C—2a

The dewatering of No. 1 East Extension section, preparatory to extracting some pillars, is nearly completed. A fire, caused by the spontaneous heating of loose coal lying on top of wooden sets, occurred near the Main Sump, and was successfully dealt with by flooding. The endless-rope haulage installed in No. 2 East level was extended to a distance of 40 chains. Because of floor heave, continuous brushing and/or lifting of floor had to be carried on in main roadways to maintain sufficient height. A concrete air-crossing was constructed in the Main Dip, and a portion of the East Return near the outlet was strengthened by the erection of concrete arching. A 50 h.p. electric winch and a portable air-compressor were installed in the Slant Dip. Heavy rains washed out the road bridge near the mine bins, and another had to be built. Totvnshi]). —A bridge joining up the back road to the main road near the Public Hall has been completed. Twenty houses which were receiving their water-supply from rain-water tanks have now been connected to the main water-supply. The painting of thirty houses was completed during this period. Two four-roomed baches for single men and two huts as extra accommodation for two married miners have been built. Tatu Colliery Coal-winning. —The gross output for the year was 30,800 tons 2 cwt. a decrease of 4,665 tons 8 cwt. —when compared with the figures of the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,073 tons 15 .cwt.) and the quantity of coal used on works (191 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 29,535 tons 7 cwt. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of coal disposed of during the year Ist April, 1948 — Tons cwfc. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bins .. • • • • 49 3 0 Add net output .. .. 29,535 7 0 Surplus stocks brought on charge .. 155 19 0 * 29,740 9 0 31st March, 1949 — Less stock in bins .. • • • • • • 40 0 0 Total disposed of .. .. •• 29,700 9 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed •• 27,729 15 0 Mine sales •• -• •• 1,319 9 0 Workmen .. • • • • 599 2 0 Free -• •• •• 52 3 0 29,700 9 0 The gross output from the colliery since inception amounts to 240,853 tons .16 cwt

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