C.—2A

Stone-dusting.—Work under this heading was continued during the year. The number of samples taken from the Liverpool Colliery and analysed was 749. In addition, 80 samples from co-operative mines were analysed and 153 samples of coal from various State coal-mines were also analysed. Underground Workings.—The major portion of the output was obtained from pillar-extraction in the Morgan and Kimbell sections. Development has been carried out in the Morgan and Kimbell dip sections. The Morgan Dip section is opening out very well. The stone drive connecting the main drive to the lower dip workings of the Morgan seam was completed about August last and is now being used as a haulage road for this section of the mine. A new 70 h.p. electric winch has been installed. The completion of the stone drive made a good improvement in the ventilation of the whole colliery and to the dust nuisance, which caused a great deal of trouble. The development of the Kimbell West and lower Anderson dip workings has been completed and pillar-extraction started. Fire Stoppings.—All fire stoppings have been maintained in good order. Dangerous Occurrences. —Indications of heating were experienced in the cross-cut and No. 3 bank Morgan West sections. Considerable difficulty was experienced in sealing this area, as the amount of C.O. present suggested that a fall in the pillars had connected with, the upper seam workings. The seal of this area was completed by five concrete stoppings. James Colliery This mine ceased production in July, 1943, and the only operation during the year was the lifting of slack from the old dump at Rapahoe. Taking into account the stocks on the wharf at the beginning of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : — Ist April, 1944 — Tons cwt. qr. Stock on wharf .. .. .. .. . . .. 117 7 0 Add slack taken on charge ex dump .. .. .. 6,635 2 1 Total for disposal.. .. .. .. .. 6,752 9 1 Disposals Shipped .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6,310 13 2 Railed to Canterbury, Otago, &c. .. .. .. .. 61 8 1 Local and mine sales .. .. .. .. .. .. 380 7 2 6,752 9 1 Strongman Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 107,114 tons 14 cwt., an increase of 1,413 tons 10 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,004 tons 17 cwt.) and adding coal purchased (316 tons 3 cwt. 2 qr.), there remained for disposal 106,426 tons 0 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, 1944 Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. .. 68 6 3 Stock on wharf .. .. .. 859 17 1 Stock on dump .. .. .. 2,011 19 0 2,940 3 0 Add net output for year, (106,109 tons 17 cwt.), and coal purchased (316 tons 3 cwt. 2 qr.) .. .. .. 106,426 0 2 109,366 3 2 31st March, 1945— Less stock in bin and yard .. .. 150 8 1 Less stock on wharf .. .. .. 129 0 2 Less stock on dump .. .. 1,317 18 3 — 1,597 7 2 Total disposed of .. .. .. 107,768 16 0 Disposals Shipped .. .. .. .. .. 75,487 4 1 Railed to Canterbury, Otago, &c. .. .. 15,062 5 0 Railway sales .. .. .. .. 8,328 7 2 Local and mine sales .. .. .. 5,425 4 2 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 2,945 14 3 Used on works .. .. .. .. 520 0 0 107,768 16 0 The gross output from the colliery since its inception totals 517,584 tons 10 cwt. Days worked. —During the year the colliery worked on 244 days, a decrease of 12 days when compared with the previous year. The possible working-days, including Good Friday, Easter Saturday (1944), and 18 back Saturdays, were 278. The difference between the days worked and the possible working-days is accounted for as follows : I day, Easter Monday ; 1 day Auzac Day ; 2 days, fan breakdown ; 1 day, dispute re truckers turn on coal; 3 days, power failure ; 2 days,

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