Story: Coal and coal mining

Burnett’s Face brass band

Burnett’s Face brass band

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

Using this item

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

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

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How to cite this page:

Alan Sherwood and Jock Phillips, 'Coal and coal mining - The miners’ work', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/7444/burnetts-face-brass-band (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Alan Sherwood and Jock Phillips, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 14 Apr 2021