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Star Area, Ohai. —Since the acquisition by the Mines Department of the above collierv, boring has been carried out to prove the extent of the Morlev Seam on the area, and bores 15 (534 ft.), 16 (429 ft.), 17 (183 ft.), 176 (778 ft.), and 177 (588 ft.) were drilled during the year and very encouraging results were obtained, proving a considerable extension of the Morley Seam. Wilton Colliery No. 3 Extended. —Bores 1r to 8r inclusive, with a total depth of 935 ft., were drilled at this colliery during the year to prove whether or not an area ahead of the present workings in this colliery was coal-bearing. Results were not altogether encouraging, but further drilling may be carried out at a later date. Wilton Opencast.—At the latter end of the year a start was made to prove the extent of a likely opencast area adjacent to the Wilton No. 1 Colliery. Two bores were completed, one to a depth of 70 ft. and another to a depth of 67 ft. The area will be surveyed and drilling carried out on a definite grid so that from the results of future bores calculations of overburden and coal quantities will be made. Drilling is proceeding. Kemp's Opencast, Glen Massey.—Seventeen bores, with a total depth of 935 ft., were drilled on. this area. This drilling was necessary for the development of the area. Kimihia Opencast Extension. —During the previous year much drilling was done on this area, and at the beginning of this year bore R7, with a depth of 74 ft., was drilled to complete the work in hand. This work was done from a barge on Lake Kimihia. The area is now being surrounded by a stop-bank preparatory to pumping out the water and stripping-operations. Pakotai (Copper Deposit).—From the end of October through to the end of December, twenty-five bores, with a total of 861 ft. of drilling, were carried out to prove the extent of the deposit of copper sulphide in this locality. Results were inconclusive , and it was decided to cease drilling until further field-work was completed. COAL-MINES COUNCIL During the year the Council has issued 110 separate decisions regarding disputes in the industry submitted for adjudication. Generally speaking, each decision represents the findings of a visit to one particular mine, and in the majority of cases a decision will deal with the separate grievances of several individuals or groups of workers. The volume of work involved is therefore considerable and much time is also taken up in travelling to and from the various coalfields. I take the opportunity of thanking the members of the Council for their valuableservice during the year. SCHOOLS OF MINES The expenditure on Schools of Mines for the year ended 31st March, 1948, was £4,884, as against £5,099 for the year ended 31st March, 1947. Two candidates obtained scholarships at the annual examination, and another candidate who is taking the examination in sections obtained a partial pass. All the scholarship entries were from the Otago University School of Mines. The provision of an adequate and continuous supply of qualified managers to the coal-mining industry, particularly in view of the new problems created by the increasing mechanization of the industry, is a question that has been exercising responsible members of that industry in every part of the world. It has become increasingly apparent that modern conditions call for more highly trained managers than was considered necessary in the past. The question of mining education generally has been reviewed at some length by the Mines Department during the past year and it is expected that discussions on this important subject will take place at an early date with other interested bodies.

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