Poem to celebrate the quality of Westport coal

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DescriptionThis was written to celebrate the quality of Westport coal, The story behind this speaks volumes for the importance of the high grade coal being produced from the Buller.
It dates back pre the 1st world war when a fleet off ships were ancherd in Apia Harbour a cyclone came through the HMS Calliope was the only vesal to be saved as she was burning Westport coal. (Denniston I believe) and was able to get up steam and escape the Harbour the rest of the fleet were smashed on the rocks because of the inferior coals that were burnt. The story goes that the sailors off the doomed ships saluted and clapped as she went by. Now if you drive to Millerton you will see two street names sign posted they are Calliope street and Kane street They were both named after the ship( Calliope) and Kane street which is named after the captian Kane this is in honour of the British Navy using nothing but Westport coal for there Pacific Fleet.Take a Sunday drive to Millerton and have a look at local history See lessMap^[1]ContributorMichael Doreen Ryan

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EventPoem to celebrate the quality of Westport coal

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Date Created31st December 2025

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Poem to celebrate the quality of Westport coal

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