The Brunner Mines.

Manawatu Herald, 3 June 1893, Page 2

The Brunner Mines.

« A meeting of ratepayers, convened by the Mayor of Brunnerton, to consider the critical position of the Brunner mines, was largely attended. A series of resolutions was carried unanimously, to be forwarded to the Premier. These showed the mine to be fanlt-bound, and that unless concessions are made to the Company for prospecting for coal it may be worked ont in two years time, and the Grey Valley Coal Company throw up the lease, and leave a worthless mine for the Government to resume. A result such as that meant ruin to Brunnerton, and would reduce Greymouth, and also render the railway and port non-payable. A strong committee was formed, to remain in office till the matter is settled. It is believed the Company will be satisfied with the suspension of the royalty, and in return prospect the field thoroughly to find out where the beds of coal lie, when the Brunner-Greymouth Bailway and the port will have a new lease of life. The public meeting was called on the publication of a letter in the Brunner News, which was forwarded by Mr Joachim, secretary of the Grey Valley Coal Company, to the Minister for Mines. It is generally thought the Government will do something to improve their own property. Singular to say, just as the mines are worked out, and there is prospecting to do, the royalty is to be raised from 6d to Is per ton. When the royalty was fixed the seam of coal was 18 feet thick. It has now thinned out to two and six feet, and is fault-bound on every side. Assistance is required to boie from the surface and pierce the faults by driving. Assistance was given to the Kawakawa owners, and that is quoted as a precedent.