C.—2A

Viaduct.—The subsidence mentioned in the last annual report still continues, and it has been found necessary to constantly reline the viaduct throughout the year. Plans have now been made to strengthen the viaduct by suspending it from ropes, so that in the event of any of the towers being carried away no serious damage will result. James Colliery. Coal-winning.—The gross total output for the year was 42,608 tons 7 cwt., an increase of 1,918 tons 1 cwt. when compared with the figures of last year. After making allowances for stocks on hand at the beginning of the year and deducting mine, consumption and waste, there remained for disposal 42,637 tons 16 cwt. 2 qr., which is accounted for as follows : —

The gross total output from this colliery since its inception amounts to 532,178 tons 14 cwt. Days worked. —The mine during the year worked on 240 days, an increase of 17\ days when compared with the previous year. The possible working-days, excluding Saturdays and union holidays, were 249. The difference between the days worked and the possible working-days is accounted for as follows : Alterations to rope-road, 4 ; lack of trade, 3 ; stoppage re deficiencies, 2 : a total of 9 days. Employees. —During the period there were 91 persons on an average employed in and about the mine made up as follows —Underground : Coal-hewers, 29 ; Deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 39 ; youths, 2. On the surface —17 men and 4 youths. Expenditure.—The total expenditure in connection with coal-winning for wages, stores, mine timber, and compensation, together with subsidies on bus fares, cost of electric power, and coal used on works amounted to £31,132 7s. 5d., as compared with £28,103 7s. Bd., for the previous year. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £1 14s. lid., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £1 7s. lid., an increase of Bd. per day when compared with the previous year. Daily Output. —The average daily output was 177 tons 10 cwt., and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 10 cwt., as compared with 182 tons 18 cwt. and 7 tons 2 cwt. respectively for. the previous year. Deficiencies. —The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause during the year was £176. Accidents. —During the year there were a number of minor accidents, but none of a serious nature. The total payments made under the Workers' Compensation Act amounted to £1,043 4s. sd. On the output produced, this works out to a cost of 5-87 d. per ton. Stone-dusting. —Work under this heading has been carried out. The number of samples taken from the mine and analysed was 135. Plant and Machinery. —The plant and machinery in and about the mine have been maintained n good order and condition. A new fan was installed at Cannell Creek in order to jimprove the ventilation in the Cross-cut Dip. Underground Workings.—Coal-winning operations during the year were carried on in both pillar and solid workings. The coal in the sections lying to the west of the main rope road became thin and unworkable. Pillar-extraction was commenced. In the Cannell Creek Section, the fault having been encountered, pillar-extraction was commenced. The seam was again picked up in the No. 3 tunnel after driving a distance of 13 chains. The coal was 7 ft. in thickness and of a hard nature. In the New Dip Section the main heading was extended for a distance of 5 chains in a north-easterly direction, parallel with the No. 3 tunnel. The coal-seam continued to average 7 ft. in thickness and was of a hard nature. In the South Level Section all available pillar coal having been extracted, the section was closed down. Jambs Mine Extended. All plans have been completed for the work of developing the new colliery. It is proposed to dispense with the old screens, and erect an up-to-date screening-plant and storage bunker. The storage bin and screening-plant will be of steel throughout.

3

I Screened. d j Small. Slack. Total. Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt. qr. Shipped .. .. 10,022 17 1 2,138 17 2 .. 9,863 6 0 22,025 0 3 Railed Canterbury .. 10,536 7 0 1,772 0 2 1,968 1 3 111 7 3 14,387 17 0 Local sales .. .. 241 14 0 147 9 3 .. 16 4 0 405 7 3 Mine sales .. .. 400 200 .. .. 600 Sold to workmen and .. 624 11 3 .. .. 624 11 3 free issues Stock in bin and yard 118 0 0 66 0 0 .. 237 0 0 421 0 0 Stock on wharf .. 61 17 0 14 5 0 .. 38 17 0 114 19 0 Stock on dump .. .. .. .. 4,653 0 1 4,653 0 1 20,984 15 1 4,765 4 2 1,968 1 3 14,919 15 0 42,637 16 2 Used on works .. .. 363 0 0 .. .. 363 0 0 Waste .. .. .. 1,146 7 0 .. .. 1,146 7 0 20,984 15 1 6,274 11 2 1,968 1 3 14,919 15 0 44,147 3 2