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Tom Paterson Leads Fourth “Black Track” Tour of South Wellington Mines, September 2007

In September 2007, Tom Paterson, well-known local author and historian, delighted another fortunate group of participants who toured sites of historic “Black Track” mines of South Wellington with him.

The tour began at the Morden Colliery site. After marveling at the 1913 reinforced concrete “head frame” of Morden Colliery, still towering at its original 75 feet, with its “tipple” bulking beside it, the group heard Tom’s “co-pilot” for the tour, Friends of Morden Mine’s President, Judy Burgess, explain how the mine would have operated at the time, why its structures are now in such a precarious state, and why it is essential that more members of the community join in helping to save its unique remains.

Tom led the remainder of the tour, that included most of the so-called "Black Track" mines formerly linked by railways. "Black Track" refers to some of these coal-dust blackened lines, used as walking trails by locals in the absence of regular roads to connect the communities. There is some dispute regarding the exact route of the "Black Track" but it seems certain that it included part of the PCCM railway line as it wound its way past South Wellington from the mine to the north, then under the E&N railway at Fiddick's Junction on its way via Morden to Boat Harbour.

Tom has a remarkable fund of stories to tell about the men and mines of South Wellington that help to bring their past alive for his listeners. His knowledge and presentation skills were again much appreciated by participants.

The tour concluded for its thirsty walkers at the historic Cassidy Hotel, with the presentation of a framed print of a watercolour of Morden to well-known blues singer, David Gogo, in thanks for the benefit concert he performed for Friends of Morden Mine in 2006. David sang his 2007 Juno nominated song, “She’s Breakin” Through”, a moving evocation of the flood that swept through the PCCM (Pacific Coast Coal Mines) first South Wellington mine in 1915 and took the life of twenty-one miners, including David’s great grandfather.

The Society thanks everyone involved who helped make this day such success.