Report of the Bureau of Mines of the Department of Internal Affairs of ...

No. 10. NINTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 473
West Newton Shaft.—There is nothing new to report about this
mine. The mining maeliines are doing well. The mining is done
mostly with two roads in a room, the latter being no less than thirtysix
feet wide.
Ventilation and drainage are good.
Forest Hill. — This large mine is still being extended. At present,
a large quantity of exidosive gas is encountered, both in tlie solid
On my last visit a large number of men were
entries and in the gob.
working with safety lamps, and the gas is well looked after.
All the
precautions for the safety of the men are taken. Mine foreman,
Kobert \^'atson.
Pacific.—This mine was worked very little during the year, and
operations will not be renewed for some time to come.
Sarah.—This mine did more work during 1897 than for many years
previously. The ventilation is not as good as it should be, and will
not be imj)roved much till an entry is driven through to daylight.
This is being done, and will be completed before long. This improvement
is much needed to aid both drainage and ventilation. Mine foreman,
John Thomas.
Ocean No. 2.—This mine is in very good condition. There is a
good current of air going through every entry. The large number of
coal cutting machines in this mine require plenty of air. The machine
mining varies from that system adopted at other plants somewhat.
Some of the rooms have two roads which are thirty six feet
wide, and the ribs are not often drawn out. Other rooms are twentyone
feet wide, with one road, and the ribs are taken out afterwards.
The company is adopting the best system to suit the circumstances.
Mine foreman, Thomas Whiteman.
Painters & Cornell.—There is no machinery in this mine. All the
coal produced is pick-mined. This mine is always found in good condition.
Mine foreman, John Frazor.
Dravo.—All the coal is mined by pick, and the mine is kei)t in good
condition while working, but when business becomes slack,
like all
the small operations, the i)it is somewhat neglected. Mine foreman,
John Matthews.
lirown No. 2.—This mine did fairly well during the year. The
owners have installed four cutting machines, the inventor of which
IS their own machinist. The machine needs no truck on which to haul
it from place to place, as the wheels are attached to the bottom frame
which can be taken otf when the machine is in position for work. There
is also an appliance atta