PETROL FROM COAL

Southland Times, Issue 22732, 7 November 1935, Page 11

PETROL FROM COAL

NEW BRITISH DISTILLING INDUSTRY. BIG PROGRAMME SAID TO BE IN HAND. The home production of petrol by distillation from coal is a new industry of growing importance in England, according to Mr G. E. Russell, of Liverpool, who is at present in Christchurch during a visit to the Dominion. In an interview he said that it was expected that 45,000,000 gallons of this petrol would be produced in 1936 under the direction of Imperial Chemical Industries. Four squadrons of the Royal Air Force were being run on it at present, and it was estimated that when next year’s programme of production was put in hand work would be provided for 2000 men at the distilling plants, and 2000 more in the coal mines. It could not yet be stated, however, to what extent the distilled petrol could compete economically with the imported petrol. The industry was favoured by the coal-mine owners and by the Government, as it would be a matter of great importance for the country to ’be able to produce its own petrol in the event of war. The production of crude oil for oilburning ships was another possibility though this was still in the experimental stage, even more do than the production of petrol. Trade Recovery. Mr Russell said that trade recovery in England was very noticeable in the iron and steel industries. This could be attributed to the big programme of building, both for residential and commercial purposes, that was now in operation. This had also caused an improvement in the manufacturing of various building requirements, such as wallpapers and bricks. In the various trades associated with building there was scarcely any unemployment, though there was still a great deal in other occupations, especially mining. It was hoped, of course, that the development of distilled petrol would effect an improvement in this industry. There was a big improvement in shipbuilding, in aircraft manufacture, and in the motor industry, though there was not much sign of improvement in farming. A recent development which gave work to 5000 people was the opening of a brewery in London by Guiness’s, of Dublin.

Speaking of New Zealand, Mr Russell said that he had seen little sign of depression. He considered, however, that there was room for the development of certain industries, such as fruit-growing and canning. He did not see why New Zealand should import any citrus fruits, and why she should not can sufficient fruit for her own requirements, though the freights for the long distance would make it impossible to compete with other countries in the European market. Mr Russell also said that with the plentiful supply of timber, the wood-pulp and newsprint industry should be developed. He had noticed that a company had been recently formed for this purpose. ____________