STATE COAL MINES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 189, 14 September 1909, Page 2

STATE COAL MINES.

A BIG DEVELOPMENT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night.

| A contract is being let this week by the Government to drive several tunnels 011 the incline leading to No. 2 state coal mine at Point Elizabeth. This marks an important point in the progress of a big development at the work, which, when completed, will douttle the output from the Government's l mines, t he railway to the Point Elizabeth mine is being extended for three and a half miles, and a sum of .till,ooo has already been spent upon its construction, the number of men now employed being -Mi. the tunnels are 011 an inline, which will connect tile railhead with tr.e mine at the top of the hill on dliie. 1 aparoa range, at the back of the I'a'.a-' roa and old Hrunner mines. It ls e.stimated that there is enough coal proved to keep the mine going f,,,- „ I lie incline, two and a half miles long will be worked mainly by gravitation, the full trucks coming down heiii" attached to an endless rope which" will draw up the empties. Pos'sHily water il'ower may be used to assist in the haulage.

Tt is expected that the mine will be j ready for work eighteen months hence. 111 reply to questions regarding the general working of the State Com Department, the lion. K. McKcnzie (Minister of Mines) stated that there ,'md been a market for more coal than could be put out this winter, and tlie financial ■result of the year's working had been \ery satisfactory. lie intended creating a reserve fund in connection with the Department, so as to be prepared for any contingency suoh as ace/dent.