Description
‘Of Mice and Mining Men’ tells the story of Alborns Coal Mines at Merrijigs Reefton coalfield.
Alborns was more than one mine, it was a group of workings and its original name was Clele. Mining began in the late 1870s to supply nearby quartz mines and continued through much of the 20th century.
As is often the case, the terrain was challenging and some good old Kiwi ingenuity was needed.
Wooden flumes ran for several kilometres, and inclune systems were powered by old vehicle engines.
Authors: Jim Staton, Les Wright and Chistine Barnett. Publishers: Friends of Waiuta.