REPORTED DISCOVERY OF COAL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 173, 13 July 1908, Page 3

REPORTED DISCOVERY OF COAL

LIGXITE AT SMART ROAD. Fur some little time past there has been whispered that something 1 tiler than kaolin was occupying the attention of the company engaged in developing t'he clay lield recently discovered on Mr Sorensou's l'arm at Smart road. Rumor, however, is known to be a lyiiijj jad';, and 110 press publicity was given Ij lb' statements. We now Jiave it 011 >.\: !• lent authority that prospecting for coa is being carried 011 with )■> success. Our informant states <h;t in tlic tunnel 011 the eastern side of the swamp, a line sample of lignite was struck. Operations were put in hand with a view of ascertaining whether or not the seam wa» of any great extent, and till' results of the prospecting have been eminently satisfactory, a very large seam having been proved by itoring, running nway towards the nurt'i-easl. The Sample is said to be an excellent one. Lignite has also been discovcied on a neighboring property (I'rcderickscn's) which has just changed liands. It is early yet to make any ddinite pronouncement, but from the fact that much Secrecy has been observed it is quite evident that the gentlemen interested in the development of the kaolin fields believe that they 'have "struck it lucky." It is to be hoped that their most sanguine expectations will be realised, for a good supply of cheap coal would be a veritable boon to dairying and other industries.