OUR COAL MINES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 26 July 1880, Page 2

OUR COAL MINES.

. (fkom the star's own correspondent.) Wellington, July 23. The report on the oontrol and inspec- : tion of mines, laid on the table of the Legislative Council, says that the number of coal mines in the Colony last year was ninety. Many, however, are on a very small scale. In 1879 there was imported 158,076 tons of coal, being 16,072 tons less than the previous year. If we add the total output for the Colony during 1879 to the quantity imported and deduct the export during the same period,, the total consumption by the Colony during 1879 will be 382,099 tons, being an in-, crease for the year of 49,654 tons over 1878! the increase of coal mined in the Colony during the year being 69,000 tons. Aa to the working of the Act, the Report states that the Act does not provide for certificated managers, but this difficulty has been got over by recent immigration of a better class from England having brought to the Colony a number of experienced managers, holding Home certificates. The effect of the operation of the Act during sixteen months has been to iiiduce a: new. feeling of responsibility onthe part of coal-owners and managers with regard to the method of working the mines, and this can only be increased by degrees, as the necessityforitbecomesmore apparent, and the inspectors make more frequent inspection of the mines. Step by ptep the reins have been drawn tighter, and although the condition of . many coalmines is by no means satisfactory at the present'time, a great deal has been done, by owners and managers towards.establishing precautions against accidents. "Within eight months from the present date —necessary in accordance with the ? Act —many of these mines will have a second opening to the surface, as a means of egress to persons employed in the mine, arid, as pointed out, the second outlet in some cases has been completed. The Kaitangata mine, which was the scene of a horrible explosion before the Act was brought into force, is by the district inspectors' latest reports considered to bo in a satisfactory condition, and one report shows that the Company has been at great pains to effect improvements, and to observe the provisions of the Act. The coal imported in 1879, and exported from the United Kingdom, was 162 tons, valued at L 3012 ; from New South Wales, 156,690 tons, valued at L 219,140 ; from Victoria and Tasmania, 215 tons, valued at L 305 ; from Wales (Victoria'), and other places, 7195 toils, valued at L 6268. The accidents in coal mines duritig the year ended 31st March, 1880, were, two killed, and six injured. There are three inspectors—Messrs. Cox and M'Laren in the North Island,' and Mr. Binns in the Middle Island. .