Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1901. STATE COAL MINES.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 18 October 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1901. STATE COAL MINES.

Though the clays of Parliament are drawing to a dose, there is yet a great deal of work to be accomplished ere members will be allowed to return to their respective homes. Yesterday yet another important measure was introduced by Governor’s message, and one that very vitally effects the welfare of this district. The Bill we refer to is a Bill to enable the Crown to acquire and work coal . mines within the colony. The measure proposes to empower the Governor to set apart any unalienated Crown lands which, in his opinion, contain coal or may be required for coal-mining operations under the Act, Land Boards, or any other authority, charged with the disposal of Crown lands must, before disposing of them, ascertain whether they contain coal, and, if they do, the fact must be reported to the Governor, and without his consent they must not be disposed of. Lands so set apart, or lands resumed or acquired, are to be dealt with under this Act, but power is given the Governor to exempt such lands or mines from the operations of the Act, and to lease any lands until they are required by the Crown for coal-mining purposes. The Bill further makes it lawful for the Minister to open and work coal mines “and generally to carry on the business of coal-mining in all its branches, and for this purpose he is invested with power to appoint managers, engineers, agents and workmen, and to construct or acquire by lease or purchase plant machinery, tramways, hulks, ships, and other appliance.” After the State requirements have been provided for, he may sell and deliver coal and other products which are the result of coal mining operations; enter into contracts and generally do anything that the owner of a coal mine might lawfully do in the working of a mine. When a coal mine is resumed by the Crown, the owners’ contracts are to be transferred to the Minister, but every resumption is to be subject to the approval of Parliament. In order to raise funds for the payment of compensation or purchase money, the Colonial Treasurer is empowered to raise any sum not exceeding £150,000 from any balances in any of the accounts mentioned in part 8 of the Public Revenues Act, 1891, Post Office, Government Insurance Office, Trusts Office, and the Commissioners of the Public Debts Sinking Fund, the Public Works Fund, or from any bank, monetary institution, or person. It is further provided that as security for such loans, debentures may be issued having a currency of not more than 40 years and bearing interest at the rate of not more than 4 per cent per annum. Accounts are to be kept of each coal mine and a balance sheet prepared, and any surplus or profits are to be applied in establishing a sinking fund. If the profits exceed 5 per cent, the price of coal may be reduced the following year. There is a substantial and we-mean-business ring about the measure that- is pleasing, and as the purchase has to be approved by Parliament, it would be just as well to lose no time in bringing under the notice of Government the advantage likely to accrue to the colony from the opening of a State coal mine in this district. If all we hear is correct, the Coal Commission have already favorably reported on a Duller mine, but that is no reason even if true, why a State mine should not be developed here. In the interests of the people it is most desir able that there should be such mine, for there is no justification for the excessive price now charged for coal about 25% higher than it was twenty years ago. As to funds for development, £150,000, the amount provided in the Bill will be ample for all requirements.