MINES REPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1929, Page 6

MINES REPORT

PRESENTED TO HOUSE. WELLINGTON, September 17. Details of the coal production of the past year were given in the Mines Statement, presented to the House today. The output of coal from the mines of the Dominion last* year was a record, being over 70,000 tons more than the quantity produced in any previous year. This was due largely to the utilisation by the railways of more locally-mined coal, instead of imported coal, and also to the commendable action of gas companies in obtaining greater quantities off their requirements within the Dominion. Tests carried out by the blending of different classes of New Zealand coal had proved that, by using suitable, mixtures, the results for gas making purposes, were not inferior to those obtained from imported bituminous coal.

A pleasing feature was the absence of industrial trouble of a seridus character. This was an evidence that a spirit of. goodwill exists between the employers and employees. The report states: “With tlie knowledge gained tfrom investigations carried out in the Dominion Laboratory, as well as in countries abroad, it is considered that, in the near future, it should be possible to considerably curtail the coal importations, and by adopting some of the proved carbonising processes now in operation abroad, to eliminate much waste and secure better and greater results from carbonised fuel. ( Gratification is expressed in the Mines Report that the quantity of bullion production for the past year, showed an increase of 26,494 oss. over that of the preceding year. However, the report regrets ’ that there has not been a general revival in this important industry. It .adds that a general feeling of optimism, however, prevails among prospectors.

The 'total output of coal during 1928, says the Mines Statement, was 2,436,753 tons, •as compared with 2,366,740 tons for 1927. The production of bullion in 1928 was 532,914 ozs, valued at £551,242, as compared with 596,420 ozs., valued at £550,166 for 1927. The’ value of the minerals, including kauri gum, exported, and of the coal used in the Dominion in 1928, amounted to £3,222,137, as compared with £3,312,533 during 1927. The total of such minerals exported to the end of 1928 amounted to £169,465,395. KUMAR A WATER RACES.

A return showed that the original cost of the Government water races, near Kumara, now in the possession of the company known as Westland Bower Ltd., was £193,098, and that the amount the Government sold these races to the Westland Electric Power Board for was £7500. The date of the sale was the Ist of August, 1927, and the terms were: Deposit of £IOOO, while the balance, of £6,500, was secured under a deed of mortgage, and' was repayable by quarterly instalments of £65. Interest at the rate of 7 per cent, to be reducible to 51- per cent if paid within 21 days, was payable on the amount of the principal outstanding.

The mortgagor had the right to repay the balance of the principal owing at any time. The conditions were that the mortgagor was to keep in repair, to the satisfaction of the mortgagee, certain of the mining privileges, and was not to assign, transfer, sublet, surrender or part with the possession of the mining privileges, or remove any pipes, Humes, or sidings without the consent of the mortgagee. The mortgagor was to perform and keep all provisions of the Alining Act, 1926, or any future amendments thereto, the mortgagee to have the right of inspection. The mortgagee should not have tlie right of action against or right of recourse other than the property mortgaged. If the mortgagor made default for a space of two months in the payment of the principal sum or interest, it should be lawful for the mortgagee to enter into possession. Conditions under which the Kiimara Borough Council are to be supplied with water by the purchasers of the race, for domestic aud fire-fighting purposes, were provided for under the deed of assignment to the Westland Electric Power Board, and were as follow r That, at all times, whilst water is available from the water races under License Number 1853, the Assignee will supply to the Corporation of the Borough of Kumara such water for domestic and fire prevention purposes as the said corporation shall reasonably require, the charges for such water to be as are agreed upon between the said corporation and the assignee; and, in default of an agreement, to be determined by the assignor or his successors in office as the sole arbitrator. The value of the gold won by the water supplied from these and other local races which have been abandoned was. £1,417,203.