MINERS IN BATHING SUITS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 262, 9 November 1906, Page 2

MINERS IN BATHING SUITS.

Mining coal in bathing suits from the bed of the Dcs Moines river is an occupation which, according to the "Minneapolis Journal." has been followed lately by bands of unemployed labourers and teamsters. It has been known for years that several of the veins of coal mined in the vicinity pas--aed through the rivor at a point just below Fort Dodge. Until recently, the river has been too high to permit of much of the coal being taken out. No one has ever registered any claim to the coal, and while it was generally known to exist, no one troubled to remove or use it. But lately some meu who were out of work located the veins, the river being at an unprecedentedly low level, and began work. They were soon joined by others, and now there if a regular excavating business going on, on the principle of "come and help yourself." The temperature of the water is agreeable, and the coal is the best grade of the soft variety. Large quantities have already been stored up for the comin" winter.