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Grey River Argus, Volume XIV, Issue 1700, 15 January 1874, Page 2

The mineral wealth of this district is much greater than is generally known. We have been boastful of the magnificent coal-mine at Brunnerton, and of the coal seams on the south side of the river, but it appears that coal deposits of equal and , perhaps superior extent to those up the river, exist in the coast hills, a few miles north of Greymouth. For years it has | been known that coal seams cropped out in several places beyond Point Elizabeth, but it is only within the last few days that a correct idea of the extent and value of the seam 3in that neighborhood has been made possible. It was conjectured — indeed, if we are correctly informed, stated — by scientific authority, that the coal was what is known as "brown coal," and ot course much inferior to the coal up the rirer ; but it has been discovered that the seams, although exposed in various places, are not mere superficial outcrops of brown coal, but solid and most probably continuous ones of black " glance " coal, superior in quality to any yet found in this district. We were favored a few days ago with an inspection of a splendid large pample, and we are quite justified in saying that a finer specimen of coal for its quality we never before saw, and our opinion is backed up by that of professional judges. The seam k from which this specimen was taken is r near the Ten- Mile Creek, exposed on both sides of a gully as if divided by aqueous or glacial action. Several other seams, or else detached branches of the main seam have been discovered in the vicinity varying from seven to fifteen feet in thickness. Nearly the whole of the district has been applied for, and pro- y specting licenses have been granted. Arrangements have been made to have the district thoroughly prospected, and if the anticipations formed are realised, we may expect to see active operations conu aienced at an early period to utilise the discovery. Men are now employed under the guidance of an experienced mining manager in making a thorough examination. The importance of this discovery cannot be over-estimated, and will no doubt strengthen the intention of the General Government to construct stone embankments on both sides of the river, and make the Grey the great coal port of the Coast. Should the coal be found in sufficient quantity, it will have to be brought to Cobdeii by a light railway, via Coal Creek. From what we can gather, this recent discovery will considerably expe-dite-the construction of the harbor works he^re which the General Government contemplate.