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Coalgate

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NameCoalgateDescriptionCoalgate is a small town near Hororata, roughly an hour west of Christchurch on State Highway 77.

The Whitecliffs branch, which was part of Canterbury's rail network, started operating in the area in 1875 and opened a station in Coalgate. The branch closed down in 1962.

Coalgate, in the 1950s, was abundant with nontronite and coal, and the township grew as miners flocked to the area. The town was originally named 'Bluff' but was renamed to Coalgate in recognition that the station acted like a gate to the Malvern Hills coalfields.

Sheep farming was also popular in the area, alongside grain crops which grew well near the river.

The railway station played a significant role in hauling coal to the Lake Coleridge power station in the 1910s.

Coalgate is one hour west of Christchurch, along State Highway 77. There is a tavern there and accommodation.

Relics that indicate the existence of an old Māori pā were found on C. L. Derrett's farm in Coalgate in the mid 20th century. Many settlements like this have been found along the river as iwi would travel to catch eels when the water was low. Geolocation^[1]

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Coalgate