C—2a

1947 NEW ZEALAND

STATE COAL-MINES (REPORT ON THE WORKING OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1947

Prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 184 of the Coal-mines Act, 1925

REPORT BY THE HON. A. McLAGAN, MINISTER OF MINES Mr, Speaker,— I have the honour to present to Parliament the Balance-sheet, Statement of Accounts, and reports on the operations of the State Coal-mines for the year ended 31st March, 1947. The gross output of the State coal-mines for the year ended 31st March, 1947, was 1,097,273 tons, an increase of 72,336 tons when compared with the year ended 31st March, 1946. Output at the Liverpool Colliery decreased by 22,031 tons to 100,077 tons. The bulk of the output was obtained from pillar-extraction in the Morgan Rise and Kimbell West sections. The output at the Strongman Colliery was 99,329 tons, compared with 100,275 tons for the previous year. All coal was won from developing sections. The Blackball Colliery showed a decrease in output of 1,387 tons. Adverse mining conditions still pertain at this colliery and the coal is friable. Although there has been no substantial improvement in the mining conditions mentioned last year, the output at this colliery was well maintained. An increase in output of 4,800 tons was recorded at the Dobson Colliery, and the Superintendent reports that prospects for the future working of this mine are good for many years. The total output from the Stockton State mines increased by 22,239 tons to 237,460 tons. The bulk of this increase was obtained from the E Hill opencast. The Burke's Creek Colliery was taken over on the 3rd June, and the output from that date to the 31st March, 1947, was 13,550 tons. Since taking over the colliery much reconditioning has had to be done. Development work is now proceeding. Development work at the Garvey Creek Mine is still proceeding and no output had been recorded up to 31st March, 1947. Output at the Mossbank Colliery increased by 1,340 tons to 25,468 tons. During the year a new return airway was driven in stone, and this has resulted in improved ventilation in the mine. By the 31st March all coal had been extracted from the Ohai Opencast. During the year 49,475 tons were produced, making 85,671 tons obtained from this opencast by the State.