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The Inspector op Coal-mines, Greymouth, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department Wellington. Sir, — Ist April, 1946. I have the honour to submit my report on the working of the Wangaloa Opencast for the year ended 31st March, 1946. This mine was acquired by the Department in July, 1945, and handed over to the Public Works Department for operation. Stripping was commenced without delay; the access road was completed, and a screening plant and railway siding constructed at Kaitangata. Production commenced in October, 8,587 tons 8 cwt. of coal being produced up to 31st March. Prospecting and shallow drilling have proved the seam to be hard, of good quality, up to 40 ft. in thickness, and to be strippable for some chains east 'of the mine. Stripping operations in preparations for the winter demand were commenced early in the New Year and will be continued as long as weather permits. I have, &c., R. T. H. Dale, Inspector of Coal-mines.

The District Manager, Benneydale, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington Sir, — sth April, 1946. I have the honour to submit my report on the working of the Mangapehi and Tatu Mines and the Waitewhena Opencast for the year ended 31st March, 1946. Mangapehi Colliery Output.—The gross output for the year was 58,111 tons 14 cwt., a decrease of 2,748 tons 12 cwt. when compared with the figures for the previous year. After allowing for waste (1,127 tons 14 cwt.) and the quantity used on works (970 tons), there remained for disposal a net output of 56,014 tons. Taking into account the stocks at the beginning and end of the year, the following statement shows details of the coal disposed of during the year : Ist April, 1945 Tons cwt. qr. Stock in bins and yard .. .. .. 45 1 0 Add net output for year .. .. .. 56,014 0 0 56,059 1 0 31st March, 1946 — Less stock in bin and yard .. .. 10 7 0 Total disposed of .. .. .. .. 56,048 14 0 Disposals Tons cwt. qr. Railed .. .. .. 54,712 2 0 Local and mine sales .. .. 735 11 0 Sales to workmen and free issues .. 601 1 0 56,048 14 0 The gross output since the colliery was taken over by the State Coal-mines to date is 295,897 tons 10 cwt. Employees.—-In connection with coal-winning there were employed in and about the mine an average of 127 men and 2 boys, made up as follows —Underground : coal-hewers, 35 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 71. Surface : 21 men and 2 boys. Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings were (gross) £2 19s. 4d., and after deducting stores, 2s. 5d., their net return was £2 16s. lid., an increase of 6s. Bd. per day when compared with the previous year.

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