DOMINION'S COAL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 7, 2 September 1940, Page 3

DOMINION'S COAL

SCIENTIC SURVEY MADE SAMPLING OF LOWER GRADES The progress being made witli the geological and chemical survey of the Dominion's coal resources which was commenced, in 193(5 was reviewed by the Minister in charge of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Hon. D. G. McMillan. He said the work was being undertaken by the Dominion Laboratory and the geological survey branches of the Department of Scientific and, Industrial Research and was directed by a coal survey committee including representatives of the Mines and Iron and Steel Departments . "The survey has helped co-opera-tive parties to find new blocks of coal by suggesting the most likely place for driving," said the Minister. "For example, one party was advised to push through a fault, and as a result coal was found on the other side of the fault. "At present there is only a seasonal demand for Southland brown coal, which depends on the winter market. If further uses could be developed for our lower grade coals, such as blending with the bituminous coals, this would result in a steady demand for the Southland and Otago brown coals throughout the year," Dr McMillan said. "The sampling of brown coals is proceed-