3

C.—2a

erected to deal with the debris from the two adits, also the output of coal from the new seam in the tunnel, and from the Nos. 4 and 4a mines) ; (b) a new 50 in. Sirocco fan and 15 h.p. motor at the No. 3 Extended Mine ; (c) an electrically-driven air-compressor at the middle brake power-house. Accidents. —During the year there were a good many minor accidents, and. I regret to report that there were two fatal accidents. In connection with the latter, special reports were forwarded. Electric Safety-lamps. - -With the object of replacing the oil safety-lamps hitherto in use, and providing the miners with a better light, several types of cap and hand electric safety-lamps have been tried during the past few months, but, as the trial has not yet been of sufficient duration to determine reliably which is the best type of lamp to recommend for use, the matter will have to stand over for a little while yet. Tree-planting. —Although at the present time the question of the supply of mining-timber may not be regarded as a serious one, in a few years hence, and particularly if other companies commence coal-mining operations in this district, great difficulty will no doubt be experienced in obtaining supplies. Having this in view, arrangements have been made to commence planting trees suitable for mining purposes on a part of the State Coal Reserve near Dunollie. The scheme proposed is to plant during the next three years 75 acres per annum in trees, consisting of Douglas fir and Eucalyptus globulus. With the assistance of the Forestry Department, it is expected that this work will be commenced next spring. Exploratory Work. —Under this head work has been confined to the making of a geological and topographical survey of the Coal Creek area of the State Coal Reserve. In connection with this work three men have been continuously employed since the middle of last February, and up to date approximately 1,800 acres have been examined. The result of this examination points to the area being considerably disturbed and sharply'folded. No workable seams were discovered; and, as the locality under review is of a rugged nature, and practically trackless, transport for boring operations would be difficult, though boring would be necessary before condemning the area. James Colliery. The gross total output for the year was 25,796 tons 11 owl., and after making allowance for coal used on works and waste there remained for disposal 24,036 tons 9 cwt., which is accounted for as follows: — Export — Tons cwt. Tons ewt. Screened .. .. .. .. .. .14,688 6 Unscreened . . . . .. .. .. 826 7 Small .. .. .. .. .. .. 6,495 I 22,020 14 Local sales — Screened .. . . .. .. .. 546 6 Unscreened . . .. .. .. .. 14 6 Small .. .. .. .. .. .. 66 7 Mine sales— ■ 626 19 Sold, to workmen .. . . .. .. 40 9 Stock in bin .. . . .. .. .. 638 7 Stock on wharf . . . . .. .. .. 710 0 1,388 16 24,036 9 Used on works, and waste .. .. .. .. 1,760 2 The gross total output won from the colliery since its inception amounts to 28,752 tons 13 cwt. Goal-winning. —From the beginning of the year to the 4th August the miners were employed coal-winning on day-wages, but from the latter date coal has been won on tonnage rates. The quantity of coal won during the period the men were employed on day-wages was 3,955 tons 3 cwt., and the quantity won on tonnage rates was 21,841 tons 8 cwt. Days worked. —The total number of days the mine worked since the miners were employed on tonnage rates was 159f, and the average daily output was slightly over 137 tons. Comparing the days worked with the possible time which could have been worked (not including union holidays and pay Saturdays) shows a loss of- 13f days, which arc accounted for as follows : Stop-work meetings, 2; irregularity of orders, 8; breakdown to machinery, If; fatal accident, Liverpool Colliery, 2. Employees. —The average number of persons employed in and about the mine in connection with coal-winning since the 4th August iast was 72, made up as follows : Underground—Coalhewers, 30; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 23; boys, 1. On the surface—l2 men and 4 boys. In addition to those employed under the head of " coal-winning," there were on an average 7 men and 1 boy employed on property and development-work, making a total number for this colliery of 72 men and 6 boys. Payments. —The total payments made in connection with coal-winning for wages, stores, timber, and compensation amounted to £15,875 13s. lOd. Out of this amount £3,233 3s. 2d. was paid during the period coal was being won per day wages, and the balance, £12,64-2.135. Bd., has been paid since the 4th August last, this being the period during which the miners were employed on tonnage rates. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' daily average earnings (gross) for the seven months was £1 Bs. 11-17d., and the net return to each man after deducting stores (explosives) was £1 3s. 2-91d.