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COAL-PRODUCTION Work on opencast mines has been continued at Glen Massey, Waitewhenua, Stockton, Ohai, Kapuka, and Wangaloa. At Glen Afton stripping was completed during March, 1947, and extraction of coal ended in May following. The mine was then closed down. During the whole period of its operation 55,093 tons of coal were extracted, necessitating the removal of 454,080 cubic yards of overburden. Additional plant was procured for Glen Massey towards the end of the year, and stripping is now well ahead. For the year stripping amounted to 595,250 cubic yards and coal output was 58,715 tons. Work at Wangaloa has resulted in an increased output. Stripping for the year amounted to 397,305 cubic yards and coal output to 41,616 tons. In the Southland area, overburden totalling 95,000 cubic yards has been removed from State and privately owned mines. Lighthouses and Harbour-works Maintenance of lighthouses has been carried out as usual; routine maintenance work on all Diesel-electric lighthouse plant has also been carried on. Electrification of Moeraki and Nugget Point lights is nearly complete, and electrification is in hand at North Cape, Chickens Island, Channel Island, and Cape Egmont. A new light is being constructed at Motuara Island, and erection and installation are nearly complete. New lights and equipment are on order for Gibson Point and Slope Point. A well has been bored at Cape Egmont to provide an assured water-supply. The access road to Waipapapa Lighthouse has been formed and gravelled. Repairs are being made to the Opononi, Rawene, Horeke, Kohukohu, and Karaki Point Wharves, in Hokianga Harbour. A slipway for fishing-vessels at Karitane is finished. AERODROMES During the year the Government appointed an Aerodromes Committee comprising representatives of the Air Department, National Airways Corporation, Commissioner of Works, and Public Works Department to decide on policy matters affecting civil aerodromes. The Committee has decided the priorities of a number of new works which are now being planned. The maintenance of all civil and R.N.Z.A.F. aerodromes and establishments has been carried on as usual, the total number in New Zealand at present being 65 civil aerodromes and landing-grounds, 5 seaplane-alighting areas, and 10 R.N.Z.A.F. stations, and in the Pacific, 4 civil aerodromes, 2 alighting areas, and 3 R.N.Z.A.F. stations. Because of the general increase in air traffic in New Zealand, additional safety precautions have become necessary. Consequently, radio ranges have been constructed at New Plymouth, Porirua, and Harewood, with associated fan markers at Mangere and Kaiapoi, and homer beacons at Rukuhia and Wanganui. A new aeradio station has been installed at Kaikoura. Construction items of importance on R.N.Z.A.F. stations include the shifting of three large dormitory blocks from Ardmore to Te Rapa and a timber hangar from Rukuhia to Whenuapai. These works are almost complete. Ohakea.—A. number of buildings have been converted to provide additional accommodation for single and married staff. Paimerston North (Milson). —All work in connection with the new apron and taxi-way has been completed.

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