CEMENT FROM MUD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 August 1939, Page 3

CEMENT FROM MUD

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS IN LYTTELTON. POSSIBILITIES OF SCHEME. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, August 2. A chemical analysis of mud dredged from the Lyttelton harbour has been obtained by the Lyttelton Harbour Board from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The analysis was made to assist the board in reaching a decision on a proposal that cement might be manufactured from dredged harbour mud. The board has decided to send the report to the Bureau of Industries for advice on the feasibility of the scheme. The report of the Dominion analyst, Mr F. Donovan, went into a detailed examination of samples sent forward. In his concluding remarks he said that, before deciding to use the mud for cement making, it would be essential to get an authoritative opinion of some well-known English or American authority as to the behaviour of alkalis in the burning process. He said it could hardly be stated too strongly that no degree of excellence in clay or limestone could make up for expensive fuel supply, poor transport facilities or narrow market areas. There should in addition, be sufficient raw material available for at the very least 20 years’ supply. Several members of the board, in discussing the report, said that further investigation of the scheme should be made.

Mr R. E. Cairns held that the board should go further with the proposals. He said that there was sometimes a shortage of cement, in Canterbury. The board might before long be making extensive harbour improvements, and cement might be in considerable demand for these.

Mr R. T. McMillan said that the board should get further information. He was doubtful whether the scheme would turn out to be an economic proposition.