C—B

12

point by which it may be possible to build a dam and raise the mine-water in the workings—viz., between point B. and fault-line marked S. on plan. If this cannot be attained the question is serious, and the stopping at A. must remain. Should the proposed pipe-line scheme be considered practical, all the material specified in the Commissioners' report will have to be forwarded, as I could not get the necessary furnishings in Westport. Water is only available during heavy rainfalls, for when I visited the property on the 4th, sth, and 6th instant there was not sufficient water to fill a f-in. diameter pipe, and on several occasions I have seen less water in the stream. The course to carry this pipe-line has given me much thought, as the cliffs on which the Hector outcrops are exposed are nearly vertical and overhanging with loose masses of rock, and over the pillared ground no man has dared to travel. Comparing the altitude of the terrace over the main tunnel with the terrace over which the smoke is issuing from No. 1 incline or Long Jig ■on Hector Block, the Hector Terrace is considerably higher than the source of water-supply. I attach a telegram from Mr. Mitchel, caretaker, on water-supply from another small mountain stream that runs over Bridge section of workings. Mr. Bliott, —The problem before us in order to extinguish this fire is, to my mind, a most difficult task. I have had to deal with more extensive underground fires, but the conditions were solid workings. Had the ground been solid in this case the sealing off the mine would have been a simple matter. lam most anxious to carry out any practical or scientific method or further dealing with the case, but I would prefer to confer with some one who knows something of the internal conditions of the mine, as it makes the responsibility lighter should our efforts prove not effective. Mr. Jonathan Dixon, mining-manager of Millerton Colliery, would confer with me should you think it advisable to do so, as I look upon him as a qualified and experienced person. I have, &c, B. Tennent, Inspector of Mines. The Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington.

Telegbam from Mr. Mitchel, Seddonville, to Inspector of Mines, Westport. Bth June, 1900. No. 2 Creek trifle better than cascade. Extremely rough. Would require to go back a great distance to get altitude of fire-line if at all possible.

Telegram from E. Tennent, Inspector of Mines, Seddonville, to the Under-Secbetabt, Mines Department. 14th June, 1900. Cardiff fire shows signs of increase over Bridge approach, where large falls of rock have occurred;' water-supply failing. Telegrams from E. Tennent, Inspector of Mines, Seddonville, to the Under-Secretaby, Mines Department, Wellington. 18th June, 1900. Work started outside mine entrance preparatory to erecting ventilation-fan. We propose to force an on-current into the mine on air-lock principle, and drive the gases backwards through open burning drives on outcrop, with the object of building dam between points D. and F. on the plan. Should the experiment fail an air-current will have to be led forward by brattice, and all necessary material can be had locally. 18th June, 1900. There is no abatement of fire over Bridge approach. Water-supply still low. lam residing on the premises. 19th June, 1900. There is no change on outcrop fires ; weather very dry.

19th June, 1900. Outside work in connection with reopening mine is progressing satisfactorily. Nine men employed to-day.

20th June, 1900. Should resultant gases from coal distillation exist these gases are constantly discharged through the burning outcrops. Black-damp is the opposing element, and large air volumes are necessary to discharge it against the rise workings. Ido not anticipate danger from gas explosions. yVater accumulations behind falls, which we know have occurred in main tunnel, is the greatest danger.

21st June, 1900. Abbangembnts preparatory to re-entering the mine are vigorously pushed forward, but cannot be completed before middle of next week.

21st June, 1900. Every effort is being made with water-supply to suppress fire over Bridge approach. Outcrop fires on Hector Blocks are stronger. Mr. Dixon was here all day yesterday. 22nd June, 1900. There is no change to report on fire. Other works are being pushed forward.