NEW COALFIELD ON COAST

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24741, 5 December 1945, Page 5

NEW COALFIELD ON COAST

♦ STATE DEVELOPMENT POSSIBLE From Oui Own Reporter

GREYMOUTH, December 4. The prospect of development of a valuable new coalfield in the’lnangadistrict by State enterprise is being investigated, and should it eventuate it is stated that it will in some respects resemble Denniston, in the Buller district, in that it is similarly situated on top of Bald"-Hill.. Prospecting parties have been engaged on the area for several months, and it is reported that considerable quantities of coal have been located and proved. Situated between the Waitahu and Inangahua rivers, the new area is approximately seven miles from the Reef ton township, on a ridge about two miles off the Reefton-Maruia-Lewis Pass highway, and is known as the Garvey creek area. Coal outcrops appear on the high ridge above Crushington in a north-easterly direction from Reefton, and while access is difficult at present, the construction of a roadway for about two miles off T .he main highway would not be a great problem if the Mines Department should decide on the development of the area. The coal is stated to be of even better quality than that in the lower Reefton field. It approaches bituminous coal and coke quality requirements, and may prove suitable- for gasworks and railway locomotive .use. several attempts at prospect-ing-are indicated in the area, no previous attempt had been made to develop the area.