The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1867.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 37, 14 February 1867, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1867.

Several days ago we saw specimens of the coal which Mr. C. Wiesehavern lias found on the shores of Massacre Bay. It was our intention to notice it at the time, but on second thoughts we reserved our remarks till after the arrival of a quantity of the same coal, which is now to hand by the cutter Supply. Several bags of the coal mny be seen at Mr. Richardson's hotel, Waimea-road, and we think the patrons of local industries will experience gratification from au inspection of the same. The coal appears to be of excellent quality. It is pronounced by competent judges to be equal if not superior to any thafc is brought to this port, and we are sure Ave echo the public feeling in expressing a wish that the discovery may lead to the working of a profitable mine, than which nothing could be of greater importance to the town and jjrovince at the present juncture. We are aware that failure has characterised the efforts that have been made from time to time, to develope the coal which is believed to abound in tbe immediate neighborhood, but this is no reason why exertions should not be continued ; for assuredly if cord ex'Sls, and the besfc authorities say it does, success is only a question of time and is sure to follow judicious and well sustained efforts. We ere informed ihat the coal in question will prove to be almost unlimited iu quantity. It is found very near the sea, and very little expense need be incurred in constructing the road necessary to convey it to the ships. The bay has good anchorage, and being protected by the Saud Spit, its harbor is only second to that of Nelson itself. No doubt the quantity of coal alleged to exist and the cost of production will be the main questions of interest to the prospector and those who may associate themselves with him in the enterprise. These questions, we are instructed, can be answered in a most satisfactory manner ; aod we sincerely trust that the efforts of those who have in the present instance persevered amidst great obstacles and persisted in believing in success when hope had been given up by the majority of persons, w T ill be abundantly rewarded for their anxiety and labour. Too much importance cannot be attached to the fact, should it be found to exist, that a workable and remunerative coal mine is to be found in such close proximity to our port. The development of the material resources of the place is that whieh will alone save it from becoming most insignificant. There are too many consumers aud too few producers in Nelson to insure its permanent prosperity. True, we have the gold at a distance, and it is gradually approaching us; but, on the principle of having several strings to the bow, it is greatly to be desired that an impetus should be given to

the productiveness of our coal mines. We sball be glad to see railway communication established between Nelson and lhe West Coast, but we shall have to wait a long time for this, unless mouey be found to pay for the work, or land, which shall be regarded as an equivalent for money. In au abundant supply of coal, there are fouud the sinews of war at once ; for if there be one successful coal mine it is not likely that it is tbe only one. and tbe means required to set (he work in motion are easily attainable. We are uncertain by what plan it is proposed to work ihis newly discovered conl mine, whether liy individual or associated enterprise. It is a subject of great public interest, which has been laid before us hastily, and to which we will return when more fully informed as to the details of the undertaking.