C—2a

In the lower Old Dip Area, two pairs were engaged on pillar-extraction with, good results, and another pair is splitting through old pillars in an endeavour to reach a small area of unworked ground. This work was interrupted by a large stone " roll" in the floor. Mine Creek : In the early part of the year a start was made with the extraction of the Mangatini rope-road pillars. Three pairs are engaged here. Mining conditions are difficult as the area carries a large volume of water in wet weather. In Pollocks Level, ■one pair has maintained good extraction in high coal, but trouble was experienced in the latter part of the year with heatings. A large amount of material has been recovered and taken to the " Cross Cut Flat," which gives access to the second, third, fourth and sixth west fire areas, in readiness for another line of stoppings for fire protection. In the North-east section, four places are being driven along the t(3p edge of a hill through which there is every possibility of the continuity of the seam. It is proposed to have this hill bored and, should results be favourable, the seam worked from the lower •end. Bathhouse. —A scheme for the improvement of the bathhouse was put into operation during the year and will be completed when the remainder of the heating-apparatus comes to hand. Cottages.—A considerable amount of interior renovating has been done to the •cottages both in Millerton and Granity. First Brake Engine.—During the Christmas holidays the main lowering hydraulic •engine situated at Millerton was given an extensive overhaul. Denniston Colliery Coal-winning.—The Department commenced to operate this mine on the Ist April, 1948. The gross output for the year was 75,904 tons 9 cwt. After allowing for waste {627 tons 10 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (8,957 tons 5 cwt. 2 qr.) there remained for disposal a net output of 66,319 tons 13 cwt. 2 qr. Taking into account the stocks &t 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 bin and yard .. .. 2,200 0 0 Stock on wharf .. .. 525 5 0 2,725 5 0 Add net output for year .. .. 66,319 13 2 Add surplus taken on charge .. .. 502 0 3 31st March, 1949 69,546 19 1 Less stock in bin and yard .. 150 0 0 Less stock on wharf .. .. 755 5 1 905 5 1 68,641 14 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. .. .. 57,616 19 2 Railed .. .. .. .. 4,018 8• 2 Railway sales .. .. .. 413 11 0 Local and mine sales .. ... 4,476 18 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 2,115 17 0 • 68,641 14 0

22