C—2*

The gross output of the mine since its acquisition by the State totals 9,783 tons 5 cwt. Days worked.—The colliery worked 57 days out of a possible 58 ordinary workingdays. In addition, the colliery worked 3 substituted statutory holidays, making the total days worked 60. The difference between the ordinary days worked, 57, and the possible number of working-days is accounted for as follows : 1 day, idle on anniversary day of province. Employees.—ln connection with coal-winning, the average number of persons employed in and about the mine was 141 men, made up as follows—Underground : Coal-hewers, 32 ; deputies, shiftmen, and truckers, 88. Surface : 21 men. Coal-hewers' Average Daily Earnings.—The coal-hewers' average daily earnings (gross) were £2 15s. Bd., and after deducting stores (explosives) their net return was £2 9s. 2d. Daily Output.—The average daily output was 163 tons 1 cwt. and the coal-hewers' average daily output was 5 tons 6 cwt. The total number of hewer shifts for the period was 1,844. Deficiences. —There were no payments under the minimum wage clause during the period. Accidents.—There were numerous accidents of a minor nature during the period, but no accidents of a serious or fatal nature. Underground.—All coal is being won from development work from the Slant Dip and East Dip sections. Slant Dip : This Dip was driven a distance of 57 chains from the bottom of the, main haulage road and was stopped in inferior coal 3 ft. thick. Two dips were started in a south-easterly direction from a point 43 chains from the top of the Slant Dip. These dips have been developed to a distance of 22 chains, and ten places are being worked to the rise off these dips in the top seam. The coal is of good quality 8 ft. to 9 ft. thick. East Dip : The Main Dip has been driven to a distance of 28 chains from the top and was stopped in troubled ground. There are eight places being developed in a northeasterly direction from near the bottom of this dip in the bottom seam coal 8 ft. thick. The workings in the section are hard to maintain, as the floor of the seam is a fairly soft fireclay and is responsible for a large amount of brushing work to maintain height. The work in this direction is approaching a small downthrow fault, the displacement being 15 ft. to 20 ft. vertical. The ex-employees of the Hikurangi Mine commenced work at Kamo on 12th January, and are being employed principally on reconstruction work. No. 6 Drive : This drive is being continued by two men on one shift and has been completed for a distance of 300 ft. I have, &c., J. Hadcroft, District Manager.

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