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Plant.—During the year considerable alterations have been made to the plant. The new concrete bin has been completed and is now in use. A new drive for the creeper and an extra 600 ft. " Reavell" compressor have been installed. A new electric haulage winch has been installed 011 the dip extension, and the main endless-rope haulage, which was at the top of the stone drive, has been installed at the bottom of the main shaft. A start has also been made to improve the auxiliary winding arrangements. Dobson Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 61,875 tons 19 cwt. After allowing for waste (993 tons 9 cwt. 2 qr.) there remained for disposal a net output of 60,882 tons 9 cwt. 2 qr. Taking into account the stocks on hand at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year Ist April, 1943— Tons cwt. qr, Tona cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. .. 949 9 2 Stock on wharf .. .. .. . . 654 8 0 1,603 17 2 Add net output for year .. .. .. 60,882 9 2 62,486 7 0 31st March, 1944— Less stock in bin and yard .. .. .. 550 7 2 Less stock on wharf .. .. .. 501 19 0 1,052 6 2 Total disposed of .. .. .. .. 61,434 0 2 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Tons owt. qr. Shipped .. .. ■■ •• 41,025 19 0 Railed to Canterbury, Otago, &c. .. .. 10,391 10 3 Railway sales .. .. .. ■■ 5,071 14 0 Local and mine sales .. .. .. • • 3,712 11 2 Sales to workmen and free issues. . .. .. 1,005 15 2 Used on works .. . . .. ■ • 226 9 3 61,434 0 2 The gross output from the colliery since it was taken over by the State Coal-mines totals 68,957 tons 6 cwt. Days worked. —During the year the colliery worked 011 263 days. The possible working-days, including 15 back Saturdays, were 277. The difference between the days worked and the possible working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, Good Friday ; 1 day, Easter Monday ; 1 day, account fall of stone in main drive ; 1 day, account shortage of water for compressor ; 1 day, union meeting ; 1 day, dispute re recalling to camp of furlough men from mines ; 8 days, Christmas holidays. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 181 men and 4 boys, made up as follows —Underground: Coal-hewers, 57 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 96. Surface : 28 men and 4 boys. Expenditure.—The total expenditure in connection with coal-winning for wages, stores, mine timber, and compensation, together with cost of fuel used on works and subsidies on railway tickets, amounted to £89,073. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 os. Id. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £1 17s. Bd. Daily Oouput.—The average daily output was 235 tons 5 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 4 tons 18 cwt. Deficiencies. —The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £324 6s. Bd. Accidents. —There were 110 serious accidents at the Dobson Colliery during the year. Underground Workings. —All coal in this mine is being won from developing places. Main Dip Section : Towards the end of the year the main dip development struck very irregular and disturbed country and was stopped. No. 4 West Level Section : This section is nearing the Dobson or other fault. No. 4 East: This section has been completed, and development in No. 5 East is rapidly approaching the steep rise towards Mount Buckley. Plant. —The main endless haulage system has been extended to No. 5 level. I have, &c., J. Hadckoft, Deputy-Superintendent.

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