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NOTIFICATION OF POSSIBLE CAUSES OF DANGER Inspectors were advised by mine-managers, as required by the Coal-mines Act, of thirty-four cases where possible danger might be caused to mine workers. Of these, twenty-nine consisted of heatings in the goaves in old workings or at fire stoppings. Immediate action was taken in all cases, and proper sealing carried out. Trained mine rescue men were present in most of these cases, with equipment available in case of emergency, and where necessary trained rescue teams explored the heated area, ■erected temporary stoppings, and stood by until safe conditions were restored. A heavy blower of firedamp at the Liverpool State Mine in February cause a small area of the Morgan East Dip Section to be sealed off, and three pairs of miners to be withdrawn. At the Star and the Pukemiro North Mines, C0 2 was released from old workings ■due to a barrier and a stopping respectively having been damaged by falls of coal. Ventilation was restored and the old workings resealed. An outcrop fire at the Pukemiro North Mine showed a tendency to encroach on underground workings. By local reversal of the ventilation and erection of stoppings, -the area was sealed off. Reports of firedamp in the main heading of B Section, Alison No. 2 Mine, in December caused the mine to be put on safety-lamps. PROSECUTIONS Twelve prosecutions were taken by Inspectors of Coal-mines during 1949 for breaches of the Coal-mines Act and regulations. In nine cases defendants were convicted and fined, in one case a conviction was recorded, and two charges were dismissed. LEGISLATION The Coal-mines Amendment Act, 1949, was passed during the year, amending certain sections of the Coal Act, 1948. Sections 9-12 also extend and amend parts of the Coal-mines Act, 1925, and amendments relating to first-aid certificates, management of opencast coal-mines, reports on inspections of mines by examining officials, and the right of the Minister to purchase, sell, store, and process coal. I have, &c., R. H. Schoen, Inspecting Engineer and Chief Inspector of Coal-mines.

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