AMBER IN COAL.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17711, 15 May 1929, Page 9

AMBER IN COAL.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—A short time ago there appeared in your columns a most interesting account of research work carried out by Mr Hill in connection with fossil amber or retinite found in our Waikato coal. I have seen some of- the results of Mr Hill’s work, and he has certainly produced a number of samples of varnish from this gum that are superior to any on the market. A heat test shows that this varnish will stand double the amount of heat that anything on the market will before carbonisation. This is of incalculable value for insulation purposes alone. A further test shows that where ordinary varnish will crack and crumble this product has sucu elasticity and texture that no mark was visible. It seems quite possible that Mr Hill has rediscovered the old varnish used by the masters in their work.' of art. As this opens up great possibilities for a new industry in our midst I think our member might be urged to bring the matter before the Government for investigation and, if satisfactory, make a reasonable grant to Mr Hill to enable him to complete his researches. This would convince business men that it was a good investment and capital would be available to produce an article that could nol be done in any other part of the world—l am, etc., PROGRESS. Claudelands, May 14.