OREPUKI SHALE WORKS

Southland Times, Issue 23141, 6 March 1937, Page 8

OREPUKI SHALE WORKS

Reopening Desired

DEPUTATION TO MR SULLIVAN A request for a “fair and square” investigation into the resources of the Orepuki shale works was made to the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) by representatives of the Orepuki Progress League yesterday. The works have been closed for 30 years, and from time to time reports have been obtained, but according to the deputation these reports have been anything but satisfactory. One speaker claimed that it was estimated that there was about 1,000,000 tons of shale available for treatment. Mr J. Tecofsky asked the Minister if he would obtain a report showing the ouantity and quality of the shale available. If the report were satisfactory there was no reason why the works should not be reopened and an industry carried on to the great benefit of the district. If the shale were not there in payable quantities the question of attempting to reopen the works would be dropped for all time as far as the league was concerned. Mr J. Hennessey said the matter was one of great importance to the district. All they asked for was a fair report and nothing else. They had had reports before, and from men of high standing, but there was little satisfaction when it was known that the reports were supplied and the works had not been visited. They wanted an unbiased report and would be satisfied. It was estimated, he said, that there was a million tons of shale available. The boring previously carried out had proved that. If the Minister would undertake to get an investigation the result would be accepted. In reply the Minister said he did not think the question to be considered was one of quantity. However, it was really a matter for the Minister of Mines who, he understood, was going into the question. As far as Mr Sullivan knew the essential question was that of quality. In 1934 a report of the product was obtained and the analyst had stated that the shale was not a surface deposit, but would require to be mined like coal. The shale had proved unprofitable 30 years ago, said the report, and apparently was the same at the present time. The question became an economic one, continued the Minister, and according to the parent company the works would not be economic to work. He understood the debenture holders were willing to sell the works, but they could not get anyone to buy. The previous Government had examined the works, but he was prepared to do anything he could to get satisfaction. The departments of Mines and Industries and Commerce would try to estimate whether the reopening would be an economic proposition or not. If it could be done, he would like to see the works reopened.