STATE COAL-MINES (REPORT ON THE WORKING OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1950.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1950 Session I, C-02a

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1950 NEW ZEALAND

STATE COAL-MINES (REPORT ON THE WORKING OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1950.

Pre/pared in Accordance With the Requirements of Section 184 of the Coal-mines Act., 1925

REPORT

BY THE HON. W. SULLIVAN, 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 vear ended 31st March, 1950.

During the year the State acquired the following coal-mining undertakings :

UNDERGROUND OPERATIONS North Auckland Operations at the Kamo Mine were carried on steadily during the year, with an improved output being recorded. The mine generally is in "better order for production, and higher outputs are expected when the belt haulage system has been installed. The drilling programme was not commenced owing to a suitable drill rig not being available.

Name of Mine or Company. Purchasnprice. Purpose. Renown Collieries. Ltd., Huntly Linton CoaJ Co., Ltd., Ohai Burnwell Mine, Reefton £ 186,000 159,216 7,000 i Underground mining. Underground and opencast mining. Underground mining.

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Waikato District At Rotowaro, limited development was carried out, production being mainly from pillar-extraction from previously developed areas, whilst at Alison No. 1 Mine, where all development has been completed, coal-winning was confined solely to pillar coal. At Alison No. 2 Mine all coal was won from development work. The crawler-type coalcutters and power drills have been used with success in this colliery. Operations continued normally at the Eenown Colliery, which was recently acquired by the State. At Glen Massey the extraction of coal from the No. 2 Mine was completed and the mine closed down. The No. 3. Wilton Mine has also ceased production and coal-winning is confined to the No. 3 Extended Mine, in which the area available for further development seems limited. Although some years of coal-winning from developed areas remain, the Department is giving consideration to possible new areas for the establishment of a new mine to replace the existing one when the extraction of available coal is nearing an end. ; ;- King-country At the Mangapehi Colliery, Benneydale, the daily output showed a slight improvement, although, owing to the reduced number of days worked, the output for the year showed a slight decrease. This mine is being developed with a view to future operations being conducted on a plan of hydraulic stowage. Survey work for hydraulic stowage is nearing completion and road-formation work to the quarry site has been completed. At the Tatu Mine, near Ohura, a slight increase in output was recorded, underground conditions being unchanged, the soft swelling floor of the coal-seam still necessitating costly maintenance work. Buller District Due to a reduction in the number of days worked, there was a reduction in output from both the Fly Creek and Webb Mines in the Stockton field. At Fly Creek, coalwinning was confined to pillar-extraction in the south area, whilst further progress was made with the development of a hydro scheme for winning the coal in the east area. Temporary and unexpected difficulties were encountered in the Webb Mine, in which complex faulting retarded development for a time. Satisfactory progress has been made with the erection of an aerial ropeway from the mines to the"bins at Ngakawau, a distance of five and a half miles. Pillar-extraction continued at the Millerton Colliery with good results on the whole, and a programme of boring has recently been commenced to try and locate a new area of coal suitable for underground mining. At Denniston, mining operations have been satisfactory, but the long, expensive haulage system to railway has proved very costly for the reduced output compared with some years ago. Work is well under way on the opening-up of an additional mine at the Plateau area from which a good-quality coal suitable for gas-manufacture will be won and the erection of an aerial transport system from the mines to the bins at Denniston is proceeding and should greatly reduce haulage costs. Reefton District Generally the operations in this field have not been encouraging. Dip development at Burke's Creek has been pursued under difficult and costly conditions. At the Central Mine, haulage roads have been reconditioned, but dip development has met with varying conditions in the coal-seam. Underground heatings and trouble in maintaining main haulage roadways due to previous system of mining has caused problems for the management of the Burnwell Mine.

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A steady output was obtained from the Garvey Creek Mine and work is proceeding .to secure coal from opencast blocks on both sides of the creek. A contract has been let for the extension of the road to the main coal-bearing areas in this field, especially substantial blocks suitable for mining by the opencast method. Grey District An increased output was secured from the Liverpool Colliery with normal mining conditions. A decision was made to defer opening a new mine at Eewanui pending results of further boring at Mount Davy and a review of the coalfield generallv. At the Strongman Mine an increase in output was recorded, with conditions underground unchanged. Steady outputs were obtained from the Blackball, Roa, and Dobson Mines under conditions similar.to those noted in earlier reports. At Wallseud, output and conditions have been normal, and the future life of the area will depend upon the outcome of the work on dewatering the old Tvneside Mine, which adjoins the Wallsend Colliery. Ohai District The Mossbank Mine continued on pillar-extraction with satisfactory results, although some spontaneous heatings have caused anxiety on occasions. Successful development work at the Wairaki Mine has been carried out under much improved conditions now that the adjoining Star Mine is also under the same ownership. Coal-winning in the Star and Birchwood Mines is confined to pillar-extraction, and increased outputs were secured from both mines. The acquisition of the Linton Coal Co.'s property by the State, and the possibility of a large area being suitable for opencast mining, may necessitate a revision of plans for underground development in the district, including the Morley project. No decision will be made until drilling has been completed, when full consideration will be given to all factors involved. OPENCAST OPERATIONS Waikato District At Kemp's, coal-production was completed in June, 1949, 239,314 tons of coal having been won. The overburden in this area was 9-665 cubic yards to each ton of coal. The financial results of this venture as shown by the accounts does not reflect the true position owing to the artificial price-subsidy structure under which these undertakings were operated in the past. As a replacement to Kemp's, the Hillcrest Opencast Mine was commenced at Glen Massey, and by May, 1950, operations were completed, 380,000 cubic yards having been stripped for a recovery of 54,282 tons of coal. At Lake Kimihia, the No. 1 area was completed last year, 250,586 tons of coal having been won in a most successful operation. A further block is now being worked, and this is estimated to contain nearly 500,000 tons of good-quality coal. During the coming summer months a complete programme of drilling on the'lake will be carried out in order to determine new opencast projects and to provide for continuity of operations. On the property of Taupiri Coal Mines, Ltd., opencast explorations have been accelerated and three areas, Thompson's, Barker's, and Devlin's, are in production and capable of producing not less than 900 tons daily when rail transport is available.

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The initial project at Callaghan's did not fulfil early expectations, but at Weaver's Crossing close boring and surveys have disclosed an area of about 100 acres which will yield not less than 4,000,000 tons of good-quality coal, the ratio of overburden to coal being about 5 to 1. It is intended to commence work on this project as soon as certain engineering problems have been settled and other formalities concluded. At Barker's area the possibility of extensions to recover a further 500,000 tons of coal by opencast means is being examined in detail, and the prospects look very good indeed. Other potential areas at Maori Farm and in the vicinity thereof will be investigated by the project engineer as soon as possible. A bright future for opencast coal-mining in the Huntly district is indicated. King-country At Waitewhena, where conditions are not easy during the wet season, work proceeded with a commendable record of steady work. Small blocks not suitable for opencast work have been let to parties of miners working on a co-operative basis. The contractors have now taken over all phases of the opencast operation, and a general improvement has resulted. Buller District Delay in securing plant held up work on a small opencast block at Denniston, but road access has now been completed and coal-production should commence in the near future. At Stockton a decrease in output was due to less days being worked than usual. A very large area of coal to be won by opencast methods has been proved and modern expansive plant to deal with a large output is on the site. Unfortunately, the loss by fire of No. 4 substation has greatly reduced the haulage capacity of the existing transport. Exhaustive efforts to obtain replacement plant in N.Z. were fruitless, and an order had to be placed in England for a mercury arc rectifier, which is expected to arrive within a few months. When installed, this will give some relief, but full advantage of the productive capacity of the opencast project will not be secured until the new aerial ropeway is functioning. Reefton District Production from the south-east side of the vertical seam at G-arvey Creek has been slower to commence than anticipated, but it should be under way this summer. Arrangements for stripping two small blocks on the other side of the creek have been made. A contract for the first mile of road access to the main block has been let. Otago District A steady output was secured from the Wangaloa opencast area, which is being operated in a very satisfactory manner for the Department by the Ministry of Works. The State holds rights over a large area of coal in this district suitable for mining by the opencast method. Ohai District Production from the Black Diamond Mine again showed a substantial increase over that of the preceding year, and operations are being maintained on a satisfactory basis. At McLean's Opencast, situated on the Star property, work was continued until the No. 1 Section was exhausted, when attention was directed to diverting the creek and other work preparatory to commencing operations on the adjoining No. 5 Section. Reserves of coal in this and the adjacent No. 2 Section are sufficient to maintain the present rate of production for some years to come.

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The acquisition of the Linton property has considerably extended the scope of opencast mining in the Ohai field, and an area at present under investigation holds out promise of being suitable to opencast mining operations on a large scale. GENERAL While opencast mining was responsible last year for over 26 per cent, of the total coal production, considerable scope for expansion of this type of mining still remains. At the present time new projects capable of large-scale production in all the major coalfields with the exception of Grey are either in the process of development or under investigation. Surveys and drilling operations are being continued in the search for additional opencast areas, and every effort will be made to expand this form of mining to the utmost.

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

* Mine ceased operations (worked out) in June, 1949. t Mine commenced operations in April, 1949. t Operations in No. 1 area completed in December, 1949. § Mine acquired on Ist May, 1949. :1 Mine acquired on 21st March, 1949, *i Mine commenced operations on 4th October, 194> ! .

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Output, 1949-50. Output, 1948-49. Percentage Percentage Mine. Variation in Gross Variation in Net Gross. Net. Gross. Net. Output. Output. Tons. Tons. Tons, Tons. Kamo 58,847 56,807 50,096 50,072 + 13-48 + 13-45 Kemp's Opencast*.. 12,125 12,125 68,084 68,084 Hillerestt 48,253 48,253 Kimiliia Opencast^ 35,953 35,953 78,340 78,340 Wilton .. 87,199 85,249 93,482 90,985 -6.-72 -6-30 Mangapehi 38,119 37,225 38,190 36,210 - 0-19 + 2-80 Tatu 38,229 36,400 30,800 29,535 +24-12 + 23-24 Waitewhena Opencast 39,199 39,199 42,932 42,932 - 8-70 - 8-70 Denniston 76,203 66,045 75,904 66,320 + 0-39 + 0-41 Millerton 51,972 51,599 59,318 58,874 -12-38 -12-36 Stockton Mine and Opencast 196,968 191,551 214,933 209,741 - 8-36 - 8-67 Burke's Creek 19,284 18,907 20,462 19,612 - 5-76 - 3-59 Garvey Creek 14,880 14,782 12,560 12,451 + 18-47 + 18-72 Burnwell§ 3,386 3,376 Centrallj 4,329 4,294 75 68 Blackball 69,860 67,635 70,785 68,574 — i-3i - 1-37 Dobson 74,276 71,748 69,121 67,230 + 7-46 + 6-72 Paparoa 31,217 30,500 27,651 26,865 !-12-90 + 13-53 Wallsend 55,840 52,780 55,953 53,868 - 0-20 - 2-02 Liverpool 100,037 97,400 93,114 90,220 + 7-43 + 7-96 Strongman 97,249 94,260 85,187 82,300 + 14-16 + 14-53 Wangaloa Opencast 41,111 41,111 45,462 45,462 - 9-57 — 9-57 Birchwood 23,695 22,790 22,524 21,633 ' + 5-20 + 5-35 Black Diamond Opencast 42,242 42,242 35,769 35,769 + 18-10 + 18-10 Mossbank 25,962 24,981 26,350 24,790 - 1-47 + 0-77 Star 40,636 39,157 34,690 33,285 + 17-14 + 17-64 McLean's Opencastf 43,690 43,690 8,728 8,728 Wairaki 65,634 60,941 66,215 61,730 -"6-88 —"i-28 Totals 1,434,395 1,391,000 1,426,725 1,383,678

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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 :

* Mine ceased production in June. 1949. t Mine commenced production in April, 1949. t No. 1 Area ceased production in December, 1949. § Mine acquired on Ist May, 1949. 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 1949-50. 1948-49. Variation. P.O.K. Realized. Tons. Tons. s. d. Kamo .. .. .. i 56,738 50,091 + 13-27 26 1-73 Kemp's Opencast* . 1 12,124 68,084 24 0-60 Hillcrestf 48,243 24 9-56 Kimihia OpencastJ 35,953 78^340 25 3-61 'Wilton 85,206 90,876 — 6-24 23 8-38 Mangapehi 37,110 36,230 + 2-43 24 3-62 Tatu 36,305 29,700 +22-24 27 2-05 Waitewhena Opencast. . 48,061 42,932 + 11-95 23 11-37 Denniston 66,367 68,667 - 3-35 25 7-74 Millerton 52,191 57,790 - 9-69 28 0-96 Stockton Mine and Opencast ." i 193,424 214,590 - 9-86 24 4-75 Burke's Creek 18,803 19,760 - 4-84 27 9-04 Garvey Greek 14,611 12,503 + 16-86 29 11-30 Burnwell§ 3,196 25 11-64 Central 4,347 "46 24 10-34 Blackball 66,745 68,464 - 2-51 22 6-70 Dobson 70,008 66 355 + 5-51 28 4-07 Paparoa 30,180 27,035 + 11-63 27 8-14 Wallsend '. j 51,753 + 2-56 26 5-93 Liverpool 99,793 90,057 + 10-81 23 3-33 Strongman 92,240 84,657 + 8-96 27 3-32 Wangaloa Opencast 41,111 45,427 - 9-50 21 1011 Birchwood 22,750 21,633 + 5-16 24 11-63 Black Diamond Opencast 42,237 35,769 + 18-08 20 11-00 Mossbank 24,946 24,790 + 0-63 26 7-64 Star 39,104 33,285 + 17-48 26 8-40 McLean's Opencast 43,690 8,728 31 8-09 Wairaki • 60,857 61,681 —'i•34 26 7•79 Totals 1,399,420 1,389,243

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OUTPUT PEE 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) :

1949. 1948. 1947. 1946. 1945. 1944. 1943. 1942. 1941. 1940. Mine. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total, Underground. Total. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Ton's. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons, Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Kamo 427 ■ 360 402 334 484 394 520 426 619 508 680 558 686 558 615 497 704 540 590 467 Wilton ».. 484 404 617 444 492 363 557 398 639 456 669 478 658 471 606 459 834 613 789 608 Manaapehi 392 301 352 280 509 397 553 434 533 428 683 524 714 550 722 534 622 442 587 339* Tatu 604 381 447 317 563 339 505 310 508 311 481 303 482 306 596 364 341 199 458 276 Denniston 340 241 390 278 405 293 434 317 495 376 • 576 433 614 '464 717 502 715 507 632 461 Millerton .. 666 408 780 473 779 489 889 562 905 592 879 625 1,019 703 931 707 955 726 799 609 Stockton .. 600 357 772 520 724 484 764 509 655 451 731 438 633 418 782 520 812 547 852 576 Burke's Creek 289 220 341 265 496 344 371 272 t . 750 531 565 442 624 456 655 476 528 392 Garvey Creek 407 348 401 342 239 189 .. Burnwell . 204 204 963 803 607 569 1,128 1,128 609 . 565 759 683 805 805 597 597 384 384 387 344 Central 211 179 453 396 469 402 778 681 306 240 230 184 Blackball . 417 355 431 369 379 312 421 351 538' 416 509 391 545 394 595 419 772 326 350 179 Dobson 364 299 373 306 353 287 316 257 • 333 271 382" 318 418 349 549 453 540 443 517 423 Paparoa . 484 346 480 347 482 371 570 410 676 491 800 503 988 620 878 532 607 440 718 509 Wallsend . 417 337 437 344 359 291 357 282 415 329 346 290 422 352 478 369 466 356 414 326 Liverpool . 397 311 354 274 412 293 441 336 468 ■352 498 371 583 440 . 672 504 715 521 528 410 Strongman 454 341 451 335 535 390 564 403 538 . 394545 393 627 451 711 463 694 475 579 390 Birchwood 548 394 585 383 678456 748 561 749 571 537 407 709 545 772 579 750 573 668 523 Mossbank 792 637 725 555 724 554 854 592 719 544 727 546 695 521 616 441 523 316 Star 835 606 790 603 900 653 1,012 620 841 634 1,019 736 1,016 715 946 719 713 539 867 650 Wairaki . . 678. 487 823 604 936 669 960 686 866 624 924 647 955 669 1,309 804 800 561 720 538

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OUTPUT PER MAN EMPLOYED— continued

* Mine worked portion of year only. t Separate output returns for Burke's Creek not available for 1945. Note,—Some of the high output per man employed prior to 1944 are due to slack being raised from dump and credited to output.

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1939. 1938. 1937. 1936. 1935. 1934. 1933. 1932. 1931. 1930. Mine. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Underground. Total. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Kamo 678 481 438 322 522 387 709 515 560 395 331 214 Wilton .. 686 539 678 549 656 526 595 468 753 580 742 554 488 395 903 613 461 373 359 227 Mangapehi Tatu Denniston 809 589 739 554 719 629 1,135 883 530 441 40 11 603 429 649 425 66i 479 6ii 425 534 396 420 295 432 302 35i 249 385 275 513 359 Millerton . . 854 016 969 700 963 685 969 653 936 628 872 564 623 421 492 376 225 184 443 374 Stockton .. 811 552 828 557 895 573 714 460 631 388 587 356 606 371 558 362 548 351 771 491 Burke's Creek 773 560 1,144 735 867 585 764 540 574 402 .569 416 415 308 311 235 381 288 301 205 Garvey Creek Burnwell .. 261 228 1,524 1,524 166 166 17 17 419 419 22i 221 276 276 147 147 28i 28l' 369 369 Centra], Blackball .. 84* 53 565 314 600 437 478 328 713 444 476 346 654 444 932 607 45i 259 392 319 Dobson 463 390 486 400 481 388 543 426 428 358 401 331 408 341 411 348 278 231 450 377 Paparoa . . 1,053 720 633 464 669 492 583 428 771 582 801 588 1,051 738 1,092 804 950 739 1,048 782 Wallsend .. 500 394 496 394 587 456 566 442 575 430 446 345 520 389 426 333 430 340 501 389 Liverpool .. 612 459 561 423 560 417 536 396 556 408 407 304 388 289 392 290 481 348 552 397 Strongman 281* 192 . Birchwood 547 431 822 246 550 426 52i 396 543 379 514 364 576 440 517 388 560 406 456 286 Mossbank Star 579 404 783 536 694 490 851 60i 722 532 864 610 700 467 417 239 Wairaki .. 714 567 674 525 543 412 721 463 764 562 702 520 656 410 261 208 63i 454 564 420

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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 The number of compensatable accidents at State coal-mires decreased from 1,406 for the year ended 31st March, 1949, to 1,310 for the year ended 31st March, 1950. The cost of claims per cent, on wages paid amounted to £2 16s. 2d. for the year ended 31st March, 1950, as compared with £2 9s. 6d. for the previous year, while the average cost of each claim was £42 15s. 9d., as compared with £3O 13s. Bd. These increases reflect the increased benefits payable under the Workers' Compensation Amendment Act, 1949, which were payable from Ist September, 1949, and also the more serious nature of injuries with consequent longer periods on compensation. The Accident Insurance Working Account showed a surplus of £48,319 4s. lid. on the year's working, as compared with £51,474 2s. lOd. for the previous year, and the Accident Insurance Reserve Account now stands at £217,673

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Percentages of Screened and Small Obtained from Coal Screened. Mine. Percentage Sold as Unscreened. Screened. Small. Kamo 100-00 Kemp's 5-63 35-36 64 •64 Hill Crest 5-34 46 > - 63 53 •37 Kimihia 0-06 53-42 46-58 Waitewhena 4-62 28-78 71 48 •22 Denniston 9-59 51 •38 •62 Millerton.. 607 63-75 36 •25 Stockton 24-49 53 •22 46-78 Burke's Creek 5-61 40-43 59 •57* Garvey Creek 100-00 Burn well.. 20-45 10-24 89 •76 Central 7-96 20-31 79-69 Blackball 6-16 36-73 63 •27 Dobson 7-56 84-23 15 •77 Paparoa 71-31 79 •16 20-84 Wallsend 2-77 63-45 36 •55 Liverpool 100-00 Strongman .. .. 9-62 76 •51 23-49 Wangaloa 72-43 27-57 Birchwood 65 •17 34-83 Black Diamond li -73 79-96 20-04 Mossbank 76-63 23-37 Star . 75 •21 24-79 McLean's 78 •06 2194 Wairaki 77 •86 2214 Percentage of House, Kitchen, and Slack (North Island Grading). House. Domestic. Kitchen. Slack. Mangapehi 19-82 35-00 45-18 Wilton 0-20 50-64 49-36 Tatu i 59-83 40-17 * Includes unscreened nuts.

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The District Manager, State Coal-mines, Kamo, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. SlBr _ 11th May, 1950. I have the honour to submit my report on the workings of the Kamo State Mine for the year ended 31st March, 1950. Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 56,847 tons 8 cwt. 3 qr., an increase of 6,751 tons 12 cwt. 2 qr. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for the quantity used on works (40 tons 3 cwt. 1 qr.), there remained for disposal a net output of 56,807 tons 5 cwt. 2 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, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock on hand Add net output for the period .. 56, 807 5 2 . . 56,807 5 2 31st March, 1950 Less stock on hand Total disposed of .. .. 56,807 5 2 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Bailed .. .. .. •• 50,680 18 0 Local sales 4,906 16 3 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 1,219 10 3 ■ 56,807 5 2 The gross output of the mine since its acquisition by the State on sth January, 1948, totals 116,726 tons 10 cwt. Days Worked.—The colliery worked 235 days out of a possible 240 ordinary workingdays. The difference between the ordinary days worked and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day holiday on the anniversary day of the province ; 1 day dispute regarding miners knocking off before the agreement time ; 3 days deaths and funerals of employees. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 150 men, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 38 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 90. Surface : 22 men. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £4 os. Id., and' after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 10s. 2d., an increase of 9s. 6d. per day when compared with the previous period. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 241 tons 18 cwt., and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 7 tons 7 cwt. 1 qr., as compared with 207 tons 17 cwt. 1 qr. and 6 tons 9 cwt. 1 qr. respectively for the previous period. The total number of hewers' shifts for the year was 7,715. Deficiencies.— No amounts were paid out under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents. —There were numerous accidents of a minor nature during the year, but no accident of a serious nature. Mine-workings.— All the output has been won from developing places. Three sections have been worked as follows : East Dip Section, Slant Dip (bottom section), and Slant Dip (middle section). All the workings are now in the top seam.

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Slant Dip (Middle Section) : Six places are being developed on two shifts. The main developing levels have been driven to a point 20 chains from the Main Slant Dip The mam level is standing on a fault in the meantime. The coal is good quality 7 ft. to 8 ft. thick. This section only requires to be driven another 6 chains to be in line with the Old South Dip which was stopped a long time ago when the coal-seam thinned and became unworkable. Slant Dip (Bottom Section) : Seven places are being developed on two shifts. The mam developing levels have been driven to a point 40 chains from the Main Slant Dip. The main level is standing on a fault in the meantime, and development is being carried on in panels to the rise. This section only requires to be driven 9 chains to be in line with the Old South Dip. The coal is good quality 8 ft. to 9 ft. thick. East Dip : Seven places are being developed on two shifts in the top seam. The top seam was picked up at a point 10 chains from the dip top. The Main Dip and Return Dip have been driven in the top seam 16 chains. An area is being developed in a northwest direction. The developing levels have been driven 7 chains, and a panel is being opened up on the rise of the seam. The coal is good quality 7 ft. to 8 ft. thick. No. 6 Drive : This drive is being used as an additional intake air-course. Transport : Arrangements are in hand to install a belt-conveyor system of haulage, from the bottom of the Slant Dip to the surface. I have, &c, J. Hadcroft, District Manager.

The Manages, Wilton State Colliery, Ngaruawahia, to the Under-Secretary Mines -Department, Wellington. SIR 27th April, 1950. I have the honour to submit my annual report of the working of the Wilton State Colliery for the year ended 31st March, 1950. Output.— The gross output for the year was 87,199 tons 10 cwt., being a decrease of 6,282 tons 11 cwt. when compared with the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,188 tons 10 cwt.), and coal used on works (761 tons 11 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 85,249 tons 9 cwt. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposal during the year : Ist April, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt, qr. Stock in railway wagons . . . . 109 0 0 Net output for year .. .. 85,249 9 0 85,358 9 0 31st March, 1950 Less stock in railway wagons . . . . 8 0 0 Total disposed of .. :.. .. 85,350 9 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 45,897 18 0 Eailway sales .. .. .. 38,223 5 0 Local and mine sales Sales to workmen and free issues .. 1,229 6 0 ■ —- 85,350 9 0

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The gross output from the colliery since its acquisition by the Government on 20th October, 1944, amounts to 464,636 tons 13 cwt. Days Worked. —The colliery worked 218 days 2| hours out of a possible 240 ordinary working-days. No statutory holidays were worked. The difference between the ordinary working-days (218 days 2|- hours) and the possible number of workingdays (240) is accounted for as follows : 7 days 3| hours, stopwork meetings ; 1 day, Auckland carpenters' dispute ; 1 day, funeral of an employee ; f day, breakdown of engine ; 1 day, breakdown on haulage ; 5 days, dispute re machineman ; 3 days, mass meetings, Huntly; f day, general election; \ day, shortage of wagons ; f day, medical meeting ; 2 days, death of Hon. P. G. Webb. Employees. —ln connection with coal-winning the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 196 men and 2 boys, made up as follows : Coalhewers, 66 ; officials, shiftmen, truckers, 102. Surface, 28 men and 2 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The average daily earnings of the coalhewers was £3 lis. 9d. ; after deducting explosives the net return was £3 7s. 4d., an increase of 6s. 3d. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output. —The average daily output from the mine was 398 tons 12 cwt. 2 qr. and the hewers' daily output was 6 tons 14 cwt. 3 qr., compared with 398 tons 4 cwt. and 6 tons 15 cwt. for the previous year. The number of hewers' shifts was 12,950, as compared with 13,962 for the previous year. Note.—The basis of computing hewer shifts at this mine has been altered to bring it into line with the basis used at other mines. Deficiencies. —Nil. Accidents. —During the year the number of accidents which necessitated absence from work for more than three days was 114, a decrease of 54 as compared with the previous year. On the 25th August, 1949, a miner sustained a fractured pelvis. On the 7th December, 1949, a shiftman sustained a fractured leg. Apart from these two accidents, none were of a serious nature. Underground Workings. —No. 2 Mine : All coal won from this mine was from pillar-extraction. Production ceased at the mine, 7th July, 1949, all available coal having been extracted. All workmen employed were transferred to No. 3 Extended Mine. No. 3 Mine : These workings ceased production 24th January, 1950. All coal which could be safely extracted without endangering the main haulage from the No. 3 Extended Mine was extracted. No. 3 Extended Mine —No. 2 East Section : Pillar-extraction has been carried on north and south of haulage road. Wherever possible, the " places " have been machine cut. No. 3 East Section : Development was continued to north and south of main headings. On the north side, development was continued for some 6 chains when a fairly extensive upthrow fault was encountered. Pillar-extraction was commenced at this point. On the south side, development was continued until a point was reached where the seam was split by thick intervening stone bands. Pillar-extraction was therefore commenced. In the Main and Tail Subsection, the main headings were driven to the outcrop when pillar-extraction commenced. Solid work on the outbye high side has recently been completed. No. 4 East Section : All coal from this section was won from pillar-extraction. No. 3 and 4 West: These are relatively small areas, and coal-production has been from small development in the former, and pillar-extraction in the latter.

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No. 4 West Extended : The main headings were driven 6 chains, and the endlessrope haulage extend to this point. Development has thus proceeded to the south-east where the bulk of the coal in this area lies. Development has been greatly hindered by faulted ground—one fault of a series necessitated 1-| chains of stonework. Roof conditions have been exceedingly bad, requiring the setting of a large amount of timber. The main levels have been driven a distance of 10 chains and development at the main part of field commenced. A main and tail haulage has been installed to bring output to the main endless-rope haulage of this area. At present, conditions have substantially improved and the outlook is much better. The north-west side of the main heading is also being developed, but as the major fault of the field cuts this area, the amount of work therein will be small. No. 1 and 2 West Sections : Pillar-extraction has been continued in the latter section during the year. The remaining undeveloped coal on low side of No. 2 West is being worked from No. 1 Area. Coal-cutters, &c. —At present, in the colliery, 4 chain-type coal cutters, 3 electrically driven percussion coal-cutters, and 9 electric drills are in service. Stone-dusting. —Stone-dusting and sampling has been carried out during the year. Dangerous Occurrences. —The only dangerous occurrence during the year was a heating which took place in the No. 4 West Section —this was effectively dealt with. Plant. —On the sth September, 1949, a fire occurred at the main workshops, destroying a large amount of electrical and other equipment. New workshops on more modern lines have since been erected and equipped. All other plant in and about colliery has been kept in good condition. Private Railway. —Maintenance work has been carried out during the year. Bus Service. —At present, five buses are being operated by the contractors between Ngaruawahia and the mine. The service has been carried out efficiently during the year. Housing and Mine Buildings. —Departmental houses situated in Ngaruawahia and Glen Massey have been maintained in good repair. An additional bathhouse to accommodate 40 men was completed. New workshops were erected. A new lunch-room was completed at screens. I have, &c, J. Baird, Manager.

The Superintendent, Mines Department, Huntly, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— Ist April, 1950. I have the honour to submit my report on the State opencast coal-mines in the Waikato district for the year ended 31st March, 1950. Kemp's Opencast Mine, Glen Massey All coal-mining operations at this mine were completed in June. The total overburden removed since operations commenced is 2,313,149 cubic yards, and the total quantity of coal removed from this area is 239,314 tons. The foregoing represents a ratio of 9-665 cubic yards of overburden for each ton of coal won. It would have been impracticable to recover the coal-seams by the method of underground mining practiced in this district, and the complete manner in which the maximum recovery of coal has been effected by the opencast method of work is a credit to the operators, and provides a definite indication of the stripping ratio limits which can be successfully undertaken under reasonably favourable operating conditions. Stripping operations were carried out with Works Department plant.

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Hillcrest Opencast Mine, Glen Massey This is situated adjacent to the Wilton No. 2 Mine. Since operations commenced at this mine 380,000 cubic yards of overburden have been removed. Stripping is completed. The quantity of coal recovered up to date is 48,253 tons. Stripping operations were carried out by Works Department plant. It can be said that the opencast operations in the Glen Massey district have been carried out in a highly satisfactory manner. Kimihia No. 1 Area Mining operations have been completed at this area, the total quantity of overburden removed from this area is 1,045,200 cubic yards and the total quantity of coal recovered is 250,585 tons 16 cwt. 3 qr. The railway siding in this area has been partially removed, and all plant used in connection with coal-winning has been dismantled. Viewing the operations of this area in retrospect the position simply is that 250,000 tons of coal have been recovered by opencast-mining methods which could not have been attempted by our present methods of underground mining. The work has been performed in a skilful manner. Kimihia, No. 5 Area Stripping operations have been continued on this area throughout the year by the 120b Shovel with suitable earth transport vehicles. Stripping operations here are very subject to interruptions following periods of rain because the material is being removed from an original lake-bed and is of an unstable nature. As a result of favourable weather conditions, 555,800 cubic yards of overburden have now been removed, and a further quantity of material has also been removed for the purpose of providing an access road into the area for coal-transportation purposes. The coal will be conveyed from the pit to the bins by belt-conveyor. The work of erecting the screening-plant and the installation of the necessary railway siding is at present in hand. It is expected that coal-production will commence in July of this year. It is confidently expected that a large quantity of good-quality coal will be recovered from this area. I have, &c, Job Hughes, Superintendent.

The District Manager, State Coal-mines, Benneydale, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— Ist June, 1950. 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, 1950. Mangapehi Colliery Output. —The gross output for the year was 38,118 tons 19 cwt., a decrease of 70 tons 19 cwt. when compared with the figures of the previous year. After allowing for waste (428 tons 19 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (465 tons) there remained for disposal a net output of 37,225 tons.

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Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and the end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : ,•■ Ist April, 1949 ■ Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bins and yard .. .. 58 9 0 Add net output for year .. 37,225 0 0 37,283 9 0 Less stock written off .. 39 9 0 ■ 37,244 0 0 31st March 1950 Less stock in bins and yard .. , ... 48 0 0 37,196 0 0 . Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Local and mine sales .. .. 1,379 15 0 Railed .. .. .. .. 35,165 5 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 651 0 0 -37,196 0 0 The gross output since the colliery was taken over by the State Coahmines to date is 479,328 tons. Days Worked. —The colliery worked 221 days 3 hours out of a possible of 240 ordinary working-days. The difference between the ordinary days worked and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : Union meetings, 3| days ; Waitewhena strike, 5-| days ; dispute re Saturday work, 1 day ; traffic dispute, \ day ; mechanical breakdown, \\ days ; haulage alterations, 1-|- days ; no wagons available, \\ days ; funeral ex-employee, 1 day ; respect late Hon. P. C. Webb, 1 day ; polling' election day, f day ; smoke in mine due to bush-fires, 1 day ; no outturn of miners last backshift before Christmas, \ day—a total of 18§ days. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, there were employed in and about the mine an. average of 126 men and 2 boys, made up as follows—Underground : Coalhewers, 30 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 73. Surface : 23 men and 2 boys. Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings were (gross) £3 13s. 3d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 10s. 7d., an increase of Is Bd. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 172 tons and the average per coalhewer was 6 tons s,cwt., as compared with 169 tons 5 cwt. and 5 tons 19 cwt. the previous year. Note.—ln addition, 1,932 tons of stone was filled during the year. Hewers' Shifts..— Hewers' shifts worked were 6,105 out of a possible total of 7,180. Deficiencies.—~No amounts were paid under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents. —There were 44 accidents reported during the year, 3 being of a serious nature. Underground Workings.—Due to the fact that it is proposed to extract the coal by mechanized means and to hydraulically stow the goaf, no pillar-extraction was attempted during the year, and operations were confined to the extension of No. 2 and No. 3 East levels. No. 2 East level has been driven for a distance of 4,000 ft., but is now in such troubled country that development in this direction has been stopped in the meantime.

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Further rise panel entries for E and F Panels were driven off No. 2 East level, but these entries encountered the same fault which cut off operations in No. 1 East level. At the time of writing this report all development in these entries has ceased. No. 3 East level has now been driven a distance of 950 ft. from the Slant Dip. The distance between the No. 3 East levels and the Main Dip is 950 ft., and a pair of headings to connect these roadways have now been driven 450 ft. Coal in the No. 3 East workingplaces is of good quality. The dip section at the end of No. 1 East has been dewatered, and it is proposed to enter this section from No. 2 East and to extract the pillars. It is proposed to extract the coal between No. 2 and No. 3 East by mechanical means and to stow hydraulically the goaf. To this end a connecting heading between the two levels has been started. This heading has been broken away 2,000 ft. along the No. 2 East and to the dip ; at the same time a rise heading has been broken away in No. 3 East to meet it. During the year a new armoured main-feeder cable was installed in the mine, and a new 300 kVA. transformer was put into use. A concrete overcast air-crossing was built at the head of No. 3 East Slant Dip, and this section is now ventilated on a separate split of air. The temporary road bridge, which was built near the mine after a washout last year, has been lifted 3 ft. and permanent concrete piles built under it. Township. —During the period the exterior painting of 13 houses and the interior decoration of 30 houses was completed. A supper-room, with kitchen attached, was built on to the public hall. It will accommodate 100 persons. Assistance was granted to the softball club, the croquet club, and the tennis club for improvements and maintenance of their respective playing-areas. Waitewhena Opencast Coal-winnirvg. —The net output for the year ending 31st March, 1950, was 39,199 tons 1 cwt., a decrease of 3,732 tons 13 cwt. Coal from two parties operating on the Waitewhena field is purchased by the Department, and the following table sets out the quantities of coal passed over the screening-plant: — Tons cwt. qr. Waitewhena Opencast .. .. .. .. 39,199 1 0 McKinley Wilson Brothers Party .. .. .. 7,900 8 0 Williams and Party .. .. .. .. 962 1 0 Gross output through screening-plant .. .. 48,061 10 0 The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in hand Add gross output .. .. 48,061 10 0 Less stock in hand 48,061 10 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 48,009 10 0 Workmen .. .. .. 51 0 0 Railwavs .. .. .. 10 0 48,061 10 0

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The net output of the Waitewhena Opencast since its inception amounts to 190,269 tons 10 cwt. 3 qr. The year's output (39,199 tons 1 cwt.) has been won from No. 2 Area. No. 2 Area will be completed by extraction of a further 6,505 tons. The opencast mine worked 241 days out of a possible 253 working-days. Twelve days were lost owing to a strike during April (union objecting to private contractor taking over No. 5 Area). The average daily output was 162 tons 13 cwt. Employees. —Thirty-five employees were engaged in the stripping, production of coal, cartage, and screening from the opencast, and were employed by the Ministry of Works, coal cartage contractor, and the Mines Department. Accidents. —There were no serious accidents during the year. Stripping. —Stripping was carried out by the Ministry of Works and the coal cartage and excavating contractor. Ministry of Works earthwork plant consisted of five D 8 tractors and blades and two 12-cubic-yard carryalls. The coal cartage excavating contractor's plant consisted of ten motor trucks averaging 5£ tons per load, carting coal from the mines to the Waitewhena Siding. A -compressor and boring equipment is used at the mine for blasting the coal and a f-cubic-yard shovel excavator is used for loading the coal. Earthwork plant consists of one |-cubic-yard shovel excavator and ITD 11 and one HD 10 tractor. Overburden removed during the year by the M.O.W. was 62,158 cubic yards. Overburden removed from No. 5 Area by the contractor was 46,675 cubic yards. Mangarohe Access.--The new access up the Mangarohe Valley to No. 5 Area is almost completed. Tatu Colliery Coal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 38,229 tons 6 cwt., an increase of 7,429 tons 4 cwt. when compared with the output of the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,650 tons 2 cwt.) and the quantity of coal used on works (179 tons 10 cwt.), there remained a net output of 36,399 tons 14 cwt. for disposal. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of each year, the following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bins.. .. .. 40 0 0 Add net output for year .. 36,399 14 0 36,439 14 0 31st March, 1950 Less stocks in bins .. .. .. .. 82 7 0 36,357 7 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 34,270 1 0 Mine sales .. .. .. 1,455 5 0 Workmen .. .. .. 579 12 0 Free .. .. .. .. 52 9 0 36,357 7 0 The gross output from the colliery since inception amounts to 279,083 tons 2 cwt. Days Worked. —The Colliery worked 213 days 5 hours out of a possible 240 workingdays. The difference is accounted for as follows —Strikes : Opencast dispute, 7 days ; pillar workings, 2 days 3J hours ; Disputes : Trucker, 3 hours ; miners' walkout, 4 hours ;

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transport service, 4 hours ; miscellaneous, 1 day 2 hours : Union meetings, 3, days f hour ; no backshift (16th December), 4 hours ; polling day, 2 hours ; cable-line fouled, 6 hours ; aerial ropeway breakdowns, 4 days 6 hours; bus breakdown, 1 hour; mine flooded, 2 days ; fall in main haulage road, 1 day 4 hours ; runaways, 3 hours. Employees. —ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of men employed in and about the mine was 93 men and 2 boys, made up as follows-—Underground : Hewers, 18 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 35 ; haulage road, 13 ; 2. On the surface : 25 men and 2 boys. • Hewers' Daily Average Earnings.—The coal-hewers' daily earnings were : Gross, £4 15s. Bd. ; net (i.e., after deducting stores explosives), £4 75.. sd. This shows an increase of 15s. 3d. per day on last year's earnings. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 178 tons 18 cwt. and the average daily output per coal-hewer was 11 tons 9 cwt., compared with 140 tons 4 cwt. and 8 tons 12 cwt. for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 3,343. Accidents. —During the year there were no serious accidents and there were 64 minor accidents. Workings. —During the year the Main South Headings were driven a further distance of 2 chains, further development in that direction being discontinued due to the length of the main haulage. The development of No. 3 Panel was completed up to the Cunningham Fault and extraction commenced, the results obtained being excellent. Only two pillars remain to be extracted in this section. No. 4 Rise Panel is in course of development in good quality coal 7 ft. to 8 ft. thick, and a new pair of Main Development Headings have been driven 4 chains to the rise from the Main South Headings towards the Cunningham Fault. The intention is to pick up the seam on the downthrow side. This fault has every appearance of becoming more troublesome, having increased from 2 ft. to 10 ft. in a distance of 8 chains. The V.J. Fault has been crossed by a Dip Heading which has penetrated 100 ft. into the seam on the upthrow side, the throw of the fault at that point being only 4 ft. Further development in this direction has been halted because of the heaved floor in the approaches thereto. A shortage of labour necessary to carry out the brushing-work is hampering the resumption of production in this section. The Main Return Airway was holed through in May, but the use of the new airway was held up due to the necessity of cleaning a further section of 15 chains which was completely blocked by falls and heaved floor. This represented a major operation and was concluded in January with a rocker shovel which greatly expedited the job. The new airway is now in use and has effected a considerable improvement in ventilation. The soft floor has necessitated a very large amount of maintenance work in keeping airways open and will continue to do so in direct proportion to their length. This problem has been accentuated by the difficulty experienced over the last twelve months in obtaining labour. The old West Return Airway required a great deal of attention in order to keep it open until the Main Return was completed. Where possible the permanent air-stoppings have been extended, but a considerable number still remain to be constructed. The centrifugal pump in the West has been withdrawn and is in process of being overhauled and installed in the Barrier Sump with a new 4 in. delivery column which has been laid. A considerable improvement in coping with the mine water in the comingwinter should be expected. A large amount of repair work has been carried out to the aerial ropeway. Various towers have been strengthened, wheels rebushed, &c, and a new tower has been built to replace No. 19 (5 ft. 6 in. higher than the old one). I have, &c, T. Young, District Manager.

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The District Manager, State Coal-mines, Ngakawau, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— 13th June, 1950. I have the honour to submit my report on the workings of the Buller Statemines for the year ended 31st March, 1950. Stockton State Coal-mines Output. —The gross output for the year from the Fly Creek and Webb Mines and " E " Hill Opencast was 196,968 tons 7 cwt. 2 qr., a decrease of 17,964 tons 16 cwt. 3 qr. when compared with the previous year. Gross outputs of the individual mines were as follows : Tons cwt. qr. Fly Creek .. .. .. .. .. 25,658 0 3 Webb Mine .. .. .. .. 72,157 4 3 "E " Hill Opencast .. .. .. .. 99,153 2 0 196,968 7 2 After allowing for waste (207 tons 7 cwt. 2 qr.) and coal used on works (5,210 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 191,551 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, 1949-- Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stocks on wharf .. .. 1,822 14 0 Stock in bins and yard . . 1,800 0 0 3,622 14 0 Add surplus stock taken on charge .. .. .. 2,657 8 1 Add net output for year .. 191,551 0 0 J 194,208 8 1 197,831 2 1 31st March, 1950 Less stock in bins and yard .. 2,450 0 0 Less stock on wharf .. .. 1,488 8 0 3,938 8 0 Total disposed of .. .. 193,892 14 1 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. 135,462 8 1 Eailed .. .. .. 15,018 14 3 Railway sales .. .. .. 39,943 1 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 2,195 4 1 Workmen and free issues. . . . 1,273 6 0 193,892 14 1 The gross output of the collieries since being taken over by the State on Ist July, 1944, totals 1,238,097 tons 12 cwt.

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Days Worked.-Fly Creek Colliery worked 206f days out of a possible 240 days the difference between the ordinary days worked, 206f, and the possible number "of working-days is accounted for as follows : Union stop-work meetings, 5| days ■ dispute re doctor, 6 days ; strike re cavil, 15 days; deputies' strike, 4 days; power failure' 1 day ; polling days, f day ; Hon. P. C. Webb's death, 1 day ; fall of snow, 1 day - 33 f days. J Webb Colliery worked 206f days out of a possible 240 days. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 206f, and the possible number of working-days is accounted tor as follows .-—Union stop-work meetings, 5f days ; dispute re doctor, 6 days : strike re cavil 15 days ; deputies' strike, 4 days ; power failure, 1 day ; fall of snow, 1 dav ■ polling days, f day ; Hon. P. C. Webb's death, 1 day—33f days. ' "E " Hill Opencast worked 207|- days out of a possible 240 davs. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 207|, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows .-—Union stop-work meetings, days ; dispute re doctor 6 days ; strike re cavil, 15 days ; deputies' strike, 4 days ; power failure, 1 day ■ fall'of snow 1 day ; polling days, f day ; Hon. P. C. Webb's death, 1 day—32f days' Employees.-—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 341 men and 11 boys, made up as follows: Underground— Fly Creek— Coal-hewers . . . . .. io Deputies, shiftmen, and truckers qo Webb Mine— Coal-hewers .. .. .. oa Deputies, shiftmen, and truckers . . . . 78 Surface—- " E " Hill Opencast— Machine operators and truck-drivers .. .. 37 Haulage, banking, screening, and loading, &c—--en 140 B °ys .. .. .. .. .. n Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—Fly Creek Colliery : The coal-hewer's average daily earnings (gross) were £4 Is. 5d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net wTT n n 'mT mcrease of ls - P er da 7 w *en compared with the previous period Webb Colliery : The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £4 lis., and alter deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £4 4s. lid., an increase of 4s per day when compared with the previous period. Daily Outputs—Fly Creek Colliery: The average daily output was 124 tons 7 cwt 3 qr and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 7 tons 4 cwt. 3 qr., as compared with 147 tons 10 cwt. 3 qr. and 7 tons 7 cwt. 1 qr. respectively for the previous year The total number of hewer shifts was 3,544. Webb Colliery : The average daily output was 349 tons 15 cwt 3 qr. and the coalhewer s average daily output was 10 tons 15cwt. 1 qr. as compared with 311 tons 12 cwt 2 qr. and 10 tons 13 cwt. 1 qr. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts was 6,702. " E " mi } °P en cast: The average daily output was 478 tons 14 cwt. 1 qr as compared with 438 tons for the previous year. ' Accidents.— There were 138 accidents during the year, none being of a serious nature. ° Underground Workings.—Fly Creek Mine: Operations were confined to pillarextraction in the south area under very wet difficult conditions. Steady progress is now being made with the installation of the pipe-lines for the hydro scheme in the east area.

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In the Old Mine a new access drive from the escarpment has been completed, penetrating a large area of pillars of thick, hard coal. Webb Mine : Unexpected difficulties, through faulting, seriously arrested progress with development for a period. The main headings have now penetrated beyond the troubled belt, in excellent coal. Preparations are well in hand for the development of the Webb Extended Mine. Opencast: Production during the year was fairly satisfactory. A large face has now been opened up on the main area. With the new equipment in use a large output should be obtained. Close boring has been continued over a large adjacent area, proving over 4,000,000 tons of excellent coal, within opencast range. Survey and Prospecting. —Steady progress was maintained in surface mapping, and close boring Blocks F and G proving over 4,000,000 tons of low-ash, low-sulphur, and low-moisture coal. In Baynes Block, which lies to the north of F and G scout, boring has proved about fifteen years' reserves for Webb Mine at the present rate of production. Tower Station. —During the year a 1,500 kW. turbo generator was installed in the Ngakawau Power-house and a 11,000-volt six-panel switch board was built, and the necessary metering installed. One of the three water-tube boilers with the economizer was completed, and the new plant was put on load in December. The Westport and district load was taken over from Denniston during the Christmas holidays (3 weeks) while the Denniston Plant was being overhauled. The Ngakawau Plant was able to do this while the mine was idle, but the changing over to the 50-cycle supply to the mine must be delayed until the arrival of 1,000 kVA. 11,000 to 6,600 volt transformer. Boiler Installation. —The Department is arranging the completion of the installation of the boilers with its own employees, and this work is progressing satisfactorily. New Power-lines. —The new 11,000-volt power-line from the Ngakawau Powerstation through Granity, connecting up with the Denniston Power-line, is completed and the old low-tension line pulled down after transferring the low-tension lines on to the new poles. Two 11,000 to 415 volt transformers were also erected on this line at Granity and one at Ngakawau. A new 11,000-volt line was erected from Ngakawau to Hector over the Ngakawau River and extended to the top of Hector. Two transformers are to be used in this area and one is erected, the other will be put up as soon as the earthing transformer comes to hand for the power-station. One of the 50 kVA. transformers purchased for Hector is being used for this duty in the meantime. Ngakawau Bin Machinery Repairs. —During the Christmas holidays the machinery in the Ngakawau Bins was overhauled and a new driving-unit was installed on the first scraper conveyor, and a new distributing jigger was installed on the main screen. A new power-line was built over Webb Mine and the high-tension power taken to a transformer at the 6 in. bore hole, where the 400-volt cable is taking the power underground. This will give an improvement in the voltage for the Webb Mine equipment which is being installed. A branch of 6,600-volt line is also being erected to the Webb Mine Extended, and a winch, pump, and fan made ready to install at the Dip drive in this area. In March, No. 4 Substation was destroyed by fire. This dislocated the running of the locomotives, but by regulating the traffic, coal transport is being maintained at a slightly reduced tonnage. Efforts to locate suitable equipment to replace that lost are being made. Aerial Ropevjay. —Progress has been maintained with the erection of the aerial. Thirty-five trestles foundations have been completed and eleven trestles erected. Access routes to trestle sites on Sections 3 and 4 are well advanced. Excavations at No. 3 loop are in hand, also excavations for trestle foundations on Section 3.

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Millerton Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year from the colliery was 51,972 tons 8 cwt. A decrease of 7,345 tons 5 cwt. when compared with the previous year. After allowing for waste (236 tons 8 cwt.) and coal used on works (136 tons 12 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 51,599 tons 8 cwt. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning of the year, the statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1949 Tons cwt . qr> Tons owt qr Stock on wharf .. .. . . 420 9 0 Stock in bins and yard .. .. 648 1 1 1,068 10 1 Add net output for year .. .. 51,599 8 0 ni „ 52,667 18 1 31st March, 1950 Less stock in bins and yard .. 473 16 0 Less stock on wharf . . . . 78 14 0 552 10 0 Total disposed of .. .. .. 52,115 8 1 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. 27,252 19 0 Railed .. .. .. .. 15,786 n i Railway sales .. .. .. 7,234 11 2 Local and mine sales . . .. 774 22 Workmen and free issue .. .. 1,067 4 0 52,115 8 1 The gross output of the colliery since being taken over by the State on Ist April 1948, totals 111,290 tons 1 cwt. r ' Days Worked.— The colliery worked 228 days out of a possible 240 days The difference between ordinary days worked 228 and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : Union meetings, 2f days ; strike re doctor 4 days ■ deputies' strike, 4 days; licensing poll, i day; general election, f day; funeral of exemployee, 1 day. Employees.— ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 112 men and 8 boys, made up as follows—Underground : Hewers, 26 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 42 men and 1 boy. Surface 44 men and 7 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 7s. sd. ; and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 4s. 2d., an increase of Is. 6d. per day when compared with the previous year Daily Outputs.—The average daily output was 227 tons 19 cwt. and the coal-hewer's average daily output was 10 tons 19 cwt., as compared with 240 tons 17 cwt and 11 tons 11 c yl\ l e s P ectlvel 7 for the Previous year. The total number of hewer shifts worked was 4,747. Accidents.— -There were 32 accidents during the year, none being of a serious nature Underground Workings.— Old Dip Mine : Extraction of pillars was carried on without interruption in both sections of this mine, high coal being worked with satisfactory results in the Settlement section. In the lower area of the Old Dip, trouble was experienced with a fire which has been burning for many years. At a point 12 chains north-east of the present mine mouth, the fire ate its way over a concrete stopping, but luckily a

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single block preparatory stopping with a doorway in it had been built in front. This was promptly sealed off. A further line of stoppings, 3 ft. thick, has been built and the area is again normal. Mine Creek : In the Mangatini section, pillar-extraction was continued with three pairs of miners. An endeavour to extract the small pillars encountered difficulties, and, owing to the soft nature of the coal near the floor, heaving in the roadways was very prevalent. Heavy rains, too, at times rendered the places unworkable. Good results were obtained by the pair of miners in Pollock's Level, where high coal is being extracted. In the north-east area, development and prospecting was carried on by two pairs, but results so far have not been very encouraging. A new 5 in. circumference rope was put on Mine Creek endless haulage, approximately 4 miles of rope being required. During the year the final sealing off of the old fire areas in second, fourth, and sixth west areas was accomplished by a line of strong stoppings built in the vicinity of the " Cross Cut Flat." Bathhouse. —The improvements which had been undertaken were finalized early in the year, and the new plant is working to satisfaction. Cottages.—One new cottage was built in Granity by the mine carpenters, and another, similar in design, was started in Millerton. Inside renovations and outside painting was carried out on a number of cottages in Millerton. Pipe-lines. —A new 6 in. line was installed on the main Millerton incline, the purpose being to lead water from a dam situated below Millerton Township down to the screens and workshops, all of which are operated by hydraulic rams and pelton wheels. Denniston Colliery Coal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 76,202 tons 10 cwt. An increase of 298 tons 1 cwt. when compared with the previous year. After allowing for waste (617 tons) and the quantity used on works (9,541 tons 3 cwt. 3 qr.), there remained for disposal a net output of 66,044 tons 6 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, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard . . .. 150 0 0 Stock on wharf . . .. .. 755 5 1 905 5 1 Add net output for year .. 66,044 6 1 Add surplus taken on charge .. 284 7 1 66,328 13 2 67,233 18 3 31st March, 1950 Less stock in bin and yard .. 80 0 0 Less stock on wharf .'-. .. 821 14 0 9Ol 14 0 Total disposed of .' .. .. 66,332 4 3 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. 57,109 13 3 Eailed .. .. .. .. 1,789 3 0 Eailway sales .. .. .. 171 14 1 Local and mine sales .. .. 5,033 1 3 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 2,228 12 0 66,332 4 3

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The gross output of the colliery since being taken over by the State on Ist April 1948, totals 152,106 tons 19 cwt. ' Days'Worked.—The colliery worked 228 days out of a possible 240 working-days The difference between the ordinary days worked, 228, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : Deputies' dispute, 4 days ; no doctor at Stockton, 3 days ; union stop-work meetings, 3f days ; polling days i day ; Hon P C. Webb's death, 1 day ; Wellington v. Buller Eugby match, f day. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning the average number of persons employed m and about the mine was 279 men and 22 boys, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 64 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 108 men and 2 boys Surface, 107 men and 20 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.— The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 4s. 4d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 an increase of 7s. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output.- -The average daily output was 334 tons 4 cwt. 2 qr. and the coalhewers average daily output was 6 tons 15 cwt. 2 qr., as compared with 310 tons 18 cwt and 7 tons 14 cwt.- 2 qr. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 11,249. _ Accidents.— The accidents for the year totalled 185. There were no fatal or serious accidents. Underground Operations.— Whareatea Colliery— Forsyths Rope End Section : Places on pillar-extraction. This section is now practically exhausted. Nine Box Jig Section, Fourth South: Production mainly from pillarextraction and splitting of barrier pillars. Scotties Section, Third South : Mainly pillar extraction including top coal Iwo places have been driven to the dip on low side of the horse road south-easterly' MtisfeTt "I an ar6a C ° ntammg a PP roxima tely 5 acres of coal, and is proceeding Kitchins Landing, First North : Development of the bottom seam proceeded throughout the year in good-quality coal 5 ft. to 6 ft. thick. Wet conditions prevailed m this area. Approximately 32,000 tons are now standing in pillars, but unfortunately, the prospect headings have encountered numerous bands of stone m the seam which makes it appear that we have reached the limits of the particular split seam. However, when underground boring rig is procured, proof or otherwise o± continuity could be obtained by drilling from the top-seam workings ahead of the present troubled ground. In the meantime the prospect headings have been Waterloo Dip : Mainly on splitting and pillar-extraction,- but a prospect heading is being driven in a westerly direction towards a borehole showing 19 ft 6in of coal Numerous attempts were made in the past to negotiate this troubled ground to reach the aiore-mentioned area, but were abandoned. Satisfactory progress was made by shiftmen and now a pair of miners are producing in 7 ft. of coal. If further progress is satisfactory an auxiliary fan will be installed to improve the ventilation. Birchalls : Prospecting in the bottom seam is proceeding in a westerly direction and is showing satisfactory progress. In the top seam production is mainly from splitting and pillar-extraction. &

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Old Waterloo : Production in this section is confined mainly to splitting and robbing pillars, a percentage of which must be left for the purpose of supporting creeks on the surface. Extension Section : In the bottom seam the artificial barrier has been completed by a number of concrete stoppings so as to allow of pillar-extraction when desired. Above this area in the top seam the same procedure is being adopted, and much more coal will be recovered from this area than what was at first anticipated due to excessive falls in the old roadways which have been negotiated by judicious splitting of the pillars. Surface Operations. —Birchalls Opencast Area : Some preparatory work has been done on the formation of the access road from the bus-sheds, and the arrival of the machines to develop this area is now awaited. Plateau Area : Much preparatory work has been done in this area— i.e., access road, winch-house, with winch installed, compressor sheds, with two air-compressors installed, poles and power-lines for transmission of electric power, temporary substation, a scraper-loader has been fabricated, and the stone drive portals prepared in readiness for the successful tenderer for driving the respective drives. These drives will be approximately as follows : Main drive, length 650 ft., grade of 1 in 4-3 ; and a return drive, 450 ft., grade of 1 in 3, the estimated quantity of coal in this area is in the vicinity of 3,250,000 tons, and the seam will be tapped at its lowest workable thickness. Cook's Lease : Prospecting over the latter part of the year has been confined to an area where three workable seams exist. This field has proved difficult due to the incidence of faulting, but up to date 1,219,000 tons of coal has been proved. A large portion of this coal could be worked by opencast methods. I have, &c, T. H. McGhie, District Manager.

The District Manager, State Coal-mines, Reefton, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. 12th May, 1950. Sir, — I have the honour to submit my annual report on the workings of the Burke's Creek, Garvey Creek, Central, and Burnwell State Coal-mines for the year ended 31st March, 1950. Burke's Creek Colliery Goal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 19,284 tons, a decrease of 1,177 tons 10 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for the quantity used on works (377 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 18,907 tons.

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Taking into account stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the followingstatement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year: Ist April, 1949 — Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr Stock in bin and yard . . .. 100 4 1 Stock on dump .'. .. .. 40 0 0 — 140 4 1 Add net output for year .. .. 18,907 0 0 19,047 4 1 31st March, 1950 Less stock on hand .. . . 63 15 3 Less stock on dump . . .. 40 0 0 lO3 15 3 Total disposed of .. .. .. 18,943 8 2 Disposals Tons. cwt. qr. Shipped .. 112 15 0 ■ Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. .. 16,090 0 1 Local and mine sales .. .. 1,966 2 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 774 111 18,943 8 2 The gross output of the colliery since its acquisition by the State on 3rd June, 1946, totals 74,120 tons. Days Worked. —The colliery worked 236 days out of a possible 240 ordinary workingdays. The difference is accounted for as follows : 1 day, breakdown of fan ; \ day, dispute re house coal; £ day, breakdown of main winch ; 1 day, clothes in bathhouse damp ; 1 day, tribute late P. C. Webb. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 85 men and 5 boys, made up as follows— Underground : Coal-hewers, 18 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 47. Surface : 20 men and 5 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 4s. sd. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 Is. 4d., an increase of 4s. 3d. per day when compared with the previous period. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 81 tons 14 cwt., and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 4 tons 3 cwt. 3 qr., as compared with 85 tons 10 cwt. and 5 tons 5 cwt. 2 qr. respectively for the previous period. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 4,618. Deficiencies. —There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents. —No serious accidents were reported at the Burke's Creek Colliery during the year. 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 development of the Alpine Section in the Bayne Area and from the extension of the Main Dip workings. North-east Section —Bayne Area : The development levels at 144 ft. datum were extended to and stopped at the north-east boundary of the Bayne Area. A pair of rise headings were driven to the south-east for exploratory purposes and for the development of panels' adjacent to the boundary. Development in this section (the Alpine) has proved the existence of two sharp north and south synclinal folds, approximately 10 chains

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apart, associated with some faulting. The dips vary from 70 degrees to reverse grades withm a few chains, necessitating the sinking of an exploratory dip from the crest of a pitching anticline, driving contour haulages around the troughs, and modification from time to time of the layouts for the sections. On account of the folding of the strata, steep dips, and variation in grade, the output from development work has been low and handling costs high. The seam in the section is from 8 ft. to 12 ft. in thickness and of excellent quality. Dip Extension : The Main Dip was extended to 10ft. below datum and crossed hv a level 200 ft. m length for sumpage. From 55 ft. and 20 ft. datums, pairs of levels were driven to the north-east and south-west for 9 and 11 chains respectively in coal of good quality up to 12 ft. in thickness, and an average grade of 1 in 2|. Floor heave is troublesome in this section and the roof and sides are difficult to hold. Although all places are driven narrow, in some cases only 4 ft. inside timber, heave, plus roof and side pressure, necessitate the ripping of the floor and the retimbering of the levels within a few weeks of driving. Preparations are in hand for the sinking of dips to determine the extent of workable coal below the north-east and south-west levels and for the development of dip panels. In view of the results of drilling ahead of the dip workings, further extension of the Mam Dip is deferred pending the results of dip sinking and panel development below the present bottom levels. Main Haulage : Subsidiary haulages below the 144 ft. datum have been eliminated by the extension of the Main Dip haulage to the 20 ft, datum level. Turnouts and laybyes on each side of the dip are under construction in preparation for coal from panel development on each side of the Main Dip. Reconditioning : The reconditioning of the main return airway in the lower section of the mine was continued. When experienced shiftmen are available for this work, the upper portion will be continued. Pumps : An additional turbine pump, 300 g.p.m. was installed and other pumps re-arranged to give more effective service. A winch, previously used for the Slant Dip, was installed in the Alpine Section, Bayne Area, to lower coal from the crest of the anticline to the main haulage level. A small winch and pump were installed to sink an exploratorv dip from the 332 ft. datum of the Main Heading, Alpine Section. Coal-drills : Two electrically-driven and two compressed-air-driven coal-drills were installed in the Alpine and Dip Extension Sections respectively. Underground Cables : A 0-1 three-core underground feeder has been laid from the underground substation at the 144 ft. level to the Dip Extension, and a new three-core 7-064 cable laid into the Alpine Section, Bayne Area. Surface Plant.—A shed, 8 ft, by 20 ft., for the storage of wire ropes, and an iron rack, 17 ft. by 10 ft., were erected during the period. Screen Buildings. —-The screen building and shelter shed for the tippler are completed and awaiting installation of the plant. Electrical Equipment.-The 150 kVA. transformer was replaced by a 200 kVA. unit and a 300 amp. 0.C.8. installed in the main substation. Railway Extension, The railway between Reefton Station and the terminus at the old screening plant has been reconditioned by the staff of the New Zealand Railways. The extension of the track to the new screening plant is held up on account of shortage of staff and urgent work on the main line south of Reefton. Drilling.— Three holes at 12-chain intervals on the line of the strike of the seam, and 8 to 10 chains ahead of the mine workings, were drilled through the coal measures to basement. This drilling indicates a thinning of the coal seams from north-east to south-west and an absence of workable coal ahead of and to the west of the Main Dip. A fourth hole 31 chains ahead of the Main Dip failed to penetrate the " Old Man " gravels and was abandoned at a depth of 420 ft.

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GrARVEY CREEK COLLIERY Coal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 14,693 tons, an increase of 2,133 tons 10 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for the quantity used on works (98 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 14,595 tons. In addition, 187 tons 3 qr. was won by the contractors from the south-east Side Opencast, making a total net output of 14,782 tons 3 qr. for disposal. 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, 1949 Tons cwt, qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. 128 16 1 Add net output for year .. 14,782 0 3 14,910 17 0 31st March, 1950 Less stock in bin and yard . . . . 277 16 2 Total disposed of .. .. 14,633 0 2 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. 3,980 6 3 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. 10,456 18 2 Railway sales .. .. . . 12 10 1 Local and mine sales .. .. 38 15 0 Sales to workmen and free issues 144 10 0 14,633 0 2 The gross output from the colliery since its inception totals 34,325 tons 10 cwt. 3 qr. Days WorJced.— The colliery worked 233 days out of a possible 240 ordinary workingdays. The difference is accounted for as follows : 5| days, dispute re transport; \ day, dispute re payment of averages ; 1 day, tribute to late P. C. Webb. Employees. —ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 40 men, made up as follows—Underground : Coalhewers, 10 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 26. Surface : 4 men. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £4 2s. 7d. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 17s. Bd., an increase of 7s. lid. when compared with the previous period. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 65 tons 17 cwt. 3 qrs. and the coalhewers' average daily output was 5 tons 14 cwt. 1 qr., as compared with 54 tons 1 cwt. and 5 tons 6 cwt, respectively for the previous period. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 2,536. _ 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.— North-west Side : The four superimposed levels between the 1,300 it. and 1,500 ft. datums have now advanced to the vicinity of the outcrops in Morris Creek. The driving of the two upper levels is completed ; No. 3 Level holed through on the outcrop on the north side of Morris Creek, while No. 4 Level was approximately 1 chain short of holing into Morris Creek. The two lower levels will be continued until No. 2 holes through on the south side of Morris Creek and No. 1 contacts the Morris Creek fault.

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Nos. 2, 3, and 4 Levels are to be used as access to a block of shallow coal in Morris Creek suitable for opencasting. The stripping of this block is to be commenced in the near future. The development work in this section has proved a rectangular block of rise coal 38 chains on the base and 216 ft. to the rise in which the seam varies from 15 ft. to 50 ft. in thickness. It contains stone and shale inclusions of varying thicknesses and concentration, which, in places, are of appreciable width. The coal is soft, but clean and of good quality. The average thickness of extractable coal in the block approximates 18 ft. Upper Block : Two levels, the lower of which has been commenced, are to be driven at the 1,694 ft. and 1,744 ft. datums to provide access and haulage from a triangular block of coal on the crest of the ridge, the major portion of which will be won by opencasting. These levels are in hard coal of good quality. As was the case during the driving of the lower prospecting levels at 1,300 ft. datum, irregular inclusions of stone in the seam appreciably affect normal progress and coal-winning. These drives will be completed early in the spring and opencasting will be commenced from the north-west side of the ridge. South-east Side : The driving of a new access from the surface along the footwall to No. 1 South-east Level is completed. One pair of men is now employed in this level driving a tunnel in stone along the footwall to prove the extent of the pinch out and thinning of the seam on which development in coal to the south-east has been stopped. Opencasting —South-east Opencast : The contractors have removed 32,487 cubic yards of overburden from the crest of the ridge and exposed the seam down to No. 6 Level. A short access road was constructed to the portal of No. 1 South-east Level, and a bin of 50 tons capacity completed. A steam-driven slack dragline is in position at the road head for hauling the coal from the upper portion of the opencast to the road bin. Plant. —The incline on the north-west side between 1,300 ft. and 1,680 ft. levels, average grade 36°, is completed, and a 50 horse power winch installed for haulage of material and men to the top section. The installation of the conveying plant between the 1,680 ft. level and the holding bin at 1,300 ft. is now completed and operating satisfactorily. A coal-holding bin of 15 tons capacity was constructed on the 1,680 ft. level at the head of the incline to feed coal to a two-stage retarder conveyor, 730 ft. in length, installed on the south side of incline haulage. At the foot of the incline a 30 in. horizontal belt conveyor, 60 ft. in length, receives coal from both the lower section of the mine and from the retarder, and delivers to a trimming scraper conveyor, 25 ft. in length,- over the road bin. A circular saw and power-driven drill-press were installed in the mine workshop. Mine-buildings. —A carpenters' shop, 22 ft. by 12 ft., was completed and a shelter shed erected over the circular saw. Magazine : A new magazine for explosives was completed. Railway Siding. —The formation for the railway siding on the north side of the Eeefton Station was completed, and a turnout and 3J chains of track laid to a new loading-bank, 80 ft. in length, which was built on the south end of the yard for the loading of unscreened coal. Screening Plant. —Excavation for the site of a hopper to receive coal transported by road is completed and the approach ramps built up to formation height. The concrete foundations for the screening plant are in and the steel framework for the building is completed. Central Colliery Coal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 4,329 tons and, after allowing for waste (25 tons) and the quantity used on works (10 tons) and the quantity raised from dump (126 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 4,420 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, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. 49 14 3 Add net output for year . . .. 4,420 0 0 4,469 14 3 31st March, 1950 Less stock on hand .. .. 21 15 3 Less stock on dump .. .. 85 0 0 lO6 15 3 Total disposed of .. .. .. 4,362 19 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. 408 14 3 ' Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. .. 3,780 16 0 Railway sales . . . . .. 8 8 1 Local and mine sales .. .. 137 0 0 Sales to workmen and free issues . . 28 0 0 , 4 3 3 62 19 0 The gross output of the colliery since, its acquisition by the State on 21st March, 1949, totals 4,404 tons. Days Worked. —The colliery worked 239 days out of a possible 240 ordinary workingdays. The difference is accounted for as follows : 1 day, tribute to late P. C. Webb. Employees. —ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 20 men, made up as follows—Underground : Coalhewers, 6 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 12. Surface : 2 men. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 os. 7d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 18s. Id., an increase of 4s. 6d. when compared with the previous period. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 18 tons 13 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 3 tons 8 cwt. 1 qr., as compared with 8 tons 6 cwt. 3 qr. and 5 tons 17 cwt. 1 qr. respectively for the previous period. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 1,251. Deficiencies. —There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents. —No serious accidents were reported at the Central Colliery during the year. Stone-dusting. —This work was carried out regularly in the dry portions of the mine. Underground Workings. —The output was obtained during the period from sinking on the North Development Dip, the driving of necessary cut-throughs to the return and the extension of return headings. Dip Extension : The North Dip was extended 274 ft. for the period in coal of variable quality containing stone intrusions. The seam showed a thickness of 12 ft., but at one stage thinned to 4 ft. Two development levels have been extended north-east for a distance of 5 chains with the necessary cut-throughs for ventilation. These levels are to serve as intake and return for the proposed panel sections, and it will be necessary to drive a further distance of approximately 5 chains before the first panel will clear the adjoining lease. The coal is of a friable nature, and the seam maintains its normal height of 12 ft. A new return section, 850 ft. in length, has been driven to byepass a badly fallen portion of the old return known as Clark's Level. The byepassed section was then sealed off.

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Main Haulage Extension to the Surface : This heading has been driven on a rising grade a distance of 270 ft. The seam maintained a height of 8 ft. for a distance of 200 ft. and,then gradually thinned down to 1 ft. of coal and 2 ft. of shale. It was necessary to rip 3 ft. 6. in. of mudstone to maintain height. The distance to drive to the surface is 200 ft., and the intervening country consists of mudstone and surface gravels. Main Sump : Included in the Dip Extension is a distance of 90 ft. From this dip levels will be broken away for the purpose of forming a main sump. Reconditioning : Reconditioning of the main haulage roads has been carried. out practically for their total length except for the stone drive which crosscuts the spam. Winches : A 35 h.p. winch has been installed on the surface and a 10 h.p. winch underground. Electric Cables : The main feeder underground has been replaced with a cable of higher carrying-capacity and a heavier cable run to the Bottom Dip Section. Telephones : Three telephones have been installed in the underground workings connecting with one on the surface. Surface Buildings. —A bicycle-shed has been erected to hold fifteen cycles. A building, 14 ft. by 12 ft., of rough timber has been erected to serve as a store. Screening Plant. —An 18 in. belt conveyor has been installed to transport the small coal to the bin from the screen. Btjknwell Colliery Coal-winning. —The gross output from Ist May, 1949, when the colliery was purchased by the State, to 31st March, 1950, was 3,386 tons 10 cwt. After allowing for the quantity used on works (10 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 3,376 tons 10 cwt. Taking into account the stock at the end of the period, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the period : Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Net output for period 31 st March, 1950 . . .. 3,376 10 0 Less stock on hand .. .. 20 10 1 Less stock on dump .. ~ 145 0 0 165 10 1 Total disposed of .. ~ .. 3,210 19 3. Disposals Tons cwt, qr. Shipped .. ..■■ ■.. .. 482 18 0 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. .. 2,681 14 3 Local sales .. .. .. 46 7 0 3,210 19 3 . The gross output from the collier v since its purchase by the State on the Ist May, 1949, totals 3,386 tons 10 cwt. Days Worked. —The colliery worked 221 days out of a possible 222 ordinary workingdays. The difference is accounted for as follows : 1 day, tribute to late P. C. Webb. Employees. —ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 16 men, made up as follows—Underground : Coalhewers, 5 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 11. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers ; average daily earnings (gross) were £3 2s. 3d. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 17s. 6d. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 15 tons 6 cwt. 1 qr. and the coalhewers' average daily output was 7 tons 19 cwt. 3 qr. The total number of hewer shifts for the period was 318.

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Deficiencies. —-There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the period. Accidents. —Two serious accidents occurred at this colliery. On 6th October, 1949,, a trucker suffered a compound fracture of third metatarsal of the third toe, which was subsequently amputated. The accident occurred when a timber-jack slipped. On 13th February, 1950, a miner severed his left thumb as the result of an axe being deflected in the course of timbering. Stone-dusting. —This work was carried out regularly in the dry portions of the mine. This mine was acquired by the State on Ist May, 1949, and on account of deterioration in the outbye and older portion of the mine and the large tonnage of coal standing in pillars, further development to the east was stopped and preparations made to extract the coal already developed. The undeveloped area to the south-east of the existing mine will be developed at a later date from the Keddale Valley. Clearing of falls and the reconditioning of the main haulage to regain access to the inbye portion of the mine delayed the resumption of normal coal-winning for some weeks after the mine was acquired. On several occasions subsequent to the reconditioning of the haulage, normal coal-winning has been interrupted by heatings and falls on the haulage in the vicinity of the mine portal—a total of fourteen weeks' normal coal-hewing being lost from these causes. An appreciable tonnage of fallen coal was recovered during these periods. The output for the period was obtained from clearing falls of coal during the reconditioning of the haulage roads and from the formation, splitting, and extraction of pillars in the inbye section of the mine. Heatings. —Two areas in the older portion of the mine and adjacent to the mine mouths were sealed off by the erection of stoppings. Return and Intake Airways. —The outbye portion of the intake roadways, which was driven in surface gravels, was unloaded of portion of the overburden and enlarged. The outlet of the return has since been treated in a similar manner. Bins and Screening Plant. —New timber supports were placed under the holding bin and the structure was held together with wire-rope ties from side to side to prevent further settlement and bulging respectively. A petrol-driven winch was installed near the mine mouth for the purpose of hauling timber and mine stores from the road head. A tram, 4 chains in length, has been laid from the mine mouth to the road head to facilitate haulage of supplies and timber. I have, &c, K. T. H. Dale, District Manager. From the Superintendent, State Coal-mines, Greymouth, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— 22nd June, 1950. 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 vear ended 31st March, 1950. Liverpool Colliery Coal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 100,036 tons 17 cwt., an increase of 6,922 tons 17 cwt., when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,441 tons 17 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (1,195 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 97,400 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, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard . . . . 2,458 17 1 Stock on wharf . . . . . . 715 8 2 3,174 5 3 Add net output for year .. 97,400 0 0 Add surplus stocks .. .. 0 0 — 99,400 0 0 102,574 5 3 31st March, 1950 Less stock in bin and yard .. 2,933 17 3 Less stock on wharf 2,933 17 3 Total disposed of .. .. .. 99,640 8 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. 49,012 11 0 Bailed to Canterbury, &c. .. .. 44,056 12 0 Railway sales .. .. .. 908 18 2 Local and mine sales .. .. 4,879 12 1 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 782 14 1 ■ 99,640 8 0 The gross output from the colliery since its inception totals 4,547,262 tons 14 cwt. Days Worked. —The colliery worked 226 days out of a possible 240 ordinary working-days. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 226, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 6 days, deaths and funerals of workmen ; 1 day, death of P. C. Webb ; 2 days, slip on railway incline ; 2 days, mechanical breakdown ; 1 day, miners did not work ; 1 day, international footbal 1 match ; 1 day, trucking dispute. Employees. —ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 304 men and 13 boys, made up as follows— Underground : Coal-hewers, 72 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 173. Surface : 59 men and 13 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 15s. 4d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 lis. Bd., a decrease of sd. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 442 tons 13 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 13 cwt., as compared with 443 tons 8 cwt. and 6 tons 17 cwt. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 15,030. Deficiencies. --There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents. —On 27th April a deputy was struck by falling coal and died from his injuries before reaching the hospital. On 12th July a miner was struck by a falling prop, receiving head and shoulder injuries.

2—o 2a

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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 504. In addition, 208 samples from co-operative mines and 128 samples from other State coal-mines were also analysed. Underground Workings.— Anderson Dip Section : Three pairs of miners engaged in reopening old roadways and extracting pillars. The bottom 6 chains of James Dip have been sealed and flooding of this area is taking place. Two pairs of miners reopening or splitting for new roadway to extract pillars, Kennedy's Dip. It was found to be too costly to reopen level to prove fault in Kennedy's Dip as the proving of this fault can be done from the Morgan Seam below. Kimbell East: One pair of miners opening up old No. 1 Bank in preparation for pillar-extraction, or, if future prospecting proves worth while, Eamage's Seam, a block of coal between the Kimbell and Top Mine, could be worked from this bank. Kimbell West : Four pairs of miners extracting pillars in old fire area, The dip section has been worked out and is being flooded. Morgan. West Rise : Pillar-extraction is taking place by two pairs of miners in No. 3 Bank, three pairs in No. 2| Bank, and one pair in No. 2 Bank. Morgan West Level : The driving of this level has been continued in stone with to crossing a known fault to allow of prospecting above and below by boring. However, the width of faulted ground has been extensive and it is not practical to bore until more settled strata has been reached. Morgan West Dip : Both East and West Levels are in good coal, thickness of coal in West Level approximately 14 ft. Thickness of coal in East Level—7 ft. coal on roof, 1 ft, stone and 12 ft. to 14 ft. coal on floor. Four pairs of miners developing. A prospecting dip off East Level, after being driven approximately 4 chains, flattened and appears to be rising. This place is stopped at present whilst a return airway is being driven, thickness of coal, 10 ft. Morgan East Dip : Top Panel finished and sealed. No. 1 Panel : 1 pair of miners extracting pillars. No. 2 Panel: Three pairs of miners extracting pillars. The east side of this panel has been driven on to a fault. Boring is being carried out in this area and so far two holes have proved a 5 ft. and 4 ft. seam in each hole at approximately the same depth—l 34 ft. Coal appears dirty. Two pairs of miners developing East Heading in dirty coal which is expected to improve. West Level Morgan East Dip : Six pairs of miners developing. Thickness of coal 20 ft, to 25 ft, Gust's Dip 4-a Section : Three pairs of miners developing. Thickness of coal, 20 ft, East Level Main Dip 4a : One pair of miners developing. This level has been driven approximately 12 chains, the last 2 chains in dirty coal, 3 ft, dirty coal on roof, 2 ft, stone and 3 ft, 10 in. coal on floor. West Level 4a Main Dip : Two pairs of miners developing. Thickness of coal, 20 ft. Main Dip 4a : This dip has been driven a further 4 chains, grade 1 in 2, thickness, 20 ft, At present one pair of miners employed putting a cut through for air whilst the dip face, which is very gassy, is standing. Strongman Colliery Goal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 97,248 tons 14 cwt., an increase of 12,061 tons 9 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (2,492 tons 14 cwt.) and the quantitv used on works (496 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 94,260 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, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock hi bin and yard . . . . 153 19 3 Stock on wharf .. . . . . 580 3 3 734 3 2 Add net output for year .. 94,260 0 0 Add surplus stocks .. . . 850 0 0 95,110 0 0 95,844 3 2 31st March, 1950 Less stock in bin and yard . . 983 12 2 Less stock on wharf .. . . 960 4 2 Less stock on dump . . .. 195 0 0 2,138 17 0 Total disposed of . . .. .. 93,705 6 2 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. 60,317 11 3 Railed to Canterbury, &c. . . . . 17,550 10 1 Railway sales .. .. .. 2,889 9 0 Local and mine sales .. . . 8,824 6 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 4,123 9 2 93,705 6 2 The gross output from the colliery since its inception totals 995,875 tons 6 cwt. Days Worked. —The colliery worked 233 days out of a possible 240 ordinary workingdays. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 233, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 4 days, deaths and funerals of workmen ; 1 day, death of P. C. Webb ; 1 day, tonnage dispute ; 1 day, shortage of wagons. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 267 men and 5 boys, made up as follows — Underground : coal-hewers, 73 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 132. Surface : 62 men and 5 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers'' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 14s. 6d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 I.os. 7d., a decrease of Is. 2d. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 417 tons 8 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 5 cwt., as compared with 396 tons 4 cwt. and 6 tons 1 cwt. respectively for the previous vear. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 15,510. Deficiencies. —There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents. —No serious accidents were reported at the Strongman Colliery during the year. Stone-dusting. —Work under this heading was continued during the year. The total number of samples taken from the Strongman Colliery and analysed was 456. Underground Workings. —Main East Heading : Main Heading advanced 3 chains. The average thickness of the coal is 13 ft. There are seven pairs of miners in this section.

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South Sections : Developing work towards the Bob Fault has been completed, and pillar-extraction commenced with seven pairs of miners. No. 1 South Section : Pillar-extraction has proceeded in the western portion of this panel with two pairs of miners. No. 3 North Section : Two headings are proceeding north. Five pairs of miners are engaged in this section. Coal, 20 ft. thick. No. 2 North Section : No. 3 Panel has been completed. No. 4 Panel stopped on thinning coal a distance of 48 chains from north of main drive. No. 2 North Heading has advanced 4 chains, average thickness of coal, 10 ft. Three pairs of miners employed. Serious faulting has occurred in this section cutting off some of the working-places. Fault: Four pairs of miners have been engaged developing between No. 2 North and Doherty Fault. Average thickness of coal, 20 ft. New Seam No. 2 North : Three pairs of miners are engaged developing. Average thickness of coal, 9 ft. Slant Dip Section : Three pairs developing to the west, 5 chains down the Slant Dip, average thickness of coal, 9 ft. Panel between Slant Dip and Bob Fault completed. Three pairs engaged developing along the bottom of the panel towards the Bob Fault. Main Dip advanced 3 chains with an average thickness of 12 ft. of coal. Two pairs of miners employed. Rise Panel Section : This section was stopped on thinning coal a distance of 25 chains from No. 2 Dip. Blackball Colliery Coal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 69,860 tons 3 cwt., a decrease of 924 tons 14 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,831 tons 3 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (394 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 67,635 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, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. .Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. . . 1,471 8 0 Stock on wharf .. .. 46 19 0 1,518 7 0 Add net output for year .. ~ 67,635 0 0 69,153 7 0 31st March, 1950 Less stock in bin and yard .. 2,332 1 0 Less stock on wharf 2,332 1 0 Total disposed of .. .. 66,821 6 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. 26,650 14 0 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. 18,764 13 0 Railway sales .. .. .. 16,445 8 0 Local and mine sales .. . . 3,320 1 0 Sales to workmen and free issues . . 1,640 10 0 66,821 6 0

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The gross output from the colliery since it was taken over by State Coal-mines on sth July, 1941, totals 482,988 tons 17 cwt. Days Worked. —The colliery worked 235 f days out of a possible 240 ordinary workingdays. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 235 f and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : f day, union meetings ; 1 day, protracted union meeting ; } day, referendum on military training ; I day, international football match; f day, general election day; li days, funerals of former workmen; 1 day, bins full. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 184 men and 3 boys, made up as follows—Underground : Coat-hewers, 52 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 106 men and 1 boy. Surface: ~26 men and 2 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 Bs. Id., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 45., an increase of Is. 6d. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output.— The average daily output was 296 tons 18 cwt., 1 qr. and the coalhewers' average daily output was 6 tons 3 cwt. 3 qr., as compared with 291 tons 19 cwt. 3 qr. and 6 tons 10 cwt. 3 qr. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 11,285. Deficiencies.—The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £4 Bs. Accidents.— On 4th July, 1949, a miner was caught by a fall of coal and suffered a fractured right leg and back injuries. Underground Workings. —During the year twenty-six pairs of miners were employed giving an average daily output of approximately 300 tons. Six pairs of miners were employed on single shift, the others on double shift, giving ten pairs on backshift, the least miners required to keep the backshift running efficiently. The screened-coal average has been approximately 37 per cent., and the seam generally is not conducive towards a high percentage of screenings due to the changeable nature of the seam, which may be hard and bright one day and soft and friable the nextTwo local heatings were sealed off during the year. One in the 4 Box Pillar Section and the other in the Sump Section. Neither of these heatings occurred through the extraction of pillars, but were the result of heavy falls in old roadways which were inaccessible and which could not be cleared in time to prevent combustion taking place. Crow's Nest and Slant Dip : Good outputs have been maintained from these sections during the year. The coal, although friable, is of good quality. A 2-acre panel was formed at the bottom of the Slant Dip and the pillars are now being extracted. A connection was also made with the old south drive to ease the air restrictions on the main drive. This roadway will serve as a new return airway at some future date. No. 2 South and Dunn's Dip : Considerable development work has been carried out in these areas during the year. Dunn's Dip, which was standing on thin coal, was driven on a dip of lin 4 for 4 chains when the coal thickened to 15 ft. The seam is soft and friable and the conditions wet, but the prospects are bright as the seam has been definitely proved between Dunn's Dip and the Slant Dip. The No. 2 South Heading was standing for a considerable period on thin coal and the roadways to this place had all caved in, but the falls were cleared and the face extended for 5 chains when the seam started to dip and the coal-seam thickened to 14 ft. The seam in this area is also soft and friable, but the thickness of the seam suggests that it is worth while developing this area which will be easy to ventilate and provide transport for the coal.

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Perrin's Dip and Sump : Perrin's Dip was opened during the year, but after extending for 3 chains it was found that it was almost impossible to keep the places open due to heavy floor heave and thinning of the seam. A small panel was then formed in very uneven floor conditions with the seam still thinning, and it was then decided to extract the standing pillars back to the Sum]) Dip where two seals will completely isolate this area. No. 3 South and Main Dip : The Main Dip was extended sufficiently to allow a 3-chain barrier between the Sum]) Dip and new heading to the south. These headings have now been driven for 7 chains in good hard coal in very wet conditions, and after extending for another 3 chains a panel can be opened to the rise bearing towards Perrin's Dip. In the No. 3 South Heading the seam was level for 2 chains, dipped on a gradient of 1 in 4 for 3 chains, is on a rise gradient for the next 1| chains, and is again dipping at the face. Main Dip : This dip was extended a further 11 chains during the year under the usual Blackball conditions. A white sandstone intrusion followed the line of the dip for 5 chains and had to be cut in every crosscut to the- back airway. It is interesting to note that this intrusion is again showing in the Main Dip face after being absent during the driving of the last 4 chains. A large area has also been opened on the north side of the Main Dip and two headings are being driven in this direction, the coal has been well proved in this area and production will be maintained for a considerable period. The coal is of a hard bright nature, and a coal-cutter will be employed to undercut the coal. North Dip : A large panel has been formed in this area, and will be the best natural sump yet found in the mine. There is at present storage for approximately 1,500,000 gallons of water with plenty of scope for extension if required. Main Drive : Ten chains of the main drive were ripped and 12 ft. bars of tramway rails with 8 ft. concrete legs were erected. It should also be noted that three hundred tramway rails were used on the main roads in six months, as well as railway rails which have been coming to hand in small lots of fifty at a time. Installations : Coal-drilling machines were installed throughout the mine. A coalcutter in Perrin's Dip ; a coal-cutter in the North Dip ; a new 90 h.p. pump in the Bealey sump ; a new 200 h.p. pump in the borough sump ; two centrifugal pumps, each 25 h.p. in the North Dip sum]); a 32 h.p. endless rope haulage in the Main Dip. Difficult mining conditions, which have persisted over the previous years because of excess water and the very changeable nature of the seam, still prevail especially in the developing places. With the increased length of roadways to upkeep, and the increasing number of large plant installations being made as the mine extends, only increased production can combat the rise which will take place in overhead costs and keep them at a reasonable figure. To overcome this rising cost, development will have to be slightly retarded as these places are generally dips yielding low outputs, and the miners therefrom will be shifted to bords where much larger outputs should be obtained. Wallsend Colliery Coal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 55,839 tons 18 cwt. 3 qr., a decrease of 113 tons 5 cwt. 2 qr. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,639 tons 18 cwt. 3 qr.) and the quantity used on works (1,420 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 52,780 tons.

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Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the vear, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard . . .. 1,543 5 2 Stock on wharf . . .. .. 399 11 0 1,942 16 2 Add net output for year .. .. 52,780 0 0 54,722 16 2 31st March, 1950 Less stock in bin and yard .. 1,395 0 3 Less stock on wharf . . . . 445 16 0 1,840 16 3 Total disposed of . . .. .. 52,88119 3 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. 27,303 7 0 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. .. 11,514 12 0 Railway sales ..' .. .. 12,845 13 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 1,209 7 3 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 9 0 0 52,881 19 3 The gross output from the colliery since it was taken over by the State Coal-mines on 22nd February, 1943, totals 378,746 tons 0 cwt. 3 qr. Days Worked, —The colliery worked 221 i days out of a possible 240 ordinary workingdays. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 221-1, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 2f days, union meetings ; I day, referendum on military training; I- day, international football match ; f day, election day; 2 days idle after protracted union meetings ; 4 days, power failures ; 1 day, funeral of former workman ; 1 day, fault in mine-cage; 2f days, fault in winding wheel at top of shaft; 3 days, fault in auxiliary shaft; 1 day, bins full; 1 day, death of P. C. Webb. Employees. —ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 155 men and 4 boys, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 41 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 85 men and 1 boy. Surface : 29 men and 3 boys. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 19s. lid., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was €3 16s. lOcl., an increase of 7s. 9d. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 252 tons 10 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 7 tons 0 cwt. 1 qr., as compared with 236 tons 7 cwt. 2 qr. and 6 tons 19 cwt. 3 qr. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 7,962. Deficiencies. —There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents. —No serious accidents were reported at this colliery during the year. Underground Workings. —No. 1 Section : Coal-production from this section was won from pillar-extraction only. The thickness of the seam is approximately 10 ft. This section is nearing completion.

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No. 1a Section : This section is situated north-east of No. 1 Section and has for some years been abandoned. To gain access to this section it was necessary to clear and retimber approximately 20 chains of roadway through old workings adjacent to No. 1 Section. A small area of solid coal adjacent to the fault, where the thickness of the seam is approximately 10 ft., is being developed prior to extracting pillars. Rise Working Between Shaft and Tyneside. —This section, which has been sealed off for some years, is now being reopened and ventilated for the purpose of surveying and determining the position of the present Wallsend workings in relation to the Tyneside. No further development will be done in this direction until the Tyneside has been dewatered. An overcast was constructed near the shaft bottom to provide ventilation for the above section. Old No. 2 Section : Approximately 4 chains of dip workings have yet to be dewatered to allow the fault in the dip heading to be prospected. The haulage road is being repaired as the water is lowered. Very little coal has been won from this section for the year as the work done has been confined to the forming of haulage roads only. No. 1 Slant Dip : Coal-production from this section has been won from pillarextraction only. The thickness of the seam is 10 ft. This section is also nearing completion. No. 2 Slant Dip : Coal-production from this section was won from pillar-extraction. This section is now completed. The Extension Section and B. Section have also been completed, and extraction is now confined to the haulage roadside pillars, two pillar widths on each side of the haulage road. Preparations are being made to extract pillars from the six-box section. Extensive repairs have been carried out on the storage bins and auxiliary shaft poppet heads. A new picking belt, slack-conveyor, and slack-elevator were installed during the year. Dobson Colliery Goal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 74,276 tons 4 cwt. 2 qr., an increase of 5,154 tons 14 cwt. 3 qr. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (2,198 tons 3 cwt. 2 qr.) and the quantity used on works (330 tons 1 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 71,748 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, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. 2,182 6 3 Stock on wharf . . .. . . 444 5 0 2,626 11 3 Add net output for year .. .. 71,748 0 0 74,374 11 3 31st March, 1950 Less stock in bin and yard . . 2,770 1 3 Less stock on wharf .. .. 171 18 0 2,941 19 3 Total disposed of .. .. .. 71,432 12 0

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Disposals a , . Tons cwt. qr. Snipped .. .. .. .. 48,125 12 0 Railed to Canterbury, &c. .. .. 15,150 19 0 Railway sales .. .. .. 3,'167 8 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 2,348 13 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 2,640 0 0 71,432 12 0 The gross output from the colliery since it was taken over by the State Coal-mines on 22nd February, 1943, totals 451,547 tons 7 cwt, 1 qr. Days Worked.—The colliery worked 234 days out of a possible 240 ordinary workingdays. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 234, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 2f days, union meetings ; 1 day, protracted union meeting ; 1 day, power failure ; \ day, referendum on military service ; I day international football match ; f day, election day ; 1 day, death of P. C. Webb. ' Employees. —ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed m and about the mine was 230 men and 5 boys made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 60 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 136. Surface : 34 men and 5 boys. Coal-hewers'' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings iITn S) of 6 £3 - 13S " 10d " and after deductin S stOTes (explosives) their net return was £3 10s. 2d., an increase of 2s. 7d. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 317 tons 8 cwt. 1 qr. and the coalhewers average daily output was 6 tons 0 cwt. 2 qr., as compared with 294 tons 17 cwt. and 5 tons 18 cwt. 2 qr. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 12,329. Deficiencies.— -There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents.—No serious accidents were reported at this colliery during the year Underground Workings.— Fifth West Section: This section in good coal about 12 ft thick on the normal regular Dobson grade, was worked bv twelve pairs of miners and has advanced about 5 chains to the dip. The workings are limited to the west by a faulting which is being met by levels as the dip workings extend down. Some underground drilling was done on this fault but no coal was found. No. 2 Dip Section : Also in good regular coal similar to Fifth West. Is worked from the stone drive through the 30 ft. No. 2 Dip fault and has advanced ten chains to the west in coal below the Fifth West Section. Eight pairs of miners employed. Towards the end of the year a lower connection was made through the fault and this will be regraded for a better haulage of the No. 2 Dip Section coal to the terminus of the main endless-rope haulage. No. 1 Dip Section : This was advanced 10 chains to the dip by eight pairs of miners on this steep irregular development. The quality and thickness is normal but the grade has increased to 1 m 2, and the whole section appears to be under the influence of a steep roll which may possibly develop into a fault as the dips go down. These dips are driven cross-measure to minimize the haulage grade and are now 16 chains away from Borehole No. 254, which proved 13 ft. of coal and which is actually the largest known unworked part of the field. It is interesting to note that these dip faces are now 1,700 ft. below sea-level and approximately a quarter of a mile past the Dobson Power-station. .._ V J aduct East Section: Approximately three pairs of miners worked this steep difficult Last Section. This side, for reason of its difficulties, has always lagged behind. General—Regarding Sections : The active development has always proceeded in the more favourable sections while the more difficult No. 1 and Viaduct Sections have not been persevered with to the same extent, and as the larger part of the remaining

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field appears to be to the south and east, it is obvious that efforts will have to be made with this more costly development before the easier sections cut out. Not only are they more costly because of steepness and irregularity, but also because there is a serious deterioration in the roof condition, with its added cost of timber and allowances. Also, the larger pillar requirement makes for difficulty in ventilation with the resulting increase of gas, heat, and dust, to the extent that most future development will, before long, have to be done by working all faces to the dip. Drilling : During the year several angle holes were drilled from underground to test the Fifth West fault, but no workable coal was cut. This appears to be a main faulting, but as soon as a drill is available further tests will be made. Haulage—Power, &c. : After adjustments the main No. 1 Dip haulage with the recent extension worked well. The increased loading at the bottom has caused more rope-lift in depressions and continual regrading is going on, particularly in the places subject to floor heave. In general, work is proceeding on the scheme to land all coal at the bottom of this rope-road extension. The success of future lower haulage depends entirely on electrical power extension. Underground Maintenance and Eepair : Timbering maintenance, an increasing and costly item, is being continued, and the greater crush as more acreage is left behind in pillars, calls for higher costs for labour and timber. Concrete stoppings have been advanced right up to the main sections and, in addition, crushed stoppings have been repaired. Paparoa Colliery Goal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 31,216 tons 11 cwt., an increase of 3,565 tons 6 cwt., when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (591 tons 11 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (125 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 30,500 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, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. 1,029 8 0 Stock on wharf .. .. .. 49 1 0 1,078 9 0 Add net output for year .. .. 30,500 0 0 31,578 9 0 31st March, 1950 Less stock in bin and yard .. 1,410 10 0 Less stock on wharf 1,410 10 0 Total disposed of .. .. .. 30,167 19 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. 10,185 6 0 Bailed to Canterbury, &c. .. .. 11,437 18 0 Bailway sales .. .. .. 6,952 11 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 1,409 9 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 182 15 0 30,167 19 0 The gross output from the colliery since it was taken over by the State Coal-mines on 25th April, 1947, totals 83,755 tons.

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Days Worked. —The colliery worked 230 days out of a possible 240 ordinary workingdays. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 230, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : If days, union meetings ; 2 days, protracted union meetings ; f day, extra wet days ; 1 day, dispute re miner working Saturday and union member acting as deputy ; 2 days, disputes re wet-time places ; 1 day, fan stoppage in West Section and flooding in Aerial Section ; 1 day, international football match ; I day referendum on military training ; 1 day, cavil day ; i day, power-cut ; f day', general election day ; i day, death of P.C. Webb. Employees. —ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 79 men and 5 boys made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers 17 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 38 men and 1 boy. Surface : 24 men and 4 boys. Coal-Hetvers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 12s. lid., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 lis. Id., an increase of ss. 2d. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 135 tons 14 cwt. 2 qrs. and the coalhewers' average daily output was 9 tons 7 cwt. 2 qr., as compared with 116 tons 10 cwt 3 qr. and 9 tons 1 cwt. 3 qr. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 3,328. Deficiencies.—There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents. —No serious accidents were reported from this colliery during the year. Underground Workings. —The output for the year from both sections of the Paparoa Mine, was derived mainly from pillar-extraction. In the Aerial Mine a stone drive of 7 chains has been driven from the landing at the mouth of the mine to the level in the Waterfall Creek area. This drive is being prepared for a battery locomotive which will haul coal from the Waterfall Creek area where the coal is of a very good quality. The fan at the Aerial Mine was shifted to a position approximately 2 chains north of the old site. When the fan was installed in the new position the air reading showed an increase of 18 per cent. Owing to a slip, the fan at Soldiers' Creek in the West Mine was shifted 30 ft. back from the face of the hill and a new fan drift erected. This has proved satisfactory. The high-tension power-line from Middle Flat to Soldiers' was completed and the power connected up in September. Preparations are being made to develop a section in No. 2 Seam in the West Mine from the top tunnel. I have, &c, C. J. Strongman, Superintendent. The District Engineer, Works Department, Dunedin, to the Permanent Head, Works Department, Wellington. (Note. —Wangaloa Opencast is operated by the Works Department on behalf of the State coal-mines.) 12th April, 1950. I have to report on the Wangaloa Opencast as follows : Work on stripping of overburden and winning of coal has continued throughout the year with the usual seasonal fluctuations, and in spite of very wet winter conditions coal tallies were maintained at a high level during the winter months when the demand was high and a total coal output of 41,110 tons 13 cwt. was achieved. Approximately 170,000 cubic yards of overburden were removed during the year.

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For the first half of the year the plant used for stripping overburden was two tractorcarryall units, one tractor and bulldozer, one tractor and rooter in the main cut, while one 1| cubic yard dragline with two tractors and athey wagons were engaged 'in the " swamp area." In October two Tournapull units were introduced. In spite of minor hold-ups, excellent work has been done on a long uphill lead, and coal in now assured for the coming winter. The stripping has consisted of a very " tight " conglomerate requiring continuous use of the rooter. Access roads have given little trouble and 159 cubic yards of maintenance, gravel have been spread and 102 cubic yards of crushed rock. The Hudswell Diesel loco, at the bins has been replaced by a small steam loco, which has given very little trouble. The mine buildings and camp are in good condition and have been painted and repaired during the slack coal period in the summer months. A. G-. Park, District Engineer. The District Manager, State Coal-mines, Ohai, to the Under-Secretary,,Mines Department, Wellington. SIR 16th June, 1950. I have the honour to submit my report on the workings of the Mossbank, Black Diamond, Wairaki, Star, Birchwood, and McLean's Opencast State Mines for the vear Ist April, 1949, to the 31st March, 1950. Mossbank Colliery Goal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 25,962 tons 9 cwt. 1 qr., a decrease of 387 tons 17 cwt. 3 qr. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (568 tons 1 cwt. 2 qr.) and'the quantity used on works (413 tons 11 cwt. 3 qr.), there remained for disposal 24,980 tons 16 cwt. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1949 Tons cwt> qr< Tons cwt _ qr Stocks in j^ard Add net output for year .. 24,980 16 0 31st March, 1950 Less stocks in yard Total disposed of .. - 24,980 16 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 24,740 16 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 10 0 Workmen and free issues .. .. 239 0 0 24,980 16 0 The gross output for the colliery since taken over by the State on 2nd October 1944 totals, 141,407 tons 10 cwt. Days Worked.—The Mossbank Colliery worked 226 davs out of a possible 240 ordinary working-days. The difference between the days worked and the possible number of ordinary workmg-days is accounted for as follows : 2 days, heating in workings ; 2 days, power failures ; 1 day, union meeting ; 3 days, funerals of ex-members of Miners' Union ; 3 days, disputes ; 1 day, Easter Tuesday, 1949 ; 2 days, plant breakdowns. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons engaged in or about the mine was 39 men and 2 boys, made up as follows—Underground : Coalhewers, 15 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 14. Surface : 10 men and 2 boys.

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Daily Output. —The average daily output was 114 tons 17 cwt. 2 qr. and the coalhewers' average daily output was 8 tons 0 cwt. 1 qr., as compared with 112 tons 12 cwt. and 8 tons 7 cwt. respectively for the previous year. Deficiencies. —No payments were made to coal-hewers under the minimum-wage clause. Coal-hewer \s-' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £3 9s. lid., and after deducting stores (explosives), their net return was £3 ss. Id., an increase of 9d. per day when compared with the previous year. Accidents. —Only a few minor accidents occurred during the year under review. Stone-dusting. —This work was done regularly throughout the year. Underground Workings. —No development work was done during the year, operations being confined solely to pillar-extraction in the lower part of the mine. The line of pillarextraction is being maintained at water-level, and water is run into the mine as extraction proceeds. Two cases of spontaneous heating occurred in the mine, the areas being sealed off and subsequently flooded with water. The coal was of good quality with a thickness varying from 9 ft. to 24 ft. Plant. —All plant operated satisfactorily and repairs and maintenance were efficiently carried out by the engineering staff. Black Diamond Opencast Coal-winning. —Opencast operations were continued throughout the year. The gross output for the year was 42,241 tons 14 cwt., all of which was available for disposal, an increase of 6,472 tons 12 cwt. by opencasting when compared with the output for the previous year. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stocks in yard Add net output for year .. 42,241 14 0 31st March, 1950 Less stocks in yard Total disposed of .. 42,241 14 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 37,233 8 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 4,942 10 0 Workmen and free issues .. .. 65 16 0 42,241 14 0 The gross output for the colliery since taken over by the State on 9th April, 1947, has totalled 93,065 tons 6 cwt. (underground, 488 tons 8 cwt. ; opencast, 92,576 tons 18 cwt.). Days Worked. —The Black Diamond Opencast worked 204 days out of a possible 240 ordinary working-days. In addition, the opencast worked 3 Saturdays, making the total days worked 207. The difference between the days worked and the possible number of ordinary working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, Easter Tuesday, 1949 ; 15 days, stripping ; 4 days, repairs to plant; 2 days, cleaning up pit; 7 days, wet weather ; 7 days, heating in old workings. Employees. —The average number of men employed at the opencast was 20. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 204 tons 1 cwt. Workings. —Coal-production was maintained satisfactorily throughout the year. During the year 316,946 cubic yards of overburden were stripped, making a total of 912,941 cubic yards stripped since the commencement of opencasting. The coal has been of good quality throughout with a high percentage of screening.

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Plant.—No additional plant units were put into operation during the year. All plant was maintained in good order and condition. Wairaki Colliery Coal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 65,634 tons 6 cwt., a decrease of 580 tons 11 cwt. when compared with the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,926 tons 6 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (2,767 tons 7 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 60,940 tons 13 cwt, The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stocks in yard Add net output for vear .. 60,940 13 0 31st March, 1950 Less stocks in yard Total disposed of . . 60,940 13 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 55,031 10 0 Local and mine sales . . . . 5,323 5 0 Workmen and free issues . . . . 585 18 0 60,940 13 0 The gross output for the colliery since taken over by the State on 27th January 1945, has totalled 345,727 tons 9 cwt. 2 qr. Days Worked.— The Wairaki Colliery worked 233 days out of a possible 240 ordinary working-days. The difference between the days worked and the possible number of ordinary working-days is accounted for as follows: 1 day, Easter Tuesday, 1949 ; 3 days, funerals of ex-members of Miners' Union ; 3 days, disputes. Employees.— ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 105 men and 9 boys, made up as follows— Underground : Coal-hewers, 36 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 43. Surface : 26 men and 9 boys. Daily Output.—- The average daily output was 281 tons 13 cwt. 2 qr. and the coalhewers' average daily output was 8 tons 12 cwt. 2 qr., as compared with 271 tons 19 cwt. and 8 tons 7 cwt. respectively for the previous year. Deficiencies. —No payments were made to coal-hewers under the minimum-wage clause. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings were (gross) £3 175., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 ss. 5d., an increase of Is. 7d. per day when compared with the previous year. Accidents. —One serious and several minor accidents occurred during the year under review. On 21st June, 1949, a trucker was knocked down by a rake of fulf boxes and sustained a fractured right shin. Stone-dusting. —This work was done regularly throughout the year. Underground Workings.—No. 1 Mine : The Slant Dip to the west in the area between No. 1 Workings and No. 2 Mine was extended to a point 18| chains from the turn off on the Old Dip. A downthrow fault was encountered at this point and preparations are being made for pillar-extraction on retreat from this point. No. 3 Mine : Operations were confined to development work in the following sections : No. 1 Section : The level in the top seam has been extended to a point 10 chains from the Main Dip in order to drive two additional drives for haulage and ventilation respectively. The bottom section has been sealed off with concrete stoppings.

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No. 5 Section : The bottom level has been extended to a point 23 chains from the Main Dip in good quality coal. No. 2 rise panel was driven approximately 6 chains to the rise in the bottom split of the seam but had to be stopped owing to the difficulty in keeping the coal clean because of the stone mixing with the coal. No. 8 Section : This section has been extended to a point 23 chains from the Main Dip, the coal being of excellent quality. No. 9 Section : The main road on the west side has been extended to a point 12 chains from the Main Dip in excellent quality coal. Plant. —The new 175 h.p. hauler at No. 3 Mine and two air-compressors, each of 110 h.p., were installed during the year. Repairs and maintenance were efficiently carried out by the engineering staff. General. —Repair work was continued in the intake and return airways. Star Colliery Coal-winning.- —The gross output for the year was 40,636 tons 3 cwt., an increase of 5,945 tons 13 cwt. 2 qr. when compared with the previous year. After allowing for waste (859 tons 19 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (619 tons 9 cwt.) there remained for disposal a net output of 39,156 tons 15 cwt. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1949 Tons cwt, qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stocks in yard Add net output for year .. 39,156 15 0 31st March, 1950 Less stocks in yard Total disposed of .. .. 39,156 15 0 Disposals Tons cwt, qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 38,746 5 0 Local and mine sales . . . . 49 10 0 Workmen and free issues . . . . 361 0 0 39,156 15 0 The gross output for the colliery since taken over by the State on 2nd May, 1947, has totalled 113,408 tons 3 cwt. Days Worked. —The Star Colliery worked 234 days out of a possible 240 ordinary working-days. The difference between the days worked and the possible number of ordinary working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, Easter Tuesday, 1949 ; 2 days, funerals of ex-members of Miners' Union ; 1 day, dispute ; 1 day, power failure ; 1 day, plant breakdown. Employees. —ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 53 men and 1 boy, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 19; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 18. Surface: 16 men and 1 boy. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 173 tons 13 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 9 tons 5 cwt. 3 qr., as compared with 146 tons 5 cwt. and 8 tons 7 cwt. respectively for the previous year. Deficiencies. —One payment totalling £9 was made to a party of coal-hewers under the minimum-wage clause. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings were (gross) £3 10s. 2d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 3s. 10d., an increase of Is. 9d. per day when compared with the previous year.

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Accidents.—One serious and several minor accidents occurred during the year under review. On 18th January, 1950, a mechanic working underground was caught between full boxes and a wooden stopping and sustained fractured ribs and a contused back. Stone-dustmg. —This work was done regularly throughout the year. Underground Workings.— Operations were confined to splitting and extraction of pillars varying in height from 30 ft. in the upper part of the mine to 16 ft. adjacent to the southern boundary fault. A heating of coal deep in the goaf occurred in the South-east Dip Section. Three temporary stoppings previously erected were immediately closed and the heated coal subsequently subdued by flooding the small area with water. Plant. —All working-places were equipped with compressed-air drills during the year. All plant operated satisfactorily and repairs and maintenance were efficiently carried out by the engineering staff. Birchwood Colliery Coal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 23,694 tons 11 cwt., an increase of 1,170 tons 10 cwt. when compared with the previous year. After allowing for waste (404 tons 5 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (499 tons 16 cwt.) there remained for disposal a net output of 22,790 tons 10 cwt. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1949 Tons cwt, qr. Ton* cwt. qr. Stocks in yard Add net output for year .. 22,790 10 0 31st March, 1950 Less stocks in yard Total disposed of .. .. 22,790 10 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed . . . . . . .. 22,394 0 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 49 10 0 Workmen and free issues . . .. 347 0 0 22,790 10 0 The gross output for the colliery since taken over by the State on 28th November 1947, has totalled 52,410 tons 13 cwt. 1 qr. Days Worked,—The Birchwood Colliery worked 228| days out of a possible 240 ordinary working-days. The difference between the days worked and the possible number of ordinary working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, Easter Tuesday, 1949 ; 2 days, prolonged cavil meetings; 1 day, union meeting; 1 day, heating in workings; 1 day, fall in return airway ; 1£ days, funerals of ex-members of Miners' Union ; 2 days, disputes re bathhouse ; 1 day, power failure ; 1 day, flooding of access road. Employees. —ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 55 men, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 16 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 23. Surface : 16 men. No boys were in employment at the colliery. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 103 tons 12 cwt. 3 qr. and the coalhewers' average daily output was 6 tons 6 cwt., as compared with 97 tons 1 cwt. and 5 tons 14 cwt. respectively for the previous year. Deficiencies. —No payments were made to coal-hewers under the minimum-wage clause. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Darnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings were (gross) £3 14s. 2d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £3 Bs. Id., 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.

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Stone-dusting. —This work was done regularly throughout the year. Underground Workings. —Pillar-extraction was continued in Nos. 3 and 4 Dips throughout the year in coal averaging 6 ft. in height. Minor faultings and stone bands resulted in comparatively low outputs and a correspondingly high proportion of stone mined and filled from working places. In the workings advancing in a south-easterly direction towards the main drives the total distance driven was 10 chains. Faults, splitting of the seam, and stone bands encountered below the drives rendered the seam unworkable and pillar-extraction was commenced in the last quarter of the year. Access to a small block of coal to the north of the Ohai Syndicate's Mine workings was obtained by driving in stone for a distance of 180 ft., and nine single places are now developing approximately 40,000 tons of good coal with an average height of 10 ft. One case of spontaneous combustion occurred in the vicinity of a fault. All recoverable coal had been won prior to the heating and the area was sealed with three stoppings in a permanent barrier. Plant.— Compressed-air drills were installed in all working-places during the year. Repairs and maintenance were efficiently carried out by the engineering staff. McLean's Opencast Coal-winning. —Opencast operations continued regularly throughout the year, the gross output being 43,689 tons 18 cwt. all of which was available for disposal. The following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1949 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stocks in yard Add net output for year ..43,689 18 0 31st March, 1950 Less stocks in yard Total disposed of .. .. '. 43,689 18 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. .. 43,689 18 0 Local and mine sales Workmen and free issues — 43,689 18 0 Days Worked.— McLean's Opencast worked 230 days out of a possible 240 ordinary working-days. In addition, the opencast worked on 12 colliery holidays during the Ohristmas - New Year period. The difference between the days worked and the possible number of ordinary working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, funeral of ex-member of Miners' Union ; 1 day, stripping ; 4 days, wet weather ; 3 days, mechanical breakdowns ; 1 dav, Easter Tuesday, 1949. Employees.— The average number of men employed at the opencast was 14. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 180 tons 11 cwt. General. —The total quantity of stripping performed during the year was 126,900 cubic yards. The total quantity of coal won from the area since the commencement of production on 20th December, 1948, has been 52,418 tons 9 cwt. The coal has been of excellent quality throughout. Plant. —No additional plant units were installed during the year. The engineering staff of the Ministry of Works maintained all plant in an efficient condition. I have, &c, J. McArthtjk, District Manager.

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50

Colliery Revenue Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March, 1950

— Kamo. Wilton. Mangapehi. Tatu. Denniston. Millerton. Stockton. Webb. SALES ACCOUNTS £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Sales of coal, f.o.r. and f.o.b. .. . 74,262 100,880 45,353 49,417 106,888 80,076 35,630 100,205 81.456 181.661 Subsidy . 81,007 86,112 53,667 52,073 83,489 57,477 137,553 28, 55/ 155,269 186,992 99.020 101,490 190,377 64,187 Less N.Z.R. haulage 137 155.132 10 186,982 _ 98,948 15 101,475 12,225 178,152 6,757 130,796 4,555 59,632 13,046 168,615 Coal sales net, f.o.r. WORKING ACCOUNTS 2.017 71,114 1.112 50,039 2,127 108,540 Stocks on hand, 1st April, 1949 '. LOO! 8711 120 130.337 64 78,828 49 68 84) 1,783 166,350 Materials used 9,121 20.488 8,901 7,438 32,730 9,328 9,118 24,313 Royalty Haulage 3,692 '. 1 ', 579 2,119 3,447 5,124 5 ', 818 988 3 ', 763 4 \ 853 '719 1^490 3.328 Electric power Coal-miners' Relief Fund 4,377 1,431 2,066 2,263 4,401 1,700 237 358 157 152 316 216 216 3,738 89,048 110 110 2,929 308 308 5,550 1.53,494 Rescue station levy .. Workers' compensation premiu m ! 5," 740 358 6,873 170,655 157 4.003 3 \ 542 316 8,747 219,496 100,982 86,052 64,908 Less stocks on hand, 31st March, 195 0 17 126 209 2,318 1,058 87,990 1,676 63,232 4,714 148,780 Cost of coal sold Gross profit Gross loss 134,616 20,516 100,856 1 ', 908 85 843 217,178 16.344 15;632 39^026 42,806 .3J600 19,835 PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS 1,074 452 1,288 Rents, postages, printing and stationer v, 1,124 1,507 1,082 903 2,278 audit fees, and general expenses 2,765 3,280 2,126 1,716 5,855 2,373 1,918 2,421 Depreciation 2,435 10,522 7,862 8,687 10,563 3,790 5,893 11,777 67 4,112 445 Rates and grants in lieu of rates 446 570 200 365 4,027 Commission 4,727 20,606 22,723 13,130 14,214 8,266 6,770 11,270 11,671 Less rent received 658 6,112 14,404 1,052 19,554 3^210 5,089 6,181 8^089 1,993 9,678 5,954 1,443 21 280 698 12,432 359 13,855 1,011 7,255 Net profit/ transferred to Gene Net loss \ and Loss Accoun ral Profi t f 60^306 30,374 17^455 12,580

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Colliery Revenue Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March, 1950— continued

51

— ■ Burke's Creek. Garvey Creek. Burn well.* Central. Blackball. Dobson. Paparoa. SALES ACCOUNTS Sales of coal, f.o.r. and f.o.b. Subsidy .. .. Less N.Z.R. haulage Coal sales net, f.o.r. WORKING ACCOUNTS Stocks on hand, 1st April, 1949 Wages Materials used Royalty Haulage Rail and bus fares Electric power Coal-miners' Relief Fund Rescue station levy Workers' compensation premiums Less stocks on hand, 31st March, 1950 Cost of coal sold 26J00 £ 27,533 £ £ 23,554 20,992 £ £ 4,311 4,591. £ £ 5,611 6,256 | £ £ 82,135 95,782 £ £ 109,568 101,937 £ £ 44,123 43,166 54,233 210 44,546 1,826 8,902 224 11,867 238 11 177,917 6,857 171 nfin 211,505 8.922 87,289 2,820 Q 4 _j«Q 142 52,359 8,781 1,631 79 82 2,758 224 28,211 7,670 041 287 249 61 63 1,479 7 j 030 1,683 '457 ' '45 14 14 375 ii j 0 31 12,504 2,813 31 539 280 19 19 654 111, UDU 1,808 124,076 24,033 'isi 4,575 284 284 6,426 , OO'J 2,493 158,697 22,719 3,414 1 1201 6.964 300 302 8,166 o4 , i-Oy 1,336 49,584 11,970 758 205 979 126 126 2,681 67,252 304 66 948 43,285 927 9,618 546 . 9 o72 16,890 307 -1 fl kqo 161,667 6,685 1 PLA QQO ' 204,256 10,616 193,640 8,943 1,458 3,325 6,628 718 67,765 3,303 4.0*? Gross profit Gross loss PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS Rents, postages, printing and stationery, audit fees, and general expenses Salaries .. Depreciation Rates and grants in Jieu of rates Commission 12 j925 835 1,132 6,094 472 "'362 634 1,084 2,087 7 '394 80 392 375 134 lUiooo 4! 954 102 402 558 27 J. , {70 — 16,078 1,054 3.187 4,959 386 20,'007 706 2,587 3,412 166 Less rent received Net profit S transferred to General Proflt\ Net loss \ and Loss Account / ■ 8 533 3 g!2 QO-I --— 1,089 6 j 043 9,586 1., 750 7 QQA ! 12,129 711 11 11 Q 6,871 307 21 j458 3 j 450 »oi 1375 1 1,ODD 1 8,242 j 11,-iIo 2 j 475 6,564 13.443 * From 1st May, 1949.

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Colliery Revenue Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March, 1950— continued

52

— Wallsend. Liverpool. Strongman. Birchwood. Mossbank. Star. Wairaki. SALES ACCOUNTS £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Sales of coal, f.o.r. and f.o.b. 74,146 125,914 140,168 28,443 33,265 52,245 81,268 Subsidy 77,054 143,690 134,236 10,332 11,838 18,505 30,371 151,200 269,604 274,404 Less N.Z.R. haulage 4,825 11,570 13,035 Coal sales net, f.o.r. 146,375 261,369 45,103 70,750 111,639 WORKING ACCOUNTS Stocks on hand, 1st April, 1949 3,302 5,351 965 Wages 111,770 202,981 172,455 40,616 30,698 41,990 82,926 Materials used 12,396 21,562 20,344 4,118 3,662 3,662 9,638 Royalty 2,103 1,738 1,651 Haulage 1,084 1,381 2,176 3,096 Rail and bus fares 1,047 2,834 6,101 621 Electric power 5,356 6,141 5,934 1,035 839 1,228 1,241 Oo.il-miners' Relief 'Fund 226 419 399 97 106 166 260 Rescue station lew 226 418 399 97 106 166 266 Workers' compensation premiums 5,641 10,473 9,158 2,114 1,523 2,175 4,404 142,067 250,179 215,755 Less stocks on hand, 31st March, 1950 7,339 10,907 8,068 Cost of coal sold Gross profit Gross loss 134,728 11,647 239,272 18,762 207,687 53,682 38,315 6,788 53,301 17,449 104,109 7,530 10,386 PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS Rents, postages, printing and stationery, 1,203 2,355 1,469 342 404 430 854 audit fees, and general expenses Salaries 2,810 3,360 3,325 971 990 1,307 2,049 Depreciation 9,550 7,129 11,103 1,727 2,464 2,142 5,618 Rates and grants in lieu of rates Commission 572 786 765 57 12 18 109 14,135 13,630 3,097 3,870 8,630 Less rent received .. 577 1,194 36 30 650 3,840 2,948 3,897 13,552 7,980 Net profit /transferred to General Profit \ Net loss \ and Loss Account / 6,326 37,020 1,911 13,447 450

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Opencast Mines Revenue Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March, 1950

53

— Hillcrest.* Kemp's.f Kimihia No. 14 1 Waitewhena. I Stockton. I Wangaloa. 1 Black Diamond. McLean's. SALES ACCOUNTS Sales of coal, f.o.r. and f.o.b. Subsidy Less N.Z.R. haulage Coal sales net f.o.r. WORKING ACCOUNTS Stocks on hand, 1st April, 1949 Stripping overburden Excavation and cartage Road access and maintenance Royalty Coal-miners' Relief Fund Rescue station levy Bus fares Haulage .. .. Sundry coal-winning expenses Restoration of surface Less stocks on hand, 31st March, 1950 Cost of coal sold Gross profit Gross loss PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS Rents, postages, printing and stationery, audit fees, and general expenses Salaries Depreciation Rates Less rent received Net profit /transferred to General Profit \ Net loss \ and Loss Account j £ £ 59,804 14,476 74 280 £ £ 14,604 3,841 18 445 £ £ 45,436 10,786 £ £ 46,587 11,760 58 317 £ £ 134,052 29,727 £ £ 44,900 12,333 57 oog £ £ 44,144 12,292 Kfi ton £ £ 69,270 12,586 OI OKC 163,779 17,137 116 61° 32 |154 19,264 152 '201 201 475 3,515 5 302 \ 6,787 / 111 303 51 51 259 883 193 76 48,022 150 150 2,14:8 234 225 20 j083 \ 36,936 / 4,294 " 163 '245 2,111 94,728 / 951 '413 413 3,273 64,259 148 620 20,746 1,199 171 *392 257 12,744 i76 176 2|234 45 264 on —.... OJ. j OOO 11,391 1 j 945 182 182 340 273 E-i nan 56,269 56 269 25,836 25 836 50,929 50 9°9 61,721 61 7°1 166,916 4,213 16° 703 18,011 184 411 9,775 7 j 391 54 103 2,499 5,293 202 306 2,344 3^374 246 650 3,375 9 16 i 061 1,759 2,444 2,668 891 17,929 263 350 2,204 9 si 7 Ou j 17,312 292 600 1,646 31 — 01, 29,936 245 710 1,127 3 9 AOS 10,370 179 10 191 2,656 169 0 joy 2,852 473 0 379 4,280 68 A OIO 7,762 308 7 A ,1 2,569 517 9 n*9 7,820 9^878 2,914 4: j LtLCi 7',586 1 } 23 j 515 U yOi 1 15,112 A 5 yJDZ 1 15,260 h,UoO 27,851 * Production commenced April, 1949. f Production ceased June, 1949. J Production No. 1. Area ceased December, 1949.

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54

Depot Trading and Profit and Loss Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March, 1950

— Auckland. Wanganui. Wellington. Christ church. Timaru. Dunedin. Invereai'gill.* TRADING ACCOUNTS £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Sales of coal 870,305 32,830 896,345 323,191 66,516 125,332 237,714 Sales of coke, wood, &c. 3,983 24,304 14,216 5,546 3,472 °70 305 36 843 920 649 337 40^ ~-> 002 1 9 Q Qfll 237 714 Stocks on hand, 1st April, 1949 724 850 2,160 15,784 1,459 — ]_ , OUi 2,465 Purchases of coal 564,418 27,371 507,303 230,880 45,457 101,529 230^094 Purchases of coke, wood, &c. 2,533 18,341 7,346 3,466 1,793 Wharfage and marine freights 251,261 79 252,854 Inward charges 24,027 907 100,245 69 ',364 li!704 12',167 3^598 840,430 31,740 880,908 323,374 62.086 117,954 Less stocks on hand, 31st March, 1950 1,993 634 3,989 19.890 500 1,242 33° 137 QI i mi Q7C, cn Q 303,484 H() 712 LOSL UI LOctl, CVv ., bOLtl . . . . — •) X j 1UU oiu,yiw UX ,JOU gQk) Gross profit 31,868 5,707 43,730 33,923 10,476 12,092 4,022 PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS AVages : Yard 632 2,361 7,264 1,090 1.134 Repairs and maintenance 38 782 219 2,531 222 762 11 Cartage out 945 4,196 5,231 1,697 2,484 Sacks 194 167 981 575 532 Advertising 32 31 38 47 32 32 32 Commission 361 165 Rates 43 196 37 ' 154 53 Rents, postages, printing and stationery, ' '888 294 1,107 1,673 667 1 ,077 ' 426 audit fees, and general expenses Salaries 1,936 ! 1,251 3,341 4,516 1,978 2,171 919 Depreciation 170 671 1,887 501 896 ° 391 4 342 42 657 24 332 1 A Q1A 1 0 111 [ 1 QQQ l UjO LU i y j A-ix j ~ 1 j OOO Net profit: To General Profit and Loss 28,974 1,365 31,073 9,591 3 560 2,951 2,634 Account * Operated as a depot from 1st April, 1949.

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Blackball Sawmill Working Account for the Year Ended 31st March, 1950 £ £ Hales of timber .. .. .. .. .. .. 9,334 Stocks on hand, Ist April, 1949 .. .. .. 200 Purchase of logs .. . . .. . . 1,680 Bush work .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,705 »Sawing and dressing .. .. . . . . 3,661 Repairs and maintenance .. . . .. . . 113 Mill yard expenses .. .. .. .. .. 378 Workers' compensation premium .. .. . . 335 Electric power .. .. .. .. .. 72 Transport from mill .. .. .. .. .. 643 Housing levy .. . . .. .. .. 126 9,913 Less stocks on hand, 31st March, 1950 . . .. 130 ! 9,783 Gross loss .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £449 Profit and Loss Account £ £ Depreciation .. .. .. .. .. 1,176 Salaries .. .. .. .. .. . . 709 General expenses .. .. .. .. .. 383 2,268 Less rents received .. .. .. .. 16 2,252 Net loss : To General Profit and Loss Account .. .. .. £2,701 Mac Donald Colliery Profit and Loss Account for the Year Ended 31st March, 1950 £ £ Royalties received .. .. .. .. .. 4,947 Rents received .. .. .. .. .. 200 5,147 Less depreciation .. .. .. .. .... 753 Net profit: To General Profit and Loss Account .. .. £4,394

55

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General Profit and Loss Account Dr. p Net loss, 1949-50 o « Wt JJr.•f r . • A „, Kemp's Opencast .. 9 878 Net profit, 1949-50- £ £ Wilton Colliery .. o'oln Kamo Colliery 14 404 Mangapehi Colliery .. o'oB9 Hillcrest Opencast 7;820 Waitewhena Opencast .. ?*22 Kirmhia Opencast 2>914 DennistonCollery .. " ml? ? nTr 5 ' 954 Stockton Colliery ??'S Millerton Colliery 30 374 Stockton Opencast .. !." " " JI'IS 1 2 '580 Burke's Creek Colliery .. gJ'SS Blackball Colliery 8j242 Garvey Creek Colliery .. " " g'Jg 13 ' 443 Burnwell Colliery * ?',?- Liverpool Colliery 6 , 326 Central Colliery ? .. HJ? Strongman Colliery 37;020 Blackball Sawmill .. \\ " S'2n? Wangaloa Opencast 15;112 Dobson Colliery " "' i'VLI Black Diamond Opencast 15j260 Wallsend Colliery .. " T'm? Mossbank Colliery 2>948 Birchwood Colliery .. iJ'IJJ mt '" ~ 13 > 552 Ohai Opencast " .. " 13 'fg McLeans Opencast 27>851 Wairaki Colliery .. " " Auckland Depot 28j974 4oU Wanganui Depot .. 1 365 Interest on loan capital .. .. 17 18M " KM™ 0 * + ■■ ■• '■'■ '■'■ 311073 Less remission under section 3, Finance Act, 1943 (3) ITMSS ¥Su ? .'i ! " j|'g} Net profit carried down .. ,«„ aK9 Dunedin Depot .. \\ \\ \\ 2 ' m 1 " •• •• •• 132, bo2 Invercargill Depot .. .. 2 g 34 Mac Donald Colliery .. .. ]] " 4'394 1 298,342

56

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1 Net recoveries— Seddonville Colliery . . . . . . _ _ 70 Waitahu Colliery . . . . , , 93 j Royalties .. .. .. '" " 516g Interest receivable .. .. ~ 7 137 Net revenue from hire of plant, buildings, &c. . . . . V,i<d'l £3l ; 6 ; £316,351 Profit and Loss Appropriation Account Dr. £ Loans Redemption Account .. inq Q7A \t 0 + ™,vfl+ t -„ £ Transfer to General Reserve .. .[ " [[ P '° fit f ° r year 1949 - ,U 132,852 £132 ' 852 £l^^

57

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Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1950 Liabilities £ Assets Liability to Consolidated Fund under section 6, National Collieries— £ £ £ Development Loans Act, 1941 .. .. .. . . 5,440,990 Development and Property Deposits on contracts .. .. .. . . .. 5,564 Accounts .. .. .. 929,939 Debt Redemption Reserve to be applied for redemption of Machinery, plant, &c. .. .. 845,544 capital .. .. .. .. .. •• 109,376 Buildings .. .. .. 222,348 Sundry creditors .. .. .. . . .. 393,339 Cottages .. .. .. 252,976 Reserves— £ Land .. .. .. 14,725 General Reserve .. .. .. .. 216,829 Plantations .. .. .. 19 Accident Insurance Reserve .. .. .. 217,673 Bad Debts Reserve .. .. .. ..2.437 2,265,551 Restoration Opencast Areas Reserve .. .. 5,131 Less provisionally written off .. 202 442,070 2,265,349 Coal deposits: Ohai .. .. .. 114,511 Purchase shares— Linton Coal Co., Ltd. .. .. 159,796 I Renown Collieries, Ltd. .. 170,873 Taupiri Coal Mines, Ltd. . . 821 ,305 1,151,974 Opencast mining— Purchase-price . . . . 65, 556 Development, preliminary expenses, &c. .. .. .. 38,766 Plant, machinery, &c. . . . . 17,963 Railway sidings, &c. . . . . 17,238 Buildings and accommodation . . 55,564 195,087 Blackball sawmill: Plant, buildings. &c. .. .. .. .. .. 11,333 Plant, equipment, &c, on hire . . 470,468 Less provisionally written off . . 10 470,458 ! Depots : Property Accounts . . 34,1 92 Less provisionally written off 34,192 Head Office furniture, &c. . . . . 5,139 Briquetting : Preliminary expenses . . . . 2,009 Prospecting on State coal areas .. .. 22,418 4,272,470 Stripping in advance (opencast mines) . . . . 221,250

58

| Housing advances to workmen .. .. 106,68] Interest accrued and due .. .. 1,135 !07.816. 81 6 ' Miscellaneous advances .. .. .. 22.(81 Interest accrued and due . . . . ■ 47 22,128 iStores on hand— Collieries . . .. . . 059,240 Blackball sawmill . . . . 130 Spares for mechanical equipment. . 49,101 Stationery . . . . . . ] , 179 709,643 Less provisionally written off' .. .. 3,149 _ 706,494 ! Coal stocks : Mines and opencasts (bins, wharf, and afloat) .. .. .. 63,370 j Stocks and stores on hand at depots . . 39,255 Less provisionally written off . . . , 9,541 ! i 29,711 Investments . . . . . . . . . . 55 203 DebtorsTrade . . . . .. 34], 452 Subsidy unpaid .. .. 157,413 Miscellaneous .. .. .. 2,228 501,123 Less provisionally written off . . . . 47 • . ' 501,076 : Deposits paid on contracts . . . . . . 350 ; Cash in Receiver-General's Deposit Account .. .. 5,564 Cash in Public Account .. .. .. 217,407 Imprests outstanding .. .. 79,061 ■ 296,528 Cash in Loans Redemption Account .. ~ 1.09,376 £8,391,339 £M9M39

C— 2A

State Coal Mines Office, Wellington 0.1, H. H. Gibson, Accountant. W. Sullivan, 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 lor 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, 1950 Underground Mines

60

— Huntly Property. Kamo. McDonald. I Wilton. Mangapehi. Tatu. Denniston Millerton. Stockton. Webb. Burke's Creek. Garvey Creek. Burnwell. Central. Development and Property Accounts Machinery, plant, &c. Buildings Cottages Plantations Land 288 5,417 8.131 "230 60,655 27,468 5,639 10,670 5J878 34,587 27,648 55,397 11,459 22,169 3,450 46,230 36,727 15,962 77,673 40,561 40,686 6,566 36,596 245,861 49,654 24,932 5,662 "288 45,600 26,904 12,738 2,394 "135 100,514 190,872 33,329 8,173 "650 1,872 18,160 3,374 210 41,515 26,047 16,405 7,697 19,132 15,813 6,293 5,300 1,739 293 965 5,563 847 14,066 110,310 34,587 120,123 176,592 124,409 326,397 87,771 333,538 23,616 91,664 41,238 7,332 7,375 Pyramid. Waitahu. Blackball, j Dobson. i Paparoa. Wallsend, Liverpool. Strongman. Birchwood. Morley Mossbank. Star. Wairaki Totals. Development and Property Accounts Machinery, plant, <fcc. Buildings Cottages Plantations Land 1,288 2,484 2.939 42,015 5,018 10,357 37,325 56,341 11,998 7,551 20,392 20,814 7,153 4,811 13,678 51,335 9,032 9,160 20 34,004 48,013 3,204 16,200 19 2,093 123,414 74,769 29,340 29 12,637 2,650 1,269 16,306 1,795 1,981 3,396 8,308 1,165 1,084 271 8,356 3,190 2,408 3,973 27,638 6,344 18,966 929,939 845,544 222,348 252,976 19 14,725 1,288 2,484 00,329 113,215 53,170 83,225 103,533 227,523 16,585 20.082 13,953 14,225 56,921 2,265,551

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Statement of Property Accounts as at 31st March, 1950— continued Open-cast Mines

Depots

61

— Barkers. Devlins. Glen Afton. Hillcrest. Kimihia. Waitewhena Stockton. Wangaloa. Black Diamond. Ohai. McLeans. Totals. Purchase-price Development, preliminary expenses, &c. Plant Railway sidings, cfec. Buildings and accommodation 2^406 10,105 670 15 'ill 410 26 373 3,459 6,299 1,588 13,422 14,544 38,574 16,823 4,555 3,790 4,695 5,'685 2,175 18^872 13,381 4,114 301 5J046 1J018 4,932 n*i2i '46 1,263 737 22 3,700 333 'l76 65,556 38,766 17,963 17,238 55,564 2,406 10,775 15 1,220 39,312 68,437 26,732 22,842 17,071 2,046 4,231 195,087

— Auckland. Wanganui. Wellington. Christchurch No. 1. Christchurch No. 2. Tiinaru. Dunedin. Invercargill. Totals. Plant Buildings Cottages Land 77 785 1,854 'soo 2,718 5,577 5,133 3,589 1,275 3,345 645 55 1,020 1,520 '300 3,230 2,179 90 13,698 14,774 1,275 4,445 77 3,439 8,295 13,342 700 2,840 5.409 90 34,192

o—2a

Statement of Receipts and Payments for the Yeae Ended 31st March, 1950 £ £ ' Collieries and opencasts— £ £ £ Cash in Public Account, Ist April, 1949 . . 88,737 Capital expenditureimprests outstanding as at Ist April, 1949 . . 33,014 Purchase of shares— , 121,751 Birchwood Coal Co., Ltd. .. 17,216 Proceeds sale of coal, &c. (including subsidy) . . 4,640,060 Linton Coal Co., Ltd. . . .. 159,789 Recoveries, refunds, &c. .. . . .. 54,622 Renown Collieries, Ltd. .. 170,873 Revenue from hire of plant, &c. .. .. 23,740 Taupiri Coal Mines, Ltd. .. 14,058 Royalties .. .. .. . . . . 5,441 361,935 Royalties under Coal Act, 1948 .. .. 7,982 Expenditure on— Interest on investments .. .. .. 6,392 Buildings .. .. .. 34,589 Housing loan repayments .. .. .. 12,808 Cottages .. .. ..40,881 Other loan repayments .. .. .. 13,722 Plant .. .. .. 518,380 ■ 4,764,767 Land 3,490 Realization of investments .. .. .. .. 19,794 597,340 Capital raised .. .. .. .. .. 900,000 Mines development .. .. 71,079 Boring and prospecting . . 3,937 Opencast development, &c. .. 23,791 98,807 1,058,082 Revenue expenditure— Audit fees .. .. .. .. 810 Briquetting . . . . . . . . 23 Bus and rail fares . . • . . . 39,573 Coal Miners' Relief Fund .. .. 5,079 Compensation . . .. . . . . 47,935 Electric power . . . . . . . . 52,143 Fire insurance .. .. • • • • 3,209 General expenses .. .. .. 9,152 Haulage— New Zealand Railways . . . . 116,255 Private railway-lines .. .. ~ 87,226 Opencast coal-mining* .. .. .. 536,104 Postages .. .. .. .. 4,248 Printing and stationery . . ■ • • • 1,982 Public Service Superannuation Fund . . 3,549 Rates .. . . . . . . . • 15,523 Rent .. .. .. ■ • .. 1,136 Rescue station lew .. •• .. 5,229 Royalty . .' .. . . .. 4,148 Salaries .. .. .. .. 119,918 Stores . . . . . . . . .. 496,535

62

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Travelling-expenses .. .. .. 1,857. Wages .. .. .. .. 1,847,212 Working-expenses, Blackball Sawmill .. 13,534 3,412,380 Depots— Auckland .. .. .. .. 289,473 Wanganui .. .. .. .. 21,782 Wellington .. .. .. .. 378,923 Christchurch .. .. . . . . 139,041 Timaru .. .. .. .. .. 22,109 Dunedin . . . . . . . . . . 28,879 Invercargill . . . . . . . . 4,654 Coal purchased . . . . . . .. 14,822 . 899,683 Housing loans .. .. .. ... 25,588 Other loans .. .. .. .. 4,676 Repayment of loan capital : Sinking Fund instalment .. .. .. .. 109,375 139,639 Cash in Public Account, 31st March, 1950 . . 21 7,467 Imprests outstanding, 31st March, 1950— £ State coal-mines . . . . . . 205 High Commissioner . . . . 78,856 79,061 296,528 £5,806,312 £5,806,312 * Includes expenditure normally classed as deferred revenue expenditure.

63

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Table Showing the Position of the State Coal-mines Account from Inception to the 31st March, 1950

64

Name of Works. Total Capital Expenditure. Total Amount of Depreciation Written Off. Assets as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1950. Net Profits. Net Losses. Liabilities as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1950. UNDERGROUND MINES Kamo Less sales, transfers, &e. .. £ 118,527 422 £ 7,795 50,631 57,727 50,426 48,032 21,415 6,988 55,230 6,875 17,498 3,170 £ 110,310 120,123 34,587 170,873 821,305 176,592 124,409 326,397 87,771 333,510 23,590 91,654 41,238 £ 5,619 9,695 50,490 7.565 37,568 11,375 23,915 60,306 18,687 24,159 14,445 £ 118,105 Wilton Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 180,418 9,664 170,754 McDonald Less sales, transfers, &e. .. 93,595 1,281 92,314 Shares Renown Collieries, Ltd. 170,873 Shares Taupiri Coal Mines, Ltd. 821,305 Mangapehi Less sales, transfers, &c. 234,240 7,222 227,018 Tatu Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 190,696 18,255 172,441 Denniston Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 349,808 1,996 347,812 Millerton Less sales, transfers, &c. . . 94,759 94,759 .Stockton Less sales, transfers, &e. .. 399,168 10,428 388,740 Webb Less sales, ti'ansfers, &c. .. 32,617 2,152 30,465 Burke's Creek Less sales, transfers, &c. 122,906 13,754 109,152 ■• Garvey Creek Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 44,508 100 44,408

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Table Showing the Position of the State Coal-mines Account from Inception to the 31st March, 1950— continued

3—C 2a

65

Name of Works. Total Capital Expenditure. Total Amount of Depreciation Written Off. Assets as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1950. Net Profits. Net Losses. Liabilities as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1950. UNDERGROUND MINES— continued Burnwell Less sales, transfers, &c. £ 7,707 £ 375 558 28,369 33,685 9,066 52,977 328,497 85,765 4,032 9,589 £ 7,332 7,375 1,288 60,327 113,215 53,170 83,187 103,435 227,523 16,585 159,796 20,082 13,953 £ 13,443 5,016 £ 1,375 6,043 54,703 37,129 31,418 24,661 19,932 31,835 £ 7,707 •• Central 7,933 Pyramid 1,288 •• Blackball Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 102,462 13,766 88,696 •• Dobson Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 158,769 11,869 146,900 •• Paparoa Less sales, transfers, &c. 62,349 113 62,236 •• Wallsend Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 140,824 4,660 136,164 •• Liverpool Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 463,428 31,496 431,932 •• Strongman Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 365,360 52,072 313,288 •• Birchwood Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 24,372 3,755 20,617 Shares Linton Coal Co., Ltd. 159,796 Morley Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 80,082 60,000 20,082 Mossbank Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 48,568 25,026 23,542

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Table Showing the Position of the State Coal-mines Account from Inception to the 31st March, 1950— continued

66

Name of Works. Total Capital Expenditure. Total Amount of Depreciation Written Off. Assets as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1950. Net Profits. Net Losses. Liabilities as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1950. UNDERGROUND MINES— £ £ £ £ £ £ continued Star 45,671 Less sales, transfers, &c. 25,885 5,561 14,225 23,737 19,786 Wairaki 87,853 Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 15,550 15,382 56,921 34,470 72,303 OPENCAST MINES Barker's .. 2,406 2,406 Devlin's .. 10,775 10,775 Glen Af ton 14,513 14!498 15 . . 23,755 Hillcrest .. 10,995 9,775 1,220 7,820 Kemp's 47,304 47,304 110,705 Kimihia .. 55,196 15,884 39^312 78^951 Waitewhena 84,335 15,898 68,437 36,529 Stockton .. 31,169 4,437 26,732 88,489 Wangaloa 36,508 13,666 22,842 56,165 Black Diamond 24,859 7,788 17,071 25,612 Ohai 21,462 19,416 2,046 36,134 McLean's 6,315 2,084 4,231 29,124 DEPOTS Auckland 219 Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 142 77 68,069 77 Wanganui 7,670 Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 413 3,818 3,439 183 7,257 Wellington 29,647 Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 2,030 19,322 8,295 125,406 •• 27,617 •• Christchurch 34,360 Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 1,291 19,027 14,042 52,159 33,069 Timaru 3,541 Less sales, transfers, &c. .. 701 2,840 5,033 3,541 Dunedin 6,753 Less sales, transfers, &c. | 1,344 5,409 6,753 3,317

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Table Showing the Position of the State Coal-mines Account from Inception to the 31st March, 1950 — continued

67

Name of Works. Total Capital Expenditure. Total Amount of Depreciation Written Off. Assets as per sKTlk NetProfi - ts - March, 1950. Net Losses. Liabilities as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1950. DEPOTS — continued Invercargill Less sales, transfers, &c. .. £ 90 £ 916 63,467 37,694 1,992 2^680 95,919 68,245 1,382 14,069 5,957 £ i 90 2 2,009 22,418 470,458 19 2,484 11,333 5,139 98 '.'. 31 114,511 14,066 14 2 I 634 387 231 970 817 7,583 970 £ 36,458 3,133 51^929 4,248 22,661 5,545 £ 90 MISCELLANEOUS Briquetting; Preliminary ex2,009 Prospecting on State coal reserve Less transfers, sales, &c. .. 63,426 40,092 23,334 •• Plant, buildings, &c, on hire Less transfers, sales, &c. .. 547,483 13,558 533,925 •• ■Seddonville Colliery Less transfers, sales, &c. .. 38,243 549 37,694 •• Waitahu Colliery 2,484 •• Blackball Sawmill Head Office furniture, &c. .. Royalties from 1st April, 1928 Taxation Interest on investments •Coal deposits, Ohai Huntly, buildings COMPLETED WORKS Point Elizabeth Colliery Less sales and loss by fire .. 13,325 5,139 117*191 14,066 98,210 2,291 •• 95,919 ... James Colliery Less sales, transfers, &c. . • 74,495 6,250 68,245 •• Dunedin Depot Less sales of plant 2,023 641 1,382 •• Briquette Works Less sales of plant 16,135 2,066 14,069 -Charming Creek : Prospecting 5,957

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Table Showing the Position of the State Coal-mines Account from Inception to the 31st March, 1950 — continued

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation not given; printing (849 copies), £lBO.

By Authority: E. E. Owen, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9so. Price Is. 6d.]

68

Total Capital Expenditure. Total Assets as per Liabilities Name of Works. Amount of Depreciation Written Off. Balancesheet, 31st March, 1950. Net Profits. Net Losses. as per Balancesheet, 31st March, 1950. COMPLETED WORKS— cntd. £ £ £ £ £ £ Hulks Property 4,034 Less sales 1,949 2,085 1,787 411 2,085 Beehive Opencast Office furniture "l90 Less sales 17 173 173 173 Discounts 13 Cash lost (highway robbery).. 89 Transfer to Accident Insurance 2,960 Reserve Refund, Mines Department .. 5,000 Runanga Water-supply 5,000 Stores sales "463 Grand total 6,042,409 Less losses, sales, transfers 380,755 5,661,654 1,389,184 4,272,470 Total profit and loss 1,032,352 706,147 Balance : Profit over losses.. 4,272,470 326,205 1,032,352 1,032,352 Capital expenditure brought forward Investments 55,203 Stocks on hand, less provision799,578 ally written off Sinking Fund investment 109,376 Sundry debtors 722,326 Cash in Public Account 296,528 Cash in Receiver-General's 5,564 Deposit Account Housing advances to workmen 107,816 and accrued interest Miscellaneous advances 22,128 Deposits paid on contracts . . 350 Loan Account 5,440,990 Bad Debts Reserve 2,437 Sinking Fund 109]376 109,376 General Reserve 216,829 216,829 Deposits held on contracts .. 5,564 Accident Insurance Reserve.. 217,673 Restoration Opencast Areas 5,131 Reserve Sundry creditors 393,339 6,391,339 326,205 6,391,339