C—2a

The Superintendent, Waikato Controlled Mines, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington Sir,— 3rd April, 1946. I have the honour to submit my report on the working of the opencast mines operating in the Huntly district for the year ended 31st March, 1946. Kimihia No. 2 and No. 4 Sections. —Work on these sections ceased in June as all recoverable coal had been extracted. During the period, 8,564 tons were produced, making the total recovery from the sections 56,435 tons 14 cwt. Since the work ceased the area has been resown in grass. No. 1 Section (Kimihia Lake). —As anticipated, production commenced in June, and 23,834 tons were produced to 31st March, 1946. During the year a 5-yard Bucyrus Erie electric shovel was installed on the area, but owing to the unstable nature of the ground some difficulty has been experienced in staclang the overburden. Whereas it was originally intended to backfill the worked area, it is now apparent that the bulk of the spoil will require to be moved outside the area, A storage bin, screen, and slack-line drag-line were completed during the year, and a branch railway 2-4 miles long has been constructed to join up with the Main Trunk line* Glen Afton During the year this opencast produced 14,394 tons 9 cwt., making the total production to 31st March, 1946, 32,600 tons 0 cwt. 2 qr. Work at this pit has been hampered by periodic flooding. Kemp's Opencast Production for the year was 38,097 tons 9 cwt., making the total production to date 44,971 tons 9 cwt. In January new shaker screens were installed, which will enable graded coal to be supplied. I have, &c., P. M. Outhwaite, Superintendent, Waikato Controlled Mines.

21