coal-hewers, 85 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 166. Surface: 66 men and 15 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 os. lid. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 18s., an increase of 6s. 3d. per day when compared with the previous period. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 555 tons 1 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 7 tons 4 cwt., as compared with 533 tons 18 cwt. and 7 tons 18 cwt. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 16,906. Deficiencies. —There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents.—ln addition to numerous accidents of a minor nature, two serious accidents occurred in the Liverpool Colliery. On 18th January, 1946, a miner sustained a broken pelvis when struck by a large piece of falling coal. On 21st March, 1946, three employees were partially buried by a fall of coal, one man, a miner, receiving a fracture of the third lumbar. Stone-dusting.—Work under this heading was continued during the year. The number of samples taken from the Liverpool Colliery and analysed was 509. In addition, 115 samples from co-operative mines were analysed, and 307 samples of coal from various State coal-mines were also analysed. Underground Workings.—The major portion of the output has been obtained from pillar-extraction in the rise workings of the Morgan seam and the dip and rise workings of the Kimbell and Anderson seams. Development has been carried on in the Morgan seam to the east of the Morgan dip and to the dip of the Hadcroft's stone drive. The development is proving that the Morgan seam, developing easterly, is splitting into two or three seams, the stone partings getting thicker. The main developing heading in line with the stone drive has been stopped, the coal having thinned to 5 ft., and prospecting is being carried on in the lower portion of the seam. A dip has been started off the Morgan West level, from which it is proposed to develop an area lying to the dip of this level. Prospecting of the Main Morgan West level is being carried on in the hope of picking up a section of coal to the west of where this level was stopped some years ago in troubled country. Fire Stoppings. —All fire stoppings have been maintained in good order. Electrification. —Two 500 ft. electrically driven Broomwade compressors have been installed in the power-house. With the exception of the steam hammer, all power at the bins, workshops, and bins bathhouse is electric. Trolleys. —Twenty-three covered-in trolleys have been provided for the conveyance of the workmen from the middle brake to the mine entrance. Since these trolleys have been in use no time has been lost through wet weather. Boring.—Boring has been carried on continuously throughout the year with satisfactory results, and an area of workable coal in the Morgan seam has been proved south-west of the present Liverpool Mine.

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Strongman Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 100,275 tons 4 cwt., a decrease of 6,839 tons 10 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,355 tons 4 cwt.,) and the quantity used on works (500 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 98,420 tons. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year ■ Ist April, 1945 — Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. 150 8 1 Stock on wharf .. .. .. 129 0 2 Stock on dump .. .. 1,317 18 3 1,597 7 2 Add small taken on charge ex-dump .. 1,626 16 2 Add net output for year .. .. 98,420 0 0 101,644 4 0 31st March, 1946 Less stock in bin and yard .. 972 15 0 Less stock on wharf .. .. 886 7 3 1,859 2 3 Total disposed of .. .. .. 99,785 1 1 Disposals Shipped .. .. .. 70,698 2 0 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. 15,895 2 0 Railway sales .. .. .. 3,538 19 3 Local and mine sales .. .. 6,195 7 2 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 3,457 10 0 99,785 1 1 The gross output from the colliery since its inception totals 617,859 tons 14 cwt. Days worked.—The colliery worked 217 days out of a possible 242 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 6 back Saturdays, 1 agreement holiday, 1 statutory holiday, and 3 substituted statutory holidays, making the total days worked 228. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 217, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 3 days, power failure ; 1 day, funeral of employee ; 1 day YE celebrations ; 2 days, dispute re heating ; 1 day, stop-work meeting 1 day, copy truckers' contract not supplied ; 1 day, bathhouse cold ; 2 days, YJ celebrations ; 1 day, dispute re rate of payment for YJ days ; 1 day, Liverpool trolley dispute ; 3 days, dispute re Labour Day payment; 1 day, hewers did not work ; 7 days, tonnage-rate dispute. Employees. —-In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 237 men and 7 boys, made up as follows—Underground: coal-hewers, 67; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 115. Surface: 55 men and 7 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 17s. 6d. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 12s. lid., an increase of 3s. 9d. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 439 tons 16 cwt. and the coal-hewers' daily output was 7 tons 6 cwt., as compared with 439 tons and 7 tons 14 cwt. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 13,709. Deficiencies. —There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents.—No serious accidents were reported at the Strongman Colliery daring the year.

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Stone-dusting. —Work under this heading was continued during the year. The total number of samples taken from the Strongman Colliery and analysed was 291. Underground Workings.—With the exception of a small amount of coal filled from head coal in old bords, all the coal has been won from developing places to the north, south, and east. Development to the north in the top seam is proving very satisfactory, the coal being of good quality approximately 20 ft. thick. The face of the leading heading is now five chains north of the main drive. Development to the east has been confined to the one prospecting place. This place has crossed the second break of the Bob fault and is in good-quality coal rising at a grade of 1 in 2. Development is being carried on in the bottom seam from No. 2 dip. The section has been very good up to the present. The workings to the north are proving the coalseam thinning and containing stone bands. Owing to the faulting in the mine, it is very difficult to maintain the output and the full number of miners cavilled. Boring. —Several holes have been drilled underground, and the results have been fairly satisfactory. James Colliery As reported previously, the only operation of this colliery, which closed down in 1943, was the lifting of slack from the old dump at Rapahoe : Tons cwt. qr. Slack raised and taken on charge ex-dump .. .. 38 12 0 Disposals Local and mine sales .. .. .. 38 12 0 Blackball Colliery Coal-ivinning. —The gross output for the year was 61,423 tons 14 cwt., an increase of 3,587 tons 5 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,783 tons 9 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (354 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 59,286 tons 5 cwt. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year Ist April, 1945 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. 726 19 0 Stock on wharf . . . 67 13 0 794 12* 0 Add net output for year .. .. 59,286 5 0 60,080 17 0 31st March, 1946 Less stock in bin and yard .. 1,850 4 1 Less stock on wharf 1,850 4 1 Total disposed of .. .. 58,230 12 3 Disposals Shipped .. .. .. 23,308 5 1 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. 20,949 2 0 Railway sales .. .. .. 8,650 19 0 Local and mine sales ... .. 4,062 6 2 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 1,260 0 0 58.230 12 3

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The gross output from the colliery since it was taken over by the State Coal-mines totals 224.766 tons 17 cwt. Days ivorlced. —The colliery worked 238 days out of a possible 242 ordinary workingdays. In addition, the colliery worked 20 back Saturdays, 3 statutory holidays, and ■3 days which under the Annual Holidays Act might have been observed as holidays in lieu of Christmas Day, Boxing, and New Year's Day, which fell within the annual holiday period, making the total days worked 264. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 238, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows: 1 day, dispute re minimum wage ; 2 days, YJ celebrations ; 1 day, VE celebrations. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons ■employed in or about the mine was 159 men and 4 boys, made up as follows —Underground: coal-hewers, 44 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 88. Surface : 27 men and 4 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings <(gross) were £2 12s. 2d. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 Bs., an increase of 2s. 9d. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 232 tons 13 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 16 cwt., as compared with 218 tons 5 cwt. and 6 tons 12 cwt. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 9,033. Deficiencies. —-The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £lOB Is. sd. Accidents. —The colliery was free from fatal accidents, but numerous accidents of a minor nature were suffered by employees. Underground Workings.—Development work for the year followed the same general plan as that for the previous year. Development on the line of the main dip has been held up by excess water. Four •chains to the south a dip section has been developed parallel to the main dip in a westerly direction, the coal being 16 ft. in thickness. A level has been started to connect •with the main dip from No. 2 Dip sump section. In the south-east section the coal gradually thinned to 2 ft., when development work ceased. Pillar-splitting has been commenced in this section, and as the section is ■comparatively dry it is hoped to recover the major portion of the pillar coal. The south level main and tail heading has been stopped in troubled country for some months, but was restarted towards the end of the year. Indications are that a considerable area of Coal exists to the south of this section. It is hoped that development to the west and east will be possible when the troubled country is passed. Seven chains east of the main and tail heading, a dip was started and driven for a distance of 6 chains in coal 16 ft. in thickness. The floor is undulating. _ Six working faces have been developed. No. 2 North level has been advanced 6 chains in coal 12 ft. in thickness. No. 3 North level was advanced a distance of 5 chains in good-quality coal. All places going north and north-east are very wet. Pumps.—During the year the pumping system was altered. Water is now pumped directly to the surface through a bore and a saving in power is effected. The danger of flooding in the mine, although possible, is more remote. The work of cleaning up and retimbering the water drive from the old mine is nearing completion. Several new winches have come to hand during the year, and they are being installed in the mine, thus easing the haulage problems. Three small heatings were dealt with during the year, two being filled out and one sealed off. Wallsend Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 47,233 tons 8 cwt. 3 qr., a decrease of 9,515 tons 18 cwt. 2 qr. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (467 tons 2 cwt 3 qr.) and the quantity used on works (1,738 tons 15 cwt. 2 qr.), there remained for disposal a net output of 45,027 tons 10 cwt. 2 qr.

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Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following, statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year Ist April, 1945 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. 844 11 2 Stock on wharf .. .. 38 7 0 BS2 18 2 Add net output for year .. .. 45,027 10 2 45,910 9 0 31st March, 1946 — Less stock in bin and yard .. 511 19 0 Less stock on wharf .. .. 165 4 0 677 3 0 Total disposed of .. .. 45,233 6 0 Disposals Shipped .. .. .. 22,828 5 0 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. 2,210 4 0 Railway sales .. .. .. 18,156 2 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 1,325 15 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 713 0 0 — 45,233 6 0 The gross output from the colliery since it was taken over by the State Coal-mines totals 169,608 tons 15 cwt. 1 qr. Days worked. —The colliery worked 223-125 days out of a possible 242 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 8 back Saturdays, 2 statutory holidays, and 3 days which under the Annual Holidays Act might have been observed as holidays iri lieu of Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, which fell within the annual holiday period, making the total days worked 236-125. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 223-125, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, VE celebrations ; 2 days, VJ celebrations ; 1 day, celebration of Labour Party's victory in Great Britain ; 5 days, following fatal accidents ; 1 day, breakdown of battery charger ; 1 day, trouble in shaft caused by falling box; 1 day, funeral of deceased workman, 1 day, funeral of member of clerical staff; 1 day, breakdown of haulage signalling system ; 2 days, union meetings to consider disciplinary action against union member ; 2-875 days, fan stoppages resulting from power failures. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 151 men and 8 boys, made up as follows —Underground : coal-hewers, 41 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 90. Surface : 23 men and 5 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 lis. 9d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 9s. 4d., an increase of 6s. lOd. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 200 tons 0 cwt. 2 qr. and the coalhewers' average daily output was 6 tons 8 cwt. 2 qr., as compared with 250 tons 16 cwt. 2 qr. and 6 tons 15 cwt. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 7,352. Deficiencies. —The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £269 6s. sd. Accidents. —In addition to numerous accidents of a minor nature, three fatal accidents occurred at the Wallsend Colliery. There were no other serious accidents. Fatal Accidents.—On 9th April, 1945, a miner working in the No. 1 Slant Dip was struck by a large slab of coal which fell from the top side rib. He sustained severe injuries to his legs and abdomen and died in the Greymouth Hospital on the date of the accident..

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On 22nd May, 1945, a shiftman working in the C panel was crushed between a box and jig prop. He suffered severe head injuries which resulted in his death on the following day. On 15th October, 1945, a miner in No. 1 Slant Dip was struck by a fall of stone and suffered severe head and chest injuries which resulted in his death some days later. Underground Workings.—ln No. 1 Dip, development of the coal between the roll and the fault has been extended approximately 4 chains in good coal and the driving of a new road to simplify the transport in this section is almost completed. No. 1 Slant Dip : The endless rope has been shortened approximately 2 chains and splitting almost completed up to the old rope end. Very bad roof conditions have been met with throughout this section, practically all the old workings being closed by falls. No. 2 Slant Dip : Splitting has been carried on throughout the year on a line parallel to the barrier between this and No. 1 Slant Dip. C panel has reached the low coal area and splitting is being carried out in this section. In the Extension Section the development of the area to the rise of the three prospecting levels is being carried out and splitting will be commenced as soon as the low coal area is reached. During the year the iron rail guides were removed from the shaft and six wooden guides to each cage installed, also safety catches fitted to the river-side cage to work on the centre guide. These alterations gave a much improved operation of the cages. In the up-cast shaft, hitches for 24 ft. 10 in. by 6 in. buntons have been cut and six installed, also all hanging timber, &c., has been removed and the sump cleared out. Dobson Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 54,579 tons 19 cwt. 2 qr., a decrease of 6,527 tons 15 cwt. 2 qr. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,310 tons 18 cwt. 2 qr.) and the quantity used on works (222 tons 4 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 53,046 tons 17 cwt. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : —- Ist April, 1945 — Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. 416 4 0 Stock on wharf .. .. .. 525 17 0 942 1 0 Add net output for year .. .. 53,046 17 0 53,988 18 0 31st March, 1946 Less stock in bin and yard .. 1,765 2 0 Less stock on wharf .. .. 211 2 0 1,976 4 0 Total disposed of .. .. .. 52,012 14 0 Disposals Shipped.. .. .. .. 35,816 13 0 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. .. 12,130 15 0 Railway sales .. .. .. 2,125 11 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 735 17 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 1,203 18 0 52,012 14 0 The gross output from the colliery since it was taken over by the State Coal-mines -totals 184,645 tons 0 cwt. 2 qr.

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Days worked. —The colliery worked 224-625 days out of a possible 242 ordinary workingdays. In addition, the colliery worked 3 days which under the Annual Holidays Act might have been observed as holidays in lieu of Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, which fell within the annual holiday period, making a total number of days worked 227-625. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 224-625, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 2 days, YE celebrations; 2 days, YJ celebrations ; 4 days, dispute re use of jackhammers ; 2-375 days, fan stoppages resulting from power failures ; 5 days, dispute re minimum wage and tonnage rates; 1 day, strike in sympathy with Strongman and Liverpool miners on question of holiday pay ; 1 day, funeral of member of clerical staff. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 180 men and 6 boys, made up as follows —Underground : coal-hewers, 45; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 98. Surface: 37 men and 6 boys. Goal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —-The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 12s. Bd. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 10s. 4d., an increase of 4s. 9d. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 239 tons 15 cwt. 2 qr. and the coalhewers' average daily output was 6 tons 8 cwt. 3 qr., as compared with 236 tons 17 cwt. and 5 tons 8 cwt. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 8,479. Deficiencies. —-The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £641 12s. 7d. Accidents. —There were no serious accidents at the colliery during the year, apart from that suffered by a miner on the 20th February, 1946, who sustained a fracture of the right heel bone and a deep flesh wound in the left leg when caught by a fall of stone whilst lifting bottoms in the old slant dip off No. 4 level. Minor accidents were numerous, but were not more so than previously experienced. Underground Workings. —All coal from the colliery for the year was won from solid workings. 5 West Section : The main drives in this section were advanced a distance of 6 chains in coal 8 ft. in thickness. A severe roll in the floor rising at a grade of lin 1 has now been crossed, and a stone drive going west has been commenced for haulage purposes. The crossing of the roll has greatly improved the prospects of the mine from a production point of view, Main Dip Section : The dip and strike lines of the coal-seam have gradually altered. The floor in the main dip has commenced to rise and the dip heading has been turned slightly west on the strike of the seam. Coal in this section is 14 ft. in thickness. To the east of the main dip only one working-face is being developed, all the other places being stopped adjacent to a fault. In view of the field ahead as proved by the recent boring, operations to the dip have again commenced, and it is proposed to install an electric pump farther down the main dip. In common with other collieries, the output from the mine has been retarded by lack of experienced miners. I have, &c., C. J. Strongman, Superintendent.

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The District Manager, State Coal-mines, Ngakawau, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington Sir, — 16th May, 1946. I have the honour to submit my report on the working of the Stockton State Colliery for the year ended 31st March, 1946. Output.—The gross output for the year from the Fly Creek and D Hill Mines and the E Hill Opencast was 215,221 tons 4 cwt. 2 qr., an increase of 106,267 tons 9 cwt. 1 qr. when compared with the figures of the previous period—i.e., Ist July, 1944, to 31st March, 1945. The gross output from the individual mines were as follows : Tons cwt. qr. Fly Creek Mine .. .. .. .. 57,109 15 0 D Hill Mine .. .. .. .. .. 38,418 16 0 E Hill Opencast .. .. .. .. 119,692 13 2 215,221 4 2 After allowing for waste (311 tons 4 cwt. 2 qr.), coal used on works (6,450 tons), and excess in bin stocks (1,500 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 209,960 tons." Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year:— Ist April, 1945 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock on wharf .. .. .. 965 7 0 Stock in bins and yard .. .. 890 0 0 1,855 7 0 Add net output for year and bin surplus .. 209,960 0 0 211,815 7 0 31st March, 1946 Less stock in bin and yard .. 1,252 4 3 Less stock on wharf .. .. 2,181 18 0 3,434 2 3 Total disposed of.. .. .. .. 208,381 4 1 The gross output from the collieries since their acquisition by the State is 324,174 tons 19 cwt. 3 qr. Days worked. —Fly Creek Mine worked 226 days out of a possible 242 days. In addition, the mine worked 12 back Saturdays, 5 statutory holidays, and 10 days during the Christmas holidays, making a total of 253 days worked. The difference between the ordinary days worked and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 2 days, YE holidays ; 2 days, VJ holidays ; 3 days, disputes; 2 days, power failure; 5-5 days, fall Ngakawau Tunnel; 1 day, funeral of ex-employee; 0-5 days, fatal accident; total, 16 days. D Hill Mine worked 226f days out of a possible 242 working-days. In addition, the mine worked 12 back Saturdays, 5 statutory holidays, and 10 days during the Christmas holidays, making a total of days worked. The difference between the ordinary days worked and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 2 days, VE holidays ; 2 days, YJ holidays; 3 days, disputes; 2 days, power failure; 5 days, fall in Ngakawau Tunnel; 1 day, funeral of ex-employee; o*s day, fatal accident; total, 15-5 days. E Hill Opencast Mine worked 228£ days out of a possible 242 working-days. In addition, the mine worked 18 back Saturdays, 5 statutory holidays, and 10 days during the Christmas holidays, making a total of days worked. The difference between

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the ordinary days worked and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 2 days, VE holidays ; 2 days, YJ holidays ; 3 days, disputes ; 1 day, power failure; 4 days, fall in Ngakawau Tunnel; 1 day, funeral of ex-employee ; 0-5 day, fatal accident; total, 13-5 days. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the collieries was 287 men and 22 boys, made up as follows — Underground : coal-hewers, 64 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 66 ; opencast-machine operators and truck-drivers, 25. Surface : men, 132 ; boys, 22. Goal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—Fly Creek Mine : The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 18s. 4d., and after deducting stores (explosives)' their net return was £2 14s. lOd. D Hill Mine : The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 os. 2d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 16s. Bd. Daily Outputs.—The average daily outputs were as follows : Fly Creek Mine, 225 tons 15 cwt. ; D Hill Mine, 151 tons 11 cwt.; E Hill Opencast, 457 tons 15 cwt. 2 qr. The hewers' average daily outputs were : Fly Creek Mine, 7 tons 1 cwt. 1 qr., and D Hill Mine, 7 tons 15 cwt. 2 qr. The number of hewer shifts worked at Fly Creek was 8,090 and at D Hill 4,942. Accidents. —There were 103 accidents during the year, 4 serious and 1 fatal. On the 14th March, 1946, a miner in D Hill Mine, while working at the coal face, was struck on the head with a fall of coal, death being instantaneous. Underground Workings.—ln Fly Creek Mine operations were mainly confined to pillar-extraction in the South Section and opencast in the East. In No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5 Sections development work was completed to the boundary and pillar-extraction was commenced. Exceptionally wet conditions were met with in the south area. In all other parts the working-places were wet, some very wet from time to time. In order to render possible the extraction of about 120,000 tons of excellent coal standing in pillars below Plover Creek, the creek was diverted by the erection of a large dam at a point in the creek about 36 chains south of Fly Creek Tunnel entrance. The new mine in D Hill was opened in April to develop an area proved by boring to contain a considerable quantity of excellent coal. The main headings have been driven 15 chains, forming two 8-acre panels to the south and one 10-acre panel to the north. Eighteen pairs of miners are now working in this mine. The area has been very wet, but the main headings are now penetrating country with greater cover, which will undoubtedly ensure dryer working-conditions. The grade of the seam and the nature of the roof and floor are such that complete mechanization of coal-winning may be adopted later with great advantage. The shelter-sheds over the approach to the bin and over the bin itself have been completed. Workshops and substation are in course of erection. E Hill Opencast: The output from E Hill Opencast has increased substantially. The use of an electric 5-yard shovel has simplified the stripping problem and has rendered comparatively easy the winning of from 600 tons to 800 tons per day. The new bathhouse at No. 3 loop will be completed within three months. Good progress has been made with the new roadway to Fly Creek. It has been completed to Coal Island, more than half way in. Plant.—The power plant, locomotives, bins, and inclines have been maintained in good working order. I have, &c., T. McGhie, District Manager.

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The Manager, Wairaki State Mine, Ohai, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington Sir, — 14th June, 1946. I have the honour to submit my report on the workings of the Wairaki State Colliery for the year Ist April, 1945, to the 31st March, 1946. Wairaki Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 68,425 tons 5 cwt. After allowing for waste (1,959 tons 14 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (3,122 tons 16 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 63,342 tons 15 cwt. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1945 Tons cwt. qr. Stocks in yard .. .. .. .. Nil Add net output for year .. .. .. 63,342 15 0 31st March, 1946 — Less stock in yard .. .. .. .. Nil Total disposed of .. .. .. 63,342 15 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed. .. .. .. 60,434 8 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 2,424 3 0 Workmen and free issues .. 484 4 0 63,342 15 0 The gross output from the colliery since operated by the State totals 81,261 tons 6 cwt. 3 qr. Days worked. —The Wairaki Colliery worked 235 days out of a possible 242 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 12 back Saturdays and 6 statutory holidays, making the total days worked 253. The difference between the days worked and the possible number of ordinary working-days is accounted for as follows: 2 days, dispute re travelling-time ; 1 day, funeral of a member of Miners' Union; 1 day, YE celebrations ; 2 days, YJ celebrations; 1 day, Easter Tuesday. Employees.—ln connection- with coal-winning, the average number of persons ■employed in and about the mine was 97 men and 3 boys, made up as follows — Underground : coal-hewers, 36 ; deputies, 5 ; shiftmen and truckers, 28. * Surface : 28 men and 3 boys. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 270 tons 9 cwt. and the coal-hewers .average daily output was 8 tons 2 cwt., as compared with 273 tons 2 cwt. and 8 tons 16 cwt. respectively for the previous year. Deficiencies. —No payments were made under the minimum-wage clause. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings '(gross) were £3 2s. 6d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 17s. 7d., an increase of ss. 2d. per day when compared with the previous year. Accidents. —Only a few minor accidents "occurred during the year under review. Stone-dusting. —This work was done regularly throughout the year. Underground Workings.—The output was obtained from the dip pillars being extracted below No. 2 East level in No. 1 Mine and solid workings in No. 3 Mine. jFire Stoppings.—All fire stoppings have been maintained in good order. Dangerous Heatings.—Two minor heatings were effectively sealed off. I have, &c., ' T. Young, Manager.

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The Manager, Mossbank State Colliery, Ohai, to the Under-Secretary, MinesDepartment, Wellington Sir, — 14th June, 1946. I have the honour to submit my report on the workings of the Mossbank StateMine and the Bar 20 Opencast for the year Ist April, 1945, to the 31st March, 1946. Mossbank Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 24,127 tons 14 cwt. 2 qr. After allowing for waste (508 tons 6 cwt. 2 qr.) and the quantity used on works (983 tons 5 cwt. 2 qr.), there remained for disposal a net output of 22,636 tons 2 cwt. 2 qr. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1945 — Tons cwt. qr. Stocks in yard .. .. .. .. Nil Add net output for year .. .. 22,636 22 Add surplus stock .. .. .. .. 88 13 2 22,724 16 0 31st March, 1946 Less stock in yard .. .. .. .. Nil Total disposed of .. .. .. 22,724 16 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. . .. .. 22,437 1 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 35 0 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 252 15 0 22,724 16 0 The gross output from the colliery since operated by the State totals 35,946 tons 18 cwt. 2 qr. Days worked. —The Mossbank Colliery worked 229-75 days out of a possible 242 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 12 back Saturdays and 6> statutory holidays, making the total days worked 247-75 days. The difference between the ordinary days worked and the possible number of ordinary working-days is accounted for as follows : 0-75 days, power failure; 1 day, Easter Tuesday; 1 day r YE celebrations ; 4 days, dispute over telephones ; 2 days, VJ celebrations ; 1 day r dispute over waiting- time ; 1 day, funeral of member of Miner's Union ; 1 day, defect in fan starter; 0-5 day, Christmas holidays. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 46 men and 1 boy, made up as follows Underground : coal-hewers, 17 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 21. Surface : 8 men and 1 boy. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 96 tons 7 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 7 tons 8 cwt., as compared with 93 tons 16 cwt. and 7 tons 4 cwt. respectively for the previous year. Dejiciencies. —No payments were made under the minimum-wage clause. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) was £3 os. lid., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 14s. 6d., an increase of 4s. 9d. per day when compared with the previous year. Accidents. —Two serious accidents and several minor accidents occurred during the year under review.

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Serious Accidents. —On the 27th June, 1945, a miner suffered a compound fracture of the left leg while trying to dodge falling coal. On the 16th October, 1945, a miner sustained a dislocated right hip by falling coal. Stone-dusting. —This work was done regularly throughout the year. Underground Workings.—The output was obtained from pillars in No. 2 panel the Laybye Section, and also from a section east of Aylward's Dip. Coal was obtained from solid workings in a rise being driven for haulage purposes also from Cappie's Dip Section. Fire Stoppings.—All fire stoppings have been maintained in good order. Dangerous Occurrences. —No actual heatings occurred during the year. Two small areas in which heating was suspected were sealed off and one accumulation of coal in which heating had commenced was filled out. Plant. —An electric motor and starter was installed to drive the main fan. Bar 20 Opencast Mine Coal-winning. —The net output for the year was 35,492 tons 7 cwt. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year : —• Ist April, 1945 Tons cwt. qr. Stocks in yard .. .. .. .. Nil Add net output for year .. .. .. 35,492 7 0 31st March, 1946 Less stock in yard .. .. ~ .. Nil Total disposed of .. .. .. 35,492 7 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 32,904 19 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 2,568 7 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 19 1 0 — 35,492 7 0 The net output from the colliery since operated by the State totals 36,196 tons 14 cwt. Employees.—The average number of persons employed at the opencast was 15. Workings.—The output for the year was won from the area previously operated by underground mining methods in Mossbank No. 2 Mine, which was abandoned on account of flooding from an adjacent creek. Opencast operations consisted of clearing a preliminary strip of overburden and subsequently introducing a drag-line scoop with a capacity of lj cubic yards. A Diesel-operated shovel of cubic yard-capacity was employed to load the coal and produced up to a maximum daily output of 320 tons. The coal is of good quality, but is intersected by vertical stone intrusions and thin horizontal bands of hard stone. The average thickness of workable coal is 18 ft. I have, &c., J. McArthur, District Manager.

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The Inspector op Coal-mines, Greymouth, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department Wellington. Sir, — Ist April, 1946. I have the honour to submit my report on the working of the Wangaloa Opencast for the year ended 31st March, 1946. This mine was acquired by the Department in July, 1945, and handed over to the Public Works Department for operation. Stripping was commenced without delay; the access road was completed, and a screening plant and railway siding constructed at Kaitangata. Production commenced in October, 8,587 tons 8 cwt. of coal being produced up to 31st March. Prospecting and shallow drilling have proved the seam to be hard, of good quality, up to 40 ft. in thickness, and to be strippable for some chains east 'of the mine. Stripping operations in preparations for the winter demand were commenced early in the New Year and will be continued as long as weather permits. I have, &c., R. T. H. Dale, Inspector of Coal-mines.

The District Manager, Benneydale, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington Sir, — sth April, 1946. I have the honour to submit my report on the working of the Mangapehi and Tatu Mines and the Waitewhena Opencast for the year ended 31st March, 1946. Mangapehi Colliery Output.—The gross output for the year was 58,111 tons 14 cwt., a decrease of 2,748 tons 12 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,127 tons 14 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (970 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 56,014 tons. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1945 Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bins and yard .. .. .. 45 1 0 Add net output for year .. .. .. 56,014 0 0 56,059 1 0 31st March, 1946 — Less stock in bin and yard .. .. 10 7 0 Total disposed of .. .. .. .. 56,048 14 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. 54,712 2 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 735 11 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 601 1 0 56,048 14 0 The gross output since the colliery was taken over by the State Coal-mines to date is 295,897 tons 10 cwt. Employees.—-In connection with coal-winning there were employed in and about the mine an average of 127 men and 2 boys, made up as follows —Underground : coal-hewers, 35 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 71. Surface : 21 men and 2 boys. Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings were (gross) £2 19s. 4d., and after deducting stores, 2s. 5d., their net return was £2 16s. lid., an increase of 6s. Bd. per day when compared with the previous year.

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Daily Output. —The average daily output was 234 tons 7 cwt., and the average per coal-hewer was 8 tons 18 cwt., as compared with 253 tons 6 cwt. and 8 tons 18 cwt. for the previous year. Deficiencies— The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £lO os. Bd. Accidents.—During the year two coal-hewers were injured by falls of coal and there were also a fairly large number of minor accidents. Days worked.—-The colliery worked 225-875 days out of a possible 242 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 16 back Saturdays, 3 annual holidays, and 3 statutory holidays, making the total days worked 247-875. The difference between the days worked and the possible number of ordinary working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, YE celebrations ; 2 days, YJ celebrations ; 1 day, cavil days ; 3-625 days, union meetings ; 0-5 days, shortage railway wagons ; 1-625 days, breakdown, &c., in mine ; 6-375 days, disputes ; total, 16-125 days. Days worked by Coal-hewers.—The total number of days that could have been worked by coal-hewers was 8,768, the number worked was 7,794, and the number lost, including those lost through sickness and other causes, was 974. Workings.—-No. 1 East Section : The fault proved to the rise of the three panels continued beyond the intersection of the double step fault and eventually cut off the levels. The block of coal to the rise of the levels beyond the double step fault was worked out and the section abandoned in the meantime, but pillaring of this small area will be undertaken at a later stage. No. 2 East Section : The development headings have been continued on a fixed bearing beyond the line of the double step fault, which has cut out in this area, and, after going to the dip for the last 6 chains, are now flattening out. The seam is of good quality and thickness, and a farther 3 chains of driving will allow an additional panel to be formed to the rise. Main Dip : A dip driven in coal to the west of the main dip, after traversing troubled country, reached a point a chain or more ahead of the original main dip face. A crosscut east at this point struck further trouble, with thinning and dipping of the seam, and was abandoned for the time being owing to pumping and haulage difficulties. No. 3 East levels were extended for 8 chains in excellent coal, but an attempt to prove the seam to the north-east by a slant dip, driven in that direction has been made difficult by a large floor roll in the seam. After 40 ft. of stone-driving, short bores in floor and roof failing to locate the seam, prospecting has been stopped until the Sullivan drill, on loan to Greymouth, can be returned. Hydraulic Stowing.—As a preliminary to the extraction of pillars, in A and B panels, to the rise of No. 1 East levels, some progress has been made in driving a new entrance from the surface to this section to accommodate an endless-rope haulage and pipes to carry the stowage material. Improvements to Equipment. —An electric haulage with armoured cable has been installed and an electric pump in the No. 2 East Dip, with an auxiliary endless-rope haulage in this section. A 40 ft. air-shaft, equipped with a small single inlet Sirocco fan, to the west of the mine entrance allows the No. 2 West pillar section to be ventilated on a separate split. An additional four-stage Turbo pump electrically driven has been installed in the main heading, while independent breaking, and a controller on the main winch have allowed the haulage of men in the main drive to be started. Improvements to the screening plant have improved its-capacity and allow better screening of wet coal. A new mine store has been erected and the road to the mine regraded. Township.—The recreation-ground has been completed and a site for tennis-courts and croquet-green prepared, while a paddling-pool, 40 ft. by 20 ft., for children is being constructed on the area set aside for a children's playground. The billiard-room at the hall is now in use and pictures are shown twice a week, and the roads through the township tar sealed. Six five-roomed cottages of improved design have been erected, and a further six are being built.

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Tatu Collieby Coal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 32,572 tons 16 cwt., a increase •of 1,163 tons 8 cwt. when compared with the figures of the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,244 tons 2 cwt.) and the quantity of coal used on works (349 tons 6 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 30,979 tons 8 cwt. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1945 — Tons cwt. qr. Stocks in bin .. .. .. .. 135 10 0 Add net output .. .. .. .. 30,979 8 0 Slack raised .. .. .. .. .. 50 8 0 31st March, 1946 31,165 6 0 Less stock in bins .. .. .. .. 90 0 0 Total disposed of .. .. .. .. 31,075 6 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 29,084 18 0 Mine sales .. .. .. 1,363 8 0 Workmen .. .. .. 577 19 0 Free .. .. .. .. 49 1 0 31,075 6 0 The gross output from the colliery since inception amounts to 140,210 tons 19 cwt. Days worked, —The colliery worked 206-375 days out of a possible 242 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 6 statutory holidays, making the total days worked 212*375. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 206-375, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 7-5 days, floods; 10-375 days, disputes; 1 day, YE Day; 1-5 days, YJ Day; 4-375 days, stop-work meetings; 1-5 days, fatal accident; 3 days, boiler breakdown; 0-125 day, winch breakdown; 1 day, funeral of workmate ; 4-5 days, fall in main haulage ; 0-75 days, runaway in haulage. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of men employed in and about the mine was 98 men and 3 boys, made up as follows —Underground : hewers, 22; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 36. Surface: 40 men and 3 boys. Total 101. Coal-hewers' Daily Average Earnings.—The coal-hewers' daily earnings were gross £3 Bs. 9d., and after deducting stores (explosives, 65.) their net return was £3 2s. 9d., a net increase of 16s. sd. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 153 tons 7 cwt. and the average daily output per coal-hewer was 8 tons 14 cwt. compared with 141 tons 9 cwt. and 7 tons 17 cwt. respectively for the previous year. Deficiencies. —Nil. Accidents. —During the year there were numerous minor accidents (98), a large proportion of these being bruises and cuts and several cases of strains. One fatal accident happened when a rope runner fell and was jammed between a skip and a 4 in. air-pipe, resulting in his death some six hours later. Workings. —Pillar-extraction was started on completion of development of the panel north of the No. 1 north-west headings, but excessive floor heave caused it to be abandoned after a few months. ' Similar conditions caused work in the No. 1 north-west section to be stopped in June, it being intended later to win the remaining pillars in this section by means of a new roadway from the south-west heading a short distance inbye of the Cunningham fault. The old south-west heading was reconditioned to a point selected for the start of a pair of headings at an angle to it of 45° to the north in order to cross the VJ fault, shown by boring to be an upthrow of 50 ft. as a better access to reach the seam beyond.

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a survey is now being made of the area adjacent to Outcrop Creek with a view to reaching the seam beyond YJ fault by a new mine entrance from the surface, and this, if possible, will avoid the cost of crossing the fault underground and also the heavy cost of maintaining present roads in bad mining conditions. The advice of a geologist is also being obtained on the possibility of this proposed new development. Electrification. —Further plant has been installed in the mine, including a second turbo pump, a modern haulage winch, and the necessary cables, junction boxes, and control gear, while control equipment has also been fitted to the aerial ropeway, giving a creeping speed for certain periods, to suit repairs and the handling of material along the xoute. Township.—No building has been carried out during the year, but advances to workers to purchase cottages have been made in almost all cases on request. However, it has been difficult to get any building done in Ohura. At Puketihi electric light has been supplied to the twenty-five cottages, and a water scheme has been completed, the labour for this having been mainly voluntary. A school has been erected at Puketihi for the younger children, the older ones travelling by bus to Ohura. Waitewhena Opencast Coal-winning.—The net output for the year was 23,198 tons 4 cwt. 1 qr. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1945 — Tons cwt. qr. Stock on hand .. .. .. .. Nil Add net output for year .. .. .. 23,198 4 1 23,198 4 1 31st March, 1946 Less stock on hand .. .. .. .. Nil Total disposed of .. .. .. .. 23,198 4 1 Disposals Railed .. .. ... .. .. 23,198 4 1 The net output from the colliery since inception amounts to 42,082 tons 11 cwt. 2 qr. Workings.—-Operations have continued in the Lee Creek area in the creek-bed, and also an area to the south, beyond a 30 ft. fault, with varying results, the wet weather being the governing factor in the successful operation of bulldozers and other machinery associated with the stripping of the overburden. A varying output up to 200 tons, but averaging about 140 tons, daily has been obtained from the Lee Creek sections, on which the stripping machinery concentrated until November, when two bulldozers and two carryalls were transferred to the No. 2 area, and later further machines have been operating on the latter area, where at present 25,000 tons of coal has been stripped and a further area partly stripped. It is intended to install an aerial ropeway (flying fox) to transport the coal from this area (117,000 tons) along the fringe of the escarpment to the roadside adjacent to the Waitewhena Stream, some 300 ft. below, the slope distance being approximately 1,000 ft. The seam is approximately 12 ft. in thickness and of excellent quality, yields a Mgh percentage of lump coal, and transports well, and the output is governed mainly by the overburden which can be shifted to furnish coal reserves, for the continual wet w r eather seriously interferes with the operating of bulldozers and carryalls. Operations were also curtailed by creep of the hillside, which ultimately re-covered .a large area of coal previously stripped, while over one period the machines operating almost continuously showed little gain on the slowly moving sodden mass. The reserves at the commencement of the year were low, and beyond a few months of the dry season these conditions continued throughout the period.

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Late in December a change from railway to domestic coal caused a cessation of production while the necessary alterations were being attended to. A roadside bin of 35 tons capacity with two compartments, screened and slack,, was constructed alongside the Lee Creek Mine road, and a 4 ft. steel-lined chute at a grade of 28 degrees, with bar-screen fitted in the lower section, was erected up the slope to the upper roadway to the coal face. This plant serves for the three faces which have operated, the coal being transported by lorry to the chute, while the six or eight trucks now load from the roadside bin instead of as formerly at the coal face. The bar-screen operates perfectly, the coal being fed as required to the screen by doors, lever operated, and Waitewhena coal with its cuboidal fracture screens well. The shallow overburden in and adjacent to the upper area Lee Creek bed has proved unsuitable for bulldozers, which machines were continually in trouble, and the Diesel navvy operating in conjunction with two trucks carting to a central dump has given good results, but delivery of the second navvy promised by the contractor has been delayed, and the coal-face machine has been doing both jobs. This naturally interferes with continuity of supplies, and the delivery of the second machine is an urgent matter. Thorough surveys of a further four areas along the Waitewhena face and on each side of the Mangarahoe valley have proved fields suitable for opencast operations for the next ten years with an increased output. With the plant installed and No. 2 area operating, equipment for a further area will be erected to enable production to be shifted as required to meet the conditions or interruptions experienced. I have, &c., George Smith, District Manager.

The Manager, Wilton State Colliery, Ngaruawahia, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington Sir, — 15th April, 1946. I have the honour to submit my annual report on the working of the above colliery for the year ended 31st March, 1946. Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 88,652 tons 14 cwt. After allowing for waste, 4,164 tons 6 cwt., and coal used on works, 837 tons 17 cwt., there remained for disposal a net output of 83,650 tons 11 cwt. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1945 — Tons cwt. qr. Stock in railway wagons .. .. 3 0 0 Add net output for year .. .. 83,650 11 0 83,653 11 0 31st March, 1946 Less stock in railway wagons .. .. 28 0 0 Total disposed of .. .. .. 83,625 11 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 49,715 9 0 Railway sales .. .. .. 32,859 18 0 Local and mine sales Sales to workmen and free issues .. 1,050 4 0 83,625 11 0

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The gross output from the colliery since its acquisition by the Government totals 122,287 tons 12 cwt. Days worked. —The colliery worked 232-125 days out of a possible 242 days. In .addition, the colliery worked 18 back Saturdays and 6 statutory holidays, making the total days worked 256*125. The difference between the days worked and possible working-days is accounted for as follows : 2 days, YE celebrations; 2 days, YJ •celebrations ; 1 day, extension of VJ days by the men ; 1 day, men returned home after stop-work meeting; 1 day, men attended funeral of ex-employee; 2-875 days, stopwork meetings. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons ■employed in and about the mine was 178 men and 4 boys, made up as follows — Underground: coal-hewers, 70; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 67. Surface: 41, men and 4 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The average daily earnings of the coalhewers after deducting explosives were £2 9s. 6d., which showed an increase of Is. when •compared with the previous year. Daily Output. —The average daily output from the mine was 346 tons 2 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 9 tons, compared with 343 tons 4 cwt. and 7 tons 0 cwt. 2 qr. respectively for the previous year. The number of hewer shifts worked was 9,851-375. Deficiencies. —The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £192 4s. 3d. Accidents. —There were 196 accidents reported during the year, none of which were serious or fatal. Underground Workings. —The ouput was obtained from pillar-extraction in the No. 3 Mine; completion of development and extraction of pillars in No. 2 Mine ; also •development of No. 3 Extended Mine and the extraction of a few pillars in No. 1 East panel of this mine. The main headings of No. 3 Extended Mine are driven to their southern boundary, a distance of 23£ chains. From these headings various panels were •opened up. Those on the east side have developed satisfactorily and continue to do so, -whilst those on the west side after travelling a few chains encounter stone bands and intrusions in the seam as they approach the major fault between the present mine and the old workings of No. 1 Mine. However, from present indications this has so far only occurred in Nos. 1, 2, and 3 West sections, as No. 4 West headings, which are being ■opened up, are still in excellent coal and likely to remain so for a much longer distance than the previous headings mentioned. Pillar-extraction is being carried out in a satisfactory manner in No. 3 Mine from two sections —namely, the east side, which is nearing •completion, also in B panel. The haulage rope was extended to the inbye end of No. 3 Extended Mine during the year, whilst a small endless hauler is being installed to serve No. 2 East headings. Development in No. 2 Mine was completed early in the year; the whole of the operations now consist of' pillar-extraction. We have been able to maintain sufficient places for all our men; our chief difficulty has been to keep them manned up, due to absenteeism. During the winter months the incidence of wet-time places rises sharply, due to the seam being only about 100 ft. from the surface. Stone-dusting.—This was carried out at regular intervals during the year in addition to the daily dusting of the places. During the year seventy-six samples of dust were taken and analysed. Dangerous Occurrences.—Nothing of the above nature occurred during the year. Stoppings. —The permanent stoppings of brick were erected in the Extended Mine between the intakes and returns in the main roads. Work is still proceeding in the panels. Plant. —The main fan from No. 1 Mine having been dismantled, was re-erected at No. 3 Extended Mine during the year. An overhead transmission line was erected from

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Noi 3 Mine to a transformer at No. 3 Extended Mine, also a substation, whilegeneral repairs to mine rope-way bridges, haulage road, and screening plant, &c., are carried out as opportunity permits and during the Christmas period. Private Railway-line.—Maintenance work has been carried on here continuously during the year. Due to the shortage of labour it was sometimes extremely difficult. However, the standard of work was good, and lately I have been able to increase the railway gang and engage two additional men to repair and paint the bridges, to comply with the Railway Department's request. During the recent dry spell we have had numerous fires occur at several of the bridges. However, they were generally of a minor nature and were immediately dealt with. Transport Trucks.—We have three of the above trucks, which are used to transport the workmen from the mine to Ngaruawahia, and vice versa. During the earlier part of the year some difficulty was experienced in having these trucks serviced and repaired to keep them running. Arrangements were made by the Department to have the trucksserviced by a Hamilton firm, since when we have had no complaints. The state of the road from Glen Massey to Ngaruawahia is such that the upkeep of trucks is very expensive in tires and repairs. However, during the year, negotiations have been carried put with a view to having this service operated by a private bus company, and I understand they have been completed, with the likelihood of the service commencing in the very near future. Housing and Mine Buildings. —During the year a contract was arranged to have the houses owned by the Department repaired, renovated, and painted when necessary,, this work being supervised by the Building Supervisor. So far in this work £2,159 3s. lOd. has been expended, and I understand it is now nearing completion. In so far as the mine buildings are concerned, they were painted during the year and necessary repairs kept up, and several new buildings were erected at No. 3 Extended Mine —namely, substation, deputies' cabin, shelter-shed, small repair-shop for fitters, &c. — in addition, a new weigh cabin was built at No. 1 bins. I have, &c., John Penman, Manager,

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The Superintendent, Waikato Controlled Mines, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington Sir,— 3rd April, 1946. I have the honour to submit my report on the working of the opencast mines operating in the Huntly district for the year ended 31st March, 1946. Kimihia No. 2 and No. 4 Sections. —Work on these sections ceased in June as all recoverable coal had been extracted. During the period, 8,564 tons were produced, making the total recovery from the sections 56,435 tons 14 cwt. Since the work ceased the area has been resown in grass. No. 1 Section (Kimihia Lake). —As anticipated, production commenced in June, and 23,834 tons were produced to 31st March, 1946. During the year a 5-yard Bucyrus Erie electric shovel was installed on the area, but owing to the unstable nature of the ground some difficulty has been experienced in staclang the overburden. Whereas it was originally intended to backfill the worked area, it is now apparent that the bulk of the spoil will require to be moved outside the area, A storage bin, screen, and slack-line drag-line were completed during the year, and a branch railway 2-4 miles long has been constructed to join up with the Main Trunk line* Glen Afton During the year this opencast produced 14,394 tons 9 cwt., making the total production to 31st March, 1946, 32,600 tons 0 cwt. 2 qr. Work at this pit has been hampered by periodic flooding. Kemp's Opencast Production for the year was 38,097 tons 9 cwt., making the total production to date 44,971 tons 9 cwt. In January new shaker screens were installed, which will enable graded coal to be supplied. I have, &c., P. M. Outhwaite, Superintendent, Waikato Controlled Mines.

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NEW ZEALAND STATE COAL-MINES Colliery Sales Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1946

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— Liverpool. Strongman. Dobson. Wallsend. Blackball. Stockton. I). Hill. Mangapehi. Tatu. Mossbank. Wilton. Wairaki. Dr. Railway haulage Wharfage Special rate Marine freight Working Account: Coal sales net f.o.r. Cr. Sales of coal f.o.r., c. and f., and f.o.b. Subsidy* £ 13,403 3,038 868 44,627 £ 12,286 3,022 863 56,729 £ 5,475 1,248 356 29,547 £ 3,632 841 667 9,913 £ 4,746 973 278 20,302 £ 14,011 2,036 25 j296 £ 8,313 1,375 17^039 £ 8,111 £ 803 £ 35,775 £ 3,734 61,936 159,268 72,900 158,529 36,626 114,919 15,053 102,190 26,299 107,135 41,343 107,599 26,727 59,220 8,111 68,141 72,230 803 32,499 35,775 111,913 31,734 80,914 221,204 231,429 151,545 117,243 133,434 148,942 85,947 76,252 72,230 33,302 147,688 84,648 £ 173,913 47,291 £ 193,561 37,868 £ 99,025 52,520 £ 66,635 50,608 £ 77,717 55,717 £ 100,631 48,311 £ 65,021 20,926 £ 56,443 19,809 £ 34,547 37,683 £ 23,386 9,916 £ 118,700 28,988 70,093 14,555 221,204 231,429 151,545 117,243 133,434 148,942 85,947 76,252 72,230 33,302 147,688 84,648 i Liverpool. Strongman l Dobson. Wallsend. Blackball. Stockton. D. Hill. Mangapehi. Tatu. Mossbank. Wilton. Wairaki. ♦Total subsidy Less amount recovered in respect of Saturdays and holidays and credited to wages Subsidy as per Sales Account £ 54,377 7,086 £ 43,711 5,843 £ 55,677 3,157 £ 55,726 5,118 £ 62,126 6,409 £ 53,812 5,501 £ 23,546 2,620 £ 24,520 4,711 £ 41,095 3,412 £ 11,626 1,710 £ 34,050 5,062 £ 17,988 3,433 47,291 37,868 f 52,520 50,608 55,717 48,311 20,926 19,809 37,683 9,916 28,988 14,555

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Colliery Working Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1946

23

— Liverpool. Strongman. Dobson. Wallsend. Blackball. Stockton. D. Hill. Mangapehi. Tatu. Mossbank. Wilton. Wairaki. Dr. Stocks on hand, 1st April, 1945 Coal-winning — Royalty Wages Materials used Rail and bus fares Coal purchased Electric power Repairs and maintenance Coal-miners' Relief Fund Rescue Station levy Workers' compensation premium Cartage Road maintenance Gross profit: To Profit and Loss Account Cr. Sales Account: Sales of coal f.o.r. Stocks on hand at 31st March, 1946, at mine, wharf, and afloat, as per Stock Account Gross loss £ 2,512 155,570 20,047 963 7 2,791 4,798 252 247 8,667 £ 1,627 102 j952 23,067 3,453 32 3,005 3,942 212 205 6,051 £ 2,598 1,867 78,596 11,714 392 24 4,593 4,506 111 111 4,422 £ 2,328 1,920 63,253 9,819 317 3 5,139 6,080 97 105 3,673 £ 1,280 70,680 15,008 8 1 3,877 5,659 124 123 4,410 £ 3,796 1,469 66,978 13,981 1,598 230 8,158 121 183 6,523 '420 £ 966 39,267 8,534 865 *79 120 1,467 4,798 317 £ 32 58,351 7,182 626 1498 1,320 118 84 3,336 £ 107 45,656 8,787 2,285 1,607 58 2^693 £ 652 24,572 2,703 4 507 456 58 101 1,399 £ 2 1,455 77,513 8,997 993 7,243 177 130 4,655 £ 1,840 55,464 5,688 15 *245 695 137 234 3,239 195,854 144,546 16,122 108,934 7,620 92,734 10,043 101,170 6,971 103,457 5,029 56,413 3,780 72,247 63,477 8,824 30,452 2,047 101,165 10,748 67,557 13,357 195,854 160,668 116,554 102,777 108,141 108,486 60,193 72,247 72,301 32,499 111,913 80,914 £ 159,268 3,251 £ 158,529 2,139 £ 114,919 1,635 £ 102,190 587 £ 107,135 1,006 £ 107,599 887 £ 59,220 973 £ 68,141 7 £ 72,230 71 £ 32,499 £ 111,913 £ 80,914 162,519 33,335 160,668 116,554 102,777 108,141 108,486 60,193 68,148 4,099 72,301 32,499 111,913 80,914 195,854 160,668 116,554 102,777 108,141 108,486 60,193 72,247 72,301 32,499 111,913 80,914

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NEW ZEALAND STATE COAL-MINES— continued Colliery Profit and Loss Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1946

24

— Liverpool. Strongman. Dobson. Wallsend. Blackball. Stockton. D. Hill. Mangapehi. Tatu. Mossbank. Wilton. Wairaki. Dr. Losss on working Rents Insurance General expenses .. .. Travelling-expenses .. .. .. Printing and stationery .. .. Audit fees Advertising Salaries Depreciation Postages and telegrams Superannuation Fund subsidy Bad Debts Reserve Rates and grants in lieu of rates Commission £ 33,335 162 885 77 26 4 3,664 6,542 216 30 i52 £ *30 107 162 30 64 22 4 3,020 9,033 180 25 i52 £ i23 126 18 34 12 2 2,058 3,736 105 13 400 £ 14 108 168 14 30 10 2 1,891 5,876 84 11 400 £ i41 328 72 39 14 2 2,428 3,817 109 15 536 £ 133 121 39 81 13 2 939 3,310 282 13 "423 £ *25 77 30 44 8 1 589 1,619 167 10 464 £ 4,099 399 375 103 60 13 2 1,313 6,262 217 14 200 £ i69 248 295 31 7 1 1,030 5,406 186 8 10 441 £ 9 38 8 15 5 1 364 1,309 68 6 £ i75 * 202 112 88 19 3 1,632 6,403 308 22 443 3,321 £ 43 250 81 71 15 2 901 1,923 519 16 Net profits : Transferred to General Profit and Loss Account 45,093 12,829 3,293 6,627 1,170 8,608 | 1,435 7,501 942 5,356 1,283 3,034 746 13,057 7,832 3,039 1,823 239 12,728 3,821 9,699 45,093 16,122 7,797 10,043 8,443 6,639 3,780 13,057 10,871 2,062 12,728 13,520 Cr. Gross profit at mine Rents &c. £ 1 j 070 £ 16,122 £ 7,620 177 £ • 10,043 £ 6,971 1,472 £ 5,029 1,610 £ 3,780 £ 4J62 £ 8,824 2,047 £ 2,047 15 £ 10,748 290 £ 13,357 163 Net loss : Transferred to General Profit and Loss Account 1,070 44,023 16,122 7,797 ' 10,043 8,443 6,639 3,780 4,162 8,895 10,871 2,062 11,038 1,690 13,520 45,093 16,122 7,797 ' 10,043 8,443 6,639 3,780 13,057 10,871 2,062 12,728 13,520 MacDonald Colliery Profit and Loss Account for Year ended 31st March, 1946 Dr. Depreciation Net profit: Transferred to General Profit and Loss Account £ 932 4,358 Rents Royaltie Cr. s i £ 200 5,090 £5,290 £5,290

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Opencast Mines Sales Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1946

Working Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1946

25

— Glen AftOD. Kimihia No. 1. (« ) Kemp's. Kimihia 2 and 4. (6) Waitewhena. Stockton. Ohai. Wangaloa, (e) Dr. Railway haulage .. Wharfage Marine freight Working Account-: , Goal sales net f.o.r. Cr. Sales of coal f.o.r., c. and f., and f.o.b. Subsidy*.. £ 46 £ 4,235 £ 4,490 £ 19 £ 174 £ 27,518 4,208 52,237 £ 2,241 £ 46 20,167 4,235 30,300 4,490 40,301 19 12,442 174 37,824 83,963 146,450 2,241 48,823 8^809 20,213 34,535 44,791 12,461 37,998 230,413 51,064 8,809 £ 17,097 3,116 £ 28,969 5,566 £ 36,334 8,457 £ 10,963 1,498 £ 32,779 5,219 £ 204,323 26,090 £ 44,853 6,211 £ 6,876 1,933 20,213 34,535 44,791 12,461 37,998 230,413 51,064 8,809 Glen Afton. Kimihia No. 1. Kemp's. Kimihia 2 and 4. Waitewhena. Stockton. Ohai. Wangaloa. •Total subsidy Le3S amount recovered in respect of Saturdays and holidays and credited to working-expenses Subsidy as per Sales Account .. £ 4,882 1,766 £ 5,566 £ 11,230 2,773 £ 1,498 £ 5,516 297 £ 26,090 £ 6,211 £ 2,252 319 3,116 5,566 8,457 1,498 5,219 26,090 6,211 1,933

— G-len Afton. Kimihia No. 1. Kemp's. Kimihia 2 and 4. Waitewhena. Stockton. Ohai. Wangaloa. Dr. Stocks on hand, 1st April, 1945 Road access Stripping overburden Excavation and cartage Sundry coal-winning expenses Royalty Boring, &c. Coal-miners' Relief Fund Rescue Station levy Bus fares Gross profit: To Profit and Loss Account («•) From 23rd Jiu (b) Operations ceas (e) Prom 24th Oct £ 1,094 17,496 6,730 501 85 30 31 £ 414 j. 22,647^ 125 523 140 50 48 £ 879 33,533 21,103 82 945 805 80 73 £ 607 2,605 3,432 39 428 171 18 13 £ 2,631 14,739 19,280 640 "48 £ 1,775 857 j. 84,406 4,815 '247 374 2,697 £ 472 22,872^ 135 883 148 72 145 £ 154 4,045 5,258 44 83 "l8 25,967 23,947 6,353 57,500 7,313 5,129 37,338 486 95,171 53,584 24,727 24,096 9,602 25,967 30,300 57,500 12,442 37,824 148,755 48,823 9,602 le, 1945. sed 16th Ji ;ober, 1945. me, 1945.

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Opencast Mines—continued Working Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1946—continued

Profit and Loss Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1946

26

— Glen Afton. Kimihia No. 1. Kemp's. Kimihia 2 and 4. Waitewhena. Stockton. Ohai. Wangaloa. Cr. Sales Account: Sales of coal f.o.r. Stocks on hand, 31st March, 1946 £ 20,167 £ 30,300 £ 40,301 £ 12,442 £ 37,824 £ 146,450 2,305 £ 48,823 £ 8,809 Gross loss: To Profit and Loss Account 20,167 5,800 30,300 40,301 17,199 12,442 37,824 148,755 48,823 8,809 793 25,967 30,300 57,500 12,442 37,824 148,755 48,823 9,602

— Glen Afton. Kimihia No. 1. Kemp's. Kimihia 2 and 4. Waitewhena. Stockton. Ohai. Wangaloa. Dr. Loss on working .. Rents Insurance General expenses .. Printing and Stationery Audit fees Advertising Salaries Depreciation Postages and telegrams Superannuation Fund subsidyBad Debts Reserve Travelling - expenses Rates £ 5,800 32 "20 9 3 69 2,166 25 4 4 £ 45 34 15 5 1 121 1,077 42 6 ioo £ 17,199 54 24 8 1 189 6,219 67 9 11 £ 4 5 2 1 42 285 15 2 3 £ 24 34 14 5 1 284 108 50 6 23 £ "58 249 155 26 4 1,916 4,076 554 28 86 1,100 £ 14 2 50 22 8 1 613 10,245 63 8 1*0 £ 793 4 11 6 2 35 617 16 2 " 2 Net profit: Transferred to General Profit and Loss Account 8,132 1,446 4,907 23,781 359 4,770 549 8,252 45,332 11,036 13,060 1,488 8,132 6,353 23,781 5,129 549 53,584 24,096 1,488 Cr. Gross profit at mine Rents Net loss: Transferred to General Profit and Loss Account £ 8J32 £ 6,353 £ *30 23,751 £ 5,129 £ 486 63 £ 53,584 £ 24,096 £ 1*488 8,132 6,353 23,781 5,129 549 53,584 24,096 1,488

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Depot Trading Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1946

Depot Profit and Loss Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1946

27

♦Auckland. Wellington. Christchurch. Dr. £ £ £ Stocks on hand at 1st April, 1945 5,519 1,569 Purchase of coal 328,260 535,596 112,072 Purchase of wood, coke, &o. 13,262 2,877 Wharfage and freights 250 4,681 4 Haulage to depot 13,912 45,595 11,170 Wages : Discharging 349 Gross profit: To Profit and Loss Account 6,005 26 j 802 10,713 348,427 631,455 138,754 Cr. £ £ £ Sales of coal 348,427 610,630 131,540 Sales of coke, wood, &c. 18,612 4,627 Stocks on hand at 31st March, 1946 — Coal 606 1,699 Wood, coke, &c. 1,607 888 348,427 631,455 138,754

— Auckland. Wellington. Christehurch. Wanganui. Dr. £ £ £ £ Advertising 53 53 Wages : Yard 2,020 1,832 Salaries 801 3,559 2,014 Rents 217 688 135 Travelling-expenses 32 23 23 Repairs and maintenance 1,203 917 Postage and telegrams 262 148 165 Printing and Stationery 17 42 54 Insurance 3 8 15 Cartage 5,267 2,851 Sacks 760 347 General expenses 157 991 226 Audit fees 84 58 Superannuation Fund subsidy 5 18 Reserve for Bad Debts Rates 29 Depreciation 585. 580 Net profit: To General Profit and 4,516 11,337 1,425 24 Loss Account 6,005 26,802 10,713 48 Cr. £ £ £ £ Trading accounts : Gross profit .. 6,005 26,802 10,713 Rents 48 6,005 26,802 10,713 48 ♦From 1st June, 1945.

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General Profit And Loss Account JDr. Or. Net loss, 1945-46— £ £ Net profit, 1945-46— £ £ Liverpool Colliery .. ~ ~ .. 44,023 Strongman Colliery .. .. .. .. 3,293 Mangapehi Colliery .. .. .. .. 8,895* Dobson Colliery .. .. .. .. 1,170 Wilton Colliery .. .. .. 1,690 Wallsend Colliery .. .. .. .. 1,435 Glen Afton Opencast .. .. .. .. 8,132 Blackball Colliery .. .. .. .. 942 Kemp's Opencast .. .. .. .. 23,751 Tatu Colliery .. .. .. .. . . 3,039 Waitewhena Opencast .. .. .. .. 63 Stockton Colliery .. .. .. .. 1,283 Wangaloa Opencast .. .. .. 1,488 D. Hill Colliery .. .. .. .. 746 88,042 Mossbank Colliery .. .. .. . . 239 Interest on loans .. .. .. ~61,168 Wairaki Colliery .. .. .. 9,699 Less remission under section 3, Finance Act, 1943 (No. 3) 32,417 j McDonald Colliery .. .. .. .. 4,358 28,7511 Kimihia Opencast No. 2 and 4 .. .. .. 4,770 Balance: Net profit for year, carried down .. .. 1,409 j Kimihia Opencast No. 1 .. .. .. .. 4,907 Stockton Opencast .. .. .. .. 45,332 Ohai Opencast .. .. .. .. .. 13,060 Auckland Depot .. .. .. .. 4,516 Wellington Depot .. .. .. .. 11,337 Ckristchurch. Depot .. .. .. .. 1,425 Wanganui Depot .. .. .. .. 24 111,575 Net recoveries— Seddonville Colliery .. .. .. . . 34 Royalties .. .. .. .. .. 4,456 4,490 Net revenue from hire of plant, buildings, &c .. .. .. 2,137 £118,202 £118,202 Profit and Loss Appropriation Account Dr. £ Or. £ Loans Redemption Accounts .. .. .. .. 36,628 Net profit for year 1945-46 . . .. .. 1 409 ' Transfer from General Reserve .. .. .. .. 35,219 £36,628 £36,628

28

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Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1946 Liabilities £ Assets Loan capital: Securities at 4 per cent. .. .. .. 1,849,751 Collieries— £ £ Sundry creditors .. .. .. .. 331,292 Development and Property Accounts .. .. 486,733 Deposits on contracts .. .. .. .. .. 1,620 Machinery, plant, ropes, and rolling-stock .. 439,755 Debt Redemption Reserve: Applied for redemption of capital 36,628 Buildings at mines. . .. .. .. 126,043 Reserves— Cottages at mines .. .. .. .. 175,489 General Reserve .. .. .. .. .. 124,226 Plantations at mines .. .. .. 632 Accident Insurance Reserve .. .. *. .. 55,137 Shares .. .. .. .. .. 105 Bad Debts Reserve .. .. .. .. .. 1,672 Coal stocks (bins, wharf, and afloat) .. .. 10,557 Stores on hand .. .. .. .. 121,990 1,361,304 Less provisionally written off .. .. 1,859 Coal purchased (stocks) : Wharf and afloat .. .. 776 I Opencast mining : Works in progress .. .. .. 212,370 I Briquetting: Preliminary expenses .. .. .. 582 Prospecting on State coal reserve .. .. .. 25,316 Plant, equipment, &c., on hire . . .. 106,108 Less provisionally written off .. .. 15 Depots— 106,093 Property Accounts .. .. .. .. 12,966 Stocks and stores on hand .. .. .. 8,720 21,686 Less provisionally written off .. -. 3,481 Housing advances to workmen .. .. 61,810 Interest accrued and due .. .. .. 709 Miscellaneous advances .. .. .. .. 15,264 Sundry debtors .. .. .. .. 516,443 Less provisionally written off .. .. 771 ' 515,672 £2,400,326 Cash in Receiver-General's Deposit Account .. .. 1,620 ' ' Cash in Public Account .. .. .. 6,993 State Coal-mines Office, Imprests outstanding 38,843 Wellington 0 1. Cash in Loans Redemption Account .. .. .. 36,628 H. H. Gibson; J. O'Brien, £2,400,326 Accountant. Minister of Mines. — <■ > ■ ■ v

29

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I hereby certify that the attached Working and Profit and Loss Accounts of Depots and Mines, General Profit and Loss Account, and Balance-sheet have been duly examined and compared with the relative books and documents submitted for audit, and correctly state the position as disclosed thereby.— J. P. Rutherford, Controller and Auditor- General.

30

€—2 a

Statement of Property Accounts as at 31st March, 1946

Opencast Mines

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (670 copies, £7O)

By Authority: E. Y. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1946.

JPrice 9d.]

31

— Liverpool. James. Strongman. Blackball. Dobson. Wallsend. Mangapehi. Tatu. Development and. Property Account Electrical Plant Account Machinery, plant, ropes, and rolling-stock Buildings at mine -Cottages at mine Plantations at mine .. Coal (stock on hand at mine, wharf, and afloat) ; Shares Stores (stock on hand) .. £ 35,695 50,375 4,100 16,815 19 3,251 18,005 £ 15 516 123 £ 118,674 59j 589 33,840 2J39 21,688 £ 2,522 27 j 741 5,724 3,620 12*445 £ 23,694 37,365 11,666 1,910 1,635 13j 828 £ 22,400 5ijo02 11,753 1,827 *587 7,543 £ 8,202 27j 725 20,867 92,517 7 7,277 £ 52,030 47,182 8,075 39,559 71 8 j 159 128,260 654 235,930 53,059 90,098 95,112 156,595 155,076 MacDonald. Stockton. Wilton. Wairaki. Mossbank. D. Hill. Morleys' Total. Development and Property Account Electrical Plant Account Machinery, plant, ropes, and rolling-stock Buildings at mine ■Cottages at mine Plantations at mine .. Coal (stock on hand at mine, wharf, and afloat) Shares •Stores (stock on hand) .. £ 37,386 613 £ 109,450 73,507 19,160 6,294 "887 24*082 £ 39,827 36,165 4,177 6,528 3^883 £ 9,518 15,733 2,977 5,672 58 5,080 £ 6,168 7,449 1,983 89 47 £ 889 5,391 1,598 658 *973 £ 20,278 £ 486,733 15 439,740 126,043 175,489 632 10,557 105 121,990 37,999 233,380 90,580 39,038 15,736 9,509 20,278! 1,361,304

— Glen Afton. Kemp's. Kimihia. Waitewhena. Stockton. Ohai. Wangaloa.j Total. "Works in progress *6,033 20,942 *82,090 *51,483 18,713 *8,918 *24,191 212,370 * Includes balance of purchase-price to be written ofl ' against coal-winning.