A NEW INDUSTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 September 1916, Page 7

A NEW INDUSTRY.

■PETROL FROM WASTE PRODUCTS. iAm interesting story of the initial stages i n the development of a new Australia industry was told at a Parliamentary inspection of the works of the Stock Motor Spirit Company at South Melbourne (reports the Age of 31st ult.). The works at present are of modest dimensions, but the management claims that, given proper encouragement, which they have not received, except in Victoria, up till now, they can, on a profitable basis and at a lesser cost to the consumer, supply sufficient petrol for the whole Australian market. At present petrol to the value of £15,000,000 pel annum is imported into the Commonwealth. If this trade can be captured and the increasing demands met, as the management of the company declares can be done, then the new industry will have an ample field for successful development. lint, according to statements made, difficulties have been manufactured for the company to overcome. A start was made in South Australia. The company's process, the invention of Mr. H. A. Stock, transforms the residue of Pitsch gas, or shale gas, by which name it is called in other States, into motor spirit. This residue wa3 previously regarded as .a waste .product; its greatest utility was a weed killer or a spray for coal; but, as the story goes, on being shown that from it petrol could be produced, the South Australian Government commandeered supplies, and is itself experimenting, with the hope of utilising it for petrol manufacture. Consequently, the company has removed its works to Melbourne, and has been guaranteed by the 1-tailway Department a supply of Pitseh. g'as residue to the extent of eighty gallons per day. In addition, the company lias entered into arrangements with other States, and has in contemplation the utilisation of considerable quantities of crude shale, of which there are almost inexhaustible quantities in Tasmania. The works, which have a capacity of GOO gallons .per day, were inspected in' every department, and the waste product, a black, oily substance, which refused to ignite, was put through various processes, and finally evolved 50 per cent, motor spirit and the balance fuel oil. It is averred that 'with the Australian motor spirit ears can be nun miles further per gallon than with imported spirit, and that the Australian product is cleaner and cooler. The visitors were very favorably impressed by the inspection, .