Coal low in sulphur

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33819, 16 April 1975, Page 14

Coal low in sulphur

(By

S. ARMSTRONG,

, president, Can-

terbury Coal Merchants' Association, president iV.u. Coal Merchants' Assocu ation)

Coal supplies for Christchurch and Canterbury come from the Greymouth area of the West Coast, from Reefton and from Ohai in Southland. The household market is supplied with the bituminous. low swelling, extremely low sulphur (0.3 per cent) Strongman type coal. This coal is fast burning and is used on open fires or on the Rayburn C. 8.34 Space Heater which can supply hot water and central heating to households. Household coal is also supplied with sub-bitu-minous coal, mainly from Ohai (Southland) and a small amount from the Reefton Inangahua areas. This coal is non-swelling and extremely low in sulphur content (0.26 per cent Ohai and under 1 per cent for Reefton and Inangahua coal). This type of coal, (slower burning than Strongman type) is ideal for open fires

and is eminently suitable for all types of solid fuel space heaters such as the Juno, Belmac, Empress and so on.

All household coal can be supplied in either screened (lump) or nuts and sizes to suit all requirements. Stocks held at the present time are very good and as good or better than those of previous years.

Deliveries have been affected by the public not ordering early because of confusion caused by statements regarding the Clean Air Act and by statements that there would be no shortage of electricity. Now that the Electricity Department has requested 10 per cent savings, or -cuts this winter and with the clarification of the City Council’s Clean Air Act requirements there has been an increase in orders from householders. Unless householders the effort to have their their coal boxes full by mid-May the merchants will not be in a position to handle the maximum demands of June, July, and August. The men delivering coal have an unenviable task, a task which the public can assist in by ordering early and if this is not done we can expect serious delays in delivery during the coming winter. Industrial coal for all requirements is stocked by merchants or can be supplied direct to users in railway waggons. The coal is graded to supply industry with almost any required grade and type, and is, as with the household coal, of an extremely low sulphur content which compares more than favourably with any fuel other than electricity.