a—3a.

Mokihinui Goal-mine (James Armstrong, mine-manager).—(l 3/11/1901): This co-operative company continued mining operations in the Big Face Mine until all marketable coal was practically exhausted. Prior to stoppage of this section of working, the acute overhead pressure, acting directly on the weak pillars, absolutely crushed out the old stopping formerly built to suppress the original fire. After fighting against these unfavourable conditions and rebuilding several of the fresh outbreaks with stone-and-mortar stoppings, it was evident that all practical efforts to suppress the rapid progress of the fire were ineffective, and tended only to increase further unnecessary expenditure. Consequently the removal of plant was made imperative, the hill being then left a smouldering mass. Operations were then commenced to open out from a fresh outcrop on the Hutt seam, about 1 chain above the " by-throw." Driving was continued on good coal for a distance of 4 chains, when the dip-heading face being cut off by an acute depression of the roof-formations necessitated fresh development. After completion of the necessary work, another 2 chains driven on soft coal disclosed extensive faulting which intersected the measures north-easterly, liberated excessive water, and made further driving impracticable. At present mining is confined to removal of pillars next the outcrop in the Hutt seam old tunnel-workings. Cardiff Mine, Seddonville.—The prospecting of the Cave area on behalf of the Government has been systematically carried out under the direction of Mr. John Hayes, Inspecting Engineer to the Mines Department. The flooding of the " old mine "by means of dams built in the mam tunnel has proved most effective in extinguishing the fire formerly located in this terrace, overlooking the Chasm Creek Bridge, and extending southwards towards Cave area. Above the water-line the fire is gradually extending northward in a few small pillars left next the side of the cliff and a thin seam outcrop of no commercial value. This should cease at a fault not far away. _ Millerton Colliery (owners, Westport Coal Company; George Fletcher, mining manager).— (5/12/1901) : The most efficient modern developments in ventilation, haulage, and coal-cutting by machinery, embodying the practical factors of safety and economy, have been utilised in the progressive and persevering efforts made by the proprietors, of the colliery to render it, in point of equipment, worthy of a first place on the New Zealand coalfields, success of productiveness being based on the minimum of risk to life and property. The reputation gained by the excellent heating properties of the coal for naval and commercial purposes necessitated double shifts being recently established in order to meet the rapidly increasing trade requirements. The increase of output over the preceding year (49,988- tons) was the largest recorded. Prior to pillarextraction in the east dip workings natural drainage was effected by driving a low-level rock crosscut undercutting the dip headings at a depth of 20 ft. This tunnel is capable of providing effective precautions against |he possible spread of fire, which may arise in the event of spontaneous ignition, by means of flow-pipes fitted with stop-valves built into concrete dams. Thus drainage and flooding are effected at will. In the Mine Creek area the effective mining and mechanical developments attained are practically capable of maintaining the standard output, assuming the east dip workings were cut off by unforeseen circumstances. Ventilation has been materially improved since the brickwork of the fan-enclosure was completed. Hence the measured constant air-volume — 50,000 cubic feet per minute — effectively sweeps the workings with an average fan-speed of ninety revolutions, which speed is equal to one-half the effective ventilating-power. The air-compression installation has been further supplemented with increased steam and machine power, while the fan has been furnished with the latest devices in speed and "tell-tale" recorders. Important additional engine-power recently added to the hydraulic-brake installation on Nos. 1 and 2 haulage inclines has materially simplified the motion of the ropes, and reduced the risk of the chain-clips slipping on them. The company's workshops situated at Granity, on the Government railway-siding, have undergone extensive enlargement and improved general equipment. The whole surface arrangements, including workshops screening and tipping appliances, and haulage inclines, are efficiently lighted by a newly erected electric installation. Storage-bins with a capacity of 3,000 tons are nearly completed. The reports recorded at the colliery by the company's officers and the men appointed on behalf of the miners were highly satisfactory during the year. A brick-built fully equipped lamp-station and other suitable offices were recently erected at ,the mine-mouth. No serious accidents were Collieries (owners, Westport Coal Company, Limited; Alfred B. Lindop, mining manager) —It is gratifying to state that these collieries continue to show a marked increase of output The total tonnage sold for commercial purposes—226,l93 tons—is the largest on record. Of this total, the percentage won by .percussive pick-machines actuated by compressed air was three-fourths' while one-fourth was won by hand-labour at tonnage rates. Coalbrookdale Mine (15/11/1901) : Mining operations in the Cascade west section have practically been free from fault-lines during the year. Skirting the Look-out outcrops, the presence of several stone bands threatened a thinning of the coal-seam, but their limited course caused little inconvenience on the working-face. Consequently, an extensive unbroken field is anticipated over a wide area. In order to facilitate the haulage and ventilation of this district, a rock crosscut started direct from the working-face to connect with the main haulage-road is nearly completed. This direct connection will also give free access to exhaust the pillars south of the 12 ft. fault-line. The dip heading driving south towards Cascade Creek is progressing satisfactorily on a splendid face of coal As the result of extensive prospecting in the Cascade district, 40 chains east from the rope-road and dip of Munsie's jig, a recently proved valuable coal-seam of superior quality and thickness awaits development. Munsie's pillar section west of the dip heading is successfully exhausted direct to the outcrop, the miners being fully employed on a valuable section of solid working recently opened on the east side of same heading. Ventilation is maintained by furnace built on the surface directly connected with upcast shaft. There have been no additions to the air-compression installation. Eeports kept to date, and other provisions of the Act strictly observed. No serious accidents reported. Air-measurement, 28,500 cubic feet per minute.

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