a—3a.

Waihao Coal-mine, Waihao Forks (W. Grant, Tirriaru, owner).—(l 4/12/1905) : This mine hag not been reopened since the fire in early part of year 1904. Elephant Hill, Waihao Downs (Lewis Mathias, owner). —Coal mined for station and local lequirements. North Otago. Dalgety Coal-fit, Hakataramea (New Zealand and Australian Land Company, owners ; J. Drysdale, manager). —The coal is mined for station purposes and local requirements. Wharekuri Coal-pit, Wharekuri (A. Shanks).—(l/ 11/05) : Openings in connection with worked portions of seam now blocked off. A new level has been driven in the sand formation, parallel to the seam for a distance of 100 yards to reach a point ahead of the old workings. The seam was broken into and driven along narrow for a distance of 80 yards when softer coal was struck. The lessee then decided to return with the head and side coal working it out in sections, each section to be blocked off to minimise risk of fires. Eeturn air is conducted from the working-face to the upcast shaft by means of an air-box, which seems to answer the purpose. Work is at present being carried on in Matheson's Fieehold. Cairn's Coal Area, Awakino, Kurow (W. B. Cairns, licensee).—(2/11/05) : A covered-in box drain was brought up from the creek and a drive 30 ft. in length was driven, at which point operations have apparently been suspended for a considerable peiiod. Phillip's Coal-mine, Awakino, Kurow (J. Sutherland, manager; J.Phillips, owner.)—( 2/11/05) : This mine, which was closed about the year 1896, was reopened in March, 1905. A dip drive was driven to the seam, and the coal is now being won from a level. The hard coal in the seam varies from 6 ft. to 10 ft. in width. I ciuitioned both the owner and manager against making the level too wide and high during inward work. Several sets of timber were required in the level. All dross is being left in the mine. A new level drive is being put into the seam for easy haulage, and when this reaches completion the dross is to be drawn. Should operations be continued on this property the seam will require to be tapped at a lower level in the near future. Awakino Coal-mine, Kurow (George Orr, owner ; J. Sutherland, manager).—(2/11/05) : Pumping appliances driven by a portable engine were introduced and the inclined dip drive was continued until at a depth of 20 ft. the drainage became too heavy. Also, owing to the seam becoming nairow and the sides weak, necessitating use of strong timber, the work became too expensive and was discontinued in March, 1905. Otiake Coal-mine, Oliake (J. Cunningham).—Nothing was done at this mine during the year. Mr. Cunningham reports that the mine is now abandoned. St. Andrew's Colliery, Papakaio (Thomas Nimmo, owner and manager).—(3l/10/05) : Pillars and head coal continue to be withdrawn in a safe manner. Adequate supply of timber on hand and in use for safety of the workmen. Ventilation good ; rules posted ; plan kept; and report-book to date. Prince Alfred Colliery, Papakaio (G. H. Willetts, permit; Mrs. J. Willetts, owner).—(3l/10/05) : Present work being carried on along the boundary of old worked ground to eastward, and to the westward inferior coal is encountered, causing restriction of the workings to some extent. Pillars and head coal are being extracted. A good supply of timber on hand for use as required. Ventilation good ; plan kept; report-book to date. Ngapara Colliery, Ngapara (William Nimmo, owner and manager).—(3l/10/05) : Operations _in this mine continue to be well conducted ; roadways and working-places in good order. Ventilation good ; rules posted ; plan kept; report-book to date. Kartigi Coal-mine, Kartigi (C. E. Twining).—Mr. Twining reports that he had ceased prospecting operations on Section 11, Block XI, Moeraki district. Abandoned. Allandale Colliery, Shag Point (C. H. Westfield, mine-manager; W. Everest, secretary, Shag Point).—(s/10/1905)': Air volume at intike 10,000 cubic feet per minute, with fan at 90 revolutions per minute. The general dip of all seams in this mine is periclinal. North section (No. 1 seam) : Extension of levels is being continued with a view to future development. Dip section : No. 1 and 2 seams have come together at face making 11 ft. of coal-thickness, roof tender and hard to keep, necessitating liberal use of timber all over the section. South-going places thinning somewhat, but northward the seam continues to improve. Long Jig section : Pillars are now practically exhausted. This district has been capably worked for a number of years, and a high percentage of the coal seam won without serious accident. Ventilation at several of the far-in working-faces not quite up to the mark. I arranged with the manager that the fan was to be run at a minimum, speed of 100 revolutions per minute, to be increased as became necessary when certain well-known unfavourable atmospheric conditions'occurred. Mine and workings generally in good order ; an adequate supply of timber kept on hand and used freely. General and special rules posted ; report-books and plan to date. Three visits of inspection were made during the year. The electrical generating plant has been satisfactorily installed. Power is transmitted to the fan on the surface and to the main pump below, also for dip haulage and main-road haulage underground, and the haulage-ioad is lighted by electric light. Shag Point Colliery, Shag Point (William Hunt, permit; late E. Brooke).—(s/10/1905) ; Work is vow confined to drawing the pillars left in by the former lessee, Mr. Brooke,

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