MOKAU COALFIELD.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 28, 28 December 1917, Page 3

MOKAU COALFIELD.

OFFER TO THE GOVERNMENT. “It looks very clear to us that until we succeed in developing our hy-dro-electric power resources,” said the Hon. W. D .S. MacDonald, “that we must do all we can to explore and develop pur coal supplies. Hydroelectric power is a big thing, and will take a long time to come into general operation, so that we must look to coal for some time yet. Early in the new year I will submit to Cabinet a report 1 am obtaining from Mr Morgan, Director of the Geological Survey, upon the Mokau coalfield in Northern Taranaki. The owners of the area have offered to the Government the mineral rights over about 60,000 or 70,000 acres, containing a large quantity of coal, much of which can be easily transported down the Mokau river. This waterway can be improved at small expense by straightening one portion. ft‘ might also be possible to use much of the land for the settlement of soldiers, but this is a mattef apart from the mining question, which the Government will consider at an early date.”