C—2a

A recent survey of adjacent areas has proved substantial reserves of coal suitable for opencasting, fully justifying the expenditure required to purchase the right type of machines to ensure efficiency and economy in the operations. The survey party under Mr. McCormick's direction have prospected about 5,000 acres, completing a detailed survey on Block I comprising 550 acres, proving 636,800 tons of excellent coal in this area. This work provides detailed structural and topographical contour maps which are an invaluable guide in planning the layout of opencast mines. A much greater area has yet to be surveyed. The cost of maintenance of the locomotives and locomotive road has been extremely heavy. The locomotives have about reached the end of their useful life, frequent breakdowns occurring that cannot be provided against because of the age and condition of the plant. Tenders have been called for the erection of an aerial haulage unit to replace the present haulage system. Extensive alterations and repairs are being made to the main bins at Ngakawau. Alterations and additions to the Ngakawau office have been completed, providing a suitable drawing-office and very necessary improvements to other parts. I have, &c., T. McGhie, District Manager. The District Manager, State Coal-mines, Bennydale, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir, — 29th May, 1947. I have the honour to submit my report on the working of the Mangapehi and Tatu Mines and the Waitewhena Opencast for the year ended 31st March, 1947. Mangapehi Colliery Output.-—The gross output for the year was 53,940 tons 12 cwt., a decrease of 4,171 tons 2 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,442 tons 12 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (949 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 51,549 tons. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year:— Ist April, 1946 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bins and yard .. .. 10 7 0 Add net output for year .. 51,549 0 0 51,559 7 0 31st March, 1947 — Less stock in bin and yard .. .. 139 17 0 Total disposed of .. .. 51,419 10 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Local and mine sales .. .. 1,024 5 0 Railed .. .. .. .. 49,781 5 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 614 0 0 51,419 10 0 The gross output since the colliery was taken over by the State Coal-mines to date is 349,838 tons 2 cwt.

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