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Hokitika Guardian, 26 August 1927, Page 2

“Coe.x in Foyi’T' is a familiar quotation, and now we have the tact of “Coal in Westland.” Westland is so highly mineralised that .all things it re possible in the way of mineral developments up and dawn the district. It is not it surprise of course, to barn that coal exists in Westland. li Ims been known to exist for years, but exports who have viewed the various outcrops or linds. have not been very enthusiastic about the seams. Actually, the geologists have been disposed, rather in condemn coal finds of material value or extent in Westland. Tills attitude of the scientific mind, lias discouraged the prospecting, bent, though actually in the past a very considerable .sum of money, .provided locally, has boon found for'coal prospecting in Westland. Several years ago the Hokitika. Coal Prospecting Assn, existed. and local business people contributed a weekly moiety towards the operations, but the effort caiue to nought. Since that lime of long ago, there have been various spasmodic efforts by small syndicates in different pats of the district, bid again Ihe attempt was fruitless and there was no material result to rcporl. Now lias come the news of a promising discovery in the Boucher’s (fully region, which lev the way was the location of t lie Hokitika Coal Prospecting Association of so many years ago. The discovery is in the region of territory which once promised to he famous by reason of t lie Cadmau’s Terrace gold rush—another memory of the past. The present find is. however, described as a now find, removed from the earlier outcrops or seams which were worked or prospected from time to time. The location is said to he higher up the hillside of Gentle Annie Terrace, and the dip is believed to he towards Alt. Graham. The discoverers are experienced coal .miners, and from all aocounls they appear to have made up their mint's as to the intrinsic value of the find. They are of the opinion thal an extensive coalfield is in situ, and is capable of yielding large quantities of coal. This is good news for there is a market for the commodity, end it will mean the establishment of an industry of far-reaching importance practically within a ten mile radius of the town. The prospects of the find as bearing on the future of the district, are so encouraging that from all accounts the success of the enterprise will be assured in duo course.