The Alaska daily empire., 1922-02-03
ESkA MINES ARE / CLOSED DOWN BY
 GOVT RAILROAD
Buys Output of Private Mines - Willow Creek Gold
 Mines Do Winter Work.
H l N ] Af

Withdrawal of the Alaskan Engin eering Commission from it's coal min ing activities at Eska and increased activity in the coal mining industry in the Matanusko is reported by Siu- ney Anderson, Anchorage bank ar who was a Juneau visitor while the Northwestern was in port last ni6nt Mr. Anderson and his mother, Mrs P. M. Anderson, are en route to the States for visit of two months.
 The Alaskan Engineering Com mission closed down it's operations at the Eska mine some time ago, he said The only mining operations now being carried on by the govern ment in the Matanuska field is under Chickaloon and is confined to ex- ploration of deposits at ChickdloOn and on Coal Creek Its work is pro- gressing satisfactorily. The tial washer now being installed at Sutton is almost completed, all the machin- cry being on the ground.
 It has been reported unofficially, said Mir. Anderson that the govern ment has had an offer for the EJka property. including all equipment and buildings, but there has been nc con firmation of this report. "Pers)nal- ly. I believe it would be the best move for all concerned, including Ali aska, if the government would with draw entirely from it's participation in coal mining. Private capital will not hesitate to enter the field and its operation of mines would be Of more benefit to the Territory than similar operations carried out by the government" he said.
 Private Operators Busy
 Two mines operated by private cap ital under the leasing system, said MT Anderson, are producing in a small way and will increase theb' ca pacity as more extensive workings are developed. One of these. the Evan Jones Company, is producing 125 tons per day, while the second company has an output of 75 tons daily The Engineering Commission takes a substantial portion of both outputs, the remainder being sold in Anchorage and vicinity A shipment of 100 tons is now on the docks at Seward awaiting shipment to Seattle while a second shipment is to 9 for ward to Cordova on the first freighter.
 Cost of Production Is High
 Under existing conditions, the present cost of production of Mata nuska coal is too great for the oper- ators to compete with foreign coal in Southeastern Alaska markets, said MT Anderson. He predicted, how ever, that there would be some reduc- tion in producing costs within short time. Two factors will enter into this reduction. One will be a re freight carrying charges. Common labor in the coal mines, he said. is being paid $S.60 per day, which. with heavy freight rates on short haul from the mines to the Anchorage docks combine to keep up the price VI cUdl eNcu III bHc loldi iIdl hcCo Eventually, he said, it will be pos sible to supply the entire Alaska fue needs from the Matanuska field.
 Gold Mines Flourishing
 The Willow Creek gold mining in dustry, according to MT. Anderson was never in better and more promising condition than at the pres ent time The Willow Creek mines which has been operating the Read, Bullion during the past season. hai purchased two other valuable proper ties in the district and plan immedi ate development One of these prop critics, the War Baby group of claims brought s125.000 and the other, pur chased from the Bartholf interests brought almost as much. The Vii low Creek mines have been operatin. all winter for the first time in thei history and their outlook for the flu ture is bright
 Anchorage Never Better
 The town of Anchorage was neve in better condition. said MT. An derson. Business, although a littl quiet in January. was not more thal normally so following the holidays The town is on a solid basis and it future assured. Business is comin .'IiIIIilIlIliIIlIIIlIIIIliiIlIIIIIIIIIIiiIIiiIil