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1908. NEW ZEALAND.

INSPECTION OF COAL-MINES REPORT. ("THE COAL-MINES ACT, 1905.")

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency. Mr. Frank Reed. il.lnst.M.E., Nic. Surveyor, Inspecting Engineer, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department. Sir, — .Mines Department, Wellington, 4th April, 1908. I have the honour to submit the annual reports of inspection, together with statistical information in regard to the coal-mines of the Dominion for the year ended 31st December, 1007. The reports are divided into the following Sections: — I. Output of Mineral. 11. Persona employed. 111. Accidents. IV. General Remarks. Appendices — (a.) Inspectors' Reports. ib.) Mine-managers' Examinations, and Certificate-holders. (c.) Statistics of Working-collieries.

SECTION I.—OUTPUT OF MINERAL. The output of the several classes of coal mined in each inspection district is summarised as follows: —

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Class of Coal, &c. Northprn Distrioc. West Coast District. S' ulhern District-. Total. Bituminous and semi-bituminous coal ... j Pitch-coal ... ... ... ••• I Brawn coal... Lignite Toria. 138,853 178,124 T',rs. 1,045,358 3,268 3,396 Tons. 18,792 334,277 108,941 Tons. 1,184,211 22,060 515,797 108,941 Totals... 316,977 | 1,052,022 462,010 462,010 1,831,009 1,831,009 As compared with the output for the preceding year, the above statement shows an increase of 01,473 tons'.