a—3b

6

Goalbrookdale Colliery .—(6th January): The dip-workings are in the upper seam, the lower seam being only cut into at two places. Boof flaky sandstone, but timbering ample. Air good, drawing out to different openings on the side of the hill. A shaft is being sunk at the extreme southwest end of the workings, to serve both for pumping and up-cast. This was completed on the date of my next inspection, 10th April, and circulating 14,400 cubic feet of air. The rise-workings are on the east side of the engine-plane. The roof is bad, at places close-lathed; plenty of timber supplied. The dip, which throughout has been variable, changes to due east after meeting some faults, with which this section is more troubled than others. In the Ironbridge section, in addition to natural ventilation, a steam jet and pipes are used. The coal runs up to 21ft. thick, and some pillar-work is being done. In October this section was not doing much, pending extension of the haulage-rope. Eoof bad at one or two places, but plenty of timber, also sprays in general well set. (6th November) '. The dip-workings still principally in upper seam, and roof inclined to flake, but timber kept well forward. No operations are being carried on in the riseworkings at present, but two dip-drives are started to go in the direction of Cascade Creek. Eeports and register duly kept. Plan of part of the workings behind in December, but the survey has been made. New general rules with names posted up. A most unfavourable feature about the surfaceworks at Coalbrookdale is that the engine-plane, on which the endless rope and trucks are moving, is used as a travelling-road. A number of houses are built along this line, and not only the miners but the women and children travel along it, as there is no other road. Granity Greek Goal-mine. —Through the courtesy of Mr. Jamieson, of the Westport Company, I was present when the first shot was fired on the 28th November. The tunnel will be 10 chains in length, rising at 1 in 3643, and it is intended to lower the coal from the plateau by the endlessrope system in two stages, in the lower of which the vertical rise will be 850 ft., and in the upper 700 ft. Waimangaroa Coal-mine. —(4th February) : The coal in this mine is of a very soft nature, and the inclination is steep. It had been said to be only a slip from the plateau, and the convergence of the roof and pavement at the faces was causing some doubt as to its continuity. I saw no reason why the seam should not be continuous, as the measures are unbroken, though tilted, and on my last visit, lam glad to say, the thickness bad increased to over 20ft. I found four levels being driven from the outcrop, and the coal between them formed into pillars. A little gas given off at times. No reports nor plan, but Mr. Elliott, the new manager, promised to have these attended to. (2nd June): Fifteen men working in No. 2 and 4 levels. Air poor. No gas. Opening in foot of No. 4 level, which I requested to be secured. Eeports and register kept. Barometer and thermometer procured. Copy of Act and special rules hung up. Plan not yet made. (Bth September): To my surprise I found there was no manager, Mr. Elliott having left the preceding day. Mr. Wm, Young, the former deputy, was in charge. Timber in one or two places requiring renewal. Plan up to June, and opening in No. 4 seen to. Air in faces of No. 4 level dull, and 1 per cent, firedamp showing in one place with the indicator. I cautioned Mr. Young, and on my return to Westport notified the secretary as to the ventilation, and certificated manager. I was asked to grant an exemption, but declined, so Mr Elliott was reinstated before the three days had expired. Bins have been erected, capable of holding 1,500 tons, but the company find a difficulty in establishing a regular trade. The very soft nature of the coal, the dust, and presence of gas, in this and the Wellington Mine will require great care in the management. Wellington Coal-mine. —(2nd February) : Eeopening. (2nd June): Black damp present, which extinguished our lamps. (3rd June): Black damp still present, and a hand-fan forcing air to a face which was being driven to connect with another opening from the surface. The lights were again extinguished, and the place was very low. On reaching the face I found a miner with his safetylamp burning fairly well. To have insisted on a good current of air would have resulted in closing the mine. The places were holed through three days later. (Bth September) : Not working. Air poor, and no firedamp. Whitecliffs Coal-mine. —This is only a short drive from an outcrop to supply the dredge, and is not likely to be continued. Murray Greek Goal-mine. —(2nd March): Only one man working. Air good, report kept, places examined with safety-lamp every morning, and copy of Act at mine-mouth. Some ugly holes in roof, to which I directed Mr. Saia's attention. (19th June): Places near fault irregular and too wide. (13th October) : Mine in good order. Golden Treasure Coal-mine. —(2nd March) : Air good, gas never seen, but places are looked at with safety-lamp. (19th June) : A new drive to the north of Fox's old workings, employing three men. (10th October): Only Mr. King working. Good current of air, shoot which was being sunk to old workings completed. Inkermann Goal-mine (31st October).—This mine has been idle most of the year. Air good, and second outlet to surface. Timber in level and where I could get at it in the slopes good ; but too much ground standing on timber, although some filling-in has been done. I discussed the matter with Mr. McCallum, who wrote before I had time to revisit the mine that all the worked ground had been filled in. Lankey's Gully Coal-mine. —(3rd March): Timbering insufficient, and mine not looking in good order. Mr. Lamberton stated he had had a struggle with soft coal, and if I insisted on timbering he would have to close the mine. Eevisited (Bth May): Same as formerly, so I wrote Mr. Lamber- ( ton that it must be properly timbered and secured if work was to be continued therein. (2]st October): New drive working in same seam ; coal still soft, but mine in better condition than old drives. Phcenix Coal-mine. —(l9th June) : Two men and a boy working. Air sufficient. Eoof where working all right. (13th October) : Drive requires timbering near the mouth; Mr. McMurtrie will see to it.