Blackball Mine Track

 

Yesterday we had such a nice warm Autumn day that B and I decided to drive out to an old mining quarry. There is a historical background to this...

Where I live on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, it's well known for a coal and gold mining history which is still going today. 

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. 

Blackball Cemetery

 

About 20 minutes outside of Greymouth is the small village of Blackball. It has a lengthy history associated with coal mining and industrial action but it was originally a gathering place for gold miners. The cemetery is alot bigger than this photo shows, this is only a small part of it overlooking the road.

Linking up with Mosaic Monday.

Pike River MIne Memorial

 

So sad. If you haven't heard of this event here's what happened...The Pike River mine was a mine on the West Coast of New Zealand that is no longer in operation.

The disaster that occurred on 19th November 2010 lead to the deaths of 29 men, most of whom have never been recovered despite the rescue that's been going on since then costing millions of dollars.

To date no one has been held accountable. This memorial that has been set up just out of Blackball is a beautiful reminder of the men who lost their lives by their families who are still grieving.

linking up with Skywatch Friday and Tom's Signs.

Blackball Hilton Hotel

Just out of Greymouth is the tiny town of Blackball where there are houses scattered here and there along the main street including one that has it's front fence covered in conspiracy theory signs but this historic building is the local hotel - the Blackball Hilton is famous for it's dispute with being the place that the Labour Party was formed over a pint of beer. The town had the longest running miner's strike which happened in 1913.  

Linking up with Through my lens, Travel Tuesday, Tuesday Treasures, My corner of the world and Wordless Wednesday