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removed to the mine, where they are to be erected with all possible speed. As the land adjoining this property is held by persons who hold the freeholds, a little delay may be caused before arrangements can be made with them to allow a tram-line (aerial) or a tramway to be constructed over their land, but it is not expected that any obstacle will be placed in the way of accomplishing one of those things to connect with the Government railway at Huntly, and when completed will to all appearances prove a profitable concern. Eight men were employed. Mangapapa {Mokau Coal-mine) (William Lennox, manager). —There is little new to report from this mine, as the work carried on during the year has been confined to extending the various bords and headings to get sufficient coal to supply the demand, which is only very limited, owing to the great disadvantages in the transport of the coal from the mine to Waitara and New Plymouth. The steamboats which run up to the mine can only carry from 40 to 60 tons coal, and seldom exceed two trips in the week, as they have to be run to suit the tides, and one steamboat is sufficient for present requirements. The output of coal was 4,244 tons, a slight increase of 491 tons as compared with the previous year. When last inspected the workings were safe, but the ventilation was not as good as could be desired, and it was pointed out to the manager that another shaft should be sunk. When this is done a more regular supply of fresh air will be circulated in the mine. From ten to fourteen men are employed. The total number of days men who were injured in the Taupiri coal-mines were off work and received the usual weekly allowance through the Waikato Medical and Accident Society, Huntlv, was 1,366 days, at 2s. Id. = £142 ss. lOd. I have, &c, James Coutts, Inspector of Mines. Mr. Robert Tennent, Inspector of. Mines, Westport, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— Inspector of Mines' Office, Westport, 28th March, 1907. I have the honour, in compliance with section 75 of " The Coal-mines Act, 1905," to report as follows on the West Coast coal-mines for the year ending 31st December, 1906 : — Enner Glynn Coal-mine. —There has been no further effort made on this property towards the discovery of coal. ShaJcespeare Bay. —Prospecting for coal is now discontinued. Golden Bay Coal-mine, Motupipi. —(l/11/1906) : During the year mining on this property has been practically at a standstill, with the exception of unwatering the dip-tunnel for the purpose of taking 10 tons of coal and 10 tons of fireclay, the latter for a bulk trial for clay goods. Pakawau Coal-mine (owner, E. G. Pilcher, of Wellington; P. McCaffrey, mine-manager).— (27/10/1906) : Coal was taken from the dip-working until the 27th November, 1906, on which date mining was suspended and the pump withdrawn, pending completion of the low-level rock-tunnel, which was then driven 330 ft. Driving is continued on three shifts, and ventilation is well maintained and kept forward on the face with properly made canvas tubes. Reports kept to date. the dip-working was furnished up to date of suspension. Puponga Colliery (owners, Puponga Coal and Gold Mining Company (Limited) ; Mr. Sydney George Hayward, attorney).—(26/10/1906) : Although mining operations have been steadily maintained during the year, output shows a decrease of 1,927 tons as compared with that of the previous year. Pending additional pumping-power, extension of the main-dip haulage-road was not continued further, development being confined to the eastern and western sections of working. On the eastern district working-conditions are well maintained, while quality and thickness of seam show no depreciation. In the beginning of the year the connections necessary to maintain free ventilation to the bottom levels were satisfactorily completed on the west district, and considerable attention directed to heighten and secure the upper levels preparatory to open out the face on long-wall system, extension of face necessitating the removal of several small pillars. When last visited, a compound pump of large capacity had arrived from Home, and was placed in temporary position, awaiting the arrival of pipe-line connections. Capacity for the storage of water is amply provided, and the drainage leading to the pump connected by a short underfoot rock-tunnel. Steaming-power is also efficiently supplied by the addition of a new 40-horse power multitubular'boiler, now operative. Since the late improvements in connection with screening and washing the coal were completed, inquiry is more urgent for smaller sorts. Ventilation (fan) is efficient, and timber plentiful for all classes of work. General equipment in good order and reports to date. Arrangements to deepen the shipping channel have been completed, and dredging is now operative in forming a basin at the point of the jetty. On completion of this work, shipping movements should be greatly facilitated. Mokihinui Colliery. —Since the management of the Seddonville State Colliery withdrew all movable plant, and securely fenced off all entrances to the mine-workings, further work has not been resumed. The burning section of the upper mine continues in"a smouldering condition. Westport-Stockton Coal Company {Limited). —Mr. George- Broome, mining-engineer, under whose direction Mr. G. P. Robeitson, of Christchurch, was appointed general surveyor and draftsman, work in this department being greatly facilitated by the engineer's former surveys and general knowledge of the property. Since charge was taken in December of 1905 development has been actively pushed, and the surveys completed in February enabled the contractors to commence driving A and B tunnels (coal) in the beginning of March. In laying out these continued series of drivings, which intersect the

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