C.—2a

The gross total output from this colliery since its inception amounts to 414,377 tons 16 cwt. Days worked. —The mine during the year worked on 140£ days, this being 28J days less than the previous year. The possible working-days, exclusive of pay Saturdays and union holidays, were 272. The difference between those worked and the possible working-days is accounted for as follows : Lack of trade, 91 ; back Saturdays, 26 ; shipping strike, 5 ; funerals, 4 ; May Day, 1 ; St. Patrick's Day, 1 ; breakdown of power-supply, 1 ; breakdown to screens, J day ; dispute re curves versus flatsheets, 2. Employees. —In connection with the coal-winning the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 85, made up as follows : Underground—Coal-hewers, 30 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 31 ; boys, 2. On the surface—l 6 men and 6 boys. In addition to those employed under the heading of coal-winning an average of 6 men were employed on boring and prospecting work on the reserve. Expenditure. —The total expenditure in connection with coal-winning for wages, stores, mine timber, and compensation, together with subsidy on bus fares, cost of electric power, and coal used on works, amounted to £16,648 3s. Bd., as compared with £19,316 Is. 3d. for the previous year. In addition to the amount expended on coal-winning, £1,145 18s. lOd. was expended on drilling and prospecting on the reserve in the Nine-mile Creek Valley. Goal - hewers' Average Daily Earnings. — The coal - hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £1 Bs. Id. ; and, after deducting stores (explosives), their net return was £1 2s. Id. —a reduction of 4d. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output.—The average daily mine output was 190 tons 15 cwt., and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 16 cwt., as compared with 199 tons 7 cwt. and 6 tons 14 cwt. respectively for the previous year. Deficiencies. —The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause during the year was £4 6s. Id. Accidents. —During the year there were a few minor accidents, but none of a serious nature. The total payments made under the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act amounted to £134.135. 6d. On the output produced the cost is l-26d. per ton. Underground Workings.—Operations at this mine during the year consisted of developing an area in what is known as the New Dip Section, and the extraction of pillars from the other sections. In the New Dip Section, where workings are being extended in the solid, the seam in most of the places worked is of good quality and thickness. There are places, however, where the lower 2 ft. of the seam is inclined to be soft and friable, and, where possible, this is allowed to remain. Pillar-extraction has been completed on the West Section of the Haulage Eoad and the pillared area sealed off with concrete stoppings. In the South Level Section where pillars are being extracted the seam is somewhat variable, due to the intrusion of stone rolls and occasional intersections of bands of stone. There are also several pillars in this section which, owing to the friable nature of the coal, will have to remain un worked. Pillar-extraction is now in progress in what is known as the Cross-cut Dip Section. Overlying this section is Cannell Creek, and it therefore means that it will not allow of complete extraction of all the pillars, as blocks will require to be left to support the roof under the creek herein referred to. Stone-dusting. —Work under this head is regularly carried out. One hundred and nineteen samples, taken from the various zones in the mine, were analysed. Plant and Machinery. —Although the plant, machinery, and buildings have been maintained in good order and condition, it must be pointed out that the water at this mine is very destructive to pipes, pumps, and rails, necessitating constant repairs and renewals. The quantity of water to be dealt with is not by any means excessive, but it is so destructive that the pumps have to be frequently sent out of the mine to be overhauled at the colliery workshops, also pipes that are eaten through in places are cut and rethreaded, in order to use any good parts left. General. Although the output and days worked at the Liverpool Colliery shows an increase when compared with the figures of last year, it will be seen there is a decided reduction, both in output and days, worked at the James Mine. The coal produced from the James Mine is chiefly used for household purposes, and through the exceptionally warm weather experienced during the latter portion of the year there was very little demand for this class of fuel. In conclusion, permit me to say that all the officers have performed their duties in a loyal and efficient manner, and I am also indebted to yourself for valuable services rendered in connection with several matters concerning the mines. I have, &c., I. A. James, Superintendent.

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