MINES STATEMENT BY THE HON. A. McLAGAN, MINISTER OF MINES

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1947 Session I, C-02

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1947 NEW ZEALAND

MINES STATEMENT BY THE HON. A. McLAGAN, MINISTER OF MINES

Mr. Speaker,— I have the honour to present to Parliament the annual statement on the mining industry of the Dominion for the year ended 31st December, 1946.

MINERAL PRODUCTION The following statement shows the quantity and value of the production of metalliferous mines, quarries, and coal-mines during 1946 and 1945 : —-

Mineral. 1946. 1945. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Gold 119,271 oz. CM lO <N 128,364 oz. | . £ 1,353,207 Silver 224,341 oz. 59,707 244,544 oz. 36,752 Platinum 14 oz. 312 Arsenic 18 tons 316 17 tons 306 Asbestos 31 cwt. 31 Bentonite 154 tons 777 167 tons 800 Clays (other than for brickmaking) 9,425 tons 5,186 8,251 tons 5,408 Clays (for brickmaking)* 109,809 tons 26,179 Coal 2,793,870 tons 4,190,805 2,833,576 tons 4,250,364 Diatomaceous earth 348 tons 574 255 tons 446 Dolomite 3,893 tons 1,946 4,644 tons 2,322 Fuller's earth 75 tons 318 76 tons 273 Iron-ore 7,406 tons 16,422 6,067 tons 14,648 Magnesite 374 tons 262 111 tons 100 Manganese-ore 402 tons 1,686 Mica 882 lb. 882 Phosphate 11,047 tons 3,314 7,956 tons 2,188 Pumice 3,409 tons 12,347 2,183 tons 9,163 Quartzite 18 tons 33 39 tons 71 Serpentine 20,058 tons 3,966 13,933 tons 3,329 Silica sand 16,949 tons 38,921 20,009 tons 45,066 Stone, sand, &c. 2,701,462 tons 741,162 2,634,423 tons 710,448 Talc Tungsten-ore *27 tons 6,350 34 tons 10,360 Quicksilver 2,294 lb. 2,294 Totals .. .. | 6,373,107 1 6,448,458 * Not previously recorded.

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GOLD AND SILVER MINING During the year 343,612 oz. of bullion, valued at £1,322,231, were produced, a decrease in quantity of 29,296 oz. and a decrease in value of £67,728 as compared with the previous year. The gold content of the bullion is estimated at 119,271 oz., valued at £1,262,524, and the silver content 224,341 oz., valued at £59,707. The estimated gold production for the past twenty years has been as follows : Year. Oz. Year. Oz. 1927 .. .. 125,076 1937 .. .. 168,487 1928 .. .. 122,790 1938 .. .. 152,050 1929 .. .. 117,775 1939 .. .. 178,955 1930 .. .. 120,931 1940 .. .. 185,665 1931 .. .. 129,861 1941 .. .. 174,656 1932 .. .. 166,354 1942 .. .. 165,986 1933 .. .. 161,755 1943 .. .. 149,150 1934 .. .. 160,248 1944 .. .. 142,287 1935 .. .. 165,277 1945 .. .. 128,364 1936 .. .. 164,575 1946 .. .. 119,271 There was a further decline in the production of gold in 1946, and the output shows a decrease of 9,093 oz. compared with the previous year, and is the lowest production since 1929. Production from quartz-mines (36,352 oz.) shows a decrease of 6,452 oz., from dredges (79,228 oz.), a decrease of 2,858 oz., and from alluvial mines (3,691 oz.), an increase of 217 oz., compared with the previous year. Dredging now accounts for two-thirds of the total production, and this is accounted for not only by the increase in dredging activities of late years, but also by the continued and persistent decline of both quartz and alluvial mining. Alluvial mining, which in 1934 accounted for a production of 43,541 oz., has continually declined, until a figure of 3,474 oz. was recorded in 1945. True, there was a slight increase during 1946 mainly due to resumption of activities on small claims in Otago which had been suspended during the war years, but it is difficult to foresee any marked and continuing increase in alluvial production, seeing that close on a century's activities have wellnigh exhausted deposits amenable to this method of mining. There has also been a persistent decline in production from quartz-mines. In 1932, 121,480 oz. were produced by quartz-mines, but production has continually declined, until in 1946 only 36,352 oz. of gold were obtained from this branch of mining. Production is now entirely dependent upon the activities of two mines, the Martha and the Blackwater, and both have been experiencing disabilities in rising costs and the shortage of skilled labour. The remission of a further lis. lOd. New Zealand currency from the gold export duty must have offset in part rising costs, but the labour problem, particularly in the case of the Blackwater Mine, still remains acute. There has been no activity either in the prospecting and development of new mines or in resumption of activities of mines dormant during the war years, and while it is expected that with the solution of labour difficulties some increase in production is possible, the future of this branch of the industry cannot be regarded as bright from a long-range viewpoint. Sixteen dredges were in operation during 1946, thirteen on the west coast of the South Island and three in Otago and Southland. During the year the Gillespies Beach dredge on the west coast suspended operations, while the Blackball Creek dredge ceased activities early in the present year.

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The construction of dredges, which had to be suspended during the war years, still remains in abeyance owing to the changed conditions brought about by the war, in particular the cost of erecting and equipping a dredge, which has increased enormously from the pre-war figure. The future of the gold-mining industry now depends mainly on large-scale dredges capable of handling heavy and relatively deep low-grade ground. It is of interest that seven dredges of this type—five on the west coast and two in Otago—were responsible for the production of 64,020 oz., considerably more than half of the total gold production for the year. There was again no prospecting activity in the search for new dredging areas, but some resumption of this type of prospecting is to be expected in the ensuing years in such areas as have no potential agricultural or pastoral value. During 1946, 224,341 oz. of silver, valued at £59,707, were produced, as compared with 244,544 oz., valued at £36,752, during 1945. While there was a decrease in quantity, the value increased appreciably owing to the increase in the price of silver during the year. Practically the whole silver output of New Zealand is produced from the Martha Mine, and the increased price of silver has been of considerable value to this company in their gold-mining activities.

The following table shows the production of the principal quartz-mines, dredges, and alluvial mines for the year ended 31st December, 1946. These producers contributed, in the aggregate, 99 per cent, of the total production of gold and silver in the Dominion :

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— Ore, in Tons. Development, in Feet. Men | employed. Gold (Ounces), Silver (Ounces). £(N.Z.). Martha Black water 107,845 21,548 Quartz-minet 1 5,285 1 1,711-5 1 > 481 131 28,533 7,426 8,131 13,084 8,276 10,360 6,556 8,470 3,969 3,002 2,775 2,513 1,260 1,108 363 34 185 9,143 480 210 26 576 226 222,264 218 467 102 513 320 306 364,928 79,408 87,114 140,214 87,258 111,600 68,218 90,765 40,081 30,578 28,293 25,260 12,150 10,824 3,442 521 1,876 97,974 4,728 2,158 276 5,145 2,428 -— Yardage. Acreage. Average Depth, in Feet. Men employed. Grey River Kanieri Ngahere Austral N.Z. Clutha Rimu Snowy River Marsden Atarau Redjacks Blackball Creek Slab Hut Callaghans Gillespies Rainbow .. Arahura Round Hill .. Addison's Flat Moonlight .. Golden Sands Waitahu Totals 4,572,202 2,676,046 2,343,596 3,407,000 2,114,000 1,910,522 1,152,000 1,550,517 1,348,103 1,110,130 700,000 112,231 3,437 j 000 Dret 89-323 38-32 15-251 49-50 19-00 27-08 37-00 47-50 56-00 39-00 28-23 Alluvial iges 31-7 42-8 95-2 49-00 68-20 43-7 19-25 29-75 19-75 21-00 37-50 16-00 75-4 ' Mines 30 43 27 47 28 39 13 16 16 16 12 10 13 2 2 44 116,706 224,190 1,295,239

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PETROLEUM OIL There has been no resumption of the search for petroleum in New Zealand since prospecting ceased early in 1944, and all of the petroleum-prospecting licences taken out have now either lapsed or been abandoned. There is now only one licence under the Petroleum Act current —-namely, the petroleum mining licence that-has been held by Moturoa Oil Fields, Ltd. From this company's wells at Moturoa 81,625 gallons of crude petroleum oil was obtained during 1946, bringing the Dominion's total production of crude petroleum oil at 31st December, 1946, to 3,584,407 gallons. Production from the Moturoa field has been declining of recent years, and the output for 1946 shows a reduction of some 10,000 gallons from the figure for 1945. The assets both of Moturoa Oil Fields, Ltd., and of New Zealand Oil Refineries, Ltd., which had refined the crude oil from the Moturoa wells, have recently been transferred, and it is understood that the new owner intends both to recondition the old wells to augment the flow of petroleum and to drill one or more additional wells, and thus endeavour to increase production so that refining operations can be maintained at an economic scale. COAL-MINING The total coal production of the Dominion for the year 1946 amounted to 2,793,870 tons which is 39,706 tons less than production in 1945 which amounted to 2,833,576. The annual production of coal since 1930 has been as follows : Year. Tons. I Year. Tons. 1930 .. .. 2,542,092 S 1939 .. .. 2,342,639 1931 .. .. 2,157,756 i 1940 .. .. 2,516,099 1932 .. .. 1,842,022 1941 .. .. 2,639,507 1933 .. .. 1,821,258 | 1942 .. .. 2,680,041 1934 .. .. 2,060,315 1 1943 .. .. 2,787,868 1935.. .. 2,115,184 1944.. .. 2,805,970 1936 .. .. 2,140,217 ! 1945 .. .. 2,833,576 .1937 .. .. 2,277,799 1 1946 .. .. 2,793,870 1938 .. .. 2,222,088 I Although production for 1946 shows a slight decrease from the output recorded in 1944 and 1945, it still shows the substantial increase of 451,231 tons over the output attained in 1939, the first year of the war. During 1946, 165 mines in all were in operation, and of these, 58 mines operated wholly or principally on freehold land and the remaining 107 wholly or predominantly on Crown land. Output from freehold land was 1,062,361 tons (38 per cent.) and output from Crown land 1,731,509 tons (62 per cent.). In 1946, 27,185 tons of coal were imported as against no importations in 1945 and 1944, and 37,454 tons imported in 1943. Of the coal imported during 1946 all was obtained from Wyoming, in the United States of America, with the exception of one shipment of some 3,500 tons obtained from Vancouver Island, Canada. Imports from America have been continued during the current year, and till the end of May an additional 36,500 tons have been received, with two additional shipments in transit and one in process of loading. As negotiations are proceeding for further shipments later in the year import figures for the year 1947 should show a substantial increase and approach the pre-war import figure of approximately 100,000 tons per year. The coal imported is bituminous in type, and, while inferior to that previously obtained from New South Wales, it has proved suitable for use on the railways, and has accordingly been of assistance in ekeing out our bituminous-coal supplies and allowing diversion to other uses.

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Exports of coal in 1946 amounted to 27,366 tons, as compared with 21,989 tons in 1945. In 1946, 2,265,170 tons were produced from underground mines,, compared with 2,380,896 tons in 1945, and from opencast mines 528,700 tons were produced in 1946, as against 452,680 in 1945. The output per miner employed underground was 593 tons, a decrease of 13 tons as compared with 1945. The production per man on the pay-roll of underground mines—i.e., both underground and surface workers —was 441 tons, a decrease of 12 tons on the previous year. Production per man employed in opencast mines was 1,244 tons, a decrease of 119 tons as compared with 1945. The over-all production per man employed in the industry —i.e., combined underground and opencast mines—amounted to 503 tons, a decrease of 4 tons as compared with 1944.

Comparative figures for the years from 1930 onward are given in the tabulation below :

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Year. Output. Men employed Tons per Man Men employed Tons per Man Underground. Underground. 1 on Surface. on Pay-roll. Underground Mines 1930 2,530,661 4,430 571 1,409 433 1931 2,143,023 4,331 495 1,375 376 1932 1,826,110 3,379 540 1,214 3§"8 1933 1,797,869 3,194 563 1,134 415 1934 2,042,228 3,249 629 1,172 462 1935 2,098,904 3,104 676 1,083 501 1936 2,108,238 3,154 668 1,040 503 1937 2,238,651 3,288 681 1,074 513 1938 2,180,122 3,368 647 1,142 483 1939 2,296,007 3,542 648 1,164 488 1940 2,465,336 3,769 654, 1,241 492 1941 2,585,324 3,633 712 1,325 521 1942 2,624,267 3,659 717 1,291 530 1943 2,725,831 3,999 682 1,329 512 1944 2,609,516 3,958 659 1,395 489 1945 2,380,896 3,932 606 1,328 453 1946 2,265,170 3,819 593 1.313 441 Year. 1 Output. Men employed. Tons per Man employed. Opencast Mines 1930 .. 11,431 28 520 1931 14,733 39 378 1932 .. 15,912 43 370 1933 .. 23,389 58 403 1934 .. 18,087 57 317 1935 .. 16,280 44 370 1936 .. 31,979 63 508 1937 . . 39,148 55 712 1938 41,966 53 792 1939 .. 46,632 56 833 1940 .. 50,763 ' 36 1,410 1941 54,183 33 1,642 1942 .. 55,774 47 1,187 1943 .. 62,037 46 1,349 1944 .. 196,454 242 812 1945 .. 452,680 332 1,363 1946 .. 528,700 425 1,244

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It will be noted that there has been, a decline of late years in the production from underground mines and that over-all production has only been maintained by the increase in production from opencast mines. This is also reflected in the progressive, decline in the output per man figures for underground mines both in the output per man underground and in the output per man on pay-roll. This is due in great part to the difficulty in recruiting young able-bodied men to the industry, the more difficult mining conditions in some mines, and the increased proportion of workers underground who are not engaged in actual coal-hewing. Despite the comparatively high wages earned, the better conditions obtaining, and the provision of social amenities, the industry is not as attractive as other occupations, while it has also to carry an increased proportion of men who have been injured in the industry and are not physically capable of full effort. Under these circumstances it has been difficult to make up the inevitable wastage of hewers by skilled men, and their number, in consequence, has declined. Increase of men employed at the coal-mines cannot be obtained without an increase in the provision of housing in coal-mining centres, which is retarded by the difficulties general to the whole housing position of the country. The provision of hostels for single men in four centres now being undertaken by the National Employment Department should help to relieve the situation, while it is hoped that some skilled men may be recruited from Great Britain under the Government's immigration policy. The most serious aspect of the coal-production position has been the decline in the production of the higher-grade bituminous coals. Since 1941, when a record production of 1,179,581 tons was achieved, there has been a gradual decline, until 1946, when 958,270 tons were produced. New Zealand's resources of bituminous coal are not unlimited, and after many years of exploitation the more accessible and easily-worked deposits are approaching exhaustion, while, owing to the lenticular nature of the deposits, extensive boring is necessary before development of new mines can be undertaken with confidence. It was inevitable during the war years with shortage of man-power that essential development work had to be sacrificed to the exigenciesof the times, and there is accordingly considerable leeway to be made up.

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Year. Output. Men employed. Tons per Man employed. All Mines 1930 2,542,092 5,867 433 1931 2,157,756 5,745 376 1932 1,842,022 4,636 397 1933 1,821.258 4,386 415 1934 2,060,315 4,478 460 1935 2,115,184 4,231 500 1936 2,140,217 4,257 503 1937 2,277,799 4,417 516 1938 .. 2,222,088 4,563 487 1939 2,342,639 4,762 492 1940 2,516,099 5,046 499 1941 2,639,507 4,991 529 1942 2,680,041 4,997 536 1943 2,787,868 5,374 519 1944 2,805,970 - 5,595 502 1945 2,833,576 5,592 507 1946 2,793,870 5,557 503

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It has been disappointing that no production can be recorded from the Garvey Creek area, near Reefton, where the Mines Department have proved up a new and promising deposit of good-grade bituminous coal. Owing to the abnormally wet spring and early summer and the difficult country it was not possible to complete the access road till the end of the year, and the erection of mine buildings and screens could not be undertaken till the road was completed. However, construction work has now been completed and production commenced on a small scale, which it is hoped to expand rso that a real contribution can be made to our bituminous-coal supplies. As the result of an intensive drilling programme in the vicinity of the Liverpool Mine, at Rewanui, it has been proved that some 1,500,000 tons of recoverable coal are •contained in four seams, and plans are now being prepared to open up this area so that it can replace Liverpool when that mine becomes exhausted. As the Westport Coal Co. has been opening up a new colliery on Cook's Lease and increased production can be expected from Stockton opencast when the aerial ropeway is installed, it will be seen that ample provision is being made from the longe-range viewpoint, though the short-range viewpoint presents greater difficulties. It is generally difficult to increase output materially without considerable preparatory development work, and under New Zealand conditions, where access is difficult and the vagaries of the coal-deposits are notorious, it is impossible. The recent acquisition by the State of the mines of the Westport Coal Co. practically vests control of all the bituminous-coal deposits of New Zealand with the.State, and henceforth coalfields can be developed as a unit and the resources of bituminous coal conserved to the utmost. The opening-up of sub-bituminous coal deposits in order to provide replacements for mines approaching exhaustion is also receiving attention, and a drilling programme .at the Morley Block, in the Ohai Coalfield, was completed during the year which justifies the opening-up of a large-scale colliery capable of producing 1,000 tons of coal per day. With the purchase by the State of the adjoining Star Mine, the way is cleared to lay out the new colliery to the best advantage, and to this purpose drilling has been commenced upon the Star area, and a commencement of development work only awaits the completion of the drilling programme. At the present time the Kaitangata Co. is drilling an area adjoining its mine, one borehole having already proved the existence of a coal-seam comparable to that at present being worked, while the Mines Department has just commenced drilling operations .at Wangaloa to determine the existence or otherwise of coal-seams in the underlying Kaitangata series. In addition, the Mines Department is boring an area adjacent to the Wilton State Coal-mine in order to prove additional reserves of coal to provide for ■continuity of operations at that mine. Generally, while it is appreciated that the development of hydro-electric schemes and the use of alternative fuels such as oil for railway locomotives may lessen somewhat the demand for coal, every precaution is being taken to maintain coal production at a level in keeping with the needs of the country. Opencast Mining Opencast mining continues to be responsible for an increasing proportion of the total coal production, and in 1946, 528,700 tons of coal were produced by this method of mining, almost 20 per cent, of the total, and thus comparable with the proportion achieved by this form of mining in America, where it has been most fully developed. The recent development of opencast mining did not commence till October, 1943, with the opening-up of the Glen Afton opencast mine, but since that date until the end of April, 1947, the aggregate production of these opencast mines which had not operations in October, 1943, amounted to 1,059,223 tons.

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Seven State-operated opencast mines contributed 331,477 tons to the 1946 total, almost two-thirds of the total. Of these mines, Stockton, with a production of 141,804 tons, continues to be the most important both in respect of tonnage and, seeing that it is bituminous coal, in the quality of the coal produced. Detailed topographical and geological surveys of this area have been proceeding for some time, and, subject to confirmation by drilling that has recently been commenced, it is proposed to install a high-capacity aerial ropeway and so eliminate the present transport bottleneck and allow of increased production. Generally, a long life cannot be expected for opencast mines, and during this year operations have terminated at Glen Afton opencast mine where some 54,000 tons have been produced, and at Ohai opencast, where some 95,000 tons have been produced. As a replacement for the Ohai opencast, operations' have been commenced on an area acquired from the purchase of the assets of the Black Diamond Co., and consideration is now being given to a replacement for the Glen Afton opencast mine in the Huntly district. Investigations are continuing of other areaswhere opencast mining may be possible, and as the result of a boring programme at Wangaloa it has been proved that areas adjacent to the Wangaloa opencast mine are capable of supplying a considerable tonnage of coal by opencast methods, and at the present time an area in the Blackball district is being investigated by shallow drilling. At Kimihia, drilling from a barge on the lake has demonstrated that operations may be considerably extended. With experience now gained from actual mining operations it has been possible to produce a much cleaner product from mining operations, and the provision of screening-plants has allowed of coal being delivered to the market in much more acceptable form than that previously obtainable. Due consideration is being given to the restoration of the surface at abandoned opencast mines, and, in particular, it is proposed to plant trees at the site of the Glen Afton opencast mine. MINING PRACTICE Labour shortages have been responsible for urging consideration of increased mechanization of our coal-mines, and, while New Zealand coal deposits are generally not suitable for mechanization to the same degree as those overseas, the necessity exists to mechanize as many operations as the conditions-permit. From experience obtained during a visit to mechanized mines in Australia, officers of the Mines Department have prepared plans which have allowed of the ordering of equipment to partially mechanize a section of the Wilton State Coal-mine. Use will be made of coal-cutters, electrical drills, and scraper loaders, and operations should not only permit of an increased tonnage being available from this mine, but allow of experimental work leading to mechanization of additional mines. In view of increasing mechanization of mines, the question of the use of electrical power underground in coal-mines has been examined in some detail recently by a conference of officers of the inspectorate staff and of the State Coal-mines. In conjunction with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Mines Department took advantage of the visit to Australia of Professor Jones, a British authority on coal-dust problems, and arranged with him to extend his visit to New Zealand and confer with officers of the Departments concerned. While pneumoconiosis has, fortunately, so far not been contracted by miners in New Zealand coalmines, increasing mechanization will increase the generation of coal-dust, and much valuable information as to the control of coal-dust has been obtained as a result of Professor Jones's visit. Along with increased mechanization, consideration is now being given to the introduction of hydraulic stowage practice into New Zealand coal-mines, thereby increasing the percentage of extractable coal and conserving limited resources.

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Availability of suitable stowing material is a main prerequisite to the introduction of this practice, and at the Mangapehi State Coal-mine pumice deposits, which are very suitable, occur close to the mine. Early this year a visit to this mine was arranged of an Australian authority on hydraulic stowage, Mr. Arnold Black, underground manager of the Broken Hill South Mine. Mr. Black has reported that the pumice material available is ideal in his opinion for hydraulic stowage, and that there should be no difficulty in introducing this practice at the mine in question. Accordingly, experiments with this form of mining are to be made at the Mangapehi Mine. INVESTIGATION OF COAL RESOURCES OF NEW ZEALAND The investigation of coal resources was continued during the year by—(1) The Coal Survey, whose activities were mainly geological and chemical. (2) An organization set up by the Mines Department to follow up the Coal Survey with detailed topographical surveys and shallow prospecting by means of cuts, pits, and hand-drilling. (3) The drilling section of the Mines Department carrying out investigations by deep-core drilling, all of these organizations working in close co-operation. While much useful information was obtained as a result of these activities it has not Tbeen sufficient in any case to modify the estimates of the coal resources of New Zealand as set out in last year's Mines Statement. Particulars of the operations of the Coal Survey are set out elsewhere in this Statement. The most interesting feature was the preliminary survey of the Pike River area in the Grey coalfield," where there are promising indications that a field containing good-grade bituminous coal in some quantity exists. Although access to the field is at present difficult, the problem is not insuperable, and the evidence already obtained warrants a thorough investigation of this field. The efforts of the Mines Department survey organization were in great part -concentrated upon prospecting, surveying, and mapping the coal-bearing areas on the Stockton-Denniston Plateau, adjacent to the Stockton State mine. Approximately 5,000 acres have been prospected and part surveyed, and of this total, 500 acres have been completed and the final report prepared. Estimates of the coal resources and preparation of the final structural contour maps of other sections await the completion of a drilling programme, which has been recently commenced. Prospecting in the Garvey Creek area comprised the completion of trenching the lower (main) seam, and tracing and trenching this seam south. The country is rough, heavily wooded, and difficult of access. The coal-seams are seldom exposed, and in places the outcrops are heavily masked with slip debris. Consequently, prospecting and the subsequent trenching is slow and irksome. Recent prospecting indicates an extensive coal-bearing block south of the areas previously prospected. At Iron Creek Blackball an area of shallow coal north from the northern limits of the old Blackball mine workings was prospected and trenched, but, owing to broken ground, prospecting operations failed to locate any appreciable area of good-quality coal. Shallow drilling has now been commenced upon this area. The Elliotvale Block, situated at the northern end of the Kaitangata Survey District, has been systematically prospected by trenching and shallow drilling, but prospecting work did not prove the existence of an area of workable coal sufficiently large to warrant provision of suitable .access and development. At Wangaloa drilling in Johnston Creek in the vicinity of the opencast mine has determined the limits of the area suitable for opencast mining, while scout drilling at Pivot Creek has proved the existence of an area of 15 acres, containing a coal-seam up to 20 ft. in thickness, suitable for opencast mining.

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The following table shows the output of coal from the various coalfields and the comparative increases and decreases for the years 1946 and 1945, together with the approximate total production to date :

The outputs of the various classes of coal mined in each inspection district WATA *

Output for 1946

Table showing the Increase or Decrease in the Annual Production of Coal and the Quantity of Coal imported

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Coalfield. Output. Increase. Decrease. Approximate Total Output up to 31st December, 1946. 1946. 1945. North Auckland Waikato (including Taranaki) Nelson Buller Reefton Grey Canterbury Otago Southland Tons. 77,773 902,876 6,891 535,174 128,574 486,517 34,037 209,647 412,381 Tons. 89,525 957,419 7,805 540,782 122,622 497,982 37,007 200,330 380,104 Tons. 5,952 9 317 32,277 Tons. 11,752 54,543 914 5,608 11,465 2,970 Tons. 6,541,952 23,903,591 758,414 29,497,64a 1,820,692 22,020,693 1,373,231 15,337,421 10,623,36a Totals 2,793,870 2,833,576 47,546 87,252 111,877,000

Class of Coal. Northern District (North Island). West Coast District (South Island). Southern District (South Island). Total. Total Output to 31st December, 1946. Anthracite Bituminous Sub-bituminous Lignite Totals for 1946 Totals for 1945 Tons. 980,649 Tons. 955,998 154,606 46,552 Tons. 2,272 220,028 Tons. 2,272 955,998 1,569,020 266,580 Tons. 15,326 60,453,109 44,606,802 6,801,76a 980,649 1,157,156 656,065 2,793,870 111,877,000 1,046,944 1,169,191 617,441 2,833,576 109,083,130

Year. Coal produced. Coal imported. Tons. Yearly Increase or Decrease. Tons. Increase over Preceding Year. Decrease below Preceding Year. Prior to 1930 71,298,699 12,734,199 1930 2,542,092 Inc. 6,288 157,943 57 j 713 1931 2,157,756 Dec. 384,336 179,060 21*117 1932 1,842,022 Dec. 315,734 103,531 75,529 1933 1,821,258 Dec. 20,764 99,272 4,259 1934 2,060,315 Inc. 239,057 100,715 M43 1935 2,115,184 Inc. 54,869 97,398 3*317 1936 2,140,217 Inc. 25,033 111,078 13,680 1937 2,277,799 Inc. 137,582 116,499 5,421 1938 2,222,088 Dec. 55,711 109,206 7,293 JL939 2,342,639 Inc. 120,551 111,537 2,331 1940 2,516,099 Inc. 173,460 64,860 46,677 1941 2,639,507 Inc. 123,408 78,171 13,311 1942 2,680-, 041 Inc. 40,534 90,865 12,694 1943 2,787,868 Inc. 107,827 37,454 53,411 1944 2,805,970 Inc. 18,102 37,454 1945 2,833,576 Inc. 27,606 1946 2,793,870 Dec. 39,706 27,185 27,185

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Table showing the Quantity op Coal exported annually prom New Zealand from 1930 to 1946 Year. Tons. Year. Tons. 1930 .. .. 126,118 1939 .. .. 43,990 1931 .. .. 48,334 1940 .. .. 81,287 1932 .. .. 35,866 1941 .. .. 58,179 1933 .. .. 34,131 1942 .. .. 54,700 1934 .. .. 40,361 1943 .. .. 42,522 1935 .. .. 46,146 1944 .. .. 37,688 1936 .. .. 44,872 1945 .. .. 21,989 1937 .. .. 113,116 1946 .. .. 27,366 1938 .. .. 55,711 SUBSIDY ON COAL PRODUCTION Payments for the financial year ended on 31st March, 1947, were — £ District tonnage subsidies .. .. .. .. 794,774 Subsidy on Saturday work .. .. .. .. 69,180 Subsidy on work on statutory holidays .. .. 101,521 Subsidy on shift bonuses .. .. .. .. 54,801 Subsidy on increased cost of tools .. .. .. 9,370 Special subsidies on uneconomic mines operated by the State .. .. .. .. .. .. 161,802 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. 127,147 Total .. .. .. .. .. 1,318,595 State coal-mines received £664,471 of the total, and the balance, paid to privatelyowned mines, was £654,124. In addition, privately-owned mines in the Waikato district received £135,950 in respect of guaranteed profits. The total amount of subsidies paid from the inception in May, 1940, to the 31st March, 1947, is £4,408,543. STATE COAL-MINES The comments on the operations of the State coal-mines which have appeared in previous statements have been transferred this year to the introductory section of the annual report on the State coal-mines (&-2a). CO-OPERATIVE MINING, STATE COAL RESERVE During the year 1946 fifteen co-operative coal-mining parties were operating on areas within the State Coal Reserve, Greymouth. The production for the year was 88,709 tons, and the number of men employed was 129. In 1945 sixteen parties produced 81,373 tons. Co-operative parties have produced to date 2,077,217 tons of coal and have paid royalties to the Crown amounting in the aggregate to £100,123. WAIKATO COAL-MINES CONTROL During the year there was a continuance of control by the Waikato Coal-mines Control Board, established under the provisions of the Waikato Coal-mines Control Emergency Regulations 1942, of the mines owned by den Afton Collieries, Ltd., Pukemiro Collieries, Ltd., Renown Collieries, Ltd., and Taupiri Coal-mines, Ltd.

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Amongst other provisions, the regulations provide for the guaranteeing by the State of the profits of the companies based on the average figure of three years prior to control and full settlement has been made of all claims lodged to date. Since the profits of the companies are guaranteed, the full district rate of subsidy has not been paid, for such a procedure would simply have involved reduced payments under one item in Stabilization Account and increased payments under another. The total amount paid in respect of claims under the Control Regulations to the end of the respective financial year ending in 1946 of each company has been £378,848. No prolonged stoppages occurred at the controlled mines during 1946, but a shortage of truckers at Renown and of hewers and truckers at Taupiri is reflected in the reduced outputs from these collieries.

The following table shows the production from the Waikato controlled collieries over a period of seventeen years :

The peak year of 741,856 tons occurred in the first complete year of control, but production has since receded. CARBONIZING AND BRIQUETTING The production of the low-temperature coal carbonizing and briquetting plant of Waikato Carbonization, Ltd., at Rotowaro during 1946 was — Raw coal carbonized .. .. .. .. 24,920 tons. Carbonized coal produced .. .. .. .. 12,211 tons. Average percentage of carbonized to raw coal.. .. 49 per cent, Carbonettes manufactured .. .. .. .. 12,575 tons. Tar and oil treated .. .. .. .. 213,885 gallons. Pitch produced .. .. .. .. .. 166 tons. Creosote produced .. .. .. .. .. 164,082 gallons. Char sold for producer gas-plants .. .. .. 126 tons. Char sold for other purposes .. .. .. 348 tons. During the year Smokeless Fuel and Briquettes (Canterbury), Ltd., produced 33,675 gallons of tar and 400 tons of briquettes.

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Calendar Year. Glen Afton. Pukemiro. | Taupiri. Renown. 1 Total. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. 1930 177,244 127,205 143,163 88,790 536,402 1931 277,107 110,069 130,754 82,749 600,679 1932 164,824 65,904 I 90,415 52,762 373,905 1933 122,251 69,370 94,858 109,129 395,608 1934 197,316 120,388 171,330 105,847 594,881 1935 234,522 119,600 156,698 113,591 624,411 1936 235,782 117,940 155,785 106,466 615,973 1937 223,301 112,036 158,288 114,893 608,519 1938 218,951 102,751 160,463 107,202 589,367 1939 211,768 110,987 , 176,020 121,164 619,939 1940 208,684 127,849 I 184,995 144,646 | 666,174 1941 222,333 134,242 203,298 128,297 688,172 1942 224,489 125,989 207,738 131,637 689,853 1943 241,709 138,530 219,643 141,974 741,856 1944 204,387 128,970 212,370 147,619 693,346 1945 189,707 116,696 195,205 130,037 631,645 1946 1 194,924 122,271 1 165,859 110,713 593,767

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MINERALS OTHER THAN GOLD There has been a further decline in the production of minerals in which interest had been stimulated by wartime needs. Production of both mercury and mica ceased early in 1945, while the export figures for scheelite concentrates are a mere fraction of those achieved during war years. The world shortage of base metals and the high prices for the metals and the ores of those metals resulting from this have created some interest in prospecting for the ores of copper, lead, and zinc, which, though of widespread occurrence in New Zealand, have not as yet been found in deposits of economic value. It is of interest in this connection that a shipment of copper-ore, the first for many years, has recently been made to Australia. Production of the less spectacular minerals such as clays and limestones continues to increase, and the production of agricultural limestone for 1946 was a record and approached closely to the million tons mark. Scheelite. —Mining operations for scheelite were continued by various small working parties in the Glenorchy district, but on a much reduced scale. During 1946 the equivalent of 27 tons of concentrates assaying 65 per cent. W0 3 was produced and shipped, as against 34 tons in 1945 and 145 tons in 1944, the peak year of wartime production. The collapse in the price of scheelite that followed the 1914-18 war has not been repeated, and the Glenorchy producers were able to enter into a contract with an English firm of ore-buyers for disposal of their concentrates at an acceptable price. Since completion of this arrangement there has been a marked and continued rise in the price of scheelite concentrates overseas, and the future market for scheeliteores, with expanding uses of tungsten, seems assured. Producers in the Glenorchy district, in common with other sections of the mining industry, have had difficulty in securing suitable labour, and the recent drought has hampered operations. Mercury. —There was no production of mercury during the year, and the property and plant of Mercury Mines, Ltd., has continued on a care-and-maintenance basis. The price of mercury has slumped to a fraction of the price obtained during the war owing to resumption of the marketing of mercury by the international mercury cartel from rich and extensive deposits in Spain and Italy. The present price-level precludes all possibility of production in New Zealand at a profit. Manganese.—A shipment of 402 tons of manganese ore was made by the tributor of Mirandite Products, Ltd.'s, mine at Clevedon to Australia, which realized £1,686. Work was continued at the mine, and it is expected that another shipment will be made during 1947. Copper.—After experiencing considerable difficulty in securing shipping space it was at last found possible to make a shipment of 580 tons of copper-ore to the smelter at Port Kembla, in Australia, from the copper-ore occurrence recently opened up at Pakotai, near Whangarei, in North Auckland. The ore proved to contain approximately 13 per cent, of copper, 3 dwt. of gold, and 33 dwt. of silver per ton. However, before the real worth of the deposit can be'assessed considerable prospecting work is required, and it is expected this will be undertaken at an early date. Iron-ore.—From the deposits in North Auckland and at Onekaka 7,406 tons of ironore were obtained for use in gas-purification, the manufacture of stock licks, and in the cement industry, the greater part of this production coming from the North Auckland occurrences. Uranium. —Investigations into the occurrence of uranium-ores in New Zealand were continued by officers of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and during the year one of these officers was sent to Australia to investigate the metjhods

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used there in concentrating uranium-ores. So far New Zealand's sources of uraniumores have proved to be exceedingly low grade, and their economic worth is difficult to assess. Mica.—There has been no activity in mica-mining during the year as it is impossible to produce mica in New Zealand in competition with countries overseas, where cheap, coloured labour can be used for hand-dressin'g, for which there is so far no alternative process. Asbestos.—The mine and plant of the Hume Pipe Co. in the Upper Takaka district continued on a care-and-maintenance basis, and there was no production of asbestos. Bentonite. —During the year 154 tons of bentonite, of a value of £777, were produced from deposits at Porangahau, as against 167 tons, valued at £BOO in 1945. Field-work by officers of the Geological Survey has shown that bentonitic material is of widespread occurrence in Marlborough and North Canterbury, and it is possible that a deposit of economic value may eventually be located. Phosphate.—During the year 11,047 tons of low-grade phosphatic sandstone were obtained from the Clarendon deposits, bringing the production from this new deposit since commencement of operations in 1943 to a total of 40,685 tons. Serpentine.—The demand for serpentine in the production of fertilizer has continued, and 20,058 tons were produced, as against 13,933 tons in 1945. Approximately half of this year's production came from deposits in North Auckland and half from an occurrence near Te Kuiti, at which mining operations were commenced during 1946. The total production of serpentine till the end* of 1946 now amounts to 172,456 tons, valued at £101,123. Limestone.-—Production of limestone for agricultural use amounted to 929,794 tons, a record, and a substantial increase on the 812,635 tons produced for this use in 1945. In the last ten years the production of limestone for agricultural use has trebled, and it is apparent that demand for this material will Still further increase. Dolomite. —During the year 3,893 tons of dolomite were obtained from the Mount Burnett deposits, near Collingwood, as against 4,644 tons in 1945. Production would have been greater had it not been for difficulties in obtaining shipping space. In all, 26,303 tons have now been obtained from this deposit. Clays.—During 1946, 109,809 tons of clay were produced for use in the making of bricks, tiles, and pipes, and 9,425 for other uses, such as in pottery and in. the manufacture of refractories. It is expected that the production of clays of all classes will increase and that greater attention will be paid to processing so that clays of uniform grade will be available to industry. Silica Sand.—During 1946, 16,949 tons of silica sand were produced from deposits at Parengarenga, Aramoho, Hyde, Mount Somers, Pleasant Valley, and Parapara. Of these, that at Parengarenga, which contributed 14,679 tons to this total, was the most important. Pumice.—Production of pumice during 1946 'amounted to 3,409 tons. Of this total 2,539 tons were exported and 870 tons were used in local industry. Nephrite (Greenstone).— There have been many requests from overseas for supplies of New Zealand's semi-precious stone, nephrite. In the past boulders of this stone have been recovered from gravels incidental to gold sluicing, but with the decline in alluvial mining supplies have not been sufficient to meet local demands, much less consider export. General. —Small amounts of platinum, arsenic, diatomaceous earth, Fuller's earth, magnesite, and quartzite were also produced during 1946.

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MEN EMPLOYED IN OR ABOUT MINES AND QUARRIES The following table shows the number of men employed in each inspection district during 1946 and 1945 :

MINING AND QUARRY ACCIDENTS Fatal and serious accidents in the mining industry during the year 1946 were :

MINING PRIVILEGES The table below shows the numbers and descriptions of mining privileges granted through the Warden's Courts during 1946 and 1945 : 1946. 1945. Claims .. .. .. .. 23 19 Prospecting licences .. .. .. 83 89 Water rights .. .. .. .. 22 18 Residence-sites .. .. .. 29 26 Mineral licences .. .. .. 8 8 Miscellaneous .. .. .. 10 1 Totals .. .. .. .. 175 161

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Inspection District. Totals. Northern (North Island). West Coast of (South Island). Southern (Rest of South Island). 1946. 1945. Gold, silver, and scheelite Coal Quarries Silica Cinnabar Iron-ore Manganese Fuller's earth Diatomaceous earth Bentonite Serpentine Asbestos Dolomite Clay Phosphate Mica Magnesite 492 2,114 1,202 9 2 16 1 1 1 2 10 3 521 2,447 143 3 5 10 2 2 153 996 539 4 2 3 1,166 5,557 1,884 16 2 21 1 1 3 2 10 10 5 3 2 1,304 5,592 1,718 11 9 22 1 2 4 5 5 6 . 5 16 3 5 Totals 3,853 3,133 1,697 8,683 8,708

— Men killed. Men seriously injured. Men ordinarly employed. Coal-mines Metal mines Quarries 4 1 43 3 10 5,557 1,166 1,884 Totals 5 56 8,607

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GEOLOGICAL SURVEY In 1946-47 new areas have been regionally surveyed at Motatau, in North Auckland; Waitotara-Wanganui; d'Urville Island-Dun Mountain, including the so-called " Mineral Belt "of Nelson ; Moeraki-Kakanui; Monowai-Sandhill Point. White Island was examined by Mr. Healy and Mr. Fleming from 7th to 14th January, and later again visited by Mr. Healy. The coalfields have been continuously examined at Greymouth, Reefton, Wangaloa, and on occasions at Kamo, Tatu, Retaruke, Burke's Creek, Pike River, Mount Davy, Paparoa, Blackball, Elliotvale, Kaitangata, and Ohai. Mr. Willett has prepared a map of the limestones of Southland and written a report on them and how they are being worked. The natural-gas field at Greymouth was measured and reported on by Mr. Ower and shown to be not worth opening up. Water-supplies have been investigated and reported on at several places in North Auckland, parts of Auckland City and suburbs, Otahuhu, Wairakei, Tongariro, Mangatainoka, Blenheim, Picton, many parts of Canterbury, Goodwood, Southland, Stewart Island. Hot-water supplies have been reported on at several centres, including Helensville, Rotorua ? Wairakei, Maruia. The active volcano, Ruapehu, has been examined periodically, and on the evidence available shown to be waning normally. Not enough work is being done in volcanology to ascertain what is likely to happen here or elsewhere in New Zealand in the future. Titaniferous iron-sands have been mapped in detail and reported on at Waitara and Wanganui, and a duplicate collection of a hundred samples has been deposited at the Geological Survey. The clay deposits near Wellington have been systematically collected and tested, and a report is being prepared. Many samples have been collected throughout New Zealand. Bentonites were mapped and reported on at Blue Slip, Kekerangu, and Clarence, and more were sampled at Oaro and Waipara. Stones for quarrying for building, roadmaking, &c., have been reported on at many places, including North Auckland, Piako, Waikato, Bluff. Gem-stones, dredge-concentrates, building-stone, cement materials, concrete aggregate, &c., have been tested petrographically. Dam-sites throughout the country have been reported on geologically and, where advisable, geophysically as well; and data for engineering works have been supplied at Bay of Plenty, Manawatu, Rimutaka, Wanaka. Many small economic reports have been issued; the major reports include Dr. Marwick's bulletin on Te Kuiti Subdivision and Mr. Macpherson's memoir on " An Outline of Late Cretaceous and Tertiary Diastrophism in New Zealand." Data is being collected on stratigraphy, palaeontology, petrography, volcanology, &c. COAL SURVEY The Coal Survey Laboratory has co-operated with the field staffs of the Mines Department, and the Geological Survey in continuing the physical and chemical survey of the coal resources of the Dominion. Special investigations have been made in the Westport, Stockton, Reefton, Greymouth (Rewanui and Pike River), Kaitangata, Mataura, and Ohai districts, and a total of 569 samples from headings, outcrops, and bores throughout New Zealand have been analysed. The possibility of briquetting Mataura lignite was specially investigated by a Coal Survey Officer at the Yallourn Works, Australia, and a report on the analyses of coals from all producing mines in New Zealand was prepared. During the year Mr. R. L. Andrew retired, and Mr. W. A. Joiner, Director of the Dominion Laboratory, was elected to fill the position of Chairman of the Coal Survey Committee.

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LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS A large number of examinations and analyses of samples of minerals and ores forwarded by prospectors and other members of the public was carried out during the year. Since discontinuance of purchase of tungsten-ores by the Imperial Government, the number of analyses of scheelite has greatly decreased. Work on the systematic survey of the clay resources, including brickmaking clays in the Wellington district, was continued in conjunction with the Geological Survey. A special feature of the year's work was the large number of samples of marls, limestones, and cementstones examined as raw materials for Portland cement manufacture, as well as cements examined more especially for alkali content. Other samples included mine airs and gases, serpentine for the manufacture of .serpentine-superphosphate, phosphate rock, feldspar, chalk, limestone, bentonite, flints, glass sand, and diatomaceous earth. DRILLING OPERATIONS An extensive drilling programme has been carried out during the year, active •drilling operations being conducted at Kawakawa, Kimihia, Rewanui, Brunner, Dunollie, Strongman Mine, and the Morley Block, Ohai. In all, sixty-six holes, the total depth of which amounted to 16,556 ft. were drilled during 1946 by the Department's drills, while an additional nineteen holes, totalling 1,097 ft. in depth, were drilled by the Scientific and Industrial Research Department's drill on behalf of the Mines Department. Despite the acquisition of many new drills during the past few years, drilling-equipment has proved inadequate to the many demands of the Department. A new Sullivan 37 drill and a new Longyear-Porta drill have recently arrived from America, and the Sullivan drill is already in commission at Wangaloa, while consideration is at present being given to further increasing the number of drills to cope with the heavy programme facing the Department. Details of the drilling programme are as under : Rewanui. —Hole No. 262, which had reached 681 ft. at the end of 1945, was bottomed at 1,210 ft., while Hole No. 265 was drilled to 1,121 ft. This completed the programme in this section, which indicated that the area contained 1,500,000 tons of recoverable coal. The drill from this area was then dismantled preliminary to shifting to the Mount Davey area, but, owing to difficulties in access, all the time so far has been spent in installing aerial ropeways and constructing camps, and drilling has not yet commenced. Brunner.- —Hole No. 266, which was drilled in 1945 to a depth of 2,020 ft., was successful in proving seams of coal under the overlying Brunner series, and accordingly hole No. 273 was commenced a mile distant to establish continuity of the seams. This hole was drilled to 2,413 ft. during the early part of 1946, but was unsuccessful in disclosing coal, and the remainder of the year was spent in providing access to a new borehole site where drilling commenced early this year. By the end of May this hole had attained a depth of 1,300 ft. and drilling was still proceeding. Fisher and Party, Dunollie. —Drilling was commenced on this area in order to locate a seam for a co-operative party, and during 1946 five holes were drilled with a total depth of 1,979 ft. Results have been generally disappointing in not proving a sufficiently large block of coal to justify development, and after additional drilling during the present year the area was abandoned. Ohai. —Drilling operations were continued during the year at the Morley Block, and seven holes, with a total depth of 5,169 ft., were drilled. Sufficient tonnage of coal has now been established to justify the opening-up of a large-scale colliery, and drilling has been meantime suspended to allow of drilling at Mossbank and later at the Star Mine.

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Wangaloa.—The new Sullivan 37 drill, after a satisfactory test at Stockton, has. now commenced work at Wangaloa to prove the existence or otherwise of coal-seams in the underlying Kaitangata series. Difficult drilling conditions are to be expected in this area, but so far progress has been satisfactory. Stockton. —Drilling has been urgently required at Stockton, and, as no Department drill has been available, arrangements have now been made to hire a suitable drill from the Public Works Department, and drilling has recently commenced. Strongman Mine.—Underground drilling was carried out at this coal-mine for the greater part of the year, and five holes, with a total depth of 728 ft., were drilled from various parts of the workings to locate either upper or lower seams. Co-operative Mines.—Two shallow underground holes, totalling 293 ft. in depth,, were drilled for Kaye and party, but were unsuccessful in locating coal. One hole, 149 ft. in depth, was drilled underground for Armstrong and party, and was successful in locating a seam of coal 13 ft. 6 in. thick at the point of intersection. KawaJcawa. —Five holes, of a total depth 666 ft., were drilled at Kawakawa during the year, but no coal was disclosed, and drilling was abandoned. Kimihia.—Drilling from a barge was undertaken at Lake Kimihia, and thirtyeight holes, with a total depth of 3,509 ft., were completed during the year, proving an additional area to which opencast mining can be extended. Nineteen holes, of a total depth of 1,097 ft., were also drilled in this vicinity by the drill of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Wilton Mine.—Drilling operations have recently been commenced in an area adjoining the Wilton No. 3 workings. COAL-MINES COUNCIL During the year the Coal-mines Council dealt with a large number of disputes in. coal-mines relating to rates of pay and conditions of employment. Eighty-five separate decisions have been issued by the Council affecting mines from North Auckland to Southland. Travelling and incidental activities made for a strenuous year for all members of the Council. Mr. John Dowgray, who has given sterling service as Chairman since July, 1944, resigned towards the end of the year by reason of failing health, and Mr. C. H. Benney has been appointed Chairman in his place. I desire to express my thanks to Mr. Dowgray on behalf of the Government for his unfailing devotion to the cause of industrial harmony in the industry during the difficult years of war. SCHOOLS OF MINES The expenditure on Schools of Mines for the year ended 31st March, 1947, was £5,099. In the previous year the amount was £4,190. One candidate obtained a scholarship at the annual examination. All the scholarship entries were from the Otago University School of Mines. It is hoped in the near future to arrange a representative conference to discuss ways and means of adjusting the curriculum of the Otago University School to the needs of the coal-mining industry and attracting graduates to the technical force of the industry.

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RESCUE STATIONS The training of rescue teams continued during the year at the Dobson, Rotowaro, .and Ohai rescue stations, and refresher courses for trained men were held at regular intervals. In these districts trained teams, using the station equipment, have repeatedly assisted to bring underground fires and heatings under control. Owing to the difficult building situation, it has, unfortunately, not been possible to complete the new Granity Station and bring it into active operation. SOCIAL AMENITIES During the financial year 1946-47. the sum of £5,029 was expended in the provision •of improved social amenities for mining communities. In the main, the expenditure was for the improvement of bowling-greens, tenniscourts, swimming-pools, and sports-grounds, In general, the social-amenities programme is severely restricted by the prevailing shortage of man-power and materials. HOUSING During the financial year 1946-47 housing loans were granted to twenty-three ■employees to a total amount of £12,417. Three loans were for the construction of new houses, fourteen for the purchase of existing houses, and the remaining six for alterations or renovations. The locations of the houses are : Runanga, 5 ; Dunollie, 2 ; Stockton, 3 ; Ngaruawahia, 3 ; Taylorville, 5 ; Ohura, 3 ; Dobson, 1; Glen Massey, 1.

The following table gives details of loans granted for the last ten years :

COAL-MINERS' RELIEF FUND Receipts from the levy of Jd. per ton for the year ended 31st March, 1947, were £6,212, and expenditure for the year was £8,299. Interest earned was £7B, and the amount standing to the credit of the fund on 31st March, 1947, was £1,841. At the close of the previous year the figures were : receipts, £5,706 ; expenditure, £9,219 ; interest, £165 ; balance as at 31st March, 1946, £3,851.

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Erection of Purchase of Repairs and Tnf Q 1 New Houses. Existing Houses. Renovations. JLUl/ctl. Yeax ended Number. Amount. Number. Amount. Number. Amount. Number. Amount. £ £ £ £ 31/3/38 3 1,200 1 390 4 1,590 31/3/39 8 3,830 1 250 3 788 12 4,868 31/3/40 9 5,225 1 250 10 5,47531/3/41 16 10,221 3 909 19 11,130 31/3/42 14 9,088 1 120 15 9,208 31/3/43 6 5,500 ii 6^230 1 495 18 12,225 31/3/44 10 10,335 15 6,788 3 1,025 28 18,148 31/3/45 4 4,549 7 3,925 1 395 12 8,869 31/3/46 2 2,000 7 2,748 2 560 11 5,308 31/3/47 3 4,160 14 7,195 6 1,062 23 12,417

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ASSISTANCE TO MINING Financial assistance to the mining industry by subsidies and loans during the year ended 31st March, 1947, amounted to £21,314. Of this sum, £3-54 was for gold-mining,. £420 for cinnabar-mining, £4O for scheelite-mining, and the balance for coal-mining. MINERS' BENEFITS The provision for payment of a miner's benefit is contained in the Social Security Act, 1938, which has been operative since Ist April, 1939. One of the necessary qualifications is that the applicant should be seriously and permanently incapacitated by miner's phthisis or totally and permanently incapacitated by heart or other occupational disease associated with mining service in New Zealand. The rate of benefit for a miner is £lO4 per annum, increased, in the case of an applicant who is married, by £lO4 per annum for his wife. The widow of a miner who died while in receipt of a miner's benefit may be granted a benefit of £7B per annum during widowhood. This scheme, which originated with the Miner's Phthisis Act, 1915, is administered by the Social Security Commission, and the following is a summary of the operations for the year ended 31st March, 1947 : £ Payments from Ist November, 1915, to 31st March, 1946 .. 1,663,026 Payments for 1946-47 .. .. .. .. .. 105,416 £1,768,442 Number of new grants for year 1946-47 ============== Males.. .. .. .... .. .. 44 Females .. .. .. .. ... .. 4 48 Number of benefits in force, at 31st March, 1947 Males.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 634 Females .. .. .. .. .. .. 84 7lB Annual value of benefits in force at 31st March, 1947 .. .. £101,956 Dissection of benefits in force at 31st March, 1947 Single miners .. .. .. .. .. .. 320 Married miners .. .. .. .. .. 314 Widows .. .. .. .. .. .. 84 718 LEGISLATION The Coal-mines Act, 1925, was amended by section 17 of the Statutes Amendment Act, 1946, to provide that leases under Part I of the Act may be restricted to a specified seam of coal or to a defined coal-bearing horizon.

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APPENDICES TO THE MINES STATEMENT APPENDIX A REPORTS RELATING TO METALLIFEROUS MINES AND QUARRIES The Inspecting Engineer op Mines to the Under-Secretary op Mines. Wellington, 21st May, 1947. Sir, — I have the honour to present my report on metalliferous mines and quarries for the year ended 31st December, 1946. ACCIDENTS During 1946 there were no fatal accidents in the metalliferous mines, at which 1,166 men were ordinarily employed. Three serious accidents occurred, causing injuries to three men. All these were in the West Coast Inspection District and took place on dredges. GOLD-MINING Production of gold for the year shows a decline of 9,093 oz. when compared with 1945. Quartz-mining output decreased by 6,452 oz., dredging by 2,858 oz., and alluvial mining increased by 217 oz. Sixteen dredges operated during the year and produced 79,228 oz.—i.e., slightly more than 66 per cent, of the total output. The Martha and Blackwater Mines continue to be the only significant producers in the quartz-mining section. MINERALS OTHER THAN GOLD The production figures for minerals other than gold are shown in detail elsewhere in the Statement. The most promising development is the steady and substantial increase in the quantity of limestone produced for agricultural use, which now amounts to nearly 1,000,000 tons per annum.

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QUARRY OUTPUTS The following table shows the outputs of quarries and the numbers of men ordinarily employed during 1946 :

QUARRY ACCIDENTS The following is a summary of fatal and serious accidents at quarries during 1946 :

STATE AID TO MINING Subsidized Prospecting A total amount of £21,314 was advanced during the year 1946-47 to the mining industry by way of subsidies, loans, and other forms of financial assistance. The Mines Department expended £25,144 in surveying, prospecting, and developing of areas.

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District. Number of Quarries. Men employed. Road Metal. Stone for Harbour-works Building or Monumental Stone. Limestone for Agriculture. Limestone or Marl for Cement Miscellaneous. Value at Quarry. Auckland Hauraki Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington Nelson, Westland, Buller, and Marlborough Canterbury, Otago, and Southland 178 31 27 22 44 34 110 836 116 85 62 103 143 542 Tons. 427,047 121,321 49,969 33,257 41,172 8,436 104,654 Tons. 415 54,357 Tons. 218 14,728 Tons. 220,929 46,326 35,045 528,273 Tons. 275,748 61,038 105,681 Tons. 420,862* 1 j 200 26,150 4,148 114,494f £ 320,738 50,896 25,790 12,778 56,886 18,413 272,091 Totals, 1946 446 1,887 785,856 54,772 14,946 929,794 442,467 566,854 757,592 Totals, 1945 398 1,718 861,096 43,673 2,480 812,635 436,036 478,503 710,448 * Includes clays for brickmaking, &c., 67,334 tons, valued at £9,387. t Includes phosphate for agriculture, 11,047 tons, valued at £3,314, and clays for pottery, &c., 28,848 tons, valued at £10,476. Excludes 14,002 tons of sand, valued at £6,747, produced at pits not subject to inspection.

Cause. Number of Accidents. Number of Men. Fatal. Serious. Killed. Seriously, injured. Palls from face Falls of ground Explosives Miscellaneous Totals 1 2 5 1 2 1 2 5 1 2 1 10 1 10

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Government Drills No Mines Department drills were available for hire to private concerns during 1946. The Department's own operations show a substantial footage of drilling which is recorded in detail elsewhere in the Mines Statement. Subsidized Roads A sum of £7,015 was expended in subsidies for the maintenance and construction of roads in mining districts during the 1946-47 year. The expenditure in the previous year was £4,603. I have, &c., R. H. Schoen, Inspecting Engineer of Mines.

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ANNEXURE A SUMMARY OF REPORTS BY INSPECTORS OF MINES NORTHERN INSPECTION DISTRICT (E. J. Scoble, Inspector of Mines) Quartz-mining Martha Gold-mining Co. (Waihi), Ltd. (K. A. Birchall, Manager).—The ore produced for the year amounted to 107,845 tons, which yielded 28,533 oz. of gold and 222,264 oz. of silver, valued at £305,657 16s. Bd. and £59,270 6s. 9d. respectively. The heading value of the ore per ton was, gold 5 dwt. 5 gr., and silver 2 oz. 5 dwt. 20 gr., and the extraction, based on assay, was, gold 92-8 per cent., and silver 80-3 per cent. The bulk of the ore was won from the Martha, Royal, Empire, and Welcome lodes. Development work totalled 5,285 ft., made up as follows : drives and crosscuts, 4,535 ft.; winzes and rises, 750 ft. This footage was practically all of a secondary nature, and consisted of the reopening of former workings and the driving of sub-levels for the extraction of ore from supporting arches. During the year a Gardner-Denver mechanical loader was installed on No. 9 level to handle ■ore won by " cave " stoping on the Martha lode. The loader is operated by compressed air and has a capacity of about 3 cubic feet. It can deal with 15 tons of ore per hour under favourable conditions, and has given entire satisfaction. The delivery column of the pump, broken by ground movement in No. 4 shaft during October, 1945, was dismantled down to No. 8 level, then carried along the main crosscut south to No. 5 shaft, and connected to the old "C " pump column in July, 1946. Erom then until the end of the year, 144,553,500 gallons of water were raised to the surface. Dividends for the year amounted to £8,265. The number of men employed averaged 481. Golden Dawn Gold-mines, Ltd., Owharoa.—The treatment of old battery residues yielded 81 oz. ,10 dwt. of gold and 96 oz. 8 dwt. of silver, valued at £873 Is. 4d. and £25 12s. respectively. Grace Claim, Karangahake.—Approximately 200 tons of material were treated from this property for a return of 76 oz. 8 dwt. of bullion, valued at £449 17s. 4d. Morris'' Battery Site, Karangahake.—A final clean-up gave a return of 11 oz. 5 dwt.. of bullion worth £43 os. 7d., after which all plant was sold and transferred to a claim at Komata. Waitawheta Claim, Karangahake.—Production amounted to 26 oz. 16 dwt., valued at £l3l 14s. sd. Sylvia Mines Consolidated, Ltd., Thames.—No development work was undertaken, and entirely unsatisfactory results were obtained from a geophysical survey made of the claim. Following this, the pumps and other equipment were withdrawn from the mine. Operations were suspended at about the end of March. KernicFs Freehold, Tapu.—A limited amount of development work was carried out, but this proved nothing of importance. Two tons of ore that were won and treated gave a return of 2 oz. 14 dwt. of .bullion, valued at £22 12s. lOd. Prospecting R. Schulzki and mate were prospecting both on the surface and underground in the vicinity of "the old Dubbo Mine, Karangahake. Good values were got in places, but the quantity of stone available is yet to be determined. Charlton and party, Kuaotunu, were employed in treating tailings from old mines. The work was largely of an experimental nature. Miscellaneous Mercury.—N.Z. Mercury Mines, Ltd., Puhipuhi: There was no production, but 9 cwt. 2 qr. 12 lb. was sold from stock, and this realized £1,055 ss. The caretaker staff (mentioned in last report) is still uon the property.

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Manganese.—Mirandite Products, Ltd., Clevedon (G. Maning, lessee), produced 402 tons from the area, and for this obtained £1,686 9s. The ore was sold to the Broken Hill Pty. Steel Works, Newcastle, New South Wales, and proved, on analysis, to contain the following : Per Cent. Per Cent. Mn .. .. .. 49-810 Si0 2 .. .. .. 14-210 P.. .. .. 0-669 H 2 O .. .. .. 9-330 Fe .. .. .. 1-480 Penalties were imposed for excess SiO 2 and H 2 0, and a bonus allowed for excess Mn, the basis of which is fixed at a minimum of 48 per cent. It is proposed to continue sending the ore to Newcastle. Mr. W. S. Miller, Auckland, disposed of 22 tons 2 cwt. 3 qr. 7 lb. of dioxide, and for this received the sum of £354 ss. The ore was taken from stock mined formerly in the Moumoukai Valley, Hunua, and disposed of to the manufacturers of torch batteries. Copper.-—Mr. W. S. Miller, Auckland, lessee, mined 500 tons of ore from a deposit at Pakotai, North Auckland, as a trial parcel for smelting at Port Kembla, New South Wales. Considerable delay, however, was experienced in getting the shipment away, and it was not despatched until February of this year. Kaolin. —N.Z. Mercury Mines, Ltd., produced 95 tons from its property at Puhupuhi. The clay was sold for £323. Silica.—The N.Z. Glass Manufacturers Co. Pty., Ltd., Auckland, obtained 14,679 tons from its deposit at Parengarenga, and Messrs. Gilberd and Sons got 383 tons from Aramoho, Wanganui. The former was valued at £36,698 and the latter at £172 7s. Pumice.—Approximately 870 tons, valued at £152 55., were got from a deposit near the west bank of the Wanganui River at Aramoho for use in the manufacture of wallboard. The pumice is extremely light, and was evidently carried down from inland high country during or subsequent to a period of intense volcanic activity. Fuller's Earth.—Mr. S. C. Crawford obtained 75 tons from his property at Kamo and shipped it to Borthwick and Co., Christchurch, who use same for clarifying fats and oils. It returned the sum of £3lB. Diatomaceous Earth. —Production amounted to 276 tons, which was got by Mr. Crawford, of Kamo. It was valued at £476. Bentonite.—The amount won was 154 tons, valued at £777. The material is sold in its raw, sundried, and pulverized states, and can be used for foundry moulding, insecticides, cement filling, the manufacture of wallboard, and a multiplicity of other purposes. Inquiries and orders are numerous enough, both inside and outside New Zealand, but no market of importance is likely to be built up until a dryer is erected, and the owner of the property, Mr. Stoddart, has this in hand. Overseas sales would, of course, be subject to reasonable shipping rates. Alumina.—Kamo Potteries, Ltd., produced 1,000 tons from its*pit at Kauri, near Whangarei, and this was valued at £lOO. 4 Limonite.—The quantity produced amounted to 7,100 tons, made up as follows : Okaihau Quarries, North Auckland, 4,382 tons, worth £13,694 ; Whitelaw's quarry, Kamo, 2,388 tons, worth £2,328 ; and Reyburn's quarry, Kamo, 330 tons, worth £247. Serpentine.—This was produced at Piopio, Te Kuiti, also at Wayby and Kaukapakapa, North Auckland, and aggregated 20,058 tons. It was got on behalf of Asbestos Mines (N.Z.), Ltd., Wellington, and Bitumix Ltd., Auckland, and was valued at £3,966. Petroleum.—Moturoa Oilfields, Ltd., New Plymouth, was the only producer, No. 1 well yielding 4,585 gallons, No. 2, 46,605 gallons, and No. 4, 30,438 gallons, or 81,625 gallons altogether. The quantity obtained is down by about 10,000 gallons when compared with 1945 figures. Fractions stilled during the year were as follows : Gallons. Petrol .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16,898 Distillate.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,700 Power kerosene .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,170 Heavy kerosene .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11,690 Diesel oil.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 19,180 Residue oil .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 15,145 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 78,780 Loss .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,350 Crude in still .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 83,130

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The crudes were bought and treated by N.Z. Oil Refineries, Ltd., which was registered in October, 1931, but this company, together with Moturoa Oilfields, Ltd., has disposed of its rights to Mr. F. J. Dobson, Wairoa, who, having purchased the modern rotary equipment used by the N.Z. Petroleum Co. at Gisborne, will probably drill one or more holes in the locality. The total quantity of oil handled by the refinery since it commenced operations, and particulars of fractions recovered, are given below : Crude oil bought— Well — Gallons. Blenheim No. 2 .. .. .. .. .. 16,117 No. 5 .. .. .. .. .. .. 9,195 Moturoa No. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 71,786 Moturoa No. 2 .. .. .. .. .. 1,405,268 Moturoa No. 3 .. .. .. .. .. 1,000 Moturoa No. 4 .. .. .. .. .. 380,583 Total .. .. .. .. .. 1,883,949 Difference .. .. .. .. .. 16,589 Total .. .. .. .. 1,900,538 Fractions recoveredPetrol .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 399,287 Distillate .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 118,443 Power kerosene .. .. .. .. .. .. 319,880 Cleaning kerosene .. .. .. .. .. .. 210,264 Diesel oil .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 202,900 Residue oil .. .. .. .. .. .. 569,440 Loss .. .. .. .. .. .. 80,324 Total in still .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,900,538 Accidents There are no fatalities or accidents of a serious nature to record. Prosecutions There were no prosecutions. WEST COAST INSPECTION DISTRICT (G. W. Lowes, Inspector of Mines) * Quaetz-mining This section of the mining industry has not been able to survive the acute labour shortage and high production costs, consequently, there is only one mine left working in this inspection district. Incmgahua County Blackwater Mine, Waiuta. —A total of 21,548 tons won from stopes and development were treated for 7,425 oz. 12 dwt. of gold recovered by amalgamation and cyanidation, which realized £79,407 18s. 9d. The total footage driven was on Nos. 15 and 16 Levels north and south, with 709 feet on reef of average value of 13-46 dwt., average width 27*8 inches, and 216 feet of crosscutting was carried out in connection with the various development drives when faulting caused displacement of reef. Out of a total of 289 feet of rising on two lowest levels, 235 feet was on reef averaging 13-34 dwt. over width of 24 inches. At three points in No. 15 Level 101 feet of winze-sinking was completedj 75 feet being on reef averaging 10-34 dwt. over a width of 22-5 inches. During the year, in addition to excavating for pump chambers, magazines, and other purposes, feet of development was carried out, 1,019 feet being on reef, average value being 13-24 dwt. over width of 26-5 inches. With the labour force being much below mine requirements, development footages receded to a point seriously affecting ore reserves, a position somewhat balanced by a lower output to mill. The tonnage crushed is less than half of the capacity of mill, but any attempt to increase returns by increasing output with present labour force would soon be reflected in a quick decrease of ore reserves and finally laying up of mill. The only remedy for improvement is the employment of additional labour to step up development at least 100 per cent, above the footages for 1946.

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Dredge Mining Inangahua County Slab Hut Dredge, Mawheraiti. —The dredge operated for the year 52 per cent, of the possible working-time, the major causes of stoppages being dredge sinking 12 per cent., maintenance 21 per cent., and holidays 8 per cent of possible dredging-time. A total of nearly 700,000 cubic yards were dredged, which included 370,870 cubic yards of tailings, the latter accounting for the low return of 3-7 d. per cubic yard, while the cost of production was 4-6 d. per cubic yard. The yardage recovered was won from an average depth of 16 ft. and produced by ten men. Snowy River Dredge, Ilcamatua. —On account of it being unnecessary to devote more than a small percentage of total working-time to maintenance and repairs, the plant dredged 37 acres of an average depth of 19-25 feet and produced therefrom 1,152,000 cubic yards, which averaged 1-63 grains per cubic yard. Thirteen men constituted a full working crew, and the shareholders had another profitable year. Grey River Dredge, Ilcamatua. —During the year the company's 16 cubic feet electrically operated dredge was in continuous operation, with results as shown by the following figures:— Working-days .. .. .. .. .. .. 310 Working-hours .. .. .. .. .. .. 7,440 Hours digging .. .. .. .. .. .. 6,046 Percentage time digging .. .. .. .. .. .. 81-3 Area dug, in acres .. .. .. .. .. .. 89 • 323 Average depth, in feet .. .. .. .. .. .. 31-7 Cubic yards handled .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,572,202 Cubic yards handled per day .. .. .. .. .. 14,749 Cubic yards handled per digging-hour .. .. .. .. 756 Ounces of bullion produced (crude ounces) .. .. .. .. 8,392-74 Value of product .. .. .. .. .. .. £87,104 Value of product per day .. .. .. .. .. £2Bl Value of product per cubic yard .. .. .. .. .. 4-57 d. Operating-cost per cubic yard (excluding export taxes and realization costs) . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 • 90d. Total operating cost per cubic yard (including export taxes, realization costs, and overhead) .. .. .. .. .. 3 • 80d. During the early part of the year the dredge was taken through the New Zealand Railways Greymouth to Reefton line, also through the main highway. Due to the willing co-operation of the Departments concerned, these crossings were carried out with the minimum expense and trouble. Grey County RedjacJcs Dredge (Associated Gold Dredges, Ltd.), Redjacks Creek, Ngahere.—Out of the total possible dredging-hours of 7,264, the dredge worked 75 per cent, of the time for a total yardage of 1,110,130 cubic yards from 39 acres of ground dredged with an average of 21 feet. Total gold recovered was 2,651 crude ounces, an average of 1-146 grains per cubic yard, with total cost of recovery being 4-035 d. per cubic yard. Atarau Dredge (Associated Gold Dredges, Ltd.), Moonlight Creek, Atarau. —Out of the total possible dredging-hours of 7,264, the dredge worked 80 per cent, of the time for a yardage of 1,348,103 cubic yards from an area of 56 acres averaging 19-75 feet in depth. The recovery effected was 1-010 grains per cubic yard, yielding 2,837 crude ounces. The cost of production was 3-832 d. per cubic yard. Marsden Dredge (Associated Gold Dredges, Ltd.), New River, Marsden. —A percentage of 83-8 of possible working-time was worked out of a total of 7,264 hours. Yardage worked was 1,550,517 cubic yards for a recovery of 3,160 crude ounces. Recovery was 0-978 grains per cubic yard and the total costs per cubic yard were 2-842 d. An acreage of 47-5 acres was dredged of an average depth of 29-75 feet. The average number of men employed by the above company was the usual complement of ten men at each dredge and eighteen men employed in workshops, repair gangs, and clean-up crew, comprising a total of forty-eight men on the company's pay-roll for the three dredges. Ngahere Dredge, Ngahere.—This dredge worked 74-74 per cent, of the total working-time of 7,296 hours and dredged 15-251 acres, which yielded 8,378 oz. of bulhon from 2,343,596 cubic yards. The yardage per hour was 429 cubic yards, giving a bucket efficiency of 49-32 per cent. The average recovery was 1-68 grains per cubic yard from the following digging depths : Ft. Maximum .. .. .. .. .. .. 108 Minimum .. .. .. .. .. .. 79 Average .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 95 • 2 Average height above water-level .. .. .. ..24-8 Average depth below water-level .. .. .. ..70-4 Maximum height above water-level .. .. .. .. 43 Maximum depth below water-level .. .. .. 77

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The average number of men employed during the year was twenty-seven. Blackball Creek Dredge, Blackball.—Despite the comparatively small yardage which was dredged during the year owing to the necessity of devoting much of the working-time to repairs and maintenance, 1,260 oz. of gold were recovered from a small acreage of ground averaging between 35 feet and 40 feet in depth. The removal of a considerable quantity of buried timber had also a detrimental effect on the yardage; consequently, operating-costs at times exceeded the value of gold recovered. Barrytown Dredge, Barrytown.—The dismantlement of this dredge was carried on continuously and is now 50 per cent, complete. Westland County Maori Gold Dredge, Gallaghans.—Early in the year a syndicate represented by Mr. J. S. Langford took over the assets of the Maori Gold Dredging Co. at Callaghans and in May commenced reconditioning the dredge. In July dredging commenced on two shifts, the day shift being devoted to carrying out further repairs required by the Department. By the end of the year the provision of seven water-tight compartments had been made, also a pumping system installed to deal with any inflow of water that might occur through holing of the pontoon. For a recovery of 362 oz. 16 dwt., 112,231 cubic yards were treated. The average number of men employed was thirteen. Rimu Dredge, Rimu. —It is computed from 304 working-days available that 5,655 digging-hours, equal to a percentage of 77-5 per cent., were worked. An acreage of 27-08 acres was dug averaging 43-7 ft. in depth and 1,910,522 cubic yards were handled. The normal turnover of the plant was 6,285 cubic yards per day, equal to 338 cubic yards per digging-hour. Bullion produced was 8,818-21 crude ounces, valued at £91,230. The daily yield was £3Ol, equivalent to 11-45 d. per cubic yard. Operating-costs, excluding export taxes and realization costs, amounted to 6-56 d. per cubic yard ; and the total costs, including the above-mentioned taxes, was 8-34 d. per cubic yard. Except for a shut-down of two weeks owing to a prolonged dry spell, operations throughout the year were normal. Kanieri Dredge (Gold Mines, N.Z., Ltd.), Kanieri. —Digging an average depth of 42-8 ft., this dredge turned over 38-32 acres and the yardage treated amounted to 2,644,000 cubic yards, not including 32,046 cubic yards of tailings, out of a possible dredging-time of 7,296 hours, 78-6 per cent, of which were worked, requiring the services of forty-three employees. Bullion recovered amounted to 13,623-8 crude ounces, which showed a recovery of 2-5 grains per cubic yard. Arahura Dredge (Gold Mines, N.Z., Ltd.), Arahura. —Dredging 28-23 acres of ground of an average depth of 75-4 ft., this dredge dug and treated 3,437,000 cubic yards and won 9,481-9 crude ounces bullion, equal to a recovery of 1-33 grains per cubic yard. Actual dredging-time amounted to 5,954 hours, equal to 81-62 per ceint. of the total time available. An average number of forty-four employees were required ashore and afloat to operate the dredge. Gillespies Beach Dredge, Weheka.—After operating for the first month of the year, work ceased and a final clean-up was made which yielded 34 oz. 3 dwt. gold. The company went into liquidation in March and has since sold the plant, power-station, and transmission line. Alluvial Miking Buller County Addison's Flat Gold-mining Co., Ltd., Addison's Flat. —Owing to lack of suitable labour, the company could only treat 75,000 cubic yards, a5O per cent, drop on the previous year. The yield was 209 oz. 11 dwt. of gold, but, despite the fact that operating-costs on this claim were the lowest in the district, barely covered working-expenses. Shallow cemented beach leads were worked during the year, and one section worked with suction pipe 22£ chains in length between the face and hydraulic elevator delivering to tables. Inangahua County Waitahu Sluicing Claim, Waitahu, Beef ton. —A party of seven tributors took over the claim in August, and after several months preparatory work on main water-race and pipe-lines commenced operations towards the end of the year. Out of three small paddocks worked from a branch of the main run of gold 225 oz. 11 dwt. 11 gr. gold were recovered. The gold was won by ground sluicing where ample fall for tailings was available, and the next year's work will be carried out in deep ground where hydraulic elevating will be necessary. Grey County Moonlight Sluicing Claim, Blackball. —Primarily due to shortage of labour and secondly to underestimation of extent of work required to get the claim into working-order on the new lines adopted by Mutch and party as tributors, virgin ground was not reached until nearly the end of the year, consequently a return of 25 oz. 16 dwt. was the amount recovered from debris and overburden sluiced away when constructing the main and tail race.

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Golden Sands Sluicing, Barrytown.—Dennehy Bros., operating this claim on tribute, won 575 oz. 11 dwt. 12 gr. gold. Values are maintained in the wash, but the workings have almost reached the .boundary of the Barrytown Gold Dredging Co.'s claim, therefore, its future remains somewhat uncertain. Miscellaneous Minerals Asbestos and Mica.—There was no asbestos or mica produced in this inspection district during the year, both companies concerned having ceased operations. Pottery Clay.—From Polglaze's underground clay-pit at Kaka, Waimea County, 270 tons of highgrade pottery clay were produced. The output is down to a tenth of that of the previous year, due to cessation of overseas demand for insulators that were previously manufactured from the raw material produced in Kaka. From Mellor Quarry in same district the amount of pottery clay produced was 134 tons. Iron-ore. —A total of 306 tons of iron-ore were quarried and reduced by grinding to a state suitable for use in gasworks—lo6 tons were sold, while 200 tons were stacked at the wharf ready for shipment. Talc and Magnesite.—Lime and Marble, Ltd., quarried 374 tons talc and magnesite from mineral licence held by the company at Takaka. Arsenic.—-From the roasting-furnace at Blackwater Mine treatment plant an amount of 17 tons 10 cwt. 3 qr. arsenic was obtained, valued at £lB per ton. Clays.—ln the Greymouth district, 1,100 tons of clay were used for brickmaking, valued at .approximately £550. General Remarks : Mining and Prospecting Anticipations in 1945 of an improvement in labour situation, supply of plant, and material required in the mining industry have not been realized, consequently a further decline in output has to be recorded, primarily due to restrictions of operations. There are few claims and plants working to their full capacity, and many remain idle that were shut down during the years of war. The foregoing trend would be speedily reversed if conditions for expansion became favourable, for there is a strong belief prevalent that the price of gold will increase or, alternatively, strong inducements offered to step up production to meet demands for international currency exchange required under •the new trading agreements which are to be made in the near future. Prospecting remains dormant, no new areas being tested. On alluvial areas 1,121 ft. were bored .ahead of operating dredges. The footage was drilled by three crews, who put down fourteen holes. Fatal Accidents Nil. Serious Non-fatal Accidents Three serious non-fatal accidents occurred during the year : Dredges.—On 9th March, 1946, M. Topp, an employee of Slab Hut Dredge, had his foot caught ;between a dredge bucket and a ladder roller when cleaning the ladder. The winchman had previously been directed to stop the buckets by cutting off the power, and Topp immediately attempted to cross the bucket line, evidently being under the impression that the buckets would stop simultaneously with the cutting-off' of the power. After cutting off the current the buckets travel 18 in. before coming to a dead stop. It was during this movement that the injury occurred. It was found necessary later to amputate the big toe. On 27th May, 1946, Jas. B. Outram, workshops labourer, Redjacks Dredge, suffered a fractured lower end of right radius caused when trying to start a tractor by cranking, and the engine back-fired. On 26th October, 1946, H. Olson, employee, Arahura Dredge, slipped and fell from the dredge ladder while assisting to break the bucket line and fell 24 ft. into the well hole. He suffered a fractured thigh and considerable bruising. Prosecutions under the Mining Act Nil. SOUTHERN INSPECTION DISTRICT (T. McMillan, Inspector of Mines) Quartz and Alluvial Mining Waitaki County Sluicing operations have been carried out in the auriferous gravels of the Livingstone and Maerewhenua Goldfields. Waihemo County The Callery Syndicate have continued mining and development operations at their Round Hill Mine and treatment operations at their Deep Bell Battery, where 1,225 tons of quartz have been treated.

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Maniototo County The alluvial mines at Naseby, Kyeburn, Cambrian, and Patearoa have been operated steadily when water was available. Tuapeka County Mining operations have been continued at the Sailor's Gully tribute mine, Waitahuna Gully. No work has been carried out by the Blue Spur and Gabriel's Gully party. Some work was carried out by a tribute party at the Tuapeka Mouth alluvial mine, but operations ceased early. The Young party have installed a kerosene-operated pumping-plant at the old Holy Cross Mine,, about three miles upstream from Tuapeka Mouth. Southland County Sluicing operations have been carried out in the Waikaia auriferous areas at Happy Valley, Chinaman's Gully, Winding Creek, and Piano Flat. Wallace County Sluicing operations have been carried out in the Orepuki old township workings. During the year the Round Hill Gold-mining Co., operating on the flat between the Ourawera Creek and Lake George, have sluiced and elevated 2 acres to a depth of 80 ft. The upper horizon contained a large quantity of buried timber, and this had to be hauled and stacked by means of a main and tail haulage system. Below the buried timber the overburden consisted mainly of hard clay which had to be drilled and blasted in order to speed up sluicing operations. The water-supply has been good. Lake County Paradise.—The tributers have continued to operate by sluicing on the outcrop of the Paradise Reef, and are now 30 ft. below the bottom level. Glenorchy.—No work has been carried out in the Glenorchy State Scheelite-mine. A tributer hasdone some work on the Kelly lode, and operations will be continued. The State Mine Treatment Plant.—This plant has been kept in good order by the tributers. Scheelite-bearing ore from the Paradise, Mount Mcintosh, Bonnie Jean, and the tributers has been treated during the year. Heather Jock Syndicate (Wylie Bros.), (Western Slopes of Mount Larkin). —The aerial ropeway from the mine to the Grove's treatment plant has been completed. Stoping operations have been carried out in the mine. A low level has also been driven a distance of 100 ft. The Grove's Mine treatment plant is now owned and operated by this syndicate. Bonnie Jean Mine (Elliot Bros, and Tripp), (South-western Slopes of Mount Larkin). —Stripping and mining operations have been carried on during the working season, and full advantage was taken of the flush water season to strip the heavy overburden from the northern section of the reef. Buckleburn-Bonnie Jean Terminal. —Section of the Macalister Reef has been opened up by ground sluicing above the Bucklerburn aerial ropeway terminal, and preparations are being made to bring an adequate water-supply on to this area. The Valpy Bucklerburn Crossing River Mine has ceased to operate. The Hercules Mine (G. Ross and Party), (on the Lower Southern Slopes of Mount Mcintosh). — Stoping-operations were continued until all the visible ore was extracted. Prospecting operationswere then commenced on a reef-line outcropping beneath the Bucklerburn aerial ropeway by open cutting, driving, and sinking, but nothing of any importance was located, and prospecting operations were resumed in the bottom level of the Hercules Mine in an endeavour to locate the downward extension of the ore-body which yielded such good results below and above the upper level. Long Gully Reef Extended (B. Gollop and Partner). —Mining operations were carried out at thismine during the January to May working season, but mining operations were not resumed after the winter season as a portion of the sluicing-plant had been removed to the McAlister Reef above the terminal of the aerial ropeway. Muddy Terrace Mine, Upper Rees Valley.—Mining operations have been resumed at this mine and some good ore is being won. The Glenorchy Miners' Association now market the scheelite concentrates, and sales have been made in London and New York during the year, also the sale of the 1947 output is assured. Twelve-mile or Few's Creek, Lake Wakatipu.—A considerable amount of work has been carried out at this alluvial mine in the replacement of fluming, cleaning water-race, &c. The late Mr. Angelo's partner intends to continue operations. Dynamo Flat (Left-hand Branch of Skipper's Creek). —The Mount Aurum Syndicate has continued to operate Currie's Reef during the working season. Copper Creek Gold-mining Party.—A reef outcrop has been located on the left-hand bank of Copper Creek in the Mount Aurum Basin, and preparations are being made for the prospecting of this outcrop by driving. A track is to be made from Dynamo Flat to the reef so that mining-plant and timber for a hut can be transported.

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Floodburn, "Upper Shotover.—Frequent floods have hindered operations in this area. The Scheib-Sutherland party, who took over Short's River Mine, were also hindered by heavy floods. River mining operations have also been carried out in the Shotover River between Long Gully Deep Creek by G. Thompson, and the Atley Bros, have carried out prospecting operations at -their river mine between Long Gully and the Moke Creek junctions. Very little work has been carried out in the Arrow River Basin, but the Golden Arrow Sluicing •Co. intend to resume operations in the bed of the Arrow River above Arrowtown. Vincent County Driving operations have been carried out at the Nees' Long Drive Mine near the Gum Trees, Roaring Meg, on the right-hand terrace of the Kawarau River. Sluicing operations are also to be resumed on the Gees Mat at the Homer Mine. The Nevis Valley alluvial mines operated actively during the working season. Williamson's Mine, Stone Huts. —Sluicing and elevating operations are being carried out in the auriferous lead downstream from the Stone Huts. J ones' Mine, Whitton's Creek.—Sluicing and elevating operations are being carried out in the new .area to the south of Whitton's Creek. McLean Mine, Old Township Workings, Mid-Nevis. —-Sluicing and elevating operations were •carried out in the new area at the upstream end of the old workings. D. Adie is ground sluicing at the downstream section of the old township workings. Dredging Vincent County Austral New Zealand Mining, Ltd.—This large electrically operated dredge has continued to operate on the Clutha River flats above the Lowburn Bridge. During the early months the dredge worked in an upstream direction in the river channel and then turned and dredged downstream in the western river flat. During the year ending 31st December, 1946, the acreage dredged was 49-5, and -this yielded 3,407,000 cubic yards for a recovery of 10,873 oz. of bullion. The average dredging depth was 49 ft. This dredge is now in good running-order. Clutha River Gold Dredging, Ltd. —This electrically operated paddock dredge continued to dredge the Alexandra Flat, continuing its first cut to the east (downstream) until the ground formerly dredged by the Kakanui (Alexandra Lead) was reached. At this point a turn to the west was made, and the course is upstream towards the river and on the north side of the ground dredged in coming east. The •dredge operated for 4,930 hours and dredged 19 acres, treating 2,114,000 cubic yards for a return of 6,556 oz. of gold. The average depth of the gravels was 68-2 ft. The height of the bank above waterlevel in the dredge pond has been as much as 50 ft., the average being about 46 ft. The greatest depth below water-level was 44 ft. The tailings were stacked at times to a height of over 80 ft. above waterlevel—probably higher than tailings have been stacked by any other dredge. The dredge is now in good running-order. The electrically operated dredge of the Molyneux Gold Dredging Co., Ltd., is still tied up in the Kawarau River at Scotland's Point. Southland The dredge operated by the Rainbow Dredging Co. at Maitland, Waikaka Valley, resumed •dredging operations early in 1946. This is a small diesel-operated dredge suitable for working shallow ground. Accidents There were no fatal or serious accidents in the mines during the year. Quarries Accidents There was no fatal accidents during the year. There were three accidents of a serious nature : At the Totara Lime-quarry, in the Oainaru district, on 15th March, James Bryan, quarry foreman, suffered very serious injury to his right arm, which had later to be amputated just below the shoulder, through falling over the quarry face. On 2nd October at the North-east Valley Quarry, Dunedin, Gerald Francis Shiel suffered a depressed fracture of the skull through being hit by a piece of rock thrown from a shot. On 19th November at Willock's Clay Quarry, Benhar, Ivan Edwards suffered a fractured left tibia and fibula through the tilting of a large lump of clay jamming his leg between the back of the lorry and the clay.

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ANNEXURE B QUARRIES REPORT BY THE INSPECTOR OF QUARRIES FOR THE NORTH ISLAND (R. C. Ruffin) Report for the year ended 31st December, 1946, for surface and underground work done in theNorth Island District under the Quarries Act, 1944. Quarries A total of 271 quarries were worked during the year 1946, being an increase of 22 compared with last year, while the number of men employed at quarrying for the year was 1,086, showing an increaseof 109 over the number for 1945. Output of Stone The output of stone used for roading, filling, hydro-electric-dam construction, and concrete products is 999,657 tons, being an increase of 22,068 tons for 1946. For agricultural requirements 366,476 tons of limestone were quarried during 1946, which is an increase of 64,814 tons over that for 1945 ; also, 275,748 tons of limestone were produced for the manufacture of cement, compared with 274,995 tons for 1945. The increase of 64,814 tons of limestone for agricultural requirements will not satisfy the demand imposed on the industry for this product; also, the figures of the output of limestone for the manufacture of cement show that the desired increase is not at hand. Accidents (fatal, 1; serious 7) Fatal Accident A fatal accident occurred at the Auckland City Council's Quarry, Mount Eden, on 31st May, 1946Walter Morgan was killed when he fell over a vertical quarry face 20 ft. in height. Serious Accidents At Otaika Quarry, North Auckland, Joe Josephs was injured on 26th February, 1946, when helost the first joint of thumb and forefinger, also two joints of the middle finger of his right hand. The accident occurred when Josephs, intending to destroy a detonator attached to a fuse, cut off a length of the fuse, leaving a small piece in the detonator ; on spitting the fuse he intended to throw it away, but held it too long, and it exploded in his hand. At the N.Z. Soluble Slags, Ltd.'s, Pukemiro Quarry, G. Koti, on 17th May, 1946, received slight concussion when an aerial bucket of limestone was tipped on him when he was in the holding-bin cleaning down. At the Wanganui City Council's Hilton Quarry on 31st May, 1946, William Jackson suffered slight concussion, shock, and abrasions when he fell 20 ft. over the face of thq quarry. Jackson had been attached to a rope when, after disengaging himself from the rope, he slipped and fell over the face. At the N.Z. Soluble Slags, Ltd's., Pukemiro Quarry on 24th May, 1946, Ted Manukau received injuries resulting in a fractured base of the skull when he was working on a bench preparing for drilling. A fragment of rock detached from a small fall from high up on the quarry face struck Manukau andknocked him off the bench to the quarry floor, a distance of approximately 8 ft. At the Amalgamated Brick and Pipe Co.'s No. 3 Pottery-pit, Avondale, on the 21st June, 1946, Tai Kaua suffered a fractured pelvis resulting from a fall of clay. Tai Kaua was buried from thewaist down. At the Auckland City Council's Mount Eden Quarry on 23rd August, 1946, John Moody suffered a fractured spine when he was caught in a slip of rock which carried him over the quarry face. Moody was suspended on a rope 30 ft. above a rock pile, otherwise he would have been instantly killed. At the Akitio County Council's Pongaroa-Akitio Highway Quarry on 25th October, 1946, J. C. Nielsen, while barring down rock, sustained a broken first finger of the right hand. Prosecutions under the Quarries Act, 1944 Four informations were laid during the year for breaches against the Quarries Act 1944 : On 25th May, 1946, at Masterton, a quarryman was fined for acting in the capacity of quarry - manager, he not being the holder of a quarry-manager's certificate, contrary to section 9 (3), QuarriesAct, 1944. On 25th May, 1946, at Masterton, a quarry occupier was fined for employing a quarryman as. manager of his quarry, the quarryman not being the holder of a quarry-manager's certificate, contrary to section 9 (4), Quarries Act, 1944. On 10th July, 1946, at Huntly, a quarry foreman was fined for failing to keep a daily report book, contrary to the regulations under the Quarries Act, 1944. On 26th July, 1946, at Auckland, a company was fined for operating a quarry without there being, a qualified manager in charge, contrary to section 8 (1) and (2), Quarries Act, 1944.

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APPENDIX B REPORTS RELATING TO THE INSPECTION OF COAL-MINES The Inspecting Engineer and Chief Inspector of Coal-mines to the UnderSecretary of Mines. Wellington, 2nd May, 1947. -Sir, — I have the honour to present my annual report on the coal-mining industry of New Zealand for the year ended 31st December, 1946. OUTPUT The total output for the year was 2,793,870 tons, a decrease of 39,706 tons on the 1945 production. The output from the Southern District increased by 38,624 tons, but the outputs from the Northern and the West Coast Districts decreased by 66,295 tons and 12,035 tons respectively.

Tlie following statement shows tons of coal raised, men employed, and lives lost by accidents in or about collieries to 1946

ACCIDENTS The following is a summary of accidents in and about coal-mines during 1946

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Year. Output, in Statute Tons. Persons ordinarily employed. Lives lost by Accidents in or about Collieries. Per Million Tons produced. Per Thousand Persons employed. Number of Lives lost. Above Ground. Below Ground. Total. Prior to 1941 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 Totals 95,336,168 2,639,507 2,680,041 2,787,868 2,805,970 2,833,576 2,793,870 1,358 1,338 1,375 1,637 1,660 1,738 3,633 3,659 3,999 3,958 3,932 3,819 4,991 4,997 5,374 5,595 5,592 5,557 1-51 2-24 2-87 4-28 2-12 1-43 0-80 1-20 1-50 214 1-07 0-72 526 4 6 8 12 6 4 111,877,000 566

Fatal Accidents. Serious Non-fatal Accidents. Number of Separate Fatal Accidents. Number of Deaths. Number of Separate Non-fatal Accidents. Number of Persons injured, including those injured byAccidents which proved Fatal to their Companions. Carbon-monoxide poisoning Explosions of fire-damp or coal-dust Falls of ground Explosives Haulage Miscellaneous —Underground On surface 4 4 i 14 1 13 10 4 i 14 1 13 10 4 Totals 4 4 43 43

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Three of the fatalities occurred in the West Coast District and one in the Northern District. Twenty-nine of the non-fatal accidents were in the West Coast District (ten due to falls of ground), five in the Southern District (two due to falls of ground), and nine in the Northern District (two due to falls of ground). DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES Thirty-six dangerous occurrences were reported to Inspectors during 1946. Thirtyfour cases related to fire or heating in underground workings, one to a surface fire, and one to an inflow of gas from a borehole breached by advancing workings. LEGISLATION An amendment to the Coal-mines Act, 1925, made by section 17 of the Statutes Amendment Act, 1946, enables leases under Part I of the Act to be limited to specified seams or coal-bearing horizons. PROSECUTIONS Five informations were laid by Inspectors for breaches of the Act and regulations. Two convictions were obtained. I have, &c., R. H. Schoen, Inspecting Engineer and Chief Inspector of Coal-mines.

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ANNEXURE A SUMMARY OF REPORTS BY INSPECTORS OF COAL-MINES NORTHERN INSPECTION DISTRICT (C. Hunter, Inspector of Coal-mines) Summary of Operations of each Colliery for the Year 1946 North Auckland District Kama Colliery.—During the year development work has been carried on in the Main Slant Dip, ■which has been advanced to a face distance of 57 chains from the main mine haulage system and is at present standing on inferior coal, no work having been done here for several months. To the east off Main Slant Dip and approximately 7 chains from face a pair of levels have been driven for a distance of II chains, the coal here being about 6 ft. in thickness. Work was discontinued some months ago ■ due to ventilation difficulties. Fourteen chains back from dip face a pair of dips known as No. 3 Right have been advanced to a distance of 12 chains from dip side ; at 10 chains from dip a step-down fault •of 10 ft. was intercepted. This fault was crossed, proving coal of 10 ft. thickness on inbye side of it. In the East Dip Section a fair amount of development work has been accomplished. In June the • extraction of pillars in No. 4 Mine was completed and the mine closed down, only pumping operations being carried on. A new ventilating-drive for No. 3 Mine has been started and is down approximately :2 chains from portal, grade of drive is 1 in 3, the dimensions of drive are 8 ft. by 7 ft. 6 in. Waro Colliery.—The production for the year has been solely from the extraction of pillars, and present indications are that, due to the fast rate of extraction and to occasional compulsory retreat • caused by flooding, the area should be exhausted during the current year. Avoca Opencast.—This small undertaking closed down in April, the output for the working period being 186 tons. Whareora Opencast.—Only 16 tons were secured for the year before closing down. Waikato District Pukemiro Colliery.—The output of 122,271 tons for the year has been won chiefly from the • extraction of pillars, the only solid work performed being in the recovery of old sections and the -development of small areas adjacent to the extremities of the field. The colliery accommodates forty-seven pairs of miners, twelve pairs being placed in the North Mine and the remainder in the South. North Mine : In the North Mine it is the intention of the manager to leave an area of unextracted pillars for the support of colliery houses, and as the line of extraction reaches this predetermined position the miners are transferred to the South Mine. On the south side of the main haulage road, five pairs are placed, with seven to the north of the haulage road. South Mine : The work in this mine is carried on over a large area with eight groups of men placed in small sections more or less isolated from one another; this makes for duplication of workmen in . some classes of work, which, as conditions are, is very difficult to avoid. Along the southern boundary three sections are located, these being known as South Straight, New Panel, and Nelson's Jig Sections, ten pairs being accommodated between the three, the Nelson's Jig Section carrying three pairs on back- , shift; this is necessary to expedite the extraction of pillars and to avoid spontaneous heating. The Taupiri Section, which is subdivided into three sections, is located alongside the Hangapipi Road. In all, twelve pairs engaged on pillar-extraction are placed in this area. In Home's Dip Section the • coal is of a very friable nature with heavy roof conditions and the floor tends to creep ; five pairs are placed here. In the No. 1 Right South Section five pairs are employed in solid work developing behind the Old Rope Section. A new airway has been completed to the surface and preparations for installing an additional fan are well in hand. To provide extra floor space, 750 square feet has been added to the bath-house. Renown Colliery.—No. 2 Mine main headings have been advanced to a total distance of 80 chains from the portal. At this point a downthrow fault of major importance has been intercepted and the work of advancement stopped. About 4 chains ahead of the present position a borehole was put down, but only 4 ft. of coal was recorded. It would appear that the fault is the continuation of the one that stopped the further development of the workings in the No. 1 Mine. To the south-east of the main haulage road five panels have been formed, and a sixth is at present being formed. It is intended upon completion of the No. 6 panel to commence pillar-extraction. To the north-west very little developing could be done due to the existence of faulted country running parallel to direction of haulage road and about 3 chains from it. All the coal is machine cut. A new bathhouse of excellent design capable of accommodating ninety-two persons was put into use towards the end of the year.

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In the No. 1 Mine four pairs have been engaged in pillar-extraction in each of the following sections t No. 3 East Rope End, No. 3 East Panel, and No. 5 West Heading Section. Developing-work is beingcarried on in a small area of No. 5 West Heading Section, three pairs being so employed ; the coal hereis thinning out and also running into faulted country. In No. 5 North, three pairs are engaged driving' towards No. 4 North Panel with a view to extracting No. 4 pillars, the coal to be transported to main, rope road through the No. 5 Section. Wilton Colliery.—No. 2 Mine : The output from the mine has been secured from pillar-extraction, in the Dawson's Dip area, where eight pairs of miners are placed. No. 3 Mine : Five pairs of miners are engaged completing the extraction of the remaining pillarsin B Panel. No. 3 Extended Mine : Nineteen pairs of miners are engaged on development work in the Nos. 2,. 3, and 4 East Heading Sections and Nos. 3 and 4 West Sections. In the Nos. 2 and 3 East Sections the headings have been advanced to a distance of 16 chains and 14 chains respectively from the main haulage road, the output from both sections being handled by means of endless-rope haulage systemsinstalled during the year. The No. 2 Section consists of six headings with necessary crosscuts, and theNo. 3 Sections consists of five headings with necessary crosscuts, the coal in both of these sectionsbeing mechanically cut by means of machines of the Korfmann type ; in No. 3 East Section several faults have been intercepted. In the No. 4 East headings a downthrow fault of approximately 15 ft., was encountered, stopping further advancement, it being the intention to open up on the inside beyond the fault from No. 3 Section. In the No. 4 West headings after advancing for a distance of 11 chains a downthrow fault of approximately 8 ft. was encountered. From the No. 3 West headings, which were standing on coal only 2 ft. 6 in. in thickness, slant headings are being driven towards the No. 4 headings, which they will intercept ahead of their present position; the slants, which have advanced for a distance of 4 chains, are in 6 ft. of good-quality coal. The main mine haulage rope has been, extended into the No. 4 West Heading Section. It appears that the coal-seam deteriorates in quality and tends to thin out as it advances to the west; this is disappointing from an output point of view,, as only a one-sided mine is provided. Rotowaro Colliery.—No. 1 Colliery (Top Seam) : Pillar-extraction was continued until August, in No. 4 Section, when, due to heating, this section was temporarily sealed off. In the Hill 60 and New Haulage or No. 1 Sections pillar-extraction has been continued intermittently during the year. Callaghan's Dip Section (Bottom Seam) : The main headings have been advanced to 55 chains, from the No. 1 Main Haulage. A stone band has been met with and appears to be thickening. No. 6Panel headings have been broken away from the main headings. No. 5 Panel headings have been advanced to 13 chains from the main heading. No. 5a Panel is in process of formation, coal being cut with coal-cutting machines. In No. 5 Panel the development work was completed and pillarextraction commenced during the year. In No. 4 Panel, pillar-extraction was continued throughout - the yearly period. No. 3 Mine : Pillar-extraction was continued in Brown's Section, Wilkie's Dip, and New Dip Sections, whilst development work is being carried out in the Shaft Section. In the Callaghan's Dip area an extensive boring programme has been carried out proving fairly large deposits of workable coal. Alison No. 1 Colliery : Pillar-extraction was continued throughout the year in all panels and in. No. 2 Dip. In No. 1 Dip and Rope End, pillars heating necessitated the closing of these two sections in the latter part of the year. Development in the top-seam panel, No. 4a Jig, was discontinued early in the year owing to shortageof miners. In the North Drive the headings were advanced to a distance of 8 chains beyond the fault wherethe seam cut out. Development of bords to the rise is being carried out. Alison No. 2 Colliery : The main dip headings were advanced 4 chains beyond the fault, while the return airway has been completed'back through the fault. B Section headings have been advanced to 20 chains from the main dip. B South Slant headings were commenced during the year and advanced a distance of 3 chainsfrom B Section heading. Development of B1 Panel was continued by machines throughout the year. " A " Section has been closed throughout the year owing to shortage of miners. Pillar-extraction continued throughout the year in the rise panel. Two new Mavor and Coulson coal-cutters were delivered in December and will be installed in this colliery early in the New Year. Glen Afton No. 1 Colliery.—Output during the year was secured from pillar-extraction in E2 Panel, E2 Rope End Section, and L Section. The only work of development carried out was in the driving of a pair of headings from H Section towards K rope road, the purpose of these being to secure an easy haulage way for the extraction of K roadside pillars and, if possible, the opening-up of a small area of coal lying between the E and K rope roads.

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Glen Afton No. 2 (Mac Donald Colliery).—The output for the year has been won from extraction of pillars in E and H Sections and development work carried on in the extension of K rope road and panel formation to east and west from it. The rope road is 5 chains inside the McKinnon boundary, with which it runs parallel. Present position of face of rope road is approximately 7 chains to nearest position of K Section, No. 1 Mine. Two 32-volt electric drilling-machines have been installed to be used in conjunction with the •coal-cutting machines. Two boreholes have been put down between H 3 Left Section and Tapp's boundary in the No. 2 Mine for the purpose of proving whether further development can be carried out. No. 4 Mine (Mac Donald). —With the exception of No. 1 Jig Section, the output has been won from pillar-extraction. No. 1 Jig Section consists of four places between two old pillared sections, the ■coal here being cut with machine. Waikato Extended Opencast (Roose Shipping Co.). —During the year 14,661 tons were produced from opencast workings. The coal is loaded by mechanical shovel into motor-trucks and conveyed to tthe side of the Waikato River approximately half a mile away. Total number employed, including truck-drivers, nine men. Bell and Devlin's Mine.—Work at this party mine terminated in December, all working-material being removed to a new area. The output for the year was 2,288 tons. Huntly Brickworks. —No coal was mined during the year ; however, the clay for brickmaking was secured from a clean face, the surface subsoil having been stripped by bulldozer. Glen Afton Potteries Opencast.—Ninety-seven tons was won during the year from an opencast face approximately 6 ft. thick ; work is only carried on as required by the works. Te PaTtu Colliery, Karamu.—No work has been carried on since September. Output for year, 50 tons. Two men were employed intermittently. Daily's Mine, Hauturu. —No coal was produced during the year. Whatawhata Campbell Colliery.—The Main Dip has been advanced approximately 1 chain during the year, making a total of approximately 10 chains from surface. To the left from the bottom of ■dip a level has been driven for about 2 chains in good coal, whilst to the right a level has been driven for about 1 chain. Working has been carried out in a small area adjacent to 15 ft. upthrow fault, also to the right of jig on south-east side, where three solid places have been worked between the fault ■and top of main jig. Rangitoto Opencast Coal-mine (Hamilton and Harvey), Otorohanga.—Four men have been employed during the year for an output of 2,850 tons from opencast workings. For a short period during the year work was suspended at the opencast whilst an attempt was made to open part of the lease by mining. Due to the dangerous tactics adopted to win coal, this was closed down in July, when the work was transferred back to opencast. Kimihia State Opencast Mine. —No. 1 Area: This mine produced consistently during the year •except for a period of eight weeks during mid-winter when reserves of coal were exhausted and because wet weather conditions seriously hampered stripping operations. This experience emphasizes the necessity of intensive stripping during the summer months so that prior to the onset of winter conditions •ample reserves of stripped coal are available for continuity of supply. Spoil removed during the year amounted to 291,760 cubic yards, making a total yardage since operations commenced of 592,960 cubic yards. No. 1 Area Extension : An area to the south-west of No. 1 has been bored from a barge on the lake during the year and a deposit of from 24 feet to 28 feet of good-quality coal has been proved over an area which is estimated to contain 450,000 tons. Preparations are being made to commence work on the stopbank so that the area can be enclosed, the water pumped out, and the coal eventually stripped and recovered. Glen Afton State Opencast.—Spoil shifted during 1946 amounted to 89,600 cubic yards for a coal recovery of 12,587 tons of coal. To date, 415,600 cubic yards of overburden have been removed for 39,889 tons of coal. Stripping is almost completed on this area and the remaining coal will be won during the year. Kemp's State Opencast Mine, Glen Massey.—Total spoil shifted to the end of 1946 was 1,211,820 cubic yards, including 568,030 cubic yards during 1946. Output for the year amounted to 52,459 tons, giving a total output to date of 86,521 tons. At this mine stripping is reasonably well ahead of coal-winning. Notwithstanding variations in thickness of coal, outputs have been consistently good during the year and the mine has been valuable producing unit. Taranaki District Mangapehi State Colliery.—The output for the year has been secured chiefly from the extraction of pillars in Nos. 2 East and West Panels. The work of extraction in No. 2 West panel has been completed and about half the pillars have been extracted from the No. 2 East Panel. Development work has been carried on in the No. 2 East Levels, the faces of these having been advanced to about 30 chains from side of dip ; the coal opened up is of good quality and approximately 25 ft. in thickness. Two rise headings have been broken away from the levels in preparation for formation of new panel

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inbye from panel in which pillars are now being extracted. A slant dip broken away 4 chains from? main dip face was stopped in stone after being driven for 3J chains. At present a new turbine pump ha& been installed in this vicinity and is handling all the mine water direct to surface. In No. 1 East Level' reconditioning work was carried out as far as C Panel and pillar-extraction started on this panel. From the surface a new drive was put down to connect on to the No. 1 East " A " panel, where, in conjunction with pillar-extraction, it is proposed to experiment with the system of hydraulic stowage. If this system of stowage can be successfully applied it will go a long way towards reducing the loss of' coal which, due to spontaneous combustion, inevitably occurs when portions of pillars have to be sealed off. During the year the whole of the mine has been piped and a high-pressure water system installed ; this has proved to be invaluable in combating fires resulting from heating. Tatu State Colliery.—ln the No. 2 North-west Panel, pillar-extraction continued until Augusts when, due to flooding resulting from excessively heavy rainfalls, further operations became impossible,, thus work was stopped for the time being. An effort is being made to dewater this section so as toretrieve the lost pillars. In the area opened up by two dips to the north-west ahead of No. 2, work was continued until the 50 ft. fault was contacted, when four places were broken away and driven in a south-westerly direction, opening up the field ahead of the present position of main entry. Thiscoal has proved to be of good quality and approximately 8 ft. in thickness ; the prospects here appear' to be good. Extensive repairs have been effected to the main return airway between the bottom of ' incline from the surface and the fan drift. An air-crossing over the main haulage road has considerably improved the ventilation of the mine and at the same time haulage of coal. A main and tail haulagesystem operated by 75 h.p. motor has been installed and is operating successfully. Prospecting work in the Haeo Gorge escarpment has continued as weather and man-power conditions permitted. Five holes have been completed and the seam has been proved' to exist without any indications of major faulting. Moynihari's Lease, Mangakara, Ohura.—Fifty chains of access roading was completed, storagebins for 40 tons erected, 10 chains of fluming built, waterways to storage dam completed, and sufficient stripping done to permit of coal being won, which was commenced in the beginning of December,. 358 tons up to the end of the year being won. Aria Colliery.—The work at this small mine has been carried on during the year developing on the dip side of trucking road. Entry to this section was achieved by driving a dip approximately 3 chains from which two levels to right and one to left were broken away. The levels to right afterdriving approximately 2 chains contacted a fault in which they are at present standing. The height of seam is about 9 ft. and is of fair quality. Electric power was installed for operating winch and pump. Stockman Colliery.—This small mine operated by two men produced an output of 748 tons ; the coal is brought down twenty-five miles by launch on the Mokau River to Mokau Settlement, from where it is distributed. Paparata Colliery (Libline and Williams). —After producing 297 tons, operations ceased at this small mine. Fougere's Opencast, Ohura.—Work has been carried on intermittently during the year for an output of 820 tons. Waitewhena State Opencast.—Operations continued in the Lee Creek Section with satisfactory results throughout the summer months, but during the winter, creep of overburden gave continualtrouble, resulting in irregular outputs, and after persevering against odds the section above the 30 ft. fault was abandoned, and with additional machines, " clam-grab," and power shovel to handle thestripping the area in the Lee Creek bed, extension of the first face operated, was worked up into thesolid country. Later a roadway was formed under atrocious conditions to the No. 2 Area, where, during the summer, reserves of stripped coal to the extent of 35,000 tons had been provided and which it was intended to transport by aerial ropeway (flying-fox) from the terrace to a roadside bin 300 ft. below and approximately 1,000 ft. distant. The installation of the aerial ropeway was dropped for the time being, and all men and machines put to form the roadway, portion of which had to be corduroyed with heavy logs prior to metalling,, and in November, production from the No. 2 area commenced, with increasing outputs. This coal is carted to the screens and bin in the Lee Creek, and then transported to the railway as graded coal. Added reserves of stripped coal are being provided on No. 2 Area, where a combination of earthwork machines and trucks are operating, from which area outputs up to 200 tons daily can be had. The installation of a screening-plant and bins at the Waitewhena railway siding is now well advanced, and electric power should be available when this plant is completed. The installation of upper and roadside bins in the Waitewhena Valley for No. 2 and No. 5 Areas,, together with that of the aerial ropeway associated with this installation, will follow the completion of the screening-plant now being erected at the railway siding. A 25-toft wagon weighbridge has been installed at the railway siding. Earthwork plant at present employed for stripping are two large bulldozers and two 12-cubic-yard carryalls, a medium bulldozer, two power shovels, and a clam-grab, the latter machines being used in conjunction with trucks transporting the spoil to a dump. Eight 4-ton trucks transport the coal from the mine to the railway siding, a distance of twelve miles.

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Rotowaro Rescue-station Ninety-five men have been trained at the station, twelve of these during the year. In addition to the training of new men, refresher courses have been given to all previously trained men. During the year equipment has been installed at the State Mine, Benneydale, for the use of the two State mines in the Taranaki district. During the year eight appeals for assistance have been received at the Station, three of these being for fire-fighting purposes, the remainder being for the opening-up of old sections which have been sealed for some considerable time. Huntly School of Mines The school continues to attract a considerable number of students, and classes are held regularly at Huntly, Ngaruawahia, and Rotowaro. Fatality On 20th May at Kamo Colliery a miner, Allan George Saunders, received injuries which proved fatal, due to a fall of roof stone. Serious Non-fatal Accidents G. Ngahere, employed at Pukemiro Colliery, sustained a fracture of left clavicle on 11th January through being jammed between two props. On 20th March in No. 3 Mine, Rotowaro, Robert Oliver, deputy, received an injury to the left leg through a piece of coal falling on it; this resulted in fracture of bone. As a result of being jammed between two skips, F. Libeau sustained a fracture of lower end of right radius bone on 4th April at Pukemiro Colliery. Reported from Mangapehi on 9th. May that J. Dibley, miner, was struck on head by piece of coal from roof; he sustained the following injuries : twisted right knee, a broken ankle, and abrasions to back, the head injury not serious, due to hard hat being worn. A fractured upper jaw was sustained by F. Raynor, deputy, Glen Afton Colliery, on 15th August, who, after examining the roof from the top of heap of coal, was coming down when he slipped and struck the corner of a skip standing at toe of heap. On 10th September at Kamo Colliery Donald McFarlane, shiftman, sustained a fracture of a leg when he was struck by a timber trolly which had jumped the track. A shiftman, A. Palmer, received a first-degree burn of the face in the No. 1 Alison Mine due to lifting the lid from a carbide container used in conjunction with an acetylene cutter and inserting his naked light to see what was inside ; apparently some gas was still in the container, which ignited, causing the burn. Date of accident, 16th September. On 9th October it was reported from Mangapehi that R. Archibald, trucker, sustained a fracture of the left arm. Reported from Renown Collieries that on 3rd September E. Hambleton, miner, received an injury to his right eye which necessitated the removal of same. Reports regarding Dangerous Occurrences in Mines On sth January in No. 1 East Section, Mangapehi, a fire was detected which had started under a fall of coal; fire was subdued by applying water, and is now safe and cool. On 6th January gob-stink detected in No. 2 East Panel, Mangapehi, emanating from crack in floor; heating subdued by water, and is now cool. On 11th January in West Pillar Section, Mangapehi, smoke was observed coming from a crushed barrier alongside the gob. This required erection of four stoppings to seal off. On 10th February fire-stink was detected in No. 3 Left North Mme, Pukemiro ; this was effectively isolated by erection of a stopping. Reported on 10th February that minor outburst of fire occurred in return half of No. 2 East Panel, Mangapehi; the fire was in a crack in the floor. It was quickly extinguished by application of water. On 13th February smoke was observed coming from a sealed goaf in Alison No. 2 Mine. This required an additional two stoppings to seal off the affected part. In the E2 Second Panel Pillars, Glen Afton Colliery, on 15th February fire-stink detected coming from goaf. The heating was smothered through securing a good fall from roof. On 25th February fire-stink was detected coming from the goaf in the E2 pillars, Glen Afton Colliery; in addition to securing a good fall, two stoppings were erected to isolate the affected area. On 12th April in the West Section, State Coal Mine, Benneydale, a fire was discovered in some loose coal inside a board stopping through which it had burnt a hole; water 'applied to extinguish the fire and a clay stopping erected to seal off the area. On 4th May in the No. 1 Section, South Mine, Pukemiro, an outbreak of fire occurred which was considered sufficiently serious to warrant calling for assistance from the Rescue-station, Rotowaro. The fire had burnt back over an existing permanent stopping. Two new stoppings were erected, and the outbreak is now under control.

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On 13th May a heating occurred in the pillar workings on the. east side of main haulage; the area was isolated by the erection of three stoppings. An outbreak of fire occurred in the New Panel Section, South Mine, Pukemiro, on the 7th June whilst the remaining portion of a stump adjacent to goaf was being extracted. A stopping was erected to seal off heated area, and everything is under control. On 26th June smoke was found in the No. 3 Jig Section, Alison No. 1 Mine ; examination revealed that the smoke was issuing from the goaf in King's pillar place. One stopping was required to seal off the affected part. On 9th July a fire occurred in .the No. 2 East Panel, State Mine, Benneydale; the fire was got under control with water and then sealed off. A heating occurred in Brown's Section, No. 3 Mine, Rotowaro, on the 15th July. The affected area was sealed off by the erection of two stoppings. In the Rope End Section, Alison No. 1 Mine, on the 15th July, due to fire-stink in Wilson's place, it was found necessary to erect two stoppings to seal off the area. On the 16th, smoke was discovered in the place adjacent to the one sealed off on previous day. This required another two stoppings. To erect these the services of a rescue team wearing the Proto apparatus was used. It is worthy of note that a 3 per cent, cap of inflammable gas was got in a safety-lamp up on a bench where one of the stoppings was being erected. As CH 4 had never been found in this mine previously, it is conjectured that the gas found was produced by distillation behind one of the stoppings erected on previous day. On 6th August in E Section, Mac Donald Mine, a heating occurred which required four stoppings to seal off; eight places are temporarily put out of production. On 15th August in Alison No. 1 Mine, two fires occurred, one in No. 3 Jig Section and one in Spence's place. Four stoppings were erected to effectively seal the areas affected. In the No. 4 Jig Pillar Section, Alison No. 1 Mine, a fire was discovered. The fire had burnt around the side of a brick stopping. A new stopping was erected 2 ft. on outbye side and the space between the stoppings filled with pug clay. On 30th August an outbreak of fire occurred in the Nelson's Jig Section, Pukemiro South Mine. This was a small outbreak and the material was filled out and sent to the surface. On 6th October a fire occurred in the Straight Heading Section, North Mine, Pukemiro. The fire was brought under control by erecting fire stoppings. An outbreak of fire occurred in the New Panel Section, South Mine, Pukemiro, on 13th October. This was the result of a place not falling in completely after being drawn off, and the fire broke over the old fire stopping. Eire stoppings were erected and the situation is now under control. Prosecutions ' Arising out of an inspection carried out in connection with a fatal accident at Kamo Collieries on the 20th May, informations were laid which involved three officials, being a shotfirer, deputy, and underviewer. All of the cases were defended on the 24th July. The shotfirer was charged that he " did fire a shot in a working-place of the mine, such shot not being in a properly placed shot hole," contrary to Regulation 224 (2), Coal-mines Regulations 1939. Failure to secure a conviction was due to the fact that the acting-mine-manager gave evidence contrary to facts agreed upon during the inspection of the working-place. The information laid against the deputy was " that he, being an examining deputy, did fail to report that a source of danger existed in a working-place due to non-observance of timbering rules " : section 12& (2), Coal-mines Act, 1925. A conviction was secured'and a fine of £5 Is. imposed, such fine being to permit of an appeal being made against the decision. In the higher Court the decision was reserved, but ultimately a reversal of decision was given. The case against the underviewer was " that, being an underviewer, he did fail to see that the roof and sides of a working-place were properly secured by the person working in it," contrary to Regulation 89, Coal-mines Regulations 1939. Failed to secure a conviction. WEST COAST INSPECTION DISTRICT (J. Adamsost and L. C. Cook, Inspectors of Coal-mines) Greymouth District Liverpool State Colliery, Rewanui. —Anderson Dip Section : Five pairs of colliers were employed in this section, partly in pillar-extraction and partly in solid work. A dip road and level driven through a barrier to the east of Leach's Dip, which was previously sealed off, reached solid coal to the east of ■this old dip. Splitting and extraction of pillars was continued to the east off the bottom of James Dip. Kimbell West Dip Section : Splitting and extraction of pillars was continued throughout the year, six pairs of colliers being engaged on this work. Morgan East and West Rise Sections : Sixteen pairs of miners continued with the extraction of pillars in these sections. Prospecting work continued intermittently through faulted ground at the inbye end of the main Morgan West Level. At a distance of approximately 1J chains, coal was encountered, but it was found that the seam had split into three with 8 ft. of clean workable coal in one seam which was pitching very steeply. Stone driving is being continued.

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Morgan West Dip : Development here has been pushed on a distance of 11 chains with a grade of approximately lin 4. The top 5 ft. of the seam has deteriorated and is now interspersed with stone bands. There is, however, 15 ft. of clean coal below these stone bands. Two pairs of miners were engaged in development work in this section. Morgan East Dip : Two headings have been driven to the rise and to the east of the middle panel. The quality of coal is improving, and prospects look bright for another small panel in this area. Two pairs of miners were engaged on this work. Hadcroft's Dip, Morgan East Dip Section : Development has now reached a distance of 13 chains from the bottom of Hadcroft's Dip. A new level was turned off to the east at approximately 12 chains. The thickness of coal in the dip face is 16 ft., but the level to the east appeared to be running into dirty coal. A sump is being driven off the dip heading to the west 2 chains below the bottom of Hadcroft's Dip. This will provide the main sump for all the Morgan East Dip workings. Four pairs of miners were engaged on this work. In the top panel, Morgan East Dip, pillar-extraction was carried out, but a heating developed and the area was sealed off permanently. Machinery installed underground included a new 40 h.p. electric winch installed in the Kimbell West Dip, a 40 h.p. main and tail compressed-air winch installed in the Anderson Dip Section, and a 20 h.p. compressed-air winch installed at the foot of Hadcroft's Dip. An electric hot-air-heating apparatus was installed in two bathhouses, while an electric system of heating water was installed in the bins bathhouse. Strongman State Colliery.—The output was gained mainly from development work in a northerly direction from the main east haulage road and in a southerly direction in the No. 1 South Dip Section. The seam in this section deteriorated in thickness and quality due to a number of stone bands. Development was discontinued and preparations made to extract the pillars. A new dip haulage was being driven to improve the haulage facilities from this section. A new 40 h.p. electric Carron drive haulage winch was installed for the No. 2 Dip into the lower seam, effecting a considerable improvement in the haulage for this section. Blackball State Colliery, Blackball.—Sump Dip : Five pairs of miners on double shift developed -this section with a Jeffrey coal-cutter. Workings to left of main dip are approaching No. 2 Bore. The seam is 20 ft. thick of good quality. Coal on left side of main dip seam thinned to 4 ft. Dunn's Dip : Three pairs of miners on double shift developed this section, which is in the locality •of No. 1 Bore. The coal is 15 ft. to 20 ft. thick and is of good quality. Main and Tail Section : This section was developed by three pairs of miners on double shift with a Korfman coal-cutter. Two headings were driven 3 chains through barren ground. Crow's Nest Section : Two pairs of miners on double shift were extracting pillars. A heating was successfully sealed. An endless rope haulage was installed in Main and Tail Section. Underground substation was brought into use. High tension is fed through a borehole cable, 11,000 volts, and transformed underground to 400 volts. Blackball Creek Colliery (Balderstone and Party), Blackball.—Eight men were employed underground during the year continuing splitting and extracting pillars left behind in the old original Blackball Proprietary's workings in the top seam. Briandale Collieries, Ltd., Ten-mile Creek. —Prospecting operations were continued in a coal-seam adjacent to the old Burnside Co-operative Mine. The quality of the coal deteriorated somewhat in very disturbed strata. A continuation of the seam is difficult to determine on this account. Wallsend State Colliery, Brunnerton. —No. 1 Dip development was continued towards the east side, and in the area between the roll and the Dobson fault development continued for a further chains. In No. 2 Dip pumping was continued with a new Lee Howl pump, and the machine level is now dry. Brushing and retirabering was continued nearly down to this point. Concrete stoppings were erected on either side where necessary. No. 1 Slant Dip : Splitting of pillars was continued and has now reached the line of the old dip road. Extension Section : Development was completed and splitting of pillars commenced. New cages with safety-catches were fitted in the main winding-shaft and a 60 h.p. electric manhaulage winch was installed at the top of No. 3 Dip. A new 6 in. compressed-air line was installed in the upcast shaft. A stone drive connecting No. 1 Slant Dip with the old No. 2 Dip was driven to make a new return airway with a view to improving the ventilation of Nos. 1 and 2 Slant Dips and the Extension Section. Dobson State Colliery, Dobson. —Development continued in the main dip headings and in the No. 5 West Section. A step fault developed in No. 5 West and increased in throw from north to south. There is regular formation beyond this fault, which is being pierced at No. 3 West Dip, where the displacement shows approximately 10 ft. downthrow. A new electric cable was placed down No. 2 Dip to No. 1 Pumping Station, which will be converted from compressed air to electricity. A new transformer for the main substation is almost completed. Work has commenced on the enlarging of the main return airway for improved ventilation. Paparoa Colliery, Boa.—Aerial Section (No. 1 Seam) : Four to five pairs of colliers were employed throughout the year, mainly in solid work. Towards the end of the year a connection was made with the old top level with the intention of driving through to the outcrop in Waterfall Creek.

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West Section (No. 2 Seam) ; Three pairs of colliers were employed during the year. The work included the recovery of roadways above the old Slant Heading and driving of a new intake airway from the main tunnel in solid coal to the dip of the seam. A new electric man-haulage winch was installed at Middle Flat. A slip carried away portion of the hydrauhc-brake house and inflicted considerable damage to this engine and to the new man-haulage winch. Co-operative, Mines in the Grey District Spark and Party's Mine, Rewanui. —Development continued in a north-westerly direction to therise off the main level. The coal maintained fairly good quality with an average thickness of 8 ft. to 9 ft. Old Runanga Mine (O'Brien and Party), Rewanui. —Pillar-extraction continued on the west side of the main level. Moody Creek Mine (Wright and Party), Dunollie.—Development work continued to the dip in excellent-quality coal averaging 12 ft. in thickness. A level to the right of the dip haulage was driven a distance of 8 chains and stopped temporarily in good-quality coal. It is the intention of this party to install a new surface haulage and erect new bins and screening-plant on the railway-line adjacent to the mine portal. Goldlight Mine (Williams and Party), Rewanui.—Development work was continued throughout the year to the left of the dip haulage road. The quality of the coal remains good, averaging 8 it. in thickness. The workings on this side are now approximately 3 chains from the boundary of the lease. A drainage level to the right from the foot of the dip haulage pierced the surface, thus eliminating pumping problems and providing improvement in the ventilation. New Point E. Mine (Guy and Party), Dunollie. —Pillar-extraction ceased at the end of the year in the dip section of this mine and the section closed down. Work has now commenced in reopening the rise coal temporarily abandoned in the early part of the year. jHilltop Mine (Armstrong and Party), Ten-mile. —Development work was continued to the west of the main dip in good coal averaging 20 ft. in thickness. A borehole in search of a lower seam was put down at the lower extremity of the workings. The depth of the borehole is approximately 80 ft., proving 12 ft. coal. At the latter end of the year this mine was taken over by the Kiwi co-operative party. Boote and Party, Ten-mile.—Pillar-extraction continued throughout the year on the west side of the dip haulage road. Roof conditions were not good, necessitating constant care and adequate timbering. The percentage of coal obtained from these workings was satisfactory. Hunter and Party's Mine, Dknollie. —Development work was carried out in an incline and two* levels to left of main dip. To the right of main dip a level was stopped at 3 chains in 18 in. top coal, 1 ft. stone, 2 ft. coal, 15 in. stone, 4 ft. coal on floor. Schultz Creek Mine (Gould and Co., Ltd.), Twelve-mile.—The output was won solely from pillarextraction in coal from 2 ft. to 3 ft. in thickness. Cliffdale Mine (Stuart and Party), Ten-mile.—Pillar-extraction ceased in the old mine during the year and this mine closed down. A new dip drive was commenced some 10 chains to 12 chains west of the old mine mouth. Coal was struck at approximately 1J chains. The seam is 13 ft. thick and is of excellent quality, pitching at an average grade of 1 in 3. Development was being continued principally to the dip. Bellvue Mine, Rapahoe.—No work was done at this mine during the year. Improvements to the surface haulage are contemplated, upon the completion of which it is proposed to reopen the mine. Jubilee Mine (Tinning and Party), Rapahoe.—Twelve men were employed during the year,, principally on pillar-extraction in No. 1 Sectipn. "Working-conditions were good, thus permitting a high percentage of extraction. Coaldale Mine (Wafer and Party), Rapahoe.—At the latter end of the year this party commenced operations in a small area of coal 4 ft. thick adjacent to the old Bellvue Mine, worked by Hadcroft and party. Work consisted mainly of the erection of bins and building of access road. Very little coal was won. Clijfside Mine (Moore and Party), Nine-mile.—Output was won chiefly from "development work in good coal averaging 12 ft. in thickness. Several pillars on the low side of the old mine were extracted with good results. Braehead Mine (Boote and Party), Dunollie.—Output was won solely from pillar-extraction in good-quality coal 5 ft. to 8 ft. in thickness. HaUiday and Party's Mine, Dunollie. —This party reopened the mine formerly worked by Currie and party, who later abandoned it in favour of a seam to the dip and on the low side of this mine. Working-conditions, however, are difficult. The seam appears to be a slip off the main strata. Roof conditions are not good, while the .thickness of coal varies considerably, also the grade, which changes rapidly in extent and direction. Harrison and Party's Mine, Ten-mile. —Pillar-extraction continued in the early part of the year and was suspended temporarily in favour of development ahead of the main dip haulage road. The thickness of coal averaged 6 ft. to 7 ft., but deteriorated somewhat to the right of the dip, where the seam is split by a band of stone 18 in. thick.

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Reefton District Dorsum?s Mine, Boatmans. —Very little prospecting work was done during the year in a small seam, of coal. Alborri's Mine, Capleston.—Six men were employed at this mine*in Nos. 1 and 2 seams, principally on pillar-extraction. Kleen Mine (Archer Bros.), Gapleston.—Pillar-extraction was continued in a vertical seam of good-quality coal averaging 12 ft. thick. Goghlan's Freehold Mine, Gapleston.—The output was won solely from pillar-extraction on the rise side of the main level. Hillcrest Top Mine, Waitahu.—The output was won from pillar-extraction to the rise of the main level in coal of good quality averaging 5 ft. in thickness. Griggs and Party's Mine, Waitahu. —Pillar-extraction on the rise side of the horse level was completed early in the year. Development was continued in a north-easterly direction for a distance of 7 chains from the lower end of the dip haulage road. Coal was of good quality. Roof conditions, however, necessitated constant care and attention. Dauntless Mine, Waitahu.—This mine was operated by Woodbury and party at the beginning of the year, but was later taken over by the Pyramid Coal-mining Co., Ltd. The output was won from development work to the dip and level course in a north-easterly direction. The coal was of excellent quality averaging 15 ft. thick. A new dip haulage road was driven parallel with and approximately 1£ chains from the boundary with the Pyramid Mine, thus improving the haulage facilities for the coal on this side of the mine. New Pyramid Mine (Grown Lease), Waitahu. —Development was continued towards the boundary with the Morrisvale leases in good-quality coal 12 ft. thick. Increased quantities of water however, forced this company to abandon further development on this lease, and the company took over the Dauntless Mine adjacent. The Pyramid dip haulage road is now being used as a pumping-pit. Burke's Creek State Mine, Reefton. —Development continued north-east and south-west of the Slant Dip Extension on level course. From the level on the north-east side it is intended to drive to the rise and connect with the bottom of the present main dip haulage. Pillar-extraction on the south-west side commenced in the second half of the year with satisfactory results. No dip development was attempted during the year. Repairs and improvements to the dip haulage road were carried out, and preparations were made for the installation of a man-haulage on this main dip haulage road. A new electric haulage winch on the surface was installed and was almost ready for operation at the close of the year. Morrisvale Opencast Mine (Morrisvale Lease), Reefton. —An intermittent output was obtained from No. 4 seam during the year. Perfection Valley Mine (Morrisvale Lease), Reefton. —Development was commenced in No, 3 seam adjacent to the old Perfection Mine. The workings progressed on a level course in No. 3 seam for a distance of approximately 7 chains, when disturbed conditions were encountered, the grade of the seam approaching vertical and becoming thin and dirty. Pillar-extraction later commenced at the inbye end of the workings, this work having very good results. The thickness of the coal was--4 ft. 6 in. Pyramid Section (Morrisvale Lease), Reefton. —A small output was won from intermittent work carried out during the year. Higrade Mine (Morrisvale Lease), Reefton. —A small output was won from an area of Reefton No. 2 seam adjacent to the Burke's Creek Mine. Pillar-extraction commenced in the vertical section during the latter part of the year with good results. The coal is of good quality. Ferndale Mine ( LockingtorCs Lease), Reefton. —This mine started during the year, a small output being won by opencast and underground methods. The opencasting was done in the No. 4 seam, and reopening of No. 2 seam previously worked by Watson and Hamill was attempted and abandoned after a small output was won. Burnwell Mine (D. Hamill), Reefton. —The output was obtained solely from development work on a level course in a north-easterly direction and to the rise in a south-easterly direction. Attempts to provide a new return airway to the surface proved fruitless owing to the difficult roof conditions. However, a new attempt is being made to provide this airway. Central Mine (D. Hamill), Reefton. —The output from this mine was won solely from development, principally on level course to the north towards the boundary of the coal-bearing land in this direction. Dip development was continued intermittently in a north-westerly direction towards Reefton Railway-station. The seam continued to pitch steeply in this direction. Terrace Mine, Reefton. —Development was continued in this mine in three main levels working Reefton No. 4 seam towards Reddale Valley. Advancing headings were almost through to the outcrop in this valley. It is proposed to drive through to the outcrop to assist in the ventilation of the mine. Defiance Mine, Murray Creek.—Development was continued throughout the year on level course to the east and on the rise to the north. The workings were advanced 7 chains or 8 chains from the mine entrance. The seam has thinned to 3 ft. 6 in. with a general deterioration in the quality of the coal. The general inclination of the seam increased along the main level, with indications pointing to disturbed ground ahead.

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Butler's Section. —This section was closed during the year. Clele Mine (Alborn's), Merrijigs.—Output was obtained intermittently during the year from pillar-extraction in Nos. 1 and 2 Sections. Nicholls' Mine, Capleston.—ln the rise section four men were splitting and extracting pillars. Banks' Opencast Mine (A. E. Elelund), Waitahu. —Production from this opencast was maintained throughout the year. Stripping of overburden is now accomplished hydraulieally with good results. The seam being worked is Reefton No. 4, adjacent to the Morrisvale boundary. Star Mine (Lewis and Party), Murray Greek. —Very little work was done at this mine during the year. The output was obtained by opencasting a small block of old workings in the Cement Town area. Coal up to 15 ft. thick with 20 ft. overburden was removed by mechanical and hydraulic stripping methods. Royal Goal Syndicate, Rainy Greek.—The output was won from a pair of development levels and workings to the rise in a vertical seam 5 ft. thick. Turner and Party's Opencast Mine, Murray Greek.—Coal-production from this mine is obtained from an area previously worked by underground methods. The coal is of fair quality and the method of stripping is by hydraulic means, the water being pumped from Murray Creek. W. G. Chandler's' Opencast Mine, Murray Creek.—The coal from this mine is being won from an area previously worked by underground methods and abandoned many years ago owing to fire. Stripping is done by bulldozer and filled by hand. The coal ranges in thickness from 12 ft. to 15 ft. Golden Point Mine (Blorn and Roller son), Reefton. —Output was won from a level drive to the south and by rise workings to the east towards the outcrop. Pillar-extraction was commenced during the latter part of the year with good results. The quality of the coal is poor. Btjllek. District Mitchell's Mine, Charleston.—No work was done at this mine during the year. Warne's Mine, Charleston. —No work was done at this mine during the year. Bowater and Bryan's Mines, Charleston.—Three separate mining parties operated on this lease during the year—viz., Rata Collieries, Nile Hydro Syndicate, and N. Mouat. The coal and overburden are generally removed by hydraulic means, while the coal from Mouat's Mine is loaded mechanically by steam shovel. The combined output from these mines during the year was 41,338 tons. J. Powell's Lease, Charleston. —No coal was produced from this area by the Nile Hydro Syndicate during the year. Allan's Mine, Charleston. —A very small output was won during the year. Moynihan's Mine, Charleston. —Production from this mine was obtained intermittently by the Nile Hydro Syndicate. All the coal and stripping of overburden was removed by hydraulic means. Hillside Mine (Gemmell and Bennett), Waitakere, Charleston.—A small output was obtained during the year by opencasting. Brighton Mine (Hunter's), Brighton.—The output was won by underground methods solely from development work in coal averaging 16 ft. thick. Glencrag Mine, Buller Gorge.—The output was won principally from development work. A small amount of coal was won from pillar-extraction towards the end of the year. The quality of the coal is good, the coal ranging from 9 ft. to 15 ft. thick. New bins were erected replacing the old structure. Coal Creek Mine, Seddonville. —The output was obtained from this mine by driving towards a number of pillars left by the old Mokihinui Coal Co. Several chains require to be driven before a connection with these workings is obtained. The ventilation of the mine was made by a connection with the old air-shaft in a portion of the Taipo workings. Cardiff Coal Co., Ltd., Mokihinui. —The output was won solely from pillar-extraction, the coal being mined hydraulieally. Hydro Coal-mines, Ltd., Seddonville. —The output was won entirely from pillar-extraction. Charming Greek -Westport Coal Co., Ltd., Ngakawau.—Development was continued in the north heading, Nos. 3 East and 3 West Sections. Ten pairs of colliers were constantly employed in coal 11 ft. to 20 ft. in thickness. Towards the end of the year pillar-extraction commenced on the northern boundary, where the coal thinned to 4 ft. in thickness. The average daily output was 150 tons. Towards the end of the year extensive repairs were carried out to the suspension bridge on the loco road across the Ngakawau River.

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Westport-Cascade Mine, Cascade Greek.—Three pairs of miners were continually employed on pillar-extraction in Durkin's Section. Pillar-extraction in Moynihan's Section was • discontinued early in the year. Pillar-extraction commenced early in the year in the Mill Greek Section, three miners being employed. A further four miners were continually employed on development work south of the first panel in the Mill Creek Section. Westport Goal Co., Ltd., Denniston Mine.—Pillar-extraction continued in Forsyth's Section. Development was continued in an area to the rise of the 9-Box Jig Section, but the work proved disappointing owing to the low coal, exceptionally bad roof conditions, stone bands, and intrusions. In the Waterloo Section prospecting work was continued in low coal, but as this low coal decreased again in thickness, extraction of the remaining pillars was commenced. In the Extension Section, splitting and extracting of pillars was continued with three pairs of miners. Aerial Ropeway to Cook's Lease.—Excavation for the foundations of the pylons was commenced. This aerial when completed will transport the coal from Cook's Lease area to the terminus with the main rope road at Burnett's Pace. Concrete foundations for the bins at Wooden Bridge have been laid where the coal will be transferred from the aerial to the endless-rope haulage road to Denniston. A temporary bi-cable aerial is being erected for the transfer of material to this work. Westport Coal Co. Ltd., Millerton Mine. —Mangatina Area : Two pairs of colliers were employed on pillar-extraction until November, when all the available coal was extracted and the area abandoned. Mine Creek Area : Seven pairs of colliers were employed at the beginning of the year in the 3rd West, 6th West, Pollock's Level, and North-east Sections, all on pillar-extraction. The number of colliers was later reduced to five pairs. Old Dip Area : The year commenced with five pairs on pillar-extraction in the Settlement Area and two pairs on development work in the lower Old Dip Area. To suit operating conditions, colliers were transferred, placing four pairs on pillar-extraction in the Settlement Area, one pair splitting a block of coal prior to pillar-extraction in the upper Old Dip Area, and in the lower Old Dip Area two pairs of colliers were engaged on pillar-extraction. On the western side of the lower Old Dip, one pair was engaged in opening up and forming pillars in a small block of coal left during the first working in this area. The policy of forming artificial panels by concrete stoppings was continued to control the fire hazard, with satisfactory results. Stockton State Colliery, Ngakawau.—Fly Creek Section : Operations were confined to pillarextraction in the South Section. Very wet conditions continued in about 80 per cent, of the workingfaces. In the old mine area extraction was completed in No. 2 Section and continued in Nos. 4 and 5 Sections. Webb Mine (D. Hill) : Development advanced a distance of 26 chains from the main entrance in good-quality coal. Three panels were formed to the south. Development was completed in the old workings in this area and pillar-extraction commenced from the boundary of the barren belt on this area. South-west and adjacent to the Webb Mine a fairly large area of coal suitable for opencasting has been proved. "E " Hill Opencast Mine : During the year, 140,000 tons of good coal was produced. A new 5-yard electric shovel simplifies the stripping problem and allows a regular high daily output to be maintained. Harris' Mine, Karamea. —This mine remained closed during the year. Comet Mine, Inangahua.—Very little output was won, and the mine closed down for the greater part of the year. Paine Bros.'' Mine, Butter Gorge.—The output was won from pillar-extraction, the overburden being removed by bulldozers and the coal mined by hand methods. Rahui Mine, Butter Gorge.—Splitting and extraction of pillars was continued throughout the year in coal averaging 7 ft. to 16 ft. in thickness. The coal is obtained by hydraulic means. Heaphy's Opencast Mine, Butter Gorge.—This mine commenced coal-production during the latter part of the year. The coal is of good quality and ranges up to 25 ft. thick with very little overburden and is mined' by hydraulic means. Nelson District Owen Colliery, Owen River. —The output for the year was obtained solely from development with two levels in low coal 1 ft. 6 in. to 2 ft. thick. Six-mile Mine (J. Gillespie), Murchison. —The output was won by four men working a vertical seam of irregular thickness from 6 in. to 12 ft. Strathmore Mine (R. E. F. O'Rourke), Murchison.—A small output was won from a 4 ft. seam of good-quality coal.

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Westhaven Mine, Mangarakau, Gollingwood.—Five men continued with development on level course right and left of the crosscut dip. The seam averaged 5 ft. in thickness interspersed with 12 ft, etone band with 6 in. of dirt adjacent to the roof. Victory Mine, Glenhope.—Only 5 tons of coal was produced from this mine during the year. Rescue-station The number of fully trained men on the register at the end of the year was seventy-one. During the year five new men were trained. Three refresher courses were given the trained men in the Reefton district. The policy of keeping all rescue men familiar with the workings of district mines has been maintained by frequent visits to these mines. The Proto apparatus was worn on each visit, thus gaining experience in its use in actual underground conditions. Fatal Accidents Three fatal accidents occurred during the year, as follows : On 14th March Robert McCabe, miner, Stockton Colliery, was struck by approximately 4 cwt. to 5 cwt. of coal and was killed instantaneously. On 9th September Edward Matthew Nicholson, miner, Charming Creek Colliery, was killed instantaneously when a large rock fell on him while returning from work in an open truck on the company's loco line. On 18th October Joseph Unwin Fielding, miner, Paparoa Colliery, was killed instantaneously when a large piece of coal came down off the coal face and struck him on the head. Serious Non-fatal Accidents Twenty-nine serious accidents occurred during the year, as follows : On 18th January Colin Campbell, miner, Liverpool Colliery, aged thirty-two years, was struck by a, piece of coal and suffered a fractured pelvis. When trucking a box of coal the box struck a prop, knocking it out. Campbell returned to the place to replace the prop, when a piece of coal broke away from the lip and caught him. On 29th January E. Martin, shiftman, Wallsend Colliery, sustained an injured ankle when he slipped on a flat sheet while lifting a rail. Later it was ascertained that he had a fracture of one of the bones in the ankle. On 19th February J. Blance, miner, Wallsend Colliery, was filling some loose coal on a steep piece of floor in his place at the bottom of No. 1 Dip when a lump of coal rolled down and struck him on the right ankle. He sustained a fracture of a bone in the ankle. On 21st February J. Clark, miner, Dobson Colliery, was employed lifting bottoms in the old slant dip off No. 4 Level. This place was being worked from the bottom and operated by a jig. A large slab of stone almost the whole width of the place and between the jig prop and the place collapsed. Fortunately, it was prevented from reaching the floor by the bench of bottoms, and although Clark was under the stone only his foot was caught, and he sustained a fracture of the right heel bone and a deep flesh wound in the left leg. On 21st March V. Swallow, miner, Liverpool Colliery, received an injury to his back caused by falling stone. It was later discovered in hospital that a displacement to spine had been caused. On Bth April James Steele, rope-road worker, Denniston Colliery, sustained a fracture of a small bone in the left foot while at work. The accident occurred at Wooden Bridge when a twisted clip was being removed. An iron bar was being used as a lever, and this sprang back, striking Steele in the left instep. On Bth April Thomas Robertson, shiftman, Millerton Colliery, received a fracture of fourth left metacarpal, abrasion to right eye, and abrasions to left hand. Another miner was erecting a prop which slipped and struck Robertson, who was trucking. On 12th April Roy Washer, miner, Kaye and Party's colliery, was casting down coal to a truck when a lump of coal weighing approximately 10 cwt. which had apparently fallen from the rib struck him. He sustained a fractured and dislocated right ankle and fractured pelvis. On 24th April Walter Marshall, bins attendant, Boote and party's colliery, while lifting a heavy prop on to an empty race pinched his thumb between the prop and the end of a truck and sustained a broken thumb. On 29th April D. Stone, trucker, Wallsend Colliery, fractured his left little finger while clipping en the extension rope.

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On 7th May Jack McManus, miner, Harrison and party's colliery, sustained a compound fracture of left leg and injuries to right forearm, chest, and face when he was struck by a rake of trucks caused by the breakage of rope. On 14th May W. B. Hands, trucker, Millerton Colliery, slipped in a drain and sustained a fracture of the right patella. On 15th May Eric Wick, bins worker, Dobson Colliery, was opening a door on a railway wagon and the door fell on his toe, causing a fracture. On 15th July Thomas Pollock, miner, Millerton Colliery, received a fracture of both bones just above the right ankle. The workmen's inspectors reported that they were of tjie opinion that Pollock slipped on a greasy part of the floor when trying to avoid a falling prop, which bounced off a piece of timber lying on the floor on to his ankle. On 22nd July J. H. Phillips, winch-driver, Wallsend Colliery, received a compound fracture and dislocation of the right index finger when he was applying a small amount of grease to the clutch drum with his finger, when his finger got caught under the clutch band. On 18th September A. Mclnness, miner, Wallsend Colliery, while working at the coal face, struck his right thumb against the side of a box, sustaining a fracture. On 25th September Harold Browning, miner, Wallsend Colliery, suffered contusions to the big toe of his left foot when he was struck by a piece of coal. After an x-ray it was revealed that he suffered a fracture of the big toe. On 26th September Steve Gugum, miner, Dobson Colliery, suffered a squashed ring-finger of the right hand when he was placing a prop in position. It was later ascertained that this injury resulted in a fracture of the tips of the ring-finger and the mid-finger. On 9th October James Beirne, shiftman, Wallsend Colliery, was struck by a piece of side coal and his injuries at the time were described as " contusions lumbar spine and right lumbar region." Beirne was admitted to the Grey River Hospital and a series of x-ray examinations were carried out, from which it was ascertained that he suffered a fracture of the spine. On 14th October C. G. McGregor, miner, Moody Creek Colliery, was struck in the eye by a splinter •of coal, causing serious eye injury. On 16th October David Allen, miner, Wallsend Colliery, was struck by a fall of coal and suffered a fracture of right scapula. On 21st October A. E. Eklund, mine-manager, Banks and party's colliery, suffered a broken clavicle when covered by fall of overburden which was caused through snow melting and water filling in a crack a few feet from the face. On 21st October Colin Watson, winch-driver, Dobson Colliery, received a compound fracture of the first joint of his thumb when he was endeavouring to replace the rope on a winch-drum. On 21st October W. Fraser, miner, Liverpool Colliery, received a fractured left fibula through being struck by a piece of coal bursting from the face. On 22nd October George Young, contract worker, Dobson Colliery, whilst employed enlarging the return airway fell while working in the airway and suffered a fracture of the left radius. On 4th November W. Boyle, trucker, Stuart and party's colliery, was tipping coal into the bins when his foot became jammed between two trucks and he suffered a fracture of a small bone in his right ankle. On 29th November B. Anderson, trucker, Denniston Colliery, sustained a compound fracture of right elbow when caught in jig rope. On 2nd December Alan McPhie, fitter, Dobson Colliery, was operating a portable grinding-machine when the stone burst and struck him on the jaw, causing a fracture. On 9th December E. T. Cummings, fireman, Stockton Colliery, while returning to his home at the conclusion of his dog-watch shift riding a motor-cycle, collided on the Granity bridge with a motor-car at 9.30 a.m., and as a result suffered a fracture of the head of the right femur. Dangerous Occurrences in Coal-mines (Regulation 81, Coal-mines Regulations 1939) Liverpool Colliery, Rewanui. —On 7th January a heating was discovered in the level to the west at the bottom of Anderson Dip Section. This heating was sealed off with temporary stoppings. Further inspection revealed that leakage was taking place and the atmosphere on the outbye side of the stoppings was being fouled. Erection of permanent stoppings was then carried on continuously until the area was satisfactorily sealed off. The mine recommenced production on 10th January, 1946. Kleen Mine, Reefton. —On 12th January a heating was suspected and the area sealed off -with temporary stoppings. Leakage, however, resulted in several men being affected by CO whilst •erecting the permanent stoppings. The men were withdrawn. The permanent stoppings were completed with the aid of rescue apparatus and the area effectively sealed off on 18th January.

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Liverpool Mine, Rewanui. —On 14th February a slight heating was discovered in the third bord to the right off No. 2 Bank, Morgan East. Water was led on to the heating mass of coal and stone, and by its use the heating was soon under control and everything appeared normal. Liverpool Mine, Rewanui.—On 13th May a heating in its initial stage was discovered by the deputy in a large fall below Butler's place, No. 2 Bank, Morgan East. Water was led by pipe-line to the top of fall, and by its use the heating was controlled. Owen Colliery, Owen River.—On 10th June fire broke out in a waste dump outside the mine. The men were withdrawn owing to the fumes from the fire entering the mine mouth, which was close by. Water was played on the fire as much as possible and the heated material moved by bulldozer. Strongman Mine, Nine-mile.—On 27th June No. 3 North Heading struck No. 6 Bore and quantities of gas and water were given off. When the working-places were tested, it was found that there was a 2J percentage of gas present, and five pairs of men were withdrawn. Liverpool Mine, Rewanui.—On sth August a heating was discovered in No. 2 Bank, Morgan East Section. Preparations were made for quenching with water, and the situation was under control the following day. Blackball Mine, Blackball.—On 16th September a heating was discovered in the goaf in one of the pillar places in the Crow's Nest Section. Stoppings were erected and the place sealed off. Liverpool Mine, Rewanui. —On Bth November a heating in its early stages was discovered in the goaf in Top Panel, Morgan East Dip. As it could not be attacked directly, the panel was sealed off with temporary brattice stoppings plastered with lime and cement. Prosecutions under the Coal-mines Act, 1925 No informations were laid during the year. SOUTHERN INSPECTION DISTRICT (J. Hughes, Inspector of Coal-mines) North Otago District St. Andrews, Ngapara, Shag Point, Airedale, and Willetfs Mines. —Coal-production at these mines was confined to pillar-extraction only, no development work of any interest being undertaken during the year. Rockvale Mine.—Pillar-extraction was continued and development work was continued to the west. This latter work now promises to open up a further small area of workable coal. Otago Central District Jdabum, Oturehua, Coal Creek, and Cambrian Pits. —Opencast mining operations were carried out during the year and along similar lines to previous years. Shepherd's Creek Mine.—Pillar-extraction is continuing and a further small area has been developed on the south side of the main dip which will give a slightly increased life to the mine. Caimmuir Mine. —A very limited amount of development work has been carried out to the south and this work is approaching old workings. No further development to the dip has been undertaken, and this is necessary before a reasonable output can be obtained from the mine. South Otago District Benhar Mine. —The bulk of the output has been obtained from partial pillar-extraction in the top seam. A dip cross-measure drive was driven from the higher to the lower seam and a small amount of development work in the lower seam took place early in the year. Wangaloa and Sunnyvale Mines. —Both of these mines are working the Wangaloa Lease. In the former mine, pillar-extraction is continuing and the quantity of coal now remaining to be won is nearing its end. The Sunnyvale Mine is developing the area at its southern end, and indications are that a large quantity of coal still remains to be won from the lease. Wangaloa State Mine. —Opencast operations are being continued at this pit and a reasonable output is being obtained. New Fernhill No. I.—All available coal was won from this mine, and the mine ceased operations and was abandoned. Fernhill No. 2 Mine. —Pillar-extraction was continued throughout the year, and the mine is nearing its end. Fernhill No. 3 Mine.—A small amount of development work was carried out at this mine, but the area so far proven is small.

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Victory Mine (Brighton).—Development work at this mine has proved an additional area of workable coal, and a new haulage road has been driven to the surface. Willowbank Mine. —No further development work has taken place at this mine, and all work in future will be confined to pillar-extraction. Kaitangata Mine.—The whole of the mine output has been obtained from pillar-extraction, and this work is continuing at a fairly rapid rate, practically all places being worked double shift. There is an encouraging feature of the operations, in so much that a borehole has intercepted a seam of coal 14 ft. thick at a point approximately half a mile beyond the termination of the workings of the old No. 1 Mine, thus proving the continuity of this seam. No decision has yet been made regarding the development of the new area, but its early development will be a necessity if this coal is to remain continuously on the market, as the present mine is being rapidly exhausted. Summer Hill Mine. —A small amount of development work has been continued at this mine and the necessary reticulation work to install electric plant has been completed. However, the quality of this coal is distinctly inferior to the Kaitangata coal. Riverside Goal-pit (Milton). —A small quantity of coal was won from this opencast pit, but operations ceased during the year and the pit was abandoned. Viewbank Pit (Crighton).—Opencast operations were continued on a small scale. This is the old Crighton Mine. Akatore Mine (Milton). —Development work was continued at this mine throughout the year, and although operations were on a small scale the results were encouraging, and present indications are that a fairly extensive area of coal is available for development. The seam is from 7 ft. to 12 ft. in thickness and is of reasonable quality. Southland District Hedgehope, Coster's, Waimumu, Raby, Argyle, Ota Greek, A sherds Siding, Newvale, Mataura Papermills, Gladfield, Taunga, Nightcaps, and Taradale Goal-pits.—Opencast operations were continued at the above coal-pits and along lines previously adopted. Boghead, Terrace (Balfour), and Glenlee Mines. —Underground mining operations were continued throughout the year at these mines and along lines previously followed. Black Diamond Mine. —Pillar-extraction was carried out throughout the year, and it would now appear that no further development work can be put in hand at this mine. The coal-seam is thick and very liable to spontaneous combustion, with the result that quite an appreciable quantity of coal has been permanently lost by fire. The company is now concentrating on winning the remaining coal by the opencast method, and it would appear that this will be to their advantage. Star Mine.—ln the No. 1 and No. 2 East Level Sections, pillar-extraction has continued throughout the year and the work has been remarkably free from spontaneous combustion, this being unusual in this coalfield. No attempt has been made to prove the fault which cut o£F development to the dip. From the lower east level some development has taken place in Magee's Dip, but this work has been attended by small faultings and the strata has been somewhat irregular in contour. Birchwood Mine. —The whole of the output from this mine has continued to be obtained from pillar-extraction, and, as is usual under conditions such as these, there is undue crushing of the pillars, with a resultant loss of coal and increased hazard so far as spontaneous combustion is concerned. Towards the end of the year steps were being taken to prove the coal lying to the west of the No. 1 West Dip Section, this work being somewhat late in being put under way. Mossbank State Mine.—Development work was continued in Cappie's Dip Section and was completed towards the end of the year. Pillar-extraction was continued in the balance of the mine, and it would appear that pillar-extraction is all that now remains at this particular mine until its end. Wairaki State Mines. —No. 1 Mine : Pillar-extraction was continued in a satisfactory manner throughout the year, this work being responsible for the total mine output. No. 3 Mine : The general development of this mine was continued throughout the year, the total output being obtained from this work, there being no pillar-extraction attempted. The results of all development work could be regarded as reasonably satisfactory and all roadways are standing in good condition. Bar 20 State Opencast.—This pit has been exploited to the full during the year and a steady output maintained. Black Lion Opencast.—Opencast operations were commenced during the year along the outcrop of the seam in the northern portion of the lease. Linton No. 1 Mine. —The development of the coal-seam in No. 10 Section—i.e., the lowest portion of the mine—was made the chief interest during the year, and this work yielded very satisfactory results until towards the end of the year, when faulting was encountered. In view of the fact that the

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basement rocks are known to outcrop not far away to the north, it would appear that the coal-seam cannot continue to exist much farther in this direction, however, every effort is being made to prove its full extent. Pillar-extraction was continued in Section Nos. 7 and 8, and in a satisfactory manner. No further work was carried out in No. 9 Section, and only a small amount of work was done in No. 6 Section. Linton No. 3 Mine.—Operations at this mine have been restricted during the year, chiefly due to the prevalence of complicated faulting to the north. Pillar-extraction was continued on a limited scale, and towards the end of the year development places were set off to develop the coal lying to the east —i.e., in the old Black Lion Lease. Canterbury District Mount Somers Mine.—Development work was continued throughout the year and the results were satisfactory. Headings have been driven to the north and north-east and the quality and thickness of the seam have improved. Blackburn Mine. —Pillar-extraction was continued in the old mine, and towards the end of the year a commencement was made to form an incline to an area of coal found to exist adjacent and to the rise of the old mine. Newburn Mine, Mount Somers.—All development work at this mine resulted in failure to prove workable coal of reasonable quality. Sunnyvale Clay-mine.—Work was carried out very intermittently along the usual lines. Woodbank Mine (Albury).—Development of this mine was continued on a decreased scale. The main dip heading was advanced slightly and additional levels broken away to the east. Acheron Mine (Anthracite). —Development work was continued on a small scale at the new mine. The west dip heading was advanced slightly and levels driven north and south for a short distance. This seam is emitting CH4, and safety-lamps were installed towards the end of the year. Clearview Mine.—Pillar-extraction was continued and this mine is now almost worked out. Steventon Mine. —The bulk of the output was obtained from pillar-extraction in Nos. 12, 13, and 14 north levels. A small amount of development work took place in the lower south levels. However, in this direction the seam is divided by two stone bands, each about 9 inches thick, and the total thickness of the coal is only 8 ft. Lucknow Clay-mine.—Mining operations were continued along lines previously followed. Victory Mine.—The development of this seam along the north-east levels was disappointing and at a point 9 chains from the main dip the seam thinned and became unworkable. The extension of the main dip heading is now a necessity. KlondyTce Mine.—Pillar-extraction was completed in the No. 6 north level, and development work was continued in Nos. 7, 8, and 9 north levels and in No. 9 south level, the lower north level having been driven a distance of 12 chains. A cross-measure drive was driven from No. 9 north level to a lower 7 ft. seam separated by 15 ft. of strata from the main seam, but difficulty will probably be experienced in working the lower seam. Fatal Accidents It is very gratifying to pass through another year free from fatality, and I am grateful to all who assisted in this direction. Serious Accidents Birchwood Mine. —On 31st January R. Holland, miner, sustained a fractured left ankle as a result of being struck by falling head coal. Kaitangata Mine. —On 15th February A. Marshall, shiftman, sustained a fracture of the second lumbar vertebra as a result of falling on a steep haulage road whilst stepping over the haulage rope, which rose higher than the injured person anticipated. ATcatore Mine.—On 26th June C. Woodley, miner, sustained injuries which resulted in the loss of his right hand, loss of one eye, and loss of large portion of sight in the remaining eye. Woodley was in the act of removing a detonator from a tin containing eight detonators when the detonators exploded and inflicted the above-mentioned injuries. Woodley unfortunately was not able to throw any light on the cause of the ignition. This was a naked-light mine. Wairaki No. 1 State Mine. —On Ist October J. Booth, miner, sustained a fractured pelvis as a result of being struck by a fall of roof stone in a pillar place. Acheron Mine.—On 29th November George Craig, manager, sustained burns of the head and arms as a result of the ignition of CH 4 following upon the firing of a shot. This accident was the result of negligence in not examining the place with a safety-lamp before resuming work therein. This was a naked-light mine.

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Dangerous Occurrences Kaitangata Mine.—On 3rd March a serious fire broke out in Haig's Dip pillar section. The area was effectively sealed, and successfully reopened early in May. Birchwood Mine.—On Ist May a serious and unexpected fire broke out in the main dip pillar section. The area was effectively sealed and successfully reopened on July sth. Linton No. 1 Mine.—On 3rd October a fire broke out in the outcrop adjacent to the main mine entrance. An adjacent area of the affected coal was stripped and water laid on to the seat of the fire through boreholes. Klondyke Mine. —On 14th October spontaneous combustion occurred in the No. 6 pillar section and was effectively sealed. Linton Mine.—On 4th November spontaneous combustion occurred in the No. 7 Section and the area was effectively sealed. Prosecutions On 14th August a miner was convicted and fined 30s. and costs for a breach of section 98 of the Coal-mines Act, 1935. On 18th December a mine-manager was convicted and fined £l5 and costs for a breach of section 91 of the Coal-mines Act, 1935. Ohai Rescue Brigade During the past year the officer in charge and his men have performed a very valuable service to the industry. A sudden and unexpected outbreak of fire at the Birchwood Mine would have been a very serious matter had the services of the brigade not been available for the process of sealing off the area. A large quantity of coal and mining plant was also recovered following the fire at the Kaitangata Mine as a result of their work, which in this case was of a particularly hazardous nature. Mining plant and coal were also recovered as a result of their efforts following the Birchwood fire. The brigade is to be complimented on their excellent performance of duty under trying and dangerous circumstances.

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STATISTICS OF WORKINGS IN COAL-MINES, 1946

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Name of Mine and Locality. Title held (Crown Lease or otherwise). Number of Years worked. Classification of Coal. Number of Seams worked. Thickness of Coal-seams. Thickness worked. System of Working. Total Output for 1946. Total Output to 31st December, 1945. Total Output to 31st December, 1946. Numb ordinal £ 0 ,Q «! er of Persons rily employed. 1 3 M ! £ NORTHERN INSPECTION DISTRICT Waikato District Tons. Tons. Tons. Rotowaro, Rotowaro Crown lease 29 Brown 2 7'to 27' .. Full Bord and 165,859 4,020,962 4,186,821 112 243 355 and freehold pillar Pukemiro, Pukemiro Ditto 31 >> • 1 4' to 18' .. 4'to 18' .. Ditto .. 122,271 3,588,029 3,710,300 50 246 296 Wilton, Glen Massey (State) 16 it 1 6' to 8' 7' 6" Opencast 75,172 1,254,450 1,329,622 54 135 189 Waikato Extended, Huntly West Freehold 2 35 16' 14,661 139,233 153,894 9 9 (opencast) Glen Afton No, 1, Glen Afton Crown lease 26 55 1 4' to 16' .. 9' Bord and 49,837 2,273,410 2,323,247 31 93 124 and freehold pillar MacDonald, Waikokowai Ditto 16 •5 1 6' to 20' .. 9' to 14' . . Ditto .. 145,087 2,084,096 2,229,183 88 224 312 Whatawhata Campbell, WhataUniversity 25 1 10' 6" .. 10' » 9,413 119,682 129,095 6 7 13 whata endowment Renown, Renown Freehold 19 ,, 2 15' 7' 6" to 9' Opencast 110,713 1,925,893 2,036,606 65 180 245 Glen "A" Potteries, Glen Afton 55 10i 5 5 1 8' 8' 97 3,039 3,136 1 1 Rangitoto, Otorohanga (opencast) Native lease 2i 55 2 5' 6" 5' 6" 2,850 15,791 18,641 4 4 Victory, Huntly West Freehold H 55 1 6' to 14' . . Bord and 2,288 1,657 3,945 2 ' '2 4 pillar Kimihia (State) (opencast) Crown lease and 2f 55 1 Opencast 28,820 76,008 104,828 31 31 University endowment Glen Afton (State) (opencast) Freehold 3 ,5 1 12,587 27,302 39,889 16 16 Kemp's (State) (opencast) University 2i j' 2 52,459 34;062 86,521 51 51 Xe Palm, Ivaramu .. Semi-bitu-1 4' " Bord and 50 126 176 2 2 endowment minous pillar TaranaJci District Old Stockman, Mokau Freehold 26 Brown 1 4' 6" All Bord and 748 16,349 17,097 2 2 pillar Mangapehi, Mangapehi (State) Crown lease .. 12£ 55 1 8'to 20' 7' to 8' Ditto .. 54,727 306, 861 361,588 27 99 126 Tatu, Ohura (State) 55 10 55 1 7' Full 33,817 193,418 227,235 42 67 109 Aria, Aria ft 3 55 1 12' 9' 3,135 3,628 6,763 3 3 6 Waitewhena (State) (opencast) .. Freehold 2i 1 11' 6" . . 11' 6" .. Opencast 16,810 38,269 55,079 8 8 Fougere's (opencast) ,, li it 1 3' 3" 3' 3" 820 38 858 3 3 Paparata, Ohura Crown lease .. i ft 1 4' 6" 4' 6" Bord and 297 297 ' '2 2 pillar Mangakara Hydro Coal Syndicate, 55 if 1 5' 5' 358 358 3 3 Ohura Hikurangi District Waro, Hikurangi Freehold 12 Sub-mitu-1 4' to 6' 6" All Bord and 25,583 193,348 218,931 15 62 77 minous pillar New Kamo, Kamo Crown lease .. 12i 1 8'to 16' .. 8' to 9' 51,988 488,090 540,078 22 100 122 Avoca, Tangowahine Freehold 3 Brown 1 20' 20' Opencast 186 1,259 1,445 2 2 Whareora, Whareora if 2 Sub-bitu-1 3' 3' 16 149 165 2 2 minous Output of colleries now abandoned or suspended 12,659,765 1 12,659,765

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WEST COAST INSPECTION DISTRICT Nelson District I III Westhaven, Collingwood .. Freehold .. 8 Sub-bitu- 16' .. Full .. Bord and 3,314 22,133 25,447 2 5 7 urinous pillar Owen, Owen River .. .. Crown lease ..17 ,, 1 4'to 6' .. ,, .. Ditto .. 2,082 51,608 53,690 1 7 8 Strathmore, Ariki .. .. ,, .. 5£ „ 15' ,, .. „ 128 I 687 815 .. 2 2 Six-mile, Murehison .. .. ,, 5| ,, 18' ,, .. ,, 1,362 1 4,380 5,742 1 3 4 Victory, Glenhope .. .. Freehold .. 5 Bituminous 1 2'to 3' .. ,, .. ,, .. 5 192 197 .. 1 1 Butter District Allan's, Charleston .. .. Crown lease .. 14 Lignite .. 1 40' 8' .. Opencast 6 I 102 108 1 1 Bowater and Bryan's, Charleston „ .. 16| „ .. 1 4'to 36' .. 8' .. „ 41,338 64,731 106;069 16 16 Brighton, Fox River .. .. „ ..14 „ ..1 12' to 16' 8' .. Bord and 2,491 6,490 8,981 1 3 4 pillar Cascade, Cascade Creek .. ,, ..20 Bituminous 1 20' to 30' 8' .. Ditto .. 17,599 317,351 834,950 8 11 19 Charming Creek, Ngakawau .. ,, ..19 ,, 1 20' ..9' .. „■ 34,564 406,496 441,060 23 37 60 Coal Creek, Seddonville .. „ ..29 „ 1 25' ..8' .. „ 2,237 127,140 129,377 1 5 6 Hydro, Seddonville .. .. „ .. 11 1 20' .. Full .. „ .. ! 12,179 107,828 120,007 4 7 11 Dove's, Seddonville .. .. ,, ..16 ,, 1 20' „ .. . 3 119,711 119,714 .. 1 1 Paine's, Buller Gorge .. .. ,, ..44 Brown .. 1 12' to 18' ,, .. Opencast | 7,885 34,651 42,536 10 .. 10 Glencrag, Buller Gorge .. .. „ .. 23 1 12' ■ ■ „ ! Bord and 7,545 23,597 31,142 4 6 10 pillar Denniston, Denniston .. .. ,, ..66 Bituminous 1 3'to 20' .. ,, .. Ditto .. 88,997 12,131,689 12,220,686 76 205 281 Millerton, Granity .. .. „ ..55 „ 1 4' to 40' .. 12' .. „ 70,235 9,219,568 9,289,803 46 79 125 Stockton, Ngakawau .. .. „ ..38 „ 3 4'to 25' . . 10' to 25' Bord and 241,100 4,733,614 4,974,714 192 130 322 pillar and opencast Cardiff, Mokihinui .. ... ,, .. 10J „ 1 10' .. Full .. Bord and 2,562 32,180 34,742 1 3 4 pillar Buller Gorge, Rahui .. .. „ .. 4| Brown .. 1 11' ..7' .. Ditto .. 3,506 11,046 14,552 1 3 4 Heaphy's, Buller Gorge .. „ .. | 1 25' .. 8' .. Opencast 210 .. 210 5 5 Moynihan's, Charleston .. .. ,, ..1 Lignite .. 1 10' to 35' 20' .. ,, 1,500 .. 1,500 5 5 Hillside, Waitakere .. .. ,, ..1 ,, ..19' .. Full .. ,, 1,217 .. 1,217 3 3 Reefton District Albom's, Boatmans .. .. Crown lease .. 51 Brown .. 3 8'to 12' .. 8' .. Bord and 8,932 148,038 156,970 1 12 13 pillar Kleen, Boatmans .. .. ,, ..3 ,, ..1 15' to 40' Full .. Opencast 912 2,393 3,305 3 3 Burke's Creek, Reefton .. .. „ ..45 „ .. 2 8'to 15' .. 9' .. Bord and 16,338 481,059 497,397 16 44 60 pillar Morrisvale, Reefton .. .. „ ..34 „ .. 3 *6' to 25'.. Full .. Bord and 7,464 246,825 254,289 7 12 19 pillar and opencast Clele, Merrijigs . .. „ ..60 „ ..15' . . .. Bord and 962 112,500 113,462 .. 1 1 pillar Coghlan's, Capleston .. .. Freehold ..49 „ .. 1 8'to 12' .. ,, .. Ditto .. 2,017 62,590 64,607 2 4 6 Defiance, Murray Creek .. Crown lease ..18 ,, .. 16' .. ,, .. ,, 2,536 62,256 64,792 1 5 6 New Pyramid, Waitahu .. ,, .. 3 ,, .. 1. 12' ..9' .. ,, 13,249 5,288 18,537 6 18 24 Burnwell, Reefton .. .. ,, ..18 ,, ..1 60' ..9' .. ,, .. 9,026 35,275 44,301 .. 8 8 Central, Reefton .. .. „ .. 2J „ 1 14' ..9' .. „ .. 5,449 4,284 9,733 1 7 8 Waitahu, Reefton .. .. „ ..37 ,, .. 1 6'to 9' . . Full .. ,, .. 1 6,471 81,195 87,666 1 4 5 Waitahu Syndicate, Reefton .. ,, .. 1J ,, .. 16' .. ,, .. ,, .. 3,547 1,050 4,597 .. 6 6 Terrace, Reefton .. .. „ ..19 ,, ..2 8'and 30' 8' .. ,, .. 11,821 47,252 59,073 2 14 16 Comet, Inangahua Junction .. ,, .. 5| ,, .. 1 10' ..9' .. ,, 945 16,246 17,191 1 4 5 Nicholls, Boatmans .. .. „ 3J „ ..17' .. Full .. ,, .. 1,965 4,546 6,511 .. 4 4 Banks, Waitahu .. .. „ 3 1 50' .. .. Opencast 22,406 30,122 52,528 14 .. 14 Star, Murray Creek .. .. . 3 ,, 1 10' ,, .. "1 39 3,358 3,397 3 3 Royal, Rainy Creek .. .. ,, 2£ „ ..15' „ .. Bord and 1,719 2,423 4,142 .. 4 4 pillar Turner's, Murray Creek .. » ..2 ,, ..18' .. .. Opencast 2,172 1,858 4,030 3 3 Chandler's, Murray Creek .. ,, ..2 ,, 1 35' ,, .. ,, ■ | 6,213 2,110 ' 8,323 8' 8

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STATISTICS OF WORKINGS IN COAL-MINES, 1946—continued

54

Name of Mine and Locality. Title held (Crown Lease or otherwise). Number of . Years worked. Classification of Coal. I Number of Seams worked. Thickness of Coal-seams. Thickness worked. System of Working. Total Output for 1946. Total Output to 31st December, 1945. 1 I Total Output to 31st December, 1946. Numb [ ordina 1 £ 0 1 < er of P< rily emj St 0 M 3rsons )loyed ■a 0 EH WEST COAST INSPECTION DISTRICT—continued Reefton District —continued Tons. Tons. Tons. Golden Point, Reefton .. Crown lease .. 1£ Brown i S' Full Bord and 1,780 146 1,296 2 2 pillar Ferndale, Reefton ,, 30 ,» i 3' to 20' .. 9' Ditto .. 2,611 23,922 26,533 1 5 6 Grey District Cliffdale, Ten-mile State reserve 19 Bituminous i 12' Pull Bord and 5,945 63,276 69,221 3 6 9 pillar Blackball, Blackball ,, 55 }J 2 8' to 17' .. 8' Ditto .. 58,989 4,361,198 4,420,187 28 140 168 Blackball Creek, Blackball 15J 1 4' 6" Pull u 5,564 175,437 181,001 1 8 9 Harrison's, Ten-mile 14 1 8' >> JJ 6,589 49,712 56,301 1 7 8 Braehead, Dunollie Crown lease .. 26 1 6' to 9' 53 6,458 170,471 176,929 1 7 8 Briandale, Ten-mile 20 1 6' 3 795 102,043 102,838 3 2 5 Wallsend, Brunnerton Crown land and 23 1 18' 8''to io' !! 5 45,391 1,091,222 1,136,613 34 127 161 freehold Dobson, Dobson Crown lease .. 24 1 9' to 16' .. 9' 53 55,269 1,366,466 1,421,735 40 175 215 Gold light, Rewanui State reserve 19 1 6' Full 33 9,757 129,418 139,175 3 10 13 Kiwi (Hilltop), Ten-mile 5J 16 1 16' 10' 33 3,982 92,854 96,836 1 4 5 Kave's, Ten-mile 12 1 9' Full 5i 3,426 35,537 38,963 1 3 4 Hunter's, Rewanui 9) 26 1 9' JJ 33 8,110 147,045 155,155 3 9 12 Jubilee, Rapahoe 19 9) 1 9' JJ 55 12,077 68,630 80,707 5 11 16 Moody Creek, Dunollie 24 9> 1 10' ,, 55 5,203 117,466 122,669 2 7 9 Cliffside, Nine-mile Hi 1 12' 9' 33 8,499 48,804 57,303 3 8 11 New Point Elizabeth, Dunollie .. 20 1 6' Full 55 4,506 148,367 152,873 1 5 6 Old Runanga, Rewanui Crown lease .. 20 1 3' to 8' .. 6' 55 6,493 132,336 138,829 2 8 10 Paparoa, Roa 38 Super-bitu-2 / 8' to 12' \ Full 55 26,235 1,139,030 1,165,265 18 46 64 minous \8' to 25' J Schultz Creek, Twelve-mile State reserve 22 Bituminous 1 3' JJ 55 1,704 47,412 49,116 1 4 5 Halliday's, Dunollie 16J 1 7' 55 3,099 71,527 74,626 1 4 5 Strongman, Nine-mile .. )} 8 ,, 1 20' 9" ! 1 55 97,585 588,417 686,002 70 172 242 Liverpool, Rewanui * 34 2 8' to 34' . . 8' 55 106,276 4,123,200 4,229,476 75 241 316 Spark's, Rewanui J5 24 1 9' Full 33 4,369 83,326 87,695 2 7 9 Coaldale, Rapahoe .. i 1 8' I 5' 33 196 196 1 3 4 Output, of collieries now abandoned or suspended 9,688,111 9,688,111 SOUTHERN INSPECTION DISTRICT Canterbury District Acheron Anthracite, Coalgate Freehold 5 Altered 1 7' 7' Bord and 1,723 6,240 7,963 3 4 7 lignite pillar Blackburn, Mount Somers Crown lease .. 16 Lignite 1 8' 7' Ditto .. 5,018 48,441 53,459 2 7 9 BroQkley, Whitecliffs Freehold 8 Anthracite 1 3' 3' ,, 549 6,814 7,363 1 2 3 Clearview, Glenroy 55 25 Lignite 1 10' 6" 8' 33 1,590 45,585 47,175 1 1 2 Klondyke, Coalgate 35 18 1 4' to 26' . . 4' to 8' 55 • ■ 11,296 127,992 139,288 2 18 20 Newburn, Mount Somers Crown lease .. 2 1 4' to 5' 3' 33 617 369 986 1 2 3 Steventon, Whitecliffs Freehold Hi 80 1 6' 5' 6" j. 3,581 54,428 58,009 2 5 7 Tripps, Mount Somers 55 9i • • 1 10' 8' 3, 5,004 130,408 135,412 1 7 8 Victory, Coalgate 35 6 9 J 1 6' to 14' . . 4' to 9' 1,576 2,819 4,395 1 2 3 Woodbank, Albury 55 21 JJ • • 1 11' 10' 3.083 23,081 26,164 2 3 5

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SOUTHERN INSPECTION DISTRICT— continued North Otago District ! Airedale, Papakaio .. .. Crown lease .. 20 Brown .. 16' .. . 6' .. Bord and 1,877 58,583 60,460 1 3 4 pillar i Ngapara, Ngapara .. .. Freehold .. 69 Lignite .. 1 24' ..14' .. Ditto .. 3,011 63,235 66,246 1 4 5 Rockvale, Herbert .. .. „ ..12 „ ..17' ..6' .. „ 1,920 14,564 16,484 .. 2 2 St. Andrews, Peebles .. .. Private lease 19 ,, .. 1 6'to 7' .. 6' .. ,, 2,486 100,841 103,327 1 4 5 Shag Point, Shag Point .. Crown lease .. 25 Brown .. 15' ..5' .. ,, 976 448,002 448,978 1 1 2 Willetts, Airedale .. .. „ 14 Lignite ..17' ..7' .. „ .. 827 16,349 17,176 1 2 3 Central Otago District Cairnmuir, Cromwell .. .. Crown lease 6 Lignite .. 1 20' ..10' .. Bord and 1,619 5,576 7,195 1 4 5 pillar Cambrian, Cambrian .. .. ,, 1 ,, 1 30' .. .. Opencast 106 .. 106 1 1 ldaburn, Oturehua .. .. Freehold ..76 ,, 1 25' ..25' .. ,, 1,110 70,445 71,555 1 1 Oturehua, Oturehua .. .. Crown lease ..52 ,, 1 20' ..15' .. ,, 691 9,420 10,111 1 1 McPherson's, Coal Creek .. „ 76 1 14' ..14' .. „ 3,717 127,737 131,454 2 2 Shepherd's Creek, Bannockburn .. ,, 69 ,, ..16' ..10' .. Bord and 1,530 152,697 154,227 1 2 3 pillar South Otago District Akatore, Milton .. .. Crown lease .. 2 Lignite .. 19' ..6' .. Bord and 2,866 2,150 5,016 i 1 4 5 pillar Barclay's, Fairfield .. .. „ 1 ,, .. 2 7' to 5' .. 6' to 4' 6" Ditto .. 2,390 550 2,940 1 2 3 Benhar, Benhar .. .. Freehold ..73 ,, ..2 20' to 35' 8'to 20' .. „ .. 9,527 395,203 404,730 1 13 14 Kaitangata, Kaitangata .. Crown lease and 71 Brown .. 2 8'to 20' .. 8'to 20' .. ,, .. 106,197 6,638,446 6,744,643 j 55 220 275 freehold New Fernhill No. 1, Abbotsford .. Freehold .. 10 Lignite .. .. (Closed) .. 4,099 62,890 66,989 New Fernhill No. 2, Green Island ,, ..4 ,, ..1 8'to 12' .. 10' .. Bord and 4,561 6,544 11,105 piUar o n 7 New Fernhill No. 3, Green Island . ..1 ,, ..17' ..6' .. Ditto .. 988 .. 988 f New Fernhill No. 4, Green Island • ,, .... ,, .. 17' ..6' .. ,, 1,558 .. 1,558 J Riverside, Milton .. .. ,, ..1 ,, .... (Closed) .. 121 466 587 Sunnyvale, Kaitangata .. .. Crown lease.. 1 ,, .. 1 14' ..7' .. Bord and 1,950 .. 1,950 .. 2 2 pillar Summerhill, Kaitangata .. Freehold .. 2 Brown .. 1 30' 30' .. Ditto .. 1,721 .. 1,721 1 4 5 Taradale, Kaitangata .. .. ,, .. 2 „ .. 1 20' ..18' .. Opencast 3,131 1,286 4,417 1 2 3 and mining Victory, Brighton .. .. Crown lease .. 2 Lignite .. 1 5'to 6' .. 5' .. Bord and 1,517 2,032 3,549 1 2 3 pillar Viewbank, Crichton .. .. Freehold ..1 ,, ..1 .. .. Opencast 4,643 455 5,098 4 4 Wangaloa, Kaitangata .. .. Crown lease .. 25 „ 1 25' .. 20' .. Bord and 9,970 45,751 55,721 2 7 9 pillar Wangaloa State Opencast, Kaitan- Freehold .. 1 ,, .. 1 20' ..20' .. Opencast 27,331 5,106 32,437 18 18 gat a Willowbank No. 1, East Taieri .. ,, ..22 ,, ..2 10' ..6' .. Bord and 7,207 119,298 126,505 2 6 8 pillar Willowbank No. 3, East Taieri .. ,, .. .. ,, .. .. (Not yet producing) .. .. .. 1 .. 1 .. 2 2

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STATISTICS OF WORKINGS IN COAL-MINES, 1946—continued

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (858 copies), £142 10s.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 947. Price Is. 3d. 1

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<g Tg % j ! Number of Persons Title held Thickness Total Total Total ordinarily employed. Name of Mine and Locality. (Crown Lease or | g CIa n f^ ion i of Th^™ S3 fef 0 £t for q? s f}w™ otherwise). | 2 ofCoal - gg Coal-seams. worked " Workm «' 1946. 3^ 9 T" ber 1946 £ * 7* Z % o fM oq j 1 <tj pq H SOUTHERN INSPECTION DISTRICT —continued Southland District i Tons. Tons. Tons. Argyle, Waikaia .. .. Crown lease .. 55 Lignite .. 1 10' ..10' .. Opencast 345 15,952 16,297 1 1 Birchwood, Ohai .. .. ,, 22 Brown .. 1 9'to 25' .. 6'to 8' .. Bord and 33,653 463,590 497.243 15 45 60 pillar Black Diamond, Nightcaps .. „ 30 1 25' ..25' .. Ditto .. 17,975 410,049 428,024 7 21 28 Black Lion, Ohai .. .. „ 25 „ 1 20' ..20' .. Opencast 1,568 290,524 292,092 6 6 Boghead, Mataura .. .. Freehold .. 20 Lignite .. 1 23' ..10' .. Bord and 9,878 181,335 191,213 3 7 10 pillar Bongoola, Ohai .. .. Crown lease .. 1 ,, .... (Closed) .. 850 .. 850 Costers, Edendale .. .. Freehold ..10 ,, .. 1 13' ..13' .. Opencast 1,000 11,355 12,355 1 1 Diamond Lignite, Asher's Siding Crown lease ..44 ,, .. 1 36' ..36' .. ,, 3,360 53,372 56,732 3 3 Gladfield, Thornbury .. ..1 „ 2J 1 17' ..12' .. ,, 1,392 1,593 2,985 2 2 Glenlee, Waikaka .. .. 1 Freehold ..55 „ ..1 14' 6" .. 8'6" .. Bord and 2,537 55,390 57,927 .. 2 2 pillar Hardmac, Ohai .. .. Crown lease . . .. ,, .. 1 6' to 12' .. 6' to 12' .. Opencast 912 . . 912 2 2 Hedgehope, Waimumu .. .. (Freehold .. 7 „ .. 2 10' to 20' 10' to 20' „ 9,723 52,147 61,870 7 7 Liberty Opencast, Ohai . . ,, .. 1 Brown .. 18' ..8' .. ,, 320 752 1,072 2 .. 2 Linton, Ohai (No. 1) .. . . Crown lease . . 32 ,, .. 1 30' to 40' 30' to 40' Bord and 1 pillar 80,852 2,132,051 2,212,903 47 114 161 Linton, Ohai (No. 3) .. . . Freehold . . 17 ,, .. 1 6' to 40' .. 6' to 40' . . Ditto* .. J Mataura Paper-mills, Mataura .. .. 8 Lignite .. 1 15' to 23' 15' .. Opencast 25,752 150,176 175,928 4 4 Mossbank, Ohai .. .. Crown lease .. 6 Brown .. 1 16' to 23' 8' .. Bord and 26,045 758,474 784,519 9 35 44 Newvale, Waimumu .. .. Freehold .. 6 Lignite .. 2 11' ..11' . . Opencast 6,322 29,812 36,134 7 7 Nightcaps, Nightcaps .. .. ,, .. li ,, 2 30' to 40' 9' .. ,, 3,263 1,064 4,327 4 4 Ohai Colliery, Ohai .. .. Crown lease .. 2 Brown .. 1 20' ..15' .. ,, 51,666 33,714 85,380 14 .. 14 Ota Creek, Wyndham .. .. ,, ..66 Lignite .. 1 10' ..10' .. ,, 1,740 37,713 39,453 1 .. ! 1 Rabv, Gore .. .. .. Freehold .. 8 „ .. 1 20' .. -20' .. „ 2,883 32,966 35,849 1 1 Star* Ohai .. .. .. „ ..15 Brown .. 1 24' .. 24' .. Bord and 38,443 279,669 318,112 24 38 62 pillar Starlight, Gore .. .. „ .. 2J Lignite .. 1 10' ..10' .. Opencast 3,968 6,177 10,145 3 .. 3 Taunga. Orepuki .. .. Crown lease .. 3 ,, .. 1 4' to 6' .. 4' to 6' . . ,, 54 245 299 1 1 Terrace, Balfour .. .. Freehold .. 5 ,, .. 1 17' ..9' .. Bord and 1,842 20,549 22,391 1 1 2 pillar Waimeamea, Orepuki .. .. Crown lease .. -3 Brown .. 1 ' 22' .. 22' .. Ditto .. 2,111 40,322 42,433 1 3 4 Waimumu, Waimumu .. .. Freehold .. 18 Lignite .. 1 1 30' .. 1 30' .. Opencast 16,697 76,536 93,233 7 7 Wairaki, Ohai .. .. .. Crown lease and 32 Brown .. 1 7'to 22' .. 7'to 22' .. Bord and 67,230 927,927 995,157 28 70 98 freehold 1 1 pillar Output of collieries now abandoned or suspended .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11,633,050 11,633,050 Totals, Southern District, South Island . . .. 656,065 26,490,307 27,146,372 318 678 996 Totals, West Coast District, South Island .. 1,157,156 52,831,235 53,988,391 771 1,676 2,447 Totals, Northern District, North Island .. 980,649 29,464,914 30,445,563 649 1,465 2,114 2,793,870 108,786,456 111,580,326 1,738 3,819 5,557 Output prior to 1890 not included in statistics .. .. .. .. .. 296, 653 Shale exported, 1914 .. .. .. .. .. .. 21 : . 111,877,000