THE WEST COAST

Otago Witness, Issue 3619, 24 July 1923, Page 30

THE WEST COAST

AMENITIES OF MINING TOWNSHIPS. The unattractive conditions of some of the coalmining districts of the West Coast are frequently referred to by casual visitors, who may probably have had their vision distorted somewhat owing to the climatic conditions being unpropitious. As a matter of fact, compared with hundreds of families following agricultural pursuits in the bac-kblocks of this country, the inhabitants of these mining villages have many advantages. “Man is a gregarious animal,” and the proximity of neighbours, the comradeships, the ready means to do the daily shopping, the church activities, the übiquitous picture shows, the libraries, reading rooms, and clubs, where games of billiards, chess, draughts, etc., can be played, all help to sweeten life and supply each in their different spheres with the things they need. The uncertainty of success in mining operations prevents a large initial outlay in town building, and later operations often make it necessary for the houses to be moved nearer __ to the work. Still, most, if not all, of the companies whose operations are carried out in these localities to which we have referred are anxious to do all possible to improve the amenities as far as can be done. tine of these companies (the Westport Coal Co.) recently commissioned Mr Tannock (Superintendent of Reserves at Dunedin) to visit their colliery towns at Denniston and Millerton to ascertain what improvements were possible there in view of the climatic and other natural conditions that have to be contended with. As a result of Mr Tannock’s report, the company has now appointed Mr B. 11. Goudie, who was formerly in charge of the Government reserves at Cornwallis Park, as forester and superintendent of amenities for the purpose of carrying out a scheme of tree planting, both for beautifying the cistrict and to provide timber for the necessities of the mine in years to come. I , lli< ' nt ‘“ , ‘ ' s Tc) beautify the place by the planting of trees wherever possible and shrubs and flowers, and, if possible, to provide facilities for swimming in some of the company's dams, with playgrounds for the children and provision for suoh games as tennis, cricket, and football The «x penenc© whioh Mr Goudie has had will no doubt prove very useful to him in pushing on this work, which should remove unv reproach that may formerly have attached to the townships of Denniston and Granby r J hose who are acquainted with th e Uiffi‘•illlies that have to bo faced in some of these colliery towns will appreciate the problem of companies in laying them off along town planning lines, but it is satisfactory to find evidence of a desire of companies to do everything possible to make the conditions of life as satisfactory and pleasant as possible for their workers. During the war years, of course, very little could be done in the direction of housebuilding, but in the last twp years the Westport Coal Company has erected a score of tasteful cottages, and these are being added to. Mr Tannocrr. in his report, speeilies suitable spots for tree planting about Denniston, and estimates that about 1000 acres might be made available for this purpose near Millerton. A site near the dam at Millerton is recommended for a nursery. Detailed suggestions for amenities and recreation grounds about Denniston, Burnett’s Face, and Millerton give promise of making great improvements in the appearance of the countryside and in the comfort of residents there.