OHURA COAL DEPOSITS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 253, 20 July 1920, Page 5

OHURA COAL DEPOSITS

By Telegraph-Special Correspondent,

Hawera, July 1(1. The farmers of Taranaki are particularly anxious for a speeding-up of tho Stratford-Oknhukura' railway in order that access may be given to the coal deposits of the Ohura Valley. At tho monthly meeting of the Taranaki Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union it was contended that wire-pulling was going on, both at Auckland and Wellington, in order that the line, may be glished ahead from tho Auoklnnd end. Letters were received from Taranaki members of Parliament with regard to concerted action being taken at Wellington. Jlr. Hawkin, M.P., stated that thero were i\ miles of tunnelling to bo 'done before the line could reach the coalfields. The Hon. J, G. Coates wrote that ho was fully alive to tho importance of the work and the great assistance it would be in developing the coal measures in tho Ohura district. Ho was fully apprised of the difficulties in connection with the coal shortage, but unfortunately the trouble was a national one. A resolution was carried that representations be again made to the Minister urging the completion of the line from Tnhorn to Taungaraknu, n distanca of five or six miles only, to open up the coalfield.