During the past two years the Waronui Coal Mining Company, whose works are situated at Waronui, some three or four miles from Milton, have spent close on 3000 in developing its field, erecting up-to-date plant, and making provision for the future.
During that time close on 1000ft has been driven through a seam possessing exceptionally good lignite, and, as far as experts can judge, a long term of profitable working is now ahead of the company.
There is a prospect of a further source of revenue being opened up to the company, a drive pushed into the hillside having revealed the presence of first-class fire-clay, though in what quantities has not yet been ascertained. There is reasonable hope for believing that the vigorous prospecting operations which are being carried on will lead to success. The company already has an order for 100 tons of this material, which is quite as valuable as coal itself.
• Still another case is reported of "waiting at the church," this time in a suburb of Christchurch (says the Lyttelton Times). The bridegroom-elect was a "young man who, until a few days ago, was a highly-respected employee of a local firm, so much so, in fact, that when the news of his approaching marriage was noised abroad he received a substantial cash present from his fellow workers as a tangible token of their esteem and affection for him.
The waiting bride was an employee of another Christchurch business firm, and she was the recipient of a monster wedding cake, made specially for her and presented to her by the management. The day for the ceremony was fixed, and elaborate preparations had been made by the bride's parents to ensure her being well "sent off."
The eventful hour arrived, bringing with it a coterie of well-wishers and gossipers, but, after waiting some two hours, it was decided to postpone the ceremony until such time as the bridegroom should think fit to appear. The disconsolate would-be bride philosophically remarked that it would be all right. But there are those who say that a worried-looking man set sail on the following evening for Australia. - ODT 2.9.1911.
