C.—2a

Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.-*-The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 9s. 3d. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 ss. 3d., an increase of 2s. 2d. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 218 tons 5 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 12 cwt., as compared with 170 tons 11 cwt. and 7 tons 9 cwt. respectively for the previous year. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 8,790. Deficiencies. —The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £104 17s. 9d. Accidents.—There were no serious accidents at the Blackball Colliery during the year. Underground Workings.—The major portion of the output was obtained from development work to the north, south, and east. Main Dip : In the main dip going westerly, development has been retarded by thin coal and water troubles. The thickness of the coal in the working-face was 4 ft. anil roof conditions decidedly adverse. No. 2 North-west Panel: Development has continued, and the main level has been advanced a distance of 9 chains in coal 15 ft. thick. To the south of the main dip, two panels have been extended for a distance of 5 chains in undulating country. Three winches have been installed to cope with haulage problems. Towards the end of the year the No. 2 South level was stopped on a roll, the coal having thinned to 4 ft. From the No. 2 South level the dip was advanced in a south-westerly direction for a distance of 9 chains, the floor conditions being very uneven, the coal varying from 4 ft. to 15 ft. in thickness. In order to provide haulage over the various rolls met, two winches were installed. Towards the end of the year an extensive roll running north-east and south-west was met, and development has been held up in this direction. To the rise of the South level a heading has been driven in an easterly direction for a distance of 10 chains, the coal being 12 ft. in thickness. Owing to the presence of sulphuric acid in the water, increased pump repairs have been required throughout the year. Wallsend Colliery Coal-ivinning.—The gross output for the year was 56,749 tons 7 cwt. 1 qr., a decrease of 1,993 tons 2 cwt. 2 qr. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (586 tons 12 cwt. 1 qr.) and adding surplus stocks (755 tons 17 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 56,918 tons 12 cwt. 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 - 1 r - Tons owt - 1 r - Stock in bin and yard Stock on wharf .. .. .. .. 219 8 0 219 8 0 Add net output for year .. .. .. 56,918 12 0 57,138 0 0 31st March, 1945— Less stock in bin and yard .. .. .. 844 11 2 Less stock on wharf . . .. .. 38 7 0 882 18 2 Total disposed of .. .. .. .. 56,255 1 2 Disposals Shipped .. .. .. .. ■■ 30,681 10 0 Bailed to Canterbury, Otago, &c. .. .. 1,939 16 0 Bailway sales .. .. .. .. .. 17,662 17 0 Local and mine sales .. .. .. . • 3,072 8 2 Sales to workmen and free issues .. .. 668 10 0 Used on works .. : .. .. 2,230 0 0 56,255 1 2 The gross output from the colliery since it was taken over by the State Coal-mines totals 122,375 tons 6 cwt. 2 qr. Days worked.—During the year the colliery worked on 226 days 2 hours, a decrease of 23 days 6 hours' when compared with the previous year. The possible working-days, including Good Friday and Easter Saturday (1944) and 9 back Saturdays, were 270. The difference between the days worked and the possible working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, Easter Monday; 1 day, Anzac Day; 1 day, May Day ; 1 day, fan stoppage ; 1 day, dispute re cavil; 6 days, poppet-head repairs ; 1 day, bathhouse cold ; 1 day 6 hours, stop-work meetings ; 3 days, gas accumulation; 6 days, shaft repairs; 1 day, union meeting ; 1 day, mechanical breakdown of fan ; 10 days, Christmas holidays ; 2 days, additional Christmas holidays taken by men ; 5 days, railway strike ; 1 day, dispute re trucking contract; 1 day, Good Friday (1945). Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 155 men and 2 boys, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 45 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 82. Surface : 28 men and 2 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, amounted to £86,229, as compared with £81,360 for the previous year. Goal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 ss. 6d. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 2s. 6d., an increase of 2s. 7d. per day when compared with the previous year.

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