Page:Rambles on the Golden Coast of New Zealand.djvu/210

166 years more regularly, and at an enormous cost, the coal seam has been proved, after having driven a level tunnel of 950 ft. long in the fault and a small air drive above, but connected at intervals. The dip is about 230 ft. The main tunnel will now serve as a working road, first for horse traction, until the works are somewhat extended, when a double drum and tail rope (wire rope system) will be applied to it. By that time the dip workings will be discontinued, and the engine power and drums set free to work this district, which Mr Bishop says will yield 100 tons per hour quite easily.

There has for several years been a feeling of uneasiness as to the permanent workings of this Brunner Mine, owing to this fault having cut off so large a portion of the coal area. Now that it is proved satisfactorily and beyond all doubt, there is corresponding satisfaction in the minds of every one who has an interest in the district, and indeed in the Colony, for the prosperity of the mining district and town of Grey, together with the Brunner railway, is largely dependent on the success and extent of these workings. The proprietors and manager may be complimented and congratulated on the skill, energy, and perseverance displayed in its prosecution to so successful a termination.

The port of Greymouth has, of late, so much improved, that steamers drawing 13 ft. have crossed the bar and have taken away as much as 600 tons of coal, consequently the mine has made rapid strides. The output of coal from the mine during 1883 was 68,000 tons, or an increase of some 24,000 tons on the preceding year. This is stated by the Mines Inspector, in his official reports, to be equal to half the total increase of the whole Middle Island of New Zealand. The Government official reports also show the total output of coal from the New Zealand mines to be 421,764 tons, and as there are about 100 mines at work, the Brunner may be said to hold a leading position, having supplied about one-sixth of the total coal produced in the Colony. At the present time the mine is capable of turning out above 400 tons daily. Over the larger portion of the lease of 1280 acres coal is known to exist, and as the seam may be taken, on the average, at 12 ft. thick, the coal may be said to be practically inexhaustible. Up to the present time only a very few acres of the seam have been worked out.

In order to keep pace with the development of the trade and provide for future requirements, the proprietors have, during the past two years, not only carried out various improvements by erecting new and improved machinery for haulage of the coal from the mine and for other purposes, but they are at present engaged on extensive improvements for the better screening and classifying of the coal. These, when completed, will enable a much larger quantity of coal to be dealt with, and will provide for its being sent away in better condition. The coal produced from the mine is of a rich bituminous nature, and has been proved, by analysis and extensive use, to be the best gas coal in the whole of the Australian Colonies, and is equal to the best English coal for this purpose. Owing to its high evaporative power and freedom from impurities, it is found invaluable as a fuel for ocean going steamers. The fastest run on record between New Zealand and England has been made with this coal. It is also extensively used and highly appreciated for smithy and other kindred purposes; and is coming into favour as a household coal, its caking