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Wangaloa.—The new Sullivan 37 drill, after a satisfactory test at Stockton, has. now commenced work at Wangaloa to prove the existence or otherwise of coal-seams in the underlying Kaitangata series. Difficult drilling conditions are to be expected in this area, but so far progress has been satisfactory. Stockton. —Drilling has been urgently required at Stockton, and, as no Department drill has been available, arrangements have now been made to hire a suitable drill from the Public Works Department, and drilling has recently commenced. Strongman Mine.—Underground drilling was carried out at this coal-mine for the greater part of the year, and five holes, with a total depth of 728 ft., were drilled from various parts of the workings to locate either upper or lower seams. Co-operative Mines.—Two shallow underground holes, totalling 293 ft. in depth,, were drilled for Kaye and party, but were unsuccessful in locating coal. One hole, 149 ft. in depth, was drilled underground for Armstrong and party, and was successful in locating a seam of coal 13 ft. 6 in. thick at the point of intersection. KawaJcawa. —Five holes, of a total depth 666 ft., were drilled at Kawakawa during the year, but no coal was disclosed, and drilling was abandoned. Kimihia.—Drilling from a barge was undertaken at Lake Kimihia, and thirtyeight holes, with a total depth of 3,509 ft., were completed during the year, proving an additional area to which opencast mining can be extended. Nineteen holes, of a total depth of 1,097 ft., were also drilled in this vicinity by the drill of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Wilton Mine.—Drilling operations have recently been commenced in an area adjoining the Wilton No. 3 workings. COAL-MINES COUNCIL During the year the Coal-mines Council dealt with a large number of disputes in. coal-mines relating to rates of pay and conditions of employment. Eighty-five separate decisions have been issued by the Council affecting mines from North Auckland to Southland. Travelling and incidental activities made for a strenuous year for all members of the Council. Mr. John Dowgray, who has given sterling service as Chairman since July, 1944, resigned towards the end of the year by reason of failing health, and Mr. C. H. Benney has been appointed Chairman in his place. I desire to express my thanks to Mr. Dowgray on behalf of the Government for his unfailing devotion to the cause of industrial harmony in the industry during the difficult years of war. SCHOOLS OF MINES The expenditure on Schools of Mines for the year ended 31st March, 1947, was £5,099. In the previous year the amount was £4,190. One candidate obtained a scholarship at the annual examination. All the scholarship entries were from the Otago University School of Mines. It is hoped in the near future to arrange a representative conference to discuss ways and means of adjusting the curriculum of the Otago University School to the needs of the coal-mining industry and attracting graduates to the technical force of the industry.

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