CARBONISING COAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20366, 21 September 1929, Page 14

CARBONISING COAL.

WORKS TO BE AT ROTOWARO

STAFF OF 40 MEN NEEDED.

USE OF AERIAL TRAMWAY.

A site for tho works to bo established in tho Waikato for tho carbonisation of slack coals has been selected on the property of tho Taupiri Coal Mines, Limited, at Rotowaro, and tho erection of the buildings required to houso tho plant will bo undertaken soon after tho arrival of certain English and German industrial experts in November. Mr. W. D. Holgato, chairman of Waikato Carbonisation, Limited, which is financed by four coaii companies interested in tho Waikato coalfield, stated yesterday that tho location of the works at Rotowaro would permit tho efficient handling of all slack produced in tho Taupiri Company's mine. The balance of tho slack required to keep the plant in operation would bo conveyed from the Pukomiro mine and the Renown mine at Waikokowai by an aerial tramway, for tho construction of which price quotations wcro now being obtained in Groat Britain.

Tho company was at present awaiting tho arrival of oversea experts, said Mr Holgate. A consulting engineer, repre sonting Fuel Industries, Limited, London. the company supplying the material, had left England and was proceeding via Canada to Now Zealand. He was duo to arrive at Auckland by tho Aorangi on November 5, and would bring with him tho specifications for the requisite buildings and plant. A start would immediately be made with the preparation of the foundations, and tho visiting engineer would supervise tho work of erec* ton and installation of the Lurgi distillation plant. Tho first section of tho plant would arrive from Germany early in tho new year, and a representative of tho German Metal Bank Company would como to New Zealand to direct tho work of installation. Tho plant should bo in working order within 12 months.

Until a substantial market is built op for tho product of the new works it is proposed to oporato tho plant with ono shift a day. This will require tho employment of 40 men, including a managor, engineers, and a chemist. Additions to tho staff will have to be made in tho event of a further shift being worked.