C.—2a

Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings. —The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 Bs. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 4s. 9d., a decrease of 3s. 9d. per day when compared with the previous period. Daily Out-put.—The average daily output was 575 tons 12 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 7 tons 11 cwt., as compared with 705 tons 14 cwt. and 9 tons 1 cwt. respectively for the previous year. Deficiencies. —The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £78 Is. 6d. Accidents. —In addition to numerous accidents of a minor nature, one fatal and one serious accident occurred in the Liverpool Colliery. Fatal Accident : On 15th October, 1943, a miner working in the No. 2 bank received head injuries through being struck by a piece of stone, and died in the Greymouth Hospital the following day. Serious Accident: On Bth February, 1944, a miner sustained a fracture of the left leg through being struck by a run-away truck on a jig. Stone-dusting.- Work under this heading was continued during the year. The number of samples taken from the Liverpool Colliery and analysed was 713. In addition, 118 samples from co-operative mines were analysed and 71 samples of eoal from various State coal-mines were also analysed. Underground Workings.—The major portion of the output was obtained from pillar-extraction in the Morgan and Kimbell sections. Development is being carried on in the Morgan and Kimbell dip sections. Development in the Morgan East dips has been advanced about 10 chains, and the headings off the East level about 8 chains to the rise. The East workings are dusty and water has been laid on to allay the dust. A stone drive was started about the middle of the year to connect through the main haulage road to the Morgan dip workings. This drive will cut off the long haulage which is at present being used from this section. The completed drive will be about 17 chains, and one-half of this has now been completed. Kimbell Section : Pillaring in the Kimbell East level has been carried on during the year, but owing to heating in November the section was sealed, practically all the available coal being extracted. Fire Stoppings. —All fire stoppings have been maintained in good order. Dangerous Occurrence. —An indication of heating was experienced in the Kimbell East section on 26th November. The area was sealed by temporary stoppings before there were any signs of actual fire. These stoppings have since been replaced by permanent ones. Plant. —Electrification : The electrification of the screening plant has been completed, and the haulage winch from the timber-yard has also been converted to electricity. The main haulage at the middle brake has also been electrified, and a substation at the powerhouse with the necessary switch gear has been erected. James Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output up to the 23rd July, 1943, when the colliery closed down, was 5,119 tons 6 cwt. After allowing for waste (165 tons 6 cwt.), there remained for disposal a net output of 4,954 tons. Taking into account the stocks on hand at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1943 — Tons cwt. qr. Tons cwt, qr. Stock in bin and yard .. .. .. 82 0 0 Stock on wharf .. .. .. .. 59 6 3 Stock on dump .. .. .. •• 1,099 12 1 1,240 19 0 Add net output fcir year .. .. .. 4,954 0 0 6,194 19 0 Add slack taken on charge ex dump .. .. 6,883 8. 1 13,078 7 1 31st March, 1944 — Less stock on wharf .. .. .. .. 117 7 0 Total disposed of .. .. .. .. 12,961 0 1 Disposals Shipped .. .. .. 9,814 16 2 Railed to Canterbury, Otago, &c. .. .. 2,588 10 2 Local and mine sales .. .. .. .. 533 13 1 Used on works .. .. .. .. 24 0 0 — 12,961 0 1 The gross output from the colliery since its inception and up to the time the mine ceased production on 23rd July, 1943, was 682,741 tons 13 cwt. Days worked.- -During the year the colliery worked on 82 days. The possible working-days, including five back Saturdays, were 87. The difference between the days worked and the possible working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, Good Friday ; 1 day, Easter Monday ; 1 day, dispute re stoppage of lamps ; 1 day, dispute re wages ; 1 day, dispute re rope-boys. Employees. —In connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 25 men and 1 boy, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 7 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 9. Surface : 9 men and 1 boy.

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