Description
From beyond the Denniston Plateau – the birthplace of New Zealand unionism – comes the remarkable story of the Cascade Westport Coal Company.
Founded on limited resources and iron will, the Company was a courageous player in the volatile post-WW1 coal trade. Despite woeful finances, high-level political and union engagement, the Company operated New Zealand’s longest coal flume through dire economic times. Compounding the Company’s struggle was the isolation, rugged topography and notorious climate of Cascade Creek, where—at every opportunity—nature conspired to sabotage its vulnerable flume.
Conquering Cascade chronicles the troubles and triumphs of the coal company and the 30-year alliance with its contracted workforce: the Cascade Westport Cooperative Coal Party; their association culminating in a powerful legal showdown.
Following a decade of research, interviews, and the sourcing of rare material, Walsh has authoritatively documented a truly epic saga in New Zealand’s industrial coal mining heritage.
About the Author
Phil Walsh’s numerous stories have been published in multiple New Zealand outdoor magazines. His debut book Fur, Fish, and Phantom Reds (2014) was published by The Halcyon Press. Typical Coaster (2018) is an autobiography written in the memory of his grandfather, Pat Keoghan; Phil donated all sales proceeds of $7,500 to Dementia Canterbury/West Coast.
Conquering Cascade (2022) 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 which nurtured his life-long interest in West Coast and New Zealand history. Phil has a Diploma in Horticulture (Massey University) and enjoys a long career in the horticultural sector. He is a member of the New Zealand Society of Authors. Phil resides with his wife Michaela in North Canterbury. They have three children: Shevaun, Jessica, and Cameron.
