OIL FROM BROWN GOAL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14837, 14 February 1919, Page 7

OIL FROM BROWN GOAL.

Reference to the production of brown coal slack arid oil was made by Mr. Frank Read, Chief Inspector of Mines, in giving evidence before the Industries Commission. He said that in Germany brown coal was being extensively used for the production oi oil. In Germany 10 gallons per ton of crude oil was considered sufficient, but in New Zealand the quantity ranged from 10 to 15 gallons per tori. The trouble was that most of the brown coal mines were owned by private companies, and it would be necessary to enter into private contracts for the supply of slack. Bi-own coal could supply all the oil required for New Zealand. v To Dr. Newman, witness said the whole of the slack could be sent cheaplv to Huntly, which he regarded as the future Newcastle of New Zealand, where production could be carried on cheaply and satisfactorily. Th.e demand for oils had .increased so much of late years that the subject was well worth consideration. To Mr. Craigie, witness said it would be, a. wise thing for New Zealand to go jin for keen investigation of the subject? Mr. Sidey : Do you suggest that the State should undertake that work? Witness : By way of laboratory research. Brown coals in the neighborhood of Dunedin produced a better average of crude oil than coals in the Tnvercargill and Waikato districts.