STATE COAL MINES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2896, 15 September 1909, Page 27

STATE COAL MINES.

WORK OF DEVELOPMENT. WELLINGTON, September 13. A contract is being let this week by the Government to drive several tunnels on the incline leading to near the State coal mine, Point Elizabeth. This marks an important point in the progress of a work of development, which, when, completed, will double the output from the* Government's mines. The railway to the Point Elizabeth mine is being extended for three and a-half miles, and a sum of £43,000 has already been spent upon it« construction, the ".number of men now employed being 236. The tunnels are on an incline., which will connect the rail-< T head with the mine at the top of the hill l^ on the Paparoa Range, at the back of the Paparoa and old Brunner mines. It is estimated that there is enough coal proved to keep the mine going for a cen- ' tury. The incline, two and a-half miles, long, will be worked mainly- by gravita- ( tion, the full trucks coming down being attached to an endless rope, which will), draw up the empties. Possibly water, power may be utilieed to assist in tho haulage. It is expected that the,new mine! will be ready for work 18 months hence. ■ In reply to questions regarding the general! working of the State Coal" Department,, the flon. R. M'Kenzie (Minister of Mines)! stated that there had been a market foe. more coal than could be put out this winter, and the financial result of the year's working had been very satisfactory.. He intended cieating a reserve fund in connection with the department, so as to i be prepared for any contingency such a» accident.