NEW ZEALAND COAL

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1928, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND COAL

ANALYST’S REPORT

SOME IMPORTANT INVESTIGATIONS.

WELLINGTON, Nov. 14

The Department of Scientific amt Industrial Research will shortly issue a comprehensive report oil New Zealand coals prepared by Air \Y. Donovan. A'dsiant Dominion Analyst. Liesjdes dealing with the investigations already made, it will contain valuable recommendations lor the iulitre. Tite report gives the following estimate ot available coal in New Zealand : Bituminous. proved. 200 ,ODO.OOU tons, probable Ml. 000.000; semi-bituminous, (i 1 1.r()(),('DO and 72,000.()!!(); brown, 2-17,-0,01)7) and 70H,000.000; lignite, 150,0 ODUf) and :’>77.000.000.

The report says that tests of New Zealand coals for use on the railway sii .w that numerous coals possess excellent steaming (pialities, notably Blackball. Deiiuiston, Liverpool, Stockton ami some Keel ton coals. A high percentage of sulphur precludes the use of some owing to the unpleasantness in tunnels and also the possible corrosion of the firebox. The clinking of some Alillcrton coals can be obviated to a certain extent by blending with other coals. Experiments have conclusively shown that favourable results can be obtained by the use of mixtures ot various New Zealand coals, which by themselves would be unsuitable, gave fair results when mixed. The mixture of Newcastle coals with New Zealand coal gave excellent results. Further investigations along these lines are being recommended, especially as for storage purposes no coal has proved to be as good as Newcastle. The report deals extensively with low temperature carbonisation of New Zealand coals, and makes numerous re'commendations as to investigations that might with advantage he carried out in New Zealand.