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should such be considered necessary. We also could not get copies of Mr. Broome's plans or boreholes, which would have been of great service. If the Cardiff Coal-mine is to be reopened, we consider it an absolute necessitY that other ground beside that developed by the company in their present mine must be obtained, and the question arises whether it should be further prospecting on the flat below Seddonville or the Cave area. On this we are not in a position to give an opinion without further inspection. As a considerable amount of dissatisfaction exists in the district, accompanied by many rumours, it might not be out of place for a commission of inquiry to be appointed to ascertain the cause of and laxity displayed in dealing with the fire. W. N. Shore. Eobeet Alison. John Fostee.
No. I. —A few small falls on rope-road; centre prop required under carrying set at top of No. 2 dip; several sets required in No. 2 tunnel to thoroughly secure. Time of examination, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Geo. H. Beoome. 18th January, 1900.
No. 2. —In connection with the underground fire in the Westport Cardiff Company's mine: We, the undersigned, have this day endeavoured to locate position of said fire ; but, owing to the unavailable ventilation, " which is natural," and the current thereby reversing every few minutes, we were unable to reach the affected part without incurring undue risk. We have therefore decided that no further risk to human life shall be incurred, and that a reliable current of air must be established to obviate this. To secure such current we decided the fan shall be removed from its present position and temporarily set at opening to Chasm Creek from first section of the mine. Further, in the meantime all openings to-day are to be sealed off by close bratticing, and no workmen are to enter this section of the mine until authorised by the person in full control of operations. E. Tennent, Inspector of Mines. 29th January, 1900. Jonathan Dixon, Mining Manager. No. 3. —We are vigorously pushing forward the removal of fan to the place indicated. All necessary hands are engaged working night and day. At 1 p.m. we were obliged to suspend work for four hours at the close entrance (Bridge), owing to smoke oozing through bratticing. Current changed then, and the bratticing was more tightly secured, and no change occurred in current till 4 a.m. 31st. Alex. Mitchel, Deputy. 30th January, 1900. Countersigned.— J. Dixon. 31st January, 1900.
No. 4. —Continued to erect fan. We were not stopped at any time to-day. I examined mine as far as stoppings. I felt a slight odour at'this end—viz., office entrance. Bridge entrance did not show which way current was going. A. Mitchel. 31st January, 1900. Countersigned.— J. Dixon. Ist February, 1900.
.Wo. s. —Completed erection of fan. No current in Bridge entrance ; a very strong odour inside of fan entrance when closed in. I examined the Bridge section, and found everything in a satisfactory condition. Countersigned.-— J. Dixon. 2nd February, 1900. Alex. Mitchel.
No. 6. —The fire in mine was located to-day in the back heading of the Long Jig. Before entering the mine the fan was started, and a measured current of 10,440 cubic ft. of air obtained at mine entrance. The party consisted of J. Dixon, A. Mitchel, B. Broome, J. Clark, and J. Smith. The party travelled to a point some 29 chains on main road, returned to long jig back heading, and ■discovered the fire therein some 4 chains up said heading. The main road was closely bratticed off and air directed up heading. Success attended the effort for some time, but about 4 p.m. a fall took place, and at same time the mass burst into flames for a distance back of 10 or 12 yards. Falls continued, one very heavy one taking place. The fire being so active, and falling roof so continuous, it was decided to abandon efforts to reach the seat. It was positively unsafe to attempt anything of the kind. I therefore decided to withdraw the workmen and close the mine as far as possible until further considered and seen by the Government Inspector. The heading was closely bratticed at 5 p.m., also all openings to mine reclosed—practically sealing the mine by temporary means. From my close observance of the conditions I hereby state that the fire is extensive, and the only safe remedy is to seal off the affected district as soon as possible. 5.30 p.m., 2nd February, 1900. Jonathan Dixon. No. 7. — E. Tennent, Inspector of Mines, headed the same party which accompanied Mr. Dixon on the 2nd instant. We discovered the fire at No. 3 curve at long jig on the main road. It was decided to seal down the mine with clay stoppings, which was begun at once and pushed forward with all possible haste, employing twelve men. sth February, 1900. A. Mitchel. Countersigned—E. Tennent. sth February, 1900. 2—C. 8.