7

C—3a

706 cubic feet of air per man ; No. 5 district, 377 cubic feet of air per man. Temperature, 75° Fahr. (dry) ; 74° Fahr. (wet). These figures show that at certain periods at least the mine-ventilation is exceedingly good. But, as only natural ventilation exists, it may have sometimes happened that the ventilation was below the standard. However, the company have since installed a fan, and the ventilation, instead of showing considerable variations as formerly, should be constant and adequate. The output of coal for the year was 44,625 tons. Seventy-seven men were employed. Kiripaka Colliery (Mr. E. W. Tattley, mine-manager).—During the year the mine dip heading was extended and a cross-drive put out, but the seam thinned to such a degree as to be unprofitable. The company then decided to confine their attention for the time to extracting pillars in what was considered a safe area, but, unfortunately, when some pillars were removed a fall of roof occurred, followed by an inrush of water from the Ngunguru River. Surface protection-works had to be constructed to keep the water within the banks of the river, and the mine was subsequently drained. Minedevelopments have proved very disappointing. Nothing of an important character has been discovered during the course of prospecting, and the end of the mine appears to be near. To the dip of the mineworkings boreholes have been put down, but with unsatisfactory results. This is a serious matter for the company, who have expended much capital lately on prospecting operations. Mine-ventila-tion was satisfactory. Rules posted, report-books kept, and reports entered regularly. The output of coal for the year was 45,462 tons 12 cwt. Fifty-nine men were employed. Whangarei Colliery (Mr. A. H. Taylor, mine-manager).—When the main shaft was sunk to the required depth it was found as development-work proceeded that the field is much faulted, a series of trough faults being met with. The coal-seam is thin and hard, with occasional bands of stone running through it. No. 2 coal-seam, which is a few feet under No. 1 seam, is from 7 ft. to 10 ft. thick. A main development heading is being driven to the dip, and, it is believed, away from the faulted area. A series of boreholes have been put down from the surface, and there are indications of a large area of fair-quality coal being found. The output for the year was 1,469 tons of coal. Twenty-five men were employed. Taupiri Coal-mines (Limited), Ralph's Mine (Mr. James Fletcher, mine-manager).—The main dip headings have been extended, and provision has been made for general development. The whole of the mine-workings are to the dip underlying and to the west of the Waikato River. As the adjacent areas become exhausted new areas are opened to the dip. The main haulage-rope has been lengthened, and a more powerful engine installed. During the year an outlet on the western side of the river was made by connecting by special headings Ralph's Mine and the Taupiri West shaft. This con-necting-drive, when it is enlarged and properly graded, will be used as a main haulage-way. The west shaft has been lined with 9 in. reinforced concrete from the rock up to 12 ft. above the original surface level. A steam-engine and cages are at the shaft, to be used in case of emergency. In the north-western little dip, where the coal is of good quality, a number of men are working near the old Barrier pillar which divided Ralph's from the Extended Mine. The damaged pillar area under the Waikato River is being strengthened. The pillars do not appear to have suffered any further damage during the year. Two men were killed by a fall of rock in the connecting-drive. A number of minor accidents occurred. The shafts, cages, ropes, chains, and automatic gear connected therewith were carefully examined from time to time. The engines, boilers, and fan machinery are in good order. The mine was examined several times during the year, and was found to be in a very satisfactory condition. The output of coal for the year was 97,340 tons. Two hundred and forty-seven men were employed. Extended Mine (Mr. William Wood, mine-manager) : Development of the main dip has been well advanced ahead of present requirements. The main haulage was remodelled during the year, and extensive alterations made in connection with the surface and underground arrangements. The new haulage machinery referred to in last year's report is now erected, and is working very satisfactorily. The ventilating-fan and pumps are in good order. The boilers, chains, ropes, shafts, ladders, and travelling-roads were carefully examined during the year, and were found satisfactory. Special and general rules posted, report-books kept, and reports entered regularly. Check-inspectors made no examinations during the year. No fatal accidents occurred. The requirements of the Act are strictly attended to. The output of coal for the year was 130,353 tons, being an increase of 29,173 tons. Two hundred and eighty men were employed. Taupiri Reserve Mine (Mr. William Wood, mine-manager) : Early in the year a fall of rock and coal took place in a section of the old workings, and to prevent a further fall a timber pillar was built to support the roof. Later a fire broke out in the s>me section, and, an attempt to extinguish it having failed, the affected area was isolated. The cover overhead and underlying the Kimihia Lake being only 50 ft., it was deemed necessary for the safety of life to abandon the workings, and the pumps and rails were removed. The coal to the dip of the present mine can be more safely and economically worked from another point by sinking a shaft near the Kimihia Railway-station. Output of coal for the year, 1,269 tons. Twelve men were employed. Taupiri South Colliery. — The mine-fires which led to the suspension of operations last year prevented work being resumed, and the mine is closed down indefinitely. Union Collieries (Mr. F. J. Tattley, mine-manager).—The output of coal for the year as compared with that of the previous year shows a falling-off of 1,376 tons. No important works were undertaken. The mine was examined twice, and the ventilation and workingsXere in a satisfactory condition. Twenty-four men were employed. Waipa Colliery (no manager).—The company are awaiting an Order in Council before they undertake the construction of a railway-line to connect with the Government line south of Ngaruawahia. It is anticipated that coal will be put on the market two years hence if no difficulties arise. Develop-ment-work may be undertaken this year.