Westport Coal.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume xxii, Issue 6458, 30 December 1904, Page 3

Westport Coal.

United Press Association": — By Electric Telegraph, Westpokt, Dec. 29 Some large blocks of coal from a Christchurch syndicate's coal lease, have created considerable interest in town. Extended prospecting operations resulted in the syndicate acquiring a total of 2200 acres of what the late Mr Lindop, manager of the State mines, described as the best lease now available in this field. The conditions imposed by the Government are very favourj able. Besides the well-known upper and 1 lower seams, the expert employed by the j syndicate has located a third seam of splendid quality, pronounced to be superior even to the selected coals purchased here by the British Navy. The new sea m, which is at a lower level than the pre sent workings will considerably enhance the value of the field generally.

The success •attending the Harbour Board's efforts was shown last month by the dispatch of a steamer with 5300 tons. This practically opens the way for an extended trade with South America and the Far East for the local article. This, combined with the profits of the new colliery, brightens the outlook for business for the new j ear.