Wairato Coal. Experiment.

New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 591, 13 December 1851, Page 3

Wairato Coal. Experiment.

Tins advertisement which notifies that Subscribers io the Waikato Coal Fund may now receive back two-thirds of their respective contributions on application to the Treasurer, Au.vanpkk Kp.n-ni-.dv, Msq., at the Union Bank, may bo regarded as indicating (he conclusion of the experiment, so fiii v as the duties devolved by the public on the i Committee arc concerned. The charge confided <o them having been executed — in a inunncr and •with results, a narrative of which was communicated to the .Subscribers in a Kcport laid before n General Meeting several months since, and at the time published in our columns — it only remained that certain details necessary to the winding-up of the transaction should be completed^ Tins has been done ; it is found that one-third of the amount contributed has covered every liability; and the Committee have therefore only to refund the two-thirds, and, we suppose, virtually cease to exist as respects the particular purpose of their organization. It is gratifying to know that their endeavours have been far from fruitless. The duty laid upon them was io collect such information on the subject as might, so far as it went, be u safe guide to any paities who might be disposed to take further steps in the matter ; and they have, in several important particulars, accomplished, this satisfactorily. They have ascertained that coal not merely exists in the Waikato district, but that it abounds in immense quantities, and can be worked wild so much facility that the single miner employed by them at Kupakupa would have undertaken to raise, by his unassisted labour, twenty tons per week. They have actually brought the coal to Auckland, and by selling it at Public Auction and in small lots, enabled every person interested in the matter to judge for himself of its valuable quality. In bringing i(, clown, they acquired useful knowledge respecting the mode and cost of conveyance, in the various items of boatngc to Awaroa, cartage across to Waihuku, freight to Onehunga, and cartago thence to Auckland, showing that — even with the present imperfect; means available in these particulars — the coal might be laid down in this town at about 255. per ton, while it might be delivered to steamers in the Manakau harbour at from ]os. to 12s. per ton, — rates which would obviously (as their licport stated) be materially reduced by the judicious investment of Capital, by the employment of Steam on the Waikato River, and by Public Works for opening (he approach ta this important district. "VVilh reference to this last point, at the request of the Committee, the GovicKNOu-iN-Cmi:r readily promised that he would cause a line to be surveyed and levels taken, with a view of ascertaining the practicability of forming a canal to connect the waters of Waikato with the harbour of Manakau. This has been done, and we, some time since, called attention to the very favourable report made by the SuiivKYOK-GisMsitAf* In the words in which j that report was conveyed to the Committee by the Colonial Sccnr/rAiw, " the expense of a Canal and the clearing of the Awaioa would be comparatively low in reference to most works of a similar kind, and very trifling Avhen compared with the advantages to be obtained by connecting the large and fertile districts of the Waikato and Waipa with Auckland." Nor should we omit to include in this rapid enumeration of the effects of the experiment, that a large specimen oi'thc coal was forwarded by the Committee to the Great Exhibition, in the Oflicial Catalogue of which it is duly and distinctly mentioned, — thus inviting the notice of the multitudinous visitors, and especially of intending emigrants, to the fact — of which ocular demonstration was afforded — that this invaluable mineral is amongst the resources of New Zealand. It will scarcely be thought that these results have been too dearly purchased at an expense of about fifty-five pounds, which we believe is the total amount that the experiment has actually cost the Subscribers. This sum would, however, have been much less but for the early ccssaiion of the ilndcrlalcing in cdnscquence of disputes amongst the Natives, and various losses from delay, exposure to the weather, and wastes, which the Committee could not have foi cseen or prevented, and for which, under the circumstances, they could not justly attach blame to the Europeans employed by them. Indeed many of the difficulties were of such a oharacter that they could have been easily overcome, had the quantity which it was proposed to bring down been so large as to make it worth while to incur the nccessai'y outlay. It seems quite clear, however, that, in order to the profitable working of the Waikato coal field, at must become the property of Europeans.; in which case, with such appliances as capital and skill, with Government sanction, would bring to bear upon it, there can be little doubt that it would amply repay enterprise, as well as prove a source of great public benefit. The grand object, however, is to get coal at the nearest and most available locality. 3 f therefore the Matakana experiment had issued in the production of the mineral in. satisfactory quantity and quality, it would have been a vast advantage, and none would have rejoiced in it more heartily than the chief promoters of the Waikato trial, most of whom indeed were contributors to this also. The same may be yet more strongly said with respect to the Monganui coal, which now more immediately engages attention. The facilities of water conveyance from the localities where this is found cropping out, render the investigations respecting its quality a matter of peculiar interest. Meanwhile, the information gathered from the Waikato district is so much valuable knowledge in store, which, if necessary, can be | drawn upon at a future day. However this may be, it is to be hoped the Government will not lose sight of the Canul project, which — setting aside altogether the coal question — is entitled to prompt and practical consideration. The public mind is fully alive to the truth and importance of the Cor.oNiMi Secjibtahy's statement, that an open and easy communication between Auckland and i the Waikato district would be indeed a boon which would tend incalculably to the advantage of both town and country, settlers and Natives.

Sr. Andbbw's Sociicty. — We are gratified to hear that the Sons of St. Andrew, desirous of turning the cordial feeling which marked the celebration of their late Anniversary to purposes of piaetieal and benevolent utility, have resolved on (he formation of a "St. Andrew's Society," having amongst its objects the promotion of education ; relief charitable ; the sending homo to influential parties such information respecting this* Province as may be useful for emigrants ; the advance of pecuniary help to deserving persons in Scotland disposed to emigrate ; the rendering assistance to .Scotch people on their arrival here ; and other acts of a similarly kind character. A Meeting was held on Wednesday evening last, aft which the formation of the Society was determined on ; and we perceive that an adjourned Meeting will be held on Tuesday evening next, at which we anticipate there wilL be a goodly attendance of sons of the "hind o' cakes," anxious, by the proofs of fraternal kindness, to show themselves "brillier Scots." Wo understand that Ai,kxani>kii Kknnijdy, Esq., has consented to be the first President of the Society, and our worthy Mayor to be Vice-President. These names will give confidence in the character of the association, — a confidence which we have no doubt will be strengthened when the names of its other promoters and managers come to be announced. AucKiANp Goitre ration. — The Common Council wijl J»cet this day, at three o'clock, i.m.