C.—2.

ANNEXURE Bj

STONE QUARRIES. SUMMARY OF REPORT BY INSPECTOR OP QUARRIES FOR THE NORTH ISLAND. (James Newton.) The number of quarries operated during the year was 245; and although the number of men casually employed increased by fifty-six ; the quantity of stone won decreased by 367,377 tons. With the exception of building-stone all classes show a decrease in output, doubtless the result of the depressed state of financial affairs obtaining during the year. The following serious accidents have occurred during the year. On the 9th January W. Mather, quarry foreman of the Paekakariki Quarry, as the result of a premature explosion when engaged charging a hole, suffered a badly lacerated cheek and the loss of his right eye. On the 31st January W. J. Woods, quarry foreman at Petch's Quarry, Piopio, sustained loss of the fingers of his left hand through the premature detonation of a detonator while engaged inserting the fuse. Apparently he had let the detonator fall to the ground after having removed the sawdust therefrom, and a bit of gritstone getting into the capsule caused friction when inserting the fuse. On the 17th February T. Smith, an employee in the Uriti Quarry, whilst engaged charging a shot-hole received such serious injuries from a premature explosion that he died the following day. Smith had inserted almost the full charge of explosive when the explosion occurred. On the 9th March F. Hewitt, foreman at the Pukemiro Quarry, sustained injuries to his foot by a fall of stone down the quarry-face. On the 21st May E. C. Bruntnell, foreman, Oamarunui Quarry, suffered a broken leg through falling down the quarry-face. On the sth December, B. Hart received a broken arm, the result of being struck by a rolling stone whilst engaged barring away stone after firing a shot in the Auckland City Council's Quarry, Mount Eden.

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