CO-OPERATIVE MINE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16607, 3 December 1919, Page 8

CO-OPERATIVE MINE.

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ SCHEME. A scheme for the working of a, coalmine on the West Coast by returned soldiers, on the co-operative system, is at present being considered by the Westport Returned Soldiers’ Association. At Wednesday evening’s meeting ‘.of the Canterbury Repatriation Board a communication was received in connection with the matter from the secretary of tiie association, who stated that, following a conversation with Mr. “V. E. Lcadley. a member of tbo board, ho submitted a rough outline of tho association’s co-oper-ative coal-raining scheme. A coalmining Tease of J.OOO acres existed, the land being situated six miles from Westport, at what was known as “The Nine Milo.” Tho lease was at present held by Mr. W. Rogers, of ueniiiston. The scam of coal was 9 foot thick. Analysis showed tho coal to he of a very high calorific value. There was easy access to timber for all mining purposes'. Tho Railway Department had a lino Westport which runs through the property. Tho association had a party of 20 practical minors ready to take up the work, in charge of Mr. John Watson, who was a qualified mining engineer. Twenty men had boon got together, but if the board favoured the scheme the association could no doubt find another 40 good men locally. In addition, the writer know of a large number of returned soldiers who wore practical miners. These men would not refurn to their old occupation with tho mining companies, as there was too much go-slow and ether dissension there. If these men were, given the 'opportunity of becoming shareholders in the mine, they ‘'would not be able to get there quickly enough.” It was suggested that the board should depute a member to visit and examine the property if it thought the scheme feasible. As the Repatriation Officer (Mr. T. M. Charters), in the ordinary course, intended to visit tho West, Coast next week, it was decided that he should make the desired inquiries.