3

C.—2 A

Tree-plantation. —On the part of the State Coal-mine Reserve at Dunollie 45 acres were planted three years ago in trees, comprising Douglas firs, eucalyptus, and Pinus radiata. The former are a complete failure, and the eucalyptus also are not the success anticipated. The Pinus radiata appears to do better than the other two species, particularly on the elevated portions of the plantation. On the low-lying portion, which is also the largest part of the plantation, and on which the three species were planted, it would be safe to estimate that not more than 15 per cent, of the trees planted are growing. In view of the poor results so far obtained it is not advisable at present to consider the question of further planting. Tennis-courts and Croquet-lawn. —During the year a double tennis-court was laid down in asphalt, also the ground cleared and levelled for a croquet-lawn at Runanga. Although the Department had practically completed the double tennis-court, the club decided to raise it by another 3 in. This extra work is being undertaken by the club at its own expense. The croquet-lawn should be completed at an early date, and be available for playing on next summer. James Colliery. Goal-winning.—The gross total output for the year was 34,505 tons 1 cwt., an increase of 7,723 tons 8 cwt. compared with the previous year. After making allowances for stocks on hand at the beginning of the year, and deducting mine consumption and waste, there remained for disposal 32,557 tons 17 cwt. 1 qr., which is accounted for as follows : —

The gross total output from this colliery since its inception amounts to 119,034 tons 7 cwt. Days worked. —The mine during the year worked on 235J days, an increase of 27§ days compared with the previous year. The difference between the days worked and the possible working-days are accounted for as follows : Union holidays (agreement), 14 days ; pay Saturdays, 26 days ; back Saturdays, 25 days ; fan strike (Liverpool), 4 days ; Dobson explosion, 1 day ; funeral (late F. Marshall), 1 day ; holidays not in agreement (Christmas), 3 days ; want of wagons, 1 day 4 hours ; want of orders, 1 day : total, 76 days 4 hours. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning the average number of persons employed was 67, made up as follows : Underground—Coal-hewers, 32 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 19. On the surface —13 men and 3 boys. In addition to those employed under the head of " coal-winning " there were, on an average, 9 men employed on development work, making a total for the colliery of 73 men and 3 boys. Payments. —The total payments made in connection with coal-winning, for wages, stores, minetimber, and compensation, amounted to £21,952 lis. Bd| an increase of £4,501 18s. 10d., compared with the previous year. In addition to the amount expended on coal-winning, £2,461 os. 4d. was expended on development work. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £1 Bs. 6-5 d., and after deducting stores (explosives) the net return was £1 2s. TB9d. The net return is practically the same as in the previous year. Days worked by Coal-hewers. —The total number of days that could have been worked by coalhewers was 8,689, the days worked were 7,299-|, and the number lost through sickness and various causes was 1,389|-. Daily Output. —The average daily nine output was 146 tons 10 cwt., as compared with 128 tons 18 cwt. for the previous year; and the daily average output per coal-hewer was 4 tons 15j cwt., being 5 cwt. less than last year. Deficiencies. —The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause during the year was £348 15s. This works out to a cost of 2-42 d. per ton. Underground Development. —Work under this heading comprises the extending of the main headings, also the opening-up of small areas in the east and west sections, of the mine. The main headings were extended a distance of 9 chains during the year, and off these headings levels were driven in an easterly course. In the extension of the headings the seam has been somewhat variable in

Screened. Unscreened. Small. Slack. Total. Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Tods cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Export .. .. 10,622 5 0 781 4 0 201 4 0 4,959 1 0 16,563 14 0 Rail, Canterbury .. 8,973 17 3 106 10 2 151 12 0 63 14 0 9,295 14 1 Local sales .. .. 350 9 3 .80 2 0 170 4 2 2,741 6 3 3,342 3 0 Sold to workmen .. . . 450 0 0 .. .. 450 0 0 .Stock in bin .. .. 88 0 0 40 0 0 220 0 0 159 5 0 507 5 0 Stock on wharf .. 486 3 0 .. .. 406 14 0 892 17 0 Stock in dump .. .. .. .. 1,506 4 0 1,506 4 0 20,520 15 2 1,457 16 2 743 0 2 9,836 4 3 32,557 17 1 Used on works .. .. .. 3,814 0 0 .. 3,814 0 0 Waste .. .. .. 544 0 0 .. .. 544 0 0 Totals .. 20,520 15 2 2,001 16 2 4,557 0 2 9,836 4 3 36,915 17 1