C—3a.

Coalbrookdale Mine (Charles W. Dixon, mine-manager) (16/12/09): The development of the dip area in this mine is showing excellent results, the scam opening up extensively in coal of an exceptionally good quality as the workings advance in a north-easterly direction. The coal lying to the dip and east of Munsie's section will be won by these workings as they extend. Munsie's section : Owing to the, seam dipping at a somewhat acute angle, all solid workings in this section were stopped some time ago, the faces standing in good coal. All available pillars are now being extracted, and the remainder of the coal will be more advantageously won from the Cascade dip. which is at a lower level. The extension of the Cascade dip workings will also allow of the extraction of (he pillars now standing practically intact in the East or old Left Hand section. The Wareatea section is being opened by a 10 ft. by 7 ft. drive, easily graded through the coal-measures for a distance of some 24 chains, which it is intended to equip for endless-rope haulage. The workings in Bradley's section are meanwhile suspended, pending the completion of this shorter line of haulage. When this section of roadway is in working-order the drive will be extended a further 25 chains, principally in coal, which will allow the thorough development of the Wareatea area. Work is in progress for the lighting of all main roads, lay-byes, jig-heads, &c, by electricity. Ironbridge Mine (Thomas Thomson, mine-manager) (14/12/09): During the year, mining operations in the various sections of this mine have proved very satisfactory, and the quality and thickness of the seam have been well maintained. The lower seam intersected in Dundee dip proved of excellent quality, having a thickness of fully 15 ft. According to present indications, this seam extends over a considerable area, and will prolong the life of the mine. Kiwi section : The whole of the output from this area is derived from the pillars, which are gradually being extracted homewards. Old Shaft section (15/12/09) : The development of this area has proved satisfactory, a fair output being maintained from solid and pillar workings. Deep Creek : Work in connection with the opening-up of this section has been pushed forward with all possible speed. The permanent roads for endless-rope haulage have been laid to the outcrops, and the coal is now being lowered by temporary jigs and appliances. until the extension of the headings to a point suitable for a permanent lowering-brake site. To further increase the efficiency of the ventilation of this colliery a new Schiele lan was erected during the year, and is giving very satisfactory results. It is also intended to instal electric light on all main roads, &c. Rocklands Coal-mine, Buller Road (Geo. Walker, lessee; James Burley, permit). —(9/12/09) : After being closed for two years, this mine was recently reopened, when the whole of the underground workings were found in good order, with the appearance of having been worked with some system. The coal won from the mine is used exclusively for dredging purposes. Whitecliffs Coal-mine, Buller Road (Job Lines, lessee ; John Burley, permit). —(9/12/09) : In this mine the main levels have been driven too wide, and have the appearance of being worked on the longwall advancing system. The owner has been requested to reduce the width of same, as timber would be ineffective to prevent the mine from eventually being lost if this practice is continued. The coal is is of excellent quality for either steam or household purposes. Burke , s Creek Coal-mine (Harris and Gibson, owners ; J. Harris, permit). —(23/11/09) : Since the purchase of this property by the present owners a considerable amount of work has been done, nearly every department of the mine needing overhaul and repairs. The old timber tram-line has now been relaid with steel rails for a distance of a mile and a half, and it is the intention of the owners to continue this line to connect with the Government railway near Reefton Station, where it is proposed to erect proper coal-screening plant. Lockington's Leasehold, Burkes Creek (E. Lockington, permit). —(23/11/09) : The greater portion of the coal won from this mine during the year has been mined from the eastern section. A large amount of pyritical stone continues to show in the several faces. On the whole, the mine has the appearance of being very much neglected, and lack of energy in the working of same is very apparent. Archer's Freehold, Capleston (F. W. Archer, permit).—(23/11/09) : Owing to the faulting of No. 1 main south level, top seam, work here has been temporarily suspended, the development of the bottom seam now being carried out. In the levels in this seam the coal is about 12 ft. in thickness, and of good quality. A new engine plane has been constructed, having a total length of 11 chains, and a mean gradient of about lin 5 against the load. The coal is hauled by a small steam-winch. Coghlan's Freehold, Capleston (J. Coghlan, permit).—(23/11/09) : During the latter part of the year it was found necessary, owing to the faulty nature of the coal in the bottom level, to abandon it, and a new mine was opened out a quarter of a mile further east. For the development (if this mine a self-acting incline, 6 chains in length, with a mean gradient of lin 4. was constructed. New storagebins of 20 and 40 tons capacity have been erected at the top and bottom of the incline. Waitahu Coal-mine, Reefton (J. O'Donnell, permit).—(23/11/09): No. 2 tunnel has been driven 60 ft. to prove the fault encountered in this and No. 1 tunnel, but up to this point coal has not been intersected. The most economical way to conduct further prospecting is by boring. In the lower level, driven immediately above flood-water level, a washout occurs 40 feet in width, the roof and floor maintaining their continuity. The intervening space was filled with gravel and river-silt, clearly showing that at one time this had been the course of the Waitahu River. Reefton Coal-mine (J. Billett, owner ; J. H. Howell, permit). —(24/11/09) : Owing to the unsatisfactory state of the timbering in this mine, due in a great measure to side weight or pressure, it was found necessary in September last to withdraw the workmen until the renewal of the timber and the more efficient ventilation of the mine. On the above date there still remained about 100 ft. of the main level to be retimbered. Phcenix and Venus Coal-mine, Murray Creek (J. Knight, permit).—(24/11/09): In the development of this mine a new crosscut has been driven to intersect the bottom seam, 20 ft. in thickness, but not so hard as the top seam. Nevertheless, it is an excellent steaming coal, but as the sale of this

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