THE MINISTER OF MINES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13837, 26 February 1907, Page 5

THE MINISTER OF MINES

THH STATE COAL .MINE.

(Fsoa Our Own Coemspoxdent.) GRHYMOUTH, February 25. Tho Hon. Mr llGouau has"just concluded his tour over the Const,'• nnd expressed the opinion that thing's were much better than ho anticipated. Dealing with tho State coal mine, lip said Iho seams that, were discovered and wore being opened up were far superior to anything yet worked in the colony. A very largo increased output mi slit bo looked for, it teing- tlio instruction of tlio IJovernnieilt lo push the trade. He was certain that the consumption, independent of what the t.'overiiment required for its own use, would ho very large, and as tho accommodation at the port of Liroymonth was quilo inadequate provision would ho made for increasing the shipping facilities. This would have to bo done by dredging the lagoon and making ii, suitable for shipping. A.S to Point Elizabeth, lie regarded it us a big order, and net |il;e!y to be immediately undertaken. Sufficient money would be found, however, to complete 'the present, survey and' the faking of soundings, and tho country wonhl be placed in possession of tho facts regarding this locality. At a banquet tendered to ill- M'flowan Inore was a large ' and representative BRlnerinj, the Minister meeting- 'with a very cordial reception. In speaking he avoided polities, but again referred to the valuable seams of coal in the State mine and Iho determination of the fiovoniinent lo linug the commodity to piarkf. ' He promised the Huron,- Hoard to pay royultv upon all coal sold. ] rat . , vm ,],i not . •,]„ 60 * fuel used on the railways or by the Slate"