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However, the Mines Department is following the development of this treatment with considerable interest, and it is hoped that it will be possible for an officer of the Health Department to visit Australia during Dr. Robson's visit there and confer with him, while the Australian Government has promised to furnish the New Zealand Government with reports on the treatment prepared by its medical officers. POST-WAR DEVELOPMENT The most important mineral resource of New Zealand is coal, and accordingly in the succeeding years it must command the greatest attention of the Mines Department, and a development programme has been prepared as follows: — (1) State ownership of all coal rights and acquisition by State of principal collieries. (2) Progressive development of new mines so that reliance can be placed on local production for national needs without recourse to importation. (3) Conservation of coal resources by adoption of methods to obtain maximum extraction in mining. This entails briefly—(a) Experiment in hydraulic and perhaps pneumatic stowage in pillar-extraction: (b) Washing and processing to eliminate excessive ash and/or sulphur : (c) Blending by briquetting of soft friable coals otherwise unsuitable for marketing. (4) Study of latest technique in extraction of oil from coal by low-termperature and hydrogenation processes. (5) Extension of mechanical means of boring, cutting, loading, and underground transport of coal where coal deposits and underground conditions are suitable. (6) In furtherance of (2), opening up new mines : Garvey's Creek (under way), Morley (about ready to start), and Rewanui (surveys should be completed within few months). (7) Acceleration of detailed survey of coal resources and drilling programmes. (8) Programme of visits by suitable technicians overseas to study latest methods so as to keep up to date with modern trends. (9) Continuance of encouragement to co-operative mining ventures where largescale operations are impracticable. (10) Continuance of improvement of housing and amenities in mining townships. (11) Concentration of mining townships in desirable localities with better road and bus transport to the collieries. (12) Further development of underground transport for workers in the larger pits. (13) Appointment of fuel technologist to ensure use of coal to best advantage. (14) Programme of training of mine officials and managers to be revised in association with Otago University, Schools of Mines, and representatives of industry. (15) Maintenance of highest possible standards of safety and study of developments overseas. (16) Continuance of developments in opencast mining. STAFF Early in 1946 the Chief Inspector of Coal-mines and Inspecting Engineer of Metalliferous Mines, Mr. George Duggan, retired on superannuation after long and valuable service with the Mines Department. During his term of office he was indefatigable in promoting safety conditions in coal-mines, and in particular he was instrumental in the creation of the mines rescue stations and in introducing safety-helmets into coal-mines. His successor is Mr. R. H. Schoen, of the inspectorate staff.

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