C—2a

Daily output. —The average daily output was 81 tons 12 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 6 tons 13 cwfc., as compared with 66 tons 3 cwt. and 5 tons 6 cwt. respectively for the previous period. The total number of hewer shifts for the year was 2,992. Deficiencies. —There were no payments made under the minimum-wage clause during the year. Accidents. —One serious accident occurred at this colliery. On 16th May, 1947, a trucker sustained severe facial injuries when his head was caught between the top of a box and the roof. Stone-dusting. —This work was carried out regularly in the dry portions of the mine. Underground Workings.—The output for the period was obtained from pillarextraction in the Slant Dip Section, from the development of the two bottom levels to the north-east towards the Bayne Area, and the extension of the Main Dip haulage to- the north-west. North-east Levels. —-The development levels from the Friction Winch Dip have been driven to the north-east in good coal, 12 ft. thick, for a distance of 8 chains past the line of continuation of the Main Dip. Main Dip : Owing to folding and increased grade, the development of the Main Dip was deferred for many years by the previous owners. During the period under review the bottom level from the Friction Winch Dip was connected to the Main Dip bottom by a rise driven on line with the Main Dip. This connection is at a grade of 26 degrees and 450 ft. long, of which 130 ft. is in the stone over the seam. The Main Dip haulage is to be extended to the bottom level at an early date. Dip Extension: A development heading 2 chains west of the line of the Main Dip has been sunk 6 chains on the full dip of the seam. The coal in some portions is soft and generally cannot be classed as of the best quality. From levels off this dip a rise will be driven as an extension of the Main Haulage Dip. Sinking will be proceeded with until sufficient rise coal is available for the development of rise panels from pairs of levels driven from each side of the Main Dip. Reconditioning : The reconditioning of the Main Dip haulage to the main horse level is now completed. Widening and repairs to the main return were deferred owing to shortage of labour and plant. Labour is now more plentiful and it is proposed to start this job as soon as plant on order comes to hand. Pumps : A new high-head pumping unit of 250 gallons per minute capacity for installation at a sump being constructed below the bottom level is on order. One small sinking pump of the bulldozer type was purchased and installed for dip-sinking. Labour.—Following the completion early in the year of a miners' hostel in Reefton to accommodate 52 men and the arrival in February of 20 men from overseas, the labour position has shown a marked improvement. Buildings.—Two Army ration stores ex Blenheim have been erected in Reefton as a district office and main garage respectively, and one at the Burke's Creek Mine as a district store. Bathhouse. —The contractors for the new bathhouse are making satisfactory progress. The building is completed and the installation of the fittings and internal finishing is well in hand. Screening Plant. —Washing of fines from the slack and the transport of slack by water was discontinued and a short scraper conveyor installed for the conveying of slack from the screens to the railway wagons.

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