The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1901. THE MOKAU COAL MEASURES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 210, 11 September 1901, Page 2

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1901. THE MOKAU COAL MEASURES.

The Mokaucoal measures are attracting some attention just now. In the first place, the quality of the coal is much better than formerly, the supply is much more regular, and the report of the Goal Mines Commission was v«ry favourable regarding both the quality and the manner in which it is being worked. There is no doubt but that the most satisfactory solution of the question of carriage is to put a line of railway from Waitara right up to the mines, because the one handling I which would thus be obtained and the facility of delivery throughout the New Plymouth-Napier-Wellington system would mean a great saving to the consumer. The Auckland Herald in an article on the subject of opening up the Mokau mines says :—"There is much talk nowadays about the supply of coal and about Government action to cheapen the article to consumers. Ministers have, indeed, some men afoot looking out for a convenient coalfield, which is to be worked at the expense of the State, and which is to furnish coal cheap to the public. Would it not be better for the Government to open up the country so that private enterprise may bo able to develop the coalfields we know of ? Thegi'ing access to the country is a legitimate function for the Government; werka coal mine and selling coals is not. Some years ago a syndicate was formed in Sydney to work a portion of the extensive coalfield at Mokau. But it has been found that operalions are greatly hampered by the condition of the Mokau River. The river requires to be ' snagged' for eome distance so as to make it navigable for steamers of moderate draught. Now, this was a proper thing for the Government to undertake, because, besides giving access to a coalfield, the work would have been useful for other purposes and would have led to a considerable extension of settlement. Ministers, indeed, promised that the work should be done, but it has never been commenced, while they are professing to be anxious about the coal supply and are looking for mines to work themselves. In his address to the shareholders of the Bank of New Zealand at the recent meeting, Mr. Blair, president said : ' You have large tracts of land held by the natives on the Mokau River, absolutely untouched, and I am told by surueyors that they are unequalled in New Zealand.' The syndicate which was foimed in Sydney sent an expert to examine and report on the resources of the Mokau lands, and on his confirmation of previous accounts they secured from the natives a long leaFe of 4000 acres, which contains good coal seams, lime, clay, timber for export, and splendid agricultural land. The objtct of the syndicate was to form companies to vigorously develop tbe resources of the block. They formed a company called the 'Taranaki Col-

lieries, Limited,' which has ordered some mining plant, purchased one steamer and built another almost ready for sea, and are in treaty for a third. But they have now been brought almost to a standstill, because the Government has not, as it promised would do, cleared away the snags in the Mokau River. It is estimated that by the expenditure of .£IOOO four steamers could be at once empl yed taking away coal and other mine: als. The company is ready, we understand, if entrusted with the expenditme of the money, to give the use d its steamers and barges to assist in expediting the work for a few months without charge for the use of the honts. Now here is a chance for the Government to develop what may prove to be the largest coal-producing district in colony. So far, the fiold is proved. It is known that there is a large amount of coal at Mokau, and the quality has been demonstrated by use extending over several years. The expenditure on making the river navigable • would not benefit one company merely. It would be for the advantage of several enterprises and aid in the settlement of a large agricultural district. We hope to see a vote on the Estimates this session for the purpose." While agreeing with the advantages pointed out, the Taranski Collieries Company, if really in earnest, should not allow an expenditure of £ 1000 to del y their operations.