C—2a

Dotty Output.—The average daily output was 212 tons 10 cwt., and the average daily output per coal-hewer 1 was 8 tons 3 ewt., as compared with 173 tons 15 cwt. and 8 tons 5 cwt. for the previous year. Deficiencies.- The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was 7s. Bd. Accidents. —During the year there were several minor accidents, but none of a serious nature. Mine Workings.—Development, has been to the east and west of the main dip. Most of the output was obtained from Nos. 1 and 2 panels to the rise off the upper east level and from the lower west level (after piercing the fault) and a rise panel off this level. Early in the year a rise panel off the upper west level was cut off (to the rise) by an abrupt stone face. I.ater the No. 1 panel (east upper level) reached a predetermined point. Some four months later the winning of the top coal from this area commenced and is being continued, while further solid work in the south-east corner of this panel is being done, as a survey of the creek course revealed a larger workable area than was anticipated. Development in the lower east level ceased about August, the intention being to group the workmen until such time as the main dip haulage roadway could be roof-brushed. This work, together with the brushing and cleaning up of the lower dip area, has been attended to, and the opening of No. 1 panel off the lower cast level will soon be commenced. Faults) have been met to the east, west, and south, and although that m.ct to the south (to the rise of No. 2 panel, upper, east level) lias been proved by driving and boring, the workable area here is limited. In the upper east levels a 12 ft. downthrow fault was crossed, but a further downthrow of a. similar displacement was met and work has temporarily ceased. Faulting has also been pierced in the lower west level. After driving in good coal for about 5 chains, further trouble in the form of upward steps; and mushy coal was encountered. From experience in the bords proceeding west to the rise, prospects in this direction are by no means encouraging, and any further prospecting would be better undertaken from the lower main dip, which has recently been nil watered. Brushing of the return airway where floor heave was very pronounced was done for over eight months; then roof-brushing and arching of the lower 16 chains of the main haulage roadway and adjacent haulage levels was commenced, and is about completed. . The endless-rope haulage, upper east level, has been improved and extended, the rolling-stock has been increased, and an empty tub creeper installed on the surface. The railway siding has been extended on the full side '7 chains, and duplicated to enable despatches to be made to north and south. The empty truck siding has been extended 5 chains and a shunt formed for unloading material. The loading-bank has been] flood-lit, repaired, and cross-braced. Boring.—Progress has not been satisfactory, and the No. 4 bore, which encountered grey wacko was stopped at 670 ft. A start on the second series of holes was delayed until 30 chains of road could be constructed through the bush to the proposed site of No. 5 bore. Considerable delay in securing a bulldozer, breakdowns, and continued wet weather made the transport of the 7-ton boiler impossible, while boring difficulties, combined with faults, have been experienced. A rod and the loss of the lower 180 ft. of rods caused a temporary cessation of drilling of the No. 5 bore at a depth of 869 feet. Various recovery methods have so far been unsuccessful. . Housing Accommodation.—A further forty-three houses and a hostel have been erected, while 36 chains of roadway has been formed to provide access. A water scheme _ has been completed and high-pressure water connected to all the houses. Sewerage mains have been completed, and the septic-tank and pumping equipment are now being installed. Tatu Colliery Output,.-—The gross output for the year was 29,619 tons 16 cwt., an increase of 12,025 tons 7 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After making allowances for stocks on hand and deducting mine consumption and waste, there remained lor disposal 24,499 tons 11 cwt., which is accounted for as follows:— Tons cwt. qr. Sales to Railways Department .. . . . . 7,738 1 0 Sales to depot . . . . . . . . l r>'oB7 6 0 Mine sales .. .. .. .. .. 8 0 Sales to workmen, and free issues . . . . 342 8 0 Stock in bin . . . . .. . . 163 8 0 ... T , 24,499 11 0 Used on works . . .. . . .. 3 802 0 0 Waste • ■ • ■ • • • • . . 1,378 5 0 29,679 16 0 The gross output from the colliery since its inception amounts to 47,280 tons 5 cwt . , 'i ays ' Worked. -During the year the colliery worked 255| days, the possible being including 16 back Saturdays, on which day shift only was worked. These have been counted as half-days in computing the time worked. The difference between the days worked and the possible working-days is accounted for as follows: Ij days, breakdown

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