C.—2a

Wallsend Colliery Coal-winning.—The gross output for the year was 58,742 tons 9 cwt. 3 qr. After allowing for waste (960 tons 18 cwt. 3 qr.) and adding surplus stocks (1,075 tons 9 cwt. 2 qr.), there remained for disposal a net output of 58,857 tons 0 cwt. 2 qr. 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 .. . . . . 693 15 0 Stock on wharf .. .. .. . . 629 11 0 1,323 6 0 Add net output for year (57,781 tons 11 cwt) and surplus stock (1,075 tons 9 cwt. 2 qr.) .. 58,857 0 2 60,180 6 2 31st March, 1944— Less stock on wharf .. .. .. .. 219 8 0 Total disposed of .. .. .. .. 59,960 18 2 Disposals Shipped .. .. .. .. .. 42,816 5 0 Railed to Canterbury, Otago, &c. .. .. 2,153 10 3 Railway sales .. .. .. .. .. 9,311 10 1 Local and mine sales .. .. .. .. 2,658 2 3 Sales to workmen and free issues.. .. .. 523 10 0 Used on works .. .. .. .. 2,497 19 3 59,960 18 2 The gross output from the colliery since it was taken over by the State Coal-mines totals 65,625 tons 19 cwt. 1 qr. Days worked.—During the year the colliery worked on 250 days. The possible working-days, including 14 back Saturdays, were 276. 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 lamps ; 3 days, insufficient men to work mine ; 3 days, fault in cage mechanism; 3 days, dispute re recalling to camp of furlough men from mines ; 4 days, funerals of employees ; 2 days, gas in mine ; 8 days, Christmas holidays. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 153 men and 5 boys, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 46 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 86. Surface : 21 men and 5 boys. Expenditure.—The total expenditure in connection with coal-winning for wages, stores, mine timber, and compensation, together with cost of fuel used on works and subsidies on railway tickets, amounted to £81,360. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 2s. per day, and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £1 19s. lid. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 234 tons 19 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 18 cwt. Deficiencies. —The total amount paid under the minimum-wage clause was £135 Is. 7d. Accidents.—ln addition to numerous accidents of a minor nature, two fatal accidents occurrcd at the Wallsend Colliery. There were no other serious accidents. Fatal Accidents : On the 27th April, 1943, a miner working in the Wallsend Mine received severe head injuries through being struck with a piece of coal, and died in the Greymouth Hospital the following day. On the 30th October, 1943, a shiftman working in the No. 3 overcast of the Wallsend Mine received severe head and hand injuries through being run over by a truck. He died in the Greymouth Hospital the following day. Underground Workings.—The major portion of the coal is being won from developing places. No. 1 Slant Dip : During the year this section reached a large upthrow fault, for the full width of the panel, at approximately 23 chains from the main rope-road. Since striking this fault eight pairs of miners have been engaged splitting pillars, working from the sides back towards the rope end taking three pillars on each side. No. 2 Slant Dip : This section is also cut off by the large upthrow fault, and one pair of miners have been splitting the pillars next to the fault on the west side, while the east side dip has been driven about 4| chains towards the barrier. This section was stopped for over three months on account of a blower of gas which was eventually piped to the return airway. Dip Extension Section : Seven pairs of miners developing in this section have driven two levels west a distance of 9 chains, the greater part being on top of the stone band. The coal here is maintaining its quality, and the thickness of the seam is increasing slightly. B and C Panels : Four pairs of miners are engaged in splitting pillars, and one pair in developing C panel, where the coal is approximately 5 ft. thick.

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