C—3a

13

Waihao Forks Coal-mine, Waihao Forks (D. McPherson).—(2o/10/1903): The old pit is full of water. Two men now reopening Morgan's shale-pit—lignite-seam about 6 ft. in thickness having about 1 ft. of shale on top; stripping, 6ft. of river-gravels. Elephant Hill Goal-mine, Waihao Doirus (A. Adamson, lessee). (20/10/1903): Timber somewhat inadequate. An accident occurred on the 13th October, 1903, to a man named George Boyce, who sustained injury to scalp by fall of coal at face. Boyce was off work in consequence for twenty-six days North Otago. Rocky Point Mine, Hakataramea (New Zealand and Australian Land Company, owners). — (12/9/1903): This mine has not been worked during the past season, station-coal having been brought from tho Dalgety Mine. Dalgety Mine, Hakataramea. —(l4/9/1903) : Seam outcropping on the western bank of the Hakataramea River. Several drives put in for short distances have apparently been robbed and fallen in. A new drive is to be put in behind the old workings and kept within safe working-limits so as not to become lost as former drives have been. Shank's Pit, Wharekuri (A. Shanks). —(18/5/1903): Work recently confined to dropping head-coal in the upper north level; south upper level, which had been stopped off on account of heating, is still sweating somewhat. Air in north-level face very fair, being conducted to face by brattice. (22/9/1903): No. 2 drive on hill nearly finished, now brushing the road end. Driving from No. 1 to win a piece of solid coal left in between Sutherland's level and Shank's north level. Good air travelling. Heavy leakage of damp from stoppings and joints in coal Pure air conducted to working-face by brattice. Awakino Goal-mine, Kurow (George Orr, owner; J. Sutherland, manager).—(lß/5/1903): Coal-seam vertical, with clay band in centre, as at Wharekuri. Dip drive in the terrace off the creek-bed sunk 20 ft. on strike of seam. Water percolating freely at the roof and floor. Otiake Coal-pit, Otiake (William Cunningham, owner). —(18/5/1903): Level at 100 ft. on strike of seam cut into Porter's old workings, which were found all standing. Porter's old shaft, having been retimbered, is now used for upcast air-shaft. Shaft well fenced at surface. St. Andreio's Colliery, Papakaio (T. Mmmo, permit).—(l 9/5/1903): Successful pillardrawing continues. Mr. Nimnio estimates that fully 75 per cent, of the coal-seam is being won Rows of ash stoppings put in at regular intervals imprison black damp, of which large quantities aii generated, thereby keeping down fires which would otherwise inevitably arise. Timber use! close up to the men. Supplies of timber and ashes kept on hand ready for immediate use. (25/9/1903): Pillars continue to be well drawn with safety. Air ample, now being conducted to working-face by brattice. Plan and report books to date. Rules posted. Prince Alfred Colliery, Papakaio (G. H. Willetts, permit).— (25/9/1903): Old mine finished. In new south-going level coal improved in quality, and thickness also increased to 6 ft. at levelface. Workings in good order generally. Ample supply of timber kept on premises. Rules posted. Allandale Colliery, Shag Point (C. H. Westfield, mine-manager). —(6/5/1903): Breast of work to north, 6 chains in width, being worked longwall, coal having thinned to 3 ft. The 2 ft. band of stone on top of seam provides convenient stowing. Roof bad, and falls heavily where not supported. Traversed main roadways, working-places, and return airways to old mine-mouth and found them in good working-order. (25/8/1903): The bulk of output continues to be obtained from No. 1 seam, north of shaft. Cross-measures stone drive from main haulage-level to No. 1 seam at 110 yards struck the seam, proving an area 65 yards to 75 yards in width by 13 chains in length; average thickness of seam, 6ft. All timbering iv this seam to roof and sides excellently well done. Longwall section : Coal continues thin ; good roadways are being maintained through the pack. Two dip drives from north level are proving the seam of good quality and thickness. Air excellent throughout No. 1 seam section. (9/9/1903) : Mine in good working-order. Repairs to and straightening of main haulage-road being carried out. A " Hayes " ventilating-fan of the Colonial type, 9 ft. in diameter, designed to meet the requirements of a thin-seam colliery, has been erected. This fan may be run up to 250 revolutions per minute if necessar)', but the present requirements are fully met at about one-third of the speed named. (11/12/1903): Volume of air at outlet 12,218 cubic feet per minute; fan making ninety-five revolutions. W.G. Jin. Roadways and working-places in good order. Ventilation excellent. Shag Point Colliery, Shag Point (R. Glendenning, lessee; T. Shore, manager).-—(6/5/1903): New dip : Levels driven 1 chain north and south, seam being found split by heavy dirt-band. Not working. (25/8/1903): Thin outcrop seams south of main workings being opened up on the sea-beach. The area is considerably disturbed, and apparently in close proximity to the known fault-line on East Coast, near the mouth of Shag River. South Otago. Fernhill Coal Company, Abbotsford (James Gray, manager). —(30/12/1903): Mine in good working-order, levels being started to win area of coal behind the old workings. Freeman's Coal Company, Abbotsford (R. Hill, mine-manager; R. Green, general manager). —(30/4/1903): No. 1 mine: The last of the pillars having been successfully drawn, the rails and plant have been lifted and the old mine is now abandoned. Two shafts, formerly used for ventilating, require to be properly secured. New mine now in 20 chains to level-face. All in coal. Dip and rise crosscuts being driven ; seam here troubled with thread faults, roof consequently bad in places. Ventilation natural; air dull in several of the working-faces, some motive power being required. (11/11/1903): No. 1 mine: Proudfoot's and Freeman's shafts, formerly used for ventilating and pumping purposes, have been filled up to the surface for security. New mine: Brick ventilating-furnace has been built, at bottom of upcast air-shaft;