Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, MARCH 11, 1901. COAL DEVELOPMENT.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 11 March 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, MARCH 11, 1901. COAL DEVELOPMENT.

A telegram from the Press Association states that the Premier told a deputation of Trado Unionists last night that he hoped in a few months to say that the Government were coal dealers. It was his intention to ask Parliament next session for authority to open a State coal mine. He maintained that the combinations existing in tho colony and the manner in which these are being worked was to the detriment of tho people, especially the poor, and demanded immediate attention. It is to be hoped that this district will receive a little attention in the matter, for its coal interests have been sadly neglected. At Westport where tho initial difficulties were infinitely greater than here, tho coal industries havo not only been well developed, but the Company is now paying handsome dividends. And the company deserves it, for it has overcome many diflicu'tios, and in rogard to its latest development tho Hon. Mr. Millar, chairman of tho Board of Directors, at a late mooting said : " After upwards of two years of incessant labor at Millerton wo havo at length surmounted tho great fault which separates tho present workings from tho main coalfield, and I am pleased to say tho coal on the other sido of tho hold is answering expectations. This has boon a great work and has cost us much anxioty and moro money than was anticipated, but it is satisfactory to havo it accomplished at last." If a similar course had been adopted hero, tho industry would not bo in tho sad plight it is in. Tho time has come when temporising must cease and tho interests of the community and colony stand in advance of that of individuals.