COAL PROSPECTING.

West Coast Times, Issue 11805, 22 January 1901, Page 4

COAL PROSPECTING.

I A public meeting was held in the Town Hall last evening for the purpose of considering what steps should ba taken witli reference to prospesting and developing the coal measures knowD to exist on Mount Camel back. The Mayor ( Mr Michel (occupied the Chair and dwelt briefly on the importance of proving the nature, extent, and value of ths coal measures at CameJback. He read the report of MrM'Kay, Government geolo gist, on the subject.

Mr Park moved that the former Coal Prospecting Association be revived and those present be constituted members of the Association. He understood there was a balance of about £25 still standing to the credit of the Association and he did not apprehend any difficulty in getting it ; this sum would ha n e to be supplemented by private subscriptions and they might get Government subsidies. He strongly urged fche necessity for pioving the true value of those measures. --Mr Northcroft seconded the resolution which was supported by Meesrs Beare, Matthews (Kokatahi), Thompson, James King and others, and unanimously agreod ' to. j Mr Beare then moved that a committee consisting of Messrs Park, Matthews, Diedricbs, Stark, Toomey, J.King, C. Evans, D. J. Evans, Araberger, V. Bonar, M'Arthur, Beare and Dr Teichelmanu be authorised to wait on the old Association with the view of arranging for reviving its operations and joining it. Dr Teichelmann seconded the motion, which was agreed to. A leDgthy conversational discu9ison tok flace in which Messrs Amberger, F. Smith, Thompson, Jam« 3 Kiug and the Mayor addressed the meeting, the motion being carried. — At the request of the Mayor Mr A. H. WaddeU, who had experience of coal measures at Pictou, gave che meeting some valuable* advice aud information on the subject.

Mr Staines moved > that Government be asked to expend £1000 in tracks, roading, &c, Jto the coal measuresSeconded by Mr Thompson and amended in the way of leaving the matter over till Mondaj night. The meeting adjourned at 10.45 p.m.