View Te Ara in

Story: Coal and coal mining

Burnett’s Face brass band

Burnett’s Face brass band

This band (plus dog) was photographed in 1914, at Burnett’s Face on the Denniston plateau. This site was named after James Burnett, who first discovered coal there in 1863. Many West Coast miners came from the coal-mining centres of northern England, particularly Durham and Northumberland. They often brought their traditions with them, such as a Methodist faith, a belief in unionism, and a liking for brass bands.

About this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: 1/2-008502; F

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

How to cite this page:

Alan Sherwood and Jock Phillips. 'Coal and coal mining', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 24-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/coal-and-coal-mining/6/1