THE FUEL BILL

Shannon News, 28 October 1927, Page 4

THE FUEL BILL

HOW TO KEEP IT DOWN. Everyone who wishes to economise in coal should know of the soda bath. Coal thus treated will burn twice as long. Dissolve a handful of washing soda in a gallon of water, put in a watering can and sprinkle the coal. Thi's is sufficient only for immediate use and not for the whole stock. Allow to dry before using. For the kitchen and copper-hole save all scullery cuttings, such as potato, parsnip, turnip peel, etc. In fact a lot of refuse may be disposed of in this way and much fuel saved. A great saving in coal may be effected by using the following compost;—Take about two bushels each of sand, sawdust, and very small coal, and work these into two bushels of clay. Work the mixture into balls, and when dry it is ready for use. Do not put on these balls until the coal is well alight. They will then produce a strong and lasting heat,

If two firebricks are placed sideways in the grate they will get red hot, and keep the oven at a steady heat for several hours with half the quantity of coal which would otherwise be necessary. Newspaper balls are also a great saving. Take a few old newspapers, soak in water, squeeze out and form into balls. When the fire is red place on the balls and cover with small coal. this will burn for several hours and save much coal.

A liot and lasting fire may be made by throwing on a shovelful of cokg and then one of fine coal on top of this.