Wairere Creek (Wairiri), Coalgate, Selwyn District, Canterbury Region, New Zealandi

Regional Level Types
Wairere Creek (Wairiri)	Creek
Coalgate	Town
Selwyn District	District
Canterbury Region	Region
New Zealand	Country

Old coal mine.

The location is uncertain with information stating a drive was placed into the banks of the Wairiri Creek (Speight spells it Wairere- there is an assumption the spelling of the creek has changed over time). This is a very minor watercourse (to the point of ephemeral) north of Wairiri Road, crossing the road just west of Glentunnel before joining the Selwyn River. The area has been cleared for agriculture, and the creek diverted for irrigation. Geology maps would suggest the mine was north of Wairiri Road. Co-ordinates very approximate.

An 1888 mine inspectors report states an adit-tunnel was being driven from the Wairiri Creek banks on a coal seam 6 feet thick, with two stone partings. Mine manager is A. Thompson. It states further this is the old Glenroy Mine, which appears to be incorrect.

Speight states the Wairiri Mine (Wairere) is one mile away from the Glenroy Mine. He states the seam is 4 feet thick, but mining was abandoned due to the coal's high sulphur content. The coal was effected by a dolerite sill, which slopes south of the creek, and crosses a waterfall to the north-east. This may give a clue to the mine's location, but would need local knowledge. Most of the area is private property.

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