C—3b

19

work. The top of the coal-seam is said to be 12ft. below the surface of the standing water—riverlevel—and the covering is all loose clean river-gravel, through which the water percolates freely from the river. There will therefore be 12ft. of water in the coal all over the flat. The thickness of coal will, however, admit of a considerable body being left overhead for a roof, to keep it safe for working. Later on, I again visited this pit, and found these working-places started 6ft. above the bottom of the seam. The headings are 6ft. high by about 10ft. wide. The coal is very close and hard hewing. The headings are in 25ft. one way and 30ft. in another, but not quite dry. Miles thavellbd by me dubing the Yeae ending 1894. Saddle horse, 700; buggy, 806; coach, 28; rail, 7,440; steam, 230; foot, 198: total, 9,402. Seeious Accidents in Southeen Coalfields. I have to report as follows on the several accidents which have occurred during the year ending the 31st December, 1894 : — 1. Gibston Mine (12th February).—James Cowan got his arm broken. How or when not stated in communication received.. 2. Kaitangata Mine (11th April).—Alexander Eamsay killed ; was behind tub in dip-drive; one tub got unhitched, tail-rod not in its place at the time, tub ran over him. Death instantaneous. No one to blame. 3. Kaitangata Mine (sth May).—Archibald Crawford was on incline to James McCaughran's heading when a runaway tub came down and killed him. It is supposed he was in the act of taking a drink from a tap on the water-pipe by the side of the down line at the time. 4. Shag Point Mine (27th September).—John McDonald had a fall of roof on him, which the doctor did not think serious at the time. I have lately heard that McDonald's spine is seriously injured, and he will claim relief for some time. 5. Homebush Mine (21st November). —Sydney McKircher was killed by a fall of roof on his head while filling his box ; no one to blame. There were- ten or twelve slight accidents reported and claims made on the Belief Fund. Some of their claims were not entertained, the applicants having failed to comply with the regulations. Methods of Wobking. Worked by shafts— Steam-power used ... .. ... ... ... ... 4 Horse-power used ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 Worked by adit— — 12 Engine-plane ... ... ... ... ... ... 7 Horse-plann ... ... ... ... ... ... 21 Horse-power ... ... ... ... ... ... 16 Hand-power ... ... ... ... ... ... 22 — 66 Open ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 69 147 I have, &c, J. Gow, The Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Inspector of Mines.