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EXTRACTS from Report of James McEvoy, Geolo-
gist and Mining Engineer, Member of the In-
stitution of Mining and Metallurgy, London,
Eng, formerly Member of the Staff of the Geo-
logical Survey of Ottawa, on the property of the
British Columbia Anthracite Syndicate, on the
Upper Skeena River, B. C.

Toronto, Nov. 21st, 1911,
To The B. C. Anthracite Syndicate of Quebec,
DEAR SIRs :-—

‘‘Herewith I transmit to you my report on your claims on the
West Fork of the Skeena River about Ground Hog Mountain.

Questions such as the cost of coal and markets have not been
dealt with, as these are always speculative and especially so in the
case of a new field.

I have no doubt, however, but that a large market can be found
for this coal and at good prices. ‘The domestic market will be the
most important at first and in this connection as the coal is prac-
tically smokeless, and as it will not make dust and dirt all over a
house in the way the soft coals of the West invariably do, it will be
self-advertising.

The total cost of mining given by Mr. Campbell-Jolinston, at
$2.14 is if anything rather high, at least for the first four or five
years. However, time alone will tell exactly, as there are always
special problems of mining in each individual colliery.

I would suggest that the coal should not be sold for less than
$4.00 per ton 2,000 Ibs. F. O. B. the mine. ‘This is mentioned be-
cause our experience has shown that the most common mistake made
in starting new collieries in the West has been to sell the coal at
too low a figure.

Care should be taken to have proper screening and picking
table facilities installed before the coal is placed upon the market
so that it may have a good name from the start.

The cost of a plant to operate when fully equipped, will be
about $1,500,000., but the expenditure of this amount will spread
over three or four years. In fact it would be wise to have the first
tipple a temporary home-made one, so that experience may show
just what is required for a permanent structure.