WEST COAST NOTES

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14343, 1 May 1912, Page 12

WEST COAST NOTES

KKEX DEMAND FOR COAL

(SPECIAL TO "Tnn PRKSS.") CRKVMOITH, April 30. There is an extraordinary demand for coal, which the West Coast mini's are quite unable to supply. So keen is the demand that it is stated by tiioso in a position to kiiovv that the whole of tlio output of certain mines for tho iHxt five wo?ks has been purchased in advance. The position in so acute that coal companies and contractors arc at their wits' cud to arrange for supplies. Th? Blackball. State-, and Brumier mines are working at high pressure, but unfortunately the Paparoa mine is lying idle, .waiting for some reconstruction movement. There is a fooling at Paparoa that if the company floes not go on with the working of the mine, the Government should enforce the compulsory claus<\> and develop the mine. The vagaries of a bar harbour have been brought forcibly home to the people of Greyniouth during the past week. T"p to Wednesday night last shipping had proceeded at usual, but on Thursday a violent routherly sea commenced to roll along the coast, with the result that all movements were brought to a standstill. . Yesterday, however, the conditions moderated somewhat, and two steamers, the Nga-lu'i-o and the Kairaki, managed to safely negotiate tho entrance. The sea. 'however, immediately made again, and further movements had perforce to h<; postponed till the evening, when tho elements relented somewhat, and the passenger steamer Arahur.i and a number of others arrived, and several took their departure. To-day, however, tho sea agnin prevented any operations, though possibly the bar may be worked on to-night's tide. The Paparoa ranges are to-day sporting their first coating of jsnow, a reminder that tho winter is upon us. Reports to hand indicate, tliat snow bus l>een general in the back country. Yesterday tho passengers to Christ-r-hnrch had the experience, for the first time this season, of driving through a snow-coated country. Needless to say, the magnificence of the Gorge scenery was considerably enhanced.