Monday 23 September 2019

At the Brunner Mine Heritage Area, March 2019

A history of coal mining on the West Coast


 Karen and I visited the West Coast of the South Island back in March, we stayed in Greymouth and went for some day trips around the area. One of our trips was to the Brunner Mine Heritage Area about 30 minutes drive up the Grey River. This was an early industrial site for coal, firebricks and coke and also the site of one of the worst mining disasters in New Zealand history. 


The Brunner Bridge and Brunner Mine Heritage Area in 2019

Up to the 1990's living on the West Coast was all about extractive industry...forestry, coal, gold and other minerals, seafood and pounamu/greenstone/jade. The most important industry was mining...the region from Westport to Hokitka is a labyrinth of mines, pits and open top strip mines.


Brunner Mine and coke works, circa 1900 from Te Ara website

Brunner coke/brick works, circa 1900 from the Te Ara website 

In early Colonial New Zealand coal was king and wresting it from the ground provided a living for many workers. It was a hard, dirty and extremely dangerous job but the relatively high wages made it attractive to many men and young boys. 


Coal Mining meant mine disasters.....


Unfortunately where you have mines you have mining disasters.... the Coast is scattered with closed mine sites and memorials to those who died extracting minerals...Brunner, Strongman, Dobson and Pike River are names most Kiwis will know.


Strongman Mine disaster memorial obliesk


Brunner was the worst disaster with 65 men and boys killed, this makes it the worst industrial accident in New Zealand history. It caused major changes to how mines were regulated in New Zealand and strengthened the power of the nascent miners unions. 


Mass burial of Brunner Mine Disaster victims at Stillwater, image from Christchurch City Libraries

Mining disasters don't just happen on the West Coast but world wide.In fact one of the worst mining disasters of all time happened where I was born...it was the Cherry Mine Disaster in Illinois, USA where over 250 men and boys died when an underground mine exploded in the early 1900's.


The Brunner Mine Disaster Site

The Brunner mine disaster occurred on the morning of 26 March 1896, there was a series of underground explosions which killed all 65 men and boys working in the mine. A later Court of Inquiry found that the explosion occurred when a blasting charge was set off. People at the time and since believe it was a deadly build up of methane and coal dust in the inadequately ventilated mine that caused the explosion.

If you know anything about the Pike River explosion you will recognise that this is exactly what happened in that mine...

Removing the victims of the Brunner Mine Disaster, image from Christchurch City Libraries

The Department of Conservation and the local Regional Council have spent quite a lot of time, money and energy restoring the Brunner Mine Heritage Area. There are a number of short tracks around the site as well as interpretive panels, reconstructed industrial works, toilets and information kiosk's so you can get out of the usually miserable West Coast rain.


Brunner Mine Heritage Area: information panel showing location of north bank features


Map: Brunner Mine Heritage Area, Grey River Valley, West Coast



Brunner Mine Heritage Area: DOC shelter, left bank Grey River


DOC Brunner Mine Heritage Area interpretive panel on the true left bank of the Grey river

The old mine workings spread over both sides of the Grey River, on the southern side is one of the old brick-work chimneys with panels describing the brick making industry in the area. There is a covered shelter with some excellent views of the north bank..you can clearly see the old mine workings and coke ovens.


Looking down on the Brunner Mine Heritage Area from the true left bank of the Grey River


Photo of 'Brunnerton' in the DOC shelter, Brunner Mine Heritage Area

You can actually see an exposed seam of coal running along the north bank of the Grey River, this is how Brunner discovered that there was coal in the neighbouring hills. The seams of coal on the West Coast are unusually thick...up to 30 meters in places while around the world most coal seams are around 3-5 meters. This makes them especially lucrative....


Inside the Brunner Mine memorial shelter on the Grey River, Brunner Mine Heritage Area

Brunner Mine Heritage Area: a period coal waggon as used in the Brunner Mine


There is a path from the shelter down to the bridge and some old mining equipment on a river terrace. You can walk down to the bridge and cross over to the north bank of the river but we actually drove around to that side by crossing the bridge over the Grey River at Stillwater 10 kms east of the Brunner site.


On the north bank of the grey river

There is a car park at the site of the Miners Memorial just above the old Brunner mine workings, with a nice 20 minute path down and around the ruins. You cannot get to the mouth of the old Brunner Mine as it was blocked off when the mine went out of use.



Brunner Bridge and Shelter, right bank Grey River, Brunner Mine Heritage Area 



Map of the Brunner Mine Heritage Area remains on the right bank of the Grey River

The tunnel below is one of the ventilation shafts from the now defunct Brunner Mine, this would have led into the main mine gallery and provided air circulation. There is a metal gate over the entrance to stop people going into dangerous areas.

The Brunner Mine was not closed after the disaster in fact it was worked for several years afterwards. They simply cleared the bodies, closed some blast affected galleries and kept mining the coal seam.

As I said before..King Coal was the most important consideration at that time....matters of decency and respect for the dead did not come into play...


One of the Brunner Mine ventilation galleries, Brunner Mine Site Track

The Brunner Bridge was built to access the railway line between Stillwater and Greymouth. While most of the coal was used on-site the bricks and coke produced needed to be transported to distant markets.

In the 1890's the rail link to Christchurch did not exist so all the produce of the West Coast needed to be shipped from either Greymouth or Westport.


Coking works and view of the Brunner Bridge from the Brunner Mine Site Track

Brick making requires clay and sand...these are often found close to coal seams. The Brunner mine had a separate shaft for mining these vital materials, you can still see the entrance way to the fire clay shaft as you walk along the track. It is also boarded up to stop people entering what would be a very dangerous area.


Fire Clay Mine shaft, Brunner Mine Site Track

Up to the 1980's the coke ovens were in a state of extreme disrepair, but with the centenary of the mine disaster approaching DOC and the local councils had some work done on site. They rebuilt some of the old coke kilns and covered them with a large open sided shelter to protect the historic site and so people could stay dry while visiting.


On the Brunner Mine Disaster site track, northern bank of Grey River

Most of the coke was exported as it is a vital ingredient when producing iron and steel but a small amount was used by an iron works in Greymouth.


The re constructed coke kilns at the Brunner Mine Heritage Area

Brunner Mine Heritage Area: detail of the reconstructed coke kilns
We walked down to the bridge and crossed over to the southern side of the Grey River. The bridge had also become decrepit over the years so some of the restoration work was on the bridge structure. From the bridge there are good views of the Grey River in both directions and you can clearly see the seams of coal running through the bluffs along the both banks of the river.


On the Brunner Bridge, Brunner Mine Site Track


View up river from the Brunner Bridge, Brunner Mine Site Track


Memorial Shelter, Brunner Bridge and distant left bank mine workings, Brunner Mine Heritage Area

All up it takes about 30-40 minutes to walk around the whole of the Brunner Mine Heritage Area, I would park on the southern side of the site and walk down and over the bridge to the old workings on the north bank of the Grey River.

For more information see the DOC Brunner Mine pamphlet

The mines disaster memorial at Brunner Mine Heritage Area

The Bruner Mine site is also the location for the West Coast Mine Disaster Memorial, on the northern bank of the Grey River. It can be accessed from both banks and has memorial panels listing every worker lost in a mine disaster on the West Coast.


The refurbished Mines Disaster Memorial at the Brunner Mine Heritage Area


The entrance portal for the old Brunner mine is more or less right under the memorial so in a way it is the most fitting location to remember the victims of mine accidents. There is also a seperate Brunner Mine memorial in the Stillwater Cemetery which is where 55 of the 65 victims of the disaster were laid to rest in a mass grave. 


The Brunner Mine Disaster Memorial at Stillwater Cemetery

The memorial takes the form of a miner from the turn of the century wielding a classic coal miners shovel. He is also carrying a mining torch in one hand and has the weary look of a miner finishing his shift for the day and heading home.



Detail of the refurbished Mines Disaster Memorial at the Brunner Mine Site


I think that is quite a poignant symbol...the life of the miner might involve more technology today but it is still a dangerous, back breaking and dirty job of work just as it has always been. 



Detail of the Mines Disaster Memorial at Brunner Mine Heritage Area

There is a panel about the Brunner Mine Disaster itself, but also panels with the names of all the miners lost in that mine explosion. There are also panels for the workers lost in the Strongman, Dobson and Pike River mine accidents.

Memorial panel for the Pike River victims, Brunner Mine Heritage Area

Memorial panel for various mine accidents, Brunner Mine Heritage Area

The Mines Disaster Memorial at Brunner Mine Heritage Area

The whole Brunner Mine Heritage Area is well worth a visit so I would encourage you to go have a look. If you are travelling between Lake Brunner and Greymouth you will pass right by the southern part of the site on SH 7. Stop and have a read of the information panels or go down and walk over the Brunner Bridge to the miners memorial and old coke kilns.


Access:The Brunner Mine Heritage Area is 11km east of Greymouth on SH7 and the main carpark is on that highway just before Dobson. It can also be accesed from Taylorville Road which runs between SH 6 and SH7 on the north bank of the Grey River. There is limited parking here. You can walk across Brunner Bridge to access both sides of the river
Track Times: 30-40 minutes to explore both sides of the site
Miscellaneous: There are toilets located on site, limited parking on both banks of the Grey River.

Friday 13 September 2019

Conservation Week: 14-22nd September 2019

Nature needs us.....

Saturday the 14th September marks the start of Conservation Week here in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Conservation Week is a series of events across the country around a central theme, in 2019 the theme is "Nature Needs Us"....






This year is also the 50th anniversary of the beginning of  Conservation Week in this country.  Originally started by the Scout movement it was meant to encourage people to think about the natural world which surrounds them. Once people take notice of their natural surrounds they are much more likely to want to preserve them. 


Why have Conservation Week?


The Department of Conservation (DOC) is responsible for roughly 40% of the landmass of  New Zealand with few staff and on a very constrained budget. They need our assistance to undertake all of the vital tasks required to advance bio-diversity, maintain our back country infrastructure and protect the beauty of our natural world.


 Regenerating forest on Otamahua/Quail Island, 2019...volunteer conservation in action

Now and into the future we should all be lending our support as DOC will never be in a position to do all these tasks on their own. While local environmental groups such as Regional Councils, Forest and Bird, QE II National Trust, Native Forest Action, Rod Donald Trust, Permolat and various Aclimatisation/Regeneration/Replanting/Ecological Societies do excellent work they need people power to complete their tasks.


Biodiversity is the key to our future....

What is required are volunteers who are willing of give of their skills, experience and time to assist DOC by undertaking such tasks as pest control, replanting schemes, bio-diversity/species conservation and maintenance of our back country huts and tracks. 


Otamahua/Quail Island: volunteers from the Quail Island Ecological Society on a planting day


This Conservation Week I would like to encourage everyone to think about nature and if possible volunteer to assist one of the groups doing this valuable work. Even one day of your time can make a dramatic difference and ensure these vital tasks are completed.


Project Janzoon: re-forestation and bio-diversity work in Abel Tasman NP


If volunteering is not your thing take individual action: plant some natives in your garden, undertake a pest control program around your home or set up a bush trap line, carry rubbish out with you from a back country hut. Get out into nature alone or with friends & family and go for a tramp/hike/walk/stroll. Short or long the distance does not matter.


Nina Valley Restoration Group: Volunteer bio-diversity work in the Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve

Enjoy nature on her own terms....try going for a walk on a rainy day, it is an interesting and not totally unpleasant experience. 


How can I help?

DOC have a full list of Conservation Week events happening around the country on their website. Here some of the Conservation Week events in Christchurch/Canterbury where I live....check and see what activities are taking place in your part of the country.

Conservation Week 2019 events in Canterbury






There is also a list of activities you can undertake with your family to celebrate Conservation Week.


...do an activity for Conservation Week 2019




Whatever you decide to do have a safe and happy Conservation Week...and remember...

Nature Needs Us!!!

Tuesday 10 September 2019

Listening to music while tramping

 Do you listen to music when you are out tramping? 


I have been asked this question before and in my case the answer is yes....I like to listen to music when I am walking as I find it increases my enjoyment and makes me cover distance quicker. 


Music makes the gravel bash up the Waimakiriri River Valley bearable...


There are caveats though; I do not listen to music when I am walking through a bird filled forest, alongside a lake or river or when I am looking at a beautiful vista. I would never spoil another persons enjoyment of the outdoors by blaring music out as I walk or in a hut unless they asked.


"...Jesus freaks out in the street
Handing tickets out for God
Turning back she just laughs
The Boulevard is not that bad
Piano man he makes his stand
In the auditorium
Looking on she sings the songs
The words she knows the tune she hums..."

If I'm playing music I do so through headphones....old school, Walkman style headphones with the foam pads over the ear piece.


Out walking on the Summit Walkway in 2016

I don't mind listening to music in huts...its quite nice to lay on your bunk and zone the rest of the people out with music. If I could find a super light weight blue tooth speaker I would take one as I have been in huts when people have one and it can make for a nice ambiance. I just don't want to carry the extra weight....


"...Way down the lane away, living for another day
The aphids swarm up in the drifting haze
Swim seagull in the sky towards that hollow western isle
My envied lady holds you fast in her gaze..."

Using music to burn the miles...


I would normally only listen to music when I'm walking if I was doing a long, boring road walk or gravel bash up some braided river. In both these cases the walking is relatively easy and concentration is not required. 

Out waking around the Travis Wetlands in 2017



"...Off the wind on this heading lie the Marquesas
We got eighty feet of waterline, nicely making way
In a noisy bar in Avalon I tried to call you
But on a midnight watch I realised why twice you ran away..."


Music is also an integral part of my fitness walking, wither it is up the beach, along the Port Hills or just around town music makes the distance fade. 



Fitness walking out by the Travis Wetlands

I would never wear headphones or listen to music if I was in a hazard zone as you need all your faculties to stay save in those situations. Take an avalanche zone...you are going to hear it before you see it so if your hearing is impaired your going to be toast....!!!

What gear do I use....


I was a denizen of the 80-90's so I still use a MP3 player...for you youngster out there an MP3 player is a small electronic device with digital music stored on it. I know you can use your phone for music storage but I still prefer the small size and light weight of a late model MP3.

My MP3 player is similar to this Sony product

I currently have six MP3 players from Sony, Apple and other generic brands but the one I use most often is a Sony Digital Walkman. It is about 5cms long by 2 cms wide, holds 16GB of data and weights about 50gms.


"...Now he walks in quiet solitude the forest and the streams
Seeking grace in every step he takes
His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand
The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake..."


With a full charge it will last for about 4 hours constant play and can be recharged with a power bank.  This beast will hold about 40 albums or roughly 400 songs which is way more music than battery life.


Sony MP3 player....easy controls, good memory, long battery life...


I pair this with a set of $15 dollar headphones from the Warehouse or JB Hifi, not ear buds as I find them incredibly uncomfortable to wear.



Old style Sony Walkman over ear headphones

This type of headphone is becoming difficult to find now so I guess I will be looking for an alternate soon...


"..And if we should die tonight
Then we should all die together
Raise a glass of wine for the last time
Calling out for the rope
Prepare as we will
Watch the flames burn on and on the mountain side
Desolation comes upon the sky..."

Good tramping tunes....

What music do I like...1960's music through to now really,... a bit of classic 60-70's rock/folk, punk and post punk, anything from the 1980's,  90's grunge and clubbing music, modern jazz styles (cool, acid, trip, crossover and fusion), some rap and hip-hop....an eclectic mixture.


One of my favorite albums: Icehouse,  Sidewalk, 1984...its a long story...


"..Well I wonder some times as I look at you
Was it so very long ago
There were times
There were so many times....
Holding on 
And it comes only 
Once in your life..."


I like whole albums as originally arranged over singles...hey the artist placed the songs in that order on an album for a reason.  Also just listening to the hit singles deprives you of all those good songs that don't make it into the charts. Single sales are one of the things wrong with modern music...but I digress!

More Waimakiriri gravel bashing......flat, hot and never ending

Artists....?

I'm a old dude so people who were around when I was in my teens, twenties and thirties....and others I have enjoyed since.

Miles Davis, Chet Baker, George Benson, Crosby Stills and Nash, Beatles/Stones, Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, James Taylor, Jim Croce, Paul Simon, Smiths/Cure/Cult ( yeah I know....), Split Enz/Tim Finn/Crowded House, U2, Police/Sting, Icehouse, Dire Straits, Wham/George Micheal, Elton John (I like those old Bernie Taupin songs...),





I also like any Kiwi band, Ultravox/Visage/Midge Ure, Peter Gabriel/Genesis/Mike and the Mechanics/Phil Collins (all much maligned) any new romantic 1980's band....1990-2000's bands like Level 42, Foo Fighters, Chilli Peppers, REM,  Paramore, Eminen, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, ... a bit of Gary Moore, Queen, Led Zepplin and Pink Floyd.....Metallica, AC-DC..more modern stuff like Six-60, Sons of Zion, Halsey, Ed Sheeran, Khalid and I like some of Post Malones songs...

On the Christchurch 360 Trail listening to some tunes...

Name these song....

"Oh mother, I can feel...
the soil falling over my head...
and as I climb into an empty bed...
Oh well, enough said.."

How about this...

"So over the mountains and over the plains
into the Muskeg and into the rain
Up the St Lawrence all the way to Gaspe
Swingin' our hammers and drawin' our pay
Drivin' 'em in and tyin' 'em down
Away to the bunkhouse and into the town
A dollar a day and a place for my head
A drink to the livin' and a toast to the dead...."

Genesis, Invisible Touch, 1986...a stonking good album


If you know any of these lyrics then we probably like the same kind of music...


"...You're hiding from me now
There's something in the way that you're talking
Words don't sound right
But I hear them all moving inside you
Go, I'll be waiting when you call..."



On the beach between North Beach and Spencer Park, Canterbury
And of course my favorite song I first remember hearing when I was about 6-7 years old...Wildfire by Micheal Murphy:

"...By the dark of the moon, I planted
But there came an early snow
Been a hoot-owl outside my window now 
'Bout six nights in a row
She's coming for me, I know
And on Wildfire we're both gonna go..."


Party on dudes......chur!!!!