C—B

1900. NEW ZEALAND.

FIRE AT THE CARDIFF COAL-MINE, MOKIHINUI (REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE THERETO).

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives dated the 3rd July, 1900. Ordered, " That there be laid before this House Messrs. Alison, Shore, and Poster's report on the fire at the Cardiff Coal-mine, Mokihinui; and also all reports and correspondence received by the Government from Mr. Tennent, Inspector of Mines, in connection with the said fire during the last six months". (Mr. E. McKenzie,)

FIEE AT THE CABDIFF COAL-MINE, MOKIHINUI. Copies of Report of Messrs. Alison, Shore, and Foster, on the fire at the Cardiff Coalmine, Mokihinui, and of reports and correspondence received from Mr. R. Tennent, Inspector of Mines, in connection with the said fire, during the last six months, laid on the table of the House of Representatives in accordance with extract from Journals of the House of Representatives, No. 1 of Tuesday, the 3rd day of July, 1900, on the motion of Mr. R. McKenzie. Telegrams from R. Tennent, Inspector of Mines, Seddonville, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. sth February, 1900. Mine temporarily sealed since Friday night. After reopening to-day a fierce fire was discovered on main haulage-road, about 27 chains in from entrance to mine, thus necessitating the whole of old mine working to be sealed down, and cutting off all tramway connection with Bridge district of working. Much plant will be lost.

6th February, 1900. Condition of mine same as yesterday. All plant inside the mine is lost. Main intake is sealed off by three-inch plank-clayed stopping. As no other officer here, am remaining until all outlets are sealed and everything left in safe condition.

7th February, 1900. The condition of the mine from gases is very favourable for carrying on the work of building stoppings without inconvenience to workmen.

R. Tennent, Inspector of Mines, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Bth February, 1900. After-gases bad, but stopping progressing satisfactorily; expect to finish this week. 9th February, 1900. Sealing down of Cardiff Mine was completed at 2 p.m. to-day, and I consider the work has been carried out vigorously, substantially, and satisfactorily. We filled in old furnace-shaft to-day. Smoke is not seen to ooze from any part of the property.

Mr. Bliott, — Inspector of Mines' Office, Westport, 13th February, 1900. In compliance with your memorandum 376, dated 9th instant, a full report of the fire in the Cardiff Mine will be furnished, including every detail relating to the work done, and the extent of the fire. I intend to visit Cardiff and Mokihinui Mines to-morrow, 14th instant. Yours, &c, R. Tennent, Inspector of Mines. I—C. 8.