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Dangerous Occurrences Kaitangata Mine.—On 3rd March a serious fire broke out in Haig's Dip pillar section. The area was effectively sealed, and successfully reopened early in May. Birchwood Mine.—On Ist May a serious and unexpected fire broke out in the main dip pillar section. The area was effectively sealed and successfully reopened on July sth. Linton No. 1 Mine.—On 3rd October a fire broke out in the outcrop adjacent to the main mine entrance. An adjacent area of the affected coal was stripped and water laid on to the seat of the fire through boreholes. Klondyke Mine. —On 14th October spontaneous combustion occurred in the No. 6 pillar section and was effectively sealed. Linton Mine.—On 4th November spontaneous combustion occurred in the No. 7 Section and the area was effectively sealed. Prosecutions On 14th August a miner was convicted and fined 30s. and costs for a breach of section 98 of the Coal-mines Act, 1935. On 18th December a mine-manager was convicted and fined £l5 and costs for a breach of section 91 of the Coal-mines Act, 1935. Ohai Rescue Brigade During the past year the officer in charge and his men have performed a very valuable service to the industry. A sudden and unexpected outbreak of fire at the Birchwood Mine would have been a very serious matter had the services of the brigade not been available for the process of sealing off the area. A large quantity of coal and mining plant was also recovered following the fire at the Kaitangata Mine as a result of their work, which in this case was of a particularly hazardous nature. Mining plant and coal were also recovered as a result of their efforts following the Birchwood fire. The brigade is to be complimented on their excellent performance of duty under trying and dangerous circumstances.

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