C—3a.

Millerton Colliery (owners, Westport Coal Company ; George Fletcher, mining manager).— (6/11/1902) : In point of productiveness and general efficiency the developments as originally drafted for the successful issue of this colliery have been worthily and consistently maintained, whilst the pressing trade demands which still necessitate continuance of double shifts is sufficient guarantee in itself to prove the suitable qualities of the coal for export or otherwise. The increase of tonnage was 69,371 as compared with the preceding year; total output for 1902, 276,750 tons. Mine Creek.—The underground development in connection with this area has already attained important dimensions, while the East and West winning-headings continue to be actively pushed on, exposing an unbroken face-line of active operations and splendid quality of coal. From a commercial and economical standpoint one of the most prominent features which nature has afforded for the working of this coal-seam is its suitability for coal-cutting machinery, which is now exclusively employed, compressed air being the power used for all underground mechanical appliances in the colliery. Timbering of faces and roadways is diligently and efficiently performed by the company's officers. The East dip solid working has been exhausted to boundary fault-lines; thus operations are confined exclusively to the extraction of pillars by miners, exceptional care being demanded on the part of workmen and officers to avoid risk in the removal of these thick seam pillars. Probably the most notable feature in connection with recent development is the efficient system of ventilation now permanently established. Prior to the alterations effected the air-currents circulating the whole areas were controlled by a " Scheile" fan situated at Mine Creek. This installation has recently been supplemented by a "Hayes "fan, 9 ft. 6 in. diameter (placed near the entrance to No. 1 mine), which circulates at a speed of 145 revolutions a constant air-volume of 60,000 cubic feet per minute, with a water-gauge reading of T % in. The principle involved practically provides for the ventilaion of two separate mines, whereby direct intake currents are distributed into the respective ventilation districts. The duty of each fan is therefore directly confined to its own division of workings, separated by 38 chains of haulage-road. Brickwork has been exclusively used for stoppings and air-crossings in Mine Creek area, and the intake currents are taken through adit tunnels direct from day. The aggregate circulating ventilation averages upwards of 120,000 cubic feet per minute. A fourth boiler of the Babcock and Wilcox type will shortly be added to the plant. Electric light is installed in all surface works. Reports and other provisions of the Act are strictly kept up to date. Eight inspections were made during the year. The disused workings were travelled and examined with safety lamp, and were found clear of gas, thoroughly ventilated, and in good order. At time of writing, contracts have been accepted for the construction of a main haulage-road between the " big brake " and Mine Creek workings, at an estimated cost of £12,000. Denniston Collieries (owners, Westport Coal Company; J. Dixon, mining manager). —In the matter of coal-production these mines have maintained their efficiency during the annual period just ended. The gross tonnage mined therefrom contributed 243,336 tons, being an increase of 17,143 tons over the preceding year. Of the tonnage mined, 74 per cent, is due to percussive pick-machines actuated by compressed air, while the remaining 26 per cent, was won by miners at tonnage rates. Coalbrookdale Mine (29/10/1902): No change of practical importance has taken place during the year. With the exception of a few places to the west of Cascade section, where the coal-seam has diminished in thickness, the general contour of the faces maintains a fair height and usual good quality of coal. In further extension of operations, and in view of winning the coal in the Wareatea lease, a special place has been started on a southerly bearing, which, when completed, will probably be utilised eventually for endless-rope-haulage purposes. It is in contemplation also to sink a shaft in connection with the solid workings, in view of securing reliable ventilation whilst pillar-extraction is progressing. . Munsie's : The solid workings are practically finished to the outcrop east of the rope-road, operations being now confined to the extraction of pillars. A dip is now being driven to the south-east, and, so far as developments have extended, height and quality of coal-seams have proved that future results may be considered encouraging. Drainage and haulage are effected by mechanical appliances actuated by compressed air, the power being conveyed from the Coalbrookdale installation through a pipe-line 40 chains in length. Ventilation is induced by fan at the Cascade Mine, and by furnace at Munsie's. Ironbridge Mine (30/10/1902): The development of the Dundee dip section is proving satisfactory. Downthrow faulting has, however, recently intercepted the dip-heading face, whereby the coal-seams are displaced some 26 ft. Meantime, crosscutting of the fault-line has been postponed, awaiting connection with the drainage-tunnel. This connection was recently effected, and development is now in progress to win the lower measures. The drainage system established to unwater the deepest sections of the Ironbridge workings commenced from the north bank of the Waimangaroa River. Prior to the holidays temporary connection with the workings was effected by an uprise from face of rock tunnel, at a driven distance of 28 chains. By this means two pumps were directly relieved, while siphons are in temporary use to drain the dip. To finally reach the lowest calculated level the tunnel will be driven a further distance of 10 chains, as exhaustion of the pillar areas now standing depends wholly on the successful completion of the drainage scheme. Big Pillar District: Extraction of these valuable pillars has been successfully dealt with, as regards both safety and economy. The great thickness of coal-seam necessitates special care on the part of workmen and manager to avoid danger. Kiwi: The solid and pillar sections of this district are exclusively worked by miners. The mine is well timbered and ventilated.

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