C—3b

12

J. Jones's Coal-mine, Goal Creek (22nd July, 1891). —A large body of coal is constantly leaving this mine for the use of the dredges on the river. The large body of coal stripped by sluicing a few months ago has not yet been removed; and no attempt has been made to test the depth of coal underfoot in the pit. The mine looks more like a stone-quarry than a coal-pit. James Craig's Coal-mine, Coal Creek (21st July 1891). —This mine is being worked steadily, but the stripping is all the time getting heavier and more costly to remove by reason of a very heavy creek-wash lying thereon. The stripped face has a safe batter all round. William Crossan's Goal-mine, Roxburgh (22nd July, 1891). —This mine is situate on the east side of the Clutha Eiver, opposite Commissioner's Mat. It is an open pit, with from Bft. to 15t. of stripping, which is fairly battened and safe. The drainage is pumped out of the pit by a small waterwheel. William Classon's Coal-mine, Boxburgh (22nd January, 1891). —This mine is situate on the opposite side of the Clutha Eiver to Coal Creek. It is an open face, with stripping from 6ft. to 12ft. About 10ft. of coal is being taken out; but the bottom of the seam is not in view, and, lam told, has not been seen. There is a small quantity of drainage coming into the paddock, and a small water-wheel and pump keeps the mine dry. There does not appear to be a large output from this mine. Jones's Goal-mine, Boxburgh (22nd January, 1891). —The output of coal from this mine should be much larger this than during any previous year, on account of several steam-dredges being supplied from this pit. No attempt has yet been made to ascertain the depth of coal under foot in this or any of the Coal Creek mines. There was a sad and fatal accident in this mine on the 18th July last to one Thomas Low, who used to occasionally of his own free will hew coal in the face. On this occasion he was left alone in the mine while the workman went to his dinner, during which time the proprietor strolled into the mine to look at the work, when he found Low badly injured by a fall of coal from the face. Low explained how it had occurred, and died shortly after he was carried to his house. His age was supposed to be seventy-two years. Craig's Coal-mine, Goal Creek (Eoxburgh, 22nd January, 1891.) —This mine is an open face in the bed of Coal Creek, where the creek water has to be turned from side to side in channels excavated at considerable cost. The stripping is from 3ft. to 7ft. of heavy washed gravel and large stones. The bottom of the seam has not yet been seen, but Bft. of coal is being taken from the water-level or tail-race level. Coal Creek Coal-mine, Boxburgh (22nd January, 1891). —Mrs. McPherson's mine. The coal is quarried out of this mine from an open face 18ft. high, from which a large body of coal has been taken during the past twenty years. The stripping is from sft. to Bft. of heavy water-worn gravel. The mine is carefully worked. Mrs. McPherson's Coal-mine, Goal Greek (21st July, 1891). —The stripping in this mine is somewhat heavy in places, consisting of large water-worn stones —creek-wash; in places the heavy wash is shallow. The coal-face, from 10ft. to 12ft., is being carefully worked. Fernhill Goal-mine (28th May, 1891). —I examined all the workings and found them in good order, and the air good ; not many men working; trade a little slack. Saddle Hill Colliery (9th June, 1891). —I examined all the workings and found them in good order, and the air good. The mine is being carefully worked, and the Act well observed. Glenochiel Goal-mine (10th June, 1891). —I examined the three working-faces and find them in good order. Near the bottom of the dip the seam is nearly flat, and shows 16ft. of coal. The output is small, and the mine is carefully worked. Walton Park Colliery (sth June, 1891). —I find the miners' monthly report very satisfactory. I examined all the working-faces and airways throughout the mine, and found all in good order. Find the Act well observed, and plans completed up to 24th February. Mosgiel Colliery (29th May, 1891). —I went through all the workings, and find them in good order. There are seven men employed, in the mine and three men outside. The mine is a little wet in places, and makes in all about 3,400 gallons per twenty-four hours. Freeman's Colliery (4th June, 1891). —I examined all the working-faces in the mine, and found them as they should be. I found the roadways in good order, and a good supply of air passing through the mine-workings. When examining the daily report-book I found only one report from the miners for the past twelve months. I requested Mr. Green, the manager, to ask the miners to state in writing why they had not fulfilled the duties for which they were appointed and as required by the Act. Brighton Mine, Walker's (11th June, 1891). —I examined new and old workings, and find all loose-looking faces newly timbered to prevent the roof falling. Mr. Walker pointed out to me how he intended to alter the dip-drive to the north of the present one to improve the working of the mine. He is not doing much in the mine just now. McGoll's Coal-mine, Brighton (11th June, 1891). —I went through the mine with the lad. The roof is not good, but Ido not consider it dangerous. The seam is thin, but is improving to the north. The output is very small. Hardivick's Coal-mine, Milton (17th July, 1891). —The men were taking out top-coal on the day of my visit, and had a large quantity down from a smooth parting overhead, which I did not think over safe, and instructed the man in charge to put a prop under in order to protect the men while the coal was being cleaned up. Mr. Hardwick was ill and confined to his house when I called and spoke to him about the want of care at the mine. He said he had told the man to do the work I had complained of not having been done. The air is good, and pillars solid and strong. Beal Mackie Mine, Milton (16th July, 1891). —1 passed through and examined all the old workings in the mine, but did not find any one there. I afterwards learned that the mine was not being worked just then m consequence of the bad state of the roads in that locality. Gibson's Mine, near Level's Flat (Ist July, 1891). —At the time of my visit two shafts (260 ft.) had just been completed, and the men were then opening out a chamber and doing other necessary