I came across a reference in the minutes of the meetings for the Royal
Commission
Report (published 1871) that states
"we have heard that in the neighbourhood of Bideford, where coal has been
worked to a considerable depth, the workings are now almost entirely
suspended in consequence of the competition from South Wales; do you think
it would be fair to private interests for Government to develop coalfields
other than those developed by the coal owners themselves?
-(Mr. Etheridge.) It is so worthless that it cannot be taken into account;
it is worthless compared with the coal of South Wales
(Chairman.) Mr Dickinson says that it has been discontinued"
Make of that what you will !!!!
David
P.S. Date of meeting Friday March 20th 1868 (committee D - 8th Meeting)
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