THE MOUNT ROCHFFORT COALFIELD.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 745, 3 December 1870, Page 2

THE MOUNT ROCHFFORT COALFIELD.

The following letter has been received from Melbourne, acknowledging the receipt of the sample of coal, and seeking further information with respect to the facilities offered for the working of other mines in New Zealand, the terms upon which a lease of the field would be granted, and whether any and what assistance the Government would be disposed to offer for the formation of a line of railway from the field to the port:— Wellington Gold and Tin Mining Co., Melbourne, Nov. 5, lS7a Thos. Field, Esq., Westport, N.Z., Dear Sir,—l beg to acknowledge receipt of two bags coal from the Mount Eochfort coalfield by the Mary. The vessel was some time in port before I got the coal on shore, in the meantime a new captain had been appointed. Tour letter mentions four bags ; I only received two, but this is sufficient for a sample. The Hon. a. V. Smith, late Postmaster- General here, took a sample of the coal to Mr It. B. Smyth, Secretary for Mines for Victoria, who is a practical coal miner, and one well qualified to give an opinion on the quality of coal. I will have his report at an early date. The cost of constructing a line of railway will be a great drawback in floating a company to work the mines. However, if you can let me know what inducement the Government will give to a company undertaking to work the mines, I will see what can be done to get a company started. It is a bad time just now, as the war in Europe is affecting all sorts of business to a large extent, but I hope the next mail will bring better news, and business will resume its wonted course again ; already there is a prospect of mining in Victoria " suffering a revival," and I think the new year will see a better state of things. As soon as I learn what terms a lease of the coal district can be obtained upon, I will give as much publicity as possible to it. I wish to retain the copies of newspapers sent for a short time. A friend of mine, who is a civil engineer, is eugaged surveying a road through to .New South Wales, he is acquainted with the coalfields on the Buller, and has written some articles upon them, and I wish to submit the engineer's reports, &c, to him—he will be in Melbourne about the new year. There is no doubt but a good thinowill be made out of the coal-mine by any company fortunate enough to take it up, with sufficient capital to develope it as it ought. A valuable deposit of coal like that cannot remain long without a trial, the only wonder is it has not been opened up before now. A daily increasing demand is springing up for coal; the Californian trade, together with the islands in the Southern Ocean which are now attracting a large population, will ensure a good market for all the coal that can be raised.

I understand there are also large deposits of black sand on the West Coast that yields a first-class quality of steel, the working of this might be combined with the working of coal. Please to let me know as early as you can what inducements will be given to a company who would undertake to open the coalfield on the West Coast: Ist, What area of ground the company would get, the amount of rent required per annum, and length of time it would he leased for.

2nd, Whether the Government would givo any portion of the money required for making a railway, or an equivalent in land, &c. 3rd, What portiou of shares the people of Westport would be likely to take up. * . 4th, Whether there are any available coal veins now being worked that are more easy of access, and consequently able to supply the market moro cheaply than could be done from tho Mount ltochfort field.—l am, &c, E. C. Chambers.

DUNEDIN. November 9. The special session of the Provincial Council commenced on Thursday. There was a good attendance of members, and nearly all the new ones were present. The usual opening address was read by his Honor the Superintendent, but on this occasion he was not quite as hopeful in the view he took of public affairs. It seemed as if he had some doubt as to whether the recent legislation in the Assembly regarding the Province would be so beneficial as was expected. The reply to the address was a very tame affair, a mere echo, moved by Mr Wood, late Superintendent of" Southland, and seconded by our new member, Mr Fish, who eagerly seized the opportunity to air his eloquence and give vent to some of his shallow commonplaces. As is shown by the discussions which have already taken place, the members do not appear likely to stint themselves of their full measure of talk. Indeed, although the Council is near the end of its term, and the special object of its present meeting was understood to be the making of the working arrangements consequent on the re-union with Southland, some very important results are expected to ensue, apart altogether from the reunion. A discussion was commenced on Thursday on a mosr vital point, viz., the financial policy of the Colony, as sketched out by the Colonial Treasurer, and more particularly as regards the proposed public works, railways, water supply, &c. Mr Reid, Provincial Seetetary, introduced the subject in a very able speech, in which he exposed the falla.-y and injustice of the scheme, as being entirely drawn up in favor of the North Island to the prejudice of the South. He also pointed out the impolicy of the General Government taking in hand works which it was purely the duty of the provinces to_ carry into effect; and that in borrowing money in such a way, it was just borrowing on the security of the land funds of the Southern provinces ; the North may have security to offer at some future time, but they have none just now. For defence purposes he had no objection to assist the North liberally, but decidedly objected to pay for the making of roods, &c, for the purpose of improving the property of the settlers there. Mr .Reynolds followed, and spoke in favor of financial separation of the two islands as the only way in which justice could be done to the very diverse conditions of the two populations. Several other members followed, and the which lasted over la<t night, has been postponed till Monday.