C—3a

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Ironbridge Mine (8/12/08) : Much of the work done in this mine has been of the ordinary routine character, pillar-extraction showing a high percentage of the coal won. In the districts where solid work is extended the quality of seam has been maintained, notwithstanding that local stratigraphical troubles, which cause varying grades and thickness of seam, tend much to detract from uniform working. As an instance of these irregularities, the seam in the Dundee dip is divided over a considerable area by intervening strata, therefore, the lower portion has been intersected by a stone drive, and the working-places thus won have proved coal of good quality, which, so far as can be ascertained, will extend over several acres. Kiwi section : The whole area of solid working having become exhausted to the outcrop, the output is wholly maintained from the extraction of pillars, the natural conditions of the field being favourable for total exhaustion with a minimum of risk. Old Shaft section : Work in this old district is being carried on with the expectation of winning a fairly large area of virgin ground in which the seam is expected to continue and maintain coal of good marketable thickness and quality. Deep Creek : In connection with the development of this area, the preparatory work has been steadily pushed forward. As mentioned in my report of last year, the 5| chains of rock tunnel has been completed, and the Deep Creek bridged with a substantial steel-girder structure. Connecting with the bridge there are some 5 chains of surface-clearing and slight grading to do to meet the outcrop, when it is fully anticipated coal will be produced during the year. To further facilitate and increase the ventilation at the Ironbridge Mine, it is proposed to erect a duplicate Schick fan to that now doing duty. With this additional ventilating-capacity, a high working-margin should be available. Including the blasting operations at both mines, 56,655 shots were fired during the year, with an average yield of 5-43 tons per shot, Miss-shots were 0-3 per cent, of the total. It is pleasing to report absolute freedom from fatal accident at the Denniston Mines. There were no prosecutions. The company has erected a commodious and up-to-date boardinghouse situate between Denniston and Burnett's Face, affording suitable accommodation to between forty-five and fifty boarders. The establishment is lighted by electricity, while hot and cold .baths and clothes-drying room are provided. White Cliffs Coal-mine, Butter Road (Job Lines, lessee). —(24/9/08) : There is practically nothing of importance to report in connection with the operations at this property, the output being chiefly confined to the requirements of the Old Diggings and New Buller Junction dredges. The scam maintains its former thickness and quality, and timbering is made a special feature. Ventilation is well maintained by second outlet. Flaxbush Coal-mine, Three-channel Flat (S. De Filippi, owner).—(23/9/08) : A miner and youth continue to find coal for the Mokoia dredge on the Buller River, the coal being only suitable for steaming purposes. Ventilation is good, and timber is freely used to secure the stoped ground, as the seam is practically vertical, Burke's Creek Coal-mine (owners, Cairns and McLiver). —(21/12/08) : With, reference to the operations of this mine, they are a mystery, particularly as to the conditions under which the owners find a living, it being difficult to find any person at the mine when it is visited for the purpose of inspection. The property bears an appearance of neglect, During the late heavy rainfalls the tram-line suffered considerable damage. Lockington's Leasehold, Burke's Greek, Reejton (Elisha Lockington, owner). —(21/12/08) : Attention has been directed to win a lower section of dip coal on the outcrop of west level, by cutting a deep surface drainage. The coal is of good quality, and more free of pyrites than usual in a mine. Two men were employed. Archer's Freehold, Capleston (F. W. Archer, owner).- (21/12/08) : Coal continues to be taken from the top seam on the No. 3 low-level tunnel. The rock-driving mentioned in previous report has intersected the seam at a driven distance of 120 ft., and, although not yet bottomed, to its full thickness, the coal is hard and bright. Other works in connection with the mine are in fair order. Coghlan's Freehold, Capleston (J. Coghlan, owner). —(21/12/08) : This party continues to take coal from their low-level mine situate on the north bank of the Boatman's Creek. The round coal is very suitable for household purposes, and the small for dredging. Connection for a second outlet and ventilation has been provided. Waitahu Coal-mine, Reefton (J. O'Donnell, owner). —(21/12/08) : During the year mining has been exclusively confined to the 6 ft. seam in No. 2 tunnel, the main level having struck the fault-line on which the No. 1 drive has been standing for some time. In connection with cutting the fault, the difficulty with these small holders is scarcity of funds, notwithstanding the main coalfield may be easily obtained, and may yield profitable returns for many years. The damage to the aerial line across the Waitahu River has been repaired, and the mine is in full work. Reefton Coal Company (J. Billett, owner). —(23/12/08) : This property having changed ownership during the year, the output was, in consequence, considerably reduced, the supply being chiefly for steaming purposes in connection with the electric-light plant. Also, the main low level was cut off by downthrow faulting of formidable dimensions. During the heavy rainfalls recently experienced throughout the Reefton district, portions of the Nos. 1 and 2 tunnels have collapsed, the repairs of which will incur considerable expenditure. Repairs are being effected. Town Belt Coal-mine (Morris and Leishman, owners). —Work at this mine lias been suspended during the greater part of the year. Murray Creek Coal-mine (Morris and party, owners). —This party have abandoned their lease. Golden Treasure Coal-mine, Murray Creek (J. Billett, owner). —(22/12/08) : Open face. This property being practically exhausted riseward, the output is chiefly confined to the requirements of the winding and air-compressor plants on the Energetic Mine. Phoenix Coal-mine (John Knight and Co., owners). —(22/12/08) : Referring to the fire on this property, the water-supply formerly laid on from the upper reaches of the Victoria Creek is still in flow, but the supply is dependent on rainfall. However, the recent heavy -rainfalls have cooled down