26 HUGHES : SOUTHERN COAL-FIELDS OF REWAH G6NDWANA BASIN. 



experience suggested, it was deemed well that they should be reduced to 

 their smallest limits, and, to achieve this object, it was determined that 

 the coal should be approached under the ordinary conditions of approved, 

 miniug. There were two plans open for adoption, — either to drive an 

 incline from the outcrop, or to sink a shaft to the seam. The second 

 method was preferred as being in every sense more workman-like, 

 and as affording more scope for efficiently dealing with an influx of 

 water. 



On the 11th March 1883 a pit of 10 feet internal diameter was 

 Pit commenced, 11th commenced. At a later date it was found neces- 

 March 1883. gar y ^ 0 0 p eu inclines from the outcrop, but this 



was only to meet a temporary demand for coal, while the trial pit was in 

 progress. 



As special qualifications were required for the charge of the contem- 

 plated underground expansion of our operations, Mr. Thomas Forster 

 who had gained his experience of colliery work both at home and in the 

 Bengal coal-fields, was engaged as Mining Engineer. 



The position selected for the pit was near hore-hole No. 8, where 

 the section is somewhat in accord with Nos. 9 and 7 a — an upper and a 

 lower seam of coal having been cut in each. 





No. 7. 



No. 8. 



No. 9. 



Sandstones . . . . 



. 135' 0" 



93' 0" 



69' 0" 



Coal . . . . 



. 13' 0" 



10' 0" 



10' 0" 



Intermediate beds 



25' 0" 



8'0" 



7'0" 



Coal . . . . 



. W 0" 



7'0" 



6'0" 



The depth of the shaft was calculated at 108 feet, and the sinking 

 did not seem a very formidable task. It was not completed, however, 

 until May 1881. During the sinking there was no difficulty in dealing 

 with the water, a pair of ordinary buckets being quite sufficient to keep 

 the pit dry ; but the moment the coal was reached, a rush took place, and 

 though baling was kept up unremittingly day and night, it overpowered 

 the means we had at our disposal, and the pit was abandoned until more 

 efficient power could be applied. 

 ( 162 ) 



