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1905. NEW ZEALAND.

INSPECTION OF COAL-MINES REPORT. ("THE COAL-MINES ACT, 1891.")

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. Mr. J. Hayes, F.S.Sc, Inspecting Engineer, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department. Sir, — Mines Department, Wellington, 3rd May, 1905. I have the honour to submit reports on the coal-mines of the colony for the year ended 31st December, 1904. Output. The following summary shows the output of the various classes of coal and lignite mined in each inspection district: —

The total number of mines at work during the year was 168, of which number 24 provide employment for over twenty persons at each mine, whilst 45 mines employ over four but not more than twenty persons at each. The relatively large proportion of small mines is due to the fact that these properties are being worked for the supply of local requirements only, and include several at which fuel is obtained on private lands solely for the requirements of the owners, who are, for the most part, farmers who quarry a few tons of lignite from time to time. In comparison with the output for the year 1903, the foregoing statement shows a net total increase of 117,609 tons. The statement given below shows the relative increase and decrease in the output of the various classes of coal, &c, in each of the inspection districts : —

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Glass of Coal, &c. Northern District. i West Coast District. Southern Distriot. Total. iituminous and semi-bituminous coal ... 'itch-coal ... Irown coal... /ignite Tons. 106,219 136,298 Tons. 832,299 2,397 2,254 Tons. 22,109 345,306 90,956 Tons. 938,518 24,506 483,858 90,956 Totals ... 242,517 836,950 458,371 ! 1,537,838

Class of Goal, &c. Northern District. Increase, j e " jcreaee. West Coast District. I Southern District. Total Total Total Net Increase. Increase. De_ crease. _. ; Increase. Increase. crease. j crease. Tons. To?) \ iituminous and semi- 4,700 ■ ... bituminous coal 'itch-coal.. Irowncoal ... 28,022 i ... iignite ... ... ... ... til-shale ... Tons. 53,927 Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Ton p. Tons. 2,397 406 993 14,428 13,584 36 Totals ... 32,722 56,324 406 29,005 36 ; 118,051 ' 442 117,609 j