THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHO WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE KAIPARA ADVERTISER & WAITEMATA CHRONICLE" HELENSVILLE, THURSDAY, July 31, 1919 THE COAL SHORTAGE.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 31 July 1919, Page 2

THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHO WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE KAIPARA ADVERTISER & WAITEMATA CHRONICLE" HELENSVILLE, THURSDAY, July 31, 1919 THE COAL SHORTAGE.

SINCE the Railway Department commenced its fantastical behaviouv, there has been a good deal of discussion about coal and the alleged scarcity of that commo dity. Also as to whether the coal obtained in the northern part of the Dominion can be used for railway locomotives or not. In the trains especially one hears a good deal of talk on the subject (doubtless because the present day passenger has ample time for discussing everything). After a little trouble the following facts were obtained from a railway man: Hikurangi, Huntly and Pukemiro coal could be used for locomotives, but is rejected for the reason that it is not of sufficient strength, and that it contains too much gum, which clogs up the furnace-bars, preventing the necessary draught. Heavy soot also rapidly chokes up the boiler-tubes, again interfering with draught. For some time past the local coal has been mixed with an equal proportion of Newcastle coal, which is much harder and cleaner than the New Zealand product. - The South Island coal is better for all purposes than the North Island, and Westport is the best in New Zealand for steam, which isn't saying much. The opinion of authorities is that the New Zealand coal is too soft ihrough not being old enough to be as good as coals of other countries. From the north to the south of New Zealand the coal improves in quality ; while in Great Britain it is the reverse —better in Leith than in Wales. All English Goal is good for steaming purposes and for the manufacture of gas. In addition to the political aspect, some people believe that the Government is hoarding Goal to be prepared for a possible strike.