MOKAU COALFIELD.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 August 1919, Page 6

MOKAU COALFIELD.

SNAGGING THE RIVER. In reply to a letter forwarded recently to the Minister of Mines regarding the Mokau coal mines, Mr S- G. Smith, M.P., has received a reply from the Hon. W. D.S. Mac Donald, stating that the report, of the geological survey officers on the Mokau coal seams is not yet completed, but as soon as it is ready a copy will be supplied. As regards the Mokau river, the reports of officers of the Public Works Department shows that it would be possible to improve the river so that boats drawing 10 feet of water could enter at high spring tide and, by removing obstructions'and scarifying tlve river bottom, a depth of 10 feet at high water might be secured right up to the mines. Estimates were prepared many years ago by the late Mr T. Perkam for work at the heads to improve the entrance. These were based upon values then obtaining, but in view of the ratter experience gained at Patea, where the conditions as regards construction are very similar, it is now estimated that at least £IOO,OOO would have to be expended to effect any material improvement. The cost of snagging the river would have to be added to this. The Mokau and Mobakahuo limestones are described in a volume entitled ''The limestone and phosphate resources of New Zealand," which is being published by tho Geological Surveys Department, and is now in the press and a copy will be forwarded as soon as it is ready.