14 



modern labour-saving machinery some of the lathes 

 are very powerful. There are steam shears and punch- 

 ers, drill presses, pipe and screw cutters, an hydrau- 

 lic press of great power, planers, a massive steam 

 hammer, steam blowers, huge cranes, etc., etc., equal 

 to all general requirements of the colliery. Conspicu- 

 ous among the iron working machinery in constant 

 use are machines bearing the name "Bertram & Sons, 

 Dundas, Ont.," which leading firm is represented in 

 this province by the Wm. Hamilton Manufacturing 

 Company, London, who have a branch office at Van- 

 couver, B.C. There are six forges in the smiths' shop 

 in charge of men of brawny arm and skilful touch, 

 who handle and execute very heavy forgings, as 

 well as the finer work demanded by the machinists. 

 The wear and tear of machinery and rolling stock in 

 constant use demands of course a large expenditure, 

 materially enhancing the cost of coal production, and 

 consumers are apt to lose sight of these and the 

 other heavy costs wherewith the industry is taxed, 

 when inveighing against reasonable prices charged 

 for the product delivered at their doors. 



Near by are the carpenters' shops, for construction, 

 reinstatement and repair of railway waggons and 

 cars no inconsiderable item and for the other ap- 

 paratus and fittings used in and about the mine, and 

 the company's farm. The shop is furnished with 

 steam sawing, planing, edging and other wood-work- 

 ing machinery. 



The members of the brass and reed band, com- 

 posed of colliery workers, are allowed by the kind 

 permission of Mr. Robins to use a room in the upper 

 story of the waggon shop for practising. The Na- 

 naimo Silver Cornet Band has recently been supplied 

 with new instruments, and is said to be quite pro- 

 ficient, and able to hold its own with any band in the 

 province. Nanaimoites are justly proud of the col- 

 liery band. All the workshops and buildings are lit 

 with gas, and the tracks, etc., with electric light arc 

 system. Retracing my steps towards the wharf, I 

 observe numerous pieces of machinery, duplicates 



