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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 964, 27 July 1881, Page 2

Our readers will remember that many times during the past few years, we have drawn attention to the presence of what appears to be a fine specimen of lignite in the Mangapapa Creek, close to the town. Mr. Tattley, who, w r e believe, has had some experience in mine engineering, has lately been over the ground, and obtained samples, with which he is very pleased. He says he has seen specimens from other parts of the district w 7 hich are more to his liking, and are likely to turn to better account. Still, it is his opinion that a trial should be made of it; and for this purpose he intends, with proper permission, to more fully investigate the more local find, and report scientifically upon the probability of its quality and productiveness. Captain Porter, sometime since, brought samples of lignite, or coal, from the coast, which Mr Tattleyhas a high opinion of ; but, from some reason or other, it is thought desirable not to divulge the locality, pending some land title difficulty. What a chronic nuisance this land title difficulty is! No sooner is attention directed towards an industry that requires money and brains to develop, than both are turned away through the presence of this frightful bugbear. Truly, the district cannot go ahead while this demon exists ; but would it not be advisable for the Borough and County Councils to institute enquiries with a view to ascertain how far investigations can be proceeded with at once ? If that can be done, and it certainly could be with the What anpoko land, a small sum set aside for prospecting the field, would be a most judicious expenditure of public money, and might lead to the most beneficial results. We believe there is no end of material wealth at our very doors, if we had but the sagacity to delve for it.