STATE COAL-MINES (REPORT ON THE WORKING OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1943

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1943 Session I, C-02a

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1943 NEW ZEALAND

STATE COAL-MINES (REPORT ON THE WORKING OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1943

Prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 184 of the Coal-mines Act, 1925

REPORT ON SOUTH ISLAND STATE COAL-MINES The District Manager, State Coal-mines, Greymouth, to the Under-Secretary, Mines I )epartment, Wellington. Sir, — I have the honour to submit my annual report 011 the workings of the State coal-mines (South Island) for the year ended 31st March, 1943. Liverpool Colliery Coal-winning.-—'The gross output for the year was 365,837 tons 3 cwt., an increase of 2,038 tons 8 cwt, when compared with the figures for the previous year. After making allowances for stocks on hand and deducting mine consumption and waste, there remained for disposal 162,942 tons 9 cwt. 2 qr., which is accounted for as follows:— Tons cwt, qr. Shipped . . . . . . . . . . 70,084 6 1 Railed Canterbury . . . . .. .. 34,386 1 2 Local sales .. . . . . . . .. 53,764 8 3 Mine sales .. .. . . .. .. 88 2 0 Sales to workmen, and free issues . . . . 1,592 1 3 Stock in bin and yard. . .. . . . . 2,016 18 1 Stock on wharf .. .. .. .. 1,010 11 0 162,942 9 2 Used on works .. . . .. .. 4,710 0 0 Waste . . .. .. .. . . 867 3 0 168,519 12 2 The gross output from the colliery since its inception amounts to 3,789,882 tons 17 cwt. Days Worked.—During the year the colliery worked on 235 days, an increase of 12 days when compared with, the previous year. The possible working-days, including 13 back Saturdays, were 274. The difference between the days worked and the possible working-days is accounted for as follows: 1 day, Good Friday; 1 day, Easter Monday; 1 day, Labour Day; 2 days, dispute re horse-drivers; 1 day, dispute re late train; 5 days, shortage of transport; 1 day, dispute re preference of men going on coal; 1 day, slip on rope-road; 11 days, slips on railway; 1 day, wind damage; 1 day, power failure; 1 day, funeral of employee; 4 days, heavy rain; 8 days, Christmas holidays, Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 303 men and 13 boys, made up as follows—Underground: Coail-hewers, 86; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 150. Surface: 67 men and 13 boys. Expenditure.—The total expenditure in connection with coal-winning for wages, stores, mine timber, and compensation, together with, subsidies 011 railway tickets and cost of fuel used on works, amounted to £154,980, as compared with £138,426 for the previous year. Coal-hewers' average daily earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 12s. Id. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 Bs. 6d., an increase of 4s. 6d. per day when compared with the previous year.

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Daily Output.—The average daily output was 705 tons 14 cwt., and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 9 tons 1 cwt., as compared with 734 tons 10 cwt, and 9 tons 4 cwt. respectively for the previous year. Deficiencies.- The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £3 10s. 3d. Accidents.—ln addition to numerous accidents of a minor nature, one fatal and one serious; accident occurred in the Liverpool Colliery:— Fatal Accident: On 25th July, 1942, a miner was killed in the No. 2 bank, Morgan West section. Deceased was engaged trimming down loose coal when approximately 2 tons of coal fell from the rib-side, completely burying him, and inflicting injuries from which be died. Serious Accident: On 28th October, 1942, a horse-driver sustained a fracture of the left leg through being struck by a piece of coal which fell from the rib-side. The accident occurred in the No. 2 Morgan West section. Stone-dusting.—Work under this heading was continued during the year. The total number of samples taken from the Liverpool Colliery and analysed was. 853. In addition, 116 samples from co-operative mines were analysed. Underground Workings.—Morgan Seam: The major portion of the output from the Morgan seam was won from the extraction of pillars in Nos. 1, 2, and 3 banks, Morgan West; cross-cut No. 3, Morgan West; and Nos. 1, 3, 3-J, and 4 banks, Morgan East. Development in the Morgan West cross-cut, was carried on to the fault, and pillar-extraction has now been commenced. The Morgan East dip has been extended to a distance of 22 chains, and developing levels have been driven east and west off the main dip heading. A new compressed-air haulage winch has been installed, and as this is principal development in the mine, arrangements have been made tor the work to be carried out on two shifts. Machines are being used in this section with good results. Fire Stoppings 1 : All fire stoppings have been maintained in good order. Kimbell and Anderson Seams.—Anderson Dip Section Development is still being carried on this section, the seam remaining at a high inclination. The coal remains of a soft nature, and these places require careful timbering. Kimbell East Section: All the coal is being won from pillar-extraction, very little work remaining to be done. Kimbell West Dip: The coal is being won partly from solid work and partly from pillar-extraction. The solid places are developing in a southerly direction. Dangerous Occurrence.—An indication of heating was; experienced in No. 2 Morgan East on 18th November, 1942. The area was effectively sealed off before there were any signs of fire. James Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 29,529 tons 6 cwt,, an of 3,955 tons 14 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After making allowance for stocks on hand and deducting mine consumption and waste, there. remained for disposal 29,299 tons 5 cwt. 3 qr., which is accounted for as follows: — Tons cwt, qr. Shipped .. . . • • • ■ • • 12,680 3 I Railed Canterbury .. .. • • • • 14,409 13 1 Local .sales .. . . • • • • • • 968 10 1 Mines sales Sales to workmen, and free issues .. .. Stock in bin and yard.. .. . . .. 82 0 0 Stock on wharf . . .. .. • • 59 6 3 Stock on dump . . . . . . ■ • 1,099 12 1 29,299 5 3 Used on works . . . • • • ■ • 84 0 0 Waste .. . . • • • • ■ ■ 675 6 0 30,058 11 3 The gross output from the colliery since its inception amounts to 677,622 tons 7 cwt, Days worked. —During the year the colliery worked on 256 days 4 hours, an increase of 15 days when compared with the' previous year. The possible working-days, including 13 back Saturdays, were 274. The difference between the days worked and the possible working-days is accounted for as follows: 1 day, Good Friday; 1 day, Easter Monday; 1 day, Labour Day; 2 days, dispute re buses; 1 day, dispute re truckers; 1 day, funeral of employee; 4 hours, power failure; 2 days, slips on road; 8 days, Christmas holidays. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 39 men and 2 boys, made up as follows—Underground: Coalhewers, 12; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 19. Surface: 8 men and 2 boys. Expenditure.—The total expenditure in connection with coal-winning for wages, stores, mine timber, and compensation, together with subsidies on bus fares and cost of fuel used on works, amounted to £25,029, as compared wth £20,830 for the previous year. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 15s. lid. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 9s. 2d., an increase of 17s. 6d, per day when compared with the previous year.

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Daily Output.—The average daily output was 115 tons 2 cwt., and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 8 tons 11 cwt., as compared with 105 tons 16 cwt, and 6 tons 17 cwt, respectively for the previous year. Deficiencies.—During the year no payments were made under the minimum-wage clause. Accidents.—No serious accidents were reported at the James Colliery during- the year. Stone-dusting.—Work under this heading has been continued. The total number of samples taken from this colliery and analysed was 31. Underground Workings.—All work in this mine was confined to splitting and extracting of pillar coal in the area north of Canncll Creek. Approximately only 5,000 tons to 6,000 tons of coal remains to be won from the James mine. Strongman Colliery Gocd-wmning.—The gross output for the year was 94,169 tons 16 cwt., an increase of 6,767 tons 6 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After making allowances for stocks on hand and deducting mine consumption and waste, there remained for disposal 97,232 tons 12 cwt. 3 qr., which is accounted for as follows: — Tons cwt. qr. Shipped . . .. .. .. .. 47,988 18 2 Railed Canterbury .. . . .. . . 19,903 5 3 Local sales .. .. .. .. . . 23,441 6 2 Mine sales .. . . .. 113 7 0 Sales to workmen and free issues . . .. 2,228 4 2 Stock in bin and yard.. . . . . .. 412 16 0 Stock on wharf . . .. .. .. 402 3 3 Stock on dump .'. .. .. .. 2,742 10 3 97,232 12 3 Used on works .. .. .. . . 414 0 0 Waste . . . . .. . . . . 1,575 16 0 99,222 8 3 The gross output from this colliery since its inception amounts to 304,768 tons 12 cwt. Days Worked. —During the year the colliery worked on 255 days 4 hours, an increase of 13 days 5 hours when compared with the previous year. The possible working-days, including 13 back Saturdays, were 274. The difference between the days worked, and the possible working-days is accounted for as follows: 1 day, Good Friday; 1 day, Easter Monday; 1 day, Labour Day; 2 days, dispute re buses; 1 day, dispute re truckers; 1 day, funeral of employee; 1 day, 4 hours power failure; 2 days, slips on road; 8 days, Christmas holidays. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 183 men and 11 boys, made up as follows—Underground: Coalhewers, 52; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 79. Surface: 52 men and 11 boys. Expenditure.—The .total expenditure in connection with coal-winning for wages, stores, mine timber, and compensation, together with subsidies on bus fares and cost of fuel used on works, amounted to £103,185, as compared wth £81,767 for the previous year. Capital expenditure was £14,583, as compared with £4,898 for the previous year. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 9s. 9d. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 4s. 7d., an increase of 4s. sd. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 368 tons 11 cwt,, and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 7 tons 10 cwt., as compared with 361 tons 7 cwt. and 7 tons 10 cwt. respectively for the previous year. Deficiencies. —The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £71 Is. lid. Accidents. —In addition to numerous accidents of. a minor nature, one serious accident occurred at the Strongman Colliery, when a shotfirer sustained compound fractures of both bones of the left leg above the ankle through being struck by a piece of coal approximately 3 cwt. in weight, The accident occurred in the South No. 2 section on Bth September, 1942. Stone-dusting.—Work under this heading has been continued during the year. The total number of samples taken from this colliery and analysed was 236. Underground Workings— Coal-winning operations have been confined to development in the solid, with a limited amount of head-coal work in the No. 1 North. No. 1 North: Two main headings in the bottom seam advanced 25 chains in stony-coal, bands varying from 3 ft, 6 in. to 5 ft, in thickness. This section has deteriorated since the last report, but boreholes in Griffiths Creek ab<sut 11 chains ahead show 20 ft, to 23 ft. of clean coal. East Dip: The east dip was opened out in excellent working-places. No. 1 North Level: The four-a-time incline in the top seam was driven 16 chains, and the section narrowed between the juncture of the 90 ft. fault and another fault. Splitting of pillars and mining of head coal has been commenced in this section.

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No. 2 South: This section advanced 20 chains from the rope-road, and an endless-rope haulage was installed. Development is being carried out in the No. 1 South dip. East Heading: This section was stopped for the greater part of the year on the Docherty fault. During the latter portion of the year, regrading of the main heading has been carried out with the object of working the area between the Docherty and Bob faults. North No. 2: This section advanced a total of 22 chains from the rope-road. Development is still being carried on. Plant. —During the year the plant has been maintained in good order, and a new 765 cubic feet Fullerton, Hodgart, and Barclay compressor installed, also a 110,000-cubic-feet-capacity " Aerex " torpedo-type fan. Blackball Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 34,527 tons 2 cwt. After making allowances for stocks on hand, deducting mine consumption, and allowing for 1,700 tons written off, there remained for disposal 35,821 tons 16 cwt., which is accounted .for as follows: — Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. . . •. • • • • 16,400 17 0 Railed Canterbury .. .. .. . • 5,147 14 0 Local Sales . . . . .. ■ ■ • • • 8,212 11 0 Mine sales .. . . .. • • • • 384 10 0 Sales to workmen, and free issues . . .. 657 0 0 Stock in bin and yard .. .. .. 4,823 12 0 Stock on wharf . . .. . • • • 195 12 0 35,821 16 0 Used on works .. .. .. .. 227 2 0 36,048 18 0 The gross output from this colliery since it was taken over by the State Coal-mines amounts to 60,477 tons 5 cwt, Days Worked. —During the year the colliery worked on 212 days. The possible working-days, including 4 back Saturdays, were 265. The difference between the days worked and the possible working-days is accounted for as follows: 1 day, Good Friday; 1 day, Easter Monday; 1 day, Labour Day; 3 days, flooding in mine; 3 days, retimbering of roadways; 36 days, bins full due lack of transport; 8 days, Christmas holidays. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 83 men and 4 boys, made up as follows —Underground: Coalhewers, 27; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 33. Surface : 23 men and 4 boys. Expenditure.—The total expenditure in connection with coal-winning for wages, stores, mine timber, and compensation, together with cost of fuel used on works, amounted to £48,250. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 Bs. 7d., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 4s. 7d., an increase of ss. 4d. per day when compared with the previous period (7th July, 1941, to 31st March, 1942). Daily Output.—The average daily output was 162 tons 17 cwt., and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 7 tons 11 cwt., as compared with 175 tons 7 cwt, and 5 tons 19 cwt, respectively for-the previous period (from 7th July, 1941, to 31st March, 1942). Deficiencies. —During the year no payments were made under the minimum-wage clause. Accidents.—There were no accidents of a serious nature at the Blackball Colliery during the year. Underground Workings.—All the coal has been won from development work. Main Dip Section.—The main dip has been continued to a distance of 38 chains from the mine entrance. The latter portion of this has been in very troubled country, in one place the coal " pinching " to 3 ft. in thickness. The dip is being continued. No. 2 North: This section was developed to a distance of 6 chains from the main dip, and stopped temporarily. No. 2 South: This section was developed to a distance of 7 chains from the main dip. Borehole dip: This dip section is being developed in the direction of No. 4 borehole. During the year a borehole 12 in. in diameter was commenced from the surface for the purpose of pumping, and it is proposed to connect this to the seam on the rise side of No. 2 South level. Flooding.—On 14th July, 1942, water broke in in large quantities in No. 1 North resulting in the mine being idle for several days. Fortunately the water was soon under control. Wallsend Colliery Coal-winning.—This colliery was taken over by the State Coal-mines on 22nd February, 1943, and the gross output from that date to 31st March, 1943, was 6,883 tons 9 cwt. 2 qr. After making allowances for stocks on hand at the date of taking over and deducting

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mine consumption and waste, there remained for disposal 7,241 tons, which is accounted for as follows: — Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. .. 2,509 10 0 Railed Canterbury . . . . . . .. 50 12 0 Local sales .. .. . . .. .. 3,314 2 0 Mine sales .. .. . . .. .. 210 0 Sales to workmen, and free issues . . . . 41 0 0 Stock in bin and yard .. . . .. 693 15 0 Stock on wharf . . .. .. . . 629 11 0 7,241 0 0 Used on works .. .. . . . . 268 0 0 Waste . . .. .. .. . . 174 9 2 7,683 9 2 Days Worked.—During the period 22nd February to 31st March, 1943, the colliery worked on 28 days, which were the possible working-days. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average, number of persons employed in and about the mine was 163 men and 1 boy, made up as follows—Underground: coalhewers, 47; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 91. Surface: 25 men and 1 boy. Expenditure. Flu; total expenditure in connection with coal-winning for wages, stores, mine timber, and compensation, together with cost of fuel used on works, amounted to £7,627. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 ss. lOd. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 3s. 2d. Daily Output. 1 lie average daily output was 245 tons 17 cwt., and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 7 tons 12 cwt. J)efficiencies. —The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £6 9s, sd. . Accidents.—There were no accidents of a serious nature at the Wallsend Colliery during the period. Underground Workings. The major portion of the coal is being won from developing places. Slant Dip Section: The work in one portion of this section is development in the direction of the Taylorville fault. In the other portion pillars are being split. No. 2 Slant Dip: All development work in this section is being carried out in an area parallel to the) fault which was struck in the dip workings, It is proposed to prospect this fault by driving and boring. 1* Panel: Coal is being won from this section by splitting pillars. Plant.- Since the colliery was taken over by the State * Coal-mines a new electric haulage winch has been installed at the top of the dip extension, and a new " Cameron " pump lias been installed as a water-supply pump for boilers and compressors. I )obson Colliery Coal-winning.—'This, colliery was taken over by the State Coal-mines on 22nd February 1943, and the gross output from that date to 31st March, 1943, was 7,081 tons 7 cwt! After making allowances for stocks on hand at, the date of taking over and deducting mine consumption and waste, there remained for disposal 7,482 tons 19 cwt. 2 qr. which is accounted for as follows:— Tons cwt. qr. Shipped . . . . . . . . .. 2,767 13 0 Railed Canterbury .. .. .. .. \ 677 4 0 Local sales . . . . . . .. .. 1326 14 0 Mine Sales . . .. . . .. ~ '58 7 0 Sales to workmen, and free issues . . . . 49 4 0 Stock in bin and yard .. . . . . 949 9 2 Stock on wharf .. . . .. . . 654 8 0 TT j , 7,482 19 2 Used 011 works .. . . .. ~ 31 10 2 Wa « te • • • • • • . . . . 136 13 0 7,651 3 0 Days worked.—During the period 22nd February to 31st March, 1943, the colliery worked on 28 days, which were the possible working days, Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed m and about the mine was .166 men and 5 boys made up as follows—Underground: Coalhewers, 55; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 86. Surface: 25 men and 5 boys. Expenditure. Ihe total expenditure in connection with coal-winning for wages stores ™ timber, and compensation, together with cost of fuel used on works, amounted to .to, r24. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 6s. 6d. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was •xs. yd.

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Daily Output.—The average daily output was 252 tons 18 cwt., and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 5 tons 7 ewt. Deficiencies.- The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £19 as. Id. Accidents.—There were no serious accidents at the Dobson Colliery during the period, Underground Workings.—All the coal in this mine is being won from developing places, Main Dip Section: The main dip section is being developed on double shift with the object of making more pit room for the miners employed. No. 5 East Level Section : Two dips are being developed on the low side of this level. No. 4 West Level Section: All places are developing in very hard coal which is very difficult to mine. It is proposed to introduce machine-mining into this section at some later date. No. 4 Dip : Four places developing. No. 4 East; Three pairs completing the development of a small block of coal in this section. The main dip endless haulage rope has been extended from the No. 4 to the No. 5 main level. Coal cannot be hauled by this rope from the No. 5 level until the laybyes have been completed. Plant. —The plant generally lias been maintained in good working-order. I have, &c., J. Hadcroft, District Manager. REPORT ON THE NORTH ISLAND STATE COAL-MINES The District Manager, State Coal-mines* Mangapolii, to the Under-Secretary Mines Department, Wellington 17th April, 1943. Sir, — I have the honour to submit my report on the working of the State coal-mines (North Island) for the year ended 31st March, 1943. Manga peui Colliery Output.—The gross output for the year was 52,031 tons 5 cwt., an increase of 11,205 tons on the previous year, and after deducting mine consumption and waste and allowing for stock in bin and surplus stock taken on charge there remained for disposal 50,975 tons 14 cwt., which is accounted for as follows: —

The total output from the colliery since it has been taken over by the State Coal-mines is 105,996 tons 10 cwt. During the year the mine worked on 244 days 7 hours out of a possible 275, including 14 back Saturdays. The difference between the days worked and the possible working-days is accounted* for as follows: 4 days 5 hours, union meetings; 6 hours shortage of railway wagons; 1 day, power failure; 1| days, dispute with truckers; 5 hours, no "boxes;' 8 days, Waikato strike; 1 day, stoppage re foot disease; 5 hours, breakdown in haulage; 6 hours, smash on jig; 2 hours, no drinking water; 8 days, Christmas holidays; 1 day, Good Friday; 1 day, Easter Monday; 1 day, Labour Day. Employees.—The total number of employees at the beginning of the year was 74 men and 3 boys, but this was gradually increased, and at the 31st March, there were employed in and about the mine, 107 men and 4 boys, made up as follows—Underground: Coalhewers, 30; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 57. Surface: 20 men and 4 boys. Expenditure.—The total expenditure in connection with coal-winning for wages, stores, mine timber, and compensation, together with the subsidy on bus fares and the cost of fuel used on works and electric power, amounted to £44,481. Coal-hewers' 'Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings were (gross) £2 7s. 4d., and after deducting stores (explosives) 4s, 4d., their net return was £2 35., an increase of Is. 4d. per day whe-n compared with the previous year.

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House. Kitchen. Slack. Total. Tons. cwt. qr. Tons. cwt. qr. Tons. cwt. qr. Tons. cwt. qr. Sales to Railways Department 7 1 0 14,711 12 0 .. 14,718 13 0 Sales to depot and local sales .. 9,000 13 0 2,828 5 0 23,929 10 0 35,758 8 0 Mine sales .. .. • • 62 18 0 26 0 0 22 0 0 110 18 0 Sales to workmen, and free issues 302 15 0 .. . . 302 15 0 Stock in bin . . . . ■ ■ • • 85 0 0 85 0 0 9,373 7 0 17,565 17 0 24,036 10 0 50,975 14 0 Unscreened — Used on works .. .. ■ • • • • • 480 0 0 Waste .. .. .. • ■ • • • • 666 17 3 Totals .. .. 9,373 7 0 1.7,565 17 0 24,036 10 0 52,122 11 3

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Dotty Output.—The average daily output was 212 tons 10 cwt., and the average daily output per coal-hewer 1 was 8 tons 3 ewt., as compared with 173 tons 15 cwt. and 8 tons 5 cwt. for the previous year. Deficiencies.- The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was 7s. Bd. Accidents. —During the year there were several minor accidents, but none of a serious nature. Mine Workings.—Development, has been to the east and west of the main dip. Most of the output was obtained from Nos. 1 and 2 panels to the rise off the upper east level and from the lower west level (after piercing the fault) and a rise panel off this level. Early in the year a rise panel off the upper west level was cut off (to the rise) by an abrupt stone face. I.ater the No. 1 panel (east upper level) reached a predetermined point. Some four months later the winning of the top coal from this area commenced and is being continued, while further solid work in the south-east corner of this panel is being done, as a survey of the creek course revealed a larger workable area than was anticipated. Development in the lower east level ceased about August, the intention being to group the workmen until such time as the main dip haulage roadway could be roof-brushed. This work, together with the brushing and cleaning up of the lower dip area, has been attended to, and the opening of No. 1 panel off the lower cast level will soon be commenced. Faults) have been met to the east, west, and south, and although that m.ct to the south (to the rise of No. 2 panel, upper, east level) lias been proved by driving and boring, the workable area here is limited. In the upper east levels a 12 ft. downthrow fault was crossed, but a further downthrow of a. similar displacement was met and work has temporarily ceased. Faulting has also been pierced in the lower west level. After driving in good coal for about 5 chains, further trouble in the form of upward steps; and mushy coal was encountered. From experience in the bords proceeding west to the rise, prospects in this direction are by no means encouraging, and any further prospecting would be better undertaken from the lower main dip, which has recently been nil watered. Brushing of the return airway where floor heave was very pronounced was done for over eight months; then roof-brushing and arching of the lower 16 chains of the main haulage roadway and adjacent haulage levels was commenced, and is about completed. . The endless-rope haulage, upper east level, has been improved and extended, the rolling-stock has been increased, and an empty tub creeper installed on the surface. The railway siding has been extended on the full side '7 chains, and duplicated to enable despatches to be made to north and south. The empty truck siding has been extended 5 chains and a shunt formed for unloading material. The loading-bank has been] flood-lit, repaired, and cross-braced. Boring.—Progress has not been satisfactory, and the No. 4 bore, which encountered grey wacko was stopped at 670 ft. A start on the second series of holes was delayed until 30 chains of road could be constructed through the bush to the proposed site of No. 5 bore. Considerable delay in securing a bulldozer, breakdowns, and continued wet weather made the transport of the 7-ton boiler impossible, while boring difficulties, combined with faults, have been experienced. A rod and the loss of the lower 180 ft. of rods caused a temporary cessation of drilling of the No. 5 bore at a depth of 869 feet. Various recovery methods have so far been unsuccessful. . Housing Accommodation.—A further forty-three houses and a hostel have been erected, while 36 chains of roadway has been formed to provide access. A water scheme _ has been completed and high-pressure water connected to all the houses. Sewerage mains have been completed, and the septic-tank and pumping equipment are now being installed. Tatu Colliery Output,.-—The gross output for the year was 29,619 tons 16 cwt., an increase of 12,025 tons 7 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After making allowances for stocks on hand and deducting mine consumption and waste, there remained lor disposal 24,499 tons 11 cwt., which is accounted for as follows:— Tons cwt. qr. Sales to Railways Department .. . . . . 7,738 1 0 Sales to depot . . . . . . . . l r>'oB7 6 0 Mine sales .. .. .. .. .. 8 0 Sales to workmen, and free issues . . . . 342 8 0 Stock in bin . . . . .. . . 163 8 0 ... T , 24,499 11 0 Used on works . . .. . . .. 3 802 0 0 Waste • ■ • ■ • • • • . . 1,378 5 0 29,679 16 0 The gross output from the colliery since its inception amounts to 47,280 tons 5 cwt . , 'i ays ' Worked. -During the year the colliery worked 255| days, the possible being including 16 back Saturdays, on which day shift only was worked. These have been counted as half-days in computing the time worked. The difference between the days worked and the possible working-days is accounted for as follows: Ij days, breakdown

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of winch; 1 day, aerial breakdown; \ day, union meeting; •£ day, shortage of railway wagons; 9 days, Christmas holidays; 1 day, Good Friday; 1 day, Easter Monday; 1 day, May Day ; 1 day, Labour Day. Employees.—The number of employees engaged in and about the mine was 88, made up as follows: Hewers, 24* deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 24; others, 40. Earnings.—The coal-hewers' daily net earnings were £2 2s. 6d., an increase of 4s. Bd. a day over the previous year. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 115 tons 18 cwt., and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 4 cwt. Deficiencies. —There were no payments under the minimum wage clause during the year. Accidents.—While there were numerous accidents of a minor nature during the year, there were no fatal accidents, neither were there any that could be classed as serious. Mine Workings.—After the north-west, headings had crossed the 40 ft. upthrow fault and had been extended another 9 chains the seam, flattened in grade. Then it dipped in the main heading, which afterwards entered very faulted country, but the companion heading continued normally and is skirting the troubled area. For about i the north-west heading was driven altogether in stone, as the seam, was missing as if in a " wash out." Later, however, the measures met in this heading showed definite faulting. After continuing in this faulted zone for 165 ft. the measures dipped abruptly and another fault was met, and the heading was stopped. The back heading and a third heading which is also skirting the troubled area are being extended. The places to the north off the north-west heading have met the upthrow fault which was crossed in the main drive, but the throw of the fault had increased. The No. 1 panel headings have been continued beyond the panel area. Development in line with the main tunnel has been undertaken back towards the 40 ft. fault (here reduced in displacement to 22 ft.) and also to the dip, where a total distance on this bearing of upwards of 14 chains has been driven. This pair of headings is advancing satisfactorily, with places opening out to the south and north; but the area to the south will, for a time, be restricted by the Cunningham fault, while places driven to the north are steepening. It appears that this pair of headings is at present skirting a depression which lies to the north and probably extends to the trouble experienced, in the north-west heading. The seam in the No. 1 panel (prior to the troubled areas being encountered) was opening out well, being from 7 ft. to 8 ft. in thickness with very moderate inclination and fairly good roof. The troubled areas, with, considerably increased grades and wet places, required extra pumping and haulage gear, and a. second boiler and another compressor had to be installed. The enlarging of the return aircourse which had been driven small through the fault, and the reconditioning of the airway where excessive floor heave had taken place, has involved a considerable amount of deadwork. Preparations are now being made to brush and recondition the lower part of the main tunnel heading and pierce this fault to connect with the south-west headings now being driven in line beyond the fault. During the year the loco-type boiler was transported from Mangapehi and installed at Tatu Mine, and although this gave improved power, the extra haulages and pumps necessary to deal with the troubled conditions soon exceeded the compressor capacity, and a high-speed Diesel-driven compressor had to be installed to meet the continually changing underground condition s. The accommodation problem at Tatu and Ohura hasi been acute and has resulted in a. shortage of men. In April inflammable gas was discovered in the mine and preparations made for the installation of electric safety-lamps. The places exuding gas were sealed off' until the safety-lamps were available. With the increasing output, overtime had to be worked on the aerial ropeway, but towards the end of 1942 some of the one hundred ropeway buckets made by Price's Foundry, Thames, arrived, and these extra buckets have enabled the ropeway to be clothed more uniformly, and eliminated overtime and, to some extent, ropeway troubles. During the year a number of aerial towers have been repaired, while two of the wooden ones have been replaced by steel towers. Repairs to screening plant and to ropeway engine have been carried out, the mine rolling-stock has been more than doubled, and a tippler has been erected in the mine bin. Mine Buildings.—ln addition to shelters and. .the roofing of upper bins and temporary workshop, the following permanent buildings have been erected: Mine bath-house and lamp cabin at the mine, and mine store, and a house-coal bin of 20-ton capacity. Housing. -A further six residences, making a total of eight, have been erected in Ohura, and assistance given to seven workmen to purchase residences. A township at Tatu has been surveyed, sections bulldozed, and roads formed, and the contractor has fourteen of the twenty residences which he has to build well advanced. The eleven Public Works Department three-roomed hutments will, soon bo available for single men. Surveys of the Mangaparo siding have been completed, and bulldozing will soon commence. The survey of the aerial ropeway and the proposed Heao Saddle tunnel has also been completed. I have, &c., George. Smith, District Manager.

8

o.— 2A

Colliery Working Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1943

NEW ZEALAND STATE COAL-MINES Colliery Sales Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1943

2—C. 2A

9

Dr. poor 11 " I James - S ™°5 G " j Dobson. Black " [ Manga- Livee- j Stkong- j Bobso „ Black- Manga- ' j | I BALL. j PEHI. ° r - POOL. JAMES. majj _ . iJOESOK. pBHi _ i " ~~ : -j — E_ J0 I wl!iTSri laUlage " " 'o'irf 1 '?fn ] > 113 3,843 7,375 Subsidy and sales of coal f.o.r., 233,434 45,311 167,926 9,909 43,239 58,304 Wnartage .. .. .. 3,054 480 1,494 39 643 .. c. and f., and f.o.b. Special rate .. .. .. 872 137 427 11 185 Marine freight .. .. 45,665 10,674 35,397 1,427 £,883 1! , 63,786 13,173 51,936 2,590 13,554 7,375 Workmg Account: Coal sales net 169,648 32,138 115,990 7,319 29,685 50,929 f.o.r. ' ' 233,434 45,311 167,926 9,909 43,239 58,304 233,434 45,311 167,926 9,909 43,239 58,304

Dr. I f^® E - James. S ™°? G " Dobson. Black - | Manga- Gr. Lives- , Strong- b Black- MangaPOOL " MAS - ball - i pehi. POOL. James. maj(> Dobson. I Coal^nnin^' lst Apn1 ' 1942 '' 3 '° 52 65 1,427 " 1,172 " Sales Account: Sales of coal f.o.r. 169,648 50^929 w ,Stocks on hand at 31st March, 2,695 ! 59 1,263 2 015 1 9 60 r >Q Wages .. 125,776 21,350 80,645 6,403 32,832 36,457 1943, at mine, wharf, and I ' Stores and materials .. 11,787 869 9,353 579 5,284 3,257 afloat as per Stock Account Bail and bus fares .. .. 978 253 2,338 .. .. 407 Goal purchased .. .. 18 9 82 502 Electric power .. .. | 1,405 86 2,103 502 3/754 j 785 1 : ' ! 143,016 22,632 95,948 7,986 43,042 40,906 172 343 32 197 ' 117 253 Q '-I'U QO Q.i K m aaa Gross profit: To Brofit and Loss 29,327 9,565 21,305 , 1,348 .. 10,082 Gross Loss: To Brofit and Loss ! ' jo'oo? Account — ! — j Account II ' UU; 1/2,343 32,19/ 117, 2o3 9,334 43,042 | 50,988 | 172,343 32,197 117,253 9,334 43,042 50,988

C— 2a

NEW ZEALAND STATE COAL-MINES— continued Colliery Profit and Loss Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1943

' l i : : : ———— Mac Donald Colliery Profit and Loss Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1943 Dr. £ Gr - £ Depreciation .. .. • • ■ • • • 1.424 Rents .. .. .. . • ■ • . - Net profit: Transferred to General Profit and Loss Account 4,653 Royalties .. .. .. .. .. .. 5, 077 £6,077 £6,077

10

£»- ! s zr 1 *■ l ™- • °zsr *»»• ; | i I I _ : £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Loss on working .. .. 1 "• "• Gross profit at mine .. .. 29,327 9,565 21,305 1,348 10,082 T,„_ + ' qq 122 .. • - Rents, &e. .. .. •• 279 .. .. A i,y/4 Travelling-expenses !! " 'l53 28 89 3 33 216 Net loss: Transferee! to General .. .. .. 456 19,497 Printing and stationery ..86 15 50 2 18 26 Profit and Loss Account Repairs and maintenance .. 6,048 564 3,824 4// 4,111 I '?^o Telegrams and postages .. 466 84 270 11 99 143 Insurance . .. .. 6,962 1,126 4,409 422 2,208 2,227 Coal Miners' Relief Fund .. 344 59 195 14 68 107 General expenses .. .. 1,177 111 366 26 216 373 Audit fees .. .. .. 80 14 45 .. 17 16 Superannuation Fund subsidy .. 50 8 25 .. o 1Depreeiation .. .. .. 5,613 636 6,276 3/1 -1,177 l,93o Rescue-station levy .. .. 332 58 189 .. 71 Advertising .. .. .. 29 5 17 1 6 9 Salaries 3,298 603 1,912 164 1,294 1,427 Rates .. .. ■ ■ • - • ■ • • Royalty .. .. •• 2 " •• Bad Debts Reserve 24,638 3,350 17,789 1,807 21,421 7,548 Net profit-: Transferred to General 4,968 6,215 3,516 .. .. 3,968 Profit and Loss Account 21,421 11,516 29,606 9,565 21,305 1,807 21,421 11,516

C.—2a

Depot Profit and Loss Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1943

NEW ZEALAND STATE COAL-MINES— continued Depot Trading Accounts for the Year ended 31st March, 1943

3—C. 2a

11

1 >r ■ Wellington. Christchubch. Cr. Wellington. Christchubch. £ £ £ £ Stocks on hand at 1st April, 1942 .. 3,013 8,715 Sales of coal .. .. .. 372,641 104,166 Purchases of coal .. .. .. 347,937 75,396 Sales of coke, wood, &c. .. .. 17,960 4,157 Purchases of wood, coke, &c. .. .. 15,513 3,181 Stocks on hand at 31st March, 1943— Wharfage and freights .. .. 2,598 11 Coal .. .. .. .. 1,210 5,786 Haulage to depot .. .. .. 3,364 16,697 Wood, coke, &c. .. .. .. 231 192 Wages: Discharging .. .. .. 159 493 Gross profit: To Profit and Loss Account 19,458 9,808 392,042 114,301 392,042 114,301

D r - Wellington. Chbistchubch. Wanoanui. Cr. Wellington. Christchukch. Wanganui, .... £ £ £ £ £ £ Advertising ........ 36 36 .. Trading accounts: Gross profit .. 19,458 9,808 Wages: Yard .. .. .. 1,954 2,118 .. Sacks .... 109 Salaries .. .. .. .. 2,571 1,675 .. Rents ........ " 30 Rents ........ 632 59 Travelling-expenses ...... 8 20 Repairs and maintenance .. .. 522 596 Postages and telegrams . . . . 151 172 Printing and stationery .... 80 66 Insurance ........ 62 67 3 Cartage .. .. .. .. 3,916 2,122 Sacks .. .. .. .. 335 General expenses .. .. .. 753 11 7 Audit fees .. .. .. . . 144 62 Superannuation Fund subsidy .... 5 8 Reserve for bad debts .. .. 69 Rates .. .. .. .. 32 Depreciation . . .. . . 669 465 10 Net profit: To General Profit and Loss 7,519 2,334 17 Account 19,458 9,917 30 19,458 9,917 30

■C—2A.

NEW ZEALAND STATE COAL-MlNES—continued General Profit and Loss Account Dr. Gr - Net Loss, 1942-43— £ . £ Net profit, 1942-43— £ £ Dobson Colliery 456 Liverpool Colliery 4,968 Blackball Colliery 19,497 James Colliery 6,215 19,953 Strongman Colliery .. .. .. 3,516 Runanga Water-supply Scheme 1,000 Mangapehi Colliery 3,968 Interest on loans 12,573 Mac Donald Colliery 4,653 Balance: Net profit for year carried down .. .. 4,079 Wellington Depot .. .. .. 7,519 Christchurch Depot .. ■ ■ • ■ '2,334 Wanganui Depot .. .. .. 17 33,190 Net recoveries— Seddonville Colliery .. .. .. 27 Royalties .. .. • ■ • • 4,088 4,115 Net revenue from hire of plant, buildings, &c. .. 300 £37,605 £37,605 Profit and Loss Appropriation Account Dr £ Cr. £ Taxation reserve for income and other taxes .. .. 7,107 Net profit for year 1942-43 4,079 Sinking Fund Account for redemption loan capital .. 14,324 Transfer from General Reserve .. .. .. 17,302 £21,431 £21,431 Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1943 Liabilities £ I Assets Loan capital: Securities at 4 per cent. .. •• 536,967 Collieries— o«if s q £ Accrued interest on loan capital 1,809 Development and Property Accounts .. 261,483 Sundry creditors- £ Machinery plant, ropes, and rolling-stock .. 157,279 South Island collieries 68,204 Electrical plant 1,101 North Island collieries 18,300 Bui dings at mines 67,889 Christchurch Depot 3,738 Cottages at mines 90,718 WplUniTtnn Denot, ■■ 14,655 Plantation at mines .. .. .. 631 Wellington .Depot 104,897 Coal stocks (bins, wharf, and afloat) .. 7,501 Deposits on contracts MfO Stores on hand 87,581 Excess receipts over expenditure : Wallsend Colliery .. 2,088 Sinking Fund Less provisionally written off .. . . "90 General Reserve 233,650 674,093 Accident Insurance Reserve .. 25,412 Prospecting on State coal reserve .. . .. 6,001 Bad Debts Reserve 2,025 Plant, equipment &c., on hire .. .. 1,956 Taxation Reserve 7,013 Less provisionally written off .. .. 10 Depots— Property Accounts .. .. .. 13,361 - Stocks and stores on hand .. .. 10,100 23,461 Less provisionally written off .. .. 2,106 — 21,355 Sinking Fund investments .. .. .. 14,324 Housing advances to workmen .. .. 54,215 Interest accrued and due .. . . 462 54,677 Miscellaneous advances .. .. .. .. 6,175 Sundry debtors— South Island collieries .. .. 39,845 North Island collieries .. .. .. 3,314 Mac Donald Colliery .. .. • . 1,366 Wellington Depot .. .. . . 64,761 Christchurch Depot .. .. •• 10,952 120,238 Less provisionally written off . . 68 120,170 Cash in Receiver-General's Deposit Account .. 1,640 Cash in Public Account .. .. • • • • 29,444 £929,825 £929,825 State Coal-mines Office, Wellington C. 1, P. 0. Webb, Minister of Mines. M. L. Thomas, Accountant. I hereby certify that the attached Working and Profit and Loss Accounts of Depots and Collieries, General Profit and Loss Account, and Balance-sheet have been duly examined and compared with the relative books and documents -submitted for audit, and correctly state the position as disclosed thereby.—Cyril G. Collins, Controller and Auditor-General.

12

C.-2A

NEW ZEALAND STATE COAL-MINES— continued Statement of Property Accounts as at 31st March, 1943

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1943.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (518 copies), £24.

Price 6d.

13

I Livekpool. , James. Strongman. Blackball. Dobson. Mangapehi. Tatit. MacDonald I Total ! ! j DeTelopment and Property Account j 28,773 1,546 116,033 614 26,129 3,516 40 363 261*483 Electrical Plant Account .. .. .. ..I .. 1,101 1 101 Machinery, plant, ropes, and rolling-stock .. .. .. 25,603 '824 30/145 !.' 157'279 Buildings at mine .. .. .. .. .. 4 ; 103 268 34,882 ' 2,949 11,124 8,127 6,436 67'889 Cottages at mine H ;960 .. .. 4 >30 2 3,560 62,938 7,958 .. 9o'718 Plantations at mine .......... 19 631 Coal (stock on hand at mine wharf and afloat) .. .. 2,695 59 1 263 1 260 2 016 81 i27 7 501 Stores (stock on hand) 64,764 .. !. 8,'467 6,435 .. " 87i581 137,917 3,798 200,533 j 34,599 81,341 95,079 79,941 40,975 674,183