ABANDONED COLLIERY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22131, 10 June 1935, Page 11

ABANDONED COLLIERY

DRIVE UNDER A ROAD QUESTION OF SUBSIDENCE [from our own correspondent! WHANGAREI, Saturday The question of the possible subsidence of the drive in the Waro coal mine at Hikurangi, which was closed some months ago, causing deep holes on the road surface came before the Hikurangi Town .Board at its last meeting. It was reported that recently the inspector of mines, Mr. W. Barclay, visited the abandoned colliery and as a result of his inspection wrote to the manager stating that the supporting timber in the drive under the road was decayed, particularly the laths or covering of the sets and that danger could reasonably be apprehended should a subsidence of the drive cause deep holes on the road surface. Immediate steps were suggested for the purpose of protecting the road surface by filling the drive with ashes or clinker, of which there is an abundance near the road. The board received a communication from Mr. R. H. P. Ronayne, district engineer to the Public Works Department, tc whom a copy of Mr. Barclay's letter had seen sent, asking what had been done with the drive and the old workings running under the road further northwards.

The board decided to communicate with the manager of the Waro mine asking what action, if any, has been taken on the question raised. The Works Committee was instructed to inquire into another abandoned drive used by private parties years ago and ascertain the legal position of the persons responsible.