More Spending Urged On N.Z. Coal Research

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28250, 11 April 1957, Page 9

More Spending Urged On N.Z. Coal Research

Coal will remain one of the world’s most important energy sources for a long time—in spite of atomic energy—and New Zealand should spend a great deal more on applied research and on technical service to coal consumers, according to Mr W. A. Joiner, deputy-secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. “It is unrealistic to believe that coal must soon give way before the spectacular advances in atomic energy,” says Mr Joiner, who attended the recent Commonwealth conference on fuel research, held in London. His comment is made in an article in “Coal,” official journal of the New Zealand Coal Mining Districts’ Welfare and Research Council.

“A better understanding of our raw material is essential if we are to overcome the practical problems facing us today. We cannot afford to neglect the full development, by research and other means, of one of the most valuable of our natural resources.” “Much Still Unknown”

“New Zealand can be satisfied that survey work over the last 20 years has provided a good knowledge of the extent and kinds of the country’s coal resources. But there is much still unknown and the answers can be obtained only by our efforts. Conferences such as that I attended can do much in aiding the exchange of information. But New Zealand coal and conditions are different. The greatest value from exchange of knowledge can be obtained only if New Zealanders are working actively on their own problems. “Research alone cannot obtain the desired results. There is a need for efficiency in the use of coal. Industry’s use of coal is only about 50 per cent, efficient, and efficiency in domestic consumption perhaps as low as 15 to 20 per cent. ... a waste of the

miners’ efforts, handling facilities, or transport and the consumers’ time.

“From a national viewpoint we cannot afford such extravagance. It is the kind of waste on which coal’s competitors are thriving,” says Mr Joiner.

“Increased efficiency does not necessarily mean a drop in coal consumption. If coal can be supplied in its best possible form, either as a solid or gas, and correct methods of use can be applied, consumers will come to realise that coal might provide the best and cheapest fuel to use. “To achieve those ends we need more research and more service to the consumer. These will cost money, but I believe the price will be a very modest one to pay for the resulting benefits to the country and the coal industry.”