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Open Cuttings and Trestle Bridge*. The open cuttings and embankments have been completed, also the trestle bridges, excepting only 110 ft. This portion of the work totals a length of 1,855 ft. in five bridges, and the height of trestles varies from 20 ft. up to 60 ft. Permanent Lines. The haulage-line, consisting of a double line of rails 30 lb. per yard, 2 ft. gauge, is now being laid, and will soon be available for the transport of the heavy plant from the railway terminus to the sites for its erection. Hydraulic Brakes. This pari of the plant is now ready at the maker's works for delivery, and the foundation is now being prepared for them ; thoir erection will be proceeded with at an early date. Coat-workings. Tunnels : Alain Levels and inclines have been driven in preparation for the output of coal : these total a length of 3,000 ft. The coal is proving highly satisfactory, and there are now three seams from which output may be drawn as required by trade demands, the coal being of high calorific value. Coal-storage Bins. This work, for which the steel understructure has been prepared at the No. I Colliery workshops, is now in course of erection. The concrete and pile foundations are finished, and the steelwork set in position for riveting. The capacity of the bin is 4,000 tons, and it i - hoped that this storage will assist in minimizing stoppages arising from the unworkable conditions at the port which so frequently interfere with shipping. Ventilating-fans. Powerful fans of the Sirocco type are expected to arrive at an earl) date, and the electrical power for driving them is now being arranged for. Coal-tubs. The. plates lor 1.000 tubs are on the ground, and ready to lie put together as soon as the balance of ironwork, for which a contract has been let, comes to hand. Railway Facilities. The railway —a work of considerable magnitude, and not without difficulties attendant on its ((instruction through a rocky gorge in country broken and contorted— is now Hearing completion, and has been made available for the conveyance of plant to the bin-site and lower end of haulage-line, thus materially assisting in getting the heavier portions of plant into position, and generally furthering the completion of the works. General. I have pleasure in stating that no serious accident has occurred in connection with the new works during the year, and that all the officers at both mines have directed their best efforts towards the safety of the employees and the interests of the industry. The Inspecting Engineer lias in the course of his duties rendered good service. It is also due to the District Engineer for Public Works, under whose direction the railway has been construct d, to say that he and his officers have at all times done their best to facilitate our operations. I have, &c, James Bishop, Manage .

k The Manager, Seddonville State Coal-mine, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— Seddonville Colliery, 29th May, 1912. I have the honour to submit my annual report on the working of the Seddonville State Colliery for the yoar ending the 31st March, 1912. Output. The total output from the mine for the year amounted to 66,754 tons, an increase of 7,219 tons on the previous year's working ; and, after deducting mine consumption and waste, .there remained available for market 56,557 tons. The briquette-works at Westport, being in a producing state for only a short time during the year, utilized 2,924 tons of fine small.