THE GREY COALFIELD.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4183, 17 August 1874, Page 3

THE GREY COALFIELD.

The following information regarding the progress of the practical working of the Grey Valley coalfield is supplied by a contributor to the local Argus : BRUNNER MINE. ■ Probably no mine in New Zealand has created more interest, or been the cause of more prolific results. Hitherto, for many reasons, it has not been worked so advantageously as it might have been, but the present lessees, who have only recently come into possession, are about to test its capabilities to the uttermost. Their manager, Mr. Elliott, whose Newcastle experience should be of considerable advantage, appears to be pushing on the works most energetically. Among the many visible improvements is a portable engine to be used for crushing fire-clay for the manufacture of bricks, with which several coke ovens are to be built close to the railway line. The building of the ovens will be proceeded with immediately after the completion of the survey on this side. It may be presumed this will be done at once, as a surveyor and staff have these last few days been distributing pegs all over the neighbourhood. COAL-BIT HEATH COLLIERY Is owned by another company which owes its existence to local capital. The lease lies on the western boundary, and in juxtaposition to that of the Brunner; and the shaft or pit, as coalmines are more commonly called, is 200 yards from the upper boundary of the lease, and 300 yards from the Brunner mine, at an elevation of 70 feet above the river, and the position will be remembered by those who travelled this road three years ago—in the very spot where Duncan’s Hotel once stood. Although barely five mouths have elapsed since operations were commenced, it wall be seen that the progress, has been surprisingly rapid. Unlike the Grey Company’s pit, it is of an oblong shape, 10 feet in length by 6 feet wide. To those accustomed to the goldmines of Australia, the dimensions of these pits must appear great indeed; but when it is remembered that waggons containing no less than half a ton will have to be drawn up them, the difference in size is accounted for. Tt is now over 100 feet in depth, strongly and securely timbered, and divided into two compartments, one of which will be used for drawing up the coal, and the other for pumping. The further sinking of the pit is being proceeded with vigorously, under the direction of the manager, Mr. Taylor, whose lengthened experiences in coal and goldmining in England and Victoria, eminently qualify him for the post. GREY COAL COMPANY. Work of enduring and substantial character has, since a recent account, been completed. The sinking of the pit, which w r as suspended during the erection of the poppet heads, has been resumed, and will be completed this week. The little engine used for winding does its work admirably. It will be remembered that a tunnel was driven in the' direction, and to within a short distance of. the main workings. To utilise this for the ventilation of the mine, a shaft 20 feet in depth lias been sunk over it. To prevent the inconveniences inseparable from employes settling around the workings, a township of fifty acres will shortly be surveyed off at a convenient distance.