MINERAL RESOURCES OF THE AVONDALE DISTRICT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6572, 9 December 1882, Page 6

MINERAL RESOURCES OF THE AVONDALE DISTRICT.

A meeting of gentlemen interested in developing the resources of the Avoutlale district was held in the Public Hall on Thursday evening last. Mr. Bollard was called to the chair, and stated that for a number of years past several mining engineers, and practical coal miners, have expressed strong opinions favourable to the existence of coal in the district. Consequently a meeting was held on 31st October last to consider the question of testing the district in this matter. Owners of property and other gentlemen who take an interest in mining were well represented, and the result of that meeting was that a committee of five gentlemen was appointed to collect information as to the most practical and business-like way to set to work. The committee have prepared their report, and the meeting that evening had been called to receive it. Mr. Bollard apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mr. Kenjamin Gittos through ill health. Mr. Gittos, as chairman of committee, had asked him to call the meeting and bring up the report, and lie now had great pleasure in laying the report of the committee before them. The report stated that the committee had taken the opinion of several parties of large experience in coal mining, and they advised them to apply to the Government for the services of Mr. Cox (the Assistant Geologist; and Inspector of Mines) to make a surrey and report on the district, pointing out the most suitable places to put down bores. Acting on that advice, a deputation waited on the lion. Mr. Whitaker, and asked for the services of Mr. Cox. Mr. Whitaker kindly promised to place the services of Mr. Cox at the disposal of the committee as soon as possible. The committee have also obtained estimates for boring from mining engineers, and they are considered fair and reasonable. They therefore recommend that no further action be taken until they are ablu to lay before another meeting the survey and report of Mr. Cox. Several gentlemen expressed their satisfaction at the manner in which the committee had gone about their work. Mr. 1 ,, . Gittos proposed, and Mr. Geo. Thomas seconded, "That the report of the committee be adopted." The motion was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the business of this meeting.