THE BULLER COAL FIELDS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 274, 1 May 1873, Page 6

THE BULLER COAL FIELDS.

[''Westport Times" April 11 «] Dr Hector arrived from Greymouth, via Charleston, on Wednesday afternoon. Yesterday, in company with Mr. Beetham Auckland, and Mr. J. B. Fisher, he rode up to the Waimangaroa to inspect the coal seam opened up there. To-day he will go up to the Ngakawhau by the Result, and afterwards visit the Little Wanganui A deputation of the Westport Coal Committee waited on Dr Hector yesterday morning to consult with him as to the proposed »Westport and Ngakawhau Railway. The interview was satisfactory in a degree only. Dr. Hector, it appeared, had no previous knowledge of the recent action in Westport or the appointment of a local committee, and recent telegrams to him and to the Government referring to the Waimangaro, seemed to have mystified and confused matters rather than making them more clear. Dr. Hector expressed an opinion that before the Government would accede to anything in favor of the line, all difficulties as to the present leasing of the Ngakawhau Mine would have to be cleared away, and also that the Government would require a guarantee that so many thousand tons of coal would be carried on the railway every year. It was explained by the deputation that the arrangements for the lease of the Ngakawhau mine rested solely with the Superintendent of Nelson, and who alone could give such information as the General Government desired, and also that the present holders of the Ngakawhau mine were ready to forego all the present rights in order to advance the public interest, upon the sole condition of being reimbursed their outlay in opening up the mine. It was also shown that the requisite guarantee of traffic on the line could be amply assured, provided the Government made any ordinarily liberal concessions by lease to parties willing to work the coal seams at the various points along the route, and that the formation of the line would be the best and only means of opening up the coal field.