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For the better control of drilling operations, and protection from influx of water into the oil-bearing beds, regulations based on those in operation in other countries are being prepared. COAL-MINING. The output of coal during 1913 amounted to 1,888,005 tons, as against 2,177,615 tons during 1912, being a decrease of 289,610 tons. This decrease is accounted for by the general strike, by which nearly every colliery of importance was closed during the months of November and December. The shortage of coal thus created was made good by importations from foreign parts, which amounted to 468,940 tons —the greatest quantity ever imported—being 104,581 tons in excess of that imported during 1912. The following is a comparative statement of the coal and lignite raised during the years 1911, 1912, and 1913 :—

The comparative tonnage of the various classes of coal for the years 1912 and 1913 is summarized as follows : —

The most important development in the coal-mining industry during 1913 has been the entry of the new Liverpool State Colliery near Point Elizabeth into the list of productive collieries, and the approaching completion of the plant and surface arrangements at the new Waipa and Pukemiro Collieries, on the Waikato Coalfield. PERSONS ENGAGED IN MINING. The number of persons employed in and about the mines of the Dominion during 1913 is estimated at 9,191, or 376 less than during the previous year. The number employed at metalliferous mines was 4,941, and at coal-mines 4,250. The number of gum-diggers is not known, but exceeds 1,000. The following table shows the number of miners in each inspection district, and the branch of mining in which they are engaged : —

Inspection District. Output for Output for 1912. 1913. Decrease, 1913. Outnut for Increase or Decrease. ]qil between Years 1912 and 1911. Northern West Coast Southern Tons. Tons. 383,847 349,586 1,301,461 1,057,564 492,307 I 480,855 Tons. 34,261 243,897 11,452 Tons. 397,872 1,218,693 449,508 Decrease Increase Tons. 14,025 82,768 42,799 Totals 2,177,615 1,888,005 289,610 2,066,073 Increase 111,542

Class of Coal. Class of Coal. Output for 1913. Output for 1912. Increase or Decrease for 1913. Bituminous and semi-bituminous Pitch-coal Brown coal .. ' Lignite - - i Tons. 1,160,274 2.397 624,852 100,482 Tons. 1,417,608 4,115 544,675 •211,217 Tons. Decrease 257,334 1,718 Increase 80,177 Decrease 110,735 Totals .. 1,888,005 2,177,615 Decrease 289,610

Inspection listrict. Classification. Northern. West Coast. S-old and silver loal .. )ther minerals .. 2,263 824 6 1,361 2,411 33 Southern. 1,125 1,015 153 Totals. J 4,74!) 4,250 192 Totals 2,293 9,191 3,093 3,805