SHAG POINT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 833, 14 December 1878, Page 2

SHAG POINT.

[from our crwvsr correspondent.] December 13. Since the collapse of the old coal workings, the utmost activity has been shown in opening up the deposit of coal on a more extensive basis and with a better means of working than formerly. The coal has been struck a few chains to the north-east of the old workings on an incline dip of one foot in four, at a distance of 6-i- chains from the bank head. The dip will continue through the deposit of one foot in nine. The machinery is of the best kind, and will, when in full working order, deliver 200 tons of coal in six hours if required. Fifty men are now employed on the work, and one hundred will be required when the mine is in full swing. The colliery has delivered COO tons during the last five months in spite of the very great inconveniences which have been experienced in connection with the old workings. The railway from Pukeiviti to the mines will be finished by April next, when Mr. Williams, the Company's manager, will be in a position to supply the Oamaru market with coal at LI Gs. per ton. I understand that Mr. Williams purposes to have hoppers to carry 50 tons of coal, furnished with shoots, placed over the tramway when the line is finished, and thus he will be able to load 10 trucks, carrying 5 tons each in half an hour.

The Company are building a number of comfortable four-roomed cottages for the workmen, and intend by a generous policy of good wages and comfortable houses to secure a good class of miners. We have a fine little school here under Mr. M'Leod, and church services are held on Sunday evening in the goods shed at the port, Mr. Williams officiating. We very much require a post office, and can get one if we are willing to pay the postmaster, which would cost us LlO a year. This we consider unfair, inasmuch as the Government has many post offices in Qtago that pass less letters and papers through their hands than we would, as we average 200 letters a week, and, counting papers, we would have a good day. I think the Government .might stretch a point in our favor, and give us a post office in the usual way.