HOUSEHOLD COAL

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 12, 14 July 1930, Page 8

HOUSEHOLD COAL

(To the Editor.)

Sir.—Jlay I bo permitted to say a word on the above subject which "Coal Buyer" introduced in your columns on the 10th instant. The chief characteristic of New Zealand coals —bituminous coal o£ excellent heating value but smoke producing— and brown coal, of lower heat value but clean to handle —is their friable or crumbling nature. Australian coal is harder, lends itself better to storage, and gives off much less smoke. It may not always bo the mine owners or coal factors fault if New Zealand household coal becomes broken and dusty by the many handling operations from mine to cellar. The industry to which I have so frequently referred—the low temperature distillation of New eZaland coals—will in time, it is hoped, provide a very considerable quantity of hard, smokeless residue fuel which is ideal for household purposes, and can be stored indefinitely. N Australian coal for any purpose will not then be required at all. : Three of the main objects of those interested in this development are: To provide householders with "reconditioned" New Zealand coal, to eliminate all smoke from the locomotives of the State railways; and to utilise to an ever-in-creasing extent New Zealand labour and New Zealand coal.—l am, etc.,

L. C. HARVEY.