COAL IN THE WAIMEAS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXV, Issue 97, 1 May 1901, Page 2

COAL IN THE WAIMEAS.

IMPORTANT STEIKE NEAR MI '.GHT WATER.

A syndicate of Nelson residents, including Mr William Ha'ldow and the Messrs Grace', with Mr Bens >n conducting operations nave been boring for coal on land adjoning the r<ad about a mile from the Bri^htwater railway station. Indcat ons of coal were early toel with in the presence of b ndstone, folio «ed by shale, and Mr Benson was certain fchat as some depth or other coal would be met. At 84 feet stronger indications were met, and t he strike has caused considerable excilement in the district, especially as the mineral country in the vicinity is settled, and the peam is likely to be more or less horizontal. II ( ' c coal i& marketable, boring will probably be commenced all over the Waimeas, and there is also a presumption that there are other seams at a greater depth. Telegrams announcing the important development were received to-day by those interested and a party have gone to the locality of the bore this afternoon. This Afternoon. A mixture of coal and shale which is the usual indication of coal was encountered after boring through about 90 feet of sandstone. Up till this afternoon about 5 feet of the coal and shale has been gone through. Mr Benson, the manager of the mine is well satisfied with the specimens of the mixture obtained from the borings, ; and he states that there is every prospect of the coal seam being met with now.