STATE COAL-MINES (REPORT ON THE WORKING OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1948

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1948 Session I, C-02a

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1948 NEW ZEALAND

STATE COAL-MINES (REPORT ON THE WORKING OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1948

Prepared in Accordance with the Requirements of Section 184 of the Coal-mines Act, 1925

REPORT BY THE HON. A. McLAGAN, MINISTER OF MINES Mr. Speaker,— I have the honour to present to Parliament the Balance-sheet, Statement of Accounts, and reports on the. operations of the State Coal-mines for the year ended 31st March, 1948. The Kamo Colliery was taken over as a State coal-mine on sth January, 1948. The ex-employees of the Waro Colliery, at Hikurangi, which ceased operations during 1947, were found employment in the mine, in which the main work so far has been directed towards the provision of an improved haulage system, reconstruction work which had been neglected by the former owners, and further development. The acquisition by the State of the ownership of unworked coal will enable a planned drilling programme to be carried out, and with a proper assessment of the available coal resources it is proposed to plan the mine workings to attain a greatly increased production and to develop a modern system of underground haulage, possibly using belt conveyors on main roadways. In the Waikato field, operations proceeded steadily at the Wilton Mine. Plant ordered for the partial mechanization of this mine is not yet all to hand, difficulties in obtaining electric motors and steel being the main reason for the delay. At Benneydale, the development of the Mangapehi Mine to the dip was continued in excellent coal. Considerable repair work has proved necessary owing to the heaving floor conditions encountered, and pillar-extraction has proved risky owing to the high incidence of spontaneous combustion. Operation of late months has been confined to development work, with a resultant lower output. A slight increase in output was obtained at the Tatu Mine, near Ohura, underground conditions being unchanged. In the Buller field, the production of coal from combined underground and opencast areas at Stockton showed a substantial rise. The original mine, known as Fly Creek, continued mainly on pillar extraction and the installation of a water sluicing system in the East Area. The new mine, named Webb in honour of the former Minister of Mines (Hon. P. C. Webb), is developing in good coal. Orders have been placed for plant and equipment for the complete mechanization of this colliery. To replace the present haulage system, which has been in operation at the Stockton mines since 1908, an order has been placed for a bi-cable aerial 9,125 yards in length and capable of transporting 250 tons per hour. The aerial, which has its terminal

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loading-point in the vicinity of the E Hill Opencast, will also pick up the coal from the Webb and Fly Creek Mines at intermediate loading-points and discharge into the bins at Ngakawau. Provided no unforeseen difficulties arise, the aerial should be erected and in operation in January, 1951. The coal-mining undertakings of the Westport Coal Co., Ltd., were acquired by the State, but were not formally operated as State coal-mines until the Ist April, 1948. However, from the date of the agreement between the company and the State the undertakings were carried on with the co-operation of the former directors of the company. I wish to accord my appreciation of the very fine measure of co-operation and assistance given to the Mines Department by the directors and staff of this company during this period. At Denniston a vigorous drilling programme on the Plateau Area was carried out and a decision reached to open up a new mine at this site. Further exploration work is still required at the Cook's - Lease Area. The existing mine at Whareatea continued pillar-extraction, and tenders are being called for a new stone drive to the coal-seam to enable coal-extraction to be carried out more economically and to attain the maximum recovery of the available coal. It is proposed to transport all coal won from this mine, and also from the projected new mine at the Plateau Area, by aerial ropeway to the Denniston bins. The other mine operated by the company —namely, Millerton —continued normally on pillar-extraction. In the Keefton field, the operations in the Burke's Creek Mine were mainly development and reconstruction. At Grarvey Creek difficult mining conditions were encountered in the vertical seam workings, but steady progress has been maintained and an improvement in production of this good-quality bituminous coal may be expected from both underground and opencast operations. All of the principal mines in the Grey district are now owned by the State. The Liverpool Colliery continued with pillar-extraction and development, with a shortage of experienced miners for manning all possible coal places. Boring in neighbouring areas has just been completed, finally proving the existence of adequate coal reserves to warrant the opening-up of a new colliery, which will be proceeded with as rapidly as plant and man-power permit. There is nothing outstanding to report in respect of the Strongman Mine, where good-quality coal is being won in very faulted country. The complex conditions underground make it difficult to plan ahead development and haulage systems. At Dobson, output was maintained from development work in the West Side; whilst at Wallsend, work was confined solely to pillar-extraction. There is nothing of special importance to report in respect of the Blackball Mine, where development proceeded with satisfactory results on the whole. Underground mining conditions were unchanged. At Roa, the Paparoa Mine operations were continued mainly on pillar-extraction. In the Ohai field, the Mossbank Mine completed development and commenced pillar-extraction, with good results. A new stone drive to the coal-seam, which is now completed, will improve the haulage system and make possible the recovery of an. additional 150,000 tons of good coal. The Black Diamond Mine ceased as an underground mining proposition and a contract for winning the coal by opencast methods was entered into. In the Wairaki Block, pillar-extraction will be completed shortly in the old No. 1 Mine. Development and solid work was carried out in the No. 3 Mine, where mining is now being carried out below the Star Mine workings. Pillar-extraction only was the source of coal production in the Star Mine, although drilling operations in unworked portions of the property proved large quantities of additional coal to be available. Development was persisted with in the Birchwood Mine pending the outcome of drilling operations, which are essential before a future policy can be formulated.

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OUTPUTS A comparative statement of outputs for the last two financial years is shown hereunder :

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Mine. Output, 1947-48. Output, 1946-47. Percentage Increase in Gross Output. Percentage Increase in Net Output. Gross. Net. Gross. Net. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Mossbank 27,679 25,915 25,468 • 24,398 +8-68 +6-22 Black Diamond Opencast* .. 15,055 14,832 Wairaki 63,817 60,949 68,800 65,274 -7-24 -6-63 Starf 38,082 37,166 BirchwoodJ 6,192 5,895 Ohai Opencast§ 4M75 49,475 Liverpool 85,055 80,740 100,077 95,380 —is-oi -15-35 Strongman 96,250 93,670 99,329 96,680 -3-10 -3-11 Blackball 57,540 55,585 60,037 58,356 -416 -4-75 Wallsend 50,269 47,133 47,075 44,664 +6-78 +5-53 Dobson 64,125 61,778 59,380 57,806 +7-99 +6-87 Paparoa|| Burke's Creek 24,887 24,154 19,921 18,539 14,454 13,575 +37-82 +36-57 Garvey .. 6,886 6,858 Wangaloa Opencast 42,304 42,304 32 j 023 32,023 +32-11 +32-11 Stockton Mine and Opencast 264,561 258,757 237,460 231,690 + 11-41 + 11-68 Mangapehi Tatu 53,181 50,808 53,940 51,549 — 1-41 -1-44 35,466 33,621 34,377 32,375 +3-17 +3-85 Waitewhena Opencast 44,427 44,427 21,630 21,630 + 105-40 + 105-40 Kemp's Opencast 58,717 58,695 55,246 55,246 +6-28 +6-24 Kimihia Opencast 69,695 69,695 42,762 42,762 +62-98 +62-98 Glen Afton Opencast** 5,686 5,686 15,803 15,803 Wilton 81,730 78,094 79,937 75,154 +2-24 +3-91 Kamotf 9,783 9,783 Totals 1,221,308 1,185,084 1,097,273 1,063,840 * Mine acquired on 9th April, 1947. t Mine acquired on 2nd May, 1947. t Mine acquired on 28th November, 1947. § All coal extracted prior to 31st March, 1947. II Mine acquired on 25th April, 1947. If Mine commenced operations on 1st April, 1947. ** Mine ceased operations on 26th May, 1947. tt Mine acquired on 5 th January, 1948.

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SALES The following table shows the total sales of coal from the State mines as compared with the previous year and the average f.o.r. price realized by each mine exclusive of subsidy :

The difference between the output shown in the previous table and sales is accounted for by (1) coal used on works, (2) waste, (3) free issues, and, (4) opening and closing stocks.

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Mine. Total Sales, Total Sales, Percentage Average Price 1947-48. 1946-47. Variation. F.O.R. Realized. Tons. Tons. s. d. Mossbank 25,880 24,363 +6-23 22 9-37 Black Diamond Opencast 14,827 18 5-32 Wairaki 60,871 65,169 -6-60 22 8-09 Star 37,126 24 3-62 Birchwood 5,883 24 9-52 Ohai Opencast . • 44,153 Liverpool Mine 81,984 99,403 -17-52 20 4-31 Strongman 92,660 96,681 -4-16 25 5- 84 Blackball 54,449 58,714 -7-26 18 3-53 Wallsend 47,003 44,618 +5-35 24 4-04 Dobson 61,794 57,127 +8-17 24 11-69 Paparoa Burke's Creek .. 23,693 24 2-56 18,301 13^503 +35-53 27 6-12 Garvey Creek 6,668 26 7-49 Wangaloa Opencast 42,304 32j 023 +32-11 19 2-68 Stockton Mine and Opencast 259,629 230,419 +12-68 21 10-35 Mangapehi 50,812 51,381 —1-11 20 1-34 Tatu 34,153 32,476 +5-16 23 6-07 Waitewhena Opencast 44,427 21,630 + 105-40 24 10-94 Kemp's Opencast 58,695 55,246 +6-24 20 10-30 Kimihia Opencast 69,694 42,762 +62-98 22 11-21 Glen Afton Opencast 5,686 15,803 25 8-04 Wilton 77,971 75,039 +3-91 21 0-55 Kamo 9,863 24 5-02 Totals 1,184,373 1,060,510 1

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OUTPUT «PER MAN EMPLOYED The following table shows (a) the output per calendar year per man employed underground and (6) the output per calendar year per man employed (underground and surface) :

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1947. 1946. 1945. 1944. 1943. 1942. 1941. 1940. 1939. Under- Tt , Under- T . , Under- T . , Under- T . . Under- T . , Under- Ttl Under- Under- T . , Under- T . , ground. lotal - ground. iota1, ground. iotaL ground. TotaL ground. IofcaL ground. Total " ground. iota1, ground. iota1 ' ground. lotdL , Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Mossbank . . . , 724 554 854 592 719 544 727 546 695 521 616 441 523 316 Wairaki. . .. .. 936 669 960 686 866 624 924 647 955 669 1,309 804 800 561 720 538 714 567 ktar .. .. ..900 653 1,012 620 841 634 1,019 736 1,016 715 946 '719 713 539 867 650 579 404 Birchwood .. .. 678 456 748 561 749 571 537 407 709 545 772 579 750 573 668 523 547 431 Liverpool .. .. 412 293 441 336 468 352 498 371 583 440 672 504 715 521 528 410 612 459 Strongman .. .. 535 390 564 403 538 394 545 393 627 451 711 463 694 475 579 390 281* 192 Blackball .. . . 379 312 421 351 538 416 509 391 545 394 595 419 772 326 350 179 84* 53 Wallsend . . . . 359 291 357 282 415 329 346 290 422 352 478 369 466 356 414 326 500 394 Dobson . . . . 353 287 316 257 333 271 382 318 418 349 549 453 540 443 517 423 463 390 Paparoa .. .. 482 371 570 410 676 491 800 503 988 620 878 532 607 440 718 509 1,053 720 Burke s Creek .. .. 496 344 371 272f .. .. 750 531 565 442 624 456 655 476 528 392 773 560 Garvey Creek .. 239 189 Stockton . . . . 724 484 764 509 655 451 731 438 633 418 782 520 812 547 852 576 811 552 Mangapehi .. .. 509 397 553 434 533 428 683 524 714 550 722 534 622 442 587 339* 809 589 Tatu .. . . . . 563 339 505 310 508 311 481 303 482 306 596 364 341 199 458 276 Wiltoil . . . . 492 363 557 398 639 456 669 478 658 471 606 459 834 613 789 608 686 539 Ivamo . . . . 484 394 520 426 619 508 680 558 686 558 615 497 704 540 590 467 678 481 [ 1938. | 1937. | 1936. | 1935. | 1934. 1933. | 1932. 1931. | 1930. Under- T , , Under- Tfl Under- T , , Under- Tr , 1 Under- Tnt „, Under- Ttl Under- Ttl Under- T . , Under- T . , ground. iotaI ' ground. lotaL ground. TotaL ground. TotaL ground. TotaL ground. TotaL ground. Total * ground. iota1 ' ground. lotal " Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Mossbank Wairaki.. .. .. 674 525 543 412 721 463 764 562 702 520 656 4i6 2<ii 208 631 454 564 420 Star . . . . .. 783 536 694 490 851 601 722 532 864 610 700 467 417 239 Birchwood .. . . 322 246 550 426 521 396 543 379 514 364 576 440 517 388 560 406 456 280 Liverpool .. .. 561 423 560 417 536 396 556 408 407 304 388 289 392 290 481 348 552 397 Strongman .. .. .. .. .. .. .. # # # # . ,, .. .. Blackball . , . . 565 314 600 437 478 328 7113 444 476 346 654 444 932 607 451 259 392 3ii Wallsend .. . . 496 394 587 456 566 442 575 430 446 345 520 389 426 333 430 340 501 389 Dobson .. . . 486 400 481 388 543 426 428 358 401 331 408 341 411 348 278 231 450 377 1'aparoa .. .. 633 464 669 492 583 428 771 582 801 588 1,051 738 1,092 804 950 739 1,048 782 Burke's Creek .. ..1,144 735 867 585 764 540 574 402 569 416 415 308 | 311 235 381 288 301 205 Garvey Creek Stockton .. .. 828 557 895 573 71.4 460 63i 388 587 356 606 37i 558 362 548 351 77i 4<ji Mangapehi .. .. 739 554 719 629 1,135 883 530 441 40 11 Tatu Wilton .. .. ..678 549 656 526 595 468 753 580 742 554 488 395 903 6i3 46i 373 359 227 Kamo . . .. 438 322 552 387 709 515 560 395 331 214 * Mine worked portion of year only. f Separate output returns for Burke's Creek not available for 1945. Note. —Some of the high, outputs per man employed prior to 1944 are due to slack being raised from dump and credited to output.

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SCREENING OF COAL The following table shows the percentage of coal sold as unscreened and the results obtained from the screening of the balance of the output: —

ACCIDENT INSURANCE It is very pleasing to report a decrease in the number of accidents during the year. The number of accidents for the year was 1,158, as compared with 1,225 for the previous year, notwithstanding that 17 mines were operated during the year. The Accident Insurance Working Account showed a surplus of £38,588 14s. 3d. on the year's working, as compared with £24,576 ss. Id. for the previous year. The Accident Insurance Reserve Account now stands at £118,302 2s. Bd. The cost of claims percentage on wages paid amounted to £2 55., as compared with £-2 17s. 9d. for the previous year, the average cost of each claim being £24 os. 3d. compared with £24 10s. 7d. during the 1946-47 financial year.

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Percentages of Screened and Small Obtained from Coal Screened. r . Percentage Sold as Mine. Unscreened. Screened. Small Mossbank 67-08 32-92 Black Diamond Opencast 6*41 79 •72 20-28 Wairaki Mine 68 •46 3154 Star 76 •05 23-95 Birehwood 71 •24 28-76 Liverpool Mine 100-00 Strongman 1116 84-02 1598 Blackball 8-79 30 •16 69-84 Wallsend 3-84 73 •93 26-07 Dobson 7-73 81 •13 1887 Paparoa 70-45 63-54 36-46 Burke's Creek 52 •17 4783* Garvey Creek 13-47 86-53* Wangaloa Opencast 71 •32 28-68 Waitewhena Opencast 4-37 36-30 63-70 Kemp's Opencast 3-27 37 •10 62-90 Stockton Mine and Opencast 37-37 62-07 3793 Kimihia Opencast 56-88 4312 Glen Afton Opencast 94 •86 514 Kamo 100 : 00 Percentage of House, Domestic, Kitchen, and Slack (North Island Grading). House. Domestic. Kitchen. 1 1 Slack.« Wilton 2-64 53-54 46-46 Mangapehi 12-12 31-77 56-11 Tatu 4-42 54-68 45-32 * Includes unscreened nuts.

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The District Manager, State Coal-mines, Ohai, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir, — 28th May, 1948. I have the honour to submit my report on the workings of the Mossbank, Black Diamond, Wairaki, Star, and Birchwood State Mines for the year Ist April, 1947, to the 31st March, 1948. Mossbank Colliery Coal-winnin@. —-The gross output for the year was 27,679 tons 9 cwt. 3 qr., an increase of 2,211 tons 4 cwt. 1 qr. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (614 tons 13 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (1,149 tons 9 cwt. 3 qr.), there remained for disposal 25,915 tons 7 cwt. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year:— Ist April, 1947 — Tons cwt. qr. Stocks in yard Add net output for year .. .. 25,915 7 0 31st March, 1948 — Less stocks in yard Total disposed of .. .. .. 25,915 7 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 25,637 7 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 3 0 0 Workman and free issues .. .. 275 0 0 25,915 7 0 The gross output from the colliery since taken over by the State on 2nd October, 1944, totals 89,094 tons 13 cwt. 3 qr. Days worked. —The Mossbank Colliery worked 234 days out of a possible 241 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 3 statutory holidays, making the total days worked 237. The difference between the days worked and the possible number of ordinary working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, Easter Tuesday, 1948 ; 4 days, funerals of ex-members of Miners' Union; 2 days, erection of fire stoppings. During the past two years no days have been lost on account of disputes. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons engaged in or about the mine was 44 men and 2 boys, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 15; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers 20. Surface: 9 men and 2 boys. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 116 tons 16 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 8 tons 14 cwt., as compared with 100 tons 9 cwt. and 7 tons 15 cwt. respectively for the previous year. Deficiencies. —No payments were made under the minimum-wage clause. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 4s. 9d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 os. 7d., an increase of ss. 3d. per day when compared with the previous year. Accidents. —Only a few minor accidents occurred during the year under review. Stone-dusting.—This work was done regularly throughout the year.

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Underground Workings. —Development work was completed early in the year and the output has since been produced from pillar-extraction in the south-west part of the mine. As a result of a reorganization of working methods, a line of pillar-extraction has been established which enables the pillars to be extracted from the dip upwards and the goaf filled with water as the workings retreat. During the year two underground fires occurred, the areas affected in both cases being effectively sealed with stoppings and subsequently flooded. A new access and haulage drive being driven from the workings to the surface on the line of the main coal dip advanced 504 ft. on an average gradient of lin 3|. This drive when completed will release approximately 150,000 tons of coal which underlies the present drives. The recoverable coal made available by the new drive ensures an additional life of at least four years at the mine. Further improvements were carried out in the new return airway and a stairway fitted with a handrail installed to provide an alternative means of travelling to and from the workings. The coal was of good quality with an average thickness of 16 ft. Plant.—All plant operated satisfactorily and repairs and maintenance were efficiently attended to by the engineering staff. Black Diamond Colliery The assets of the Black Diamond Coal Co., Ltd., Nightcaps, were purchased by the Crown early in April, 1947, the date of entering into possession being 9th April, 1947. Underground mining was continued until 18th April, from which date preparations for opencasting were commenced. The gross output for the remainder of the year from 9th April, 1947, was 15,054 tons 10 cwt. (underground, 488 tons 8 cwt. ; opencast, 14,566 tons 2 cwt.). After allowing for waste and the quantity used on works (222 tons 13 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 14,831 tons 17 cwt. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year:— 9th April, 1947 — Tons cwt - q r - Opening stocks Add net output for year .. .. .. 14,831 17 0 31st March, 1948 — Less stock in yard Total disposed of .. i. .. 14,831 17 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 14,163 15 0 Local and mine sales ' .. .. 645 2 0 Workmen and free issues .. .. 23 0 0 14,831 17 0 Employees. —The average number of men employed at the opencast was 20. Days worked.—The underground workings were continued for only eight days after the purchase by the Department.

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The opencast worked on 84 days out of a possible 229 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked on 11 Saturdays and 2 statutory holidays, making the total days worked 97. The difference between the days worked and the number of ordinary working-days is accounted for as follows : 26 days, preparing and assembling plant, &c. ; 20 days, alterations to screens and construction of road to the screening plant; 7 days, wet weather ; 1 day, fall of overburden ; 1 day, Easter Tuesday, 1948 ; "90 days, stripping only, no coal available. Workings.—Coal-production from the opencast was commenced on 22nd May, 1947, but continued for only three days, during which unscreened coal was produced. Owing to the necessity for screening, production was stopped until the necessary roading and screen alterations could be completed. On Ist July loading operations were resumed and continued until 25th September, when production again temporarily ceased due to the need for further stripping. A further small section of the seam was operated successfully from Bth December until 27th January. During February and March stripping was concentrated on, and at the end of the year approximately 50,000 tons had been made ready for coal-production during the forthcoming winter months. From the commencement of operations, 208,395 cubic yards of overburden have been stripped and removed to the spoil dump. The coal has been of good quality throughout with a high percentage of screening. Plant. —The mine trucks and rails withdrawn from the underground workings have been transferred to other collieries in the district. The main haulage winch was dismantled, overhauled, and re-erected at Wairaki No. 3 Mine. The screening plant has been electrified during the year. The following plant units were operated part-time in stripping and coal-winning operations at the opencast: two Diesel shovels of f cubic yard and § cubic yard capacity respectively; one R.B. 37 drag-line of 1J cubic yards bucket capacity; six tractors and bulldozers (models DB, two ; TDIB, two ; HDI4, one ; and TDI4, one ; two carryalls of 8 cubic yards and 12 cubic yards capacity respectively ; two tournapulls of 12 cubic yards capacity (these were operated during the final two months only); four 3-ton trucks. All plant was maintained in good order and condition throughout the year. Wairaki Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 63,817 tons 1 cwt. 1 qr., a decrease of 4,982 tons 17 cwt. when compared with the previous year. After allowing for waste (225 tons 1 cwt. 1 qr.) and the quantity used on works (2,643 tons 7 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 60,948 tons 13 cwt. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1947 Tons cwt. qr. Stocks in yard Add net output for year .. .. .. 60,948 13 0 31st March, 1948 Less stock in yard Total disposed of .. .. .. 60,948 13 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 58,703 10 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 1,729 0 0 Workmen and free issues .. .. 516 3 0 : 60,948 13 0

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The gross output from the colliery since taken over by the State on 27th January, 1945, totals 213,878 tons 6 cwt. 2 qr. Bays worked. —The Wairaki Colliery worked 232 days out of a possible 241 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 3 statutory holidays, making the total days worked 235. The difference between the days worked and the possible number of ordinary working-days is accounted for as follows : 2 days, Easter Tuesday, 1947-48 ; 4 days, funerals of ex-members of the Miners' Union ; 2 days, disputes re trucking; 1 day, long stopwork meeting to discuss union matters. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 94 men and 5 boys, made up as follows —Underground : Coal-hewers, 36 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 33. Surface : 25 men and 5 boys. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 271 tons 11 cwt. and the coal-hewers average daily output was 8 tons 6 cwt., as compared with 268 tons 15 cwt. and 8 tons 5 cwt. respectively for the previous year. Deficiencies. —Six payments aggregating £l2 17s. 4d. were made to coal-hewers under the minimum-wage clause. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 4s. 10d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 18s. lid., a similar return per day when compared with the previous year. Accidents. —One serious accident and several minor accidents occurred during the year under review. Serious Accidents. —On 16th May, 1947, a trucker received lacerations to the thumb and index finger, left hand, requiring partial amputation. The injury was sustained when assisting to right a derailed box. Stone-dusting.—This work was done regularly throughout the year. Underground Workings. —No. 1 Mine : Pillar-extraction was carried out from No. 1 Section and from the eastern boundary of the workings towards the Main Dip. In No. 1 Section the average thickness of the coal was 10 ft. and in the upper workings 8 ft. Extraction has been completed in the Dip and Crosscut Sections. No. 3 Mine : Development and solid workings only were driven in this mine. No. 5 Section : This Section has been advanced 2 chains to a point almost beneath the Birchwood tramway. No. 6 Section: Three levels have been advanced 6 chains in an easterly direction. A downthrow fault limits the distance the places can go to the rise in this section. Average thickness of the seam is 28 ft. No. 8 Section: The coal from this Section is now brought out to No. 6 Lay-by and the coal from No. 10 Section is brought out to No. 8 Lay-by through a short stone drive through the fault. This haulage road has been extended a distance of 7 chains in an easterly direction, eliminating No. 10 Section. Average thickness of coal is 26 ft. No. 9 Section: Three places were driven 2| chains in a westerly direction on top of the dirty bottom coal. The coal above the dirt bands is of excellent quality. The three rise headings were driven 6 chains, where they encountered the fault on the low side of No. 10 Section. A dip was started from a point 1 chain to the east of the bottom of No. 9 Dip and has been driven 1| chains on a bearing parallel to the main dip. A slight flattening of the measures is apparent here. Development work is being continued.

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Fire Stoppings.—All fire stoppings were maintained in good order, and temporary stoppings were erected along the line of goaf on the east side of the dip to prevent heatings while pillar-extraction is continued up the dip. Dangerous Heatings.—A heating occurred in the goaf in No. 1 Mine to the dip of the working-places. This was sealed off by the erection of eight permanent stoppings. Plant. —The winch from the Black Diamond Mine was installed at the No. 3 Mine and is working satisfactorily. Star Colliery The Star Colliery was purchased by the State from the Star Coal Co., Ltd., the State entering into possession on 2nd May, 1947. Coal-winning.—The gross output from 2nd May to the end of the year was 38,081 tons 10 cwt. 2 qr. After allowing for waste (380 tons 8 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (535 tons 5 cwt. 2 qr.), there remained for disposal 37,165 tons 17 cwt. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year: — 2nd May, 1947 Tons cwt. qr. Stocks in yard Add net output for year .. .. .. 37,165 17 0 31st March, 1948 — Less stock in yard Total disposed of .. .. .. 37,165 17 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Bailed .. .. .. .. 36,844 17 0 Local and mine sales Workmen and free issues .. .. 321 0 0 37,165 17 0 Days worked. —The Star Colliery worked 210| days out of a possible 221 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 3 statutory holidays, making the total days worked 213|. The difference between the days worked and the possible number of ordinary working-days is accounted for as follows: 1 day, Easter Tuesday, 1948; 1| days, mechanical breakdowns ; 4 days, funerals of ex-members of Miners' Union; 1 day, unfavourable weather; 2 days, disputes (1 re truckers, Ire regulation of boxes); 1 day, Christmas pay Friday. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons engaged in and about the mine was 57 men, made up as follows —Underground: Coalhewers, 23; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers 21. Surface: 13 men. No boys were in regular employment at this mine. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 178 tons 7 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 8 tons 8 cwt. Deficiencies. —No payments were made under the minimum-wage clause. Coal-heivers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 Is. 10d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 17s. 2d. Accidents. —On 9th January a driller was electrocuted when the derrick of the drill fouled a power line. Apart from this, there were no serious accidents. Stone-dusting. —This work was done regularly throughout the year.

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Underground Workings.—-No development work is being done, the workings now having been driven to faults in the dip and on both the east and west sides of the mine. Pillar-extraction is the only source of output, and is being carried out in Nos. ] East, 2 East, and 3 East levels, also in the Birchwood area being worked in the south east corner of the mine.. The pillars and head coal are yielding good results with a high-percentage extraction, excepting where, in parts, thick bottom coal has to be contended with. So far there has been no occurrence of spontaneous combustion usually experienced in other mines in this district. A slope dip has been driven in stone from a point on the Main Dip to No. 3 Level for the purpose of shortening the haulage. Buildings. —During the year additions and renovations of the bathhouse were commenced, and this work was proceeding satisfactorily at the end of the year. Plant. —All plant operated satisfactorily and repairs and maintenance were efficiently attended to by the engineering staff. Birchwood Colliery The Birchwood Colliery was purchased by the State from the Birchwood Coal Co., Ltd., the State entering into possession on 28th November, 1947. Coal-winning.—The gross output from 28th November, 1947, to the end of the year was 6,192 tons 1 cwt. 1 qr. After allowing for waste (185 tons 2 cwt. 1 qr.) and the quantity used on works (111 tons 17 cwt.), there remained for disposal 5,895 tons 2 cwt. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year: — 28th November, 1947 Tons cwt. qr. Stocks in yard Add net output for year .. .. .. 5,895 2 0 31st March, 1948 Less stock in yard Total disposed of .. .. .. 5,895 2 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 5,820 2 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 6 0 0 Workmen and free issues .. .. 69 0 0 5,895 2 0 Days worked. —The Birchwood Colliery worked 70 days out of a possible 73 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 3 statutory holidays, making the total days worked 73. The difference between the days worked and the possible number of ordinary working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, Easter Tuesday, 1948 ; 1 day, breakdown on rope-road ; 1 day, Christmas pay Friday. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons engaged in and about the mine was 54 men and 1 boy, made up as follows—-Under-ground : Coal-hewers, 19; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 20. Surface: 15 men and 1 boy. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 84 tons 16 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 5 tons 4 cwt. (Note. —These figures are based on coalproduction only, and do not include stone dumped ex the mine, of which there was a total quantity of 894 tons 19 cwt., or 15 cwt. per hewer shift.)

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Deficiencies. —No payments were made to coal-hewers under the minimum-wage clause. Coal-hewers'' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 12s. 4d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 4s. lOd. Accidents.—Only a few minor accidents occurred during the period under review. Stone-dusting.—This work was done regularly throughout the year. Underground Workings. —Development is being carried on at every point which indicates possibility of extension of the mine. No. 3 Dip is being driven north-west in the top part of a split seam. The sandstone between the top and bottom portions varies in thickness from 4 in. to 4 ft. 6 in. The coal is of good quality and dips 1 in 6 towards the western boundary of the lease, with 7 ft. in the top split and 6 ft. in bottom split. No. 4 Dip is being driven south-west, also in the top portion of the split, at a grade of 1 in 8. A pair of levels are developing eastwards in 23 ft. of good-quality coal. These levels are being driven towards the old Ohai syndicate's workings. Pillar-extraction in the Main Dip, and No. 1 West Dip sections is completed and the output now depends entirely on solid working. Boring.—Boring to prove the extent of the seams was commenced 8 chains south of the area at present being developed. One hole had been completed at the end of the year. Plant. —A 50 h.p. electric winch underground has been turned around to eliminate auxiliary haulages in the No. 1 West dip. All plant operated satisfactorily and repairs and maintenance were efficiently attended to by the engineering staff. I have, &c., J. McArthur, District Manager. The Superintendent, State Coal-mines, Grreymouth, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir, — 14th June, 1948. I have the honour to submit my annual report on the workings of the Liverpool, Strongman, Blackball, Wallsend, Dobson, and Paparoa State Coal-mines for the year ended 31st March, 1948. Liverpool Colliery Coal-ivinning. —The gross output for the year was 85,055 tons 9 cwt., a decrease of 15,021 tons 8 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,145 tons 9 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (3,170 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 80,740 tons.

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Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year: — Ist April, 1947 Tons cwt - q r - Tons cwt - q r - Stock in bin and yard .. .. 875 12 2 Stock oh wharf .. .. 88 18 2 964 11 0 Add net output for year .. 80,740 0 0 Add surplus stocks .. .. 2,040 9 1 82,780 9 1 83,745 0 1 31st March, 1948—Less stock in bin and yard .. 811 4 0 Less stock on wharf .. .. 147 1 0 958 5 0 Total disposed of .. .. 82,786 15 1 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. 43,668 4 1 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. 33,175 19 1 Railway sales .. .. .. 895 5 2 Local and mine sales .. .. 4,186 8 2 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 860 17 3 82,786 15 1 The gross output from the colliery since its inception totals 4,354,111 tons 17 cwt. Days Worked. —The colliery worked 226 days out of a possible 241 ordinary workingdays. In addition, the colliery worked 3 substituted statutory holidays, making the total days worked 229. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 226, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, rope boy sent home ; 6 days, heating in mine ; 1 day, Strongman double place dispute ; 1 day, smash in bins tunnel; 1 day, funeral late Hon. J. O'Brien ; 3 days, death and funeral of workman; 1 day, miners did not work ; 1 day, slip on railway-line. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 277 men and 14 boys, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 64 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 158. Surface : 55 men and 14 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 6s. 2d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 3s. Bd., an increase of 4s. 2d. per day when compared with the previous period. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 371 tons 8 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 5 cwt., as compared with 420 tons 10 cwt. and 6 tons 2 cwt. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 13,596. Deficiencies. —There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents. —On 10th March a horse-driver dropped dead whilst proceeding to the foot of the hoist. Apart from this case, there were so serious accidents during the year.

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Stone-dusting.—Work under this heading was continued during the year. The number of samples taken from the Liverpool Colliery and analysed was 508. In addition, 145 samples from co-operative mines and 187 samples of coal from other State coalmines were also analysed. Underground Workings.—Morgan Seam : After driving chains through faulted country in a westerly direction, a seam of coal 12 ft. thick was struck. Driving in the coal was continued for a distance of 3 chains when the coal cut out again and prospecting operations were temporarily suspended. Morgan West Dip : Twin dips have been driven for a distance of 14 chains in a south-westerly direction. At this point the gradient increased from 1 in 4 to 1 in 2 and the coal thinned to 3 ft., and finally cut out when prospecting operations were commenced. Work in the dips has been suspended for approximately four months. A pair of drives were started in an easterly direction in the foot of the dip in coal 14 ft. thick. West Level, Morgan East Dip : A pair of levels have been developed and are standing in coal approximately 20 ft. to 25 ft. in thickness. To the rise, a pair of headings are also standing in coal of the same thickness. This panel will be worked when labour is available. Rise Workings, Morgan Dip East Level: A pair of headings have been driven in a north-westerly direction in coal 6 ft. thick. Main Level from Bottom of Stone Drive (Hadcroft's Drive) : Twin headings are being driven in a north-westerly direction in coal 6 ft. in thickness. Extended Morgan Dip East: All places in this section are standing in coal 20 ft. to 25 ft. in thickness until labour is available. Rise Workings, East Level, Morgan Dip : Two headings are being driven in a north-easterly direction in coal 6 ft. in thickness. The main Morgan East Dip has been advanced a total distance of 16 chains to the south from the foot of Hadcroft's stone drive. The coal is 8 ft. in thickness and the gradient has increased from lin7to 1 in 2f. Pillar-extraction, Morgan Seam (Morgan East and West Rise Sections) : Twelve pairs of miners extracting pillars from these sections, the coal being approximately 20 ft. in thickness. Morgan East Dip, No. 1 Panel: Seven pairs of miners extracting pillars. In the north-west portion of the panel the coal on the east side has thinned to approximately 6 ft. Anderson Dip Section : Four pairs of colliers splitting and extracting pillars in coal approximately 9 ft. in thickness ; gradient, lin 2|. Kennedy's Level: Twin headings are approaching a fault in coal approximately 8 ft. in thickness. The fault has been struck in the bottom level. Kimbell West Dip : Two pairs of miners splitting and extracting pillars in coal 15 ft. in thickness. Kimbell West Crosscut: Three pairs of miners forming and splitting pillars in coal sft. in thickness; gradient, 1 in 1. Kimbell West Level: This section, which has been sealed on account of fire for a number of years, has been reopened; approximately 6 acres of coal is standing in pillars, and pillar-extraction has commenced. Strongman Colliery Coal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 96,250 tons 4 cwt., a decrease of 3,079 tons 5 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (2,078 tons 4 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (502 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 93,670 tons.

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Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year:— Ist April, 1947 Tons cwt - <l r - Tons cwt - <l r - Stock in bin and yard Stock on wharf .. .. 226 18 1 226 18 1 Add net output for year .. 93,670 0 0 Add surplus stocks .. .. 837 14 3 94,507 14 3 94,734 13 0 31st March, 1948 Less stock in bin and yard .. 534 10 0 Less stock on wharf .. .. 838 9 1 1,372 19 1 Total disposed of .. .. 93,361 13 3 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. 62,868 16 3 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. 14,635 3 1 Railway sales ... .. .. 3,791 4 2 Local and mine sales .. .. 8,278 12 , 2 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 3,787 16 3 93,361 13 3 The gross output from the colliery since its inception totals 813,439 tons 7 cwt. Days Worked. —The colliery worked 233 days out of a possible 241 ordinary workingdays. In addition, the colliery worked 3 substituted statutory holidays, making the total days worked 236. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 233, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, double place dispute ; 1 day, power failure ; 1 day, dispute re trucking contract; 1 day, funeral late Hon. J. O'Brien ; 1 day, fan motor breakdown ; 3 days, dispute between Miners' and Deputies' Unions. jEmployees. —ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 238 men and 5 boys, made up as follows —Underground : Coal-hewers, 69 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 110. Surface: 59 men and 5 boys. Coal-hewers'' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 145., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3los. Id., an increase of lis. lOd. per day when compared with the previous period. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 407 tons 17 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 13 cwt., as compared with 422 tons 14 cwt. and 6 tons 18 cwt. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 14,512. Deficiencies. —There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year.

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Accidents. —One serious accident occurred in the Strongman Colliery. On 30th June, 1947, a trucker was caught between two full trucks in the No. 2 South Section, sustaining a fractured pelvis and a fracture of the right fibula. Stone-dusting.—Work under this heading was continued during the year. The total number of samples taken from the Strongman Colliery and analysed was 403. Underground Workings.—No. 2 North Section : During the year, development of the No. 2 Panel, approximately 2| acres, was completed, and the section is now ready to be sealed off. No. 3 Panel: Approximately three-quarters of the development has been completed and the top coal extracted. Five pairs of miners engaged in this section and the quality of the coal is excellent. In the Main Heading Section, development has been temporarily stopped, but was restarted towards the end of the year. Two pairs of miners are engaged. An unexpected upthrow fault was met, the displacement being approximately 30 ft. It is expected that this fault will cross all the main headings. The throw of the fault has increased the grade and made development work difficult. No. 3 North Section: As the top seam appears to be missing over portion of the No. 3 North Section, pillar-extraction will soon be commenced. A small amount of development work remains to complete this section. A barrier, approximately 3 chains, will be left between No. 3 North and No. 4 North Sections. Seven pairs of miners are engaged in this section. Places are dipping steeply and the haulage of coal presents some difficulties. Top coal has been extracted from all the places. Approximately twelve months' development work remains for the present number of colliers. Main East Heading : During the year the two headings on either side of the main headings have been driven across the fault and connections made by means of a crosscut in advance of the main heading. South Sections : Development towards the Bob Fault has continued with four pairs of colliers. The fault has altered slightly in direction, giving a larger area of coal than was anticipated. Pillar-extraction has been continued throughout the year with three pairs of miners in No. 1 South Dip. The roof conditions make pillar-extraction difficult. The percentage of extraction is good, considering the unfavourable conditions. Electric power has been brought to the top of the No. 1 South Dip, and underground arrangements have been completed for the installation of an electric winch when it comes to hand. Bottom Seam No. 2 Dip : Development work with four pairs of miners in good coal has been continued in the Rise Panel Section. To date, there have been no indications of the intrusion of the stony bands which have been expected. There are indications that the faults on either side are converging, and the section may be further reduced to three main headings. Slant Dip : Five pairs of miners continuing development work. Three of the levels have now reached the Bob Fault. A barrier of coal, 1 chain thick, has been left between this section and the rise panel. The companion dip to the main Slant Dip, and two levels, are ready to breakaway. Haulage : During the Christmas holidays a gravity endless-rope haulage was installed in the No. 2 North Section, and a main-and-tail haulage system was installed in the No. 3 Panel delivering the coal direct to the new rope-road. An electric centrifugal pump has been installed in the main sump, replacing the compressed-air unit. Blackball Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 57,540 tons 5 cwt., a decrease 0f,2,496 tons 10 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,579 tons) and the quantity used on works (376 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 55,585 tons 5 cwt.

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Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1947 — Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. 1,194 18 0 Stock on wharf .. .. .. 7 10 1,201 19 0 Add net output for year .. .. 55,585 5 0 56,787 4 0 31st March, 1948 — Less stock in bin and yard .. 1,432 17 0 Less stock on wharf 1,432 17 0 Total disposed of .. .. .. 55.354 7 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped ... .. .. .. 20,675 0 0 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. .. 19,254 7 0 Railway sales .. .. .. 10,268 13 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 3,918 17 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 1,237 10 0 55,354 7 0 The gross output from the colliery since it was taken over by State Coal-mines on sth July, 1941, totals 342,343 tons 17 cwt. Days worked. —The colliery worked days out of a possible 241 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 3 substituted statutory holidays, making the total number of days worked The difference between the ordinary days worked, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows: 2 days, union meeting; 7\ days, dispute re dip yardage ; 1 day, funeral of late Hon. J. O'Brien; 2 days, death and funeral of workman ; day, parliamentary by-election ; day, local-body election. Employees.—-In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 170 men and 3 boys, made up as follows —Underground : coal-hewers, 51 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers 91. Surface: 28 men and 3 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 16s. 2d., an increase of Bs. Bd. per day when compared with the previous period. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 248 tons 15 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 5 tons 18 cwt. 3 qr., as compared with 232 tons 14 cwt. and 5 tons 14 cwt. 1 qr. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 9,691. Deficiencies. —The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £152 3d. 4d. Accidents. —In addition to numerous accidents of a minor nature, 3 serious accidents, 1 of which proved fatal, occurred at the Blackball colliery. On 10th January, 1948, an apprentice electrician was fatally electrocuted whilst engaged in effecting repairs to a winch. On 12th September, 1947, an electrician suffered a sudden spontaneous pneumothorax whilst working over heated bitumen. On sth November, 1947, a miner was struck by a fall of coal and suffered a fracture of the left leg.

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Underground Workings.—During the Christmas holiday period a 70 h.p. endless-rope haulage was installed in place of the existing main-and-tail. This is now working efficiently. Main Dip : Twin connections driven northerly were made from the Sump Section to the Main Dip through thin coal a distance of 4 chains. At this point the seam thickened and the Main Dip and parallel airway were extended a further 3|- chains in good coal. The seam is at present 12 ft. thick. Preparations are in hand to install an endless rope to the dip. Sump Section: The dip has been developed for a further 5 chains in good coal. Little development has been possible to the south side, due to the seam dipping sharply in that direction. The coal is 15 ft. to 18 ft. thick. From the Sump Dip another dip has been driven to the south in the direction of No. 2 Borehole. This has progressed a distance of 4 chains. The dip is now 20 ft. beyond the borehole and the coal is 10 ft. thick and of good quality. No. 2 South : Development was carried forward for a distance of 3J chains. For a distance of 1| chains the coal was 12 ft. to 14 ft. thick and of fair quality. At this point, however, the seam thinned out to 3 ft., when development was stopped. Connections were made by twin roads from Dunn's Dip to the No. 2 South a distance of 5| chains. The seam has thinned to 5 ft. 6 in. Dunn's Dip: The dip rose sharply for 1 chain and then the coal thinned to 6 ft. The seam then dipped over, and development has stopped until a pump becomes available. The coal is of fair quality. During the year, in the lower South Level, a heavy fall with an inrush of water occurred. This required the use of two pumps to cope with the inflow. A drain to the old sump was cut through stone for a distance of 1| chains. This eliminated the use of one pump. Wallsend Colliery Goal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 50,268 tons 18 cwt. 1 qr., an increase of 3,193 tons 14 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,376 tons) and the quantity used on works (1,760 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 47,132 tons 18 cwt. 1 qr. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1947 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. 376 4 1 Stock on wharf .. 376 4 1 Add net output for year .. 47,132 18 1 Add surplus stocks .. .. 314 14 2 47,447 12 3 31st March, 1948 47,823 17 0 Less stock in bin and yard .. 82 6 1 Less stock on wharf .. .. 207 4 0 289 10 1 Total disposed of .. .. .. 47,534 6 3 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped.. .. .. .. 22,218 13 0 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. .. 10,064 0 0 Railway sales .. .. .. 12,269 8 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 2,752 15 3 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 229 10 0 47,534 6 3 The gross output from the colliery since it was taken over by State Coal-mines on 22nd February, 1943, totals 266,952 tons 17 cwt. 3 qr.

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Days Worked. —The colliery worked 210f days out of a possible 241 ordinary workingdays. In addition, the colliery worked 2-|- substituted statutory holidays, making the total days worked 213§. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 210f, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 13f days, monthly union meetings, &c. ; 1 day, union dispute re beer boycott; 8 days, gas accumulations ; 1 day, gas accumulation due to breakdown of booster fan ; 1 day, union decision not to work due to presence of gas ; 1 day, fan stoppage due to power failure; 1 day, burnt-out fan motor ; £ day, breakdown in haulage system ; 1 day, funeral of late Hon. J. O'Brien ; -J day, local-body election day ; J day, parliamentary by-election day ; If days, union decision to commence seven-hour shift. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 150 men and 6 boys, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 42 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 84. Surface: 24 men and 6 boys. Coal-hewers'' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 3s. 9d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 Is. Id., an increase of 3s. 7d. per day when compared with the previous period. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 235 tons 11 cwt. 3 qr. and the coal hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 11 cwt. 2 qr., as compared with 198 tons 8 cwt. 2 qr. and 6 tons 16 cwt. 3 qr. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 7,647f. Deficiencies. —There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents. —In addition to numerous accidents of a minor nature, 3 serious accidents occurred at the Wallsend Colliery. On 22nd May, 1947, a trucker had his left wrist fractured when his forearm was caught between a box and a prop. On 29th August, 1947, a miner was struck by a fall of coal and suffered a puncture wound of the back and a fracture of the transverse process of the vertebra;. On 29th January, 1948, a trucker had two joints of the middle and ring fingers partially amputated when his left hand was caught between the top of a derailed box and the roof. Underground Workings.—No. 1 Dip Section : All development has been completed in this section and splitting of pillars is now in operation ; seven pairs of miners employed. No. 2 Dip : This section has been dewatered to a point approximately opposite the Machine Dip, and the Main Dip has been developed for a further distance of 3 chains. Brushing and retimbering of the Machine Dip has been carried on with three pairs of miners in the section. No. 1 Slant Dip : In this section, five pairs of miners are engaged splitting pillars. Roof conditions are very poor in this section. The undercast in this section has been enlarged to increase the quantity of air in circulation from 12,000 cubic feet to 17,000 cubic feet per minute. No. 2 Slant Dip : In this section, three pairs of miners are splitting pillars. Extension Section : In this section, splitting of pillars is being carried out by five pairs of miners. A large amount of brushing is required to keep the roadways open, as the seam is low, and this subsequently has the affect of reducing the output from this section. The new rise and return airway has been completed and the ventilation system adjusted to meet the new conditions. No. 2 Dip Section : An endless-rope winch driven by a 30 h.p. motor has been installed at the top of No. 2 Dip for the haulage of coal. Poppet Heads : During the Christmas holidays the main pulley wheel on the road side of the poppet heads was repaired. Dobson Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 64,124 tons 15 cwt. 2 qr., an increase of 4,744 tons 18 cwt. 2 qr. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (2,118 tons 5 cwt. 3 qr.) and the quantity used on works (228 tons 4 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 61,778 tons 5 cwt. 3 qr.

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Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1947 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. 1,769 7 2 Stock on wharf .. 1,769 7 2 Add net output for year .. .. 61,778 5 3 63,547 13 1 31st March, 1948 Less stock in bin and yard .. 1,286 9 0 Less stock on wharf .. .. 45 2 0 1,331 11 0 Total disposed of .. .. .. 62,216 2 1 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. 35,441 7 2 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. .. 19,409 12 0 Railway sales .. .. .. 4,115 19 3 Local and mine sales .. .. 1,254 7 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 1,994 16 0 62,216 2 1 The gross output from the colliery since it was taken over by State Coal-mines on 22nd February, 1943, totals 308,149 tons 13 cwt. Days Worked. —The colliery worked 229f days out of a possible 241 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 2f substituted statutory holidays, making the total days worked 231f. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 229§, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 4f days,, union meetings ; 2J days, power failures ; 1 day, dispute re loss of air drill; 1 day, funeral of late Hon. J. O'Brien ; 1 day, dispute re beer boycott; 1 day, replacing of fan motor and belt; £ day, Westland parliamentary by-election ; \ day, Brunner Centenary Celebrations ; day, local-body-election day; day, union decision to commence seven-hour shifts. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 201 men and 6 boys, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 53; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 114. Surface: 34 men and 6 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 4s. 5d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 Is. 5d., an increase of 4s. lid. per day when compared with the previous period. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 276 tons 14 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 1 cwt., as compared with 246 tons 12 cwt. 3 qr. and 6 tons 4 cwt. 2 qr. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 10,606f. Deficiencies. —The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £4l 19s. Bd. Accidents. —In addition to numerous accidents of a minor nature, three serious accidents occurred at the Dobson Colliery. On Ist August, 1947, a shiftman was struck by a pipe-line which was forced apart at the joint by a fall of stone, and suffered a fracture of the skull. On 27th August, 1947, a pair of miners were struck by a fall of stone; one suffered a fracture of the right leg and the other a fracture of the right clavicle. On 11th February, 1948, a trucker was caught between a moving box and a prop and suffered a fracture of-the Tl2 vertebrae.

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Underground Workings. —For the year, coal-winning operations at this colliery consisted of the development of the main dips on the west side, no work being carried out east of the No. 2 East Dip. The main dips are now running level, and provision has been made to extend and terminate the main endless-rope road at the point where the grade changes from dip to level. On the west side a succession of steep faults has been met with, one of which has been gradually increasing as it tends southwards and has now approximately 20 ft. downthrow where it crosses the Main No. 2 Dip. Work has been continued behind this fault in the No. 5 West, where a good section of coal is being developed. East of the Main Dips the grade is very steep, approximately 1 in 1, and it is necessary to change the direction of the dips to ease the grade. One such dip has been started, and there appears to be no reason to doubt that a good section of coal will be developed in this area. Development of this steep section has been held up while an improvement in the ventilation system is being carried out. Improvements to the ventilation system during the year included the widening of the main intake to the fan, with the provision of concrete steps over the whole distance. The installation of a 200 h.p. motor has increased the capacity of the fan by some 30,000 cubic feet of air per minute. The main airways are being cleared of all falls, and concrete stoppings repaired and others built. This will increase the supply of air to the bottom of the dips to allow further development. Extra air-driven rotary drills are being supplied to the miners and all coal is now being drilled by these power drills. Every working-face has been provided with a water spray to keep down the dust. A new electrically driven water-pump has been installed at the first station down the dip, and the electrical installation will be further advanced down the dip as machinery comes to hand. Paparoa Colliery Coal-winning.—This colliery was taken over by the State Coal-mines on 25th April, 1947, and the gross output from that date to 31st March, 1948, was 24,887 tons 4 cwt. After allowing for waste (510 tons 5 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (223 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 24,153 tons 19 cwt. Taking into account the stocks at the date of taking over and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the period : 25th April, 1947 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. 651 9 0 Stock on wharf 651 9 0 Add net output for period .. 24,153 19 0 Add surplus stocks .. .. 613 0 24,160 12 0 24,812 1 0 31st March, 1948 — Less stock in bin and yard .. 687 3 0 Less stock on wharf 687 3 0 Total disposed of .. .. 24,124 18 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. 8,050 18 0 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. 8,026 1 0 Railway sales .. .. .. 4,839 8 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 3,010 10 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 198 1 0 24,124 18 0

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Days worked.—During the period 25th April, 1947, to 31st March, 1948, the colliery worked 206J days out of a possible 225 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 3 substituted statutory holidays, making the total days worked 209j. The difference between the ordinary" days worked, 206J, and the possible number of workingdays is accounted for as follows : If days, union meetings; 5 days, six-hour shifts on pay-days ; 3J days, fan stoppages ; 2 days, six-hour shifts on extra-wet days ; 2 days, disputes ; 1 d"ay, road conditions preventing bus transport; \ day, fall in mine ; 1J days, power failures ; 1 day, funeral of late Hon. J. O'Brien ; £ day, local-body elections ; I day, parliamentary by-election ; \ day, six-hour shift—mine wet. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 77 men and 2 boys, made up as follows —Underground : Coal-hewers, 16 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers 46. Surface : 15 men and 2 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 2s. 9d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 Os. lid. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 118 tons 18 cwt. 2 qr. and the coalhewers' average daily output was 9 tons 9 cwt. 2 qr. The total number of hewer shifts for the period was 2,625|. Deficiencies. —There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the period. Accidents. —There were no serious accidents reported during the period. Underground Workings.—West Mine, No. 2 Seam : Four pairs of miners are employed in this mine and the output was derived from splitting pillars and cleaning out an old roadway. This roadway will be used to recover pillars which had been left on the rise side of the old water level. A few stumps were extracted adjacent to the main fault. The only work done in the solid was 5 or 6 chains of driving to form part of a new airway. A new Diesel was installed at Soldiers to drive the fan for this mine. The old Diesel has been left as a standby. Aerial Mine, No. 1 Seam : There are four pairs of miners in this mine. The output has been won from pillar splitting and extraction. The Main Dip was dewatered after a two-stage rotary pump had been installed. This dip has been cleared and retimbered, and levels are being driven right and left by means of splitting pillars. The work here will be all recovery until further electrical equipment is installed. An effort is being made to get through a faulted area in the Rise Section. There is an area beyond this fault line of approximately 40 to 45 acres—overlying this area is the old West No. 2 Seam, which is standing on pillars of first-grade coal. A rise heading was driven to the surface near this area and a 5 ft. fan installed. This made a big improvement to the ventilation of this mine. Preparatory work is being carried out on a new winch house at the Aerial Head. Surface : The weigh-cabin and ambulance-room at Middle Flat have been rebuilt. The interior of the ambulance room has yet to be completed. Bedecking of both viaducts has almost been completed. Repairs have been carried out to the bins gantry and timber-yard gantry. I have, &c., C. J. Strongman, Superintendent.

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The District Manager, State Coal-mines, Reefton, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir, — 28th April, 1948. I have the honour to submit my annual report on the workings of the Burke's Creek and Garvey Creek State Coal-mines for the year ended 31st March, 1948. Burke's Creek Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 19,921 tons, compared with 14,453 tons 10 cwt. for the ten months ended 31st March, 1947. After allowing for loss on measurement and waste (1,001 tons 10 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (380 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 18,539 tons 10 cwt. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year:— Ist April, 1947 Tons cwt - q r - Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. 81 0 0 Stock on dump .. .. .. 40 0 0 l2l 0 0 Add net output for year .. .. 18,539 10 0 18,660 10 0 31st March, 1948 Less stock on hand .. .. 247 3 2 Less stock on dump .. .. 40 0 0 —— 287 3 2 Total disposed of .. .. .. 18,373 6 2 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. 80 7 0 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. .. 15,835 0 1 Railway sales .. .. .. 22 7 1 Local and mine sales .. .. 2,067 2 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 368 10 0 18,373 6 2 The gross output of the colliery since its acquisition by the State on 3rd June, 1946, totals 34,374 tons 10 cwt. Days worked. —The colliery worked 241 days out of a possible 241 ordinary workingdays. In addition, the colliery worked 3 substituted statutory holidays, making the total days worked 244. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 69 men and 3 boys, made up as follows —Underground: Coal-hewers, 12; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 41. Surface: 16 men and 3 boys. Goal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 19s. lid. per.day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 17s. 3d., an increase of 12s. lid. per day when compared with the previous period.

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Daily output. —The average daily output was 81 tons 12 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 13 cwfc., as compared with 66 tons 3 cwt. and 5 tons 6 cwt. respectively for the previous period. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 2,992. Deficiencies. —There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents. —One serious accident occurred at this colliery. On 16th May, 1947, a trucker sustained severe facial injuries when his head was caught between the top of a box and the roof. Stone-dusting. —This work was carried out regularly in the dry portions of the mine. Underground Workings.—The output for the period was obtained from pillarextraction in the Slant Dip Section, from the development of the two bottom levels to the north-east towards the Bayne Area, and the extension of the Main Dip haulage to- the north-west. North-east Levels. —-The development levels from the Friction Winch Dip have been driven to the north-east in good coal, 12 ft. thick, for a distance of 8 chains past the line of continuation of the Main Dip. Main Dip : Owing to folding and increased grade, the development of the Main Dip was deferred for many years by the previous owners. During the period under review the bottom level from the Friction Winch Dip was connected to the Main Dip bottom by a rise driven on line with the Main Dip. This connection is at a grade of 26 degrees and 450 ft. long, of which 130 ft. is in the stone over the seam. The Main Dip haulage is to be extended to the bottom level at an early date. Dip Extension: A development heading 2 chains west of the line of the Main Dip has been sunk 6 chains on the full dip of the seam. The coal in some portions is soft and generally cannot be classed as of the best quality. From levels off this dip a rise will be driven as an extension of the Main Haulage Dip. Sinking will be proceeded with until sufficient rise coal is available for the development of rise panels from pairs of levels driven from each side of the Main Dip. Reconditioning : The reconditioning of the Main Dip haulage to the main horse level is now completed. Widening and repairs to the main return were deferred owing to shortage of labour and plant. Labour is now more plentiful and it is proposed to start this job as soon as plant on order comes to hand. Pumps : A new high-head pumping unit of 250 gallons per minute capacity for installation at a sump being constructed below the bottom level is on order. One small sinking pump of the bulldozer type was purchased and installed for dip-sinking. Labour.—Following the completion early in the year of a miners' hostel in Reefton to accommodate 52 men and the arrival in February of 20 men from overseas, the labour position has shown a marked improvement. Buildings.—Two Army ration stores ex Blenheim have been erected in Reefton as a district office and main garage respectively, and one at the Burke's Creek Mine as a district store. Bathhouse. —The contractors for the new bathhouse are making satisfactory progress. The building is completed and the installation of the fittings and internal finishing is well in hand. Screening Plant. —Washing of fines from the slack and the transport of slack by water was discontinued and a short scraper conveyor installed for the conveying of slack from the screens to the railway wagons.

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Mine Railway. —Reconditioning of the mine railway is being carried out by the permanent-way staff of the New Zealand Railways. Surveys for the extension of this railway to the mine are completed, but the earthwork and formation of the track cannot be started until mechanical equipment becomes available. Locomotive. —In July the colliery locomotive had to be taken off the road owing to serious mechanical defects. Pending the purchase of another, it has been replaced by a locomotive hired from the New Zealand Railways. Garvey Creek Colliery Coal-winning. —Production from this mine commenced on Ist April, 1947. The gross production for the year was 6,886 tons. After allowing for the quantity used on works (28 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 6,858 tons. Taking into account stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year:— Ist April, 1947 — Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard Add net output for year .. .. .. 6,858 0 0 31st March, 1948 — Less stock in bin and yard .. .. .. 39 0 1 Total disposed of .. .. .. 6,818 19 3 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. 1,003 8 2 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. .. 5,348 11 0 Railway sales .. .. .. 6 14 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 420 6 1 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 40 0 0 6,818 19 3 The gross output from the colliery since its inception totals 6,886 tons. Days worked.—The colliery worked 239 days out of a possible 241 ordinary workingdays. In addition, the colliery worked 3 substituted statutory holidays, making the total days worked 242. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 239, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows: 1 day, funeral of J. Banks, Esq. ; 1 day, funeral late Hon. J. O'Brien. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 29 men, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 11 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 11. Surface : 7 men. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal has been won by contract since Ist July, 1947, and from that date the coal-hewers' average daily earnings have been £3 os. Id., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 17s. 6d. per day. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 28 tons 9 cwt. Since going on contract the coal-hewers' average daily output was 7 tons 12 cwt. The total number of hewer shifts for the period on contract was 1,312.

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Deficiencies. —There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents.—No serious accidents were reported at the Garvey Creek Colliery during the year. Stone-dusting.—This work was carried out regularly in the dry portions of the mine. Development.—Three prospecting levels 60 ft. apart vertically are being driven to the north-west and south-east respectively to prove the quality, thickness, and continuity of the coal-seam. North-west Side : Over the mine entrance the seam is 50 ft. from hanging wall to foot wall with two stone bands totalling 2 ft. 4 in. in thickness. The coal is hard and of excellent quality. At a distance of 4| chains from the outcrop the bottom level, and subsequently the levels above, encountered a zone in which numerous stone bands in the seam made mining extremely difficult. These bands are not regular, and occur in the form of lenses and/or bands running with or across the seam without regularity. Prospecting was continued in this zone in both stone and coal until at approximately 6f chains from the portal the bands thinned and cut out. The three drives on this side of the mine are now in good coal. This zone of stone bands, proved by underground prospecting, ties in with a similar belt on the outcrop situated more or less vertically above the drives. However, in no portion of the exposed outcrop has the seam been reduced to an unworkable thickness. These lower prospecting levels are now 9|- chains from the outcrop and will be continued to the Morrison Creek outcrops 30 chains from Garvey Creek. Preparatory to the finalizing of the method of extraction, either vertical rises or inclines at 45 degrees are risen between levels for ventilation and the conveyance of coal to the haulage level. Crosscuts from wall to wall are driven when required to prove the thickness of the seam and thickness and locality of stone bands, &c. South-east Side : On this side the seam is 55 ft. from wall to wall, with a stone parting 8 ft. to 10 ft. in thickness approximately in the centre of the seam. Two levels, one along each wall, were commenced on this side, but at 4| chains the hanging-wall level was stopped owing to the convergence of the walls. The foot-wall level was continued to chains, at which point it was stopped owing to the continued convergence of the walls reducing the thickness of the seam to less than 1 ft. A drive put in 66 ft. above did not encounter the pinch until the face had passed No. 1 drive, and apparently the pinching of the seam is inclined to the horizontal at approximately 30 degrees back from the outcrop. Recent prospecting has located sharp reverse folding, followed by faulting, ahead of these works, and consequently it is not anticipated the mine on this side of Garvey Creek will be extensive. Driving will be continued to prove the location of the faulting underground and the extent of the seam in this direction. Quality of Coal.—Although the quality of the coal won is excellent, the hardness varies considerably and at times the proportion of small coal produced is considerable. Power. —The development of the mine is seriously handicapped by a shortage of material and labour holding up the construction of a power line (seven miles in length) from the Power Board's terminus at Black's Point to the mine. Diesel-driven compressors are being used in the meantime for the provision of power underground and small petrol-driven units for surface fans, &c.

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It is not anticipated the output from underground mining in this seam will be large until pillar-extraction or its equivalent is started. The seam is vertical, thick (50 ft. plus in places), and friable, and, in addition, has comparatively weak walls, so the normal methods of mining employed in New Zealand will not be suitable. It is proposed to extract as large a tonnage as possible by opencasting and follow this method by " top slicing " and/or hydraulic stowage. In the latter case, the overburden broken out when opencasting may be utilized for filling. Mine Buildings.—Coal Storage : Bins of a capacity for 140 tons of coal have been completed, and the installation of short conveyors between the screens and the new bins is in hand. Mine Bathhouse and Office : A bathhouse for the accommodation of 30 men, and a mine office, were erected during the period. Wangaloa Opencast The Wangaloa Opencast is operated on behalf of the State Coal-mines by the Public Works Department. Operation of the opencast has been continued steadily throughout the year, and with the plant available it has been possible to complete a large amount of stripping in advance of immediate requirements. The position at the end of the year was that six month's supply of coal was stripped ready for hewing and a further six months' supply was nearly uncovered. To date 82,914 tons 12 cwt. of coal have been produced from the opencast since production commenced in October, 1945. The 1947-48 output amounted to 42,304 tons 4 cwt., or 10,281 tons 4 cwt. in excess of that of the previous year. Total excavation to date has amounted to 300,503 cubic yards, of which amount 140,605 cubic yards was removed during the year under review. A pleasing feature of the stripping operations is that considerable progress has been made with removal of overburden in the swamp area that had previously given so much trouble. Investigations are well advanced on the provision of access roading to the newly bored Pivot Creek area. I have, &c., R. T. H. Dale, District Manager. The District Manager, State Coal-mines, Ngakawau, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir, — 17th June, 1948. I have the honour to submit my report on the workings of the Stockton State Mines for the year ended 31st March, 1948. Output.—The gross output for the year from the Fly Creek and Webb Mines and E Hill opencast was 264,560 tons 16 cwt. 2 qr., an increase of 27,100 tons 12 cwt 2 qr. when compared with the previous year. Gross outputs of the individual mines were as follows : Tons cwt. qr. Fly Creek .. .. .. .. .. 30,830 15 0 Webb Mine .. .. .. .. .. 73,685 13 2 B Hill Opencast .. .. .. 160,044 8 0 264,560 16 2

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After allowing for waste (541 tons 16 cwt. 2 qr.) and coal used on works (5,262 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 258,757 tons. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1947 — Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock on wharf .. .. 1,067 10 0 Stock in bins and yard .. 1,792 7 1 2,859 17 1 Add surplus stock taken on charge .. .. .. .. 3,640 0 0 Add net output for year .. .. 258,757 0 0 265,256 17 1 31st March, 1948 — Less stock in bins and yard .. 2,512 14 0 Less stock on wharf .. .. 1,975 19 0 4,488 13 0 Total disposed of .. .. 260,768 4 1 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. 171,298 19 0 Railed .. .. 15,661 9 0 Railway sales.. .. .. 61,092 7 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 11,384 16 1 Workmen and free issues .. 1,330 13 0 260,768 4 1 The gross output of the collieries since being taken over by the State on Ist July, 1944, totals 826,196 tons 0 cwt. 1 qr. Days worked. —Fly Creek Colliery worked 237f days out of a possible 241 days. In addition, the colliery worked 11 back Saturdays and 3 substituted holidays, making the total days worked 251£ days. The difference between the ordinary days worked, "237f, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows: Disputes, 1 day; fall in Ngakawau Tunnel, 2 days; and 2 hours local-body elections. Webb Colliery worked 237f days out of a possible 241 days. In addition, the colliery worked 11 back Saturdays and 3 substituted holidays, making the total days worked 251f days. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 237f, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : Disputes, 1 day ; fall in Ngakawau Tunnel, 2 days; and 2 hours local-body elections. E Hill Opencast worked 237f days out of a possible 241 days. In addition, the colliery worked 11 back Saturdays and 3 substituted holidays, making the total days worked 251 f. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 237f, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : Disputes, 1 day ; fall in Ngakawau Tunnel, 2 days ; and 2 hours local-body elections.

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Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mines was 318 men and 17 boys, made up as follows : Underground— Fly Creek— Coal-miners .. .. .. .. .. 22 Deputies, shiftmen, and truckers .. .. 33 Webb Mine — Coal-hewers .. .. .. .. .. 38 Deputies, shiftmen, and truckers .. .. 62 Surface—- " E " Hill Opencast — Machine operators and truck-drivers .. .. 34 Haulage, banking, screening, and loading, &c. — Men .. .. .. .. .. .. ..129 Boys .. .. .. .. .. .. 17 Goal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—Fly Creek Colliery : The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 7s. 2d.; and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 45., an increase of 2s. per day when compared with the previous period. Webb Colliery : The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 18s. 9d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 13s. 2d., an increase of Bs. 7d. per day when compared with the previous period. Daily Outputs.—Fly Creek Colliery : The average daily output was 122 tons 9 cwt. 1 qr. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 13 cwt. 2 qr., as compared with 164 tons 13 cwt. 2 qr. and 7 tons 7 cwt. 2 qr. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts was 4,613. Webb Colliery : The average daily output was 292 tons 14 cwt. and the coal-hewers r average daily output was 9 tons 14 cwt. 1 qr., as compared with 245 tons 11 cwt. and 8 tons 9 cwt. 2 qr. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts worked was 7,587. E Hill Opencast: The average daily output was 635 tons 14 cwt. 2 qr., as compared with 570 tons 5 cwt. 2 qr. for the previous year. Accidents.—There were 130 accidents during the year, none being of a serious nature. Development.—Fly Creek Mine : Operations were confined mainly to pillar-extraction in the South Section, where very wet conditions were met with. A road has been driven eastwards into McCabe's Jig pillar area from which it is hoped to recover a fairly large number of pillars of excellent coal under much drier conditions than exist generally throughout the south area. Preparations have been made to introduce a hydro scheme of coal recovery in the East area. Storage bins are being built inside the mine about 6 chains north of the old East lay-bys. The water adit has been driven. Work is about to commence to opencast about 12,000 tons of excellent coal from an adjacent escarpment. In the Old Mine, extraction continued in No. 4 and No. 5 sections. An excellent grade of coal is won under very wet conditions. Webb Mine. —This mine is now developing very satisfactorily. The main headings have advanced a total distance of 45 chains from the mine entrance. The shape of the area so far penetrated precluded a convenient arrangement of working-places ; for a distance of 18 chains no lateral development has been possible. However, a broad face 24 chains wide all to the rise in thick coal can now be opened up. Development has "been completed in No. 1 Panel and extraction commenced. Development is also completed in No. 2 and No. 3 panels ; very little extraction will be possible in No. 2 Panel and none at all in No. 3 Panel owing to heavy water-laden swamp overhead.

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In the Old Mine pillar-extraction has continued. E Hill Opencast: Opencast extraction from E Hill is almost completed, with about 70,000 tons of coal under much thicker overburden yet to be won. Until suitable plant arrives to deal with the heavier overburden, work on this area has been suspended. Operations have started on another opencast area adjacent to and south-west of Webb Mine ; this is a peninsular-shaped area yielding a good grade of coal. Regular outputs have been maintained from the opencast throughout the year. Prospecting.—Surface work has been completed over an area of approximately 2,500 acres and drilling is being carried out by two drills. Reconnaissance and preliminary survey work have been carried out over another area of over 3,000 acres. The operations have revealed a high tonnage of good-quality coal nearly all of which is suitable for opencasting. One fairly large area has been proved to contain a high percentage of ash, but the quality of the coal in all other respects is excellent. Extensive repairs and renewals were made on the loco track during the year. Over one mile of track was relaid with new rails, sleepers, and centre rail. Extensive alterations and repairs have been almost completed on the main bin at Ngakawau. I have, &c., T. H. McGhie, District Manager. The District Manager, State Coal-mines, Benneydale, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir, — 21st June, 1948. I have the honour to submit my report on the working of the Mangapehi and Tatu Mines and the Waitewhena Opencast for the year ended 31st March, 1948. Mangapehi Colliery Output.—The gross output for the year was 53,181 tons 1 cwt., a decrease of 759 tons 11 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,528 tons 1 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (845 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 50,808 tons. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1947 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bins and yard .. .. 139 17 0 Add net output for year .. 50,808 0 0 50,947 17 0 31st March, 1948 Less stock in bins and yard .. .. 78 14 0 Total disposed of .. .. .. 50,869 3 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Local and mine sales .. .. 1,288 19 0 Railed .. .. .. .. 48,926 15 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 653 9 0 50,869 3 0

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The gross output since the colliery was taken over by the State Coal-mines is 403,019 tons 3 cwt. Days worked. —The colliery worked on 227 days out of a possible of 241. In addition,, colliery worked on 3 statutory holidays, making the total days worked 230. The difference between the ordinary days worked and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : Union meetings, 4|§ days ; cavil, 1 day ; strike, 1 day; mechanical breakdown, J day; gas (CO) in mine, days ; election day, J day; fire in mine,, 2 days ; relaying rails, 4 days. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, there were employed in and about the mine an- average of 127 men and 2 boys, made up as follows—Underground : Coalhewers, 30 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 72. Surface : 25 men and 2 boys. Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings were (gross) £3 13s. 7d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 lis. Id., an increase of 15s. Id. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 231 tons 4 cwt. and the average per coal-hewer was 8 tons 11 cwt., as compared with 219 tons 4 cwt. and 8 tons 2 cwt. for the previous year. The total hewer shifts worked was 6,220. Deficiencies. —No amounts were paid under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents. —During the year there were no accidents of a serious nature. The number of minor accidents reported was 53. Underground Workings.—Development during this period has been confined to a slant dip off No. 2 East level, which has been advanced 5 chains in excellent coal. The majority of the production for the year has come from pillar-extraction in the No. 2 East " A " panel and from the No. 1 East " C " panel, and the work in these two panels is now almost complete. Pillar-extraction work has proved to be a very costly proposition at this colliery because of spontaneous combustion in the goaf, and also because of heaving roadways* which require continuous brushing to maintain sufficient size for haulage and ventilation. A new endless-rope road has been installed along No. 2 East level, which will be the main haulage from this section of the mine, and the extension of this level will be resumed as soon as miners become available from the pillaring sections. During the year a number of fires were dealt with, but one serious fire in the main return airway made it obvious that all loose coal must be cleared from the airways, and accordingly an extensive clearing-up programme is being carried out to attain this end. The mine now has its own Mine Rescue Station with full equipment, and there are fifteen fully trained men now at the mine. Township.—The painting of twenty houses has been completed, and the painting of a further thirty houses has been commenced. One two-roomed hut has been built, and the building of two four roomed baches has been partially completed. Recreation-ground.—The croquet-lawn has been completed and was opened for play during the season. The tennis-courts have been top-dressed and sealed, and are now in use. Tatu Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 35,4-65 tons 10 cwt., an increase of 1,088 tons 5 cwt. when compared with the figures of the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,654 tons 9 cwt.) and the quantity of coal used on works (189 tons 13 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 33,621 tons 8 cwt.

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Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1947 — Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bins .. .. 77 0 0 Add net output .. .. 33,621 8 0 Add surplus stock taken on charge 561 11 0 34,259 19 0 31st March, 1948 — Less stock in bins .. .. 49 3 0 Total disposed of .. 34,210 16 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. 32,466 6 0 Mine sales .. .. .. 1,080 18 0 Workmen .. .. .. 605 7 0 Free .. .. .. .. 58 5 0 34,210 16 0 The gross output from the colliery since inception amounts to 210,053 tons 14 cwt. Days worked. —The colliery worked 220 days 4-| hours out of a possible 241 ordinary working-days. In addition, the mine worked the 3 substituted days for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, making the total days worked 223 days 4£ hours. The difference between the ordinary days worked (220 days 4| hours) and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 9 days f hour, disputes ; 1 day 4 hours, boiler trouble ; 4 hours, bus breakdown; 1 day, mine flooded ; 4 hours search for workmen lost in bush ; 1J hours, fall of stone in mine ; 2 days, miners absent; 4 days 4f hours, union meetings ; hour local-body elections ; 1 day, funeral of employee. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of men employed in and about the mine was 89 men and 3 boys, made up as follows —Underground: Hewers, 19 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 30; others, 8. Surface: 32 men and 3 boys. Total, 92. Coal-hewers' Daily Average Earnings. —The coal-hewers' daily earnings were, gross, £4 os. 3d.; after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 13s. 9d. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 158 tons 13 cwt., and the average daily output per coal-hewer was 9 tons 7 cwt., compared with 148 tons 14 cwt. and 8 tons 17 cwt. respectively for the previous year. The total hewer shifts worked for the year were 3,833-|. Deficiencies. —Nil. Accidents. —During the year there were 39 minor accidents, most being bruises, lacerations, or strain, and there were several cases of crushed fingers. Workings.—During the year a new travelling road has been driven down to the pump in the No. 1 West and through the No. 2 West sections which joins the return airway from the South Section. Ripping of the roof in the main return airway has been carried out and the roof supported with arched rail sets. The floor has been graded out along this section of roadway so as to avoid flooding and consequent restriction of the ventilation. Development in the South area has been continued, where two panels have been formed and a third panel is in process of formation. No. 2 Panel is being developed with a view to immediate extraction so as to minimize losses due to floor heave. Development of the first line of pillars, the dimensions of which are approximately by 1 chain, has been completed, and the pillars are now being extracted.

2—o 2A

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Meantime the driving of the other headings is being continued, and it is expected that the second line of pillars will be ready for extraction by the time the first one is finished. The old South heading where the roof stone and floor heave had practically blocked the roadway for a distance of 10 chains has been cleaned up and retimbered. The road has now been connected up with a main layby in the South Section and is now being used as the main haulage road. This is a decided improvement on the old haulage system. Two headings have "been driven at right angles off the main haulage road at a position suitable for use as auxiliary haulage roads when the Egmont Fault has been pierced by a stone drive and upcast shaft. The position of the seam on the down-throw side of this fault has been measured by test boreholes and is approximately 20 ft. A main sump has been made at the bottom, of the main haulage dip capable of holding approximately two days' drainage for the mine. This water is now pumped to the surface by a two-stage centrifugal pump driven by a 30h.p. motor. In the Barrier Section, some progress has been made on the splits through the old No. 2 Dip pillars. The. intention is to use this section as a main sump when the old layby is reached. On the main haulage road where the Egmont Fault was cut, considerable difficulty has been caused by excess roof and side pressure, which has displaced the timber and forced the bar legs into the soft floor. Encouraging results are now being obtained by the use of 70 lb. steel rails as " sills " sunk into the floor at right angles to the drive and joggled with angle iron on each end. Conditions generally in other parts of the mine are fairly good; the amount of shift-work required, however, due to floor heave is abnormal. Approximately 20 tons of stone dust has been used during the year. m Waitewhena Opencast Coal-winning.—The net output for the year was 44,426 tons 12 cwt. 2 qr., an increase of 22,797 tons 1 cwt. when compared with the previous year. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year:— Ist April, 1947 — Tons cwt. qr. Stock on hand Add net output for year .. .. .. 44,426 12 2 Less stock on hand, 31st March, 1948 .. . Total disposed of .. .. .. 44,426 12 2 The net output of the colliery since its inception amounts to 108,138 tons 15 cwt. 3 qr. The year's output has been won from No. 2 Area, and coal stripped but not extracted at 31st March, 1948, was 16,000 tons, with a further 80,000 tons of coal to be stripped to complete the No. 2 Area. Daily outputs have been consistent throughout the year with only three partial working-days lost. I have, &c., T. Young, District Manager.

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The Superintendent, Waikato Controlled Mines, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. 15th April, 1948. Sir, — Enclosed please find summary of the operations at the Kemp's, Kimihia, and Glen Afton opencast mines for the year ended 31st March, 1948. Kemp's Opencast (Glen Massey) Coal-production has been maintained at this mine during the current year and shows a slight increase on the previous year, being 58,717 tons, making a total production from this mine of 158,935 tons. The work of recovering the coal from these thin areas of coal has been carried out very efficiently, despite the difficult circumstances prevailing. The total overburden removed at this mine now totals 1,988,090 cubic yards. This does not indicate the correct ratio of overburden to coal contents, as there is at present a large tonnage of coal cleared of overburden and awaiting mining. The new roadway to the Wilton No. 3 Extended Mine has also been completed by the opencast-mine operators. The workshops have been materially extended during the year, and additional boring carried out. The area of recoverable coal is now clearly defined. The latter stages of boring operations were somewhat disappointing. Kimihia Opencast Operations at this mine have proceeded in a satisfactory manner and very good progress has been made. In the No. 1 Section the northern area was worked out and a considerable quantity of overburden has been removed from the southern area, with the result that a large quantity of coal has been laid bare ready for mining. During the year the work of constructing a stop-bank across a portion of the lake was completed for all practical purposes, and I should mention that this work necessitated what was probably the largest assembly of earth-moving plant that has been applied at any one time in New Zealand. A total of 988,400 cubic yards of earth material has now been removed at this mine and the total output of coal up to March this year is 136,293 tons. Earth removed during the year was 325,850 cubic yards and coal won during the year was 69,695 tons. The most modern methods of earth removal (with procurable plant) have been applied at this mine, including the use of a 5-yard drag-line and shovel, Athey wagons, and tournapulls. The extended area of the lake which it is proposed to mine has been drained by means of a 12 in. Pulsometer pump, and it is hoped to have a considerable quantity of earth removed from the bed of this portion of the lake during the ensuing year. The construction of seven workmen's cottages has been proceeded with, and these are now nearing completion; other general living-conditions have been improved. It can be said that the difficult task of recovering the coal from the bed of this lake has been accomplished in a highly satisfactory manner and is proving that the project was a sound one, despite all its attendant difficulties. Glen Afton Opencast The coal remaining in this mine at the beginning of the year was mined, after which the spoil banks and batters were trimmed and planted with several thousand exotic trees to stabilize the ground. The output for the year was 5,685 tons 15 cwt. and the total coal removed from the mine during its lifetime was 54,088 tons 19 cwt. 2 qr. I have, &c., Job. Hughes, Superintendent Waikato Controlled Mines.

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The Manager, Wilton State Colliery, Ngaruawahia, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. 12th April, 1948. Sir, — I have the honour to submit my annual report on the working of the above colliery for the year ended 31st March, 1948. Goal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 81,730 tons 6 cwt., an increase of 1,793 tons 2 cwt. when compared with the figures of the previous year. After allowing for waste (2,826 tons 12 cwt.) and coal used on works (810 tons 3 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 78,093 tons 11 cwt. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1947 — Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in railway wagons .. 14 0 0 Add net output for year .. 78,093 11 0 = 78,107 11 0 31st March, 1948 Less stock in railway wagons Total disposed of .. .. 78,107 11 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. 42,606 6 0 Railway sales .. .. .. 34,341 11 0 Local and mine sales Sales to workmen and free issues.. 1,159 14 0 78,107 11 0 The gross output for the colliery since its acquisition by the Government on 20th October, 1944, totals 283,955 tons 2 cwt. Days worked. —The colliery worked 227J days out of a possible 241 days. The difference between the days worked and possible working-days is accounted for as follows : 2 days, strike at Pukemiro ; 1£ days, fan defect; \ day, football; £ day, broken wheel; 2 days, death of workman ; 1 day, funeral of old local resident; day, power failure ; J day, dispute re boxes ; days, stop-work meetings. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 184 men and 4 boys, made up as follows— Underground : coal-hewers, 64; shiftmen and truckers, 64. Surface: 56 men and 4 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The average daily earnings of the coalhewers' after deducting explosives were £2 17s. 5d., which shows an increase of 6s. 6d. when compared with the previous year. Daily Output.—The average daily output of the mine was 359 tons 13 cwt. and the hewers' average daily output was 12 tons 0 cwt. 1 qr., as compared with 323 tons 12 cwt. and 9 tons 19 cwt. 3 qr. respectively for the previous year. The number of hewers shifts worked was 6,804, as compared with 8,001 J for the previous year. Deficiencies. —The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £4 13s. Id. Accidents.—During the year the number of accidents occurring which necessitated absence from work for more than three days was 162, a reduction of 28 on the previous year.

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Underground Workings.—The output was obtained from pillar-extraction in No. 2 Mine, A and B panels in No. 3 Mine, and development work in tlie No. 3 Extended Mine. The west side of the latter mine proved disappointing, as the coal thinned down to about 2 ft. thick with stone intrusions. Due to these conditions, all development except No. 4 West Section is now confined to the east of the main haulage road, resulting in an unbalanced mine. Development.—No. 2 West: Development is completed and the section is ready for pillar-extraction. No. 3 West: Development completed. No. 4 West: These headings were driven 16 chains before encountering this coal, whence two headings were driven southwards to enable proved coal to be worked along the Te Puroa Koad boundary. These slant headings will hole into a gully eroded below the horizon of the seam, and a filling 5 chains long and 20 ft. deep must be provided before the haulage road can be extended and the coal worked along the boundary. At a later stage it may be possible to work some of the outcrop coal by opencast methods, and this proposal will be investigated at the proper time. No. 2 East: *A little further work on the north side of the section will complete development in this panel, and pillar-extraction has already commenced on the south side. Coal-cutters and coal-drills are being operated in this section. No. 3 East has presented difficulties during the year because of the faulted nature of the country. After crossing a downthrow fault of 70 ft. displacement in the main heading, further faulting was encountered to the north, while two further upthrow displacements of 8 ft. and 3 ft. respectively were crossed in the heading. Coal cutters And drills are also operated in this section. No. 4 East is now developed and pillar-extraction can be commenced. Stone-dusting.—Dusting of the main haulage roadways was carried out at regular intervals during the year, in addition to the daily dusting of the working places. During -the year 61 samples of dust were taken and analysed. Dangerous Occurrences. —There were no dangerous occurrences during the past year. Stoppings.—These were erected where required right throughout the mine as •development proceeded. Plant. —An additional electric coal-drill was put into operation during the year, with excellent result. The main fan was installed on the north side of No. 2 East Section and an endless haulage in No. 4 West Section. The No. 3 Mine fan was transferred from its original position to the south end of No. 3 Mine, thereby increasing the volume of air, also the efficiency of the fan. Ninety new mine skips were put into use during the year. Private Railway-line.—Maintenance work was carried out during the year to the line and railway bridges. The cost of maintenance is exceedingly high. Prospective increases in railway charges will tend to make haulage costs from the mine to Ngaruawahia excessive. Bus Service.—Three buses operated by a contractor provide an efficient transport service for the workmen. The recent extension of the road beyond the bathhouse to the No. 3 Extended Mine has proved of benefit to the operation of the mine, enabling the men to be conveyed much closer to their work. As more men are employed and the service extended, the provision of an additional bus is being considered. Housing and Mine Buildings.—These were maintained in good order during the year. Several housing loans were granted to enable employees to build their own homes. TThe Manager's residence was completed and occupied in December. Mechanization. —Two electric coal-cutters are now operated with two electric coaldrills. We are awaiting delivery of the two scraper loaders from Australia, also one coal-cutter with hole-boring attachments from England. Delivery of a further coalcutter is delayed because of the difficulty in procuring electric motors.

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When plant deliveries are projected beyond a certain point, tlie orderly planning of workings becomes extremely difficult, due to altered conditions between the times of ordering and delivery. Future Development and Boring. —During the year a number of bore-holes have been put down ahead of, also to the" west of, No. 3 Extended Mine. The holes to the west proved disappointing. However, good results were obtained from the boreholes going towards the Te Puroa Road. Approximately 8 ft. of good coal being obtained in four boreholes out of five bored. Boring is going on at the present time in an area between old No. 1 Mine and No. 2 Mine present workings with satisfactory results. This, of course, will be an opencast proposition with the possibility of yielding between 40,000 tons and 60,000 tons of good-quality coal. However, an accurate estimate can only be given when the boreholes have been completed, which should be in the very near future. The output from this will be necessary to replace No. 2 Mine, which is rapidly drawing to a close. With a view to future development of coal-winning in this district, an area to the west and north-west of the old Waipa Colleries Mine is to be mapped with the intention of having it bored and proved at some future date. General. —The prospects for the future working of this mine are good for many years. I have, &c., John Penman, Manager. The District Manager, State Coal-mines, Kamo, to the Under-Secretary,. Mines Department, Wellington. Sir, — 9th July, 1948. I have the honour to submit my report on the workings of the Kamo State Mine for the period from sth January, 1948, when this mine was acquired by the State, to the 31st March, 1948. Coal-winning.—The gross output for the period was 9,783 tons 5 cwt. After allowing for the quantity used on works (12 cwt. 3qr.), there remained for disposal a net output of 9,782 tons 12 cwt. 1 qr. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the period, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the period : sth January, 1948 Tons cwt. qr. Stock in yard Add net output for the period .. .. .. 9,782 12 1 Add surplus stocks .. .. .. .. 112 17 0 9,895 9 1 31st March, 1948 — Stock in yard .. .. .. .. .. 19 10 2 Total disposed of .. .. .. 9,875 18 3 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. 8,763 10 0 Local sales .. .. .. 932 13 1 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 179 15 2 9,875 18 3

38

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The gross output of the mine since its acquisition by the State totals 9,783 tons 5 cwt. Days worked.—The colliery worked 57 days out of a possible 58 ordinary workingdays. In addition, the colliery worked 3 substituted statutory holidays, making the total days worked 60. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 57, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, idle on anniversary day of province. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 141 men, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 32 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 88. Surface : 21 men. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 15s. Bd., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 9s. 2d. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 163 tons 1 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 5 tons 6 cwt. The total number of hewer shifts for the period was 1,844. Deficiences. —There were no payments under the minimum wage clause during the period. Accidents.—There were numerous accidents of a minor nature during the period, but no accidents of a serious or fatal nature. Underground.—All coal is being won from development work from the Slant Dip and East Dip sections. Slant Dip : This Dip was driven a distance of 57 chains from the bottom of the, main haulage road and was stopped in inferior coal 3 ft. thick. Two dips were started in a south-easterly direction from a point 43 chains from the top of the Slant Dip. These dips have been developed to a distance of 22 chains, and ten places are being worked to the rise off these dips in the top seam. The coal is of good quality 8 ft. to 9 ft. thick. East Dip : The Main Dip has been driven to a distance of 28 chains from the top and was stopped in troubled ground. There are eight places being developed in a northeasterly direction from near the bottom of this dip in the bottom seam coal 8 ft. thick. The workings in the section are hard to maintain, as the floor of the seam is a fairly soft fireclay and is responsible for a large amount of brushing work to maintain height. The work in this direction is approaching a small downthrow fault, the displacement being 15 ft. to 20 ft. vertical. The ex-employees of the Hikurangi Mine commenced work at Kamo on 12th January, and are being employed principally on reconstruction work. No. 6 Drive : This drive is being continued by two men on one shift and has been completed for a distance of 300 ft. I have, &c., J. Hadcroft, District Manager.

39

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Colliery Revenue Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1948

40

— Kamo (a). Wilton. Mkngapehi. Tatu. Mossbank. Wairaki. Star (6). Birchwood (c). Stockton. SALES ACCOUNTS £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Sales of coal, f.o.r., c. and f., and f.o.b. .. 12,051 115,151 51,259 40,127 29,482 70,240 45,111 7,853 52,475 Subsidy* .. 4,939 36,500 43,400 39,042 7,649 16,652 10,443 1,995 27,290 16 990 79 169 °7 1°1 °6 39° nn naK. Less — J UU^t » ,04:0 /y,/DD N.Z.R. haulage 38 30,802 108 1,232 557 4,863 Wharfage 1,001 Marine freight 13,669 38 30 S0° 108 1 °3" CC'7 in koo 00/ iy, 066 Coal sales net f.o.r. 16,952 120,849 94,551 79,169 37,131 85,660 55,554 9,291 60,232 WORKING ACCOUNTS Stocks on hand, 1st April, 1947 44 18 98 61 12 40 9,886 983 Wages Materials used 17,728 93,393 67,003 52,259 26 ,'699 56 ,*740 30,959 42,916 6,808 2,160 13,021 6,202 8,580 2,425 7,267 3,276 1,809 Royalty 499 1,523 566 1,386 1,552 766 Haulage 1,163 7,495 953 , 2,225 1,624 *235 Rail and bus fares 282 4,247 734 2^059 1 i 345 Electric power purchased 1,024 925 1,512 2,424 *804 *986 l,'l77 *333 Repairs and maintenance 654 7,487 1,492 554 588 1,226 616 571 2,' 603 83 Coal-miners' Relief Fund 41 209 130 90 71 164 98 22 Rescue station levy 305 197 137 334 130 25 118 Workers' compensation premium 1,046 5,570 3,699 2 j 867 1,531 3,073 1,877 624 2,524 Coal purchases 163 23,478 127,861 88,562 68,894 33,774 73,401 41,321 13,545 58,309 Less stocks on hand, 31st March, 1948 24 103 41 1,037 Cost of coal sold 23 454 1°7 361 °8 159 no oco 33 771 w 1 4-1 001 * * 1 r» r A f Gross profit 6,092 10,316 3,357 # O,4U1 12,259 tX. j 0Z1 14,233 10,545 57,272 2,960 Gross loss 6^502 7^012 4^254 PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS Rents 23 Insurance "26 "i71 *406 "i56 "21 "75 29 "lO * 32 General expenses 453 422 878 271 79 381 85 27 67 Travelling-expenses 7 26 54 102 32 49 16 3 19 Printing and stationery 14 90 72 50 37 85 52 13 34 Audit fees 28 23 9 14 32 20 4 7 Salaries 666 1,865 1,700 749 898 1,996 1,303 206 1,203 Depreciation 1,098 8,800 7,514 10,306 1,450 2,697 2,292 605 1,523 Postages and telegrams 46 229 134 197 150 358 206 42 123 8 Superannuation Fund subsidy 20 13 9 7 16 68 10 2 Rates and grants in lieu of rates "81 438 200 458 2 27 151 Commission 3,318 2,391 15,407 10,994 12,307 2,690 5,757 4,036 939 6 3,167 Less rent received 108 531 4,902 1,991 31 570 207 2,283 14 876 6 09" 10 °16 0 AQQ Net profit/transferred to General"! 698 ■ O,±0/ 7,072 4,UoO 10,197 y 66 2,960 Net loss \ Profit and Loss Account J 8," 785 2i,888 5 j 3.87 (For asterisk footnote, see page 43.) (a) From 5th January, 1948. (6) From 2nd May, 1947. (c) From 28th November, 1947.

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Colliery Revenue Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1948— continued

41

Webb. Burke's Creek. Liverpool. Strongman. Blackball. Dobson. Wallsend. Paparoa (a). SALES ACCOUNTS £ £ £ £ ££ ££ ££ ££ ££ £ £ Sales of coal* f.o.r., c. and f., and f.o.b. 125,538 25,389 131,318 190,546 74,761 117,900 82,576 37,701 Subsidy* .. .. .. .. 51,766 18,120 124,102 42,239 73,874 85,710 60,458 28,162 177,304 43,509 255,420 232,785 148,635 203,610 143,034 65,863 Less — N.Z.R. haulage .. .. 11,634 110 9,731 12,208 4,693 6,167 3,811 2,163 Wharfage .. .. .. 2,393 3 1,893 2,712 826 1,484 846 307 Special rate ........ .. 512 731 221 411 235 85 Marine freight .. .. .. 32,852 76 36,049 57,134 18,809 32,865 20,519 6,622 46,879 189 48,185 72,785 24,549 40,927 25,411 9,177 Coal sales net*f.o.r. .. .. .. 130,425 43,320 207,235 160,000 124,086 162,683 117,623 56,686 WORKING ACCOUNTS Stocks on hand, 1st April, 1947 .. 1,420 102 822 1,688 813 2,272 562 1,149 Wages .. .. .. .. 81,292 26,748 154,846 120,496 86,283 113,246 77,743 36,106 Materials used .. .. ..17,973 6,078 21,862 23,377 17,505 16,812 9,065 9,582 Royalty .. .. .. .. 2,120 .. .. .. 3,189 2,017 766 Rail and bus fares .. .. ..2,523 508 996 4,094 120 794 391 101 Electric power purchased .. .. .. 983 3,848 4,305 3,362 5,612 5,411 694 ' Repairs and maintenance .. .. 5,871 2,072 7,563 10,830 7,264 7,167 6,527, 2,628 Coal-miners' Relief Fund .. .. 199 46 219 245 133 162 124 65 Rescue station levy .. 281 63 352 339 218 242 187 76 Workers'compensation premium .. 4,685 1,707 8,572 7,170 5,046 6,495 4,416 2,092 Cartage and haulage .. .. 9,200 389 Road maintenance .. .. .. 669 Coal purchases .. .. .... .. 25 61 2 15 2 !! 126,233 38,696 199,105 172,605 120,746 156,006 106,445 53,259 Less stocks on hand, 31st March, 1948 2,571 263 2,185 2,777 1,554 2,167 1,305 1,015 Cost of coal sold .. .. .. 123,662 38,433 196,920 169,828 119,192 153,839 105,140 52,244 Gross profit .. .. .. 6,763 4,887 10,315 .. 4,894 8,844 12,483 4,442 Gross loss .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 9,828 , PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS Rents .... .. .... 76 .. 27 Insurance.. .. .. .. 77 22 166 120 132 134 "l08 * io7 General expenses .. .. .. 165 147 785 390 373 693 205 139 Travelling-expenses .... 49 68 33 31 61 54 20 8 Printing and stationery .. .. 81 45 186 180 97 111 91 18 Audit fees ........ 18 5 37 42 25 27 22 15 Salaries .. .. .. .. 2,365 979 3,076 3,164 2,389 2,266 2,250 1,367 Depreciation .. .. .. 3,787 3,333 6,630 8,483 3,031 5,368 9,663 2,737 Postages and telegrams .. .. 296 207 292 301 143 169 133 103 Superannuation Fund subsidy 18 5 21 24 14 16 11 8 Rates and grants in lieu of rates .. 400 .. 210 204 312 727 582 159 7,256 4,887 11,436 12,966 6,577 9,565 13,085 4,661 Less rents received .. ..493 .. 1,121 .. 1,683 721 602 219 6,763 4,887 10,315 12,966 4,894 8,844 12,483 4,442 Net profit/transferred to General"! Net loss \ Profit and Loss Account/ .. .. .. 22,794 .. !. . ! ! . (For asterisk footnote, see page 43.) (a) Prom 25th April, 1947.

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Opencast Mines Revenue Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1948

42

— Glen Afton (a). Kemp's. Kimihia No. 1. Waitewhena. Stockton. Black Diamond (6). Wangaloa. SALES ACCOUNTS Sales of coal, f.o.r., c. and f., and f.o.b. Subsidy* less — N.Z.R. haulage Wharfage Marine freight Coal sales, net f.o.r. WORKING ACCOUNTS Stocks on hand, 1st April, 1947 Stripping overburden Excavation and cartage Road access and maintenance Royalty Coal-miners' Relief Fund Rescue station levy Boring, &c. Bus fares Haxilage Sundry coal-winning expenses .. .. Restoration of surface Less stocks on hand, 31st March, 1948 Cost of coal sold Gross profits Gross loss .. .. .. .. PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS Rents .. .. .. Insurance General expenses Printing and stationery Audit fees Salaries Depreciation Postages and telegrams Superannuation Fund subsidy Travelling-expenses Rates .... Less rent received Net profit /transferred, to General Profit and Loss\ Net loss \ Account / £ £ 7,412 1,327 £ £ 61,125 13,649 £ £ 79,919 16,262 Qfi Iftl £ £ 55,266 10,366 271,448 37,279 ono 10T £ £ 14,712 3,356 18,068 984 £ f 40,662 9,841 ca cno — - - ■ 3U,AO! yj f UO<5 ■ uUo, i£*l 25,218 5,198 70,547 100,963 UU,OUo — yo4 8,739 9jo52 423 518 12 44 1,043 37 236 74,774 66 j 942 \ 26,928 f 3,266 1,473 156 226 532 3 1602 459 367 96,181 73,349 548 * 184 273 320 169 435 65,632 36 j082 \ 38,058 / 6,349 ' 119 "573 ' '855 278 207,764 3,442 82,641 / 443 7,934 425 619 4 j 307 71,100 667 1,014 17,084 8 j 467 4,349 37 63 "336 1,642 94 50,503 8345 20,808 646 217 109 ' 143 86 264 11,365 11 365 103,951 103,951 78,587 82,314 go 172,592 5,173 1 fi" 110 14,988 1 A OQO 30,618 OA (>-i O 2^626 1 8 3 2 40 1,090 4 2 16 29ji?7 53 36 15 599 12,515 55 13 72 17,594 9 20 53 43 17 683 2,420 65 17 82 16^682 29 46 27 10 539 2,078 68 10 22 40,345 "l68 364 172 36 2,428 6,013 638 40 98 1,189 — 1*,yoo 2,096 ' 102 53 15 4 233 917 69 6 4 oU,Oio 19,885 14 26 11 318 2,646 48 11 13 1,166 1 166 13,358 325 13 033 3,409 ° 109 2,829 0 onr) 11,146 1,077 -1 n 1,403 427 3,087 11 3 792 42 j210 14,185 19 j 511 * iu, uo» 30,276 — y/o 1,120 3,0(6 16,809 (For asterisk footnote, see page 43.) (a) Ceased 26th May, 1947. (6) From 6th April, 1947.

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*Statement showing total subsidy included in Colliery and Opencast Mines Revenue Accounts.

43

— o* 1 M Wilton. Mangapehi. Is EH c a •o 1 Wairaki. Star. Birchwood. Stockton. Ordinary tonnage subsidy Special subsidy £ 4,989 £ 36,500 £ 21,728 21,672 £ 17,200 21,842 £ 7,649 £ 16,652 £ 10,443 £ 1,995 £ 15,0S4 12,206 Subsidy as per Sales Account Amount recovered in respect of Saturdays, holidays, and miners' tools and credited to wages and materials used Total subsidy 4,939 953 36,500 2,018 43,400 2,634 39,042 1,985 7,649 923 16,652 2,372 10,443 1,458 1,995 722 27,290 2,476 5,892 38,518 46,034 41,027 8,572 19,024 11,901 2,717 29,766 1 £ P PQ 1 1 3 a so a 2 02 £ 0 C3 s § 1 fi ri g " ci 2 a § PH Total for Underground Mines. Ordinary tonnage subsidy Special subsidy £ 33,913 17,853 £ 10,314 7,806 £ 39,756 84,346 £ 42,239 £ 27,170 46,704 £ 35,170 50,540 £ 23,407 37,051 £ 13,090 15,072 £ 357,249 315,092 Subsidy as per Sales Account Amount recovered in respect of Saturdays, holidays, and miners' tools and credited to wages and materials used Total subsidy 51,766 2,742 18,120 1,351 124,102 3,022 42,239 3,771 73,874 3,820 85,710 2,020 60,458 2,715 28,162 1,455 672,341 36,437 54,508 19,471 127,124 46,010 77,694 87,730 63,173 29,617 708,778 s <1 § s ft a © M i s S ol | 1 *c3 0 5 0 OQ CI O 3 C3 O bjo fi ci Total for Opencasts. 'ci i g 0 Ordinary tonnage subsidy as per Sales Account Special subsidy Amount recovered in respect of Saturdays, holidays, and miners' tools and credited to wages and materials used Total subsidy £ 1,327 £ 13,649 £ 16,262 £ 10,366 £ 37,279 £ 3,356 £ 9,841 £ 92,080 £ 1 449,329 '220 3 j X 56 *209 7 j 988 255 '460 12^288 L315,092 48,725 1,547 16,805 16,262 10,575 45,267 3,611 10,301 104,368 813,146

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Mac Donald Colliery Profit and Loss Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1948 Dr. £ Cr. £ Depreciation .. .. .. 763 Rents .. .. .. 200 Net profit: To General Profit and Royalties .. .. ..4,182 Loss Account .. ..3,619 £4,382 £4,382

Depot Trading and Profit and Loss Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1948

Wanganui Depot, Profit and Loss Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1948 Dr. £ Cr. £ Depreciation .. .. 29 Rents .. .. .. 102 Insurance, &c. .. .. 6 Net profit: To General Profit and Loss Account .. .. 67 £lO2 £lO2

44

— Auckland. Wellington. Christchurch. TRADING ACCOUNTS £ £ £ £ £ £ Sales of coal 615,922 630,071 220,275 Sales of coke, wood, &c. 18,104 3,848 fil x OOO 17*1 OO/I TOO Stocks on hand, 1st April, 1947 Uxt/j *7 Uto JUU 1,048 y ljjfj 3,183 Purchases of coal 582,586 513,551 192,602 Purchases of coke, wood, &c. 14,849 3,044 Wharfage and freights 1,258 5,656 177 Haulage to depot 19,636 89,734 12,087 Wages: Discharging 86 566 603,480 624,924 211,659 Less stocks on hand, 31st March, 1948 2,969 5,338 ( /-\T pao 1 CJ fll fl 'ISO 6°1 °0fi 3°1 Vuot U1 tUdfl oUlU •• •• •• •• Gross profit 12,442 26,220 17,802 PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS Advertising 41 41 41 Wages: Yard 1,874 2,689 Salaries 994 3,411 2,264 Rents 190 694 139 Travelling-expenses 49 5 19 Repairs and maintenance 178 959 Postages and telegrams *236 162 173 Printing and stationery 29 159 157 Insurance 28 8 Cartage 4,822 2,351 Sacks 516 535 General expenses "63 703 335 Audit fees 24 80 23 Superannuation Fund subsidy 5 7 18 Reserve for bad debts Rates 12 33 Depreciation 419 636 1 1 1A 1 ; UdtO ■ AO ? IOA iU,06t/ Net profit: To General Profit and Loss Account 10,799 13,088 7,455

45

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General Profit and Loss Account Dr. £ £ Cr. £ £ Net loss, 1947-48 Net profit, 1947-48 Kamo Colliery .. .. .. .. 8,785 Mossbank Colliery .. .. .. .. 698 Wilton Colliery .. .. .. .. 21,888 Wairaki Colliery .. .. .. .. 7,072 Strongman Colliery .. .. .. .. 22,794 Star Colliery .. .. .. .. .. 10,197 Birchwood Colliery .. .. .. .. 5,187 Kimihia Opencast No. 1 .. .. .. 14,185 Glen Afton Opencast .. .. .. .. 3,792 Stockton Opencast .. -. .. .. 30,276 Kemp's Opencast .. .. .. .. 42,210 Black Diamond . ; .. .. .. 1,120 Waitewhena Opencast .. .. .. .. 19,511 Wangaloa Opencast .. .. .. .. 16,809 124,167 Ohai Opencast (Royalty) .. .. .. 222 Mangapehi Colliery .. .. .. .. 21,672 Auckland Depot .. .. .. .. 10,799 Tatu Colliery .. .. .. .. 21,842 Wellington Depot .. .. .. .. 13,088 Stockton Colliery .. .. .. .. 12,206 Christchurch. Depot .. .. .. 7,455 Webb Colliery .. .. .. .. 17,853 Wanganui Depot .. .. .. .. 67 Burke's Creek Colliery .. .. .. 7,806 McDonald Colliery .. .. .. .. 3,619 Liverpool Colliery .. .. .. .. 84,346 115,607 Blackball Colliery .. .. .. .. 46,704 Net recoveries— Dobson Colliery .. .. .. .. 50,540 Seddonville Colliery .. .. .. .. 33 Wallsend Colliery .. .. .. .. 37,051 Royalties .. .. .. .. .. 3,899 Paparoa Colliery .. .. .. .. 15,072 Interest receivable .. .. .. .. 3,682 7,614 315,092 Net revenue from hire of plant, buildings, &e. .. .. 3,338 Less special subsidy to meet losses on uneconomic 315,092 mines Interest on loan capital .. .. .. .. 104,418 Less remission under section 3 Finance Act, 1943 (3) 104,418 Net profit carried down .. .. .. .. .. 2,392 £126,559 £126,559 Profit and Loss Appropriation Account Dr. £ Cr. £ Loans Redemption Accounts .. .. .. .. 49,004 Net profit for year 1947-48 .. .. .. .. 2,392 Transfer from General Reserve .. .. .. .. 46,612 £49,004 £49,004

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Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1948 Liabilities «£ Assets Liability to Consolidated Fund under section 6, National 3,448,147 Collieries— £ £ £ Development Loans Act, 1941 Machinery, plant, &c. .. ~ 539,249 Deposits on contracts .. .. .. .. .. 4,039 Development and Property 676,837 Debt Redemption Reserve to be applied for redemption of 49,004 | Accounts capital | Buildings at mines .. .. 151,599 Sundry creditors .. .. .. .. .. 479,062 Cottages at mines .. .. 204,724 Reserves £ Plantations at mines .. .. 19 General Reserve .. .. .. .. 113,688 Accident Insurance Reserve .. .. .. 118,302 1 572 428 Bad Debts Reserve .. .. .. .. 1,633 Less provisionally written oft' .. 1,371 Restoration Opencast Areas Reserve .. .. 2,452 1 57 j 957 236,075 Purchase of Westport Coal Co., Ltd. .. '888^395 Opencast mining— Purchase-price .. .. 66,633 Development, preliminary expenses, 31,316 &c. Plant, machinery, &c. .. .. 21,372 Buildings and accommodation .. 50,790 Railway, sidings, &c. .. .. 20,878 190,989 Blackball sawmill: Plant, buildings, .. 1,757 &c. Plant, equipment, &c., on hire .. 96,664 Less provisionally written oft' .. 10 96,654 Depots: Property Accounts .. 13,420 Less provisionally written oft' 1 l3 419 Head Office furniture, &c. .. .. '769 Purchase of land .. .. .. 2,246 Briquetting: Preliminary expenses . . 743 Prospecting on State coal reserve .. .. 35,757 2,801,786 Shares .. .. .. .. .. .. 168 Stores on handCollieries .. .. ~ 287, 368 Spares for mechanical equipment.. 9,854 297,222 Less provisionally written off .. . . 485 296,737

46

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| Coal stocks (bins, wharf, and afloat)— Collieries .. .. .. .. 15,347 Opencasts .. .. .. .. 5,173 Coal purchased .. .. .. 351 20,871 Stocks and stores on hand at depots .. 11,190 Less provisionally written off .. .. 2,272 8,918 Housing advances to workmen .. .. 77,626 Interest accrued and due. .. .. 930 78,556. Miscellaneous advances .. .. .. .. 25,751 Sundry debtors .. .. .. .. 707, 277 Less provisionally written off .. 50 707,227 Cash in Receiver-General's Deposit Account .. .. 4,039 Cash in Public Account .. .. .. 217,564 Imprests outstanding .. .. .. 5,706 223,270 Cash in Loans Redemption Account .. .. 49,004 £4,216,327 £4,216,327 State Coal-mines Offiee, Wellington, C. 1. H. H. Gibson, Accountant. A. McLagan, Minister of Mines. I hereby certify that the attached Revenue and Profit and Loss Accounts of Collieries, Opencasts, and Depots and General Profit and Loss Account and Balance-sheet have been duly examined and compared with the relative books and documents submitted for audit, and correctly state the position as disclosed thereby.— J. P. Rutherford, Controller and Auditor-General.

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Statement of Property Accounts as at 31st March, 1948 Underground Mines

Opencast Mines

48

— Kamo. Wilton. MacDonald. Mangapehi. Tatu. Stockton. Webb. Development and Property Accounts Machinery, plant, &c. Buildings at mine Cottages at mine Plantations at mine £ 70,914 23,121 3,142 7,834 £ 30,771 39.971 6,452 14,112 £ 35,942 £ 44,822 30,027 20,611 79,013 £ 41,108 33,540 6,968 37,011 £ 104,561 71,638 25,816 7,144 £ 1,237 9,846 3,646 219 105,011 91,306 35,942 174,473 118,627 209,159 14,948 Burke's Creek. Creek! | Liverpool. Strongman. Blackball. Dobson. Wallsend. Development and Property Accounts Machinery, plant, &c. Buildings at mine Cottages at mine Plantations at mine £ 27,244 16,793 4,230 1,137 £ 16,703 1.272 810 £ 31,858 49,650 3,412 16,295 19 £ 117,914 63,557 31,802 £ 5,285 34,341 5,152 3,113 £ 31,103 45,184 11,150 7,898 £ 20,856 51,544 10,316 9,321 49,404 18,785 101,234 213,273 47,891 95,335 92,037 Paparoa. Mossbank. Wairaki. Star. Birchwood. Morley. Totals. Development and Property Accounts Machinery, plant, &c. Buildings at mine Cottages at mine Plantations at mine 17,021 18,569 7,849 4,830 6,618 7,224 992 1,140 8,954 19,122 3,761 11,934 29,662 8,553 3.479 1,816 4,325 15,297 2,011 1,907 29,939 676,837 539,249 151,599 204,724 19 48,269 15,974 43,771 43,510 23,540 i 29,939 1,572,428

Glen Afton. Kemp's Kimihia. Waitewhena. Stockton. | Ohai. 1 Wangaloa. Black Diamond Totals. ! Purchase-price Development, preliminary expenses, &c. Plant Railway, sidings, &c. Buildings and accommodation £ 15 £ 256 '569 9,959 £ 4,210 9,284 7,342 £ 39,813 12,330 4,456 4,473 3,727 £ 763 11j 232 £ 3,036 1 j 077 £ 12,410 4,382 4 j 699 £ 10,185 1,064 13,117 12j 754 £ 66,633 31,316 21,372 20,878 50,790 . 15 14,784 36,672 64,799 11,995 4,113 21,491 37,120 190,989 1 .

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Statement op Receipts and Payments por the Year ended 31st March, 1948 £ £ £ £ Cash in Public Account, Mines — Ist April, 1947 .. 2,766 Mine development .. 152,133 Imprests outstanding as Purchase of — at Ist April, 1947 .. 39,664 Shares: Westport 42,430 Coal Co., Ltd. .. 890,204 Proceeds sale of coal, &e. Plant .. .. 85,940 (including subsidy) .. 2,821,102 Buildings .. 21,225 Recoveries, refunds, &c. 61,959 Cottages.. .. 28,189 Royalties .. .. 8,115 Land .. .. 7,790 — 2,891,176 Marine freights .. 328,064 Capital raised.. .. .. 1,560,000 Wharfage .. .. 17,404 Dishonoured cheques Haulage .. .. 220,121 recredited .. .. .. 613 Special rate .. 2,054 Wages .. .. 1,090,321 Stores .. .. 403,585 Electric power .. 30,514 Bus and rail fares .. 25,362 Repairs and maintenance .. .. 64,033 Royalty .. .. 22,011 Coal - miners' Relief Fund .. .. 2,422 Road maintenance .. 699 Commission .. 740 Compensation .. 27,494 Boring and prospecting 6,584 Briquetting .. 134 Opencast coal-mining: Development and working expenses .. 448,440 Salaries .. .. 62,239 Public Service Superannuation Fund subsidy .. .. 333 Audit fees .. .. 472 Fire insurance .. 1,939 General expenses .. 5,678 Rent .. .. 913 Postages .. .. 4,663 Printing and stationery 1,629 Rates .. .. 5,031 Travelling-expenses .. 1,035 3,959,395 Depots— Auckland Depot .. 26,686 Wellington Depot .. 124,518 Christchurch Depot .. 27,014 Wanganui Depot .. 21 Coal purchased on account of depots .. 50,687 228,926 Housing loans .. .. 17,186 Other loans .. .. •• 15,800 Sinking Fund .. • • 49,004 Cheques dishonoured .. .. 638 Cash in Public Account, 31st March, 1948 .. .. 217,564 Imprests outstanding as at 31st March, 1948 .. .. 5,706 £4,494,219 £4,494,219

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49

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Table Showing the Position of the State Coal-mines Account from Inception to the 31st March, 1948

50

Name of Works. Total Capital Expenditure. Total Amount of Depreciation written off. Assets as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1948. Net Profits. Net Losses. Liabilities as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1948. UNDERGROUND MINES Kamo Less sales, transfers, &c. .. £ 106,109 £ £ £ £ £ 106,109 1,098 105,011 8,785 Wilton Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 121,565 1,105 120,460 29,154 91,306 •• 34,358 McDonald Less sales, transfers, &c. .'. 93,595 1,281 92,314 56,372* 35,942 2,414 Mangapehi Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 215,829 6,669 209,160 34,746 174,414 3,286 Tatu .. .. ... Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 168,657 17,639 151,018 32,391 118,627 29,869 Stockton Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 245,343 9,457 235,886 27,003 208,883 1,232 •• Webb Less sales, transfers, &e. .. 20,490 2,152 18,338 3,425 14,913 5,015 Burke's Creek Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 69,315 13,491 55,824 6,420 49,404 •• 2,701 Garvey Creek Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 18,785 18,785 •• 18,785 •• Liverpool Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 444,839 28,594 416,245 315,079 101,166 •• 30,987 Strongman .. Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 321,149 42,899 278,250 65,028 213,222 •• 16,453 •• Blackball Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 75,013 9,232 65,781 17,937 47,844 62,945 * Includes interest (£30,286) capitalized from date of purchase to date lease was granted, now written oif.

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Table Showing the Position of the State Coal-mines Account from Inception to the 31st March, 1948 —continued

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51

Name of Works. Total Capital Expenditure. Total Amount of Depreciation written off. Assets as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1948. Net Profits. Net Xosses. Liabilities as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1948. Dobson Less sales, transfers, &c. .. £ 127,851 11,752 £ £ £ £ £ 116,099 21,556 94,543 34,654 •• Wallsend Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 129,223 3,612 125,611 33,612 91,999 29,507 Paparoa Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 51,006 51,006 2,737 48,269 Mossbank Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 40,101 19,381 20,720 4,746 15,974 2,068 •• "Wairaki Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 53,648 2,541 51,107 7,341 43,766 28,955 Star Less sales, transfers, &c. 45,881 79 45,802 2,292 43,510 10,197 Birchwood Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 24,144 24,144 604 23,540 5,187 I Mo rleyLess sales, transfers* &c. .. 29,939 29,939 29,939 •• Purchase of Millerton and Derioiston Mines 888,395 888,395 •• •• OPENCAST MINES ■Glen Afton Kemp's Kimihia Waitewhena .Stockton .. Ohai Wangaloa Beehive Black Diamond 14,513 48,753 46,153 74,939 13,797 23,272 28,923 38,037 14,498 33,969 9,481 10,140 1,802 19,159 7,432 917 15 14,784 36,672 64,799 11,995 4,113 21,491 37*120 60,877 109j 346 36,679 27,908 1*120 23,755 85,675 12j 852 *413 DEPOTS Wellington Less sales, transfers, &e. .. 26,336 1,813 1 24,523 18,209 6,314 78,529 1

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Table Showing the Position of the State Coal-mines Account from Inception to the 31st March, 1948—continued

52

Name of Works. Total Capital Expenditure. Total Amount of Depreciation written off. Assets as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1948. Net Profits. Net Losses. Liabilities as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1948.. Christchureh Less sales, transfers, &c. .. £ 23,572 1,259 £ £ ' £ £ £ 22,313 15,764 6,549 38,470 Wanganui Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 4,372 413 3,959 3,409 550 2,073 Auckland 6 •• 6 23,709 MISCELLANEOUS Briquetting: Preliminary expenses 743 •• 743 Prospecting on State coal reserve Less transfers, sales, &e. 58,385 21,712 36,673 916 35,757 Plant, buildings, &c., on hire Less transfers, sales, &e. 142,529 13,024 129,505 32,851 96,654 13,284 ... Seddonville Colliery Less transfers, sales, &c. .. 38,243 549 37,694 37,694 36,574 Blackball Sawmill Head Office furniture, &c. .. Purchase of land Royalties from 1st April, 1928 Taxation Interest on investments 1,757 769 2,246 1,757 769 2,246 •• 88,968 11,278 51,929 ... COMPLETED WORKS Point Elizabeth Colliery Less sales and loss by fire 98,210 2,291 95,919 95,919 147,583 James Colliery Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 74,495 6,250 68,245 68,245 •• 2,970 Dunedin Depot Less sales of plant 2,023 641 1,382 1,382 ■ 4,248 Briquette Works Less sales of plant 16,135 2,066 I 14,069 14,069 22,661 Charming Creek: Prospecting 5,957 5,957 5,545 |

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Table Showing the Position of the State Coal-mines Account from Inception to the 31st March, 1948—continued

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (703 copies), £l4O.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1948. Price Is. 3d.]

53

Name of Works. Total Capital Expenditure. Total Amount of Depreciation written off. Assets as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1948. | Net Profits. 1 Net Losses. Liabilities as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1943. Hulks Property Leas sales £ 4,034 1,949 £ £ £ £ £ 2,085 2,085 • • 1,787 •• •• Office furniture Less sales 190 17 •• 173 173 •• 173 Discounts.. Cash lost (highway robbery) Transfer to Accident Insurance Reserve Refund, Mines Department .. Runanga water-supply Stores sales Grand total Less losses, sales, transfers 221,868 •• •• 13 463 89 2,960 5,000 5,000 3,857,398 1,055,612 2,801,786 •• •• Total profit and loss Balance : Profit over losses 686,618 523,926 162,692 686,618 686,618 Capital expenditure brought forward Shares Stocks on hand, less provisionally written off Sinking Fund investment Sundry debtors Cash in Public Account Cash in Receiver-General's Deposit Account Housing advances to workmen and accrued interest Miscellaneous advances Loan Account Bad Debts Reserve Sinking Fund General Reserve Deposits on contracts Accident Insurance Reserve Restoration Opencast Areas Reserve Sundry creditors i 2,801,786 168 326,526 49,004 707,227 223,270 4,039 78,556 25,751 49,004 113,688 3,448,147 1,633 49,004 113,688 4,039 118,302 2,452 479,062 4,216,327 162,692 4,216,327