timber.  With him it is not a case of out of sight out of mind, and though
we Bunbury people feel somewhat put out because his promises re our
railway were not fulfilled, still we must see that he has our prosperity
at heart in sending a report of the coal and timber, both of which are of
value to us.  I do hope that you impress on the Government the importance
of carrying out the suggestion made by Mr Smith to have the field
inspected by a competent geologist, and to have his report published
without delay.

I read with much interest your leader on the report furnished by Sir
Frederick Broome.  Everyone must admit that a good coalfield is one of the
best things we could have, as it would start a lot of other business,
bringing capital and creating a vast consuming population, doing us more
good than even Responsible Government.

It would not do for me to express an opinion on the quality of the coal,
but I can say with confidence that the quantity is unlimited.  There are
thousands of acres of coal land not taken up, and no doubt much of that
now taken will be forfeited, not because there is no coal on it, but
simply for want of capital to work it.  Though the assay is not so
favourable as some may have looked for, still it must be borne in mind
that the sample was obtained from the edge of the coal area, and about six
feet from a pool of water.  The sample taken up last week by Mr Hay, was
got some four miles from the first lot, and though well in the coal land
it was also got from the river's bank, and would no doubt contain more
water than if obtained a distance from the river.  Unfortunately there is
a prejudice against mines in Western Australia, and this retards the
development of a coalfield, but I feel sure that any one going to the
Collie will be impressed with the extent of it.  It is a pity that a
geologist has not been out during the summer months, so that he could have
seen the holes that have been put down, and which are now full of water.

Minerals and timber are the two main things to which we have to look for
future prosperity, and should the coal prove to be of good quality, there
can be but little doubt about the future of the southern district.  The
line required would pass through the finest jarrah in the colony, which
timber could thus be shipped at but little cost.

It may be interesting to some of your readers to know what sort of country
it is between the coalfield and the port.  The first twelve miles to the
range is level, the country is then rough and hilly for about five miles,
and then it is fairly level to the coal.  The distance, in a direct line,
is about twenty-eight miles.  There is but little work done, the first
sample of coal being taken from the river bed and the second lot from the
bank at the water's edge, out of a seam three feet thick, which is the
seam from which Sir Frederick Broome's sample was taken.  A shaft has
since been put down about four miles from the first, at the river bank,
about twelve feet, to a solid bed of a coal thirteen feet six inches, and
maybe thirty feet for all we can say, as it does not show any signs of
giving out, being very solid at the bottom of the shaft.  Should the
geologist give a favourable report it is hoped the matter will not be
dropped for want of funds to carry it on.  We have not had the assistance
from the Government that we should, or they would have had a proper report
on the field long before this.  Trusting they will at once see into what
we believe to be one of the most valuable discoveries in this colony,
I am, etc.,
E. M. CLARKE.
Bunbury, May 23.