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Fernhill Mine. —On 2nd June the manager reported an active fire which had broken through to the surface and fouling the No. 4 mine workings. The area was sealed under my supervision and gave no further trouble. Airedale Mine. —On sth June smoke was observed coming from the fan shaft, Airedale Mine, and after an attempt to locate the fire, and as it was gaining hold, the two entrances were sealed. The mine was reopened a month later under my supervision and the seat of the fire sealed off and work resumed. Glenlee Mine, Waikaka. —On 3rd December advice was received from the owner that fumes from old workings were entering the mine, and the area beyond this junction was sealed off and work commenced in a new area close to the portal. Prosecutions Two prosecutions for breaches of the regulations were laid and each was successful, these offences being in the Ohai district. A mine-manager was prosecuted for breach of Regulation 220 (1) and fined £3 and 12s. costs. A shot-firer in an opencast mine was prosecuted for breach of Regulation 221 (4) and fined £3 and 12s. costs. Ohai Rescue Station The Officer in Charge and his men have rendered valuable service on several occasions during the year, details of which were : 24th April, Mossbank Colliery ; Examining sealed area to find out how far the water seal had risen in the dip so that mining operations could be continued and adjusted. 17th July and 7th August, Birchwood Colliery : On these occasions the rescue team was standing by as a precautionary measure. 24th August, Mossbank Colliery : Sealing off a heated section. 27th August, Star Colliery : Sealing off spontaneous heating in the goaf. 18th September, Star Colliery : Recovery of a winch and other equipment left inside a stopping during the above sealing, which was a rush job, to complete the seal late at night. 24th September, Mossbank Colliery : Sealing off a heated area. 30th September, Mossbank Colliery : Examining a sealed area with view to reopening, to resume mining. 26th November, Star Colliery : Sealing off a heated area. It is gratifying to see the managers calling on the brigade's services even for what may appear as trivial matters, and the presence of the trained men with equipment, even for small periods of assistance, may have prevented serious or dangerous conditions from developing. Three new men were trained during the year, and 33 trainees attended for refresher courses. The Officer in Charge has also assisted me with the preparation of equipmeDt, examination of candidates for gas-testing certificates, and re-examination at five-year period.

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