C—2a

Slant Dip (Top Seam)— Bottom' Section (Doel's Dip Section) : The two dips being driven in a south-easterly direction from the Main Slant Dip have been continued to a distance of 28 chains. A level was started from the bottom of these dips and a panelis being developed by seven working-places 011 two shifts. The coal is of good quality 8 ft. to 9 ft. thick. Middle Section, Top Seam : At a point 28 chains from the top of the Main Slant Dip a section has been started in which seven places are being developed on two shifts. The main levels are now 13 chains from the dip, and at present are being continued through faulty ground. The area being developed between the dip and the level faces is in good coal 8 ft. to 9 ft. thick. East Dip, Bottom Seam : The workings in this section were completed to the fault at a distance of approximately 12 chains from the Main Dip. The coal averages 8 ft. in thickness and is of good quality. Owing to the soft nature of the fireclay floor and the difficulty experienced in keeping the roads open, the pillars were split and robbed so as not to injure the upper seam. Coal-production was stopped in this area on Ist March, 1949. Arrangements are now in hand for opening up the upper seam directly above this area. No. 6 Drive : During the year this drive was completed. The total distance from the surface to the upper coal-seam is approximately 600 ft. I have, &c., J. Hadcroft, District Manager. The Manager, Wilton State Colliery, Ngaruawahia, to the Under-Secretary Mines Department, Wellington. 29th April, 1949. I have the honour to submit my annual report on the working of the Wilton State Colliery for the year ended 31st March, 1949. Output. —-The gross output for the year was 93,482 tons 1 cwt., being an increase of 11,751 tons 15 cwt. when compared with the figures of the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,697 tons 1 cwt.), and coal used on works (800 tons 7 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 90,984 tons 13 cwt. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1948 — Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in railway wagons Net output for year .. ./. 90,984 13 0 ' 90,984 13 0 31st March, 1949 Less stock in railway wagons .. • • 109 0 0 Total disposed of .. •• 90,875 13 0 Disposal Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. •• •• •• 44,739 4 0 Railway sales .. .. •• 44,905 16 0 Local and mine sales Sales to workmen and free issues .. 1,230 13 0 90,875 13 0

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