REEFTON NEW STATE MINES

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 August 1946, Page 10

REEFTON NEW STATE MINES

IMPROVEMENTS AT BURKE’S

CREEK

[SPECIAL -REPORTER]

REEFTON, August 2.

Work has been commenced on improvements at the Burke’s Creek coal mine, near Reefton, which was recently acquired by the State, and when completed they will increase die potential output of coal. Since it commenced operating as a State mine early in June, the output has been in the vicinity of 50 tons a day. Foundations for new surface repair shops and for a new electric winch for the main haulage system are being built.. The new winch is' being constructed by the Dispatch Foundry Company, Greymouth. Improvements are also being made to the bath houses and other mine buildings. Progress on the construction of the access road to the new coal area at Garvey’s Creek continues to be slow, mainly on account of the shortage of labour. Men brought to the district for work on the road, it has been found, do not stay but take work at the coal mines in the district. The winter weather and the rough nature of the country have also retarded the work.

JULY RAINFALL FIGURES (0.C.) REEFTON, August 1. During July rain fell on 18 days at Reefton, the total fall being 10.75 inches. In the latter part of the month there were 12 days on which rain fell. In July, 1945, the total fall was 6.71 inches on 14 days.