Conquering Cascade: An Epic Saga of Denniston Coal

Founded on limited resources and iron will, the Cascade Westport Coal Company was a courageous player in the volatile, post WW1 coal trade. Forming in 1925 it was confronted with extraordinarily challenging access and coal transportation decisions, woeful finances, and a high level of union and political engagement. Bold in its vision and relentlessly tenacious, the fledgling enterprise sought to carve a commercial existence through exceptional times whilst contending with the vagaries of a wild and destructive natural environment.Conquering Cascade analyses the geological formation of the coal before chronicling its discovery. It then examines the daunting infrastructural challenge of building the nation's longest coal flume through 71/2 miles of rugged terrain. Documented throughout are the exploits, successes and failures of the company and its contracted labour force. Spanning three decades, their story reveals startling insight into the trials and triumphs of inter-war coal mining and culminates in a powerful legal showdown between the company and its party of contractors.Set amid the famous Buller Coalfield-the birthplace of New Zealand coalmining unionism-this previously untold and detailed account focusses on a rare example of co-operative coal mining. The result is an intimate and comprehensively referenced study.From years of in-depth research, extensive interviewing and the sourcing of considerable unpublished literature and photographic material, detailed maps and diagrams, Conquering Cascade has established a broad foundation from which to bridge a critical missing link in New Zealand's industrial coal mining heritage.

Reviews of 'Fur, Fish and Phantom Reds' 'Here is a great book on New Zealand culture. The culture of the West Coast to be exact. Written by someone who grew up on the coast and who experienced all the facets of sport available.' Reviewed by Gary Kemsley, HAWKES BAY TODAY;'...as he settles into the role of raconteur and spins lively yarns about simple childhood rural adventures, such as eeling with mum's pantyhose, tussles with "giant killer coons" and a decrepit old three-oh-three that has magical powers. He displays wonderful word power and some of his descriptions are a pure delight - "the shot rang out, concussing the tranquillity of the morning"...' Reviewed by Daryl Crimp, THE FISHING PAPER; "Recommend these two great reads for the Xmas break, Fur, Fish and Phantom Reds and Injun Joe - Smoking Joe Collins... awesome reads, couldn't put them down..." Reviewed by Hunt, Gather, Fish Forum, Facebook

Author, Phil Walsh's popular stories have been published in New Zealand outdoor magazines including NZ Fishing News, Southern Angler, and more latterly The Fishing & Hunting Paper. His first book, 'Fur, Fish and Phantom Reds'(2014) was published by The Halcyon Press. 'Typical Coaster' (2018), an autobiography written in the memory of his grandfather, raised $7,500 for Dementia Canterbury/West Coast. 'Conquering Cascade' is his third book.Raised on a farm north of Westport, much of Phil's first 20 years was spent exploring Buller's vast wilderness where he developed a life-long interest in its history.A member of the New Zealand Society of Authors, Phil holds an Undergraduate Diploma in Horticulture (Massey University) and enjoys a long career in that sector. He resides with his wife Michaela in North Canterbury. They have three children, Shevaun, Jessica and Cameron.Learn more about Phil at

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