Rambles on the Golden Coast of New Zealand/Chapter 17
GREYMOUTH INDUSTRIES.
CHAPTER XVII.
HE town of Greymouth, like that of Hokitika, was the scene of a large and bustling rush of miners in the summer of 1865. The bulk of the diggers who happened to locate in that direction found themselves at once in luck’s way. New rushes throughout the district were then frequent and numerous. Many a lucky one’s yarns of the earliest days of the Grey would rival those of the young Victorians, when naught was heard of but “gold, gold, bright and yellow, hard and cold.” First a digging township, with its primitive buildings, diminutive stores, canvas signs, and shingly river banks; now a flourishing and permanent centre town of a large and promising district, an established shipping depot with great natural facilities, in the possession of an industrious and zealous community, who had good reason to be confident in their own resources. Besides their large annual out-turn of gold, the enterprise of the citizens of Greymouth has been the means of discovering, and is now the means of developing, a most valuable estate in the shape of an extensive, workable, and permanent coalfield.
The Brunner Mine,
which takes its name from Mr Brunner, the explorer and discoverer, to whom reference has already been made in a previous chapter, is situated about eight miles up the Grey River. Samples of the coal were tested as early as 1862, and work was first commenced in 1864. Matthew Batty and party were the first to lease the mine from the Nelson Provincial Government. They were unable, however, to comply, profitably to themselves, with the terms of the lease, which was ultimately cancelled. A second company from Ballarat got possession of the mine, and obtained a lease subject to certain royalties, and reserved rental, and a stipulated output of coal annually. Little or no attempt was made by this company to comply with the conditions of the lease. All they did was to provide a couple of coal barges, which they employed in bringing coal from the mine to the port, where it was sold to any ship in the harbour, at prices varying from 18s. to 25s. per ton. Finally the Nelson Government cancelled the lease, after being about four years in possession of the Ballarat Company. The Provincial Government then worked the mine on its own account, getting the Warden to supervise the payment of the men employed and to receive the proceeds from the sale of coal. Mr J. Dent was at this time the mine manager. In this way the mine was worked up to 1874, when a lease for 21 years was granted by the Superintendent of Nelson to a Melbourne firm, Messrs Croker, Hughes, and M‘Carthy, on the usual conditions of rent and royalty, and a yearly output, commencing at 12,000 tons, and increasing 3000 tons every year, until a maximum of 30,000 tons would be reached. The new lessees were very loud in their professions of the hundreds of thousands of pounds they were to embark in the development of the mine and in providing steam colliers, but it soon became apparent that they only embarked in the venture as a speculation. Not answering their anticipations, they quarrelled amongst themselves, and after a lapse of six months, in July 1874, they sold out all their interest in the lease of 1280 acres to the present owners, Messrs Kennedy Brothers of Greymouth. This enterprising firm have, since that time to the present date, worked the mine most successfully.
Up to July 1874, the output of coal from the mine for the preceding twelve months was about 10,000 tons, and the area worked was about 15 acres. The seam, although brittle, was regarded as the best in the Australian Colonies, being 16 ft. thick, clean and free from bands, and was pronounced an excellent gas, smithy, and steam coal. There was, however, one drawback. A large fault was met while the mine was being worked by the Provincial Government. It had been examined and was reported upon by Dr Hector and other authorities in coal mining, and geologists, who concluded that it was a downthrow of at least 100 ft. The manager, Mr Dent, was authorised to prove this fault, and for that purpose put down a winze, but after sinking some 60 ft., abandoned the project, not being satisfied with appearances. But when the new proprietors got hold of the property, coal mining was commenced on proper principles, and the work was carried on in real earnest. Like all new industries, coal mining had then, and I suppose still has, its difficulties. More especially were these visible in the early days of Messrs Kennedy Brothers’ occupancy of the mine, when ships had to be employed to take the coal to markets of consumption which were already occupied by the trade, who held large bottoms of 1000 tons and upwards, which were regularly engaged between Newcastle and New Zealand ports, whereas only vessels of about 100 tons could be employed at Greymouth, owing to the shallowness of the bar in those days. The firm in this way had a handicap of 10s. per ton, the freights being 15s. per ton from Newcastle, as against 25s. per ton from Greymouth. To overcome this difficulty Messrs Kennedy were compelled to purchase sailing vessels, coal hulks, and steamships. Subsequently they established branches at the principal ports in the Colony, with the object of pushing the sale of their coal. In 1875 the General Government, in order to facilitate the progress of this industry, constructed a line of railway from Greymouth to Brunnerton. Sir John Coode proposed plans for the improvement of the harbour, and after a considerable expenditure annually by the Government, the depth of water on the bar at high tide is now seldom less than 14 ft., and often 16 to 18 ft.
Messrs Kennedy Brothers have now, of their own fleet, five sailing vessels, barques, and schooners, and two steamers, the “St Kilda” and the “Maori.” They also are constantly freighting innumerable steamers and ships throughout the Colony and Victoria, which they load up with the produce of this mine. In addition to coal-mining, they have added coke-making, fire brick and common brick manufacturing, also lime-burning from Hawke’s Bay stone, conveyed in their vessels as ballast.
A short description of the work will be interesting, and this I am enabled to give from data furnished me by Messrs Kennedy Brothers. Immediately on crossing the Suspension Bridge at the Grey Gorge, we are on the Brunner Lease. Mr J. Bishop is the resident manager and engineer at the mine, under whose direction and management the entire works have been placed and have been carried on during the past two years. In viewing the machinery on the surface, there is first seen a 20 h.-p. engine, constructed by Messrs Kincaid, M‘Queen, & Co., of Dunedin, which is used for hauling coal from the dip workings, by means of a 2½-in. steel wire rope over a large drum. Six skips, of 15 cwt. each, are hauled up each time, and the drum is reversed when lowering the empties. The road is on an incline of 1 in 6, and is about 20 chains in length. Close to the engine-house is another engine of 7 h.-p., which works an elevator for lifting the slack or small coal to a height of about 50 ft., where it passes over a screen, the largest of which is technically called “nuts,” and passes into a large bin, capable of holding 200 tons, which is completely covered in. At this elevation the railway hoppers are placed under it, and the doors and traps, of which there are several, are drawn back by means of a lever, and a truck of six tons is filled in a minute. The fine slack separated from the nuts passes down the bin through a trunkway, and is taken away for coke-making. Steam is supplied to these engines by means of two large tubular boilers, by Clayton and Shuttleworth, set beside each other and close to the main engine. These boilers also supply steam to a 16 h.-p. engine, used for crushing the fire-clay at the fire-brick works, which will be referred to later on, and also to three Pulsometer pumps and one Tangye, which are at various levels in the dip workings, and by which means this, the only part of the mine which is not free level, is kept pumped. Mr Bishop says, for shallow workings these Pulsometers give more satisfaction than any pumps he knows of, the Tangye being used for the furthest part of the dip workings.
It is rather curious to stand on the platform or tipping bank, and watch the amount of coal arriving from various quarters with the greatest regularity, and no confusion of any kind whatever. For, in addition to the dip workings, there is also what is called the rise workings, and which are worked “level free.” The coal from this part of the mine used to be lowered by means of drums and wire ropes placed inside of the mine and at the top of the bank. As the works got far back several of these drums had to be erected, thus increasing the cost very largely. This Mr Bishop has superseded by applying an endless rope extending the whole way to the farthest part of the rise workings, so that it only requires one man at the top of the bank to hang on any quantity of coal up to 500 tons in 8 hours. The banksmen who attend tipping the coal over the screens on the surface take the coal off as it arrives. This endless rope travels very slowly, the motion being hardly perceptible. The trucks standing about 40 yds. apart on the rope give ample time for removal and hanging on the empties. Mr Bishop is satisfied this is the cheapest system that could be applied to that part of the mine workings, as the incline is in favour of the load, being about 1 in 6, and therefore requires no engine-power to work. The total length of this line is 1078 yards, and has a double line of 20 lb. steel rails, with which all travelling roads in the mine are laid. The rails used for boards are 14 lb., being light and handy for frequent shifting. This endless rope passes over an elevated wheel placed on the tipping bank. It travels at right angles to the rope working from the dip. The total daily output is about 400 tons, and is all passed over a fixed screen of ¾-in. mesh. The small passing through this mesh is called slack, and, as already described, is again elevated and made into nuts. The fine dust is converted into coke or washed into the adjacent river Grey, as the market for coke is not equal to one-half of the available fine coal.
The interior of the mine you enter by means of a tunnel from the level of the tipping bank, and ascending this road over which the endless rope is working, you pass through the old workings, about 35 to 40 acres in extent, now comparatively worked out. Probably at some future time a large quantity of steam coal and coking coal will be drawn therefrom. One cannot help being struck with the brilliant appearance of glow worms, which are to be seen on the pillars of coal throughout the mine. The effect is grand, and almost affords sufficient light to enable you to pass along without the aid of your naked candle. There is also another striking feature in these old workings, to see what was once the pavement and 16 ft. apart from the sandstone roof, has now actually in many places come together, not by any failure or depression in the roof, but by the floor or pavement rising up. This is technically called “creep,” and is caused by the pillars being taken out or so reduced that the underneath strata being relieved of the great pressure of coal removed, expands and creeps, until it meets the roof. This was a source of frightful cost and interruption a few years past to the proprietors, having had to keep cutting away the bottom, on various occasions several feet at a time, in order to maintain a road open to the upper or new portion of the workings. It is said that in the old collieries at Home, a whole mile of such a road has been known to close up completely in one night by the floor lifting up. During these years the area of coal workings was contracted, owing to the presence of the fault already noted cutting off the coal to the westward, and baffled all attempts on the part of Mr R Elliott, the then mine manager, to find it.
In 1877, Dr Hector, at an interview Mr Kennedy had with him at his office in Wellington, described the nature of this fault, and expected it was a down-throw of 100 ft. At this time, Mr Elliott believing it was a whinstone dyke, put a level tunnel into the rock at right angles to the fault slip, a distance of 200 ft., costing £1000, without any result. This was abandoned and a double tunnel started on the line of the slip, as advised by Dr Hector. When this was driven about 800 ft., the gas was giving off very freely, and the air became too bad for working without mechanical appliances for ventilation. A 16 ft. gurbal fan was procured and erected in the interior of the mine to be driven by a turbine. The water being partly obtained from the drainage of the mine, was brought in from the surface. It was never worked for any length of time, only being started a few times as a trial. The manager, Mr Elliott, and the builder, the late Mr Broadfoot, being present at one of these trials, Mr Broadfoot lifted his candle towards the roof, thus causing an explosion, by which Broadfoot lost his life. The manager narrowly escaped, and the fan was blown to atoms, thus stopping the further prosecution of this mode of seeking for the lost coal.
This accident led to a change of mine managers, and Mr Jonathan Harrison, F.G.S., entered on the management, which he kept for one year, and resigned to accept the management of the Wallsend Mine. During Mr Harrison’s management, he succeeded in carrying the coal workings beyond the line of fault to the westward, and it was thought then, and may yet prove correct, that he thus proved this great barrier of a fault. At all events it is quite certain that by his action a large coal area was made available, which under a less observant person might have remained dormant, and be to this day regarded as the continuation of the fault. It is from this field one-half of the present output is being obtained, and is commanded by the endless rope, and that portion of the mine looks inexhaustible although the seam is thin, 9 ft., in comparison with the seam lower down the mine, 16 ft. thick. After Mr Harrison, the mine was managed by Mr James Lees, and for a short period by Mr Tattly. During Mr Lees’ term the dip workings were started to provide and ensure together with the rise workings a certain supply for all possible demands, pending the proving of the fault in what was regarded the proper position in the tunnel where the explosion occurred.
Mr Bishop superseded Mr Tattly in the management, and this may be regarded as the turning point in this important property. The inferior pumping appliances in the dip workings were replaced with the present complete pumps. The winding engine was replaced with a new and suitable one now at work. The working roads were all put in order and have since been kept in order, thus doing away with the enormous amount of breakage previously occurring. Hadfield’s steel wheels and axles have been imported and applied to the running skips in the mine, thus saving largely in cost of grease, oil and labour for lubricating and avoiding frequent break-down of the iron wheels. The ventilating fan has been rebuilt, but not in the position where formerly wrecked. It is now on the outside of the mine at the highest-up entrance about 100 ft. higher up than the tipping bank. This is also driven by a small portable engine 8 h.-p., and keeps the mine thoroughly ventilated; so much of the workings are commanded by openings to the surface that they are easily ventilated. With the completion of this fan Mr Bishop made a new start for the great work of proving the fault, and after satisfying himself that the old tunnels were in the proper direction for the work, he had them cleaned out and put in order, a work of greater magnitude almost than making a new start as it subsequently proved. And after prosecuting this tunnel a further 150 ft., not exactly in the same line, but turning off more to the westward and entering the original undisturbed strata, he was rewarded by discovering the long lost seam. Judging by its appearance and thickness, fully 16 to 18 ft., it is the full seam. Thus, after the lapse of about 15 years’ work, which was carried on at long or short intervals, but of late 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 qualities being for a time against it, but when understood are advantageous, as has been found in England.
In connection with the mine, there are 12 coke ovens capable of producing 60 tons of coke per week, which is in excess of the demand at present. In quality the Brunner coke is hard and dense, having the silvery appearance which is so much looked after by coke users, and in consequence is highly appreciated for foundry purposes. It is also used for the locomotives on some of the heavy grade lines of the Colony. For city lines like Lyttelton and Christchurch the wonder is, why coke is not used instead of coal, and so get rid of the smoke and sulphur so obnoxious to passengers, especially in long tunnels.
The works for the manufacture of bricks, gas retorts, and other fire-clay goods, have been established for some years, but during the last 12 months, the old works have been superseded by the erection of a complete new plant with improved machinery and drying sheds. These works are now capable of producing fire-bricks of all shapes and sizes, gas retorts, pipes and sanitary pipes, or other special goods to supply the whole colonial demand. At present nearly all the large gas works in New Zealand are users of retorts made at the Brunner works, and users of fire-clay goods may have confidence in obtaining goods at these works equal, if not superior, to imported articles. Large quantities of bricks, tiles, and other goods, also ground fire-clay, are always on hand and ready for immediate shipment.
The markets for the produce of this mine may at present be said to be New Zealand and Victoria. In New Zealand the coal is used for the production of gas, steam, and for smithy and other purposes. In the Colony of Victoria it is used for gas whenever it can be obtained, and is much preferred to New South Wales coal. The obtaining of new outlets for the produce of this mine will largely depend on the further contemplated improvement to the Greymouth harbour, for, with depth of water to enable larger vessels to enter the port, there can be no reasonable limit put to the distance to which the productions of these works may be sent. As it is, the works now in course of being carried out at the mine will enable the large demand to be met wherever the facilities are provided for carrying it away.
At present there is a difficulty in competing with Newcastle coal in New Zealand markets, as most of the Newcastle coal is imported in large bottoms of 1000 to 3000 tons, carrying round charters from Home. These vessels come from Australia to load grain, taking in coal at Newcastle at nominal freights. There are also four or five large steamers, each 2000 tons, coal carrying, regularly employed between Newcastle and New Zealand. Their coal freights are also nominal, relying on passengers and return cargo to pay them. The outcome of this is seen by the fact, that in 1878 the colonial railways at Lyttelton and Wellington paid 35s. per ton for Newcastle coal for their requirements. Last year the price was 24s. for West Coast coal, which is 10 per cent, superior. Thus the Colony effects a yearly saving on the 80,000 tons of coal used for railway purposes, 10s. per ton, or £40,000, by the West Coast coal, apart from other considerations.
The proprietors are in a position to execute orders to the extent of 2500 tons of coal weekly, 60 tons of coke, 150 to 200 tons of fire-clay, tiles, etc., and 50 tons of lime, within the same time. They have obtained the highest awards for the above products at the Sydney, Melbourne, and New Zealand International Exhibitions. The coke is admittedly the best manufactured in England or Australia. The fire-clay gas retorts from this mine have been used in the Dunedin, Nelson, Wanganui, Hokitika, Greymouth, and Bendigo gas works, and have given the utmost satisfaction.
The ships owned by Messrs Kennedy Brothers are the s.s. “St Kilda,” s.s. “Maori,” p.s. tug “Dispatch,” barque “Pelham,” barquentine “St Kilda,” brigantine “Eliza Firth,” brigantine “Anthons,” and schooner “Cora.” The firm have branches at Dunedin, Lyttelton, Christchurch, Wellington, Wanganui, Waitara, and Melbourne, with the head office at Greymouth. In addition to the fleet above named, they have hulks of large storing capacity at Wellington, Lyttelton, and Dunedin. They are therefore enabled, not only to mine, but to carry and sell their own coal throughout the Colony and in Australia. Besides, as I have stated, their own tonnage only does a fraction of their carrying. They are owners of the local tug-boat, and for vessels arriving in ballast the low charge of 2s. per ton register is made, which includes the towage inwards and outwards.
With the contemplated improvement to the harbour and means of shipping coal, under the new Harbour Trust, steam colliers of large tonnage will, no doubt, be shortly employed in the trade. It is confidently believed, that within a few months’ time, the proprietors of the Brunner Mine will be able to put 1000 tons per day on the market when the demand for that quantity arises.
I cannot close this portion of the chapter without saying, that the rich reward which is now in a fair way of being reaped by the proprietors of this mine is fully deserved, as it is the outcome of individual courage, energy, and perseverance, and a just recompense for industry and integrity. Mr James Bishop, the present mine manager and engineer, is also entitled to a meed of praise, as it is greatly owing to his capability and efficiency that the mine and works, generally, have, within the last two years, made such rapid progress.
Other Companies.
The Coal Pit Heath Company’s lease of 770 acres adjoins that of the Brunner Mine on the west side, the boundary being about 150 yards lower down the river than the entrance to the Brunner Mine. There is little or no difference in the quality of the coal. The entrance is by a shaft 300 ft. deep, which is worked by a 35 h.-p. engine. The seam averages nearly 16 ft. in thickness. The yielding capacity is, like that of the Brunner Mine, practically unlimited. This mine is capable of an output of 150 to 200 tons per day of eight hours. Were demand sufficient an output of 600 tons in 24 hours could be obtained. This company’s coke has likewise been favourably reported on by various iron founders in this Colony and in Victoria. The directors of this company contemplate forming a new company with a capital of £100,000 in 20,000 shares of £5 each, of which 12,500 shares are to be offered to the public. The scheme proposes the purchase of steam colliers specially adapted to the trade and generally extending their operations. The position of this mine for advantageous working is unique, and many of the remarks made in reference to the Brunner Mine apply equally to the Coal Pit Heath Mine.
The Coal Creek Company’s ground adjoins that of the Coal Pit Heath Company on the north-west side. The quality of the Coal Creek coal is similar to that of the other companies above referred to.
I should like to have been able to have quoted in full an excellent geographical report on the coal and goldfields in the Grey Valley, contributed to the Colliery Guardian by Mr Jonathan Harrison, F.G.S., which gives valuable information, not only in respect to the coal measures here alluded to, but likewise in reference to the great reefing country of Inangahua.
The Dispatch Foundry Co., Limited, Greymouth, acquired the business of engineers, iron and brass moulders, millwrights, wood turners, boiler moulders, and general smiths, that was carried on by Messrs Rae & Sewell in 1874. Those gentlemen invested £2400, but found this sum quite inadequate to carry on the business. Seeing that a local foundry was a boon to the district, the public at once responded, and contributed the sum of £7000, so that the premises and tools might be complete to take in any job that might offer itself. From the very great competition in New Zealand towns and Melbourne, the shareholders were aware that small dividends would be their share. Still, rather than suffer the inconvenience and loss of time incident on sending work away, they were satisfied to support the undertaking, knowing well that indirectly they were furthering the interests of themselves and the public at large. In the payment of dividends they have not been mistaken. The company has barely paid the shareholders 4 per cent, per annum on their capital, although the most rigid economy and best management has been practised. The company employ and have employed eighteen hands on an average, paying them weekly about £50; moulders and blacksmiths are paid £4 per week; fitters and turners, 12s. per day; labourers, 9s. per day; and boys, 7s. to 30s. per week. It is necessary in this, as in all jobbing shops, to have a man who can take the head of each department above mentioned. The staff must be kept up so that any job that offers in those departments can be taken in hand and finished. Very often it happens that there are no jobs in for a particular class of hands; these then assist the others and try to surmount the difficulties attending on all such workshops as the Greymouth Foundry. The work turned out by the company is and has been of the most varied description. The heaviest casting they have been called on to turn out was a little over three tons, but they have appliances for turning out much heavier work than this. The heaviest gun metal casting was 600 pounds. The same can be said of this branch. The company have in the best working order 17 machines or tools of the latest construction connected with their main shafting, fitted with fast and loose pulleys, and are adding two more, namely a set of boiler rolls to take in a nine feet plate, and a circular saw for cutting up iron cold. A West Coast foundry has the advantage of cheap coals and coke. The very best coals adapted for their purposes are supplied at 8s. per ton and ditto coke 20s. This, in a measure, gives it an advantage over a foundry that is some distance from a coal supply. The business is kept going by orders from Ross and Hokitika in the south, Westport in the north, the reefs and mining claims inland, and the three local coal mines. Shipping business is almost nil, as vessels trading to larger ports keep their work for these ports; they imagine they get the work done cheaper. Agricultural business is also nil, and will remain so till farming business is opened up. It is contemplated to establish a Harbour Board, which will again push on the harbour works. They have been at a standstill for a considerable time, thus entailing a serious falling off in the foundry business, as the jobs from these works and the quarry, while in working order, amounted to a considerable sum.
Saw-mills are established throughout the Grey Valley district in like manner to the Westland district, though the quantity of timber exported has been small in comparison, the mills being employed in supplying local requirements only.
