COAL.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 9, 2 August 1845, Page 2

COAL.

In the last Government Gaictte appeared a notice thai tenders will be received at the office of the Colonial Secretary, for the supply of Coal, in quantities not less thaa one hundred tons, for the use of a steamer, to be stationed at Auckland. Tin's announcement is highly cheering and satisfactory, inasmuch as it is not only an earnest of such powerful auxiliary for the protection of the Colony, but also, that it opens new sources for the enterprise and industry of the settlers, in various parts of the Islands. If the Steamer should arrive very quickly, it is probable that the first supplies will be obtained from Newcastle, in New South Wales ; but we sincerely hope that the attention of capitalists will be directed to the subject, so that the Colony will be, ere long, perfectly independent for the supply of such valuable material. The substance abounds in various parts of the Northern and Middle Islands, and it only requires some 'little capital to be embarked with judgment, and under the direction of, persons conversant with coal-fields, and of some experience in such subterraneous works, j On the Northern Island, near to Auckland, on the eastern coast, at Matakana, there is abundance of Coal ; and an attempt has been made , there to obtain the mineral, in large quantities, ' but, we believe, the industiious enlei prising individual who commenced the undertaking was compelled to desist, for want of funds to complete the necessary machinery for raising the mineral. From this mine the Coal could be brought to Auckland quickly and cheaply ; .by small craft : and not only steamers would ; be certain of supply, but the inhabitants of

Auckland would dciivc the benefit of such useful a&siotancc in their domestic economy. On the western coast, in the river Molcau, which discharges itself into the sea, about twenty miles below Kawhia, there is likewise abundance of Coal and Limestone, It is true that a supply, from such district, for Auckland, could not be so cheaply obtained as from Matakana ; but still, we conceive, it could be brought at a moderate price. We understand that in the river Mokau, the seam of Coal is cropping out from the very banks, so that vessels could load without much trouble, and at very little expense. Prom thence, the vessels could bring their cargoes to Oneunga, in Manukao harbour, and for individuals, not resident immediately in the town of Auckland, the cartage would not be more expensive than (from the beach in Auckland. On the Middle Island, besides the Coal-field near Ma&sacre Bay, on the western coast, there is at Otago, according to the information of Mr. Tuckett, the Surveyor-General of the New Zealand Company, abundance of the valuable mineral, which can very easily be obtained. Doubtless, in various other parts of both Islands, this valuable article will be found, when they are explored by persons acquainted with the geological indications of Coal-fields, or conversant with the practice in England of boring. In searching for Coal, in any country, its concomitant rocks ought to be looked for, esj)ecially the carboniferous, or mountain limestone, known by its organic fossils ; likewise the outcrop of the millstone grit, and the newer red sandstone, among some rifts of which seams of Coal may be discovered. — But no assurance of Coal can be hod without boring or pitting. It is the skill in boring, that distinguishes the genuine miner, for unless persons are practically acquainted with the structure of coal basins, much time and money will be fruitlessly expended in searching for this most valuable mineral.