COAL PROSPECTING.

Southland Times, Issue 1547, 8 March 1872, Page 3

COAL PROSPECTING.

Sir, —ln reply to '* Black Diamond's" letter in your paper of Tuesday, the sth inst., I admit that his first letter is " misty," and not clear about outcrops of coal. His second letter I understand. His statement that " as a general rule no outcrop coal, lignite, or any sort o£ coal will compete in combustive properties with coals found at some depth below the surface," shows that his acquaintance

with the subject has been gained from old shaft workings that have been established for years. What I wish Mr B.D. to understand is that coal can be got of as good quality by driving a few yards into the face as by sinking. What I mean is, that the drive should be made sufficient to get clear of the atmospheric action, such as frosts and rains, as also of the effects of surface drainage. By doing this you will get as pure coal in any seam as if you shaft for it, without the outlay for pumping, winding gear, and other expenses which are attached to

shaft workings. I may inform Mr B.D. that the nearest coal yet found is distant some eleven miles from our railway. If he knows of any nearer I will be happy to learn of it. With respect to the Morley coal, I have tested both the Nightcap and the Morley coal, and find that they are about the same quality. The Nightcap being the nearest to the railway, and easily got at, Mr B.D.s object will be gained when the Nightcap coal is brought down to Invercargill or the Bluff. It can be worked cheaper by a drive than by shafting. If the coalfields of New Zealand are to be worked by deep sinking and expensive machinery as at home, we will have to wait until labor gets cheaper.—Tours, &c, T. J. Thompson.