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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 71
(2) Mokau Coal-fields
(2) Mokau Coal-fields.
In the Mokau district, which is situated at Taranaki, coal-seams have been known for upwards of fifty years, but the opening of the field was for many years retarded by the native ownership of the soil, and by the inaccessible position of the outcrops, which are on the Mokau rtver, 24 miles from its mouth, and far from railway communication. The tide ascends the river for about 24 miles, and small steamers carrying 25 to 100 tons go up to the mine. The coal is of fair quality, with the following composition:—
but containing a good deal of sulphur.
| Per Cent | |
| Fixed carbo | 52.58 |
| Hydrocarbons | 31.67 |
| Water | 12.15 |
| Ash 3.60 | |
| 100.00 |
The seam worked at the Mokau mine is 8 feet thick, with a bond of shale in the centre, from 2 to 3 feet in thickness, but gradually decreasing as the seam is followed into the hill. Another mine, called the Co-operative, is stated to be in liquidation. In 1891 the two undertakings put out 3,718 tons.