FUEL OIL

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 4 March 1926, Page 7

FUEL OIL

AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES.

EXTENSIVE SHALE DEPOSITS.

FIGURES FROM INVESTIGATION

BY CABLE-PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.

Received 11.30 a.m. to-day. MELBOURNE, March 4. A report lias been tabled in the House of Representatives concerning investigations into the possibilities of development of the oil and shale deposits of the Commonwealth, and of the production in Australia of liquid fuels and power -alcohol from Meal material, with a view to ascertaining the best means whereby Australia can he made less dependent upon oversea sources for her oil requirements. ■ It is pointed out- that in New South Wales it is estimated there are 40,000,000 tons of shale, representing 3,500,000 ga’lons of oil. Part of this is stated to be one of the richest shales in the world, averaging an actual distillation of about 101 gallons to the ton. In Tasmania the probable resources of shale are set down at 42.000,000 tons, averaging about 40 gallons to the ton. This deposit is more accessible and more easily mined than New South Wales shale, and it is considered that from a commercial standpoint its development would be more favourable.on account- of the lower working costs. It is considered that the continuance of the Commonwealth bouutv of threepence halfpenny per gallon is essential to the conduct of industry.