113

a—2

Point Elizabeth Statt Mine No. 2. —(9/1/11) : J. Dunn, miner, killed by an explosion of firedamp. MiUerton Mine. — (7/3/11): J. H. Campbell, trucker, killed by a runaway tub on jig. (17/3/11) : W. Young, miner, fall of stone from roof. Wesiport-Stockton Mine. —(l 3/3/11) : Julius Marx, rope-boy, died from effects of getting leg crushed between tubs. Denniston Mine. —(2/5/11) : M. Brosnic, miner, fall of coal from roof. Blackball Mine. —(ls/6/11) : T. Auld, miner, fall of coal from roof. Non-fatal. Point Elizabeth State Mine No. 2 —(9/1/11): P. Kodden, miner, explosion of firedamp (severe burns). Westport-Stockton Mine. —(2B/7/11): J. Auld, trucker, jammed between trucks; left wrist broken. (7/6/11): D. Livingston, miner, jammed between trucks; wrist crushed. Blackball Mint. —(15/6/11) : J. Duggan, miner, collapse of timber at face causing shock. The total number of persons employed in and about mines under the Coal-mines Act, 1908, was 2,610, and shows a decrease compared with the year 1910 of 199. Of the total number, 1,659 were employed below ground and 951 above ground. The actual decrease in persons employed below ground is 138, while the number employed above ground shows an increase of 239. Omitting the number of persons employed in development of new mines, the coal raised per person employed underground was 7554 tons, and the coal raised per person employed above and below ground 485 - 9 tons. I have, &c, James Newton, Inspector of Mines.

The Inspbotob of Minks, Southern District, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sift', — Office of Inspector of Klines (Southern District), Dunedin, 14th March, 1912. In accordance with the requirements of section 78 of the Coal-mines Act, 1908, I have the honour to present my report on the coal-mines in the Southern Mining District for the year ended 31st December, 1911. Canterbury. Broken River Coal Lease, Broken Hirer (Crown lease; W. J. Cloudesley). —(8/7/11) : It has been reported to me by the owner that operations at this mine will be vigorously prosecuted at an early date. S/iringfield Colliery, Springfield (Christchuroh Brick Company, owners; J. Taylor, permit, manager). —This pit is chiefly worked for production of fireclay, of which 1,563 tons were mined .luring the year for manufacture at the pottery works in Christchurch. . Springfield Fireclay Mine, Springfield (Christchurch Gas, Coal, and Coke Company, Limited, owners).—Some 235 tons of fireclay were produced. The mine is temporarily closed down. Sheffield Fireclay Mine, Sheffield (J. Austin, owner). —Dining the year 867 tons of fireclay were mined 'ind railed to Christchurch for manufacture at the pottery works there. Acheron Anthracite Coal-mine, Lake Coleridge (K. Murchison). —After being discontinued for a number of years a few tons of coal were recently produced from the seam in the river-bed. Homebush Colliery, Glentunnel (J. C. Campbell, mine-manager). —(8/11/11) : Powder-maga-zine kept in good order; change-rooms and sanitary and bath arrangements attended to. Old main workings, No. 1 level, pillars now quite exhausted. Main seam : The old dip workings almost closed. The crosscut put down will enable the last of the pillar ribs to be drawn. Engine seam south : The seams are found close together, there being only a small clay parting between, and making 11 ft. of coal at this place. Keep-it-Dark, or No. 3 Mine, pillars are being withdrawn. A new outlet is being laid off for the engine seam, which will furnish the bulk of output in the near future. Ventilation is good, and the requirements of the Act generally well observed. The Keystone boring-drill in the gully having proved the seam to be split, it has been removed to a solid-looking ridge, where prospecting operations are now being conducted. The pottery works for the manufacture of sanitary pipes and ware from fireclay and clays obtained on the property is an important adjunct to this colliery. Thomas Patterson, forty-eight, miner, died on the 8th September from injuries sustained by a fall of stone from the low roof to which he was setting a prop. The Coroner brought in a verdict of "Accidentally killed." St. Helens Colliery, Whitecliffs (Crown lease; Levick and Thin; W. Thin, permit, manager). —(10/7/11): This mine is temporarily closed on account of noxious gases being given off from spontaneous fire in the dip workings, where the few remaining pillars have been abandoned. A new mine is being opened, but has not yet reached the output stage. Woohhed Creek Colliery, Mount Somers (Crown lease; Mount Somers Coal Company; Wm. Hutchison, sub-lessee) —(13/7/11) : Not being worked at present. Coal to rise in this mine being practically exhausted, will necessitate development to dip if output to be maintained. Subsequently a few tons of coal were produced towards the end of the year. Mount Somen Colliery, Mount Somers (Mount Somers Coal Company; W. Dixon, minemanager).—(13/7/11) : Spontaneous heating in the waste of rise pillar workings necessitated a line of stoppings, which, while cutting off half the mine area and limiting the production of 15—C. 2.