N.Z. COAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 19 March 1926, Page 13

N.Z. COAL.

SUITABLE FOR RAILWAYS.

INQUIRY BOARD’S REPORT.

■ By Telegraph—Press Association.’. r AVELLINGTON, March 18. The report of the Coal inquiry Board lias been issued. ; The Board examined 78 witnesses, and visited various coalfields. 'The report states that it 'was shown -that New Zealand mines formerly supplied a much larger proportion of coql for railways than in tho past five years, and the coal then did what was required. The, mines were now unable to market their whole output, l and consequently wore mostly working only part-time. Protracted trials were made under time-table conditions with various coals, and mixtures of coals. 'These tests proved that quite a number of. Now Zealand coals are suitable for locomotive purposes, because they, are excellent steaming coals, and the'use of certain native coals would be more economical than the use of imported coal. Tho use of bituminous .coals, says tho report, involves little or any more danger to .property than tho imported article. With brown coal there is a greater danger probable. If the Department is able to obtain continuous and adequate supplies, it is desirable that the proportion of round coal should bo increased, as a large proportion of slack militates against railway use. After dealing briefly with enlarged fire-boxes, and the. danger froni sparks, i,'which is a '.matter for locomotive engineers and,' other experts to undertake, the report proceeds : “The whole question of coal supply for the New Zealand railways is of such a magnitude and complexity, aiid the financial aspect is so important,' that we. strongly .recommend that this ■ .branch of railway .'management should be placed under the control of a .. Technically-trained -and qualified fuel engineer, who would he responsible for the purchase and economic use of all coal necessary, 1 and we are of opinion ( that if such officers were instructed to use: every endeavour to overcome any difficulties met with in utilising New ■ .Zealand coals, it would be found within ’ 'a very short time that very little coal need be imported, ailfl great economy in the fuel bill would be effected.. We are further of opinion that the maximum economy in use of coal cannot be attained unless this recommendation is carried out. The Board says that new locomotives can,conveniently be designed to bo used with New Zealand coal, and adds that tho advantages of New Zealand using New Zealand coal are undeniable. ,At the present time the balance of trade with Australia is against us, and* tho continual importation of largo quantities of Australian coal does not improve tho position. If no coal is , imported it is not likely that more men would be employed in the coal-mining industry, hut those already engaged would* have less unemployment, and ’ would consequently have greater spendftjg power, which would tend to ; improve business. Both State and ■pfiyate mines would be able to turn out,extra coal, with little or no additional facilities. Overhead expenses 'WOuld"be lessened, and consequently the cost of mining 'coal might reasonably bo expected to recede. Imported coal involves the employment of less labour in New Zealand, because, apart from the labour involved in mining it,, ft is .usually delivered to ports where it can be used, whereas New Zealand goal lias to be carried to the rail, loaded in New Zealand ships by Now Zealand labour, transported, and itwkmded at the port of consumption. ■Thus'"the utilisation of New Zealand coal in place of imported coal would result; in a general improvement m the labour and financial situation. Moreover, the use of New Zealand coal in many cases would result in «in actual Sirect saving in railway management. •JUvavy centre must be considered separately, because the cost of transporting, storing,-and possibly mixing . ,tho requirements of varied traffic have all to -bo . considered by tho fuel engineer whoso appointment is recommended, in order that a proper solution of each phase of the problem could bo obtained.