C—2

Three of the fatalities occurred in the West Coast District and one in the Northern District. Twenty-nine of the non-fatal accidents were in the West Coast District (ten due to falls of ground), five in the Southern District (two due to falls of ground), and nine in the Northern District (two due to falls of ground). DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES Thirty-six dangerous occurrences were reported to Inspectors during 1946. Thirtyfour cases related to fire or heating in underground workings, one to a surface fire, and one to an inflow of gas from a borehole breached by advancing workings. LEGISLATION An amendment to the Coal-mines Act, 1925, made by section 17 of the Statutes Amendment Act, 1946, enables leases under Part I of the Act to be limited to specified seams or coal-bearing horizons. PROSECUTIONS Five informations were laid by Inspectors for breaches of the Act and regulations. Two convictions were obtained. I have, &c., R. H. Schoen, Inspecting Engineer and Chief Inspector of Coal-mines.

34