WEST COAST COAL-MINING PRACTICE.

Grey River Argus, 27 February 1945, Page 2

WEST COAST COAL-MINING PRACTICE.

(To the Editor) Sir, —Will you allow me space to reply to "Ex-Miner’s” outburst in issue of Thursday, Feb. 22. I read his criticism of practical mine managers’ and their staffs’ abilities in extracting coal. In my opinion the coal industry in New Zealand is as different from that in Britain as daylight is from dark. Britain is an old land and therefore her* coal seams are deeply deposited, with a large sandstone covering, which will stand for many pillars being extracted before collapsing. I worked in State mines in Dunofiie and Rewanui for many years as a miner and deputy, and never saw any coal left in that could be safely extracted. Where was “Ex-Miner” in those ’days that he could not have given advice? The State mines were worked in the board and pillar system, and the same method is successfully worked in the Old Country. MT James who was general manager of State mines was imported from England and was in charge of operations at the time when “Ex-Miner” says mountains of coal were lost. New Zealand is volcanic country and faults are the biggest trouble in our mines The State mines were faulted on both sides of main seams, and were worked by driving solid places, and making pillars until both faults met A° tl '°m of dip ' Then extraction of the pillars took place, and, under the supervision of better and more practical men than we have to-day all the coal that could safely he i ake r g n°f l OU V ■ Tt is better to leave a bit of coal in than to have a few miners buried. Safety was their first consideration. I would also hke to say m fairness to the mine managers who have now crossed the great divide— Josh Herd John Colthard Bill Muncaster waiiy Leqch, Sandy Marshall and man J more, that they were miners of experience from boyhood, practical and

theoretical, and gave a great service to the country. Ex-Miner may come out in the open and g ve new ideas. 1 am - e^ c ;’ s . C LARKE.