THE Kawhia Settler. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 1908 OUR UNDEVELOPED COAL AREAS.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 375, 14 August 1908, Page 2

THE Kawhia Settler. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 1908 OUR UNDEVELOPED COAL AREAS.

In the To i a of Representatives on July 29ih Mr Poland asked the Minister of Mines whether, in view of the great incre use in the cost of coal in the Auckland Province, be will make immediate inquiries with the object of securing suitable coal - bearing areas for i e purpose of supplying the people of ih it part of the Dominion with coal at reasonable rates. —The Minister for Mine? replied : Instructions have already been given to the inspecting officers of the Mines Department to report as to the occurrence of caal seams on Crown lands throughout the Dominion, with a view to their futurg utilisition tor State purpose?', should an extension of the State coalmines policy eventually bo decided OIL The question of Stat? ownership of coilmines h is been disqnssed by yarions papers for years past, and the result of the experiment a* trier in the 3 i L I i I i< as ye l - n c> tun. On t- d i 'tibj ot we do n' r in -». i to pass an ■ : inion. Mr Manatr*4 enquiry leads us to think of the c >♦! seam* iy ing idle in 'hL locality, n d the H-m. Mr M £ Ci iwan’s somewhat evasive an s.cr o suggest tba ‘he fact be - . • • i-r mi.icnily bofr o the Mmes D : n nt. Wo C”« v. who her • n be worked by ’h i .'rule or by ■ rpri: e,-bu ■ wl t» wn do r»b—--i ~nr wealth rernaiiiing unde ■1 Al <>var ti e Kawhia County fi , f rb uJid co 1 exist-in fact r i I,..ng', r. hat f.ue seam which ig « ..I. atliurJ-ly and Mokau can be p Led up at Oparu, Awaroa and M ir kopa—awaiting to be opened up, l.uti q ;-oi. / i. i the ?nt|]o ities a■ ( . f toe bci. A Awiroa a team has tpuned up within a

tew chains of a tidal creek workabl • by ocean-going vessels. Yet, the residents of Kawhia have to pay nearly £8 a ton for coal, whilst at the Awaroa pit’s mouth only 8s is charged. We would be pleased if the Minister would instruct one of the inspectors to pay a visit to this district, as if such were done doubtless much good would result. Our representatives should b;. asked to place this matter before the Minister for