STATE COAL MINES.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 351, 27 February 1902, Page 2

STATE COAL MINES.

Not much has lately been heard in regard to State coal mines, but it is evident that Mr Seddon is still strong in his determination on the subject. S]'Oaking at Seddonville, the Premier said it required a strong mine to succeed where private enterprise had failed A large amount of money had been sunk and lost in the Cardiff mine, but he was sanguine as to its future. Although he had not seen the recent report by the Commissioners, lie had been ‘ informed hy the Minister for Mines that it was generally favorably. If that were the case he (Mr Seddon) was quite willing to expend ceitain moneys to connect the cave aiea with the bimts and other plant, so that a good start could be made and a fair trial given. With reference to the question as to exactly how, sron a start could he made, that could only he settled after lie had consulted his colleagues, and with that end in view lie would bring the matter before Cabinet immediately on his return to Wellington. As far as lie himself was concerned, he hoped to get the tramway started and the mine developed. lie wished it to he clearly understood that the State would not treat 'miners differently from private mterprisc, and lie impressed it upon lie miners present that they should lemonstrate to the country by honest ,vork that the State could work the mines as profitably as private people. 1-ie had no anxiety as to the results. A manager would he appointed having full and complete control, and he would he placed above all political influences.-