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of the dam has been increased and the water from a second creek diverted into the channel leading into the dam. Towards the end of the year additional stripping of overburden was undertaken and there is sufficient coal uncovered to give continuity of supply for the current year. Aria Colliery (A. Pratt (Deputy), Mine-manager).—The area from which coal is being won lies between what appears to be two faults approximately 4\ chains apart, one of these being just outbye from the entrance to the mine which has been opened by driving a level on the strike of the seam to contact the other fault inbye. About 2 chains from entrance a dip was broken away and driven for about 4J chains before contacting the inside fault, which runs diagonally across the dip of the seam. From the dip three levels (from which the major portion of the output has been secured this year) have been driven outwards, and by the end of the year all three had contacted the fault line outside the drive entrance. It is now intended to put down a new dip drive between the outside fault and the present entrance to mine so that fresh development work may be put in hand and at the same tjme enable work to the dip below the bottom level to be continued. Stockman Colliery (H. W. Jones (Deputy), Mine-manager).—This mine, operated by 2 miners, continued production during the year for an output of 652 tons. Means of access to this mine is somewhat difficult, depending upon the conditions prevailing on the river. The output shows a decrease of 96 tons for the reviewed period. Fougere's Opencast, Ohura.—Coal production has been continued by two parties operating on two different sections of the property. These parties are made up of 2 men each working on coal varying from 3 ft. 6 in. to 4 ft. in thickness. The total output from both is only 1,874 tons for the year. Waitewhena State Opencast (S. T. Smith (Permit), Mine-manager).—The year's output was won from No. 2 Area, being consistent daily outputs of between 150 and 160 tons. To meet the demand for coal for industrial purposes a coal-crusher was installed at the mine bins and the majority of the output has been crushed since October, 1947. Two 8-ton motor-trucks are employed transporting the coal from the face to the mine bins, a distance of approximately 30 chains. Two 4-ton, four 4^-ton, and three 5| -ton motor-trucks are engaged transporting the coal from the mine bins to railway siding twelve miles away. Due to weather conditions affecting local road-metal contractors during the winter months, roadmetal was scarce and access road conditions suffered at the mine during this time. Additional labour Avas required in maintaining the access roads, this delaying the completion of the siding screens and storage bin as well as the flying-fox installation. Earthwork plant for stripping operations at present used consist of five Caterpillar D 8 tractors, 1 H.D. 14 Allis Chalmers tractor, one International tractor, six blades, three 12-cubic-yard carryalls, two rooters, one f-cubic-yard shovel excavator, and two 3-cubic-yard motor trucks. Coal stripped is approximately 12,000 tons, with a fair area of ground with reduced overburden. Rotowako Rescue-station The number of trained men on the station roster is 86, this including 12 men trained at Benneydale. For the purpose of training the men at Benneydale the Station Superintendent travels weekly to the mine. Twelve new men have been trained, of these 2 being certificated mine-managers. Ten applications for assistance have been made to the Station Superintendent, five of these coming from the Mac Donald Mine, one from Rotowaro, two from Pukemiro, and two from Benneydale; in rendering the assistance the services of 52 trained men were required, eloquent testimony, if any was required, of the value of the station so far as fire-fighting is concerned. Huntly Schooi of Mikes It has to be recorded that the Director of the School, Mr. J. E. Gomersall, died towards the end of the year. Although in failing health, he continued to hold classes regularly, and a fair number of students availed themselves of the educational facilities afforded them under his tuition. Fatal Accidents I am very pleased to be able to report that no fatal accidents resulted from the year's operations. Serious Non-fatal Accidents Twelve serious accidents have been reported during the year : On 15th January at Kimihia State Opencast an employee, B. Holland, was struck a glancing blow on the head by a falling wire rope. Upon examination it was ascertained that no fracture had resulted, and he was able to resume work in seven days. On 12th February at Kemp's State Opencast, Glen Massey, whilst engaged on the coal-screening plant at bins, W. Menzies got his right arm caught by driving-belt, causing serious lacerations to same. On 14th February at Kimihia State Opencast an employee, T. E. Douglas, whilst assisting in the assembly of a tractor, had the top joint of the ring-finger (left hand) crushed, necessitating the amputation of same.

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