USES FOR SLACK COAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19951, 19 November 1926, Page 2

USES FOR SLACK COAL.

LOW DISTILLATION PROCESS. (Special to Daxlx Times.) AUCKLAND, November 18. 'Tt has been anticipated that when the Arapuni electric power scheme is completed it will seriously affect the sale of slack coal in the north, as it did when electricity was introduced in the south,” stated Mr W. D. Holgate at the annual conference of the Coal Mine Owners’ Association. “Wo have naturally been looking for other uses for our slack than those we have at present.” Mr Holgate said that so far nothing very tangible appeared to be in view. Briquettes could be made from slack, but it was doubtful whether they could be sold at a profit. The only thing promising at present was the process known as low distillation. Some 18 months ago 70 tons of Waikato slack were shipped to Belgium, where coal Was subjected to the low distillation process, the residue being made into briquettes, and returned to New Zealand to be tested on the railways. The briquettes were used on the LytteltonChristchurch line and were highly satisfactory, giving little or no smoke. "Prom information I have received I am under the impression that something satisfactory may eventuate from the tests,” added Mr Holgate. “I hope this is so for the benefit of the industry in New Zealand.”