Use Of Mill Waste As Domestic Fuel: Inquiry Urged

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 October 1949, Page 8

Use Of Mill Waste As Domestic Fuel: Inquiry Urged

An investigation into the possible, use of sawdust and slabs from West Coast sawmills as a household fuel, in the light of new knowledge and successful experiments in America, is to be urged by the Westland Progress League. . , Raising the subject at last evening s meeting of the league at Hokitika, Mr E. W. Green referred to the huge amount of waste in sawdust and slabs consumed by fire or allowed to rot at sawmills during a year. “It may be possible,” he said, “to convert this waste into fuel. Experiments have been carried out, but with what result I do not know.” Mr Green pointed out that at one time the unlimited supplies of coal made the question of using sawdust unnecessary, but a different situation applied now, for even the quality of coal, when it could be obtained, was not good while the price was going up by leaps and bounds. In Idaho, U.S.A., stated Mr Green, the conversion of wood waste to household fuel was a feature of the industry. The waste was sold in small blocks, burned well and the process itself was economic. A resolution proposed by Mr Green was adopted. It was that the league should ascertain (a) the conclusive result of any investigation into the conversion of sawmill waste into household fuel; (b) particulars of the methods employed in Idaho; and (c) press lor further investigations into the problem in the light of new knowledge and present conditions. “In America manufacturers cannot get enough sawdust to meet the demand,” commented the chairman, Mr G. R. Harker.

Lime Transport

An inequality in the charges made fox' lime as a result of its transport either by rail or road, was pointed out in a letter from the InterWanganui Co-op. Dairy Coy. Ltd., which stated that South Westland farmers without rail access were facing considerably heavier freight charges than those with railway routes close by. The letter pointed out the need for lime in South Westland — “the whole future to a. large degree depends-'on its use”-—arid sought support for the equalising of freight charges to all farmers. Discussing the proposition, league members pointed out that the problem probably had Dominion-wide implications and required more investigation. It was decided to refer the problem to Federated Farmers for comment.

Entrance To Greymouth

The efforts being made to improve the eastern entrance to the town of Greymouth by planting flowering shrubs along the road and railway line near the quarry were discussed, and it was decided to ask the Railway Department to repair and paint the fence on the northern side of the road to assist in the project.

The growth of gorse in the Punakaiki and Inchbonnie district was mentioned, when it was decided to request the Cawthron Institute, Nelson, to make available supplies of gorse weevils for these areas.