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Overlying this band of shale is a 2 ft, layer of similar quality coal with a further 9 in. strong band -of oil-shale above, but the measures beyond are treacherous. Operations during the latter half of the year have been opencast work to the west of the portal, where a strip 4 chains long by 1 chain wide skirting the Waimeamea Stream had been stripped of shallow alluvial overburden. The reconditioning of the lower part of the dip has been postponed in the meantime, and the goaf to the west of the main dip permanently sealed. Ohai-Nightcaps Opencast Pits. —Kaireka Coal Co. (Brazier's), (W. J. Bell (Quarry Certificate), Manager).—During the early months of the year a small output was obtained by working the upper 3 ft. layer of the seam, where extensive stripping operations had been done, but the lower part of the seam is unsaleable, and it is evident that an irregularity exists between this area and that formerly worked by Braziers, less than 20 chains distant, where a 24 ft. seam with a 2 ft. coal-stone band in the middle was present. Black Diamond State Opencast (M. Dixon (Deputy), Manager).—A good and regular output has been won from this opencast pit, where an extensive stripping programme has been continuouslv •operating. The second large cut has bared the coal-seam 30 ft. to 35 ft. in thickness at the front of the cut to furnish adequate reserves, and when completed this cut, 2 chains wide by 10 chains long, will provide 100,000 tons reserve. The over-measures immediately above the coal-seam to the rear of this second cut are soft sandstone, which requires blasting, and a rotary drilling plant is engaged systematically boring this layer. The stripping of the third cut commenced towards the end of the year, an extensive job, as the •overburden is 150 ft. in thickness in parts, but good and adequate earthwork plant is provided, and coal reserves are well in advance of requirements. Ohai Coal Co's Opencast (J. W. McKenzie (Underviewer), Manager).—For the first half of the year •operations were continued in the main face with good results, while the stripping of an area adjacent to the old Black Lion Mine beyond the ridge was undertaken. Following the commencement of coal-production from this new area an extensive stripping programme, with two tournapulls, three bulldozers, and a carryall was instituted at the main face, on the second cut flanking that previously worked along the fault upthrust. By the end of the year the coal-seam had been bared at the front of the cut to furnish adequate reserves for production to resume when the new area has been worked out, a matter of three months time. In the main area the seam is 30 ft. and upwards of clean coal, and where worked by the first cut along the outcrop is at a grade of 1 in 1. Star Opencast Section (State Mine). —From this opencast section, on the flat adjacent to the Star Mine, a good and regular output has been maintained, the seam at present being 8 ft. in thickness, of excellent quality. Beyond a small upthrust flanking the present face, a second area, 5 chains by 4 chains, is stripped in readiness, with the seam here 14 ft. in thickness, and arrangements are being made to shift the Star Mine auxiliary surface haulage, to permit of the extension of the present cut at the opposite end. Mossbank Mine (A. E. McMillan (First Class), Manager).—No development work has been done, •operations being confined solely to pillar-extraction from the dip, with the line of face maintained immediately in advance of water which is flooding the goaf, this being mainly surface water controlled to suit the desired submerging level. Linton Nos. 1 and 3 Mines (A. Colligan (First Class), Manager).—ln Sections 7 and 8, No. 1 Mine, pillar work has continued throughout the year. No. 10 Section; Development continued to the south-west, with the main levels, for a distance of 10 chains. Headings and gallery have advanced 6 chains to the south, and the formation of a panel to the south-west commenced. No. 11 Section : Headings and gallery headings have advanced 6 chains to the south, and from these headings a pair of levels has been driven 2 chains to the west in the formation of a panel. Splitting of the seam and other faulting encountered has interfered with planned development, and indications point to the faulting to the north-west being of some extent. Adjacent to the portal of No. 1 Mine in November stripping operations commenced to work an area where heating has given trouble on two occasions from the old horse-level area, and it is intended to work this block, 2 chains of the main tunnel to a fault which crosses this roadway, from which 25,000 tons will be won, by opencast methods, and security of the mine entrance will be assured. Linton No. 3 Mine : No. 6 Dip has been projected 12 chains to the east into Black Lion area and development continued, with faulting met to the north and south at approximately 9 chains apart. In No. 5 Dip, pillar-extraction continued, but this later ceased in anticipation of this and No. 6 areas being considered as opencast propositions. Wairaki State Mine Nos. 1 and 3 (F. E. Lockington (First Class), Manager).—No. 1 Mine : The slant dip to the west in an area between No. 1 workings and No. 2 Mine has been extended to a point 18£ chains from its connection with the former dip roadway, and this block between parallel faults is being developed to each side, while pillaring is ready to commence in the lower part.

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