FATE OF WARO MINE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21255, 8 August 1932, Page 11

FATE OF WARO MINE

FLOOD WATER DANGER NO GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE CONTRACTION OF ORDERS [by TELEGRAPH —OWN correspondent] "VVHANGAREI, Sunday Advice lias been received by the Waro Co-operative Collieries, Ltd., that the Unemployment Board is unable to assist in the purchase of a generator and additional pumps, deemed to be vital to the future working of the mine. Mr. R. A. Fox, manager of the company, recalled yesterday that, owing to the danger of floods, a suggestion was made to the Government in May that a canal should be constructed to cope with tho surface flood-wateirs on the Hikurangi Swamp. The question was deemed to be one of national interest in view of the prospect of flood-waters causing both mines at Hikurangi to be closed. However, the Government had now ceased its drainago operations in the area and it was concluded that the canal scheme would not be prosecuted. The position thus created was viewed with anxiety. The fact that the agreement between Waro Co-operative Collieries and Wilsons (N.Z.) Portland Cement, Ltd., whereby the Cement Company has taken 800 tons of coal weekly, will expire on September 9, is also causing concern. The Cement Company has intimated that it will require only about half that quantity in future. It is stated that the mines cannot profitably be worked on the basis of 400 tons. "Our company really does not. require even as much as 400 tons of coal weekly," said Mr. P. W. Wilson, of Wilsons (N.Z.) Portland Cement, last evening. "If the co-operative workers cannot get additional orders, it is quite likely that it will not be possible to carry on the mine. However, negotiations are now proceeding regarding a new agreement."