FURTHER EXPANSION OF THE COAL MINING INDUSTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2318, 4 August 1898, Page 11

FURTHER EXPANSION OF THE COAL MINING INDUSTRY.

THE JUBILEE COLLIERY.

We are pleased to note a further developwent in the coal-mining industry by the opening of the Jubilee Colliery, appropriately so named, operations having been commenced in the year of the 50th anniversary of our pro\ince. This work has just been completed by Mr James Loudon (well and favourably known for upwards of 35 years in connection with the coal trade) in conjunction with Mr Robert Houorlh, of vVaitou Park.

It has been an accepted fact for many years past that a superior seam of brown coal existed on the upper portion of the Walton Park estate, but owing to difficulty of access in the way of railway communication it has been allowed to remain umvorked up to the present. Messrs Loudon and Tloworth have now, however, at considerable outlay and with commendable enterprise overcome this difficulty by the construction of a substantial tramway, o\er half a mile in length. This tlu-y have laid with bluegum sleepers and steel rails. For about two-thirds ot the distance, which passes over an almo&t level surface, the work can be easily accomplished by horses ; but for the remaining portion, which is a very steep grade, it was found necessary to provide a powerful engine and hauling gear and a steel wire rope "specially imported for tho purpose. This engine is capable of hauling several tons at a time. Tho coal is then loaded into trucks at the ierrninus of the Walton Paik branch railway, tbe Government having extended this line a short distance so as to coiipl*>!., the connection.

The drive from ihioi the e;.A n, cbkiinfid i 3 stoutly ti r.bered wii.li heavy bluegum, and being driven with a slight rise, just sufficient to make the workings self-draining, an item of expense has been obviated which has proved one of the most serious in similar undertakings in this district. This will prove a most important saving, and will loFsen ihe cost of production very considerably. Full and ample provision has also been made for the comfort and safety of the workmen in the shape of ventilation, etc., no expense being spared to make everything safe and secure. The area of the field being worked is about 100 acres, and judging from the thickness and solid nature of the seam the output should continue for many years to come.

We learn that for some time past several leading manufacturers have been using this coal for steam-raising purposes with most satisfactory results, but the firm decided to lefrain from placing it on the market for household use until they reached the mam body of coal and got direct railway connection. Now, however, they are in a position to supply any quantity of a first-class fuel for all pin-poses. Our representative, who has vifitad the mine, inspected a sample ot its output, and also saw it burning, speaks of it as being what is generally known os brown coal, of good quality, clean in appearance, easily kindled, burning with a brilliant flame, possessing good heating power, and entirely free from sulphurous or other obnoxious smells. It is to be hoped the proprietors will moot with the support so fully merited by the enterprise displayed in this their new venture.