3-028-406 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening the Mayo Colliery at Gogose, Chandah, Central Provinces, India, 1870. Engraving of a sketch by 'Mr. H. Rivett Carnac, cotton commissioner...The ceremony of opening the coal-field was commenced by the presentation of a handsome pickaxe to the Viceroy [Richard Southwell Bourke, Lord Mayo]. It was presented by Mrs. Fryar, wife of the mining engineer in charge, but in the name of Major Lucie-Smith, Deputy Commissioner of the district, by whom these important discoveries of coal were made...The pickaxe, of an ornamental design by Major Lucie-Smith, was manufactured exclusively of materials found in Chandah, and by Chandah workmen, under his direction. Its handle is of teak, inlaid with gold. The head is of Chandah iron. The coal, which is about 30 ft. in thickness, is reached at 80 ft. from the surface. Its quantity is believed to be practically inexhaustible; and the economic value of the coal is equal to 70 percent of the English coal imported to Bombay...The discovery is considered to be of so much importance that it is proposed to construct a branch railway...to carry the cotton, iron, timber, coal, and other valuable products of the district'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.