NEW STATE COAL MINE.

Taihape Daily Times, 4 October 1918, Page 6

NEW STATE COAL MINE.

AREA IN PUKEMIRO DISTRICT An option over 1000 acres of coalbearing land, near the Pukeniiro Colierics, has been secured by the Government with the object of opening a State mine, ’The land, which is owned by a small syndicate, composed principally of farmers in the locality is about 12 miles from Huutly, and within a mile or two of the Pukeniiro railway line. Government experts, with a large staff, have been on the property during the last six weeks, carrying out boring operations, and it is understood they are satisfied from the tests that the field is one of the finest in New Zealand. The coal is situated at a similar level to that being mined by the Pukemiro Company, and, it is claimed, could be worked from the surface at a very low cost. No shafts would be necessary. Where a face was opened by the syndicate previously great masses of coal are to be seen, and the boring, which has been carried out in all directions, indicates that a most extensive field exists. It is understood that the Government is at present negotiating for an option over an adjoining property of 400 acres, owned by an Auckland syndicate.