THE GOAL INDUSTRY

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 91, 13 July 1928, Page 3

THE GOAL INDUSTRY

DEVELOPMENT AT TANGARAKIAU. IMPORTANCE TO STRATFORD. The striking exhibit of Taranaki Collieries, Ltd., at the Stratford Winter Show bring forcibly to notice the remarkable possibilities of the great coal bearing area near Tangarakau Flat, and it is not difficult to visualise the great benefit to the town of Stratford that will accrue from it. As far as the growth of Stratford town is concerned it is generally admitted that future increase' in population t can only come as a result of industrial development because any farther subdivision of farming'land in the district is hardly possible, thi B being one of the most closely settled areas in New Zealand. As a matter of fact our rural population shows a decrease on what it was ten years ago. Regret has often been expressed that this town j s the centre of so few industries and undertakings

giving employment to any large number of workers, and the advent of a new industry which will bo able to provide cheap power for industries is cheering, more especially as it promises to be exceedingly successful, and above all promises to employ a large number of men. It is anticipated that when the mine in the Gorge is opened up a little more it will employ upwards of 100 men, and the aim of the management- will be to employ married men whenever possible. There is an admirable site for a township close to the mine, and as this is situated about a mile from Tangarakau Flat there will be available to the miners the enjoyment of the Government railway service, the Post and Telegraph and school facilities, and also the social amenities available at the Flat. It' is obvious, that, the whole of the requirements of these employees must be purchased from- Stratford, which no doubt will also greatly benefit by week-end visits of miners and their families; The gentlemen interested in the development of this important coalfield have, during the last eight months, bden. testing and prospecting thoroughly the whole area of 1100 acres in -the Gorge. Investigations*l by experts have reveal-

ed the existence of continuous seams of excellent coal. Out of the drive s made Into t'he hillsides for the purpose of prospecting about 1300 tons of excellent coal have been, obtained and sold to the Government for steam purposes. ' As many as 19 men have been employed in the prospecting and development work which gives an indication of the number necessary when the mine is opened. The property extends to 'within 1& miles of the railhead at Tangarakau, but the main prospecting are located a little over 3 miles from the Flat, the route in batwesn being practically dead, level.