C—2a

Daily Output. —The average daily output was 234 tons 7 cwt., and the average per coal-hewer was 8 tons 18 cwt., as compared with 253 tons 6 cwt. and 8 tons 18 cwt. for the previous year. Deficiencies— The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £lO os. Bd. Accidents.—During the year two coal-hewers were injured by falls of coal and there were also a fairly large number of minor accidents. Days worked.—-The colliery worked 225-875 days out of a possible 242 ordinary working-days. In addition, the colliery worked 16 back Saturdays, 3 annual holidays, and 3 statutory holidays, making the total days worked 247-875. The difference between the days worked and the possible number of ordinary working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, YE celebrations ; 2 days, YJ celebrations ; 1 day, cavil days ; 3-625 days, union meetings ; 0-5 days, shortage railway wagons ; 1-625 days, breakdown, &c., in mine ; 6-375 days, disputes ; total, 16-125 days. Days worked by Coal-hewers.—The total number of days that could have been worked by coal-hewers was 8,768, the number worked was 7,794, and the number lost, including those lost through sickness and other causes, was 974. Workings.—-No. 1 East Section : The fault proved to the rise of the three panels continued beyond the intersection of the double step fault and eventually cut off the levels. The block of coal to the rise of the levels beyond the double step fault was worked out and the section abandoned in the meantime, but pillaring of this small area will be undertaken at a later stage. No. 2 East Section : The development headings have been continued on a fixed bearing beyond the line of the double step fault, which has cut out in this area, and, after going to the dip for the last 6 chains, are now flattening out. The seam is of good quality and thickness, and a farther 3 chains of driving will allow an additional panel to be formed to the rise. Main Dip : A dip driven in coal to the west of the main dip, after traversing troubled country, reached a point a chain or more ahead of the original main dip face. A crosscut east at this point struck further trouble, with thinning and dipping of the seam, and was abandoned for the time being owing to pumping and haulage difficulties. No. 3 East levels were extended for 8 chains in excellent coal, but an attempt to prove the seam to the north-east by a slant dip, driven in that direction has been made difficult by a large floor roll in the seam. After 40 ft. of stone-driving, short bores in floor and roof failing to locate the seam, prospecting has been stopped until the Sullivan drill, on loan to Greymouth, can be returned. Hydraulic Stowing.—As a preliminary to the extraction of pillars, in A and B panels, to the rise of No. 1 East levels, some progress has been made in driving a new entrance from the surface to this section to accommodate an endless-rope haulage and pipes to carry the stowage material. Improvements to Equipment. —An electric haulage with armoured cable has been installed and an electric pump in the No. 2 East Dip, with an auxiliary endless-rope haulage in this section. A 40 ft. air-shaft, equipped with a small single inlet Sirocco fan, to the west of the mine entrance allows the No. 2 West pillar section to be ventilated on a separate split. An additional four-stage Turbo pump electrically driven has been installed in the main heading, while independent breaking, and a controller on the main winch have allowed the haulage of men in the main drive to be started. Improvements to the screening plant have improved its-capacity and allow better screening of wet coal. A new mine store has been erected and the road to the mine regraded. Township.—The recreation-ground has been completed and a site for tennis-courts and croquet-green prepared, while a paddling-pool, 40 ft. by 20 ft., for children is being constructed on the area set aside for a children's playground. The billiard-room at the hall is now in use and pictures are shown twice a week, and the roads through the township tar sealed. Six five-roomed cottages of improved design have been erected, and a further six are being built.

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