This particular no longer used coal mine has some old relics and equipment and tunnels (which are unfortunately fenced off) and the whole area is dangerous to check out up close. The walk itself takes about 25 minutes mostly uphill to a lookout at the top.
The mine was in use in the early 1900s and is apparently where the idea of a lunch break began. The miners were unhappy with having a 15 minute break and so they went on strike for 3 months in 1908 demanding the right for a half hour break instead.
The miners ending up winning and Blackball was known as a town that stuck up for New Zealand workers.
Apparently the judge had told the miners their request was unreasonable while enjoying a 90 minute lunch break for himself.
The 1908 strike was important for union history in this country and some of the leaders were later involved in starting up the Labour Party.
The mine operated until 1964 but today it is a preserved site that still has a large chimney, fan houses and equipment scattered around like old wheels.
Some more old mining equipment...
And this is the view from the top over the nearby Blackball township which is about 20 minutes out of Greymouth.
Linking up with Tuesday Treasures and Happy Tuesdays.
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