C.—7.

qualities of coal for the manufacture of metallurgical coke, and Mr. H. K. Scott, M.I.M.M. (London), a mining engineer of high standing. After spending some three months in the country they reported to the Government. During their stay in New Zealand they paid special attention to the reserves of raw materials, and the figures set out as representing the available ore now proved are the same as appears in their report. Coking-coal Resources. The visiting consultants in the review of the coal-supplies were assisted considerably by advice and information available to them from the Coal Survey Committee, which was established last year for the purpose of surveying the coal resources of the Dominion. The Committee's work at the present time is only partially completed, but such information that it was able to give proved of great assistance to the visitors. The reserves of coking coal appearing in the report of Brassert's are as follows :—

Reserves of Coking Coal.

Limestone. Limestone, is required as a flux in the furnaces, and considerable deposits occur in the Golden Bay District. The limestone varies considerably in chemical composition, and further work is being undertaken at the present time to test out the qualities of various deposits adjacent to the orefields with a view to determining the most economical source of supply. Dolomite. Dolomite also is found in large quantities at Mount Burnett, and preliminary investigation work into the most economical sources of supply is also receiving careful attention. Harbour Facilities. The establishment of an iron and steel works in the Onekaka District will result in a considerable amount of sea-borne traffic. A preliminary estimate indicates that, once the works are established, Onekaka as a seaport will become probably the fourth and not less than the fifth in importance in the Dominion from the viewpoint of tonnage-. Investigations are being carried out at the present time with a view to providing berthage facilities for overseas vessels. Effect of the Establishment of Steel-manufacture on Employment. The establishment of an iron and steel industry in New Zealand to manufacture the proposed quantities of steel products will have a very beneficial effect on the employment position. The direct employment in the steelworks will be about fifteen hundred, whilst the indirect employment associated with the manufacture of iron and steel will be quite substantial. The necessary labour for the provision of accommodation to house the workers, to build the wharf, and to provide the social amenities will also provide employment for a considerable number. It is anticipated that during a portion of the period whilst construction is in progress not less than two thousand male workers will be engaged. Acknowledgments. In conclusion, we would like to take this opportunity of placing on record our appreciation of and indebtedness to the staff of the Dominion Laboratory, the Geological Survey Branch, the Mines Department, and also to the Patea Harbour Board for its ready co-operation in the work carried out in that district.

3

j Coal in Ground. ' Recoverable Coal. Greymouth—• Tons. Tons. Strongman Mine .. .. .. .. 8,626,000 4,313,000 Liverpool Mine .. .. .. .. 5,228,000 3,114,000 Paparoa Mine .. .. .. .. 4,526,000 2,569,000 Dobson Mine .. .. .. .. 17,472,000 9,200,000 Wallsend Mine .. .. .. .. 6,000,000 3,715,000 Other areas .. .. .. .. 4,600,000 2,300,000 46,452,000 25,211,000 Westport — Denniston .. .. .. 12,000,000 7,000,000 Millerton and Stockton . . .. .. Not suitable coal. 58,452,000 32,211,000